《The Ancient Miss Transmigrates into a CEO’s Wife》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    Shen Yin opened her eyes to find herself lying in arge tub filled with water. She coughed a few times, feeling a little disoriented. She remembered jumping into theke in the back garden of the Duke''s Mansion, so how could she have ascended to heaven? She tried hard to recall what had just happened.


    She was unwilling to marry the 37-year-old Prince who had a bad temper and had even abused his former wife. She nned to threaten her father with death in order to make him change his mind. She had arranged for people to be by theke to save her, hoping to use a desperate measure to appeal to her father''s conscience. She didn''t expect to really die.


    Shen Yin was unclear about where she was. The water in the white tub was cool. She dragged her heavy body up with difficulty and stood up. A few images instantly shed through her mind - a woman with a graceful figure and delicate features lying in a white tub, slowly submerging her head in the water. Her face was full of anguish and some bubbles emerged from the water. Soon, the water surface became still and the woman waspletely immersed in the water without moving.


    Shen Yin was a little shocked. This woman was clearly drowning herself. This was the same tub she had just been lying in. She was puzzled again, unsure of where she was and whether there was any danger. She walked forward a few steps and saw a mirror that was brighter and clearer than the copper one in her bedroom.


    The woman in the mirror had delicate features and skin as smooth as cream. She was clearly the woman Shen Yin had just seen in her mind. Shen Yin touched her own face and the woman in the mirror made the same movement. She thought she must be dreaming and pinched her arm, feeling obvious pain. It took her a long time to realize that her spirit had possessed this woman''s body, just like in the stories.


    It took Shen Yin a very long time to force herself to calm down and ept this fact.


    She vaguely heard a knock on the door. Shen Yin fumbled to put on the white bathrobe next to her and went to open the door. Just like when she opened the bathroom door, she tried pushing the door handle down but still couldn''t open it. After studying it for a while, she saw a button below the handle. She turned it for a long time before the door finally opened.


    "Mistress, I called you so many times this afternoon but you didn''t open the door. You haven''t eaten anything all day. Pleasee down and eat something," said the woman in her forties at the door, dressed neatly with her hair pinned strictly at the back.


    Having lived 16plicated years in the Duke''s Mansion, Shen Yin still had some judgement. She nodded and closed the door. Looking around, the room was very messy with bedding and pillows scattered on the floor. Turning her head, she saw another door beside the bathroom. Driven by curiosity, she went over and opened it. The closet was filled with clothes and some strange bags at the bottom. But she didn''t recognize any of these things. Everything here was unfamiliar to her. The life here waspletely different than her own.


    Recalling what the woman at the door was wearing, Shen Yin took out a long dress from the closet and put it on. It exposed her arms and legs and the bulge across her chest was too pronounced for her, a young unmarried girl, to ept.


    She then found a white overcoat in the closet and put it on before feeling satisfied to go out.


    The house was huge. Shen Yin walked down the stairs to the living room and saw people talking in arge ck frame. Shen Yin was afraid; she didn''t know how they had gotten in there. She stood stiffly by the sofa to appear calm.


    "Mistress, I have the TV remote control here. Let me know if you want to watch something different and I''ll change the channel," Aunt Song handed her the remote control. Shen Yin took it but didn''t change the channel.


    Reasons: She didn''t know how to use it and didn''t dare to act rashly. Besides, Shen Yin was very curious about how those people had managed to enter therge ck box called a television.


    "Mistress, let''s eat. I''ll go upstairs to bring the young master down," Aunt Song said before heading upstairs.


    The kitchen auntie brought dinner of four dishes and one soup to the dining table.


    Sitting at the dining table, Shen Yin was trying to adapt to this new environment. She sat with a dignified posture and graceful manners.


    Although she was not favored by her stepmother, Shen Yin received all the etiquette and treatment due to a youngdy in a duke''s household as fitting to her mother''s noble family background. Her uncle had been framed by viins two years ago, leading her grandfather to decide that the entire family would resign from government service and return to their hometown. Otherwise, how could her stepmother Xu Zhen dare to target her?


    When Aunt Song carried the 2-year-old Xu Yunzheng down the stairs, she saw Shen Yin sitting at the dining table as if waiting to eat together.


    Aunt Song felt this was strange since Shen Yin would never wait for people to eat. Shen Yin always gave a haughty impression with a gloomy expression, ignoring her servants and unwilling to dine with the young master. Whenever Aunt Song called her for a meal, Shen Yin either didn''te or left immediately after eating. Shen Yin rarely even spoke to her husband Xu Xiuhe. Except for having a child, the married couple basically had no connection.


    However, Aunt Song knew one thing: Shen Yin greatly disliked Yunzheng, one could even say she hated him.


    Xu Xiuhe had attempted to make Shen Yin assume some maternal responsibility, but it seemed to have had the opposite effect.


    Aunt Song ced Yunzheng in the highchair beside the dining table. Shen Yin curiously looked at him and their eyes met, prompting Shen Yin to give a slight smile which scared Aunt Song immensely.


    For some unknown reason, the 2-year-old milk baby suddenly burst into loud cries. Her cries were so distressing that Aunt Song hurriedly picked Yunzheng up from the chair to soothe him.


    It was difficult to endure the meal. Shen Yin ate a few bites and then returned to the sofa to watch television. Aunt Song carried Yunzheng upstairs to his nursery and didn''te out.


    After the meal, Shen Yin seemed to have a clearer grasp of her own identity¡ªshe was married with a child; but it was obvious that she wasn''t well-liked in this family. Shen Yin could clearly feel Aunt Song''s dislike of her, yet she had to pretend all was normal.


    She believed that this thing called television could provide more knowledge for her to better understand this world, so Shen Yin nned to make up for herck of knowledge.


    At two o''clock in the morning, having watched television dramas, advertisements and so on for six or seven hours, Shen Yin had gained much more understanding about this era. She learned that what she lived in previously¡ªthe Dasheng Dynasty¡ªwas termed "ancient" for them, while this modern era had far more advanced things like the television and mobile phones on television.


    Shen Yin now knew how to use the remote control to switch channels one by one. Just then the front door was opened by someone outside and a man dressed in ck came in.


    The man seemed surprised to see Shen Yin and gave no greeting before heading upstairs.


    Upstairs had many rooms. The huge master bedroom had an ensuite bathroom, walk-in closets, a dressing room, and direct ess into the nursery, which also had an outer door. After the incident two months ago, Xu Xiuhe had someone block off the outer nursery door so that the only way to enter the baby''s room was through the master bedroom.


    When Xu Xiuhe entered the master bedroom, he saw that the open door led to the nursery and Aunt Song immediately came out after hearing his door open.


    "Aunt Song, why aren''t you sleeping thiste? What is going on with my wife sitting in the living room sote?"


    "Sir, you''re back! Today the mistress was acting a bit strange. She smiled at the young master again. Last time she did that she then abused the young master. His pinch marks had just disappeared. Don''t tell me new ones are going to be added!" Aunt Song anxiously replied.


    Xu Xiuhe let Aunt Song return to rest and pondered for a moment. His marriage to Shen Yin was amercial arrangement. When hispany was just starting out, Shen Yin''s family proposed a mutually beneficial marriage alliance which Xu Xiuhe epted.


    Shen Yin had an older brother. In Xu Xiuhe''s view, it was tragic that a woman had to marry a stranger for her family''s benefit. Just after their wedding, he had thought that aside fromcking love, Shen Yin would have everything a wife should have. But now, he had to reconsider divorcing her.


    Xu Xiuhe dialed his phone, "Hello Dad, I think you should bring Shen Yin to see a psychologist again tomorrow."


    "Xiuhe, why are you calling sote? Did Shen Yin make trouble again?" Shen''s Father asked without a trace of sleepiness and a tinge of wariness.


    "Not yet, but no guarantee nothing will happenter."


    Xu Xiuhe walked into Xu Yunzheng''s room. The little milk baby was sleeping soundly on the bed. Yunzheng''s nose looked a lot like Shen Yin''s, straight and refined. His eyebrows and eyes were all in his image. Xu Xiuhe squatted down and stroked Yunzheng''s forehead.


    The little milk baby whimpered twice, pursed his lips, then quietly went back to sleep. The two-year-old darling had just learned to walk by himself recently. He could say some simple words, call out "daddy", say that he wanted to eat, ask to be held, but he had never called out "mommy" before.


    Xu Xiuhe felt a little distressed for Yunzheng. Hispany was no longer what it used to be. Others only saw that hispany had surpassed manyrge enterprises and conglomerates in three years, but they did not know that he often worked overtime until one or two o''clock in the morning before going home, and naturally did not spend much time apanying Yunzheng.


    Ever since giving birth to Yunzheng, Shen Yin had depression and never cared about or asked about the child. She even felt disgusted by her own son. So from his birth until now, only Aunt Song had been taking care of Yunzheng. Xu Xiuhe kissed the baby''s forehead and quietly left the room without closing the door.


    Shen Yin was clever to begin with. After watching TV all night, she also had some understanding of this era. Around 6 am, Shen Yin really could not stay awake any longer and wanted to go back to the room to sleep. When she went upstairs, she saw Aunt Songing out of the room.


    "Madam, have you been up all night? Do you want something to eat?" Although reluctant, Aunt Song still asked.


    "No need, thanks." Shen Yin replied.


    Now it was Aunt Song''s turn to be surprised. It was the first time in three years that the madam had said "thank you" to her.


    Aunt Song was still stunned when Xu Xiuhe came downstairs and asked what had happened.


    Aunt Song told Xu Xiuhe about what had just urred.


    Xu Xiuhe thought for a moment: ¡°Aunt Song, pay more attention. This afternoon, her father shoulde to pick up the madam to see the doctor."


    "Yes, sir." Aunt Song responded.


    "Are you having breakfast at home, sir? Health is important. Drink less coffee, or you''ll ruin your health." Aunt Song nagged.


    Thinking of the two-year-old little milk baby, Xu Xiuhe decided to have breakfast with him at home this morning.


    In the dining room, Yunzheng sat in a baby chair, babbling sounds from his mouth ¡°Daddy, daddy, want meat, no veggies." The little darling shook his head while his eyes looked at the meat on the te.


    Hearing the little milk voice, Aunt Song''s heart almost melted. Xu Xiuhe also shed his usual coldness and used chopsticks to put a shrimp ball into Yunzheng¡¯s small bowl.


    Seeing this, Aunt Song sighed to herself again. If only the madam did not dislike the young master.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    At two o''clock in the afternoon, Aunt Song knocked on Shen Yin''s door, knocking for a good while before Shen Yin groggily opened the door.


    "Sorry, I fell asleep," Shen Yin rubbed her eyes to wake up.


    These words frightened Aunt Song again, and she forgot what she was knocking on the door for. She stood there in a daze for a few seconds before remembering.


    "Madam, your brother is waiting for you downstairs. You need to go see the doctor today." As Aunt Song spoke, she nced at the room and noticed it was tidier than usual.


    After Aunt Song left, Shen Yin contemted for a moment. The doctor was probably Dasheng''s physician. Could it be that she had some incurable illness, so she went to seek death?


    Shen Yin went to the wardrobe, unsure of what to wear. She tried hard to remember the outfits worn by women on TV. She took off the dress she had worn yesterday, put on a bra and white shirt, ck skinny jeans, then put on a khaki coat before going downstairs.


    As soon as she got downstairs, she saw the brother Aunt Song had mentioned. Shen Yin didn''t know what the previous Shen Yin was like, so she didn''t dare greet him first just to be safe.


    "You''re down. Let''s go," Shen Lv said expressionlessly.


    Shen Yin followed behind Shen Lv, intending to head out.


    "Madam, madam, change your shoes!" Aunt Song called out from behind.


    Shen Yin looked at her slippers. She had seen shoes on TV that were all kept in shoe cabs by the door, but there was no cab near the front door here. She didn''t see any shoes in her room either. However, there was a small door beside the main door. Shen Yin carefully opened it and indeed, inside were many, many shoes.


    It seemed this family was very wealthy to have a dedicated shoe room. Shen Yin picked a pair of white high heels to put on before leaving the shoe room.


    "Didn''t you always dislike high heels before?" Shen Lv asked.


    In Shen Lv''s impression, Shen Yin never wore high heels. At 168 cm tall, once Shen Yin put on high heels she was immediately 175 cm. High heels didn''t really suit her.


    "I felt like it," Shen Yin replied.


    Before Shen Yin came to this ce from Dasheng, women in Dasheng wore shoes with wooden heels. So when she was picking shoes earlier, she chose a high-heeled pair.


    Shen Yin followed Shen Lv into the car. She had seen this kind of car on TV that could go very fast and carry several people.


    Sitting in the back seat, Shen Yin looked around eagerly. As the car drove along, Shen Yin gained new insights. This car was much faster and more stable than the carriages of Dasheng Dynasty, without any bumps.


    Shen Yin couldn''t help but marvel at the advanced technology of this era. Outside the car windows were tall buildings and many cars filling the wide roads. She didn''t know if she could return to Dasheng. If not, she wanted to live in this era and would need to learn many things, like driving this car.


    As he drove, Shen Lv observed Shen Yin from the rearview mirror in the top right corner. He didn''t dare speak much, afraid of agitating her.


    The car stopped in an underground parking lot beneath a tall building. After parking, Shen Lv got out and opened the rear door.


    "Ancestors! Now you won''t even open a car door yourself?" Shen Lv said, looking helpless.


    Shen Yin got out of the car and followed Shen Lv towards the elevator entrance. Arriving at the elevator, Shen Lv nced at Shen Yin''s outfit today which finally resembled her pre-wedding style.


    Ever since marrying, Shen Yin had let herself go, not to mention after getting pregnant. She hardly looked like a woman anymore.


    Shen Lv knew Shen Yin resented him for forcing her to marry Xu Xiuhe together with her father, and for knowing her father had drugged her on their wedding night but not telling her.


    In the elevator, Shen Yin was still observing these modern things while Shen Lv observed her. He could clearly sense Shen Yin''s animosity wasn''t as heavy today. She didn''t re at him or argue with him.


    48th floor, Counseling Office.


    Seeing these five words, Shen Yin was a little confused. Wasn''t it said they were seeing a doctor, so why were they here? It seemed she still didn''t understand this era. She must watch more TV when she gets back to gain knowledge.


    "Go into this room. I''ll wait out here for you. Come out when you''re done," Shen Lv said before sitting on a chair outside the door, crossing his legs and taking out his phone.


    That morning by the bedside, Shen Yin had seen her own mobile phone and knew it would be very convenient formunicating with people far away, but she didn''t really know how to use it. So instead of going straight into the room, she stood by Shen Lv''s side watching him y on his phone.


    "Madam! You standing here scared me to death. Why don''t you go in?" Shen Lv immediately covered his phone. He was instantaneously a little guilty.


    "Did you see anything?" Shen Lv asked again. He was afraid Shen Yin had seen him chatting with several women.


    Shen Yin didn''t reply but turned and entered the room.


    Shen Yin tried her best not to look around and kept reminding herself that this wasn''t Dasheng. Don''t speak, or you''ll easily give yourself away.


    She did her utmost to conceal her nervousness, but Ji Qingyan still noticed.


    "We meet again, Miss Shen." The corners of Ji Qingyan''s mouth turned up slightly as she tried to appear gentler.


    "I feel Miss Shen is in much better condition today, so much better thanst time. Have youe to terms with some things?" Ji Qingyan asked again.


    Xu Xiuhe realized Shen Yin needed to see a psychologist a month after Xu Yunzheng was born. At first he just noticed Shen Yin was unhappy, often crying alone and prone to throwing things. Later he discovered Shen Yin was extremely averse to Zhengzheng, in an unhealthy way.


    So Xu Xiuhe contacted Shen Yin''s father to ask why she detested Zhengzheng so much, wondering if she disliked having a child.


    Upon hearing this, the Shen family was so frightened they immediately brought Shen Yin back home to see a psychologist.


    The Shen family brought Shen Yin here once a month, except the first time when Shen Yin''s father apanied her. All other times it was the family driver who picked her up and dropped her off.


    Ji Qingyan had seen Shen Yin over 20 times. Shen Yin was resistant towards Ji Qingyan at first, then resigned andpromised. It wasn''t until a year ago that Shen Yin first spoke.


    Ji Qingyan had only met Shen Yin''s father once, when he told her Shen Yin''s mind went abnormal after giving birth. She initially thought it was simply postpartum depression.


    But Shen Yin didn''t speak for a whole year, and Ji Qingyan was about to give up, feeling her presence was just to offer some encouraging words.


    A year ofpanionship can truly move someone. Shen Yin said, "I don''t like men. My father forced me to marry a man."


    Only then did Ji Qingyan have a sudden realization. So Shen Yin was a lesbian. She slowly counselled her and conducted psychological treatment. Shen Yin gradually improved as she spoke more and more.


    For instance, Shen Yin said she liked a woman and they were about to be together when Shen Yin''s father found out. With his traditional, conservative beliefs, he absolutely refused to agree. So he schemed for ways to prevent it.


    In the end, he found a decent man to marry her off to. If word got out that a daughter of the prestigious Shen family of Rong City was a lesbian, how would Shen Yin''s father keep face?


    Afterwards, afraid Shen Yin would disobey, her father drugged her on her wedding night and had Shen Lv get some friends to get Xu Xiuhe drunk. And so Zhengzheng was conceived.


    When Ji Qingyan learned the full reasons, she counselled Shen Yin on fundamental issues and provided psychological treatment. The effects gradually improved, though seemed to regress slightly thest two times.


    Ji Qingyan felt Shen Yin''s condition today was truly better, so she asked again, "Miss Shen, how have you been feelingtely?"


    Hearing the repeated questioning, Shen Yin finally responded, "Alright."


    "Next, just like before, I''ll ask questions and you answer them," said Ji Qingyan.


    Hearing to answer questions like before, Shen Yin grew nervous. After all, she wasn''t the real Shen Yin and knew nothing. What could she do?


    She tried hard to conceal her anxiety but Ji Qingyan still noticed.


    "Don''t be nervous, Miss Shen. The questions will be like before, not difficult. Just answer ording to your own thoughts. I''m going to start asking now," said Ji Qingyan.


    Shen Yin nodded in agreement.


    "What does Miss Shen enjoy doingtely?"


    Shen Yin contemted. She didn''t know what the previous Shen Yin liked doing, but having watched TV all ofst night until now, she answered that she enjoyed watching TV.


    Hearing this reply astonished Ji Qingyan. Shen Yin''s previous responses were always that there was nothing she enjoyed.


    "What programs does Miss Shen watch?" Ji Qingyan asked again.


    "Look at everything."


    "So Miss Shen, have you opened up now and let go of that girl?"


    When Shen Yin heard these words, she obtained a lot of information. It turned out the original Shen Yin had someone she liked, and it was even another woman. This was a bit beyond Shen Yin''s cognitive range.


    There were men in the Dasheng Dynasty who liked other men, but she had never heard of women liking other women.


    Shen Yin was still digesting this issue and didn''t hear what Ji Qingyan said next.


    In Ji Qingyan''s eyes, Shen Yin was still contemting this problem.


    "Let me put it another way, do you have hope for your future life? Do you want to live a normal life?" Ji Qingyan kept observing Shen Yin''s facial expressions.


    "I want to live a normal life." Shen Yin replied.


    Ji Qingyan already felt victory was right in front of her. She asked some more questions before ending the questioning.


    Shen Yin''s performance this time made Ji Qingyan feel like her condition was slowly improving. Next she did some other psychological treatments before ending the session.


    Ji Qingyan decided to meet Shen Yin''s family this time. So she escorted Shen Yin to the door.


    At the door, Shen Lv was ying games on his phone. Seeing the door open, he immediately stood up.


    "Are you Shen Yin''s...?" Ji Qingyan paused for a moment to avoid embarrassment from asking the wrong thing, so she only asked half the question.


    When Shen Lv saw Ji Qingyan he instantly felt this trip hadn''t been a waste of time. He really liked beautiful women.


    "Hello, I''m Shen Lv, her older brother," he said, stretching out his hand to shake hers.


    "What do I call you?" Shen Lv asked again.


    "Ji Qingyan."


    "Doctor Ji! I''d like to ask about my sister''s condition," Shen Lv said while looking at Ji Qingyan''s face.


    Ji Qingyan felt a little flustered by his gaze. Shen Lv''s eyes were too ill-intentioned. She was thinking about how to make her words sound more professional.


    "Doctor Ji, how about this. I also have something to doter, could I add your WeChat? We can talk about Shen Yin''s matters tonight." Shen Lv took out his phone and opened up the scan code function.


    Although Ji Qingyan didn''t want to add Shen Lv, he was still a patient''s family member asking about conditions, so she couldn''t refuse. She opened up her QR code.


    Shen Yin didn''t know what they were doing. She only knew that cell phones could make transmitting messages more convenient. It seemed that when she returned, she would have to thoroughly research cell phones and watch more TV.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    In the CEO''s office, Xu Xiuhe was reviewing documents when Liu Assistant walked in.


    "Boss, Aunt Song just sent word that Madam has seen the doctor and returned home," said Liu Assistant.


    "Did she say anything else?" asked Xu Xiuhe.


    "She said that it wasn''t the Shen family''s driver who took Madam to see the doctor today, but Shen Lv''s older brother," Liu Assistant replied.


    "Alright, take the documents out with you," Xu Xiuhe continued instructing.


    The spacious office was left with only Xu Xiuhe again. He took out his phone and dialed.


    "Hello, Chairman Shen. I heard you personally took Shen Lv to the hospital today," said Xu Xiuhe.


    "Oh, Chairman Xu''s information is indeed well-informed," Shen Lv''s voice over the phone was mocking.


    "Let''s be serious. How is Shen Lv''s condition?" Xu Xiuhe''s expression was solemn.


    Shen Lv also became serious and ryed the news Ji Qingyan had just given him.


    After listening, Xu Xiuhe still couldn''t quite believe it. He didn''t notice Shen Lv''s condition improving, nor did he believe she could recover after a few more treatments.


    Still not understanding, Xu Xiuhe nevertheless decided to go home and see for himself. He put on his coat, picked up his briefcase, and headed out.


    "Liu Assistant, I''m leaving," said Xu Xiuhe.


    Liu Assistant thought he was leaving briefly for something and didn''t have time to ask if he needed anything prepared. Just as he was about to ask,


    Xu Xiuhe saw Liu Assistant''s confusion and said, "No need to prepare anything, I''m going home."


    "Yes, boss," Liu Assistant replied, but he was already shocked 180 times over. When did the CEO ever leave work at 3pm?


    "On second thought, give me the keys. I''ll drive myself home," said Xu Xiuhe, taking the keys from Liu Assistant''s hands and leaving.


    In the Weiyuan Group work chat:


    [Did I see wrongly? Did the CEO just go home?]


    [But why didn''t Liu Assistant leave too?]


    [Could it be the CEO went back to handle extremely private matters?]


    [Why didn''t he bring Liu Assistant? I totally ship them! Liu Assistant is super meticulous, the CEO is so domineering!]


    [Ahem ahem, watch your words. The CEO is a married man.]


    [Speaking of which, what does the CEO''s wife look like? Is she pretty?]


    [Liu Assistant has probably seen her since he often goes to the CEO''s house to pick him up.]


    [Who''s close with Liu Assistant? Can someone try asking him sometime?]


    Liu Assistant had previously joined this chat under a pseudonym. Seeing the messages bing more outrageous and being dragged into it, he had to defend himself with the pseudonym:


    [Don''t you guys think Liu Assistant is also very handsome? And very coldly arrogant.]


    Right after sending it, the message got flooded away. No one agreed with his opinion at all.


    Annoyed, he went out directly to monitor them working diligently.


    Xu Xiuhe had already arrived home. After parking the car and going inside, he saw Shen Lv sitting on the living room sofa watching TV again.


    Xu Xiuhe went into the kitchen and saw Aunt Li washing vegetables. "Auntie Li, why aren''t Aunt Song and Ziyue in the living room?" he asked.


    "They were at first, but after Madam came back, Young Master saw Madam and cried again. So Aunt Song took Young Master upstairs," exined Aunt Li.


    Xu Xiuhe went upstairs to y with Ziyue for a while before going to the study to continue working.


    But when he turned on theputer, he couldn''t get into a working mood at all. He might as well go apany Ziyue instead.


    Carrying Ziyue to the living room, Xu Xiuhe was about to put him down on the carpet when Ziyue saw Shen Lv sitting on the sofa and clung to Xu Xiuhe in fear.


    Shen Lv didn''t understand why the baby was so afraid of her. Could she have done something before to traumatize him?


    But the baby was so cute. She wanted to pinch his chubby little cheeks.


    "It''s okay, Ziyue. Daddy''s here," said Xu Xiuhe, patting Ziyue''s head.


    Ziyue looked at Shen Lv again before feeling assured enough to y with his toys on the carpet.


    Xu Xiuhe built blocks with Ziyue on the carpet while Shen Lv sat on the sofa watching TV. The family of three presented a harmonious and beautiful scene in the living room.


    Watching them, Aunt Song standing in the kitchen doorway felt a little dizzy. If only it could always be like this, how wonderful would that be?


    In the kitchen, Aunt Li had started cooking more dishes since Xu Xiuhe came home early today.


    Sour and spicy cucumber strips, scallion oil lettuce, shrimp and winter melon shreds, fish head beancurd soup, sweet and sour pork ribs, and brown stewed chicken. All were ordinary home cooked dishes.


    Not having eaten all day except for some fruit after seeing the doctor and returning home in the afternoon, Shen Lv was starving by now.


    "Sir, Madam, dinner is ready," Aunt Song called out from the dining room.


    Shen Lv got up and walked to the dining room, looking over the dishes on the table. She didn''t pick up her chopsticks until Xu Xiuhe and Ziyue were seated in the dining room.


    Xu Xiuhe noticed this detail. Indeed, Shen Lv was no longer the sort to only think of herself yet be extremely decadent, as Shen Lv had said.


    Ziyue''s little voice kept asking for "meat meat" as usual.


    "Ziyue, you''ve already eaten a lot of meat. Eating more greens is good for your health," said Xu Xiuhe with a serious expression.


    Standing by the side, Aunt Song felt distressed again, wanting to just let Ziyue eat as much as he wanted. But the master and mistress were present so she didn''t dare speak up.


    "Aunt Song, who usually cooks?" Shen Lv put down her chopsticks and asked.


    "It''s Aunt Li. She''s in charge of buying groceries and cooking usually. I mainly take care of Young Master," Aunt Song replied.


    "Aunt Li, this lettuce is stir-fried quite old and bitter. No wonder Ziyue doesn''t like eating it," said Shen Lv, looking towards Aunt Li who had juste out of the kitchen.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t know what Shen Lv was thinking, but since she was willing to manage these things it was for the best. He focused on eating.


    "Also, for buying groceries, isn''t it always Aunt Li? Howe you''re buying all these less fresh ingredients now? They''re quite expensive," Shen Lv questioned again.


    Aunt Li was flustered now. She had never liked Shen Lv in the first ce, shirking her wifely and motherly responsibilities every day, throwing tantrums about not eating, and putting on airs to everyone. She disliked her even more now.


    "Madam, these are all fresh. Since you don''t go out, you may not know, but I buy the best at the supermarket," Aunt Li replied.


    Shen Lv didn''t know what to do next. Xu Xiuhe had stopped eating as soon as he heard the ingredients weren''t fresh. He had also picked out all the dishes for Ziyue.


    "Aunt Song, calcte Aunt Li''s pay and find a new cook. What should we do with these dishes?" said Xu Xiuhe.


    "Should we dump them?" asked Aunt Song.


    "Yes, dump them," said Xu Xiuhe. Then picking up Ziyue, he added "I''m taking Ziyue out to eat. Are youing or not?"


    Shen Lv was nearly frenzied internally. She hadn''t eaten all day and was starving to death. Now the food was being dumped while he was asking if she wanted to go out to eat instead of directly taking her along. Shen Lv got up from her chair, not wanting to humor this man. She walked towards the front door to get her shoes on.


    Xu Xiuhe also went out carrying Ziyue.


    Only Aunt Song and Aunt Li were left in the kitchen.


    "Auntie Li, your pay isn''t low, is it? Why are you still trying to skim money from buying groceries? How could you be so unwise?"


    "Sister, please help me. I beg you. I feel like the ingredients weren''t spoiled and were cheap. Please help me just this once. I won''t do it again," pleaded Aunt Li, grabbing Aunt Song''s arm.


    "The master is good to us, providing food and lodging. You brought this upon yourself. I can''t help you. Pack up and get ready to leave," said Aunt Song resolutely.


    Outside the vi,


    "You wait here. I''ll bring the car around," said Xu Xiuhe.


    Carrying Ziyue, Xu Xiuhe went to the garage and picked a car with a baby seat. He secured Ziyue in the baby seat before driving over.


    He stopped the car next to Shen Lv and opened the passenger door for her to get in.


    This was a vi district with only 5 vis. Not many people lived here, just one supermarket selling daily necessities. It was a city built specifically for Ziyue Manor residents. The entire district was very big with even better green spaces and facilities than a public park.


    Xu Xiuhe drove for quite a long time before stopping at the opening of an alleyway. Carrying Ziyue, he walked into the alley.


    Shen Lv didn''t know where this was and silently followed behind father and son. After making a turn, she saw a sign for "Private Cuisine".


    Ziyue had just learned to talk not long ago and many words were still pronounced inurately.


    "We''re eating here," said Xu Xiuhe.


    "Eat, eat food," said Ziyue, pping his little hands.


    Seeing this scene, Shen Yin felt a little emotional. Her father must have held her like this when she was little too. But why did he treat her like that afterwards? She was his dear daughter whom he had cherished for so many years. How could he bear to do that? If he had stopped Xu Zhenter on, would she not have jumped into the water? Would she not havee to this unfamiliar ce so different from everything she knew before?


    Tears actually flowed from her eyes. This was the first time Shen Yin had cried sinceing to the modern era.


    "Shen Yin,e in," Xu Xiuhe still did not understand what this woman was thinking. She was crying just standing outside the restaurant door when he hadn''t mistreated her at all.


    Xu Xiuhe got a private room and handed a menu to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin took the menu and looked at the words on it. She found the writing of this era was simr to Dasheng''s, and some characters were even simpler than Dasheng''s.


    "Order whatever you want," the man said and then rattled off a long string of dish names to the server.


    When they were almost done with the meal, a man came in. From the way he greeted Xu Xiuhe, it was clear the two men were very familiar.


    "This must be sister-inw. I''m Chen Siming. No wonder Xiuhe doesn''t bring you out to introduce to everyone. You''re too pretty. He must be reluctant to share you," Chen Siming teased while looking meaningfully at Xu Xiuhe.


    "Weren''t you at our wedding?" Xu Xiuhe replied calmly.


    "How can you say that? We brothers went through so much trouble to get you drunk that day. Fortunately Shen Lv and some of his friends were there to help out."


    Shen Yin smiled. "I''m Shen Yin."


    Very few people knew that Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin were married, let alone that they had a child together. Apart from the Shen family and Aunt Song and a few others, no one else knew the status of their rtionship.


    Listening to their casual chat, Shen Yin gathered one piece of information - this restaurant belonged to Chen Siming. That was why Xu Xiuhe received preferential treatment here.


    She was bored. Much of what the two men talked about was currently beyond herprehension.


    Zheng Zheng sat in his high chair having just finished gnawing on an ear of corn. Now he wanted more meat.


    Preupied with his conversation, Xu Xiuhe didn''t hear him. Shen Yin picked up a shred of meat and put it in Zheng Zheng''s little bowl.


    Perhaps this was the first time Zheng Zheng had seen Shen Yin''s face without a fierce expression on it. She had given him meat too. He stared at Shen Yin for a long, long time.


    On the way back, Xu Xiuhe could no longer restrain himself and finally spoke up.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    "I don''t know what you are thinking, but if you do anything to hurt Zhengzheng again, I won''t let you off easy." Xu Xiuhe moved closer to Shen Yin, his tone fierce as he issued a warning.


    This was the closest Shen Yin had ever been to a man, and she couldn''t help backing away instinctively.


    The man''s face was right in front of her. To be honest, the man''s face was quite good-looking - sharp, angr features and nice skin, except for some dark eye circles.


    "You have dark circles under your eyes." Shen Yin blurted out what she was thinking.


    Xu Xiuhe was momentarily at a loss for words because of the dark circlesment. His expression turned serious again as he emphasized, "Remember what I said."


    Shen Yin suddenly thought of going back to the Dasheng Dynasty. At worst she could just run away from the marriage; at worst she could hide away in the countryside with her grandfather and uncle''s family.


    Thinking of her uncle and grandfather, Shen Yin became even more determined to go back.


    After Shen Yin got home and out of the car, she headed straight for her room and turned on the tap in the bathroom, filling the white bathtub with water.


    Shen Yin lifted one foot and stepped into the tub, causing some water to ssh over the sides.


    She leaned back ording to the mental image that had shed through her mind when she first arrived here. She felt her vision go dark as she slowly lowered her head into the water.


    Maybe this way she could get back to the Dasheng Dynasty.


    "Madam, sir, madam seems to be awake."


    When Shen Yin woke up, she could hear Aunt Song calling by the bedside.


    Shen Yin had had a very long dream. In the dream, she saw that after she fell into the water, the people she had arranged to rescue her did note.


    She was already dead in the Dasheng Dynasty. She also heard a voice saying, "Since you havee here, settle in. The skills you learned in the Dasheng Dynasty will be amplified in this time."


    "Aunt Song, how long was I asleep?"


    "Madam, you fainted while bathing yesterday. I happened toe to your room to tidy up theundry and saw you. The doctor said it was because of your irregr diet andck of sleep, your health couldn''t take it." Aunt Song exined.


    "Aunt Song, from today onwards, strictly monitor the madam''s diet and schedule."


    "Yes sir."


    After saying this, Xu Xiuhe left for work.


    Lying in bed, Shen Yin thought back to those words.


    Since you havee here, settle in.


    Does it mean I should live properly in this time?


    "Aunt Song, what time is it now?"


    "Time?" Aunt Song repeated the question back.


    Shen Yin suddenly realized that unlike the Dasheng Dynasty, she would need to pay attention when speaking here.


    "Madam, it''s 7 o''clock in the morning now. Do you still feel ufortable anywhere?"


    "No more."


    "Then madam, call me if you need anything. Zhengzheng should be awake now. I made breakfast earlier, the newly hired cook hasn''t arrived yet." Aunt Song made to leave.


    Shen Yin nodded.


    How to live from now on was entirely up to her.


    Firstly, she was already married here, though the marriage did not seem ideal.


    Secondly, no matter where, she would need money. She didn''t recognize the money in this time period. She knew there was money in the phone, but didn''t know how to use it.


    Thirdly, although she had no rtionship with Zhengzheng, she was undeniably his mother in this body.


    If Xu Xiuhe did not divorce her, she would have to continue living here. If he did divorce her, where would she go?


    Shen Yin''s original home?


    Shen Yin stopped her train of thought. The most important thing now was for her to understand this time period and learn to use many things.


    To avoid arousing suspicion, she had to be cautious. She had no one trustworthy around her, so she would need to find ways to learn - watch TV, read books.


    "Madam, time for breakfast." This time Aunt Song came in holding Zhengzheng.


    Zhengzheng''s little eyes blinked curiously at Shen Yin, full of curiosity.


    "Zhengzheng, that''s your mommy. Mommy is sick." Aunt Song held one of Zhengzheng''s little hands and pointed at Shen Yin.


    Although her face was very pale, Shen Yin still managed a smile. This time, Zhengzheng did not cry.


    Wrapped in a coat, Shen Yin followed behind Aunt Song and Zhengzheng downstairs.


    Breakfast was simple - milk, bread, eggs.


    "Madam, the new auntie I hired hasn''t arrived yet."


    Shen Yin looked at the food on the table, not used to eating this kind of stuff.


    Under Aunt Song''s expectant gaze, Shen Yin ate nevertheless.


    After the meal, Shen Yin continued watching TV in the living room.


    Come lunchtime, the cook still had not arrived.


    "Hello sir, the auntie you hired to cook yesterday has somethinge up and can''t make it." Aunt Song called Xu Xiuhe.


    "Contact Wang Driver toe pick you up and eat out." Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Xu Xiuhe was very busy and rarely came home for lunch. He couldn''t rush back now either, so this was the only solution he could think of.


    "Aunt Song, the cook didn''te?" Shen Yin asked, turning her head from the sofa.


    Aunt Song stammered a reply that she hadn''te.


    Shen Yin thought for a moment, then told Aunt Song, "From now on, don''t hire a cook anymore, I''ll do it."


    Aunt Song was somewhat surprised.


    "But madam, the sir probably won''t agree."


    "I''ll exin it to him tonight. First teach me how to use the appliances in the kitchen."


    Hearing Shen Yin say this, Aunt Song was momentarily flustered.


    "Madam, why don''t we still hire one? Cooking is very tiring."


    "No need." Shen Yin got up and walked into the kitchen.


    After watching so much TV, she mostly knew what the stuff in the kitchen was.


    "Aunt Song, demonstrate the on and off for the stove." Aunt Song did as told.


    Shen Yin was clever to begin with. After watching once, she mostly understood.


    "Madam, sir said Wang Driver is waiting outside to take us out to eat." Aunt Song said gingerly by Shen Yin''s side.


    It was the same private kitchen as yesterday, only Xu Xiuhe was now Aunt Song.


    Seeing this ce, Zhengzheng became happy again.


    "You just know this ce has yummy food huh." Shen Yin stroked the soft, fair skin of Zhengzheng in Aunt Song''s arms.


    She was reluctant to remove her hand from the baby''s face.


    Over the past few days, Zhengzheng could see that Shen Yin no longer meant him harm, and was no longer afraid of her.


    His big eyes were full of curiosity.


    "Zhengzheng, this is mommy. Answer mommy, you want to eat yummy food right?" Aunt Song patiently said.


    Shen Yin found it incredible - she wasn''t even married in the Dasheng Dynasty, yet in this time she already had a child, despite not having gone throughbor or having any emotional attachment. It was an indisputable fact that this body was his mother.


    Xu Xiuhe had already called to notify Chen Siming.


    A server from the private kitchen walked over upon seeing them at the door.


    "Madam, pleasee in."


    Shen Yin''s impression was that the food at this restaurant was average, a bit tastier than Aunt Li''s cooking.


    After eating a little without feeling hungry anymore, Shen Yin stopped eating.


    Most of the time she watched Aunt Song feeding Zhengzheng.


    The little one was adorable, eating seriously and intently. The more Shen Yin looked, the more she liked him. She just couldn''t understand why he was so afraid of her at first.


    Shen Yin''s mind kept analyzing,bining what Ji Qingyan had said. The previous Shen Yin disliked men, yet had a child with a man.


    So the previous Shen Yin must have disliked Zhengzheng? The more she thought about it, the more she felt it was so.


    Shen Yin felt a little heartache for Zhengzheng upon seeing him eat happily. She was somewhat gratified watching him.


    Aunt Song had already noticed Shen Yin was very different from before.


    "Madam, you didn''t eat much, have some more."


    "Aunt Song, I''m full."


    "Madam, don''t take this the wrong way, but I still have to say it. I''ve worked for sir for several years too. Sir is really a great person. It''d be good to just live well together. Think positively. Otherwise you''ll just torment each other, not to mention Zhengzheng is still so young. You see how poorly you treated Zhengzheng before, yet sir didn''t divorce you. Frankly speaking, there are swarms of women outside who want to marry sir. " Aunt Song finally uttered what she had been holding in for a long time.


    Shen Yin looked up at Aunt Song.


    Aunt Song continued, "Madam, I know maids like me shouldn''t say such things, but as someone older with experience, I still want to say it. People should think positively. Otherwise life will be too tiring. Living well is the most important thing. And look how cute and obedient this child is, how blissful."


    Shen Yin didn''t expect Aunt Song to say so much to her. Other than the doctor, this was the first time someone had spoken to her at such length, and with kind intentions at that. Shen Yin took it to heart.


    "Aunt Song, I understand. I was foolish and mentally unstable before, couldn''t think positively. But now I''vee to my senses and will live well."


    Shen Yin had arrived here now, not knowing anyone. With no money and unfamiliar with the rules of this world, if she wanted to survive, she could only continue with her original identity as Shen Yin.


    "Thank you," Shen Yin said gratefully, and Aunt Song instantly felt a sense of achievement.


    "That''s better."


    "Hug, hug," Zhengzheng called out in his soft, tender voice, sounding as if he was about to cry.


    "Madam, you didn''t bring Zhengzheng with you before, you can try doing so from now on. He''s very well behaved and you can ask me about anything you don''t understand. Take a guess what Zhengzheng wants to do now."


    "He probably feels ufortable and needs his diaper changed," exined Aunt Song.


    After finishing their meal, Aunt Song notified the driver to head to the nearby supermarket to buy some ingredients to bring home.


    "Madam, if this doesn''t work out, we should hire someone to cook for us." Aunt Song still had some doubts about Shen Yin''s culinary skills.


    "Aunt Song, I can''t trust other people''s cooking."


    Hearing Shen Yin say so, Aunt Song decided not to mention it any further.


    There were all sorts of goods avable at the supermarket, and Shen Yin followed behind Aunt Song while Zhengzheng was in the arms of Aunt Song. He exchanged looks with Shen Yin again.


    Shen Yin smiled and pped her hands at Zhengzheng. Aunt Song understood what she meant.


    "Come, Zhengzheng, let mummy hold you."


    The little bundle of joy in her arms was soft and fragrant. Shen Yin suddenly felt how magical it was that this child was hers.


    "Aunt Song, you go ahead and choose the freshest ingredients."


    Shen Yin had lost interest in grocery shopping, incredibly satisfied just holding Zhengzheng in her arms.


    Suddenly, a woman in her forties walked over, seemingly about to speak to her.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    ¡°Zhengzheng ah, let grandma hold you for a bit.¡±


    Shen Yin did not recognize this person, but she observed that this person had an air of nobility about her. She called herself grandma, could she be Xu Xiuhe¡¯s mother?


    Just as she was at a loss, Aunt Song came over.


    ¡°It¡¯s Mrs. Xu, we should head back now.¡± Aunt Song said.


    ¡°When Xiuhe has time, have hime home for a meal. He hasn¡¯t been home for so long, his dad misses him.¡±


    On the way back, Shen Yin wanted to ask but hesitated.


    ¡°Madam, you probably want to ask who she is. You didn¡¯t pay attention to these things before, so it¡¯s normal you don¡¯t recognize her.¡±


    ¡°She is the young master''s stepmother. Just one look and you know nothing about the young master. When the young master was very little, his mother passed away. Not long after, he brought back a woman and a two-year-old child. That woman on the surface treated the young master very well, doing everything in the young master''s best interest, but in reality, when no one was looking, she mistreated him. After the young master went to university, he moved out. Using the little savings left by his mother, he started his business and endured a lot before bing as sessful as he is today."


    "How does Aunt Song know so clearly?¡± Shen Yin asked curiously.


    ¡°I used to work in their household. His mother treated me very well. After she passed, I worked there for another two years. Seeing my close rtionship with the young master, that woman found an excuse to dismiss me. This time, right after you married the young master, he hired me back." Aunt Song continued exining.


    "That woman is no good. Avoid her when you see her in the future."


    Zhengzheng in her arms yawned and rubbed his eyes.


    Aunt Song smiled and said, "Our Zhengzheng is sleepy, let''s head home first."


    That night, Shen Yin was in the kitchen, organizing the vegetables bought today, preparing to cook. When Aunt Song offered to help, Shen Yin declined.


    "It''s okay Aunt Song, just watch over Zhengzheng."


    After speaking, Shen Yin continued working in the kitchen, pairing dishes and sauces. In her past life, Shen Yin was very picky about food. Her uncle had specially requested imperial chefs for her from the emperor. Later, when her stomach was spoiled by the fine cuisine, and the imperial chefs were bestowed to her uncle¡¯s estate and could no longere to Shen Yin at the Prime Minister¡¯s estate, Shen Yin started following the imperial chefs to learn cooking skills.


    After Shen Yin returned to the Prime Minister¡¯s estate, she built a kitchen in her own courtyard. She pondered daily on how to eat well, reading many books about cuisines. She dared say even the imperial chefs could not cook better meals than her with a wider repertoire.


    Seeing the eggnts and other vegetables Aunt Song bought today, Shen Yin decided she could make a pot of braised eggnt.


    She cut the eggnts into cubes, diced the mushrooms, scallion stalks, and lean meat, then mixed them into the seasoned sauce. Finally, she stuffed the mixture into the eggnt cubes. She dipped each eggnt cube in egg wash then pan-fried until golden brown before ting.


    She also stir-fried a homestyle green vegetable dish and a cashew shrimp dish. Seeing there was still time, Shen Yin took out the chicken from the fridge she had bought earlier. After washing it,cking some ingredients for her ideal recipe, Shen Yin tried her best to create the most delicious dish possible with the limited ingredients on hand.


    By the time she finished cooking this dish, the previously simmering braised pork ribs and lotus root soup was also ready. Shen Yin lifted the lid of the soup pot, and the wonderful aroma immediately filled the air. She had used her secret recipe for this soup.


    Xu Xiuhe had just returned and as soon as he opened the door, he could smell the fragrant aroma. He thought the chef they hired this time was really not bad.


    After changing his shoes, Xu Xiuhe went upstairs directly to check on Zhengzheng.


    Zhengzheng had just woken up and was being carried by Aunt Song.


    "Aunt Song, where did you find the cook for the kitchen this time? I could smell the fragrance as soon as I entered the door.¡± Xu Xiuhe took Zhengzheng from Aunt Song''s arms.


    "Master, it was the mistress who cooked.¡±


    Xu Xiuhe was really shocked to hear this.


    "I was going to hire someone, but the mistress said she could do it herself and it would be more reassuring."


    Aunt Song continued exining.


    Going downstairs, the dining table was already set with the dishes ¨C braised eggnt, cashew shrimp, garlic saut¨¦ed greens, soy sauce chicken, and pork ribs lotus root soup.


    When Xu Xiuhe took the first bite of eggnt, Shen Yin immediately watched his expression. As expected, Shen Yin knew her cooking skills could win over many.


    "Shen Yin, let''s still hire a cook aunty." Xu Xiuhe spoke first.


    "What, is my cooking not delicious? That''s not possible!" Shen Yin immediately took a piece of eggnt herself.


    "No problem, very delicious! Here Zhengzheng, eat more." He took a piece of eggnt and fed Zhengzheng.


    "It''s not that, it''s very delicious, but doing all the cooking yourself will be tiring."


    "It''s fine, only shopping for groceries is a bit troublesome. I''m not too familiar with buying vegetables."


    Xu Xiuhe thought for a moment.


    "From now on, write down what you want to buy, and I''ll have someone purchase it."


    "Okay. Aunt Song, let me cook the rice from now on. After eating, can you teach me how to use the rice cooker?"


    After Shen Yin spoke these words, both Xu Xiuhe and Aunt Song didn''t know how to respond. If they said she knew how to cook, she didn''t know how to use anything and was learning as they went. If they said she didn''t know how to cook, these delicious dishes were right in front of them on the table.


    Aunt Song, Xu Xiuhe, and even Zhengzheng all ate a lot more than usual this meal. It was probably the most delicious and tasty meal they''ve had in many years.


    They were simple, ordinary dishes, yet incredibly delicious. The meals made by those Michelin-starred chefs couldn''tpare in vor to this meal.


    Office.


    Xu Xiuhe called Assistant Liu in.


    "Assistant Liu, transfer 5% of the shares to my wife."


    Assistant Liu was stunned for a moment. "Transfer to the mistress?"


    "Yes. Do as I said."


    "Then Boss, the lunch you booked as usual? Or the cafeteria?"


    Xu Xiuhe looked at the time, it was 11am.


    "I''m going home." He took the car keys and left the office, leaving Assistant Liu in disorder behind him.


    As soon as Xu Xiuhe entered the door, he saw Aunt Songing over.


    "Master, there''s something I forgot to tell you yesterday. The mistress and I saw Yang Cui at the supermarket."


    "She didn''t say anything, did she?"


    "She wanted to hold Zhengzheng but I didn''t allow it."


    "Hmm, avoid her if you see her in the future. Where is the mistress?"


    "Cooking in the kitchen."


    After changing shoes, Xu Xiuhe walked to the kitchen door.


    Shen Yin was gradually getting used to this body. Lately there were often shes of scenes surfacing in her mind.


    Fragments of the original host''s memories.


    Having these memories made her understand the original host and this world much better.


    The original Shen Yin did not live in this country. She studied abroad in France and also cooked for herself there.


    With these memories, Shen Yin was no longer worried about exposing herself.


    Four dishes with one soup.


    When Shen Yin brought the dishes to the dining room, she saw Xu Xiuhe and was surprised. She didn''t expect him toe home for lunch, so there may not be enough rice.


    "You''re back?" Shen Yin greeted him.


    "You guys eat first." Shen Yin said and went back to the kitchen to cook some noodles.


    At the dining table, they were all waiting for her. Zhengzheng shook his little spoon, mouth babbling "eat eat".


    Crab-stuffed orange, honey tofu, fish soup, pan-fried taro, and ck chicken with red dates soup.


    A table full of appetizing dishes.


    Shen Yin brought out a bowl of noodles and set it on the table.


    "Mistress, how could I have forgotten, I''m really getting old, mind not working well. Fortunately the mistress cooked noodles, otherwise there wouldn''t have been enough rice." Aunt Song med herself.


    The noodles looked perfectly cooked, with ample ingredients mixed in. Shen Yin had used her special homemade seasoning, and cooked it in chicken broth, emitting a tempting aroma that seduced the others.


    "Does Zhengzheng want to eat noodles?" Seeing Zhengzheng''s impatient little hands, Shen Yin asked aloud.


    Zhengzheng''s expression and actions clearly showed his anticipation.


    Shen Yin used chopsticks to ce some noodles from the bowl into Zhengzheng''s small bowl, then spooned in some soup.


    Zhengzheng immediately started eating eagerly.


    "You eat the rest of the noodles." Shen Yin ced the bowl in front of Xu Xiuhe.


    Looking at the table of dishes, especially the crab-stuffed orange, Xu Xiuhe knew they wereplex to make.


    The dishes were delicious. Zhengzheng ate a lot of crab and kept asking for more, but was stopped by Shen Yin.


    "Zhengzheng, too much crab is not good for you. Have some fish instead." Shen Yin scooped some fish soup into Zhengzheng''s small te.


    Despite being four dishes and one soup, everything was finished. Partly because it was truly tasty that Aunt Song and Xu Xiuhe ate a lot, and partly because Shen Yin''s judgment on portions was perfect.


    After the meal, Xu Xiuhe finally could not resist asking.


    "Shen Yin, did you study cooking before?"


    Shen Yin had already prepared her response.


    "When I studied abroad, I cooked for myself. Since I love eating, I taught myself and read many books."


    "The food was very delicious, thank you for your hard work. If there is anything you need to buy, just let me know and I''ll arrange for someone to go buy it," Aunt Song said while standing to the side, revealing a gratified smile.


    "Sir, there are some things I want to discuss with you."


    "Aunt Song, just go ahead and say it directly, and keep calling me Xi¨²h¨¦."


    "You told me to call you Xi¨²h¨¦ before, but I just can''t get used to changing it."


    "Sir, I''ve been wanting to talk to you about this matter for a while now."

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Aunt Song said everything she wanted to say. The gist was that she had wanted to resign for a while now, but didn''t feel at ease leaving Zhengzheng. Now that Madam''s condition had improved so much, she felt reassured about leaving.


    "Why does Aunt Song want to resign?"


    "Oh, I almost forgot to mention, my daughter-inw is seven months pregnant and about to give birth soon. As the mother-inw, I need to be there to take care of her."


    "It''s okay, Aunt Song. Don''t worry about us. We''ll take good care of ourselves."


    "I''ve taken care of Zhengzheng for two years, since he was born, watching him grow from an infant, learning to walk and talk. Leaving him now, I can''t help but feel reluctant."


    "It''s not like we''ll never see each other again. Feel free toe back and visit whenever you miss us."


    In the afternoon, Xu Xiuhe told Liu Assistant to deposit 200,000 RMB into Aunt Song''s bank ount. He then asked Liu Assistant to find a reliable nanny.


    Shen Yin was now familiar with this world. She took another look around her room and found her bank card and ID card in the closet.


    Xu Xiuhe drove to Shen Yin''s doctor''s office.


    "Hello Dr. Ji, I''m Xu Xiuhe, Shen Yin''s husband." Xu Xiuhe reached out his hand.


    Dr. Ji Qingyan sized him up and shook his hand.


    "I came to consult you about my wife''s condition."


    "Mr. Xu looks quite familiar. I often see you on magazine covers."


    "No, no."


    "Let me put it this way. Your wife''s condition has greatly improved. Since she wasst here, I noticed her yearning to return to normal life again. Her change in mentality is key. Did something happen for you toe today?"


    "I''ll be frank. I was considering divorce not long ago. But she has changed tremendouslytely. She even cooks and shows care for our child now. I''m wondering if this change is some kind of scheme."


    "Mr. Xu, you should know Shen Yin didn''t want this marriage. If she knew you wanted a divorce, she wouldn''t have made a fuss."


    Dr. Ji Qingyan told Xu Xiuhe her opinion. After a word of thanks, Xu Xiuhe left.


    From her recent interactions with Xu Xiuhe, Shen Yin could see he had no feelings for her. But he clearly cared deeply for Zhengzheng.


    She felt relieved knowing that divorce wasmon nowadays. It would be easier than in ancient times. She nned to be more familiar with this world first. Once she gained a foothold, she would divorce Xu Xiuhe.


    There was a lot of money in her WeChat and bank ount that she didn''t know how to check the bnce of.


    In one of the bags she found a diploma written in English. From her search, she gathered that the original owner was a fashion designer.


    Shen Yin could also design clothes. The clothes she wore in her past life were designed by her and were able to lead trends in the capital.


    While organizing these things, Shen Yin heard her phone ding.


    [Meet at the usual ce]


    Seeing this text, Shen Yin had no memory of a "usual ce."


    Shen Yin checked the time. It was 3 pm. She needed to make dinner in two hours.


    She figured two hours should be enough time. After tidying up, she prepared to head out.


    Downstairs, she saw Aunt Song ying with Zhengzheng in the living room.


    "Madam, there''s something I need to tell you."


    "Just go ahead, Aunt Song."


    "Madam, I told Sir two days ago that I want to resign. My daughter-inw is due to give birth soon, so I need to go back and care for her. I''ll be leaving tomorrow."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin roughly understood that Aunt Song probably wanted to brief her on some matters before leaving.


    She sat down on the sofa and casually replied to the text she just received.


    [I''m not free today]


    "Madam, Zhengzheng is two years old now. He still walks a bit unsteadily and can only say some simple words. He''s a bit behind other children his age in development."


    "He usually needs to be coaxed to sleep around 8 pm. He wakes up at 7 am, so he''s still quite regr."


    "Ever since he was little, he''s only drunk one brand of milk. Now that he eats solid food, he drinks less milk, just one bottle in the morning."


    "His room is inside Sir''s room. Sir takes care of putting him to bed at night."


    "Also when giving him a bath, he doesn''t like getting his hair washed first. You need to put bath toys in the water."


    "Most importantly, Zhengzheng takes after Sir in that he''s allergic to mangoes. That fruit must not appear in the house."


    Aunt Song briefed Shen Yin one thing after another as she took mental notes. After they finished, she couldn''t help but sigh at the difficulty of raising children.


    "Alright, I''ve said everything I needed to say. I''ll be leaving tomorrow."


    Shen Yin still felt a little sad. Although Aunt Song was unfriendly to her at first, sheter helped Shen Yin with everything from cooking to showing her how to use the appliances. With her leaving, it somehow felt like something was missing.


    Her phone received another text.


    [Tomorrow morning, 8 am, Blue Mountain Caf¨¦]


    "Hug hug." Little Zhengzheng got tired ying on the floor and reached out his arms for Aunt Song to carry him.


    "Madam, it''s your turn. Get used to it early since I need to go pack."


    Before Shen Yin could think about the meaning of the text, she picked up Zhengzheng.


    The little milk baby in her arms pouted.


    Shen Yin was instantly at a loss.


    "What''s the matter, Zhengzheng?" Shen Yin gently asked.


    "Flower flower"


    Flower Flower was a big dog Xu Xiuhe had raised for years. After the original owner married over, she extremely opposed it. The dog was chased from the house to the yard outside.


    But Zhengzheng liked the dog and liked going out to find Flower Flower. Shen Yin was also afraid of dogs, but remembering the martial arts Uncle taught her in her past life, she instantly became fearless. Carrying Zhengzheng, she went out to the yard.


    Aunt Song watched this scene from the window and feltpletely satisfied.


    Inside Blue Mountain Caf¨¦, Shen Yin sat on a chair. She arrived early, half an hour before 8 am. Not long after, a woman came over and sat down.


    Shen Yin recognized this person, Yang Cui, Xu Xiuhe''s stepmother. Shen Yin had always detested stepmothers.


    "How''s it going with the thing I told you to do?"


    "You haven''t started yet, have you? If you still won''t make a move, I''ll do it myself and you won''t aplish your wish." Yang Cui spoke viciously.


    "Oh, what wish is that?"


    "Aren''t you trying to divorce him and run off with Zhou Manyuan?"


    "Tell me, how will you help me seed?"


    The original Shen Yin had been lovesick and foolish. But Shen Yin was no fool. How could she possibly believe the words of a woman like this? She could only slowly draw out information from this woman.


    "As long as Zhengzheng is gone, Xu Xiuhe won''t have an advantage over Xu Zhengyang in his father''s eyes."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin nearly cursed. How could there be such vicious women,parable to her own stepmother! She actually wanted her to harm her own child.


    Although the original owner disliked Zhengzheng, it would still be difficult for her to personally make a move. No, Shen Yin suddenly thought, the original owner truly detested Zhengzheng. She had already abused him. She was close to taking action.


    Fortunately the original owner had died.


    "You only care about your own child. Yet you want to harm a less than two week old baby. I''m also Zhengzheng''s mother. Don''t I care about my child too? I was foolish before but that doesn''t mean I still am. If you dare hurt Zhengzheng, don''t me me for what I might do!" After speaking, Shen Yin picked up the untouched coffee on the table and sshed it directly on Yang Cui''s face.


    "You crazy woman! Do you want a miserable life? Just you wait!" Yang Cui stood up and grabbed at Shen Yin''s hair.


    Shen Yin pushed down Yang Cui''s head. With a shove, Yang Cui plopped down on the ground, screaming and shouting like a shrew.


    "Remember what I said. Don''t set your sights on me, or I won''t let you get away easily."


    Shen Yin didn''t understand why the original owner had promised to help such a vicious woman back then. She must have been out of her mind.


    "Sir, Madam went out today?" Assistant Liu gave his usual report.


    "It was after Madam returned that the driver sent Aunt Song to the train station."


    "Where did Madam go so early?"


    Assistant Liu handed the tablet over to Xu Xiuhe. The video was shot by Xu Xiuhe''s man.


    In the video, Shen Yin could be seen pouring coffee on Yang Cui''s face, then pressing Yang Cui''s head down to the ground.


    The cameraman was far away so no audio was captured. Xu Xiuhe yed the video again from the start, pondering the rtionship between Shen Yin and Yang Cui.


    "What are you watching so intently?" Chang Zhiyuan walked in to see Xu Xiuhe concentrating hard on the video on the tablet.


    Xu Xiuhe looked up to see Chang Zhiyuan''s disgusted expression. "Why do you keep entering without knocking?"


    Chang Zhiyuan waved his hand in response: "What kind of rtionship do we have? There are no women in your office. Besides Liu Bo, I''m the only one whoes into your office."


    "That''s right, Liu Assistant," he deliberately asked Liu Assistant to prove that what he said was right.


    Liu Bo realized the problem had shifted to him, and immediately reacted, knowing full well who paid his sry.


    Liu Bo smiled and replied, "We''re not the same. I have the president''s permission, but you broke in on your own."


    Chang Zhiyuan was rendered speechless. He quickly changed the subject, "What are you watching so intently? Let me see too."


    He then stuck his head out, "Wow, two women together is always exciting. But these two seem very familiar to me."


    Xu Xiuhe was still concentrated on the video, unwilling to respond to Chang Zhiyuan. Liu Bo answered his question: "It''s the Madam and Yang Cui."


    Chang Zhiyuan, Xu Xiuhe and a few others had been good friends since childhood, so they could barge into each other''s offices without worry. Of course Chang Zhiyuan knew about the rtionship between Xu Xiuhe and Yang Cui, and he also knew there were no feelings between Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin. So seeing these two women together was quite intriguing.


    "Old Xu, what''s going on between you and Shen Yin? Many women in Rong City want to marry you. You don''t like her and she doesn''t care for you either. Why bother and exhaust each other? Weren''t you nning a divorce earlier, howe there''s no news now? Wouldn''t it be better to marry an obedient wife who loves you?"


    Xu Xiuhe frowned, "You think everyone has as simple a mind as you."


    "Hey, why the personal attack?" Chang Zhiyuan didn''t want to discuss whether his mind was simple or not. He earnestly said, "I actually have business with you. Mypany is shooting a drama and needs a child actor to y my son. Can Zhengzheng help out?"


    Even as he spoke, Chang Zhiyuan was nervous inside.


    Who was Xu Xiuhe? In just a few years, he had grown his business tremendously, even surpassing many family enterprises. No one in Rong City''s business circle did not know of him. At the mention of "Xu Xiuhe", people would praise him and size themselves up against him.


    So how could Xu Xiuhe possibly allow his two-year-old son to act?


    Sure enough, Xu Xiuhe declined: "Aunt Song resigned. We haven''t found a new nanny yet. Zhengzheng is being taken care of by Shen Yin now. Do you think Shen Yin would take Zhengzheng to the drama set?"


    Chang Zhiyuan considered this. Indeed, who was Shen Yin? The young miss of the prominent Shen family in Rong City. How could she be willing to go to a drama set?


    Suddenly, Chang Zhiyuan realized something else: "Shen Yin? Shen Yin is willing to bring my godson along? Didn''t you n to divorce her? Besides, she dislikes you so much, she probably ignores Zhengzheng too."


    Chang Zhiyuan had only met Shen Yin twice, once at their wedding and once at Zhengzheng''s one month celebration. But both times, Shen Yin had looked unhappy and ignored everyone. Their unhappy marriage wasmon knowledge, since Shen Yin never appeared in public. That was why outsiders felt they were ipatible as a couple, and many women hoped to rece her.


    Xu Xiuhe asked, "Why must it be Zhengzheng?"

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Chang Zhiyuan''s eyes lit up. Feeling there was hope, he continued: "I''ve been pursuing Shu Yi from ourpany recently, right? She''s the female lead in this TV series and needs a boy to y her son for two weeks."


    Xu Xiuhe knew that Chang Zhiyuan had been pursuing Shu Yi recently, and thought Chang Zhiyuan had seeded.


    Chang Zhiyuan went on: "This woman doesn''t give in no matter what I try. It''s so frustrating that I can''t even get an artist from my ownpany when I''m the boss."


    Xu Xiuhe ...


    He knew Chang Zhiyuan''s character all too well. Up until now, the girlfriends he had talked about could be counted on one hand.


    "Find Shen Yin yourself and see if she''s willing to go to the set. That''s all that matters." Xu Xiuhe casually threw out this line. But he thought to himself, what ghost would make Shen Yin agree.


    Chang Zhiyuan didn''t have high hopes either, but he didn''t want to give up even a glimmer of opportunity: "Thanks, brother. Give me Shen Yin''s phone number."


    Xu Xiuhe was holding a pen and paused for a moment: "Go find her yourself." Only then did Xu Xiuhe realize they had been married for three years but didn''t have each other''s phone numbers.


    Chang Zhiyuan readily agreed and drove straight to Ziyue Manor.


    When Shen Yin came back from Blue Mountain Caf¨¦, it was already 9 p.m. Aunt Song''s luggage was in the living room. She was holding Zhengzheng in the living room waiting for Shen Yin.


    Aunt Song handed Zhengzheng into Shen Yin''s arms, teaching her how to hold him: "Madam, hold one hand under Zhengzheng''s bottom and the other supporting his back."


    Aunt Song was reluctant to leave. Before departing, she exhorted Shen Yin again.


    Shen Yin did as told, holding Zhengzheng in her arms.


    Aunt Song instructed further: "Madam, Zhengzheng is very well behaved and can say a lot now. Sometimes he likes looking at books. If you''re busy, just let him sit there and read the picture books on the shelf. My number is on the sticky note behind the door. Call me if anythinges up."


    Aunt Song bowed her head again: "Zhengzheng, Granny Song has to go home. Say goodbye to Granny."


    The two-year-old child could understand words now. Zhengzheng''s expression clearly showed iprehension: "Granny is not leaving. Granny ys with Zhengzheng."


    As soon as Zhengzheng finished speaking, his eyes became wet.


    Aunt Song instantly felt distressed too, with traces of tears at the corners of her eyes: "Zhengzheng, what did Granny teach you? Boys can''t easily shed pearls." After speaking, Aunt Song turned her face to cover her nose. Pulling her suitcase, she left.


    Seeing Aunt Song leave, Zhengzheng finally couldn''t hold back and burst into loud crying.


    Shen Yin had no experience with children and didn''t know how to soothe him. She could only hold him gently in her arms, patting his back lightly while murmuring: "Good boy Zhengzheng, don''t cry. Boys can''t easily shed pearls."


    Shen Yin actually couldn''t understand why it hurt so much to see Zhengzheng cry. There were clearly no feelings before. The original Shen Yin had an iron heart towards Zhengzheng. Why did she feel so bad now, watching him cry fiercely? Shen Yin''s nose soured and her eyes glistened with tears.


    It just so happened Chang Zhiyuan arrived at Ziyue Manor at this moment. He parked in Xu Xiuhe''s yard and as soon as he opened the car door, he heard a child''s crying.


    The crying was so loud and miserable. Could they be abusing the child? As soon as this thought emerged, Chang Zhiyuan immediately called Xu Xiuhe: "Xiuhe, I''m in your yard now. The living room window is open and I can hear a child crying from inside. Listen." As he spoke, he took out his phone and walked closer to the window.


    Xu Xiuhe could vaguely hear it too and felt somewhat flustered inside: "Go knock on the door first. I''m on my way back now."


    Chang Zhiyuan went to ring the doorbell at the entrance, but no one answered.


    Shen Yin was upstairs with Zhengzheng. He had cried so hard she didn''t know how to soothe him. She could only carry him upstairs to change his clothes, nning to take him out for a walk to distract him.


    She ced Zhengzheng on the bed, turned around to his closet to find some clothes. It was her first time dressing a child and she wasn''t very skilled, but Shen Yin was clever.


    "Be good, baby. Don''t cry anymore. Does my darling want Mommy to take you out to y?" Shen Yin patiently coaxed, naturally calling herself Mommy.


    Zhengzheng sat on the bed. Shen Yin got up and bent over to pick him up, heading downstairs.


    Zhengzheng finally stopped crying from exhaustion and asked: "Where did Granny go and when is sheing back? Doesn''t she want Zhengzheng anymore?"


    Shen Yin hadplicated feelings, not knowing how to exin. At the same time she was shocked by Zhengzheng''s thoughts and verbal expression. So two-year-olds already understood so much and had their own thoughts! In the past...


    Shen Yin smiled gently: "Sweetie, Granny went back home. She has her own things to do. Our Zhengzheng is a big boy now who doesn''t need Granny by his side all the time. But didn''t Granny promise she woulde back to see you?"


    Zhengzheng seemed to understand and nodded in agreement. Seeing this, Shen Yin felt bad again. Such an adorable, sensible darling, how could the original host bear to neglect him and even think of harming him? It was extremely fortunate that Zhengzheng would let her hold him now.


    Shen Yin kissed Zhengzheng''s forehead: "Baby, it was Mommy''s fault. Mommy didn''t know better before, neglecting Zhengzheng and not treating you well. But Mommy knows she was wrong. Can you forgive Mommy?"


    Zhengzheng nodded again. Putting both arms around Shen Yin''s neck, he didn''t say anything, but Shen Yin understood this meant he forgave her.


    Outside, Chang Zhiyuan had knocked for a long time with no response. He finally gave up and leaned against the wall waiting for Xu Xiuhe to arrive.


    In the foyer, Shen Yin put Zhengzheng''s shoes on and selected a pair of ts for herself. "Let''s go, take darling Zhengzheng to the supermarket!"


    Shen Yin had just opened the door when she was startled by Chang Zhiyuan again: "Who are you? Why are you standing outside without knocking?"


    Before Chang Zhiyuan could answer, he immediately grabbed Zhengzheng from Shen Yin''s arms: "Zhengzheng, let Godfather see if it still hurts anywhere?"


    Chang Zhiyuan carefully examined every part of Zhengzheng''s body. At this moment Xu Xiuhe arrived, parking his car and striding over: "Is Zhengzheng alright?"


    Chang Zhiyuan replied: "I haven''t seen any injuries yet, but look how red his eyes are with tears still wet on his face."


    Shen Yin was stunned for a moment: "Why are you both back..."


    Before Shen Yin could finish, Xu Xiuhe dragged her arm to the living room. Chang Zhiyuan carrying Zhengzheng also went inside.


    Xu Xiuhe''s face was livid: "Speak! What happened this time?"


    Shen Yin still didn''t know what was going on. "What''s the matter?"


    "Aunt Song just left yesterday and you''re already treating Zhengzheng like this. We could hear him crying from the yard." Xu Xiuhe used.


    Only then did Shen Yin understand Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan had wrongly med her for abusing Zhengzheng. She wanted to exin but was afraid they wouldn''t believe her.


    So Shen Yin came in front of Chang Zhiyuan and pped her hands: "Zhengzheng,e, Mommy holds you."


    Indeed Zhengzheng reached out his hands to let her carry him. In fact she was nervous inside, afraid Zhengzheng would reject her. Then she really wouldn''t be able to prove her innocence.


    Feeling they still didn''t believe her, she went on asking Zhengzheng: "Sweetie, tell Daddy why you were crying."


    In his tender crying voice, Zhengzheng replied: "Granny left. Granny doesn''t want Zhengzheng anymore."


    Shen Yin finally heaved a long sigh of relief, giving Xu Xiuhe a look.


    Chang Zhiyuan and Xu Xiuhe also knew they had wrongly used Shen Yin, but Chang Zhiyuan wouldn''t admit his mistake openly: "I knocked for a long time without anyone answering, and hearing a child cry, how could I not overthink?"


    This excuse was reasonable enough. After all, Shen Yin did have a history. Not wanting to argue further, she continued: "Aunt Song left this morning and Zhengzheng cried badly. I couldn''t soothe him no matter what, so I wanted to take him out to y to distract him. When you rang the doorbell I was upstairs changing his clothes."


    Xu Xiuhe saw that Zhengzheng''s clothes had indeed been changed and were different from his usual wear. Aunt Song focused solely on keeping him warm without considering appearance orfort. But with his high cuteness level, Zhengzheng could still attract looks when out. Shen Yin was clearly different. She had dressed Zhengzheng in a white sweater with a blue gilet over it, pants underneath, and sport shoes - a stylish little man.


    Chang Zhiyuan and Xu Xiuhe only now realized that they had wrongly med Shen Yin this time. Xu Xiuhe was just about to apologize when Zhengzheng interrupted: "Dad, did youe home early to take us out to y?"


    Xu Xiuhe looked at Chang Zhiyuan, his eyes clearly saying: You can leave now.


    How could Chang Zhiyuan easily give up when his business was not yet finished: "Does Zhengzheng want a godfather? Godfather will take you out to eat delicious food." He had already realized that Shen Yin seemed to care quite a bit about Zhengzheng, which waspletely different from what he had heard before. This was interesting - he had decided to use Zhengzheng as an entry point.


    Zhengzheng scratched his head and shook it, saying: "Zhengzheng wants to go out and y, and eat the meals mom makes."


    Zhengzheng had eaten Shen Yin''s cooking for several days and was nowpletely subdued by her culinary skills.


    Xu Xiuhe again nced at Shen Yin - shocked that Zhengzheng had apparently forgotten his dad now that he had a mother. Although he had to admit that Shen Yin''s cooking was indeed delicious.


    Standing on the sidelines, Chang Zhiyuan felt like he had discovered some extraordinary secret. How could this Shen Yin be so different from the one he had heard about before? Adhering to his principles of respect, Xu Xiuhe had not had Shen Yin investigated before marriage, only starting the investigation after they wed. Other than a beautiful appearance and great figure, she didn''t seem to have any other merits - but had a whole pile of faults. Quick temper and bad personality in college, smoking, drinking and partying abroad, coasting through her studies just enough to graduate, and thening for the arranged marriage. If one other merit had to be found, it was that she had a clean record with no rtionships. Otherwise, Xu Xiuhe would not have allowed her to give birth to Zhengzheng. During the pregnancy, Aunt Song was kept very busy, basically monitoring Shen Yin 24 hours a day to ensure she didn''t smoke, drink or even secretly abort the baby.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng and went out. The driver had taken Aunt Song back, so Shen Yin nned to walk with Zhengzheng. Even if she got tired, she would carry him if he couldn''t walk anymore.


    Chang Zhiyuan noticed the situation and casually ced his hand on Xu Xiuhe''s shoulder, saying, "Since your wife and child have gone out, why don''t you go and see them off?"


    Xu Xiuhe disdainfully removed Chang Zhiyuan''s arm from his shoulder and brushed off his own shoulder.


    Chang Zhiyuan initially wanted to invite Shen Yin to have a meal to make up for his mistake. But now that he saw the whole family had gone out, he felt like he hade in vain. He followed behind Xu Xiuhe and also went out.


    Xu Xiuhe walked briskly to his own car and parked it at the gate of the courtyard.


    Shen Yin couldn''t believe that this man actually knew to see them off. She held Zhengzheng and sat in the backseat of the car. Without wasting any time, Chang Zhiyuan opened the door of the passenger seat and got in.


    Frowning, Xu Xiuhe asked, "Why did you get in? Aren''t you driving back?"


    Chang Zhiyuan, thick-skinned as he was, said, "I want to apany my godson." He crossed his legs and added, "Can Ie along, sister-inw?"


    Shen Yin was speechless. He had already gotten in the car, and he was still asking. She replied calmly, "I mind."


    Upon hearing this, Chang Zhiyuan''s expression cracked open. He never expected Shen Yin to respond so directly. If one observed carefully, they would notice that Xu Xiuhe''s lips curled upwards slightly.


    But who was Chang Zhiyuan? He didn''t care about Shen Yin''s opinion. Lowering his head, he persisted, "Zhengzheng, it''s been a long time since your godfather yed with you. Can your godfather go out with you?"


    Zhengzheng nodded.


    "Looks like my godson treats me well," Chang Zhiyuan said, looking at Xu Xiuhe with a smug expression.


    Xu Xiuhe ignored him and turned to ask Zhengzheng and Shen Yin where they wanted to go.


    "Let''s go to the supermarket," Shen Yin replied.


    Upon arriving at the supermarket, Shen Yin grabbed a shopping cart and ced Zhengzheng inside. Then she went to the children''s snack section and picked out some snacks for Zhengzheng. She thought that with two big men following behind her, they wouldn''t let her pay, would they? She hade once before with Aunt Song, and although she had a rough idea, going through the whole process by herself was still a bit challenging. Freebor and a free wallet should not go to waste.


    With these thoughts, Shen Yin''s mood improved, and she had a smile on her face. She lowered her head and asked the little sweetheart in the shopping cart what he wanted to eat.


    This scene happened to be seen by Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan who were following behind.


    Chang Zhiyuan was even more shocked and moved closer to Xu Xiuhe, asking, "Didn''t you say that Shen Yin has severe depression? I also heard from Liu Bo that she even abused my godson some time ago. Isn''t she depressed? Isn''t she suffering from schizophrenia?"


    Xu Xiuhe had also had doubts, so he personally asked Shen Yin''s psychologist, Ji Qingyan, who clearly told him that Shen Yin''s condition had greatly improved and she had basically recovered to normal.


    Perhaps psychological illnesses were strange, or perhaps Shen Yin had truly found a way to let go.


    Chang Zhiyuan paused for a moment and asked, "Are you still nning to get a divorce? I saw the divorce agreement in your officest time."


    Xu Xiuhe had considered divorcing before, but now that Shen Yin had be so important to him, he couldn''t bring himself to present the divorce agreement. After all, there was still a blood rtionship between them.


    Chang Zhiyuan continued, "Qi Yan ising back next week."


    Xu Xiuhe''s expression noticeably changed, and he replied, "Hmm, please don''t mention her in front of me again."


    Sensing that this topic was sensitive, Chang Zhiyuan tried to change the subject, "Did she really cook lunch today?"


    Shen Yin''s shopping cart was already filled with many things: cooking condiments, vegetables, and the fish Zhengzheng wanted to eat. She also bought some fruits.


    When they reached the checkout counter, it was evident that the cashier didn''t understand the rtionship between two grown men apanying a woman and a child in the supermarket.


    Leaving the supermarket, it was already noon, and they headed back the same way.


    Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng into the living room and ced him on the floor, while Chang Zhiyuan brought the groceries into the kitchen.


    After settling Zhengzheng, Shen Yin headed straight to the kitchen. Xu Xiuhe had already entered the house, and Chang Zhiyuan, noticing Shen Yin''s cooking skills, asked Xu Xiuhe, "Should I order some takeout? It''s been a long time since Ist visited Chen Siming''s restaurant. I can call and have them deliver it here."


    As he said this, Chang Zhiyuan took out his phone. Xu Xiuhe changed his shoes and said to Chang Zhiyuan, "You can go eat at his restaurant now. No one is stopping you. It''s your own choice to stay here."


    Chang Zhiyuan felt hurt and ran toward Zhengzheng, with a teary voice, "Zhengzheng, look, your dad is bullying your godfather again."


    Xu Xiuhe went to the kitchen and offered to help with cooking, but he couldn''t distinguish anything. Shen Yin found him to be in the way and asked him to leave.


    Shen Yin busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a meal for Zhengzheng. Considering his young age, she made the dishes milder in vor. She cooked steamed perch, garlic spare ribs, soy sauce beef, stir-fried oil greens, broli with wood ear mushrooms, and a fresh shrimp and mushroom soup.


    Chang Zhiyuan caught a whiff of the aroma and eximed, "Wow, what dish smells so good?"


    Shen Yin just finished scooping the rice from the pot and couldn''t bring the dishes to the dining room, so she turned to Chang Zhiyuan and said, "Bring these dishes out."


    Chang Zhiyuan did as he was told and saw that Xu Xiuhe had already seated Zhengzheng.


    At the dining table, Chang Zhiyuan seemed as if he hadn''t eaten for days. He forgot about everything else and became unusually quiet. Shen Yin ced a piece of fish on her own te, broke it into small pieces with her chopsticks, carefully inspected it to make sure there were no bones, and then fed it to Zhengzheng.


    Although Xu Xiuhe also fed Zhengzheng, there was still a difference between men and women. He thought the fish had bones and believed it wasn''t suitable for Zhengzheng to eat.


    After taking a bite of the fish, Zhengzheng licked his lips and said to Shen Yin, "The fish is delicious, Zhengzheng wants more."


    Shen Yin initially thought that fish wasn''t suitable for children as it could easily get stuck in their throats. While at the supermarket, Shen Yin asked Zhengzheng what he wanted to eat, and he said fish. So Shen Yin bought some fish and steamed it.


    Shen Yin replied, "Alright, if Zhengzheng likes it, then let''s eat more." When there was a big serving, Shen Yin''s grandfather used to enjoy fishing and would have the chef prepare various kinds of fish. He would also tell her that eating fish is good for bing smarter. Shen Yin continued to pick out the fish bones and fed the fish to Zhengzheng.


    Zhengzheng''s little mouth didn''t stop moving, and he was thoroughly enjoying the meal. Shen Yin was worried that he might choke, so she scooped a small spoonful of fresh shrimp and mushroom soup and fed it to Zhengzheng, saying, "Here, Zhengzheng, have some soup and eat slowly."


    Chang Zhiyuan spoke up, raising his head and finally stopping Shen Yin. "Sister-inw, can we discuss something?"


    Shen Yin now understood that this person named Chang Zhiyuan had a good rtionship with Xu Xiuhe and was Zhengzheng''s godfather. She could understand the misunderstanding and responded graciously, "You may speak."


    Chang Zhiyuan saw a glimmer of hope and eagerly said, "Ourpany is working on a y, and we need a child actor. I want Zhengzheng to give it a try."


    Shen Yin now had a better understanding of this world and knew that actors are those people on TV. She was quite interested and found it enjoyable. At the same time, she was puzzled as to why Chang Zhiyuan approached her for discussion instead of directly involving Xu Xiuhe. Shen Yin looked confused.


    Xu Xiuhe noticed Shen Yin''s confusion and exined, "Zhengzheng has been under your care during this time, and if he goes to the filming location, he needs you to apany him. They need your input and ideas."


    Shen Yin, with a look of understanding, asked, "So, do I need to go to the filming location with Zhengzheng?"


    Thinking that Shen Yin didn''t want to go to the filming location, Chang Zhiyuan quickly reassured her, "Sister-inw, don''t worry, I will arrange a dedicated assistant for you. You won''t suffer."


    Shen Yin felt tempted and looked at Xu Xiuhe, wanting to know his thoughts. But Xu Xiuhe was engrossed in devouring spare ribs.


    Chang Zhiyuan spoke again, but this time, he addressed Zhengzheng, "Zhengzheng, can your godfather ask you for a favor? If you agree, your godfather will fulfill many of your small wishes."


    Xu Xiuhe couldn''t bear it any longer and kicked Chang Zhiyuan''s foot under the table, saying, "That''s enough, don''t deceive my son in front of me. I can fulfill his wishes."


    Chang Zhiyuan awkwardly smiled.


    Shen Yin, of course, noticed it and asked Zhengzheng with a lowered head, "Zhengzheng, do you want to go and y at the filming location?"


    Zhengzheng shook his head and replied with enthusiasm, "I want to."


    Chang Zhiyuan chuckled, "As expected of my godson. And sister-inw, why is the food you cooked so delicious?"


    Shen Yin''s cooking was undoubtedly delicious. She dared to say that there weren''t many people with culinary skills surpassing hers. Chang Zhiyuan thought to himself that he couldn''t rely on Chen Siming for meals anymore.


    After finishing the meal, Shen Yin took Zhengzheng to the bathroom to wipe his mouth and wash his face. Chang Zhiyuan and Xu Xiuhe remained seated at the dining table, and Shen Yin didn''t n on cleaning up. Since she had cooked the meal, whoever wanted to wash the dishes could do it.


    Sure! Here''s the trantion of the Chinese novel into English:


    Sure enough, menck this self-awareness. Shen Yin had already finished washing her hands, but the two of them hadn''t made a move yet.


    Shen Yin had a touch of OCD and a slight cleanliness obsession. She couldn''t stand it when the dining table wasn''t cleaned after a meal. In her mansion, with four maids, everything was always in perfect order. Unless she wanted to do something herself, she didn''t have to do anything.


    Unable to bear it any longer, Shen Yin walked into the dining room and said to the two of them, "Which one of you has time to clean up the table and wash the dishes?" After saying that, she picked up Zhengzheng and went upstairs.


    Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan sat there without moving, looking at each other. Chang Zhiyuan, in need of help andcking hands, obediently cleaned up the table and went into the kitchen to wash the dishes. This was probably one of the few times he had entered the kitchen.


    Seeing this, Xu Xiuhe curled his lips and went upstairs. The vi had a total of three floors. The first floor consisted of the living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and cloakroom. The second floor had the master bedroom, two guest bedrooms, and a study. Xu Xiuhe entered the study and continued working.


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the door of the study. Xu Xiuhe thought it was Chang Zhiyuan, but when he opened the door, he was surprised to see Zhengzheng. "Zhengzheng, what''s the matter?"


    Zhengzheng took small steps and hugged Xu Xiuhe''s thigh. "Daddy, I want to read too."


    Xu Xiuhe carried Zhengzheng into the study and handed him an art book.


    When Chang Zhiyuan arrived at the study, he saw this scene: Xu Xiuhe typing on theputer keyboard while Zhengzheng looked at a book. He couldn''t help but feel a little envious.


    Seeing Chang Zhiyuan enter, Xu Xiuhe said, "Perfect timing. Zhengzheng going to act has some conditions."


    "Tell me, tell me."


    "Go and get the documents from the printer."


    In order to make Xu Xiuhe happy, Chang Zhiyuan hurriedly went to the printer and retrieved the documents.


    Xu Xiuhe spoke, "Take a look for yourself. Can you meet the conditions written on the document?"


    Chang Zhiyuan took a look. It was nothing more than ensuring Zhengzheng''s safety and not disclosing his personal information.


    "Don''t worry, I will absolutely ensure the safety of my godson. It''s just that..." Chang Zhiyuan paused for a moment.


    "Just say what you want to say."


    "We''ll be joining the film crew the day after tomorrow."

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Xu Xiuhe pondered for a moment and said to Zhengzheng, "Zhengzheng, can you go and call Mom for Dad?"


    Upon hearing this, Zhengzheng readily agreed and toddled out of the study into Shen Yin''s room.


    In a soft, childish voice, Zhengzheng said, "Mom, Dad wants you toe to his room."


    Shen Yin couldn''t help but feel moved upon hearing Zhengzheng call her "Mom" once again. It would be insincere to say that she wasn''t touched. In this era, she was perhaps regarded as family, and the only one who had sentimental feelings for her was this little darling in front of her.


    Shen Yin''s eyes were slightly moist as she lifted Zhengzheng up and said, "Alright, let''s go together."


    Inside the study, Chang Zhiyuan was in conversation with Xu Xiuhe. Even though the door was open, Shen Yin still knocked before entering.


    The study was quite spacious, with severalrge bookshelves, a desk, and an exquisite set of sofas. It was her first time entering the study, and she felt a little unsure.


    Xu Xiuhe said, "Zhengzheng will probably start filming in the next two days. You need to apany him. Let me know if you need anything."


    Shen Yin had never been on a film set before and didn''t know what was needed. She replied casually, "I haven''t been on a film set either. Just let me know what preparations are necessary."


    Then she looked at Zhengzheng and asked, "Zhengzheng, is there anything you want?"


    Understanding her question, Zhengzheng replied, "I want food."


    Shen Yin instantly smiled, realizing that she seemed to have a peculiar sense of humor when she was with Zhengzheng.


    Xu Xiuhe stared at her for a few seconds and said, "I''ll prepare a room with a kitchen for you."


    Chang Zhiyuan, who was standing nearby, was truly astonished and felt like a third wheel in this situation. He spoke up, "You two can continue talking. Just so you know, I''lle to pick you up when it''s time to go to the film set. Feel free to ask if you need anything. I''ll take my leave now."


    Chang Zhiyuan''s polite words were entirely due to Shen Yin''s presence. Normally, he wouldn''t be so courteous to Xu Xiuhe.


    After Chang Zhiyuan left, there were only the three of them in the room. Zhengzheng sat on the sofa, looking at his own storybook. Shen Yin stood there feeling a bit awkward, thinking of going back to her own room, when Xu Xiuhe spoke up.


    "Zhengzheng, Mom and Dad are going out to have a chat. You stay here and read your book."


    Zhengzheng nodded, and Shen Yin was curious about what Xu Xiuhe was going to say, so she followed him out.


    The room had good sound instion, so as soon as they left the study and closed the door, they could have their conversation in the hallway.


    Xu Xiuhe spoke first, "I think we need to have a good discussion."


    Shen Yin also felt that it would be better to rify certain things. "I don''t know what your situation is right now, but I hope we can continue as we have been. Zhengzheng is still young, and I don''t want him to be harmed in any way."


    Shen Yin had a general idea of what Xu Xiuhe meant. He was telling her not to cause any more trouble in the future.


    "Alright, I understand. It was my fault before, but from now on, I''ll treat Zhengzheng well," Shen Yin sincerely replied, leaving Xu Xiuhe momentarily at a loss for words. After a few seconds of silence, he finally spoke.


    "Okay, as long as you understand. Let me know if there''s anything you want to discuss with me."


    Shen Yin nodded and returned to her own room.


    Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin, upon seeing the situation, didn''t say anything. They opened the study door and apanied Zhengzheng inside.


    After returning to her room, Shen Yin fell into deep thought. What should she bring to the set the day after tomorrow? Xu Xiuhe would take care of the other items, but what about her personal belongings?


    Identity card, phone charger, change of clothes, and the various bottles and jars on the table.


    The original owner''s skin was just like hers¡ªwless, smooth, and fair. She hardly ever wore makeup and could easily outshine many others who did.


    Shen Yin looked at herself in the mirror and gently touched her face, marveling at the quality of mirrors in this era. She decided not to bring any cosmetics.


    On the day they were to go to the set, Chang Zhiyuan came to pick them up. Xu Xiuhe had deliberately skipped going to thepany this morning.


    Pointing at the girl who got out of the car with him, Chang Zhiyuan said, "Sister-inw, this is the assistant I found for you. She knows how to take care of children."


    The girl was about 1.6 meters tall and looked honest and sincere.


    Shen Yin replied, "Okay, thank you for your help."


    Chang Zhiyuan quickly added, "No trouble at all, really."


    Xu Xiuhe, holding Zhengzheng in his arms, also chimed in, "Thank you for your hard work." His soft tone amused everyone present.


    Looking at Zhengzheng in his arms, Xu Xiuhe turned to Shen Yin and asked, "Is one assistant enough, or should I arrange for another one?"


    Shen Yin had trusted the people who used to serve her in the past, but they still made mistakes and failed to call for help, leading to her ending up here. Now, the fewer people around her, the better.


    "No need, one is enough. Oh, by the way, what''s your name?" Shen Yin asked.


    When the girl heard the question directed at her, she immediately replied, "Madam, my name is Yan Yan."


    Shen Yin took Zhengzheng from Xu Xiuhe''s arms and settled into the back seat.


    "Yan Yan, you can bring your bag from the suitcase ande up as well."


    Seeing this, Chang Zhiyuan and Xu Xiuhe immediately moved the two suitcases from the back to the trunk.


    Chang Zhiyuan sat in the driver''s seat and Xu Xiuhe couldn''t help but say, "Take good care of them."


    He then turned to Shen Yin and said, "If there''s any situation, call me. Let me know if you need anything."


    After Shen Yin promised, the car drove away.


    Upon arriving at the set, Shen Yin went to the hotel arranged by Chang Zhiyuan, undoubtedly the best in the area.


    Chang Zhiyuan said, "Sister-inw, I''ve taken care of everything with the director. Tomorrow, someone wille to pick you up and take you to the shooting location."


    Shen Yin replied, "Okay."


    Chang Zhiyuan escorted Shen Yin, Zhengzheng, and Yan Yan to the entrance of their room.


    The room was a suite with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room.


    Chang Zhiyuan said, "Sister-inw, I have something to take care of, so I''ll leave now." Then he turned to Yan Yan and added, "Take good care of them and report any situation to me."


    When they came, Xu Xiuhe had emphasized on his phone several times to ensure the safety of Shen Yin and Zhengzheng and to pay attention to Shen Yin''s condition.


    Yan Yan replied, "Understood, boss. I''ll report to you anytime."


    After Chang Zhiyuan left, Shen Yin held Zhengzheng and took a quick look around the room, saying, "Yan Yan, you can stay in the other room and tidy up the luggage."


    Shen Yin: "Alright, Madam. I see there are vegetables and various fruits in the kitchen. Do you need me to cook?"


    Considering that Zhengzheng has been sitting in the car for a long time and might be tired, Shen Yin agrees because it''s not convenient to go out again to get food.


    "Baby, what do you want to eat tonight?"


    Zhengzheng, nestled in Shen Yin''s arms, twirls her hair and says, "I want to eat meat."


    Shen Yin already had a hunch that this child loves to eat meat.


    "Yanyan, see what kind of meat we have in the refrigerator."


    Yanyan opens the refrigerator and says, "We have shrimp, pork belly, beef, eggs, tomatoes, preserved eggs, and some vegetables like broli. There''s also plenty of fruit, Madam."


    Shen Yin spectes that this much food must have been prepared by Xu Xiuhe or Chang Zhiyuan.


    "Alright, Yanyan, just follow my instructionster. The three of us can''t eat much, so let''s make lean pork and preserved egg congee, stir-fried broli with shrimp, braised beef with tomatoes, and nched greens."


    Yanyan also notices that Shen Yin is a good person, without any airs, and extremely gentle with the baby.


    Yanyan has learned how to cook, but she''s a bit doubtful when Shen Yin tells her to do itter.


    Shen Yin realizes this and says, "Just follow my instructions step by step."


    An hourter, on the dining table, there are three dishes, a pot of congee, and two tes of fruit.


    Shen Yin sits down with Zhengzheng in her arms since there''s no baby chair in the room.


    Yanyan says, "Madam, shall I call someone to bring a baby chair?"


    Shen Yin replies, "It''s fine, I''ll hold him. You sit down and eat too."


    This is the first time Shen Yin has held Zhengzheng while eating. Zhengzheng is well-behaved and everything he eats seems delicious to him.


    Yanyan also eats the dishes she made and is amazed after the first bite.


    "Madam, you''re really amazing. I''ve never cooked such delicious food myself."


    Shen Yin smiles and says, "You can make more in the future."


    After the meal, Yanyan tidies up the table and kitchen, and Shen Yin takes Zhengzheng back to the bedroom.


    Suddenly, Shen Yin realizes that she has never slept with Zhengzheng before, let alone giving him a bathter.


    Shen Yin says, "Yanyan, after you finish tidying up,e to my room."


    Yanyan replies, "I''m almost done. I''lle in a moment."


    Shen Yin takes off Zhengzheng''s shoes and ces him on the bed. She takes out two early education picture books from the suitcase and puts them in front of Zhengzheng.


    "Zhengzheng, you can look at the books first. Mommy has prepared the things you need for a bath, okay?"


    Zhengzheng takes the picture books and shows his little milk teeth to Shen Yin, saying, "Okay."


    Shen Yin takes out the pajamas Zhengzheng will wear from the suitcase and adjusts the indoor temperature of the air conditioner to a suitable level. She''s already quite familiar with this world and has learned various skills.


    Baby bath gel, shampoo, baby lotion... Shen Yin realizes that these items are all packed in one bag. It seems that Song Mama has already left, so Xu Xiuhe or Chang Zhiyuan must have prepared them.


    It must be said that in Shen Yin''s eyes, Xu Xiuhe was indeed a good father.


    Soon, Shen Yin felt sentimental again, remembering that her own father had been good to her before Xu Zhen came into the picture.


    After tidying up, Yan Yan knocked on Shen Yin''s door, bringing her thoughts back.


    Shen Yin: "Come in."


    Yan Yan pushed the door open and saw Shen Yin taking out the baby''s toiletries. She asked, "Madam, are you going to bathe the baby?"


    Shen Yin: "Yes, Yan Yan, please go inside and fill up the water, and bring this bag in too. I''ll take Zhengzheng inter."


    Shen Yin stood up and walked to the side of the bed. "Zhengzheng, we''re going to take a bath."

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Zhengzheng raised her head, shaking her little head and waving her hands, saying, "I don''t want to take a bath, no baths."


    This puzzled Shen Yin.


    "Zhengzheng, all the little kids have to take a bath. After bathing, you''ll smell nice," Shen Yin said.


    Zhengzheng blinked her big eyes, seemingly contemting.


    Seeing this, Shen Yin continued, "Zhengzheng, you can only go to sleep after taking a bath. How about this? If Zhengzheng promises Mommy, Mommy will take Zhengzheng out to y tomorrow, okay?"


    As soon as Zhengzheng heard about going out to y, she immediately agreed. Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng into the bathroom.


    Yan Yan had already prepared the bathwater. Shen Yin was still a bit uncertain.


    "Yan Yan, I''ve never given Zhengzheng a bath before. Can you please help me?" Shen Yin asked.


    "No problem. Let''s start by taking off Zhengzheng''s clothes," Yan Yan replied.


    After saying that, the two of them cooperated. Shen Yin held Zhengzheng in her arms while Yan Yan undressed her.


    The baby''s skin was simply perfect, so smooth and tender. Yan Yan couldn''t help but envy it when she took Zhengzheng from Shen Yin''s embrace. She said, "The skin of children is really amazing."


    Shen Yin smiled and teased, "His mommy''s skin is not bad either, you know."


    Yan Yan carefully observed Shen Yin and saw that her skin was fair, with no visible pores, and her features were delicate. She realized that Shen Yin was joking. With that, the tension of the day eased.


    Curiously, Yan Yan asked, "Madam, do you look like you''re 18? You seem so young."


    Shen Yin burst intoughter and said, "I''m already 24."


    In her heart, she secretly thought, "Actually, I''m only 16."


    One person entertained Zhengzheng while the other washed her hair. Zhengzheng didn''t cry or make a fuss; instead, she yed with the foam in her hands.


    With Yan Yan''s assistance, Shen Yin sessfully finished bathing Zhengzheng. They blew dry her hair and dressed her in pajamas.


    Shen Yin said, "Yan Yan, please take Zhengzheng outside and apply some baby lotion to her body. Let her y for a while. I''ll take a bath and join youter."


    Yan Yan loved children, especially adorable ones like Zhengzheng. She was eager to apany Zhengzheng and y with her.


    After Shen Yin finished bathing and came out, she saw Yan Yan and Zhengzheng happilyughing.


    Shen Yin said, "It''s gettingte. Zhengzheng needs to sleep. Yan Yan, you can go take a bath and rest. He will sleep with me tonight."


    Yan Yan replied, "Okay then, I''ll go first."


    Zhengzheng also grew tired from ying andy on the bed, squinting her eyes. Shen Yin covered her with a nket andy down beside her. She kissed Zhengzheng''s forehead. In this world, Zhengzheng was the person she loved most.


    After returning to her own room, Yan Yan made a phone call to report everything that happened today to Xu Xiuhe. Initially, she had been reporting to her employer, Chang Zhiyuan, but then she received a phone number from him and was instructed to report to that number instead.


    In the morning, Shen Yin was awakened by Zhengzheng. Zhengzhengy in her arms, reaching out to touch Shen Yin''s face.


    As soon as Shen Yin opened her eyes, she saw this adorable little Zhengzheng with an innocent expression. She said, "Baby, are you awake?"


    Zhengzheng replied, "Yes, Zhengzheng wants to get up."


    Shen Yin said, "Okay, Zhengzheng, wait for Mommy for a moment. Mommy will get up first and then change your clothes, alright?"


    Zhengzheng nodded eagerly.


    Shen Yin got up and went to the bathroom to change clothes before returning to the bedside where Zhengzheng was already standing.


    At the age of two, a toddler can already walk, run, hop, sway, imitate adult speech, and even think. However, the previous host disliked Zhengzheng. Children are the most perceptive and sensitive beings, and Zhengzheng could sense that his mother didn''t love him, so he wasn''t happy. His father was often absent, leaving only Song Ma to take care of him.


    A child whocks love is fundamentally different. They don''t speak much, don''t want to walk,ck a sense of security, and feel nervous and uneasy when facing Shen Yin.


    But now, things are different. After spending a few days together, Zhengzheng could feel that his mother no longer disliked him and treated him well.


    The thoughts of a young child are pure, and once they feel loved, the whole world seems brighter to them.


    Shen Yin also noticed that Zhengzheng seemed a little different these past few days.


    After changing his diaper, putting on clothes, and wearing shoes, Zhengzheng sat at the edge of the bed, wanting toe down. However, his little legs were struggling to reach the ground, but he never gave up.


    Shen Yin found it amusing as Zhengzheng''s two eyes looked at her, like a clueless little deer, as if saying, "Help me."


    Shen Yin picked up Zhengzheng.


    As soon as Zhengzheng reached the ground, he happily shook his head and stamped his feet, heading towards the door.


    "Sweetie, you can''t go out yet. Zhengzheng hasn''t washed his face," Shen Yin said.


    Shen Yin herself hadn''t realized that she had unconsciously be gentler in her speech these past few days because of the baby, even using a gentle tone.


    When Zhengzheng heard this, he turned around and returned to Shen Yin''s side. Shen Yin lifted him up and went to the bathroom.


    Zhengzheng: "I need to pee."


    Shen Yin took off Zhengzheng''s pants and remembered that the diaper was still clean when she changed it in the morning. During the day, when Zhengzheng wanted to use the toilet, he would say so. So, maybe he didn''t need the diaper anymore? After all, wearing it might be ufortable.


    Shen Yin: "Is Zhengzheng growing up?"


    Zhengzheng nodded: "Mm-hmm, Zhengzheng is growing up. Dad says Zhengzheng is a little man."


    Shen Yin started to think that Xu Xiuhe was a good father.


    Shen Yin: "A little man doesn''t need to wear diapers. So, from now on, Zhengzheng won''t wear them either, okay?"


    Zhengzheng: "Zhengzheng is a little man, Zhengzheng doesn''t want to wear diapers."


    The expression on the little one''s face was determined, and there was even a hint of disdain as he looked at the removed diaper. It truly made Shen Yin find it adorable.


    Shen Yin: "Good, starting today, Zhengzheng won''t wear diapers anymore. If you need to use the toilet, just tell Mommy, okay?"


    Zhengzheng: "Okay."


    Shen Yin: "After using the toilet, Zhengzheng needs to brush his teeth." Shen Yin squeezed some toothpaste onto a baby toothbrush and put it in Zhengzheng''s mouth, gently brushing it, making Zhengzheng rinse his mouth. Then she wiped his face with warm water.


    After Zhengzheng finished getting ready, Shen Yin began her own preparations.


    Once the mother and son were done, they went to the dining room and found that Yan Yan had already prepared breakfast.


    Yan Yan had juste out of the kitchen. "Madam, Zhengzheng, breakfast is ready. The driver is downstairs, so you can go down after eating."


    Shen Yin replied, "Great, Yan Yan, please sit down and have breakfast too."


    Yan Yan said, "You go ahead and eat. I''ll tidy up the milk powder and snacks Zhengzheng needs during the day."


    In that moment, Shen Yin realized how helpful it was to have an assistant. Being a mother was something she hadn''t experienced before, and she knew she had to continue striving to be a good one.


    Upon entering the film set, Shen Yin felt a sense of novelty. It was surprising to see how many people aspired to be actors in this era.


    "Hello, are you this young actor''s mother?"


    Shen Yin turned around and saw a woman dressed in blue, with delicate features that could instantly captivate anyone.


    "Yes, I am Zhengzheng''s mother. You can call me Shen Yin."


    "I''m Shu Yi, the actress ying Zhengzheng''s mother in the drama."


    Shu Yi looked at Shen Yin, and she found her to be perfect in both temperament and appearance. In the entertainment industry, there were few actresses who could surpass her.


    Shu Yi knew that Chang Zhiyuan, the CEO of Chongzhi Media, was pursuing her, but she hadn''t responded to his advances. Everyone knew that Chang Zhiyuan had had several ex-girlfriends. Shu Yi, being a small actress with a low status, only had her looks to rely on. She knew exactly what Chang Zhiyuan wanted from her. Moreover, she was used to her freedom and living as she pleased. If she became someone''s kept woman, she would lose everything.


    She had her own acting skills, and if there was no other way out, she would quit the entertainment industry.


    But Chang Zhiyuan told her that he wouldn''t suppress her just because she refused to be his girlfriend. On the contrary, he had been treating her exceptionally welltely, taking her out for meals and drinks and asionally visiting her on set.


    During hisst visit, she overheard the director saying that they needed a young actor to y Shu Yi''s son in the drama, but they hadn''t found a suitable one yet.


    Shu Yi felt nervous. She had been acting for several years, mostly in youth campus dramas. This historical drama, "The Legend of Yan Xi," was very important and challenging for her.


    Particrly, when the main character, Yan Xi, gave birth to a child while her husband, Jiang Yuyang, went off to war, and at that time, there was a coup in the court. There were rumors that Jiang Yuyang had died in battle, and Yan Xi had to single-handedly support their family with the child.


    The timeline of this drama was quite long, covering Yan Xi''s life from marriage to old age. Therefore, the role of Yan Xi''s son was crucial, especially during the two-year-old period. Different actors were needed for different stages of the character''s life.


    As a new mother, Yan Xi had to learn how to take care of her child, educate him, and manage a family. It was a true test of an actress''s skills.


    Chang Zhiyuan could tell that Yan Xi was feeling nervous and uneasy. Other stages of the character''s life were easier to find actors for. A newborn baby could be reced with a fake one that didn''t need to appear on screen. For the teenage years, they could select from young actors. However, finding a suitable two-year-old actor was a bit challenging.


    Chang Zhiyuan pondered for a moment and thought of his godson, who was intelligent, clever, and incredibly handsome. So he told the director and Shu Yi that he would find the actor from his childhood.


    Shu Yi carefully observed Zhengzheng and noticed that despite his young age, he was well-behaved, neither crying nor making a fuss. His appearance was also remarkably outstanding, and his attire didn''t resemble that of an ordinary child.


    Zhengzheng, too, looked at Shu Yi and became a bit shy, burying his face on Shen Yin''s shoulder. But he couldn''t resist stealing nces at Shu Yi. After a while, he removed his little hand and revealed his big eyes, sneakily watching Shu Yi.


    All these little gestures melted Shu Yi''s heart. Judging from the mother''s demeanor, it seemed that their family background must be very affluent.


    At that moment, the director approached. Chang Zhiyuan had already informed Wang Ming in advance. Wang Ming was a veteran director and highly respected in the industry.


    "So, this is the young actor. We''ll be shooting the scene in the afternoon, but let''s have lunch first," Wang Ming said to Shen Yin.


    "The costume department should prepare the costumes and props for the young actor," Wang Ming ordered the other staff members after speaking.


    The food on the set couldn''tpare to what they had at home, and Shen Yin couldn''t eat much during lunch with Zhengzheng.


    "Be good, Zhengzheng. When we go back tonight, Mommy will cook something delicious for you."

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Shen Yin started to regret not waking up early in the morning to prepare lunch for her child and bring it along.


    After finishing lunch, Yan Yan led Shen Yin and Zhengzheng into the dressing room.


    Zhengzheng had hair that was neither too long nor too short, perfectly suitable for a child''s hairstyle. His fair and tender skin didn''t require any makeup artist''s touch.


    However, there was a slight issue with the costumes. The props team had no concept of clothing sizes for a two-year-old child. Shen Yin and Yan Yan dressed Zhengzheng in the clothes, only to realize that they were quite oversized.


    Zhengzheng stood up from the chair, pping his little hands, resembling someone about to perform on stage. It seemed like the only thing missing was a theater stage.


    The members of the costume and props team also became worried. What could they do? They couldn''t grasp the sizes correctly, and it was their mistake. Considering Wang Ming''s directorial seriousness when it came to filming, he would surely criticize them.


    As if on cue, Director Wang pushed open the door of the dressing room, smiled at Shen Yin, and turned to ask about the progress of the costume team.


    "Is everything ready? If it''s ready, we can start shooting."


    The members of the costume team became nervous. One of them stammered, "I''m sorry, Director. The size of the costumes for the young actor is a bit inappropriate."


    After saying that, the entire costume team became even more anxious, standing there uneasily. The room fell into silence, with everyone waiting for Wang Ming''s scolding.


    Wang Ming turned his head to look at Zhengzheng, who was still touching his own clothes, his face full of curiosity.


    Perhaps afraid of startling Zhengzheng with his loud voice, Wang Ming didn''t react as they had expected. He simply said, "You have two hours to figure out a solution. We''ll start shooting at four o''clock sharp."


    The costume team faced another dilemma. "Director, these clothes were custom-made from an external factory. Chen Jie, who is responsible for altering the sizes, took a leave today."


    Misfortunes nevere singly.


    Upon hearing this, Wang Ming became even angrier. This was irresponsibility! He was about to reprimand them when he heard Shen Yin speak up.


    "Wang Director, how about this? I can make the modifications to the clothes. It will take about half an hour. You can focus on other things for now."


    "Is that possible?" Wang Ming was skeptical. After all, Chang Zhiyuan had already informed him. Zhengzheng was the son of the CEO of Yuan Corporation.


    And Shen Yin was the wife of the CEO. Leaving aside whether the wife of a CEO would alter clothes, he, as a director, couldn''t let her do the work for his crew.


    Shen Yin noticed Wang Ming''s concerns.


    "Don''t worry, Director. I studied costume design. It''s quite easy, and it won''t be much trouble."


    Only then did Wang Ming feel relieved. He said, "Thank you for the trouble," and left.


    The members of the costume team were immensely grateful to Shen Yin. After Wang Ming left, they busied themselves preparing things for her.


    Two men directly brought Chen Jie''s sewing machine and plugged it in front of Shen Yin.


    Others brought scissors. Some found a measuring tape.


    Yan Yan changed Zhengzheng''s clothes and handed them to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin had been holding Zhengzheng for the past couple of days, so she didn''t need to measure. She knew how to modify the sizes.


    As for the sewing machine in front of her, Shen Yin, despite having the memories of the previous owner, had never actually practiced using it. Trying something new at this time would certainly be toote.


    So, she decided to sew by hand instead. Shen Yin took apart all the threads from the clothes, which were made up of several pieces of fabric stitched together. The original patterns were already set, so all she had to do was cut each piece of fabric to the right proportions and then sew them together.


    Soon, the clothes were almost finished. Shen Yin felt that the fit of the clothes was still not aesthetically pleasing enough, so she decided to make some further adjustments. The fabric was still good, so she fixed the fit and added some small patterns to the cuffs.


    When Zhengzheng put on the clothes again, everyone present was shocked. They didn''t expect it to fit so perfectly.


    "Madam, you''re amazing. You didn''t even measure the size, yet it turned out to fit so well," Yan Yan couldn''t believe it.


    "Truly impressive, Madam. Thank you," the members of the costume team echoed.


    Yan Yan looked at her phone and reminded, "Madam, it''s time. Zhengzheng needs to go out for the shoot."


    Shen Yin picked up Zhengzheng from the chair and walked towards the door, with Yan Yan following along with all the bags.


    "Oh, you''re done. I was just about to go in and see how the alterations were going," Wang Ming approached them.


    "Yes, we''re done. You can go in, but Zhengzheng has never acted before, so please be understanding, Director," Shen Yin said calmly.


    "I understand, I understand," Wang Ming nodded, knowing that he couldn''t say much as the son of the CEO of Yuan Corporation, even if Zhengzheng caused trouble on set.


    Wang Ming led Shen Yin to a quaint room. Shen Yin saw a group of people gathered around several screens, with some racks in front.


    The previous owner''s memories had these things, and now she was witnessing how these people ran into the TV through the screens and made the show.


    "Shuyi, Zhengzheng is here," Wang Ming called out to Shu Yi.


    After finishing her makeup, Shu Yi walked over to Shen Yin and gently touched Zhengzheng''s little face, saying, "Son, Mommy is here." Then she smiled apologetically at Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin smiled back, understanding that she needed to get familiar with Zhengzheng for their rolester.


    "Who is Mommy?" Zhengzheng still looked confused. He didn''t understand why this person called Mommy had arrived and called him her son. Usually, he heard people call him son, like his godfather.


    Everyone present couldn''t help butugh at Zhengzheng''s question.


    "Zhengzheng, Mommy is another word for Mom. Later, in the show, this beautiful auntie will be your Mommy, okay? Just pretend we''re ying house," Yan Yan patiently exined.


    Zhengzheng seemed to grasp the idea but held onto Shen Yin''s arm tighter and said, "But I already have a Mommy."


    Wang Ming and the others felt awkward, not knowing how to exin this to a young child.


    Shen Yin smiled helplessly and said, "It''s just acting. I''m still your Mommy, but for this period of time, you have another Mommy in the show. Can you pretend to y along with this Mommy? Like ying make-believe?"


    Shen Yin was still afraid that Zhengzheng wouldn''t understand, so she continued, "Zhengzheng, do you have a godfather? Godfather means the same as a father, right?"


    Zhengzheng nodded.


    "Is your godfather good to you?"


    "Yes."


    "Then, can Zhengzheng consider this beautiful aunt as your godmother? She will treat you well just like your godfather. Can you listen to her and obey her?"


    "Okay! Dad said Zhengzheng is a brave little man who should listen to Mom." The two-year-old boy looked determined.


    The logic of having both a godfather and a godmother was indeed strange, but Zhengzheng firmly believed in this logic. Everyone present found it ridiculous, but fortunately, Zhengzheng had be familiar with Shu Yi, makingmunication easier.


    The first scene was Shu Yi feeding Zhengzheng.


    Wang Ming exined the scene to Shu Yi, emphasizing the need to portray Yan Xi''s patience. This patience involved slowly feeding Zhengzheng.


    Yan Xi single-handedly supported arge family and was truly busy. Despite her numerous responsibilities, she never neglected her son, Jiang Yu.


    Wang Ming, Shu Yi, and the assistant director gathered around Zhengzheng and spoke to him, teaching him what to say during the scene.


    On the table prepared by the props team, there were four dishes. Originally, considering the status and power of the Jiang family, there should have been eight dishes. However, Yan Xi reduced the number by half.


    Two dishes were props, and two were edible.


    Wang Ming asked, "Is everyone ready?"


    "We''re ready."


    "Action!"


    Zhengzheng sat on a chair, with Shu Yi sitting beside him.


    The camera was rolling.


    "Jiang Yu, shall we eat our meal obediently?"


    After Shu Yi finished speaking, she picked up a piece of green vegetable and brought it to Zhengzheng''s mouth.


    After eating it, Zhengzheng''s face showed a hint of distress. It was the most unpleasant vegetable he had ever tasted.


    But then he remembered what his mom had said about cooperating with his godmother. Well, he would endure it.


    Seeing Zhengzheng''s expression, Shu Yi couldn''t help but smile. She guessed that the little darling probably found the vegetable unappetizing.


    The vegetable was put together from a lunchbox, which was quite unfair to Zhengzheng.


    There was nothing they could do; it was acting after all, and the conditions on the set were like this.


    Shu Yi focused on the performance, looking at Jiang Yu with a smile.


    "Jiang Yu, do you not like eating green vegetables?"


    Zhengzheng nodded, practically writing his agreement on his face. Not only did he dislike eating green vegetables, but he also detested eating such unptable ones.


    "Then, Yu''er, eat another bite of the green vegetable, alright? After finishing the vegetable, we can eat the meat."


    "Mom, when will Dade back?"


    Yan Xi fell into contemtion and replied, "Dad is a man who protects the family and the country. When Yu''er grows up, Dad wille back."


    Zhengzheng nodded as if he understood but not really.


    "Then, Yu''er will also protect the family and the country in the future."


    "Click."


    The scene was over.


    Wang Ming and the assistant director were ecstatic. They had managed toplete the scene in one take.


    "Fantastic, Shu Yi! You handled the details exceptionally well!" praised Wang Ming.


    "Thank you, director."


    "Zhengzheng is amazing, such a young child, yet able to remember lines and catch Shu Yi''s scenes."


    "Yes, the pacing is also very well executed," the assistant director chimed in.


    Shen Yin walked over and lifted Zhengzheng up, while Yan Yan held a cup of water and offered it to Zhengzheng''s lips.


    "You''ve worked hard, Zhengzheng. Mommy will make some meat for you to eat when we go home tonight."


    "Okay, meat! No vegetables! Those vegetables are so difficult to eat! They taste bitter," Zhengzheng said, pointing at the greens on the table with a disgusted look on his face.


    Shen Yin took out a tissue and wiped the corners of Zhengzheng''s mouth.


    Director Wang Ming walked over.


    "Zhengzheng is truly amazing. If we continue at this pace, Zhengzheng will have a total of ten scenes, and we should be able to film another one this afternoon."


    "Alright, I''ll take Zhengzheng out for a walk. Let us know when you''re ready, and we''lle back," Shen Yin replied.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    One afternoon, Zhengzheng sessfully finished filming two scenes.


    In the evening, a driver picked up Zhengzheng and took him to the hotel.


    As soon as they entered the hotel, Shen Yin noticed that something was different from the morning. There seemed to be more hotel staff.


    25th floor, manager''s office. Xu Xiuhe received the news that Shen Yin and Zhengzheng had returned to the hotel.


    The hotel was owned by Yuan Group, and when it opened, Xu Xiuhe came once, but he hadn''t been involved since then. This time, the entire atmosphere of the hotel had changed.


    Knock, knock, knock.


    "Come in."


    "CEO, the dishes are ready downstairs." The manager received a call from Liu Assistant and learned that Xu Xiuhe wasing, so he started preparing the food.


    "I won''t go. Select a few of the best-tasting dishes and send them to Room 2001."


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t even lift his head as he replied.


    Suite 2001.


    "Zhengzheng, you''ve worked hard today. I''ve prepared something delicious for you." Shen Yin ced Xu Zhengzheng on the sofa.


    "Yan Yan, get the ingredients ready. I''lle over and cookter."


    "Wife, why don''t I do it?" Yan Yan felt that as an assistant, she should do more.


    "No need. I promised Zhengzheng that I would cook for him. You stay with him for a while."


    Yan Yan walked out of the kitchen and watched Zhengzheng y beside the sofa.


    Knock, knock, knock. Someone was at the door.


    Yan Yan was a bit suspicious and ran to the kitchen to ask Shen Yin if she should open it.


    "Open it."


    Yan Yan followed Shen Yin''s instructions and cautiously opened the door.


    "Hello, madam. This is dinner sent to you by the hotel."


    Yan Yan fully opened the door, and the waiter pushed the cart into the room and ced the dishes on the table.


    "Please enjoy." After the waiter finished speaking, he left the room.


    Shen Yin guessed that it should be the food sent by Xu Xiuhe. He probably knew that the food on the set wasn''t good.


    "Wife, what is this?" Yan Yan pointed to the dishes on the table and asked.


    "It''s fine. It should be sent by his father. I still have soup cooking in the kitchen."


    Shen Yin looked at Zhengzheng happily ying on the sofa and smiled. Then she went into the kitchen.


    Since Xu Xiuhe had sent the food, she wouldn''t cook the next dishes. A pot of soup, along with the freshly cooked tomato beef stew, and the table full of dishes sent by Xu Xiuhe were already enough. It''s better not to waste it.


    "Yan Yan, bring out the soup and dishes from inside, and also the rice you cooked earlier." After washing her hands, Shen Yin came out and picked up Zhengzheng.


    Yan Yan went into the kitchen, and Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng to the dining table. At that moment, there was another knock on the door.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s open the door first."


    As soon as the door opened, Zhengzheng pped his hands cheerfully.


    "Daddy, daddy."


    Xu Xiuhe reached out, and Zhengzheng''s hand reached for his neck.


    "Do you miss Daddy, Zhengzheng?"


    "Miss Daddy, Zhengzheng misses Daddy."


    Xu Xiuhe carried Zhengzheng into the room, and Shen Yin closed the door.


    "I had something to do over here, so I thought I''de and see you." Xu Xiuhe exined his visit to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin didn''t know how to respond. The situation was a bit awkward, but coincidentally, Yan Yan brought three bowls of rice out from the kitchen.


    "Sir, you''re here. I just finished cooking,e and eat. I have something to attend to, so I''ll step out for a moment."


    In fact, Yan Yan knewst night that Xu Xiuhe and Shu Yi wereing over.


    When she was discussing work with Xu Xiuhest night, he mentioned that he mighte over today.


    Since they''re having a family dinner, she definitely had toe out. She still had some foresight.


    "Yes, sure. Come back early," Shen Yin expressed her concern.


    Xu Xiuhe ced Zhengzheng on the chair and sat down himself.


    Shen Yin went into the kitchen and brought out the dishes and soup that Yan Yan hadn''t served yet.


    "You''ve been working hard these past few days."


    "It''s fine. Zhengzheng is also my child. It was my fault before, so there''s no hardship."


    At the dining table, it quieted down again, with only Zhengzheng eating the rice in his own bowl.


    "Daddy, Zhengzheng wants to eat meat."


    "Alright, eat meat. Has Zhengzheng been well-behaved today?"


    "Yes, Zhengzheng listened. Today, Zhengzheng''s name is Jiang Yu, and Auntie Shu is his godmother. She fed Zhengzheng vegetables, but those vegetables taste really bad. They''re so bitter."


    As the child spoke, his facial expressions matched his words.


    Xu Xiuhe looked puzzled and turned to look at Shen Yin.


    "Well, in the y, Zhengzheng''s name is Jiang Yu, and Auntie Shu is his godmother, Shu Yi. Initially, we just used the term ''godfather'' to refer to Xu Xiuhe, but it turned out he really became Zhengzheng''s godmother," Shen Yin exined.


    Xu Xiuhe smiled and said, "I see. Our Zhengzheng is really clever. Your godfather will be thrilled when he finds out."


    "Why would godfather be happy?" Zhengzheng asked in confusion.


    This question struck a chord with Shen Yin as well. Why would Chang Zhiyuan be happy when calling Shu Yi godmother?


    Zhengzheng already resembled Shen Yin, and at this moment, their facial expressions were even more simr.


    "Why? Let Daddy think about it," Xu Xiuhe deliberately kept them in suspense.


    Seeing Zhengzheng starting to get anxious, Xu Xiuhe finally spoke.


    "Because, well, your godfather likes Shu Yi. He wants Shu Yi to be your godmother."


    Shen Yin suddenly realized. So, Chang Zhiyuan had Zhengzheng act in the y to get closer to Shu Yi.


    "What does ''liking'' mean? Does Daddy like Mommy too?" Zhengzheng still had a puzzled look. There are many things that children don''t understand, such as liking, death, and faith.


    The situation became awkward again; the two adults didn''t know how to answer this question.


    "Zhengzheng, it''s like this. Liking someone is a magical thing. Zhengzheng is still young and doesn''t understand, but when Zhengzheng grows up, you''ll understand," Shen Yin broke the awkward silence.


    What is liking, Shen Yin didn''t understand either. In Dashing Dream, her skills would be infinitely amplified, so she could do so many things here: horseback riding, martial arts, cooking, brewing wine, ying musical instruments, calligraphy and painting, embroidery, traditional Chinese medicine... She wasn''t proficient in all of them, but she had a basic understanding.


    Skills are amplified infinitely. Has she mastered them all by now? She hasn''t had a chance to try yet; for now, she only changed her clothes and doesn''t need any skills.


    Shen Yin doesn''t understand what "liking someone" means, but Xu Xiuhe does. Xu Xiuhe had a first love, but he was hurt, and now he doesn''t want to like anyone anymore, nor does he have any feelings for the word "liking."


    "Zhengzheng, liking someone means wanting to be good to them, just like how Dad likes Zhengzheng."


    Zhengzheng nodded and said, "Then Zhengzheng also likes Dad and Mom."


    Shen Yin''s eyes became moist. Children are really innocent. If you treat them well, they will like you, even if you''ve hurt them before.


    "Mom also really, really likes Zhengzheng."


    Xu Xiuhe doubted this statement. Can a person really change so much?


    Oh well, as long as she doesn''t hurt Zhengzheng, everything is fine.


    After dinner, Xu Xiuhe left because there were still many things waiting for him at work.


    Before leaving, he wanted to say something to Shen Yin, but ultimately couldn''t bring himself to.


    "Hello, I''m Xu Xiuhe."


    "Hello, is there something wrong with Shen Yin since you called me sote?" Ji Qingyan had juste out of the bathroom when she received Xu Xiuhe''s call.


    "Shen Yin is doing well. There''s nothing wrong. I just don''t understand how someone can undergo such a big change in just half a month."


    "Mr. Xu, your concern is understandable. Shen Yin has indeed undergone a significant transformation. From my perspective, she has recovered remarkably well. Healing a troubled heart requires the touch of another heart. She has managed toe out on her own, which is not easy. You should consider her as a changed person, reborn. Perhaps, it''s time for you to get to know her again."


    Ji Qingyan has encountered many patients, but very few recover as quickly as Shen Yin. In her conversations with Shen Yin, she noticed a significant difference since her improvement. She couldn''tprehend such a thing and could only consider it as aplete recovery. The world is full of unsolved mysteries. Perhaps, she has another personality.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    The third scene of the vibrant y was filmed outdoors.


    Shen Yin woke up early and received a message in a group chat.


    Zhengzheng was still asleep. In the kitchen, Shen Yin was alone, simultaneously tending to several pots.


    "If only I coulde back by noon," Shen Yin sighed.


    In April, the weather could be described as hot, where one would feel warm even in short sleeves and shorts, or cold enough torequire a coat and autumn trousers at times.


    When Shen Yin woke up in the morning, she felt that today''s weather was hot. She checked her phone and saw that the temperature would reach a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius.


    Fortunately, Shen Yin had brought some summer clothes when she came. This era was quite nice, with ice and air conditioning tobat the heat, allowing her to wear shorts and short sleeves.


    Shen Yin prepared breakfast and ced it on the table: preserved egg and lean meat congee, a serving of egg custard, steamed dumplings with chicken and mushrooms. She didn''t have time to make more.


    While thinking about preparing lunch, she also considered the hot weather. She wondered if the food would spoil if they ate it at noon.


    The phone on the nearby table rang, disying "Shen Lv" on the screen.


    "Hello, what''s up?" Shen Yin answered.


    "Yinyin, today is the day for your follow-up check-up," Shen Lv said.


    "Brother, the doctor already said that I''ve recovered, and besides, I''m not in Rongcheng right now."


    Shen Lv grew suspicious. "You''re not at home? Then where are you?"


    Shen Lv was genuinely afraid that Shen Yin would do something abnormal. From the time Shen Yin got married until now, he thought he knew her well. She had no friends and rarely left the house. It was surprising that she wasn''t at home today.


    Shen Yin replied calmly, "I''m at the film and television studio near Rongcheng. Zhengzheng is filming here."


    Shen Lv was greatly shocked. "Filming? How could my nephew be filming? What''s the situation with Xu Xiuhe?"


    "He''s just helping his friend out. It''ll only be for a few days. I''ll hang up now; I have to go to the set."


    After Shen Yin finished speaking, she didn''t wait for Shen Lv''s reply and ended the call.


    Shen Lv couldn''t sit still. He had heard from Ji Qingyan that Shen Yin''s condition had improved, and she could even be considered mostly recovered. Today, he wanted to take Shen Yin for a check-up to confirm it again. He also wanted to see Ji Qingyan.


    Since Shen Yin wasn''t at home, he would go by himself. He was always the kind of person who did whatever he thought of. Shen''s father and Shen''s mother had worried about him a lot, but fortunately, although he seemed unconventional and unreliable, he was still responsible when it came to work.


    Shen Lv put his phone in his pants pocket and grabbed his jacket before heading downstairs.


    Shen''s father was sitting on the sofa in the living room, reading the newspaper. He nced up and saw Shen Lving down from upstairs.


    Shen''s father adjusted his sses and asked, "It''s the weekend today. Why are you up so early?"


    Shen''s mother came out of the kitchen. "Today is the day for Shen Yin to see the doctor. But why did you wake up so early? It''s been a year or two since youst went."


    Shen Lv felt wronged. "Is it because I didn''t take her before? You both know what her attitude has been toward the three of us. After getting married, has she evere back? Is she willing to see us? Thest time I went was because the driver took a day off."


    Shen''s father and Shen''s mother remained silent.


    Shen Lv realized that her words were heavy, then continued, "The doctor saidst time that she has made significant progress and is basically cured. She is currently apanying Zhengzheng in the film and television city shooting!"


    "Ah, Shen Lv, it''s been so long, why haven''t you mentioned it before? Has your sister really improved?" Shen''s Mother held Shen Lv''s arm.


    Shen''s Father had been watching Shen Lv attentively. "She''s in the film and television city now, what do you want to do?"


    "I''ll go find her doctor first and talk to her." Shen Lv put on her coat.


    "Great, we''ll go too. It''s a good opportunity to thank the doctor and then visit your sister at the film and television city." Shen''s Father put down the newspaper.


    Shen Lv looked hesitant. "Is it appropriate?"


    "Why not? If you go, can''t your mother and I go? Is the doctor a young girl around your age?" Shen''s Father looked inquisitive.


    Shen''s Father knew Shen Lv very well, not at all reluctant to apany her. Luckily, he had a sense of propriety, or else he would have prevented Shen Lv from leaving the house.


    "Alright, as your father said,e over for dinner first." Shen''s Mother couldn''t wait.


    At 9 o''clock, on the 48th floor, Shen Lv knocked on Ji Qingyan''s office door.


    "Come in." Ji Qingyan looked up.


    "Dr. Ji, we meet again." Shen Lv greeted with a smile.


    "Mr. Shen, it''s you. Shen Yin didn''te today, right?" Although it was a question, Ji Qingyan''s tone was firm.


    "Doctor, hello. I''m Shen Yin''s mother. I want to ask, is my daughter really almost cured?" Shen''s Mother walked up to Shen Lv.


    "Auntie, please have a seat." Ji Qingyan saw a man around 50 years old behind Shen Lv and got up to bring a chair.


    "Auntie, Uncle, Shen Yin''s illness is a mental one. When a mental illness persists for a long time, it will affect the nerves and gradually be psychologically distorted. Anxiety disorder and depression may also ur, which could harm others or even lead to suicide."


    Shen''s Mother looked a bit scared and nced at Shen''s Father.


    "Doctor, please continue." Shen''s Father remained rtively calm.


    "Shen Yin''s condition is rtively rare, but I could tell from our conversations that she longs for a normal life. May I ask a question?"


    "Go ahead."


    "How is Zhou Man doing now?"


    Shen''s Father and Shen''s Mother looked at each other. Shen''s Father said, "It was me who forced Shen Yin to get married. Three years ago, Shen Yin was still young, only 21 years old, and couldn''t distinguish between good and bad people. Not to mention, I''m old and conservative, I couldn''t ept that she liked women. Can she distinguish between good and bad people?"


    Shen''s Mother continued, "This girl named Zhou Man is someone Yin Yin (Shen Yin) met online during her high school years. Yin Yin is a bright student who could have attended any prestigious university in China. However, during her senior year, she suddenly expressed her desire to study abroad. Her father and I disagreed because she had never traveled far from home before, so naturally, we were concerned. But Shen Yin was adamant. She said that if we didn''t agree, she wouldn''t go to school at all. Her brother tried to persuade her, but it was in vain. Eventually, we sent her abroad, and we would visit her regrly because we worried that she wouldn''t have enough money. Every month, we would send her one million yuan for her living expenses.


    Then one time when we went to visit her, we met Zhou Man. Yin Yin introduced her as her friend from high school who had gone abroad a year earlier. Her father and I assumed that Yin Yin wanted to study abroad because she had friends studying abroad, so we didn''t ask too many questions. Butter, this Zhou Man person messaged us, saying that she and Shen Yin were together and if we wanted her to leave Shen Yin, we had to give her 20 million yuan. It was clear that she didn''t really like our Yin Yin; she was just after the money. I don''t know what methods she used to deceive Yin Yin into falling for her." Shen''s Mother''s expression was filled with anguish as she spoke.


    Shen Lv couldn''t stand by and watch any longer and interjected, "Let me exin. We did transfer the 20 million yuan to her. But she told Yin Yin that we forced her to leave and even gave her 20 million yuan as a breakup fee. Yin Yin came back and caused a scene. Coincidentally, at that time, my father was in talks with Xu Xiuhe for a business coboration and thought Xu Xiuhe was quite good, so he forced Shen Yin to marry him."


    Ji Qingyan listened quietly to the whole story. Based on Shen Yin''s ount, it was Shen''s Father and Shen''s Mother who forced Zhou Man to leave and forced her to marry Xu Xiuhe.


    "So, what happened to Zhou Manter?" Ji Qingyan asked.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    "Afterwards, after Shen Yin got married, Zhou Man tried to contact her, but I took all of Shen Yin''s contact information. Shen Yin and her have had no contact since then," exined Shen Lv.


    After thinking for a few seconds, Ji Qingyan said, "Do you remember a few months ago when Shen Yin suddenly became irritable and even abused the child? I think it might be rted to Zhou Man. Is it possible that Shen Yin still has some connection with Zhou Man or knows about her situation?"


    Shen Lv was a little annoyed. "Zhou Man got married a year ago. She married Guo Wei, the CEO of Peicheng Guo Group."


    "In that case, let''s not bring up anything about Zhou Man for now. Shen Yin is mostly recovered, so you can try tomunicate with her and see what her attitude towards you is like. But be careful not to upset her," Ji Qingyan said in a serious tone.


    "Alright, thank you, doctor," Shen''s mother nodded and thanked her.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Lv smiled and said to Ji Qingyan with narrowed eyes, "You''ve worked hard. We''ll go and see Shen Yin today, and she''lle over another day to thank you properly." He even winked.


    In the car, Shen''s father and mother sat in the back seat, while Shen Lv drove. Shen''s father said, "Shen Lv, Dr. Ji is a good girl. She treated your sister''s illness. If you have any thoughts of ying around, get rid of them. You''re all grown up now, and your sister even has a child. As for you, if things don''t work out, consider a marriage of convenience."


    "Okay, okay, Dad, I understand. I''m not that interested in Ji Qingyan," Shen Lv replied.


    Upon hearing this, Shen''s mother immediately perked up. "Not interested? Are you serious? Let me tell you, that girl is more than suitable for you. She''s beautiful, she has a good job. By the way, does she have a partner? Is she married? Where is she from?"


    Shen''s mother bombarded Shen Lv with several questions, leaving him at a loss. He realized that he didn''t know much about Ji Qingyan, except that she was good-looking and a psychiatrist.


    In the film and television city, under the studio, Shen Yin was watching Xu Yunzheng drink water. After Shen Lv called in the morning, she felt it was hot, and if she brought lunch, it might not stay fresh until noon. So she prepared a big bottle of cooling tea. If it was too hot, they probably wouldn''t feel hungry.


    "Yunzheng, after one more scene, we''ll be done. What do you want to eat for lunch?"


    Xu Yunzheng held his water cup and looked up. "I want to eat ice cream."


    Shen Yin took out a tissue from her pocket and wiped the sweat off Xu Yunzheng''s forehead. She felt a little distressed. "Okay, after shooting, let''s go buy ice cream. You''ve gotten so tanned. You''ve really worked hard, Yunzheng."


    This scene happened to be seen by Shen Lv, Shen''s father, and Shen''s mother, who came to visit the set. Without seeing it with their own eyes, they wouldn''t have believed that the gentle girl in front of them was Shen Yin.


    Shen Lv was about to go over, but Shen''s mother stopped him. "Why are you in such a hurry? Let''s find a ce and watch them from there."


    Shen''s father looked around and said, "There''s a room over there with no one in it. Let''s go in. We''ll have a good view of Yunzheng filming."


    Director Wang approached Zheng Zheng and said, "Little one, are you ready? The next scene is a bit challenging."


    "I''m ready," Zheng Zheng replied confidently.


    "Great. Is everyone in position? In this scene, Yan Xi is teaching martial arts to Jiang Yu, who is only two years old. Yan Xi has both a caring side and a strict side. The strict side is because Yan Xi wants Jiang Yu to be able to protect himself and not be bullied, so she found him a master even at such a young age. Chen Yang, you will y the role of Jiang Yu''s master. Are you ready?"


    "Director, I''m ready."


    "Scene four, action."


    Shen Yin watched quietly from under the studio, Chen Yang''s tone was a bit harsh, and Zheng Zheng became afraid, ncing at Shen Yin from time to time.


    "Zheng Zheng, when you''re scared, look at Shu Yi, that is your godmother. Remember, we are acting, this is not real, understood?" Director Wang tried to soften his tone.


    The scene resumed, and Chen Yang remained somewhat harsh. Shu Yi stood behind Zheng Zheng, and this time Zheng Zheng remembered what Director Wang had said: when he''s scared, he should look at his godmother.


    Chen Yang instructed Zheng Zheng to stand firmly with a strong posture. His voice was loud, and Zheng Zheng looked a bit aggrieved as he turned to look at Shu Yi, who showed no intention of stopping him, tears welling up in his eyes.


    Everyone present couldn''t help but feel sorry for him. That tender little face, with an expression of both grievance and determination, truly immersed people in the scene.


    "Jiang Yu, focus. You are a young man, you mustn''t shed tears," Shu Yi said with a pained expression, but she had to say those harsh words.


    In order to capture the martial arts scenes more precisely, the director arranged several different shots.


    However, Zheng Zheng was too young. He could barely run and was unsteady on his feet, let alone assume a horse stance, so they had to cancel those shots.


    "Cut! The morning session is over. Zheng Zheng and Shu Yi did really well, very few NGs. It''s rare!" Director Wang''s shout of "Cut!" made Shen Yin feel relieved. She was afraid that if she continued watching Zheng Zheng''s expression, she wouldn''t be able to resist rushing over and hugging him.


    "Mama." Zheng Zheng stood in ce and looked at Shen Yin, extending his arms, gesturing for a hug.


    Shen Yin rushed over and embraced him, patting his head. "It''s over now. Zheng Zheng, you were amazing, a real young man who didn''t shed any tears."


    Because it was hot, Shen Yin was worried that Zheng Zheng might be ufortable, so she carried him to a spot under the studio. "Yan Yan, get me a cup of water."


    Shen Yin received the cup of water and opened the lid. Zheng Zheng must have been thirsty too, as he drank it down with gulps.


    "Slow down, don''t choke. Yan Yan, hold the bag. Let''s go change Zheng Zheng''s clothes first. If we''re having lunch, let''s contact the driver and go back to the hotel."


    Shen Yin changed Zheng Zheng''s clothes: a white short-sleeved shirt with a small bear on the back, ck pants, and he switched from the cloth shoes he wore during filming to little sandals. Zheng Zheng had fair skin, big eyes, a nose like Shen Yin''s, and eyes like Xu Xiuhan''s. He could be cute and handsome at the same time.


    As Shen Yin stepped out, she encountered Shen Lv, Shen''s Father, and Shen''s Mother.


    Ever since Shen Yin married, Shen''s Mother and Shen''s Father had not seen her. Firstly, Shen Yin refused to meet them, and secondly, they knew that Shen Yin resented them.


    Shen''s Mother cautiously asked, "Are you finished with the shoot?" Shen Lv and Shen''s Father observed Shen Yin''s expression, afraid that she would get angry.


    Knowing Shen Yin''s attitude towards them, she wouldn''t willingly greet them warmly. Nevertheless, she couldn''t be too distant either, considering the original host''s treatment of them, and now she was almost fully recovered. So she replied calmly, "Yes, it ended this morning."


    Only after she answered did the three people in front of her rx, and the tension between them finally eased.


    "Shen Yin, I just made a reservation at a restaurant. Let''s go eat together," Shen Lv tentatively asked.


    Coincidentally, Shen Yin was worried about going back to the hotel. If she were to cook again, she might not have enough time. Besides, her parents and brother were inviting her for a meal. How could she be overly coy?


    "Yan Yan, are you going back or staying on the set for lunch, or will youe eat with us?" Shen Yin asked.


    Yan Yan was perceptive. Since Shen''s family was going out to eat, she didn''t need to join in the fun. "Madam, I''ll stay on the set. You don''t need to worry about me."


    Shen Lv instantly understood that Shen Yin had agreed to his suggestion. "Great, I''ll go bring the car over."


    Shen''s Father and Shen''s Mother were also pleased. Finally, they could have a meal together as a family. "Is this little one Xu Yunzheng? Come, let Grandma hold you."


    Xu Yunzheng didn''t recognize Fang Yue, so naturally, he didn''t dare let her hold him.


    After the original host got married, not only did she avoid Shen ZhengTian and Fang Yue, but she also prevented Xu Yunzheng from seeing them, even though she disliked him.


    Fang Yue extended her hand, slightly hopeful.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    "Zhengzheng, this is grandma, mommy''s mommy," Shen Yin said gently.


    "Grandma?" Zhengzheng was puzzled, he seemed to have never heard this word before.


    Fang Yue was anxious, "Zhengzheng, I am grandma, your mommy''s mommy. Can I hug you? Grandma just wants to hug you."


    Zhengzheng stretched out his arms, Fang Yue hugged him, with a satisfied expression on her face. Shen Tianzheng was anxious beside them, he also wanted to hug Zhengzheng.


    "Come here, let me hug you too, Zhengzheng, I am grandpa." Shen Tianzheng reached out.


    "Why are you in such a hurry?" Fang Yue hugged Zhengzheng and turned around to reject Shen Tianzheng. "I just got to hug him, don''t rush, let me hug him first."


    But Shen Yin felt that Shen Tianzheng and Fang Yue were quite good. If it wasn''t for the original host choosing the wrong path herself and falling for the wrong person, she would have been very happy.


    The car arrived, Shen Lv parked the car and got off to open the rear door, "You and Zhengzheng and mom should sit in the back."


    Shen Tianzheng had no choice but to sit in the front passenger seat.


    The restaurant was not far, just a 10 minutes drive. Fang Yue was busy getting close with her grandson.


    "Zhengzheng, call grandma," Fang Yue had a big smile on her face.


    Sitting in the front passenger seat, Shen Tianzheng saw Fang Yue''s smile from the rearview mirror, and the corners of his mouth also curled up. In the past two years, Fang Yue hadined about him a lot because of Shen Yin''s situation. Moments of happiness like this were few and far between.


    They arrived at the restaurant at dinner time. After parking the car, Shen Lv opened the rear door. Fang Yue was still reluctant to let go of Zhengzheng, "Zhengzheng, grandma ordered so many dishes, what do you want to eat?"


    "I love to eat meat," Zhengzheng said.


    "You little glutton," Fang Yue gently poked Zhengzheng''s nose with her finger.


    Sure enough, when people got old, they really liked little kids. When Fang Yue gave birth to Shen Lv and Shen Yin, she didn''t feel kids were so cute and well-behaved. Shen Tianzheng felt the same way too. "A Yue, let me hold him for a bit."


    Fang Yue said unhappily, "Wait for your turn, Zhengzheng is having fun ying with me now."


    The server led the five people to a small private room. Shen Tianzheng kept actively talking to Shen Yin, with a tone of guilt.


    Shen Yin also felt it was about time to move on. She thought Shen Tianzheng was decent, much better than her own father, who wanted her to marry a 37-year-old prince. Inparison, marrying Xu Xiuhe with Shen Tianzheng''s consent made him seem like a good father.


    "Dad, you don''t have to be like this. I was immature in the past."


    Shen Tianzheng froze for a moment, then said excitedly, "Yin Yin, you finally forgave me, you finally called me dad."


    "Dad, it was my fault, I''m sorry, let''s let bygones be bygones."


    Yes, Shen Yin''s life was really good now. She was a CEO''s wife, although she rarely interacted with Xu Xiuhe, Xu Xiuhe always treated her well, and she had such a cute and handsome son. She didn''t die from drowning, which was a win by itself, not to mention the advanced technology and improved status of women in this modern era. How wonderful was that? What more could she ask for?


    "Yin Yin, dad was too impulsive in the past, but I absolutely didn''t intend to harm you. Zhou Man, she..."


    Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the fake coughs from Shen Lv and Fang Yue. Shen Lv and Fang Yue desperately signaled Shen Tianzheng with their eyes.


    Zhengzheng was attracted by Fang Yue''s coughing. "Grandma, why do you keep blinking?"


    Only then did Shen Tianzheng realize he was being indiscreet and forgot Doctor Qingyan''s warning to not stimte her.


    "Nevermind, let''s let bygones be bygones. Come on, let''s eat." Shen Tianzheng changed the topic.


    At the mention of Zhou Man, Shen Yin became interested. But eating was more important, so she decided to look for a chance to ask about itter.


    Shen Tianzheng and Fang Yuepeted to feed Zhengzheng. Shen Lv also asked Zhengzheng to call him uncle from time to time. Shen Yin didn''t get a chance to cut in at all. She lowered her head to focus on her own food while the three people across the table, although busy feeding and coaxing Zhengzheng, still kept sneaking nces at Shen Yin to observe her state.


    "I''m almost done eating. Can I ask some questions?" Shen Yin put down her chopsticks.


    The three people across from her immediately became apprehensive. "Ask whatever you want."


    "Dad, you didn''t finish just now. What happened to Zhou Man?"


    The three of them exchanged nces, both nervous and afraid. They were afraid of stimting Shen Yin and didn''t know how to answer. Finally, Shen Tianzheng spoke.


    "Zhou Man, she never liked you at all. She was just trying to scam money from you."


    This answer waspletely unexpected for Shen Yin. There was no such information about Zhou Man scamming her in the original host''s memories.


    "What do you mean? Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"


    "Yin Yin, we told you before, advising you two to break up. Not only because your dad felt embarrassed that you were a lesbian, but also because she didn''t really like you, she just wanted to scam money from you."


    "Didn''t you give her money to make her leave me?" In the original host''s memories, that was indeed what happened. Zhou Man told Shen Yin that her parents gave her 20 million to leave Shen Yin.


    This was getting moreplicated. Shen Yin thought for a moment then said, "When did you tell me this?"


    "When Zhou Man came to us asking for money, 20 million, and she would leave you."


    Shen Yin sorted through the memories. After Zhou Man told Shen Yin that Shen''s parents forced her to leave Shen Yin, Shen Yin cut off contact with her parents - no replies, no picking up calls, and even got very angry, simply throwing her phone to Zhou Man.


    "But I didn''t answer your calls. I was angry then, annoyed that you kept calling me, so I threw the phone to Zhou Man." The original host had to exin what she did.


    "So this was all a misunderstanding? This misunderstanding caused Yin Yin to suffer so much and resent us for so many years." Shen Lv said.


    "Now that you''ve mentioned Zhou Man, there''s another thing. Why did your condition get worse a few months ago, even abusing Zhengzheng?" Shen Lv hadn''t forgotten what Doctor Qingyan said.


    Shen Yin thought about it. The original host''s condition worsened because she received a message that roughly said Zhou Man was not doing well in France, and as long as she agreed to remove Zhengzheng, Zhou Man could take her away to start a new life together.


    Thinking back now, the sender of the message was Yang Cui, wanting her son Xu Zhengyang to obtain the heir position in the Xu Corporation.


    "It was Yang Cui who sent me the message, saying she could let me run away with Zhou Man if I removed Zhengzheng." Shen Yin truthfully recounted.


    Shen Lv asked, "Who is Yang Cui?"

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    "Yang Cui is Xu Xiuhe''s stepmother. She came to see me a few days ago, still wanting me to harm Zhengzheng," Shen Yin said.


    "What? Does Xu Xiuhe know about this?" Shen Lv was a bit angry. Who does Yang Cui think she is? Does she think she can bully the Shen family? Although the Shen family was not as powerful as the Xu''s Enterprise in the past, they have gained some recognition in Rong City. Moreover, the Xu''s Enterprise is not only strong because of its long history, but also because of the dowry that Sun Wenting, Xu Guimin''s father and Xu Xiuhe''s mother, brought when they got married.


    Shen''s mother was also furious. She knew Sun Wenting, who was a gentle and kind woman. Who knew that she had left nearly 20 years ago?


    "Shen Lv, investigate this matter further. Find out why Yang Cui knows about Zhou Man, and if necessary, inform Xu Xiuhe," Shen''s father said sternly.


    "Shen Yin, there''s something else you need to know," Shen''s father continued.


    Shen Yin became interested. Is there something she doesn''t know?


    Shen''s father noticed Shen Yin''s expression and said, "Zhou Man got married too, a year after you got married. She married Guo Wei, the president of Peicheng Group, who is even older than me."


    Hmm, thispletely left Shen Yin speechless. It was even more outrageous than in Dasheng, where her stepmother forced her to marry a 37-year-old man. In Dasheng, it''s not umon for older men to have younger wives. Many men in their 50s have 18-year-old mistresses, but can it bepared? Dasheng men have multiple wives and concubines.


    Suddenly, Shen Yin realized something, "So you mean Yang Cui was deceiving me?"


    The other three remained silent. They had almost finished eating.


    Considering that Zhengzheng still had to continue filming in the afternoon, Shen Lv decided to take him and Shen Yin to the set.


    Although Shen Tianzheng and Fang Yue were upset by Yang Cui and Zhou Man, they couldn''t resist the genuine happiness in their hearts because, finally, their Yin Yin was willing to see them and had returned to normal.


    After Shen Yin and Zhengzheng arrived at the set, the Shen family of three had to leave. They had met, and now they could rest assured.


    Before leaving, Fang Yue reminded, "Yinyin, take care of Zhengzheng, don''t tire yourself out. Come home when you''re done with your busy schedule, alright?"


    At that moment, Shen Yin felt the love of a mother. "Alright, Mom, don''t worry. Zhengzheng''s scenes will probably be finished by tomorrow night. He won''t be too tired."


    "Then let''s go," Shen Lv said as he started the car.


    On the way, Fang Yue still felt a bit unsatisfied and suggesteding again tomorrow. But Shen Lv immediately rejected, "No, no, there''s always another day."


    Fang Yue nced at Shen Lv, unwilling to give up. "Fine, then be more careful and investigate Yang Cui."


    Zhengzheng sessfully finished filming two scenes in the afternoon, and Wang Ming was very satisfied with him. Wang Ming, who was usually very serious as a director, was now coaxing a 2-year-old child.


    Just as they finished work, Wang Ming''s phone in his pocket rang. He opened it and saw "Chang Zhiyuan" disyed on the screen.


    Chang Zhiyuan was an investor and had coborated with Wang Ming several times. They were also considered friends.


    "Wang director, finished work?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    Wang Ming smiled and said, "Well, there''s nothing that doesn''t bring you to my doorstep. So, what''s the matter with the phone call reaching me?"


    "Haha, Director Wang, you truly live up to your reputation. I wanted to ask how my godson Zhengzheng is doing?"


    Wang Ming found it hard to believe. "You''re only asking about Zhengzheng? What about the others?"


    Chang Zhiyuan felt guilty. "Who? How did you figure it out?"


    "When I mentioned Shu Yi''s performance, you acted unnatural and even helped find actors. You were never that kind before, asionally dropping by the set. I''m not stupid, I could definitely tell. Your true intentions were revealed when we were casting for the female lead. You mentioned Shu Yi, but there are other actresses like Zhang Dai and Mei Shasha who are equally talented. Fortunately, Shu Yi''s acting skills are pretty good."


    Chang Zhiyuan stopped trying to justify himself. "Now that you know, I won''t hide it anymore. I''m pursuing her, but I haven''t seeded yet. Can you help me out?"


    Wang Ming couldn''t help butugh heartily. He never imagined that Chang Zhiyuan hadn''t won over the person he was pursuing, especially when she worked for their ownpany. "Oh, Chang, I can''t help but mock you for this. Hahaha!"


    Although it was meant as a joke, Chang Zhiyuan couldn''t ept it. "Who says I can''t win her over? I''ll go to the set tomorrow."


    "Alright, alright. Just make sure you don''t disrupt my filming schedule."


    A man''spetitive spirit isn''t just for show. There are plenty of women who want to be with him, but this is the first time someone has rejected him. It''s already embarrassing enough, and now he''s been mocked by Wang Ming. It leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.


    Chang Zhiyuan had to find someone to vent about this incident, so he got in his car and headed to Xue Jingrui''s house.


    Xu Xiuhe, Xue Jingrui, and Chang Zhiyuan have been friends since childhood. Any one of them is considered influential in Rong City. Xue Jingruies from an extraordinary background and lives in a residentialpound.


    Chang Zhiyuan easily entered thepound and parked his car near Xue Jingrui''s house. He took out his phone and called Xue Jingrui.


    "Come downstairs. I''m waiting for you at your doorstep."


    Without giving Xue Jingrui a chance to respond, Chang Zhiyuan hung up the phone.


    Xue Jingrui was used to Chang Zhiyuan''s domineering attitude. He changed his clothes and went downstairs.


    Leaning against the car, Chang Zhiyuan watched Xue Jingrui approach and nced at his watch. "Jingrui, you actually took five minutes. Slower thanst time."


    Xue Jingrui ignored hisment and asked, "So, what do you want?"


    "Let''s go to Qingfeng Mingyue."


    Xue Jingrui got into the car, and they sped away from the residentialpound.


    Qingfeng Mingyue is an entertainment club owned by Xu Xiuhe. It is located on Rongguang Avenue, the most prosperous street in Rong City. It covers an area equivalent to three football fields and offers a wide range of amenities.


    The first and second floors are restaurants, the third floor is a venue for evening events, and from the fourth floor upwards, there are private rooms, karaoke, and a hotel on the tenth floor and above.


    "Did you inform Xiuhe?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "Not yet. He''s probably still at work. You can call him," Chang Zhiyuan replied.


    Xue Jingrui picked up his phone and dialed Xu Xiuhe''s number.


    "Hey, are you off work? Chang Zhiyuan set up a meeting at the usual ce."


    "Okay, I''ll head over after work."


    A golden sports car drove along the road, attracting many onlookers who even stopped to watch.


    Chang Zhiyuan was used to this kind of attention. They say wealth should be low-key, but he almost wore a sign saying "I''m rich" on his face.


    "I heard Qi Yan came back yesterday," Xue Jingrui said.


    "We''re in for some drama. Qi Yan probably still has feelings for Xu Xiuhe. Guess what her reaction would be when she finds out Xu Xiuhe is married and even has a child."


    Xue Jingrui remained silent. He also wondered what Qi Yan''s reaction would be, and this time, would she finally notice him?


    The car reached Rongguang Avenue, not far from Xu Xiuhe''spany. It was not only bustling but also a paradise for the wealthy, with luxury cars and designer brands everywhere.


    The car turned onto an underground parking lot on Qingfeng Mingyue Street. Xue Jingrui and Chang Zhiyuan took the elevator to the 10th floor.


    Inside the VIP room, there were genuine leather sofas and a table filled with various fruits and nuts. The liquor shelf was stocked with famous brands.


    Chang Zhiyuan reclined on the leather sofa and took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, just about to light one.


    Xue Jingrui reminded him, "Put it out quickly. Xu Xiuhe will be here soon, and he''ll scold you again."


    Upon hearing this, Chang Zhiyuan extinguished the cigarette. Xue Jingrui handed him a golden ashtray in front of him, and Chang Zhiyuan threw the whole cigarette into it.


    Initially, the three of them used to smoke, with Xue Jingrui being the only non-smoker. Xu Xiuhe used to smoke as a habit, and Chang Zhiyuan had the strongest addiction.


    Since Xu Xiuhe got married and Shen Yin became pregnant, Chang Zhiyuan had reduced his smoking. Later, when Zhengzheng was born, he quit smoking altogether, fearing the smell would bother the child. Because both Xue Jingrui and Xu Xiuhe didn''t smoke anymore, often citing the reason of having a child in the house and not wanting the smell of smoke, they didn''t let Chang Zhiyuan smoke. Gradually, Chang Zhiyuan lost his craving for cigarettes and now only smoked asionally.


    Not smoking, Chang Zhiyuan was restless. He picked up an orange from the table, peeled it, and handed half of it to Xue Jingrui.


    Coincidentally, at that moment, Xu Xiuhe walked in and teasingly said, "What''s this? You''re peeling it for him, but not for me."


    Chang Zhiyuan burst intoughter. "Here, here, here. I treat everyone equally." After saying that, he handed his half of the orange to Xu Xiuhe and picked up a strawberry nearby.


    "Who set up this meeting?" Xu Xiuhe asked after sitting down, eating the orange.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    Chang Zhiyuan said, "I''m the one with the most free time every day, so I''ll do it."


    Chang Zhiyuanes from the Chang family conglomerate, where his sister is in charge. He, on the other hand, started his own mediapany, which has been growing bigger and bigger. He no longer takes care of trivial matters and delegates them to his subordinates, focusing only on making decisions and signing documents.


    "I called Wang Ming today, and he mocked me," Chang Zhiyuan shared his experience.


    Xue Jingrui was speechless. "Who is Wang Ming? Is it such a big deal?"


    Xu Xiuhe chimed in, "Wang Ming is a director who has been doing very well recently. Zhengzheng is currently filming in his crew."


    "What? Zhengzheng is acting? How old is he? Can he handle the hardships of a film crew? How can you, as his father, be at ease with such a young child? Who is taking care of him now?" Xue Jingrui was astonished and bombarded them with a series of questions.


    Xu Xiuhe no longer wanted to exin the matter. He didn''t expect it to turn out like this, so he pointed at Chang Zhiyuan and said, "Ask him."


    "Well, here''s the thing. I''ve recently developed feelings for an actress in ourpany, Shu Yi. The character she ys in the drama is in need of a son, so I thought about making my godson, who would also be my son. I discussed it with Xiuhe, but he wanted to refuse, so I went to talk to Shen Yin. Guess what? Shen Yin agreed. Hahaha," Chang Zhiyuan exined, purposely leaving a suspenseful pause.


    "What''s the situation with Shen Yin? So many things have happened recently that I''m unaware of," Xue Jingrui, now as curious as can be, knew nothing about the recent events.


    The outsiders don''t know what happened with Shen Yin before, but Xue Jingrui and Chang Zhiyuan, as Xu Xiuhe''s best friends, are aware.


    There were rumors that Xu Xiuhe was going to marry Shen Yin, but she was so unattractive that she never showed herself. Even Xu Xiuhe''s employees at his ownpany had never seen her. The outside world was even unaware that Xu Xiuhe already had a child.


    "Shen Yin suddenly improved some time ago. She went to see a doctor, who said she was basically cured. She''s different nowpared to before, as if she''s be a different person. The doctor said it might have been due to previous psychological issues that made her abnormal, but now she''s normal."


    "So, is Shen Yin taking care of Zhengzheng now?" Xue Jingrui asked further.


    The moment Chang Zhiyuan thought of Shen Yin, he thought of food, so he immediately answered, "Yes, Shen Yin is taking care of him, and she cooks amazingly delicious meals. It''s truly incredible,parable to a five-star chef."


    "Didn''t Xiuhe consider getting a divorce earlier? I suppose he won''t now?" Xue Jingrui''s tone was somewhat probing.


    Xu Xiuhe replied, "Hmm, no, he won''t. She treats Zhengzheng well now, after all, she''s his biological mother."


    Chang Zhiyuan and Xue Jingrui understood that the stepmother had caused quite a bit of harm to Xu Xiuhe and expressed their understanding.


    Xue Jingrui pondered for a moment and finally revealed what he wanted to say, "Qi Yan has returned."


    Xu Xiuhe remained silent, and Chang Zhiyuan quickly intervened to smooth things over, "She''s just back, that''s all. She was the one who insisted on leaving in the first ce. Xiuhe did try to persuade her to stay, but now he probably doesn''t have any feelings left for her."


    Xu Xiuhe had a romantic rtionship with Qi Yan. Qi Yan developed feelings for Xu Xiuhe during their high school years, and after the college entrance examination, she confessed her feelings to him. At first, Xu Xiuhe didn''t pay much attention to the young girl''s beauty, but she turned out to be quite persistent. She even applied to the university right next to Xu Xiuhe''s. She pursued Xu Xiuhe for an entire summer, and finally, they became a couple.


    During their college years, Xu Xiuhe attended the best university in the country, Huada, where he studied finance. Qi Yan, on the other hand, went to Huawai and had the opportunity to study abroad in her sophomore year. Without consulting Xu Xiuhe, she went abroad. When Xu Xiuhe managed to catch up to her in the foreign country, he asked her why she didn''t inform him.


    Qi Yan''s response at the time was, "Even if I had told you, I would still have gone abroad. The oue would have been the same. It''s better this way." However, Xu Xiuhe knew the real reason. Since he had cut off ties with his family during his university years and rented a house to live on his own, he faced financial difficulties. He could sense that Qi Yan didn''t seem as fond of him as before.


    So he asked Qi Yan what they should do next.


    Qi Yan replied, "If you think we can continue, then let''s continue. If not, let''s break up."


    At that time, Xu Xiuhe chose to continue. However, as time went on, their rtionship deteriorated while Qi Yan was abroad. Many times when he called, she wouldn''t answer. Eventually, he stopped calling, and Qi Yan eventually suggested breaking up.


    During those times, Xu Xiuhe didn''t have the luxury to dwell on it. He focused on studying relentlessly, not only his major but alsoputer science and various other subjects. In his spare time, he took on part-time jobs.


    He worked as a tutor, distributed flyers, and did whatever he could. Chang Zhiyuan and Xue Jingrui were aware of what Xu Xiuhe was going through. Chang Zhiyuan was studying at Rong University in Rongcheng at the time, and Xue Jingrui was forced by his family to attend Huazheng in Huacheng, not far from Xu Xiuhe''s university. They wanted to help Xu Xiuhe, but he refused their assistance.


    After Xu Xiuhe graduated, representatives from the Sun family in Nancheng came to him. Sun Wenting probably anticipated that her son would have a difficult life after she was gone, so she left a substantial inheritance for Xu Xiuhe.


    That''s when Xu Xiuhe started his own business, which led him to where he is today.


    After listening to Chang Zhiyuan''s words, Xu Xiuhe felt it was necessary to express his stance. "Hmm, Zhiyuan is right. It''s been several years, and there''s no need to bring up the past."


    Chang Zhiyuan suddenly realized that the topic seemed to have strayed. "No, no, I was talking about Wang Ming mocking me."


    Xue Jingrui asked, "What did he mock you about?"


    "Wang Ming mocked me for not being able to win over Shu Yi, and for not being able to surpass the employees in my ownpany."


    "Hahaha, that''s hrious!" Xue Jingrui burst intoughter,pletely disregarding Chang Zhiyuan''s feelings.


    "Stopughing. It''s the first time a girl has rejected me. Help mee up with a solution quickly."


    Among those present, only Xu Xiuhe had gotten married, or rather, formed an alliance. He had no experience in such matters.


    Xue Jingrui had been single for twenty-seven years, let alone pursuing girls. If he knew how to do it, he wouldn''t have been single for so long.


    Xue Jingrui asked, "Is this serious or just a desire for victory?"


    Chang Zhiyuan pondered for a moment. It should be serious, at least he really likes Shu Yi now.


    Xue Jingrui realized that Chang Zhiyuan was serious, so he took out his phone, opened Baidu, and searched for "Shu Yi."


    "She does have good looks, neither too hot nor too cold, and there are no scandals. She seems like a nice girl."


    Xue Jingrui had heard of the name Shu Yi, but he never watched TV dramas, so he didn''t have much impression of her. In this era, there was never a shortage of beautiful women. With a little grooming and packaging, there were no ugly women.


    "So how should I pursue her?" It used to be Chang Zhiyuan teaching others how to pursue women.


    When he pursued women, it was nothing more than giving flowers, bags, cars, spending money. If he lost interest, he would directly give an apartment as a breakup fee. But now, he had exhausted almost all of these tricks.


    He gave flowers, Shu Yi epted them. He gave a bag, Shu Yi directly returned it by express delivery. He gave a car, and Shu Yi was scared and started avoiding him. It made him hesitant to make any moves now.


    "How did you pursue her?" Xu Xiuhe interrupted and asked.


    Chang Zhiyuan truthfully exined the process of how he pursued her and Shu Yi''s reactions.


    "Do you always pursue people so directly?" Xue Jingrui joked after listening.


    Xu Xiuhe replied, "Is there a possibility that this is not the right way to pursue someone?"


    "What should I do then? If I knew the right way, would Ie here and have a drink with you guys?" Chang Zhiyuan finished speaking, picked up his ss, and drank it all in one gulp.


    "Let me tell you some good news. Zhengzheng now calls Shu Yi ''godmother.''"


    "Damn, my godson is so clever. I think I know what to do now."

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    On the third day of joining the crew, as expected, Zhengzheng''s scenes would wrap up tonight.


    The morning scenes were smoothly filmed, and when Shen Yin was pondering how to solve lunch for today, Chang Zhiyuan came to the rescue like a knight in shining armor.


    "Boss, how did youe over?" Yan Yan was the first to spot Chang Zhiyuan.


    Shen Yin, drawn by the voice, was about to turn and check the situation when Zhengzheng in her arms spoke.


    "It''s Dad." Zhengzheng''s little hand waved towards Chang Zhiyuan, as if saying, "I''m here."


    Chang Zhiyuan walked over, "Sis-inw, haven''t eaten yet, right? I brought some food, though it may not be as delicious as yours, I can guarantee it''s better than the crew''s food."


    Due to their not-so-pleasant first meeting, Shen Yin hadn''t formed a good impression of him, but since he brought her food, she couldn''t keep a frown.


    So, she adjusted her attitude and said, "Thank you."


    Chang Zhiyuan had the dishes ced on the table in the room and reached out to Zhengzheng with both hands.


    Zhengzheng and Chang Zhiyuan were quite familiar, so a hug was only natural.


    Shen Yin secretly sighed with relief; lunch was finally sorted. After this scene, Zhengzheng shouldn''t participate in filming anymore. He''s too young, and filming is too demanding.


    While ying with Zhengzheng, Chang Zhiyuan said to Yan Yan, "Yan Yan, go call Shu Yi over."


    Yan Yan knew the boss liked Shu Yi and didn''t ask much. She went to the set to find Shu Yi.


    When she saw Shu Yi, she was drinking water. Shu Yi only knew Yan Yan as Zhengzheng''s assistant and was a bit puzzled, furrowing her brows, not clear why Yan Yan was looking for her.


    "Teacher Shu, the boss sent some food over. He asked me to call you to eat together."


    Shu Yi, a rather shy girl in the industry, usually filmed when there were roles and stayed at home sleeping when there weren''t. When well-rested, she would travel, not very acquainted with people in the industry.


    Even though Shu Yi was about to refuse, thinking of Zhengzheng being so cute and calling her godmother, she agreed.


    The sun was a bit intense, and Shu Yi was afraid of getting sunburnt, so she got on her own RV and grabbed a sun umbre.


    "Let''s go." Shu Yi opened the umbre, speaking gently, and moved it a bit towards Yan Yan''s side.


    This action surprised Yan Yan. She had been an assistant for several years, encountering many actors, some throwing their weight around, some with bad tempers. She didn''t expect Shu Yi to be so friendly.


    She didn''t have much impression of Shu Yi before. Shu Yi had good acting skills, yed supporting roles in several dramas, never did marketing. Only when the drama aired did she have a few days of poprity, disappearing again once it ended. If not for her boss liking her, Yan Yan probably wouldn''t have noticed her.


    "Teacher Shu, I haven''t seen your assistant these past few days."


    Shu Yi casually replied, "I don''t have an assistant."


    "Ah, shouldn''t thepany provide assistants?" Yan Yan couldn''tprehend it. In her understanding, even fourth or fifth-tier female celebrities have assistants, let alone second or third-tier ones. Shu Yi might not be a big star, but with a few supporting roles, she should at least qualify for second or third-tier, so she shouldn''t be without an assistant.


    "Thepany did provide an assistant before, but she went back home to get married and have a child. Thepany was going to assign me another one, but I wasn''t ustomed to it, so I declined," Shu Yi exined gently, her tone in, as if discussing something unrted to herself.


    As they continued chatting, they arrived at Shen Yin''s ce, and Shu Yi immediately spotted Chang Zhiyuan. She regretted it immensely. She had been careless, forgetting that Zhengzheng was brought here by Chang Zhiyuan.


    "Come on in, let''s sit down and eat," Shen Yin greeted warmly. For her, nothing was more important than sharing a meal.


    Chang Zhiyuan kept staring at Shu Yi, making her feel uneasy.


    "Yan Yan, don''t just stand there,e sit here," Shen Yin didn''t notice anything amiss and invited Yan Yan to sit beside her.


    Chang Zhiyuan continued to act as a godson, calling Zhengzheng his godson and asionally calling Shu Yi "godmother." Shu Yi felt extremely awkward at this moment, hoping that time would pass quickly. She had never felt so agonized over a meal before.


    Shu Yi''s nervousness and anxiety didn''t escape Chang Zhiyuan''s gaze. The undercurrent between them was noticed by Yan Yan.


    Yan Yan focused on eating the fruit in front of her, while Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan had different thoughts.


    Chang Zhiyuan thought, "This person next to me is really interesting. Clearly nervous and anxious, yet still pretending as if nothing happened. She won''t even lift her head when I look at her, so adorable. I''ll definitely win her over sooner orter."


    Shu Yi thought, "This is bad. What should I do? I can''t afford to provoke this person. I can only avoid him. But now, I can''t even do that. Is he behind casting me as the leading actress in this drama? It seems like he invested in this drama; is he trying to take care of me?"


    Zhengzheng was too young, only interested in eating, while Shen Yin was too clueless about rtionships to notice anything abnormal. The mother and son enjoyed their food.


    When Shen Yin had almost finished eating, Chang Zhiyuan said, "Sister-inw, I''ve also had someone buy some sour plum juice. It''s in the box behind. It''s getting close to summer, so it''ll be refreshing."


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin thanked him and got up, saying, "Thank you, you''ve worked hard."


    Five cups of chilled sour plum juice. Shen Yin couldn''t help but marvel at how convenient this era was. Having ice in the summer was a luxury.


    Considering that Zhengzheng couldn''t handle the cold, they put his cup back.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng wants some too," Zhengzheng pouted, unhappy.


    Shu Yi found Zhengzheng''s expression too cute to resist. Since she couldn''t drink cold beverages these days, she said, "Zhengzheng, how about I give you mine?"


    Zhengzheng nodded enthusiastically, revealing a smiling face.


    Chang Zhiyuan wasn''t too pleased with this, but it wasn''t like he hadn''t experienced it before. Why not drink? Could it be because he bought it?


    "Well, then, have a sip of mine," he said, assertively handing his ss of sour plum juice to Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi, startled, quickly waved her hands, "No, Chang Zong, I''m not thirsty. You go ahead."


    Seeing this scene, Shen Yin suddenly thought of what Xu Xiu had mentioned¡ªChang Zhiyuan liked Shu Yi.


    She was quite curious, eager to gossip, but couldn''t ask directly. Revealing it might make things awkward, so she had to hold back. Perhaps she''d find an opportunityter.


    "Chang Zong, Mrs., I''ve finished eating. I''ll go back to rehearse the script and prepare for the afternoon performance," Shu Yi, feeling uneasy, expressed her desire to leave.


    Chang Zhiyuan wanted to say something more but was interrupted by Shen Yin, "Alright, Shu Yi, I''ll walk you out." Afterward, he turned to instruct Yan Yan to check on Zhengzheng.


    Shu Yi picked up an umbre and left with Shen Yin.


    "Give me the umbre; I''ll hold it for you," Shen Yin reached out to take the umbre.


    Shu Yi felt that Shen Yin, standing beside her, had an extraordinary status. She was just a small actress and not acquainted with Shen Yin, so she didn''t want to trouble her.


    "It''s okay, I''ll handle it. If you''re ufortable, don''t force yourself. I''m not just talking about the umbre," Shen Yin insisted.


    Shu Yi was surprised and somewhat disbelieving, "How do you know I''m ufortable?"


    "I can tell. Even with makeup, you can''t hide the fatigue on your face, and your expression isn''t right."


    As they spoke, they reached Shu Yi''s trailer, and Shu Yi suddenly felt that Shen Yin was quite impressive.


    "Can Ie up and take a look?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Of course."


    Shen Yin entered the trailer; it was her first time in such a vehicle. The space wasrge, with a bed and a table inside.


    "Are you on your period?" In a woman''s life, menstruation was an extremely private matter. That''s why Shen Yin only asked once inside the trailer.


    Shu Yi''s expression became even more astonished.


    Shen Yin took Shu Yi''s hand, checked her pulse, and found it a bit slippery with a weak sensation.


    "Your hands and feet must be cold in winter, sensitive to cold, and you''re experiencing menstrual cramps now," Shen Yin said seriously, presenting herself as an experienced Chinese medicine practitioner.


    "Menstrual cramps, unbearable every time. I was just about to take ibuprofen. Are you a traditional Chinese medicine doctor?"


    "No, but I''ve studied it. There''s too much cold in your body, affecting both your stomach and uterus. You need to treat it promptly, or it might affect your ability to have children in the future."


    Shu Yi liked children but had no ns to have them. She hadn''t met someone she liked, so having children or not didn''t matter to her. However, menstrual cramps were too painful.


    "Have you been relying on painkillers all along? With modern medicine so advanced, haven''t you seen a doctor?"

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    ¡°I saw a doctor. The Western medicine could only alleviate the pain, and the traditional Chinese medicine prescribed herbal tea for me,¡± Shu Yi recounted her situation truthfully.


    Shen Yin continued to inquire, ¡°Drinking herbal tea should be effective, right? Has it improved?¡±


    ¡°It''s somewhat better. In the past two years, during filming, I even fainted from the pain. After taking traditional Chinese medicine for a few months, the fainting stopped, but it''s notpletely cured yet.¡±


    When Shen Yin was thirteen or fourteen, she also suffered from menstrual pain. Her maternal grandfather arranged for the imperial doctor from the pce to treat her, finding it quite interesting. She followed the imperial doctor to learn some basic Chinese medicine, including pulse diagnosis and some knowledge of herbal medicine. In her dream, it was said that in this era, all the skills she knew would be enhanced, so would she be exceptionally skilled in medicine?


    Contemting this, Shen Yin suddenly made an important decision to try and help Shu Yi.


    ¡°Can I give it a try? Try to adjust it for you without the need for medicine,¡± Shen Yin asked tentatively.


    ¡°Really?¡± Shu Yi couldn''t believe it.


    ¡°Yes, I''ll give it a try, but I can''t guarantee a cure.¡±


    Shu Yi expressed deep gratitude.


    Zhengzheng has onest scene in the afternoon and will leave the crew. Shen Yin thought it best to treat the illness promptly.


    ¡°Shu Yi, when will you finish filming?¡±


    ¡°There''s an outdoor scene in the afternoon, probably thest scene with Zhengzheng. It should finish tomorrow. This scene has been filming for a while, and we were missing a small actor. Now that Zhengzheng hase, it''s considered a reshoot.¡±


    ¡°Okay, find me after you wrap up. Let''s exchange WeChat then.¡± Shen Yin took out her phone, scanned Shu Yi''s QR code, and added her as a friend.


    After Shu Yi agreed, Shen Yin was about to leave as Zhengzheng still needed her.


    Before leaving, Shen Yin reminded her not to consume cold items, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain regr sleep patterns.


    Shu Yi was deeply moved; someone not very familiar cared so much about her.


    The sun outside was scorching. Shu Yi gave her umbre to Shen Yin, who casually held it on her way to Zhengzheng.


    Crew members were busy preparing for the final outdoor scene.


    Director Wang Ming hurriedly approached Shen Yin to brief her on thest scene to be filmed in the afternoon.


    ¡°In thest scene we''re shooting this afternoon, Yixi hears about the return of the army outside the city. She hugs Zhengzheng, mounts a horse, and rides through the entire city to the city gate. It might take a while, so we need the whole afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I got it. What time does it start?¡± Shen Yin asked.


    ¡°It begins at two o''clock.¡±


    Yan Yan had already prepared Zhengzheng''s costumes. Shen Yin had revised several outfits for Zhengzheng''s character.


    In the outdoor set, resembling an ancient street, camera tracks were already set up. Shu Yi was on location, looking unwell. Shen Yin walked over.


    ¡°Shu Yi, feeling any better?¡±


    Shu Yi shook her head. She had just taken a painkiller, and its effects hadn''t kicked in yet.


    The props team brought a white horse, making Shu Yi''splexion even worse. The director mentioned that this scene was addedst minute to make the characters more vivid.


    So Shu Yi had no idea that her scene required horseback riding, with not too many lines, just at the doorstep, riding a horse, grabbing Zhengzheng, and riding through the whole street to the city gate.


    The extras were already in ce, men and women of all ages dressed in costumesing and going on the street.


    Shu Yi was feeling physically ufortable and nervous. She had never ridden a horse before, and her lower abdomen was still hurting.


    "I''ve never ridden a horse before, and I don''t know how to. I''m a bit scared," Shu Yi voiced her concern.


    Coincidentally, Director Wang Ming walked over. "Shu Yi, are you ready? Don''t worry too much. For your safety, we''ll put the horse on a cart, and you just need to sit on top."


    "Yeah, I''m ready." This felt like being thrown into the deep end.


    "Let''s start with the scene of you taking Zhengzheng and mounting the horse," Wang Ming suggested.


    "All crew members ready, Scene 10."


    Wang Ming returned to behind the screen, and with the help of the crew, Shu Yi got on the horse. However, she had never ridden before, and she tightly held onto the reins.


    "Action," Wang Ming''s voice echoed.


    Zhengzheng was held by a maid, while Shu Yi, on the horse, loosened the reins and awkwardly took Zhengzheng from the maid''s hands.


    "Cut. Your expression isn''t right, the action isn''t swift, and itcks the graceful elegance of Yanxi," Wang Mingmented.


    "Action."


    As Shu Yi prepared to mount the horse again, sweat was already forming on her face. Shen Yin couldn''t bear to watch anymore and interrupted the director.


    "Wang Director, Shu Yi isn''t feeling well, and this action is a bit difficult. Can we shoot the scenes where she needs to show her face, with me mounting the horse instead?"


    It was indeed a good idea, but Shen Yin''s position made it awkward for her to be a stand-in. Besides, if Shu Yi couldn''t do it, could Shen Yin?


    "Let me try this action first."


    Wang Ming got up and walked to the horse. Indeed, mounting the horse was quite strenuous for him. He took Zhengzheng and struggled to mount, needing to lean forward, making it difficult to exert force and execute the action smoothly.


    Previously, such scenes would utilize a harness, but Zhengzheng was too small, making it impossible to use one, which wasn''t safe.


    With the help of the crew, Wang Ming got off the horse and walked over to Shen Yin. "It''s really not easy. I guess you can''t either."


    Shen Yin smiled, "It''s okay, I''ve learned horseback riding. I can do this action."


    Wang Ming carefully examined Shen Yin. Shen Yin''s figure was indeed simr to Shu Yi''s. As a stand-in, it wasn''t impossible. If it went smoothly, they could just shoot some close-up shots of Shu Yi on the horseter.


    "How about you go change into the costume first, get the makeup done," Wang Ming suggested.


    With the help of the crew, Shen Yin changed into Shu Yi''s costume. The makeup artist tried their best to enhance Shen Yin''s facial features, making her look as much like Shu Yi as possible.


    Sure enough, the results were as expected. Beauties always have some simrities. With the special effects makeup done, at first nce, Shen Yin really resembled Shu Yi.


    "We can start now. Director Wang, I don''t need the cart underneath. I''ll just ride the horse. Let the camera crew follow along with the track."


    As soon as the words were spoken, Shen Yin walked over to the side of the horse and skillfully mounted it. Wang Ming, seeing this, also felt relieved.


    "Action."


    A maid held Zhengzheng at the entrance, and as Shen Yin rode past, she tilted her body, then turned and ced Zhengzheng on the horse.


    "Drive." Shen Yin pulled the reins, making the horse turn, with Zhengzheng sitting in front, and the horse started galloping.


    On the street, the extras made way for the horse. Shen Yin, with practiced movements, held the reins in one hand and supported Zhengzheng with the other.


    The spirited horse galloped and stopped at the city gate.


    The camera captured it all.


    Outside the city gate, there were only troops, no sign of Jiang Yuyang.


    Yan Xi felt disappointed. On the way back, the horse no longer galloped but leisurely walked to the entrance of Jiang''s residence.


    "Fantastic," eximed Wang Ming.


    Shen Yin dismounted with Zhengzheng. Wang Ming hurriedly ran over with concern.


    Next, there were close-ups of Shu Yi and details of Zhengzheng. For Wang Ming, these static shots were much easier to film.


    Yan Yan also ran over, handing Shen Yin a cup of water, admiringly saying, "Madam, you looked so handsome riding the horse just now."


    Shen Yin smiled, thinking to herself, riding a horse was nothingpared to her previous martial arts training on horseback.


    "Zhengzheng, you go with Auntie to shoot other scenes, okay?" Zhengzheng patiently asked.


    "Is it riding a horse? Zhengzheng wants to ride a horse." Zhengzheng looked up.


    "Yes, Auntie will take you riding, but she needs you to say a few lines. She will teach you."


    "Okay." Zhengzheng, upon hearing that she could ride, became excited, pped her hands, and walked towards Shu Yi.


    With Shen Yin''s participation, the scene was smoothly filmed by 4:30.


    Wang Ming was especially happy and invited Shen Yin for dinner.


    Shen Yin hasn''t received any messages from Xu Xiuhe yet, so she agreed.


    "Yan Yan, after dinner, we should go back. Thank you for taking care of Zhengzheng during this time." Shen Yin expressed gratitude to Yan Yan.


    "No need to thank me; it''s what I should do. How about we go back to the hotel first and then head to the restaurant?" Yan Yan suggested.


    Xu Xiuhe''s driver was already waiting.


    In the car, Shen Yin asked Yan Yan what her next job was.


    "I was sent by General Chang to assist in taking care of Zhengzheng. I''ll follow General Chang''s arrangements next, but being an actor''s assistant is really challenging. I don''t know what to do next."


    Shen Yin genuinely thought this young girl was nice and suggested, "Shu Yi needs an assistant. I think she''s a good person. How about I mention it to General Chang?"

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    "Can we?" Yan Yan''s voice trembled with excitement.


    "Yes, we can," Shen Yin began, but her words were interrupted by the ringing of her phone. It was Wang Ming informing her that dinner tonight would be at the hotel where Shen Yin was staying.


    Feeling it necessary to call Xu Xiuhe, Shen Yin picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts. There were only a few, and Xu Xiuhe''s name caught her eye immediately.


    Xu Xiuhe picked up almost instantly. "Is it over? I''lle to pick you up."


    "Yes, we just finished thest scene this afternoon. The director wants to treat Zhengzheng to dinner tonight. You cer," Shen Yin exined.


    "Alright. Have you both packed up?" Xu Xiuhe inquired.


    "Yan Yan is packing. I''m watching Zhengzheng. By the way, I wanted to ask, what are your ns for Yan Yan after Chang Zhiyuan?" Shen Yin ventured.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t anticipate Shen Yin''s request but replied, "Just say what you want to say."


    "I know an actress who ys Zhengzheng''s mother in the drama. I think she''s quite good, but she doesn''t have an assistant. I also think Yan Yan, this young girl, is quite suitable. If she could go and work as an assistant for Shu Yi, it would be fitting," Shen Yin suggested.


    Not hearing a response from Xu Xiuhe, Shen Yin continued, "Shu Yi is really nice. I think she has a good temper. Also, Chang Zhiyuan came to visit the set today at noon. I feel like he might like Shu Yi."


    Xu Xiuhe hadn''t expected Chang Zhiyuan to move so quickly. He had just mentioned itst night, and today he went to visit already. Apparently, when Chang Zhiyuan came to find Zhengzheng to film, Shen Yin wasn''t there.


    "Alright, I''ll talk to Chang Zhiyuan about itter. I''m going to the studio now," Xu Xiuhe said, ncing at his watch. It was 5:10 PM, still 20 minutes before quitting time.


    "Liu Bo,e in," Xu Xiuhe called out while grabbing his suit.


    Liu Bo, an employee from outside, immediately entered Xu Xiuhe''s office. "CEO, what''s up?"


    "I have something to attend to. I''m leaving early. Take care of the evening meeting for me," Xu Xiuhe instructed.


    "Isn''t that inappropriate?" Liu Bo questioned.


    cing a hand on Liu Bo''s shoulder, Xu Xiuhe reassured, "Liu, you''ve been with me for so many years. I trust you. I have to go pick up my son."


    Xu Xiuhe grabbed his car keys and headed for the elevator.


    "Hello, CEO," a staff member greeted as Xu Xiuhe passed.


    Not recognizing the employee, Xu Xiuhe courteously nodded.


    Two minutester, the Heyuan Group''s employee chat buzzed with news about Xu Xiuhe.


    "CEO looks so handsome. I greeted him, and he nodded."


    "Huh? What time is it? Where did you see him? Did you go to his office?"


    "In the elevator. He must be heading to the underground parking lot."


    "I''m curious, leaving work so early. Rare."


    "Maybe going home to apany his wife?"


    "Did anyone ask Liu about the CEO''s wife? There are rumors that the CEO had an arranged marriage and his wife is ugly, so she never shows her face."


    "Ourpany didn''t have any senior employees. Did the CEO not attend the wedding?"


    "No, the CEO''s wedding was extremely simple. Apart from Liu Bo, I don''t think anyone from ourpany attended."


    "I''m such a gossip lover, I really want to know what the CEO''s wife looks like, sniff."


    Liu Bo couldn''t hold it any longer after seeing so many messages in the group. He sent a message, "Is it possible that the CEO went home to apany his son?"


    As soon as Liu Bo''s message went out, the group exploded.


    Various expressions of shock, shocked words, overflowing the screen.


    Liu Bo''s alternate ount was still quite active in the group. Generally, any message he sent would eventually be criticized, so many people in the group already believed that the CEO had a child.


    "Yeah, it''s been rumored online that the CEO got married almost three years ago. With the CEO''s physique, he probably has a child."


    Immediately, a series of lewd expressions followed.


    "It should be possible. Look at his height of over 1.8 meters, look at that figure."


    "So, how did the person above know about this?"


    An employee spected, "Do you think he''s Liu Bo''s assistant?"


    Seeing himself almost exposed, Liu Bo immediately sent a message to cover it up, "I am Liu Bo''s assistant''s assistant."


    Heyuan Group isrge, with involvement in various fields, mainly focusing on real estate, and there are many employees inside. Liu Bo should have several deputy assistants under him, so the employees in the group expressed understanding.


    "Then can you ask Liu Bo what the CEO''s wife looks like?"


    Liu Bo was scared by the near exposure and immediately went offline, causing a wail in the group.


    Xu Xiuhe drove his Bentley straight to the film and television city. As soon as he entered the hotel entrance, he was recognized by the employees and immediately reported to the manager.


    The manager hurriedly came down to greet him.


    Xu Xiuhe gestured for the manager not to make a fuss, "Just pretend I haven''t been here."


    The manager understood, and Xu Xiuhe entered the elevator alone and went to the 20th floor.


    In 2001, everything in Shen Yin''s room was arranged neatly.


    "Knock, knock, knock."


    Yan Yan stepped forward and opened the door, "Madam, sir is here."


    "Daddy, daddy." Zhengzheng, who had been ying on the floor, ran to Xu Xiuhe and hugged him.


    Xu Xiuhe lifted Zhengzheng up, "Does Zhengzheng miss daddy?"


    "Yes." Zhengzheng kissed Xu Xiuhe.


    Shen Yin didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe to arrive so quickly, "You came so soon."


    Xu Xiuhe said, "I came as soon as I got the call."


    "We were just about to go to the private room reserved by Wang Ming. You probably haven''t eaten yet, so why don''t you join us?"


    Shen Yin''s invitation surprised Xu Xiuhe a bit.


    "Yeah, let''s go then." Xu Xiuhe said.


    "Eat, eat. Eat meat." Zhengzheng became even happier.


    Shen Yin thought to herself, Zhengzheng had eaten so much for lunch, and now he''s looking forward to dinner so much. Xu Xiuhe wouldn''t think she''s not feeding Zhengzheng, right?


    Xu Xiuhe carried Zhengzheng and entered the elevator first, followed by Shen Yin and Yan Yan, with Shen Yin pressing the button for the 2nd floor.


    The elevator stopped on the second floor, and Shen Yin and her group stepped out. They immediately spotted Director Wang Ming along with the lead actors, as well as a few assistant directors.


    "Wang Director," Shen Yin called out from behind.


    Wang Ming turned around. "Shen Yin is here, and this must be Mr. Xu."


    "Hello, I''m Xu Xiuhe," Xu Xiuhe introduced himself.


    Wang Ming, pleasantly surprised, quickly responded, "Nice to meet you. I''m just a small director."


    In the private room, the others were unaware of Shen Yin''s background, so when Xu Xiuhe arrived, some of them finally realized.


    One assistant director asked, "Why does the person outside talking to Director Wang look so familiar?"


    Shu Yi looked up, indeed finding the person familiar.


    Another assistant director pped his thigh and eximed, "I remember now. Doesn''t he resemble the president of Heyuan Group?"


    Just as they spoke, Wang Ming led Shen Yin, Zhengzheng, and Xu Xiuhe into the private room.


    "Let me introduce everyone, Mr. Xu Xiuhe, the president of Heyuan Group."


    Indeed, the actor who had been filming with them for the past few days turned out to be the young prince of Heyuan Group, which certainly added a lot of prestige to the asion.


    Everyone present suddenly realized. Whoever spread the rumor about the wife of the president of Heyuan Group being unattractive clearly hadn''t seen her; she could easily outshine many people in the industry with her beauty. Not to mention her equestrian skills; they were clearly well-practiced. And this young prince, he was truly the cutest, most handsome, and smartest baby they had ever seen, wasn''t he?


    Originally, this dinner was meant as a thank-you gesture from Wang Ming to Shen Yin, but with Xu Xiuhe''s presence, the nature of the gathering shifted slightly.


    One of the assistant directors was hesitant to speak, unsure of what to say, while Wang Ming and Xu Xiuhe remained courteous. Yan Yan sat next to Shen Yin, diligently serving Zhengzheng with food.


    "It''s our first meeting, and Mrs. Xu has helped me immensely. I''ll toast to Mr. Xu," Wang Ming raised his ss from the table and downed it in one go.


    Xu Xiuhe, who had been drinking with Wang Ming and the others, had his mind on Shen Yin and Zhengzheng. He remembered what Shen Yin had told him about Yan Yan in the afternoon.


    He spoke up, "Yan Yan, you''ll be Shu Yi''s assistant from now on."

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    The story begins by saying Shen Yin and Yan Yan were quite surprised, while the others were just confused.


    Shen Yin and Yan Yan knew that Yan Yan''s boss was Chang Zhiyuan, but the others didn''t know. The others all thought that Yan Yan was arranged by Xu Xiuhe for Shen Yin, so now that she was assigned to Shu Yi again, even though her husband and son were still around, was strange.


    Shu Yi herself was even more confused, and looked to Shen Yin for help.


    Shen Yin exined, "This was my idea. Zhengzheng has left the crew now, so he doesn''t need an assistant anymore. I was quite reluctant to part with her, so when Shu Yi happened to need an assistant, as herpany hadn''t assigned one yet, I suggested it."


    Hearing this, the others understood that she was doing a favor for her friend. Plus, in Rongcheng, everyone knew the rtionship between Chang Zhiyuan and Xu Xiuhe.


    During the meal, Xu Xiuhe had some extra dishes and wine brought out, saying this meal was on him.


    Wang Ming had been insisting on paying himself, since Shen Yin had already helped him out, so having someone else pay for the meal would be too embarrassing.


    It wasn''t until the waiter came to serve the dishes that the manager came along too, bringing them a few more dishes, so Wang Ming didn''t say anything further. This restaurant belonged to Xu Xiuhe after all. Indeed, rich people had assets everywhere.


    After dinner, Xu Xiuhe had his people move Shen Yin and Zhengzheng''s luggage to his car.


    "Yan Yan, you stay here first. Shu Yi will be done tomorrow. After that, just listen to Shu Yi''s arrangements." Shen Yin instructed as they were leaving the building.


    "Shen Yin, why don''t you drive." Xu Xiuhe had drunk a little, but wasn''t drunk. He adhered to the principle of never driving after drinking, so he chose to let Shen Yin drive.


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea. I''m not very good at driving. I got my license but barely drove after that." Shen Yin said in despair. The original owner had a license and could drive, but she couldn''t!


    "Having a license is enough. Put Zhengzheng in the rear baby seat. It''s still early so drive slowly, there''s no rush. I''ll teach you." Xu Xiuhe spoke gently.


    With the original owner''s memories, Shen Yin had no choice but to brace herself and say, "I''ll try."


    Luckily today Shen Yin was on set for a long time on her feet, so she didn''t wear high heels. Getting into the driver''s seat, Xu Xiuhe put Zhengzheng into the rear baby seat and got into the passenger seat himself.


    Relying on the original owner''s memories, Shen Yin depressed the clutch all the way, released the handbrake, and turned the key.


    "What''s next?" Shen Yin asked, turning her head. She really had no idea what to do next.


    "Slowly release your left foot, little by little," Xu Xiuhe instructed, still holding onto the steering wheel.


    "OK, I think that''s good, now just pay attention to the steering wheel and the cars in front."


    Shen Yin held the steering wheel while her feet didn''t dare move. The car crept along like a snail, with other cars zipping past one by one. Shen Yin started to panic.


    "How can I drive faster?"


    "Release your foot a bit more."


    "Which way should I turn next?"


    "Right turn."


    "What if there''s a car in front?" Shen Yin looked terrified.


    "Hit the brakes, of course." Xu Xiuhe sighed.


    And so, a drive that should take an hour, Shen Yin painfully stretched to two hours.


    By the time they arrived home, Zhengzheng was fast asleep.


    The vi was pitch ck inside.


    Xu Xiuhe took Zhengzheng out and handed him to Shen Yin, then went to park the car himself.


    "Follow me, I''ll turn on the lights first."


    Shen Yin followed Xu Xiuhe inside, they changed shoes, and took off Zhengzheng''s little shoes too.


    "Let me carry him upstairs, don''t want you to get tired." Xu Xiuhe said.


    Shen Yin thought about how tired Zhengzheng must be after a long day, all sweaty, and suggested, "Let''s give Zhengzheng a bath first."


    Xu Xiuhe felt him and agreed he could use one.


    "I''ll wash him, it''ll be hard with him asleep. Can you help?"


    Shen Yin followed Xu Xiuhe into Zhengzheng''s room. Passing Xu Xiuhe''s room, she didn''t miss the chance to sneak a peek.


    Xu Xiuhe''s room was simple, ck and white styled. But the corners of the bedside tables were padded with white sponge, looking out of ce with the overall style, probably to childproof them for Zhengzheng.


    In the bathroom, Xu Xiuhe undressed Zhengzheng while Shen Yin got his little tub and filled it with warm water.


    When they put him in, he finally stirred, opening his eyes to see Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe, then closing them again.


    Shen Yin was endeared and gently squeezed his little nose. "He''s too tired today."


    "Yeah, won''t agree to Chang Zhiyuan again next time." Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Working together, they finally got the little guy bathed.


    In Rongcheng in April, the temperature was perfect. Xu Xiuhe put Zhengzheng on the bed and seeing him sleep soundly, left the room.


    After a long day, Shen Yin now just wanted to shower and sleep. So she returned to her room, showered, blow dried her hair, and just as she was about to get into bed, Xu Xiuhe knocked on her door, with Zhengzheng''s cries audible behind him.


    "What''s wrong?" Shen Yin was still in her bathrobe.


    "Zhengzheng wet the bed. Usually Nanny Song puts a diaper on him. We forgot today." Xu Xiuhe held a tearful and wronged looking Zhengzheng.


    "Mama, hold." The little guy reached for Shen Yin.


    Xu Xiuhe felt his two years couldn''tpare to Shen Yin''s two days. After just a few days apart, waking up crying and asking for mama when papa was right there.


    Shen Yin took Zhengzheng. "Zhengzheng can sleep in my room tonight. The past few nights I was the one who slept with him, so he''s used to it. It''s my fault too, I weaned him off diapers at night. And didn''t have him pee before bed."


    Holding the child while in a bathrobe was a bit awkward. Zhengzheng grabbed at her chest and she shed a bit.


    Shen Yin said awkwardly, "Let me change into pajamas first. Hold him for me."


    In the bathroom mirror, Shen Yin saw her flushed face, not just flushed, but a little hot too.


    After quickly changing into pajamas anding out of the bathroom, Zhengzheng was already lying in her bed.


    Xu Xiuhe was still standing next to the bed.


    "You go back to sleep first. You still have work tomorrow. I''ll get him to sleep."


    Xu Xiuhe returned to his room, with the earlier scene and smell still shing through his mind. And the indecent dream he had...


    Early next morning, at first light, Xu Xiuhe got up and showered with warm water. Seeing it was still early and Shen Yin and Zhengzheng weren''t awake yet, he went downstairs to the kitchen, fried 3 eggs and poured 3 sses of milk.


    When Shen Yin came down, she saw Xu Xiuhe sitting at the dining table eating breakfast.


    "Isn''t work at 8? It''s not even 7, howe you''re up so early?" Shen Yin had intended toe down to make breakfast.


    "Yeah, woke up early. Is Zhengzheng up yet?"


    "Not yet. Children need long sleep times to grow."


    Neither realized their ordinary, mundane conversation was anything but normal.


    "There''s milk and fried eggs in the microwave for you and Zhengzheng." Xu Xiuhe said.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    "Hmm?"


    Shen Yin couldn''t believe it and let out a soft hum.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t hear her, he picked up the empty tes and cups, got up to put them in the sink, and was just turning on the faucet when Shen Yin spoke.


    "You go to work first, I''ll wash the dishes."


    Both of them forgot that they had a dishwasher.


    Because of the dream fromst night, Xu Xiuhe was still a bit restless and absent-minded now, not wanting to see Shen Yin. So, he put down the tes and left the open kitchen.


    "I''ll go to work first."


    After watching Xu Xiuhe''s figure leave, Shen Yin walked to the sink and washed the dishes that Xu Xiuhe hadn''t finished.


    Shen Yin originally nned to take Zhengzheng out to have a look around and see the world today, but now she seemed to have changed her mind a bit. Reciprocating hospitality, she looked at the eggs and milk in the microwave and decided to make some delicious food for lunch.


    The second floor of the vi was semi-open, and Zhengzheng stood by the railing barefoot, stretching out her head and calling, "Mommy."


    Shen Yin hurriedly went upstairs and picked up Zhengzheng, "Is the floor cold? You''ll catch a cold if you don''t wear shoes."


    Zhengzheng giggled, showing a few milk teeth.


    Shen Yin was in a good mood, the gentle breeze outside was blowing, and many flowers were in bloom. It was a good day for a spring outing.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s have breakfast first, then go out for a walk, okay?"


    There were few people living in this vi area, and the greenery wasparable to a park. Shen Yin had been wanting to take a walk for a long time.


    Zhengzheng probably had just woken up, she only ate half an egg and drank half a cup of milk before she stopped.


    "Flower is hungry too, let''s go see Flower." Zhengzheng was thinking about the big dog in the yard.


    Shen Yin was a little hesitant; she was really afraid of dogs. But in order to fulfill Zhengzheng''s small wish, she decided to go out.


    "Before we go out, let''s change clothes."


    Shen Yin wiped Zhengzheng''s mouth with a tissue, carried her up to the second floor, and entered Zhengzheng''s own room. She washed Zhengzheng''s face and helped her brush her teeth.


    "Zhengzheng, what clothes do you want to wear?"


    There were all kinds of clothes in Zhengzheng''s wardrobe. Shen Yin chose a floral blouse, a khaki wide-leg pants, and a ck little bag.


    "Let''s go feed Flower." This time Shen Yin didn''t carry Zhengzheng, but let her walk down the stairs by herself while she held her hand.


    The vi had an independent yard, with green nts climbing the walls all around. In the yard, there was a ce nted with flowers. On the left was Flower''s little house and the entrance to the underground garage. On the right was a swing and a small pavilion. The entire structure blended Eastern and Western cultural elements, both unique and romantic.


    Shen Yin held Zhengzheng''s hand and walked along the stone pathid on thewn to Flower''s little house.


    There was some water in Flower''s bowl, but no food. Zhengzheng handed the sausage in her hand to Flower''s mouth, Flower licked the sausage once, then bit off half of it.


    Shen Yin was afraid that Flower would bite Zhengzheng''s fingers.


    "Zhengzheng, put the sausage in Flower''s bowl. Shall we go out to y?"


    Recently, Zhengzheng has be quite reliant on Shen Yin. He never felt maternal love before, never had many demands, but now it''s different. Shen Yin ys with him, tells him stories, and cooks delicious food for him to eat. He''s so happy, and his dependence on Shen Yin has grown stronger, naturally he listens to Shen Yin''s words.


    Zhengzheng grabbed Shen Yin''s hand and pulled her towards the gate. Just as they were about to leave, a woman in her forties approached them.


    Shen Yin didn''t recognize her and thought she might have walked to the wrong door.


    The middle-aged woman spoke first, "Are you thedy of the house? I''m the cleaningdy Mr. Xu hired the other day to clean the house."


    Shen Yin replied, "Thank you for your hard work. I''m taking the baby out for a walk."


    The middle-aged woman nodded quickly.


    Since Auntie Li was fired, only Aunt Song was left. She used to take care of the house cleaning. Later, Aunt Song resigned, and Shen Yin joined the drama crew again. They needed someone to clean the house.


    The sun wasn''t as scorching as it had been in the past few days, the air was sweet, with the distinctive scent of spring. The green grass was lush, and flowers were blooming everywhere. The residential area was quiet, with only five vis, so there weren''t many people around.


    Zhengzheng was overjoyed, bouncing along the path.


    "Slow down, Zhengzheng, don''t fall," Shen Yin reminded him.


    "Okay, Mom, where are we going?" Zhengzheng hopped beside Shen Yin.


    "We''re going to buy groceries and cook lunch for Zhengzheng."


    Shen Yin was afraid Zhengzheng would get tired and couldn''t walk anymore, so she picked him up. Since she wasn''t wearing high heels, it was more convenient to walk.


    "I want to eat meat and ribs."


    The little voice melted Shen Yin''s heart. Why was he always thinking about food? She thought she was the ultimate foodie, but this little one was even better.


    They entered the supermarket, not too big since there were only five households in the neighborhood. However, the quality of the items was good since the audience were affluent, with many luxury and essential items.


    Shen Yin put Zhengzheng down and went to the vegetable section. There were various kinds of vegetables, all fresh. Shen Yin carefully selected them.


    Zhengzheng saw Shen Yin was busy and didn''t bother her, ying by himself. Shen Yin didn''t pay attention to him. When she turned around, she realized Zhengzheng wasn''t by her side.


    Shen Yin felt a bit panicked, leaving the vegetables and searching for Zhengzheng everywhere.


    "Excuse me, have you seen a tall and handsome boy around here?" Shen Yin gestured with her hands, looking anxious as she asked the staff.


    The staff replied, "I haven''t seen him. You might want to check at the cashier."


    Shen Yin was scared, cold sweat dripping down her back. She was terrified that something might have happened to Zhengzheng. If Zhengzheng got lost because of her, Mr. Xu and Xu Xiuhe wouldn''t let her off, and she wouldn''t forgive herself either.


    Shen Yin rushed to the cashier area, finally breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully.


    ¡°Zhengzheng, why didn''t you tell Mom when you left? You scared Mom to death.¡± Shen Yin hugged Zhengzheng to her chest, thankfully, nothing bad happened.


    ¡°Mom is busy, Zhengzheng wanted to take a walk and couldn''t find Mom.¡± Zhengzheng''s eyes were moist.


    ¡°Miss, are you new to this neighborhood?¡± A cashier girl asked.


    Shen Yin snapped back, ¡°No, I''ve been here for a few years.¡±


    A slightly older staff member next to them chimed in, ¡°I haven''t seen you before, including such a cute little baby.¡±


    Shen Yin smiled and exined, ¡°I haven''t been to the supermarket before.¡±


    ¡°Which vi are you in?¡±


    Shen Yin was taken aback by the question; she seemed not to know which one she lived in. The original Shen Yin didn''t care, and she hadn''t paid attention either. So she mentioned Xu Xiuhe and the approximate location of the vi.


    The expressions of several people changed instantly. Those working in this supermarket had some connections; how could they not know Xu Xiuhe? But wasn''t there a rumor that Xu Xiuhe was having a marriage of convenience, and his wife wasn''t attractive, leading to a strained rtionship and keeping her out of public view?


    It seems the rumors were wrong; Xu Xiuhe and his wife are quite attractive. A few aunties started gossiping. ¡°Mrs. Xu, is this your child?¡±


    Shen Yin: ¡°Yes, he''s two years old this year.¡±


    ¡°This child is too good-looking, takes after you.¡±


    Shen Yin felt proud; after all, she''s Zhengzheng''s mom now, and she yed a big role in how handsome her son turned out. ¡°Thank you, Auntie Zhengzheng praised you for being handsome. Shouldn''t you say thank you to Auntie?¡±


    In Shen Yin''s arms, Zhengzheng, who got scared from not finding his mom, recovered and, looking at the crowd, suddenly felt shy, burying his face in Shen Yin''s shoulder.


    ¡°Why are you still shy?¡± Shen Yin asked.


    Upon hearing this, Zhengzheng turned his head, smiled, and said, ¡°Thank you, Auntie.¡±


    Older Aunties love well-behaved kids, and seeing such a sensible child, they liked him even more. Due to their status, they didn''t dare to reach out to hold him but praised verbally, ¡°Mrs. Xu, are you here to buy groceries?¡±


    Shen Yin, reminded of her purpose, said, ¡°Zhengzheng, hold Mom''s hand, don''t let go.¡±


    This time, Zhengzheng firmly held Shen Yin''s hand. Shen Yin ced all the groceries she wanted into a small shopping cart and then headed to the cashier.


    ¡°Mrs. Xu, the total is 298.¡± The cashier girl said.


    Shen Yin opened the WeChat payment QR code and smoothly paid.


    ¡°Mrs. Xu, I see you bought quite a lot. Our supermarket offers delivery services. Would you like us to deliver?¡±


    This supermarket mainly serves a few households in this neighborhood, so it primarily operates online. Shen Yin was wondering how to carry all these groceries back, and now it seemed to be solved.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    On the way back, Zhengzheng kept holding Shen Yin''s hand tightly.


    Shen Yin felt quite saddened. She could understand Zhengzheng. Since birth, he had been neglected by his original guardian. His closest people, Xu Xiuhe and Song Ma, were always busy, and his bond with them was not biological. After Song Ma left, he felt even more insecure. So, at the moment when he couldn''t find her, he must have felt very helpless.


    Before, Shen Yin used to think she was somewhat pitiful. Her mother passed away early, and her stepmother wasn''t affectionate. But she still had her maternal grandfather''s family.


    At the moment when Zhengzheng couldn''t be found, Shen Yin even suspected that Yang Cui had something to do with it. She was truly terrified. It seemed necessary to inform Xu Xiuhe about Yang Cui''s actions. If Yang Cui confronted her openly, she could handle it with her martial arts. But if she acted covertly, what should she do?


    "Zhengzheng, promise Mommy that you''ll never leave Mommy and Daddy''s sight again. Don''t trust anyone except Mommy and Daddy, okay?"


    Xu Yunzheng nodded as if he understood.


    While making lunch, Shen Yin put Zhengzheng on a nket in the living room, gave him some picture books, and a few toys.


    "Zhengzheng, be good. Mommy is going to cook lunch for Zhengzheng. Can Zhengzheng y here by himself?"


    Shen Yin didn''t know if Xu Xiuhe woulde back for lunch. If not, she would take Zhengzheng to Xu Xiuhe.


    For Shen Yin, cooking was simple, especially with today''s advanced technology, it was even easier.


    Shen Yin ground the plum meat into filling using a meat grinder, chopped a small piece of yam, and added two dried mushrooms for vor enhancement. She mixed the ground plum meat with yam and mushroom evenly, added two spoons of starch, one spoon of soy sauce, one spoon of oyster sauce, one spoon of sesame oil, half a spoon of sugar, and finally added chopped green onions. She poured the mixture onto a te, spread it evenly, and steamed it.


    Then, Shen Yin cut the eggnt into long strips, marinated them in her own sauce for 10 minutes, heated oil in a pan, stir-fried the previously set aside ground plum meat until it changed color, added the eggnt strips, poured in the sauce again, stir-fried, and sprinkled with chopped green onions.


    Shrimp tofu soup, stir-fried mushrooms with greens, tomato beef brisket, stir-fried fish slices, and locust flower egg dumplings.


    In less than two hours, seven dishes were done. It was almost noon, and it seemed like Xu Xiuhe wouldn''t being back.


    Shen Yin cooked arge amount of food, mainly to repay Xu Xiuhe for making breakfast in the morning.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s eat first. Can we give Daddy his meal after eating?"


    Zhengzheng pped his hands. After spending these few days with Zhengzheng, Shen Yin finally understood some of Zhengzheng''s small expressions and gestures. pping his hands meant he was happy and fully in agreement.


    Shen Yin looked in the cab below, and sure enough, there were lunch boxes, high-quality ones that were insted and could hold severalyers of food. There was also a bag. Shen Yin took out the lunch box, rinsed and dried it, and packed each dish into it.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s eat."


    How to get to Xu Xiuhe''spany was a problem. Although the underground parking lot was full of cars, Xu Xiuhe wasn''t in any of them. Shen Yin was too nervous to drive with Zhengzheng in tow.


    With the lunchbox in hand, the bag containing Zhengzheng, and holding Zhengzheng, Shen Yin decided to take a taxi.


    There weren''t many taxis near the upscale neighborhood, so Shen Yin was lucky to find one right after leaving the neighborhood gate.


    "Driver, please take me to Heyuan Group."


    The driver also felt lucky today. He seldom came to this area to pick up passengers because the nearby neighborhoods were upscale and most people had their own cars. Today, he hade here to drop off a passenger who had some business nearby, never expecting to pick up another fare on the way back.


    "People living in this neighborhood aren''t ordinary folks. I suppose you must be the wife of some CEO?" The driver joked.


    Shen Yin didn''t catch on and sincerely admired the driver, "How did you know?"


    The driver didn''t expect his words to receive a response.


    Shen Yinughed heartily, "Anyone living in such a neighborhood must have apany of their own, especially when you''re carrying a child."


    That''s true. She indeed needed to adapt to this era, broaden her thinking, and not be like before, constantlypeting with her stepmother.


    "Heyuan Group?" the driver asked again.


    "Yes, Heyuan Group."


    "Indeed remarkable. Xu Xiuhe from Heyuan Group is young and talented, self-made, everyone in Rong City knows him."


    Shen Yin smiled but didn''t say anything. Xu Xiuhe was impressive, but she didn''t have much to do with him; their rtionship was extremely unstable.


    Soon, they arrived at the building of Heyuan Group. It was Shen Yin''s first time here.


    Shen Yin carried two bags and held Zhengzheng''s hand, the little one cute, the elder one beautiful, attracting quite a few people.


    "Hello, who are you looking for?" the receptionist asked.


    "Looking for Daddy." It was Zhengzheng''s first time here too, his eyes wandering around, thinking his dad was here.


    Shen Yin lowered her head, "Sweetie, who is Daddy? Others don''t know. You need to say Daddy''s name."


    "Looking for Xu Xiuhe." Zhengzheng said Xu Xiuhe''s name for the first time but stumbled.


    The receptionist waspletely shocked, her mouth agape. Then, sheposed herself and smiled, "Hello, the CEO is on the top floor."


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin, holding Zhengzheng, headed to the elevator.


    Little did Shen Yin know, her arrival once again caused a stir among the employees of Heyuan Group.


    [Folks,test gossip, fresh off the press! Just had a woman, tall, elegant, with a child so adorable and handsome,e to see the CEO, and get this, the child ims Xu Xiuhe is his dad!!!!] The receptionist hastily typed and shared the news in the group.


    [OMG, the CEO has a child? This can''t be some love child scandal, can it?]


    [No way, are mistresses nowadays this tant?]


    I think it''s about the woman not losing to a celebrity, which ispletely opposite to the president''s wife, right?


    I agree.


    @InvincibleBeauty, have you finished sharing the gossip? Where are they now?


    The front deskdy cked away on her keyboard.


    Do you think I, a mere front desk attendant, would dare to stop the distinguished Young Prince and his mother? They''re in the elevator now.


    The group fell silent.


    Shen Yin pressed the button for the top floor, the 35th. However, every time the elevator stopped at a floor, it opened, revealing a group of people standing there, not entering.


    Several minutes passed, and the elevator still hadn''t reached the 35th floor. Each time the doors opened, a crowd stood watching her and Zhengzheng. Initially, she politely smiled, but as time went on, the smiles faded.


    Messages in the group started pouring in.


    "OMG, I saw it. So stunning! Her smile is absolutely enchanting. The president has great taste."


    "I''m on the 17th floor, and I saw them too. That child is the most handsome I''ve ever seen."


    "Upstairs, aren''t you talking nonsense? The president and that woman are a visual match."


    "Don''t you think the child looks exactly like the president?"


    "Upstairs, you''re the king of nonsense. Everyone says the president is his dad. What son doesn''t resemble his father?"


    Liu Bo opened his phone, bewildered by these messages. He rushed into Xu Xiuhe''s office without knocking.


    "President, I need to tell you something."


    Xu Xiuhe looked displeased. "What''s so urgent?"


    "Madam and Zhengzheng are here," Liu Bo replied.


    Xu Xiuhe''s expression changed momentarily but quickly returned to normal. "Where are they? Why haven''t they arrived yet?" he asked, leaving the office.


    Finally, Shen Yin reached the top floor.


    Zhengzheng, upon seeing Xu Xiuhe, became extremely excited. "Dad, Zhengzheng and Mommy brought you lunch!"


    Xu Xiuhe took Zhengzheng, his gaze shifting to Shen Yin. Indeed, she carried arge lunchbox.


    "Your elevators are so strange. They stop at every floor. Also, yourpany''s people are odd too. Why press the elevator button if they don''te in?" Shen Yinined.


    Liu Bo, having read the group messages, instantly understood. He looked at Xu Xiuhe, who was also staring at him, as if questioning the situation and why this issue had arisen.


    "Perhaps it''s just a busy day today," Liu Bo awkwardly smiled, not even believing his own exnation.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    Shen Yin did not doubt this exnation. She did not understand the situation with Heyuan Group either, so it was possible they really were busy.


    Xu Xiuhe and Liu Bo understood Liu Bo too well, and gave Liu Bo a sharp look. Liu Bo pretended not to see it. He could not directly say it was because the employees wanted to see the boss''s wife and that was why they took the elevatoryer byyer.


    "Have you eaten?" Shen Yin was afraid Xu Xiuhe would feel she cared too much about him, so she added, "Zhengzheng is going toe bring you food."


    Xu Xiuhe was busy with meetings that did not openst night in the morning and had not had time to eat yet. He usually ate in the employee cafeteria on the second floor. If he missed meal times, it was takeout ordered by Liu Bo. Now, he really was hungry.


    "Not yet."


    Liu Bo said it was his responsibility that he had not yet bought food for the CEO, but actually he was waiting for Xu Xiuhe to praise him, to praise him that not buying food was the right choice. The food his wife and son brought must be more delicious than anything he could buy!


    Liu Bo knew well enough to leave and not disturb the family of three.


    Shen Yin put the lunchboxes on the coffee table in the lounge and took out the seven dishes one by one. When Xu Xiuhe sat down, he was attracted by the smell of the food.


    The food smelled delicious and looked very appetizing. Xu Xiuhe took a bite and became even hungrier.


    "Dad, Zhengzheng wants a bite." Zhengzheng held his little fingers and blinked saying so.


    Xu Xiuhe picked up a piece of steamed meat pie for Zhengzheng to take in his hand.


    Watching the father and son interact once again reminded Shen Yin of her own father. She had been a childcking love, now in another world even morecking in security.


    Xu Xiuhe noticed Shen Yin''s gaze and thought something was wrong, asking: "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing."


    "The food is very good, thank you." What Xu Xiuhe was thinking to himself was that it would be great if he could eat food like this every day.


    After a while, when Xu Xiuhe put down his chopsticks when the food was mostly gone, Shen Yin felt it was time to bring up Zhengzheng.


    Shen Yin said, "Xu Xiuhe, I want to talk to you about something."


    Xu Xiuhe''s expression gradually froze. The happy feeling from enjoying delicious food disappeared instantly. No one does favors without reason. Shen Yin''s expression was so serious, could it be she wanted a divorce? If she brought it up, how should he respond? Shen Yin had made a fuss about divorce before, but because of the cooperative rtionship with the Shen family and Shen Yin''s abnormal mental state, the Shen family and Xu Xiuhe had not agreed.


    Now that Shen Yin was normal and getting along well with Zhengzheng, if she brought it up, what should he do?


    "Can you trust that person just now to take Zhengzheng for a bit?" Shen Yin asked cautiously.


    Xu Xiuhe''s face became even more ugly upon hearing this. Avoiding looking at Zhengzheng, he guessed what she would say almost exactly.


    Xu Xiuhe called Liu Bo''s assistant direct line, "Liu Bo,e in for a moment."


    When Liu Bo came in, he found the atmosphere between the two people was not right. Could something have happened that would implicate him? So he carefully asked: "Boss, do you need something?"


    Xiuhe looked at Zhengzheng ying on the sofa and said, "Take Zhengzheng to go y for a while. Shen Yin and I need to talk about something." When he said "the two of us" he looked at Shen Yin.


    Liu Bo was shocked that he would get to take the little prince of Heyuan out. He had to hurry out of this ce of gossip and properly show off the little prince.


    Shen Yin patiently said, "Zhengzheng, go y with this uncle, okay? Mommy and Daddy need to talk."


    Liu Bo picked up Zhengzheng and left Xu Xiuhe''s office.


    "Just say whatever you need to say quickly." Xu Xiuhe''s tone was impatient, afraid to hear something he did not want to hear.


    "Don''t get angry when I tell you, okay?"


    Xu Xiuhe''s face was almost ck.


    "Say it!"


    "When my mental state was abnormal, Yang Cui contacted me. She promised that if I helped her with something, she would help me get a divorce."


    Xu Xiuhe leaned forward, his expression solemn: "What thing?"


    "She wanted me to get rid of Zhengzheng." Shen Yin was very cautious.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xiuhe''s brows furrowed tightly, no longer able to restrain the anger on his face.


    "What exactly was the situation when you met her at Blue Mountain Coffee Shopst time?" Xu Xiuhe suppressed his anger with great effort.


    Shen Yin thought back to what had happened when she went to Blue Mountain Coffee Shop. She did not expect that Xu Xiuhe would know about it.


    "At that time my mental state had just improved a bit. I didn''t really understand why she wanted to see me. It was only then that I realized what she had asked me to do before. I didn''t remember before because of my mental state. I don''t know how she found me. I was afraid if I didn''t agree to her, she would find someone else to make a move against Zhengzheng. I was really wrong before to give her the opportunity. It was my fault that almost harmed Zhengzheng and I''m so sorry to you and Aunt Song."


    Shen Yin had a sincere expression, not seeming to be lying. Xu Xiuhe stared straight at Shen Yin''s face.


    "Does anyone else know about this matter?"


    "I don''t know if others knew before. The day before yesterday when my brother and parents came to see me, I mentioned it to them and asked them to keep an eye on Yang Cui. No one else knows." Shen Yin truthfully answered Xu Xiuhe''s question.


    Xu Xiuhe did not speak for the moment, pondering deeply before making a call out.


    "Hello, Chen Siming. Help me with something. Find someone to investigate Yang Cui for me and monitor her whereabouts. Report anything to me."


    Although Chen Siming also had a good rtionship with Xu Xiuhe, it was not as close as the one between Chang Zhiyuan and Xue Jingrui. Of course Chen Siming would agree to help with Xu Xiuhe''s request, after all his own business also relied on Xu Xiuhe!


    After dealing with this matter, Xu Xiuhe asked, "Anything else you want to say?"


    Shen Yin felt there was nothing else, but then remembered that Shu Yi wasing tomorrow. Since she was not the mistress of the house, it was necessary to let Xu Xiuhe know.


    "There''s one more thing." When she said this, Xu Xiuhe''s heart thumped again, nervous once more. Could it be she wanted a divorce after all?


    "Is it okay if Shu Yies to the house to find me tomorrow?" Shen Yin''s tone held some tentativeness.


    When Xu Xiuhe heard this, he let out a breath, and his hanging heart settled down.


    "It''s been hard on you, thanks. For bringing Zhengzheng and making food to bring me too."


    Shen Yin could not bear that. She was currently clinging to Xu Xiuhe''s thigh. She had not found a job yet either. She had better tter Xu Xiuhe well.


    "It''s not hard, not hard. It''s you who leaves early andes backte from work everyday."


    Xu Xiuhe was not used to this kind of Shen Yin. He felt something was off, suspicion showing on his face.


    Shen Yin said, "I''ll go out and see how Zhengzheng is doing."


    "Okay,e backter and I''ll arrange for a car to take you back home. You can drive any of the cars in the underground garage at home."


    Shen Yin gave an embarrassed smile. "I still don''t really know how to drive."


    "I''ll teach you another day."


    After Shen Yin left Xu Xiuhe''s office, she looked around but did not see Liu Bo anywhere.


    Besides Xu Xiuhe and Liu Bo, the top floor also had some secretaries and assistants. Those in higher positions had their own independent offices. Those in slightly lower positions were all in the lobby. Shen Yin had already attracted the attention of the assistants in the lobby when she came in. Nowing out, many eyes were focused on her.


    The anxious Shen Yin looking for her son did not mind at all, and even went up to their desks.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    "Hello, may I ask where Assistant Liu just went with the baby?" Shen Yin asked very politely.


    Sitting closest, Xiao Lier said, "Assistant Liu just took the baby downstairs for a walk."


    "Okay, thank you!" Shen Yin said, then turned to head towards the elevator.


    Xiao Lier was ttered. The other assistants saw Shen Yin off.


    After Shen Yin entered the elevator hall, things were no longer calm in the lobby.


    "Wow, she''s so gentle and polite!"


    "To be honest, even if she was the third, I would still support her. I can''t help it, I''m a sucker for beauty."


    "Yes, yes, yes, her genes are too strong. I''ve never seen such a cute baby."


    "I also like women like her. If I were the president, I would definitely choose her!" said a young man sitting in the corner.


    "Wake up, Yihai, stop dreaming," everyone elseughed.


    Shen Yin went downstairs but didn''t find them, so she asked some other employees. Their reactions were all the same as those upstairs.


    The small group chat was flooded with so many new messages that she couldn''t keep up.


    As Shen Yin went down floor by floor, this was getting her nowhere, so she called Xu Xiuhe, "Hello, can you ask Liu Bo where Yunzheng is now? I can''t find him."


    After hanging up, Xu Xiuhe called Liu Bo.


    Liu Bo was holding Yunzheng, circling every floor, and now they were on the 30th floor. After receiving Xu Xiuhe''s call, he stopped on the 30th floor and didn''t go down any further.


    In the office area, the employees were gossiping.


    "Isn''t this the president''s son?"


    "Look who''s talking rubbish. How could it be Assistant Liu''s? He''s a bachelor."


    Liu Bo happened to overhear this. Unable to get angry while holding Yunzheng, he put Yunzheng down and held his hand, feeling aggrieved inside.


    Is being single a crime? Everything he did was for work, because Xu Xiuhe was a workaholic, forcing him to work overtime too. His sry was high, sure, but his personal time was minimal. There were plenty of young girls at thepany, but they all shipped him with Xu Xiuhe. He should be grateful they didn''t make him pay for it, yet here they were looking down on him for being single.


    Unable to fully articte his grievances, Liu Bo led Yunzheng over to the employees and said, "Yunzheng, they are all aunties and uncles who like you. Say hi to the aunties."


    Believing Liu Bo, Yunzheng greeted them in his soft voice, "Hello, aunties," even waving his little hand.


    This was the scene Shen Yin came upon, smiling as she said, "Chatting with the sisters?"


    Everything was fine when Yunzheng didn''t see Shen Yin, but once he did, he became clingy, toddling towards her on his little legs.


    "Mommy!"


    Hearing this, everyone was certain this young-looking woman was the president''s son''s mother.


    "Madam, you''vee down. The president told me to take you and Yunzheng hometer," Liu Bo deliberately rified Shen Yin''s identity.


    Sure enough, calling her "Madam" exined everything. "Home?" The employees immediately understood.


    "Madam looks so young, like 20 years old."


    "So beautiful. The baby is cute too."


    Thepliments came one after another. Shen Yin knew she was good-looking and beautiful, but the praise from so many people still made her a little embarrassed. After thanking them, she picked up Yunzheng. "Yunzheng, time to go. What should you say to the sisters?"


    Yunzheng waved his little hand again. "Bye bye, sisters!"


    The female employees couldn''t hold back their auntie smiles, some even wanting to steal the cute toddler away.


    "Madam, please head upstairs first," Liu Bo suggested.


    After the three left, the office area erupted intomentations again. Messages poured into the group chat.


    [Everyone, Assistant Liu called that woman Madam and is going to take them home.]


    [Madam? Could it be the president''s wife?]


    [She''s so gentle and beautiful, so the rumors about the third must be false. Don''t spread rumors.]


    [Her temperament is amazing. As a woman, even I like her. The key is she got the baby to call us sisters.]


    [Sister, me too. She''s very polite. I love her!]


    [The president must have done good deeds in several lifetimes!!!!]


    [I wave the banner for the president''s wife. Let''s see who dares oppose her!]


    Upstairs, Liu Bo saw these messages and was very satisfied to have proven Shen Yin''s identity. His goal was achieved, so it was time to report his merit to the president.


    Thinking this wasn''t enough, he quickly typed a message on his alt ount and sent it out.


    [Everyone, I''m on the top floor. The missus brought the president a meal, and although I didn''t see the food, I''m crying from hunger just thinking about it.]


    Someone immediately replied:


    [A woman so beautiful can even cook? Heavens be damned!]


    [To win a man''s heart, first capture his stomach, sisters! Keep working on your cooking skills to be a wealthy madame someday!]


    In his office, Xu Xiuhe had already cleaned up his lunchbox and put it in his bag. He had to say this was the most satisfactory meal he''d had in days.


    When Shen Yin and Yunzheng came in, Xu Xiuhe was looking over documents.


    Hearing them, he looked up and said, "You''re back. Do you want to y here for a bit or head home now?"


    Shen Yin didn''t see much to entertain them here and had to go to the herbal medicine shop that afternoon, so she said, "No need, I have some things to do this afternoon. I''ll take Yunzheng home first."


    Xu Xiuhe: "Okay, I''ll arrange a driver for you. Just tell the driver wherever you need to go. Be safe, and let me know if anythinges up."


    Shen Yin left with Yunzheng, unaware that her visit had quashed some rumors, earned her a group of fans, and even banner-wavers.


    On the ride home, Yunzheng fell asleep. Shen Yin held him in one hand and used the other to search on her phone for "where to buy Chinese medicine."


    "Driver, please go to Renhe Chinese Medicine Pharmacy."


    Hearing this, driver Old Wang turned around and changed route.


    Soon, Old Wang said, "Madam, we''ve arrived."


    Shen Yin wanted to buy herbs to treat Shu Yi''s dysmenorrhea, but Yunzheng was still sleeping. It would be inconvenient to take him in, but unsafe to leave him in the car.


    After thinking it over, she told Old Wang the herbs she needed and asked him to help buy them.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Old Wang went in to purchase medicinal materials, and Shen Yin also felt tired. She leaned against the back seat and fell asleep, not knowing how long she had slept with Zhengzheng, and when she woke up again, Old Wang had already returned, and arge bag of medicine was ced on the front passenger seat.


    "Madam, do you want to go home now?" the driver asked.


    "Go home," Shen Yin replied.


    When they arrived at the gate of the vi, Shen Yin saw a woman with an innocent look.


    Zhengzheng had woken up. Xiao Li got out of the car and went to the back to open the rear door.


    "Madam, you can get off now."


    "It''s hard work. Can you help me take the medicine inside?" Shen Yin said, holding Zhengzheng as she walked to the innocent looking woman.


    When Qi Yan saw the car stop, she started observing the people in the car. She thought Xu Xiuhe would get off the car, but she didn''t expect it to be a woman holding a child instead.


    "Who are you looking for?" Shen Yin asked politely.


    Qi Yan took a step back, stumbled a bit, then adjusted her expression and said, "No one, went the wrong way."


    Shen Yin always felt something was wrong. She wanted to ask more questions, but the woman in front of her turned and left, leaving Shen Yin with just a back view.


    The moment Qi Yan turned around, her expression was full of unwillingness, and her eyes became more fierce. Xu Xiuhe used to like her so much, he would definitelye back, one day, she would get Xu Xiuhe again.


    When Shu Yi returned to her residence in Rong City after finishing shooting her scenes, she sent Shen Yin a message.


    [My scenes are finished shooting. When do you have time? I''lle to your ce.]


    Shen Yin had already told Xu Xiuhe that Shu Yi woulde home tomorrow.


    [Tomorrow,e to Ziyue Manor.]


    [OK, see you tomorrow then.]


    The chat between the two women was polite.


    The next day, when Shu Yi came, she bought a lot of snacks for Zhengzheng, although Zhengzheng didn''tck anything, but it was the thought that counts.


    "Your yard is so beautiful, but I didn''t expect you to live in this ce." Shu Yi said.


    This is a ce where rich people live, but people with Xu Xiuhe¡¯s status should live in bigger houses. Shu Yi felt that Xu Xiuhe¡¯s home should be in Qingyuan Manor.


    Qingyuan Manor hasrger plots with more luxurious big manors, even more upscale than Ziyue Manor.


    "I''m not very clear, it was all arranged by Xiuhe. Why did you bring so many things?" Shen Yin said.


    "What''s wrong with buying some snacks for my godson?" Shu Yi said and teased Zhengzheng.


    "Have you eaten breakfast?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Yes, I bought something on my way down."


    Shu Yi was fully armed - hat, mask, sunsses, all worn. She bought some buns and ate them in the car.


    Xu Xiuhe left early in the morning, and left eggs and milk for Shen Yin and Zhengzheng again. But Shen Yin felt that eating the same breakfast every day was not very good. She took the chance while Zhengzheng was still asleep to wrap some dumplings.


    "It smells so good, Mrs. Xu." Smelling the aroma of dumplings in the air, Shu Yi couldn''t help but take a deep breath and ask.


    "Don''t call me Mrs., call me Shen Yin or just Yin Yin." Shen Yin said. Being called Mrs. felt too awkward, it made her sound very old.


    "Alright, then I''ll call you Yin Yin."


    "I just cooked these dumplings, do you want to eat some?" Shen Yin said, leading Shu Yi to the dining room.


    Shu Yi had eaten a meat bun in the morning and was no longer hungry, but the aroma of the dumplings was too tempting, she felt she could no longer resist.


    "Can I? They smell so good." Shu Yi said embarrassedly.


    At the dining table, Shu Yi sat opposite Shen Yin. Shen Yin knew Shu Yi wasing, so she wrapped more dumplings on purpose.


    Shu Yi was a rather quiet person, but after taking the first bite, she still couldn''t help eximing, "Yin Yin, where did you buy these dumplings? They are so delicious!"


    Shen Yin felt a little proud that her cooking was recognized by others, which made her very happy. "You can''t buy them anywhere. I wrapped the dumplings myself."


    Shu Yi was even more shocked. She really didn''t expect such a beautiful woman to be able to cook, and cook so deliciously.


    "You cane often if you want to eat them in the future." Shen Yin really liked Shu Yi a lot. Shu Yi gave her the overall feeling of being quiet and peaceful, with a unique temperament.


    After eating, Shu Yi volunteered to wash the dishes herself.


    "The ster is off your body now, right? Be careful, the water is cold. The cleaningdy willeter, no need to wash. Watch Zhengzheng for me for a bit, I¡¯ll make some medicine for you." Shen Yin said.


    Shen Yin went upstairs, entered Xu Xiuhe¡¯s study, took some A4 paper and went back downstairs.


    When she took Shu Yi¡¯s pulse again, Shen Yin asked, "No time to drink Chinese medicine, right?"


    Shu Yi had scenes to shoot when there were schedules, and when there weren¡¯t any, she was very free. She didn¡¯t know what the situation would be next, but if she was in the crew, there really was no time to simmer Chinese medicine. At home, although she could simmer it, she especially hated drinking that ck smelly stuff. It was extremely bitter. Usually when she drank it, she would hold her nose and drink it down, then eat some candy to mask the taste in her mouth.


    "I don''t know the next arrangements yet, but Chinese medicine really doesn''t taste good." Shu Yi said.


    "Alright then, let''s not drink medicine. I¡¯ll make some medicinal sters for you to apply, but there will be side effects." Shen Yin said.


    "What side effects?"


    "That is, there will be marks left after applying, and the imprints need one or two months to fade away."


    Shu Yi thought it would be bad for the body. This kind of thing was nothing at all, so she said, "That''s nothing."


    Shen Yin had prepared the Chinese medicine in advance. She ground them into powder, then stirred them with simmered medicine liquid to make medicinal paste.


    "Lie down on the sofa and lift your top a bit." Shen Yin said.


    Shu Yi did as she was told. Shen Yin applied the medicinal paste on Shu Yi''s two acupoints on the waist, and used a special adhesive to prevent the medicinal paste from rubbing off.


    "Turn over."


    In the same way, Shen Yin applied one on Shu Yi''s lower abdomen.


    When the cleaningdy came, this was the scene she saw.


    "Madam, are you a doctor?" the cleaningdy asked.


    "No, Auntie. I just happen to know a little bit from books, for treating dysmenorrhea. I don''t even know if it works or not, this is just a try."


    "Shu Yi, I have prepared all these medicines for you, 10 days'' worth, change the paste every day."


    "Yin Yin, thank you so much, how much do I owe you?"


    "No need. I still don''t know if I can cure it. Treat me to a meal when you are cured."


    The rtionship between women can be very strange, able to be friends in a second. This was Shen Yin''s first time really going out aftering to this world. Seeing there was someone in front of her now, she suggested, "Let''s go shopping."


    Shu Yi herself didn''t really like going out. Although she was not very famous, she still had the awareness that shoulde with being a public figure, such as not going out casually. But Shen Yin had helped her block the paparazzi and was also treating her illness. She could not refuse. Also, she felt that Shen Yin really treated her as a friend.


    After gearing up fully, Shu Yi drove and took Shen Yin and Zhengzheng to the most prosperous street in Rong City.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    As women go shopping, what they love to shop for the most are clothes and cosmetics. Shen Yin was not very interested in cosmetics. Instead, she was attracted by the many novel kitchenware in this era.


    Zhengzheng sat in the shopping cart while Shen Yin pushed it. Shu Yi apanied her to stroll around therge supermarket. Shu Yi wore a mask, sunsses and a hat to cover up. Shen Yin was not a public figure so she did not wear any. Though they had different temperaments, there was no denying they were both gorgeous beauties. Even the little Zhengzheng in the cart attracted quite some eyeballs.


    Cute lunch boxes, tableware... Shen Yin absolutely loved them. She wanted to buy whatever she saw. Shu Yi usually shopped online. Taking a rare stroll in the supermarket was quite fun for her. Seeing Shen Yin¡¯s strong desire to shop, she took another cart specially for items.


    After one round of sweep, the things Zhengzheng picked filled up her cart. Shen Yin then realized she had gone a little overboard and decided to check out.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, will you be paying by Alipay or WeChat?¡±


    ¡°WeChat.¡± Shen Yin took out her phone to bring up the payment QR code but it did not scan. She checked carefully and found there were only 8 dors left in her ount.


    The situation was a little awkward. Shu Yi asked, ¡°Did your inte crash? Let me pay for you.¡±


    Shen Yin did not feel good letting Shu Yi pay. She opened Xu Xiuhe''s chat and sent him a message.


    [Can you transfer me some money on WeChat?]


    The moment Xu Xiuhe received the message, he happened to be holding his phone. He did not understand why Shen Yin was asking him to transfer money to her when thepany deposited money into her ount every month.


    Without asking, Xu Xiuhe transferred 50,000 yuan to her on WeChat.


    Shen Yin epted the money right away and paid the 3000 yuan for her purchases.


    There were a lot of items so they were not easy to carry. Shen Yin looked for supermarket staff to help bring everything to the underground parking garage.


    She and Shu Yi also followed the staff with Zhengzheng to the underground parking garage.


    When they arrived at Shu Yi''s car, Shen Yin thanked the staff and let them leave. Zhengzheng stood on the ground while Shen Yin and Shu Yi put the purchased items into the trunk one by one.


    Suddenly, several vicious-looking men in ck charged aggressively toward Zhengzheng.


    Shen Yin reacted quickly to block them. ¡°Shu Yi, take Zhengzheng into the car.¡±


    Neither Zhengzheng nor Shu Yi had seen something like this before. They were terrified. Shu Yi picked up Zhengzheng and got into the car, covering Zhengzheng''s eyes. Just as she was about to call the police on her phone... She realized the situation had changed.


    Shen Yin moved swiftly and agilely. Shu Yi could not even see clearly how she did it. She maneuvered among the few men, kicking up, bending back, jumping up, squatting down, dodging, striking out.


    The men in ck did not expect a woman like Shen Yin to know martial arts and have such quick reflexes. She caught them off guard. Their original mission was to knock this woman unconscious first before kidnapping the child.


    Now the circumstances had changed. One man in ck took out a dagger. Under the cover of the other men, he charged toward Shen Yin''s chest with the dagger.


    The moment Shen Yin saw the dagger, her eyes changed. So they intended to kill. She had gone easy on them, not wanting to truly hurt them. Now that they were merciless, she would be ruthless too.


    Shen Yin bent back at the waist to slide under the arm of the man wielding the dagger. She turned around and grabbed his wrist, forcing it down powerfully so that the dagger stabbed into the man''s thigh.


    The man in ck let out a cry as blood flowed from his leg. He quickly used his hand to cover the wound and fell to his knees, the dagger dropping to the ground.


    Seeing this, the fury of the other four men swelled. They closed in on Shen Yin. Considering that Shu Yi and Zhengzheng had been waiting in the car for quite some time, Shen Yin decided to end this quickly.


    So Shen Yin jumped up and kicked one man''s chin. With one hand, she warded off another man, then kicked at both their knee joints. She turned and used the same moves on the other two, knocking all five men down.


    "Don''t overestimate yourselves. Go back and tell your boss, next time youe, don''t think about going back." Shen Yin''s expression was icy cold.


    Shen Yin opened the backseat door and got into the car.


    Shu Yi looked worried. "Yinyin, are you okay? I just called the police."


    "What did you say to the police?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I said there was a robbery at the underground parking garage at Rongguang Shopping Mall."


    "Okay, it''s fine. Let''s go."


    Shu Yi was still nervous and drove the car up.


    "Yinyin, you''re so amazing. What kind of celestial treasure are you that you even know martial arts? You''re more skilled than the martial arts director in the crew."


    Shu Yi''s expression had changed from anxious to worshipful.


    Shen Yin patted her hand. "I''ll teach you one day."


    The police arrived at the scene and saw five men in ck lying motionless on the ground.


    Officer Wang turned to ask the junior officers, "Did you check the surveince footage?"


    A junior officer replied, "Officer, we just went to the surveince room and saw that the cameras in the underground parking garage went out two hours ago."


    Without surveince footage, this case would be difficult to investigate.


    Officer Wang said, "Bring these five back to the station for interrogation."


    "Officer, their knees are injured," the junior officer responded.


    "Is it serious?"


    "One can''t walk. He currently can''t stand up."


    "Send them to the hospital first."


    In the interrogation room, the five men in ck sat in a row. Officer Wang observed their expressions and asked, "Tell me what happened."


    "Knock knock knock. Officer Wang,e out for a moment."


    Wang Yupeng came out and asked, "Any discoveries?"


    "The five men are respectively Meng Daxing, Zhao Tielei, Wan Xiang, Xu Kaiyuan and Sun Tao. All have prior records. The fingerprints on the dagger belong to Wan Xiang himself. Aside from the deep wound in Wan Xiang''s leg, the other four all have knee fractures."


    "The caller? Have you called to ask?"


    "Calling right now."


    When Shu Yi received the call from the police station, she was anxious and uneasy. "Yinyin, what should we do? The police called and found me."


    Shu Yi was an actress who had acted in a lot of youth dramas. She had not experienced something this major before. It was normal to feel afraid.


    "It''s fine. Give me the phone."


    "Hello, yes I was the one who called the police. Okay."


    After hanging up the call, Shen Yin passed the phone back to Shu Yi. "Drive to the Rongguang District Police Bureau in Rong City."


    At this point, Shu Yi felt like Shen Yin was her backbone. She drove toward the police station.


    There were officers already waiting for them at the entrance. Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng as she and Shu Yi walked in together. They entered Officer Wang Yupeng''s office.


    "Ma''am, you can take off the mask and hat now."


    Hearing this, Shu Yi thought there were no paparazzi around and removed her hat, mask and sunsses.


    The junior officer beside immediately recognized Shu Yi. "Ah, aren''t you that campus goddess from the TV show?"


    Officer Wang was slightly older and not familiar with youth dramas. He stared at Shu Yi for a while and said, "You''re an actress?"


    Shu Yi nodded. Officer Wang considered the case and asked, "What happened with those people?"


    Shu Yi was a little afraid. Noticing Shu Yi''s expression, Shen Yin spoke up, "Those people tried to rob our bags, but they didn''t know I practice taekwondo."


    Shu Yi added, "It was self-defense. They attacked first, and they even had a knife. To get away, to protect ourselves, we had to fight back. You can check the surveince footage."


    Officer Wang and the junior officers exchanged nces. It seemed they did not know the surveince had been destroyed.


    "Check these two''s information." Officer Wang instructed.


    They did not know until they looked it up. What a shock.


    Zhengzheng was not too frightened. She was just sleepy and fell asleep in Shen Yin''s arms.


    The junior officer served tea to Shu Yi and Shen Yin. His tone had changed.


    After a while, someone walked into the office.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    Xu Xiuhe wore a ck suit, ck leather shoes, and exuded an aura that warned others to stay away as he walked into Wang Yupeng''s office.


    When he reached the sofa, Xu Xiuhe''s aura changed, possibly because he was afraid of scaring Zhengzheng. He was no longer as cold, stern, and even angry as before. Shen Yin and Shu Yi were both amazed at how quickly someone could switch their aura.


    The district chief of the Public Security Bureau also rushed over after receiving a message from Wang Yupeng, saying, "Mr. Xu, sorry, sorry, we haven''t weed you properly."


    Xu Xiuhe lowered his head to look at Shen Yin and asked, "How are you, did anything happen to you?"


    Shen Yin did not speak, only shaking her head.


    "Chief Duan, what do you think we should do?" There was a sense of oppression in Xu Xiuhe''s voice.


    Duan Hao lowered his head and replied, "It''s been taken care of, just sign and you can go back."


    Given Xu Xiuhe¡¯s status and position in Rongcheng, few people could match him, plus his connections with Xue Jingrui and Chang Zhiyuan, Duan Hao did not dare to slight him.


    Xu Xiuhe signed on the sofa. Shen Yin had been staring at Xu Xiuhe''s writing since he sat down to sign. It was strong and powerful, clearly the writing of someone who had practiced calligraphy. As the legitimate daughter of the Marquis''s Mansion, Shen Yin had always been supervised by her tutor to practice writing, and she thought herself no amateur. But now, seeing Xu Xiuhe''s writing, she felt somewhat ashamed. Shen Yin thought that she didn''t know if her skills had been amplified since arriving in this world, and wondered if the calligraphy she could produce now would surpass Xu Xiuhe''s. In any case, she felt her martial arts skills were much stronger than in the Dasheng Dynasty.


    After Xu Xiuhe finished signing, he took Zhengzheng from Shen Yin''s arms and said, "That''s it, let''s go back."


    Under the escort of Chief Duan, Officer Wang, and some junior police officers, the three adults and one child left the police station.


    One young officer asked, "Chief Duan, Teacher, what is that man''s background? His aura is so big I didn''t even dare to breathe."


    Wang Yupeng replied, "Kid, don''t get involved in these things. Did any of the five people inside say anything?"


    "No, they said some random nonsense that didn''t match up at all. I could see they were very nervous and didn''t dare to tell the truth. It seems like theymitted the crime first."


    Wang Yupeng seemed to have thought of something and said, "Detain them first, we''ll deal with itter."


    If these people had robbed ordinary people, the case could have been closed immediately. But they happened to provoke the CEO''s wife of Zhiyuan Group and a famous actress, so the situation might not be that simple. They needed instructions from above on how to handle it.


    Xu Xiuhe handed Zhengzheng to Shen Yin, got in the car, and turned around, "Get in the car, let''s go home first."


    Shen Yin looked at Shu Yi and said, "The things I bought are still in Shu Yi¡¯s car.¡±


    Only then did Xu Xiuhe get a clear look at what Shu Yi looked like. He had heard Shen Yin say yesterday that Shu Yi wasing to see her today, so when the police station called him, he passed this news to Chang Zhiyuan, since Shu Yi was an artist under hispany after all.


    "I''ll go get the stuff from the back of your car." Xu Xiuhe got out of the car again and walked to the back of Shu Yi''s car.


    Shu Yi had calmed down now, not as scared as before, but it was unlikely she felt like nothing had happened.


    She thought she would help Xu Xiuhe grab the bags, and was about to go over when a Maserati stopped behind Xu Xiuhe and her cars. Without looking, Xu Xiuhe knew it was Chang Zhiyuan.


    Sure enough, one of Chang Zhiyuan''s legs stepped out. White trousers, a pink floral shirt, sunsses... While it looked quite tacky, it had a certain charm when worn by him.


    Chang Zhiyuan took off his sunsses, looking rather anxious as he asked, "What''s the situation, nothing happened right?" Aside from Shu Yi being an artist under hispany that he would need to take responsibility for if something went wrong, he was also interested in her now, so of course he would be worried.


    Shu Yi shook her head and said, "Nothing major happened."


    "Then let''s go back first," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    "I''ll take you home," Chang Zhiyuan said to Shu Yi, afraid she was still scared.


    "My things are still at Shen Yin¡¯s house."


    Shen Yin heard Shu Yi¡¯s words from the car. Looking at her phone, she saw it was almost one o''clock. "You guys must be hungry. Shu Yi, why don''t youe to Ziyue Manor to eat something first before going home?"


    Shu Yi thought about it and agreed. She was still a little shaken by the incident. The dagger in the hands of the man in ck had almost injured Shen Yin. But Shen Yin seemed totally unperturbed, as if those men were nothing to her. She was only worried about scaring Zhengzheng.


    The three cars raced down the road, arriving at Ziyue Manor in 40 minutes. The few of them entered the vi. Afraid that Zhengzheng was hungry, Shen Yin cooked the leftover dumplings from the morning for him to eat.


    After eating, Zhengzheng fell asleep again. Shen Yin still needed to cook, so she ced the sleeping Zhengzheng in the rocking cot in the living room.


    She had bought some vegetables in the morning, and there were also some vegetables left at home. Considering everyone was hungry, Shen Yin wanted to simply prepare something to fill their stomachs first. Shu Yi came over to help out as well. Chang Zhiyuan and Xu Xiuhe went upstairs to discuss today¡¯s incident.


    "Xiuhe, what do you make of this? Do you think the attack was aimed at one of those three, or was it just a failed robbery attempt?"


    "It¡¯s not clear yet. The police said there were five men in ck, subdued by Shen Yin and Shu Yi." Xu Xiuhe said.


    "What the f**k, no way right?" Chang Zhiyuan was so shocked his mouth fell open. He couldn¡¯t believe that two weak women, plus a child, could subdue five fierce thugs.


    "I''m not sure either, but right now the five men in ck are at the Rongguang District police station. ording to people at the station, they received a report from Shu Yi and rushed to the underground parking lot of Rongguang Mall, where they found five men already beaten up on the ground while Shen Yin and Shu Yi had left. As for why they were at the police stationter, it was because the police called and asked them to go back."


    "What about surveince footage?"


    "The surveince cameras happened to malfunction right as Shen Yin entered Rongguang Mall."


    "So the only ones who know exactly what happened are the two of them?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    "Yes. Let''s go down, they''ve probably finished cooking," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Chang Zhiyuan was already hungry and looked forward to the meal cooked by Shen Yin.


    Downstairs, with Shu Yi''s help, Shen Yin had cooked pepper and beef noodles, stir-fried three dishes¡ªnot a lot, but in generous portions, enough for four people.


    Shu Yi felt awkward when she saw Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan. She wanted to avoid Chang Zhiyuan, but who knew such an incident would happen today.


    At the dinner table, Chang Zhiyuan eximed that the pepper and beef noodles were the best noodles he had ever eaten. Shu Yi quite agreed with this statement.


    "Shen Yin, Shu Yi, who do you think today''s attackers in ck were targeting?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin and Shu Yi looked at each other and said, "It seemed they were going for Zhengzheng. At that time, Zhengzheng was standing next to me while we were putting the purchases in the trunk, then they rushed towards Zhengzheng."


    After Shen Yin finished speaking, it was Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan''s turn to exchange looks. Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin roughly guessed what was going on.


    "Then how did you escape from their attack?" Chang Zhiyuan was still most concerned about this.


    "Yinyin fought them off," Shu Yi replied.


    Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan still did not believe that two unarmed women with a child could defeat five brawny men, and even injure them all severely. No matter what, they absolutely did not believe it.


    Unless the video evidence was smashed in their faces.


    Chang Zhiyuan carefully observed the expressions of Shen Yin and Shu Yi, trying to glean something from their faces. Just then, the phone in his pocket happened to ring.


    "Mr. Chang, bad news!" his assistant said anxiously on the phone.

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    "What happened, tell me slowly." Chang Zhiyuan had seen a lot and dealt with many things. Compared to his assistant, he was much calmer.


    "Shu Yi is trending." The assistant said.


    Chang Zhiyuan hung up the phone, opened Weibo, and the #1 trending topic was "Famous actress Shu Yi rumored to have had a child."


    Xu Xiuhe asked, "What happened, did something happen?"


    "Shu Yi is trending." Chang Zhiyuan clicked into the trending topic. There was a video inside. The video was blurry andizens couldn''t clearly see the people in it, but Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan recognized them clearly. The people in the video were indeed Shu Yi and Shen Yin, and the location was the underground parking garage of Ronguang Shopping Mall.


    The video started from when Shen Yin and Shu Yi came down from the mall. Shen Yin and Shu Yi put things in the trunk while Zhengzheng stood to the side. Suddenly, five men in ck charged at them.


    Next was the fight scene. When the knife came out, it scared the paparazzi and the camera shook. After stabilizing, it continued filming.


    The whole video was about 10 minutes, and the most exciting fight scene was recorded in detail.


    The police did not expect that the missing part of the surveince video would be recorded this way. It was clear that the men in ck rushed at the child.


    The police also contacted the paparazzi immediately and obtained the full video.


    The previous video didn''t have Shen Yin, but Shu Yi''s disguise made it obvious she didn''t want to be recognized. The paparazzi had probably been stalking Shu Yi since yesterday, which is why she was followed the day after leaving the drama set. Whether intentionally or not, the title hinted that Shu Yi had a secret child.


    When the video showed Shu Yi hugging Zhengzheng into the car, it convinced manyizens that she was a mother with her child. The intense fight also attracted manyments.


    The Yanxi Drama Team''s wrap-up Weibo from yesterday also rose to #2 on trending.


    "Oh my god, is this Shu Yi? The campus goddess already has a child?"


    "It should be her. Can''t see her face but the figure looks simr."


    "Didn''t expect she already has a kid."


    "The other woman, although you can''t see her face clearly, she''s obviously a beauty too."


    "That''s not important. What''s important is she''s so cool, taking on five guys alone."


    "A bodyguard? Bodyguards are that capable these days?"


    "No need to say more, I like this bodyguard. So awesome. Big sister loves her."


    "So, is the child next to her Shu Yi''s illegitimate child?"


    Onement after another caused this Weibo post''s poprity to continue rising. Shu Yi, Xu Xiuhe, and Shen Yin all saw it.


    Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan looked at each other. Not because of Shu Yi''s scandal, that was easy to refute. But if they didn''t see it with their own eyes, they wouldn''t have believed Shen Yin was so fierce¡ªgentle on the outside yet able to take on a group alone.


    Chang Zhiyuan''s phone rang again, the screen showing "Wang Ming."


    "Hello, yes, it''s about Shu Yi. My side has started PR already."


    That was all Shu Yi heard before they ended the call.


    "You can release your drama photos to refute this." Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    Chang Zhiyuan was surprised. He didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe to propose this method of refutation. "Didn''t you say to keep identities secret and not expose them?"


    Xu Xiuhe: "Don''t mention identities, just say the child is a little actor from the crew who is close with Shu Yi. The woman fighting the men in ck is the child''s mother."


    After thinking for a bit, Xu Xiuhe added, "I''ll handle the men in ck." Since Yang Cui made a move, he wouldn''t go easy on her people.


    Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan went upstairs to discuss PR and how to handle this to maximize their interests. After finishing, Chang Zhiyuan said, "Did you know your wife is so fierce?"


    This struck Xu Xiuhe''s sore spot. He really didn''t know. Now he felt that after living together for 2-3 years, his understanding of his wife was just the tip of the iceberg. Fortunately Shen Yin was by his side. If it were Ma from before, Zhengzheng would be in serious danger now.


    "Bro, be careful from now on. You can still consider divorce while you can. Be careful or you''ll end up beaten to the ground like those thugs if you don''t listen to your wife someday." Chang Zhiyuan joked while sitting on Xu Xiuhe''s office desk.


    "Say one more word and get out." Xu Xiuhe was long used to Chang Zhiyuan''s uncensored mouth.


    "Xiuhe, serious talk. Is Ziyue Manor fully upied?" Chang Zhiyuan became serious.


    Ziyue Manor was a property project of Xu Xiuhe''spany. The whole estate was veryrge, and due to the high prices, two of the five vis remained unsold. It was fair to say the entire Ziyue Manor belonged to Xu Xiuhe.


    "What, you want to buy one?"


    "About Shu Yi being stalked by paparazzi, I still need to investigate. Her current home is provided by thepany, but security is clearlyckingpared to Ziyue Manor. Plus I feel she and your wife get along well now. I''ve looked into her background¡ªshe rarely gets close with people. Having her live there would put my mind at ease. Could you ask your wife to put in a good word for me if possible? Shu Yi has been avoiding me a bit."


    Xu Xiuhe could hardly believe it. "You''re serious?"


    "Of course. I used to y around all the time because I hadn''t met the right one. Now it''s time to settle down."


    Xu Xiuhe thought quickly and felt it was a good idea. Shen Yin hadn''t interacted with outsiders for years until recently after recovering from her illness. She needed friends now. Plus he was really grateful to Shen Yin. Even if they didn''t have feelings for each other, staying respectful was good for Zhengzheng.


    With PR underway, the online opinion turned positive after the refutation. After the crew photos were released, the Yaxi''s Legend Weibo gained many new fans. Shu Yi also sessfully gained poprity. Who doesn''t like a beautiful, kind-hearted girl next door? And who doesn''t like a cute and cool baby?


    Most importantly, the cute baby''s mother was beautiful and awesome, able to take on five guys alone. The baby''s looks were ensured, and the mother must be even more stunning.


    "Don''t stop me, I want all the information on this awesomedy in one minute!"


    "Which brother is so lucky to have such an awesome wife and child?"


    "The one above, don''t guess. Her temperament makes it obvious she has an extraordinary identity."


    "Why does she seem kind of familiar?" The employees of Heyun Groupmented online. After sending the Weibo photos to their small work group, the truth came out.


    [Wow, isn''t this the CEO''s wife and the CEO''s son?]


    [What else don''t I know? I didn''t expect the gentle, beautiful CEO''s wife I saw yesterday to be so capable at fighting.]


    [You guys say, if the CEO doesn''t listen to her...]


    [Simply unimaginable.]


    Shen Yin didn''t know she had be popr now, with people trying to dig up information about her online. But Shen Li had already scrubbed her information clean when she got married, soizens couldn''t find anything. The Heyun Group employees certainly wouldn''t reveal truths online. They greatly admired Shen Yin now.


    As for the five men at the police station, with Xu Xiuhe intervening in the investigation and all of them having criminal records, none would get out in less than 10-8 years. They didn''t have direct contact with Yang Cui, but went through several middlemen, making things difficult.

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    Aftering out of the crew, Shen Yin took care of Zhengzheng at home every day, making all kinds of delicious food for him and teaching him how to speak.


    Over a period of time, Zhengzheng had bepletely dependent on her, trusting her with his whole heart. Theck of maternal love was made up during this time, but Shen Yin knew this was far from enough. A mother''s love flows steadily for a long time, so in the days toe, she would always apany Zhengzheng. He was the closest person to her in this world. Even if she and Xu Xiuhe really reached the worst stage in the future, she still hoped Zhengzheng¡¯s custody would be in her hands. So she had to do something instead of always relying on Xu Xiuhe.


    Shen Yin thought about some of her own skills andbined them with the original owner''s major. She decided to start with clothing. The original owner had a studio before. When the original owner was abroad, she had a dream of bing a fashion designer. Her family was in Rong City, so she built one with the help of Shen Lyu.


    However, the studio basically had no customers. Moreover, after the original owner was with Zhou Man, her studies fell behind and her professional knowledge was not up to standard. After the original owner got married, she dismissed the employees of the studio. From then on, the studio was just a decoration. Fortunately, the Shen family was rich. Otherwise, how could the original owner have opened a studio and kept losing money?


    Relying on the original owner¡¯s memory, Shen Yin drove with Zhengzheng to the studio on Qinghe Street. It was a retro street with unique buildings.


    The original owner''s studio was in a three-story small building. The exterior of the building was very delicate, like a Republican-era building. But the entrance of the small building was locked. Shen Yin was well prepared. When she decided toe here, she had already found all the things about this studio that belonged to the original owner, such as relevant information and the keys to the studio.


    Shen Yin stopped the car, got out holding Zhengzheng, and fell in love with this street as soon as she got off. A man-made stream ran through the entire street, with clear water in the stream. Pebbles were paved on the bottom of the stream and on both sides. There was a long bench on the pebbled pavement on both sides at intervals. On the outer side of the pebbled pavement were rows of small buildings.


    The whole street had a vor of Jiangnan. Shen Yin had never seen such a scene of small bridges, flowing water, stone roads, and antique small buildings on both sides in Dasheng Dynasty.


    The charming Qinghe Street was not as luxurious as Qingshui Avenue, and there were fewer people than that side. The rhythm here was slower than that side. When Shen Yin came, it was morning. There were residents walking slowly on Qinghe Street. Some people were washing vegetables by the stream, some people were selling breakfast at the door of the small building, and some small buildings had just opened for business. The scent of human life here was strong. Shen Yin was in no hurry to open her own studio. Instead, she walked slowly along the street holding Zhengzheng¡¯s hand, feeling the beauty here.


    "Zhengzheng, do you like it here?" Shen Yin slowed down her pace to cater to Zhengzheng and asked slowly.


    "Like it!" Zhengzheng jumped for joy. His happiness could be seen at a nce. Although Xu Xiuhe was very rich, he couldn¡¯t apany Zhengzheng to travel everywhere. Aunt Song rarely took Zhengzheng out either. Since Zhengzheng was born, he seldom went out of Ziyue Manor. It was very rare that Xu Xiuhe took Zhengzheng to see Chang Zhiyuan, Xue Jingrui, and the others at Qingfeng Mingyue.


    Seeing Zhengzheng so happy, Shen Yin thought to herself that after her career was stable, she would definitely take Zhengzheng traveling everywhere.


    When Shen Yin opened the small building, she was shocked by theyout and environment inside. Although the exterior looked so exquisite and beautiful, why was the interior so messy and dirty? She couldn''t clean it alone with Zhengzheng.


    The money that Xu Xiuhe had transferred to her on WeChatst time was still there. Shen Yin just thought that all her money was in the bank card when she paid at the supermarket, but the card was not bound to WeChat. In the evening, she fiddled with it for a while and bound the card to WeChat. It was a big deal not knowing it, but it frightened her at a nce after binding it.


    She knew she had money in her card, and not a little, but she didn¡¯t expect so much money. Since it wasn''t money she earned by her own ability, she could spend it now, but she was still uneasy. So she must have her own business. At present, Shen Yin is a richdy. Looking at the dirty studio, she didn¡¯t think twice and immediately went online to find a propertypany to clean it up.


    After half a day, under the supervision of Shen Yin and Zhengzheng, the building had been cleaned up neatly by noon. Everything was neat and in ce. Shen Yin really liked such a small building. If possible, she even wanted to live here with Zhengzheng for a while, but now there was nothing but machines here.


    Shen Yin went up to the third floor and saw that there was even a small kitchen there. Shen Yin was super happy. That way, she could renovate the third floor into a rest and living area.


    She was a go-getter and would just get things done. The third floor had ayout of two rooms, one living room and one bathroom. It was decorated and only needed Shen Yin toyout and renovate. Thinking of this, Shen Yin locked the door of the small building and ced Zhengzheng in the rear seat in the infant''s safety chair.


    During this time, she practiced driving from time to time near Ziyue Manor. There were many cars in the garage. Shen Yin picked a car she liked and drove it out. Her driving skills couldn¡¯t be said to be very good now, but she had no problem driving normally.


    Following the navigation, Shen Yin drove to thergest shopping mall in Qinghe District. She decided to select various furniture, and decorations for the small building.


    Before picking out the furniture, Shen Yin took Zhengzheng to a sour fish restaurant. Shen Yin loved to eat fish very much. From her observations these days, Zhengzheng also liked it very much.


    After eating, Shen Yin first took Zhengzheng to the supermarket. In an hour, Shen Yin bought frying pans, woks, pancake pans, rice cookers, knives, cutting boards and various kitchen utensils. What''s more important is that she bought a lot of quirky and cute tableware, as well as some household items. Seeing that more and more things were bought, she simply found a supermarket staff member to help her carry things. After a round of shopping in the supermarket, Shen Yin spent five digits. The supermarket still provided delivery service, but Shen Yin did not let them deliver it immediately, but asked them to send it to her in the evening.


    "Mom, hug." Zhengzheng stretched out his little hand.


    Shen Yin realized that Zhengzheng had been walking for a long time and should be tired. Then she hugged up Zhengzheng and headed to the furniture city next door.


    Curtains, sofas, dining tables, coffee tables, chairs, beds, the furniture she could think of was ordered in the furniture city. However, she felt that the second floor and the first floor, especially the first floor which was the facade, needed some decoration.


    After strolling around, Shen Yin discovered a new world in Chinese furniture. She didn''t expect people in this era to like these wooden antiquated furniture. She took a look around and found that these furniture were much more expensive than the furniture she had just bought.


    "Miss, what do you need?" The salesperson of the Chinese furniture asked.


    "Why is this furniture so much more expensive than other furniture?" Shen Yin asked.


    The salesperson looked at Shen Yin and felt that Shen Yin''s temperament and image did not seem to be short of money at all, and could definitely afford the Chinese furniture.


    "Miss, because Chinese furniture is very popr nowadays, but the cost of Chinese furniture is extremely high. The shape of these furniture are restored by designers based on many books, and even after running to many museums around the world. For some museums, they have to go many times. The design cost is very high," said the salesperson.


    After listening to this, Shen Yin carefully observed these Chinese furniture and felt they were just so-so. Compared to those in Dasheng Dynasty, they were not delicate enough, and the appearance was not as good as those in Dasheng Dynasty. No wonder, how could people nowadays make an exact replica of ancient objects?

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    Shen Yin had a look of understanding on her face.


    "Ma''am, would you like to take a look?" the furniture salesperson asked again.


    Shen Yin shook her head. She had already bought all the furniture she needed. She was just curious why such ordinary furniture was so expensive. If she wanted Chinese-style furniture, she could simply draw up ns and have a carpenter custom make it, instead of spending so much money on something that wasn''t even her preferred style.


    Suddenly, Shen Yin had a sh of inspiration. She could be a Chinese furniture designer herselfter on, partner with factories or even set up her own factory. That way, all the profits would be hers.


    But for now, her clothing studio had just gotten up and running, and her energy was limited, so the furniture factory could wait.


    With everything purchased, Shen Yin had the furniture and supplies delivered to Number 5, Qingshui Street, where she still had one very important thing to take care of.


    She had noticed the sign above the small building on Qingshui Street at first nce when she arrived. It was called "Yinman Clothing Studio." The mention of Zhou Man gave Shen Yin a headache. She now had to deal with the mess the original host had made. There was no way she was using that name, not just because she found it distasteful herself, but if Shen Li ever found out about it, he would give her hell.


    Returning to Qingshui Street, Shen Yin immediately took down the little wooden sign for "Yinman Clothing Studio" and had Zhengzheng toss it in the trash can nearby.


    "Youngdy, it''s been years since I''ve seen you around here," she heard a voice say. Shen Yin turned to see an old woman with silver hair. The original host didn''t seem to remember this person.


    "Hello Granny. I''ve had some thingse up these past few years and haven''t been around this area," Shen Yin replied politely.


    The silver-haired granny had an elegant and refined air about her. Shen Yin guessed she was retired and now living in this neighborhood.


    "I see. Youngdy, what happened to that other girl who used toe here with you?"


    "Hm?" Shen Yin was puzzled. She thought back and remembered the original host hade here twice before with Zhou Man, but they hadn''t run into this granny then.


    "You probably all got married. That handsome little boy there is your child, right?" The silver-haired granny looked at Yun Zheng and asked.


    "Yes, he is."


    "I could tell with one look he resembles you. So handsome." The granny was very free with herpliments.


    "Thank you, Granny," Shen Yin gently taught Zhengzheng the proper response.


    "Thank you, Granny," he echoed in his little milk voice without any shyness.


    "Oh, so well-behaved. Just call me Grandma Su," the silver-haired granny said with a smile as she stroked Zhengzheng''s face.


    "So Granny''s surname is Su?"


    "That''s right, youngdy. I may not have met you before, but I''ve seen you. I''m so happy to see you''vee on your own this time. That other girl didn''t seem to have the best character."


    Shen Yin was puzzled. "How did you know we haven''t had contact for years? You''re right, she''s not the best person."


    "It''s good you''re not in contact. Otherwise you would have suffered losses," Grandma Su replied enigmatically.


    Just as Shen Yin was about to ask more, the silver-haired granny turned and left, saying, "I''m heading home for dinner now."


    Shen Yin watched her go into the building next door at Number 4. Speaking of dinner, Shen Yin checked her phone and saw it was almost 6pm. Time to head back.


    The furniture and other items had all been delivered. Shen Yin locked up and picked up Zhengzheng, intending to head back to Ziyue Manor. Everything else could wait until tomorrow.


    When she reached the vi entrance, she saw Xu Xiuhe''s car. With Xu Xiuhe busy at worktely, he had still made sure toe home for dinner every evening. Shen Yin knew the reason¡ªshe had thoroughly spoiled his stomach by now.


    Sometimes when Shen Yin was free at midday, she would also go over and bring Xu Xiuhe lunch. By now everyone at Far Group knew Shen Yin and Zhengzheng. When they saw Shen Yin, they would greet her warmly, to which she would politely respond.


    Lately Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe''s rtionship was quite stable. They were courteous with each other. Shen Yin would wait for Xu Xiuhe toe home for dinner in the evenings. They had no conflicts. On the contrary, she was rather appreciative of Xu Xiuhe.


    "Sorry I''m a bitte getting back. I had some things to take care of this afternoon and haven''t started on dinner yet," Shen Yin said as she got out of the car.


    Xu Xiuhe was just curious what Shen Yin had been up to and said, "No problem,e get in my car and we''ll eat out."


    Xu Xiuhe started the car while Shen Yin got in the backseat holding Zhengzheng. "Daddy, Zhengzheng wants to drive the car," the little boy said, full of curiosity about everything as children were.


    The corners of Xu Xiuhe''s mouth curved up slightly, an expression Shen Yin seldom saw from him. Other than dinner in the evenings and asionally lunch, they didn''t interact much the rest of the time.


    "I took Zhengzheng with me to Qingshui Street today," Shen Yin felt she should offer an exnation.


    "Oh?"


    "I have a studio there. Now that Zhengzheng is a little bigger, and I have nothing else to do, I thought I''d reopen the studio."


    "Mm, sounds good. Let me know if you need any help with it." Xu Xiuhe was quite supportive of Shen Yin running her own studio. It was good to have something you enjoyed doing that gave life more meaning.


    With all theing and going, it was no surprise their little family of three attracted lots of attention as they walked through Qingyue Shopping Mall near Ziyue Manor. Theirbined attractiveness made them unforgettable to passersby.


    That night after getting home, Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin discovered they had made the hot search topics again: "Far Group CEO Seen Out with Wife and Child at Qingyue Mall."


    Everyone knew the rumors that Xu Xiuhe was in a marriage of convenience and had a bad rtionship with his wife. He had never appeared together with her in public before. Now there were photos of them together that even made the hot searches.


    Xu Xiuhe was rtively unruffled, but the photos this time showed them face on, with Zhengzheng held in their arms, so his face wasn''t visible. The previous stills of Zhengzheng released by the crew only showed his back, while Shen Yin was clearly recognizable.


    There were onlinements questioning whether the woman in the photo was really Xu Xiuhe''s wife, and even spection she was a mistress and he was cheating.


    Xu Xiuhe''s phone lit up with an iing call from Liu Bo: "CEO, how do you want to handle this?"


    "Issue a rification on thepany''s official ount."


    "rifying what exactly?" Liu Bo didn''t understand.


    "rify that the woman and child in the photo are my wife and son. And rify that I''m not cheating."


    He had just gotten off the phone when Chang Zhiyuan and Xue Jingrui were tagging him frantically in the group chat.


    [Dude, I thought you were always real careful. How''d you get caught this time?]


    [I assumed Qingyue Mall would be safe.]


    [It''s your mall, you can''t just assume it''s secure!]


    Shu Yi also called Shen Yin.


    After Far Group''s official rification, Shen Group also issued a post: "Since when did my daughter Shen Yin be a mistress? And when did my son-inw cheat on her without my knowing?"


    With this post, the businessmunity andizens alike were stunned. When did Shen Tianzheng have a daughter? They only knew Xu Xiuhe was in an arranged marriage but didn''t know which family it was to. The wedding at the time was small and rushed, with only closest rtives and friends attending. They had no idea at all who Xu Xiuhe''s bride was.


    Shen Group was quite famous in Rong City, especially in recent years as it was growing rapidly. If people had known there was a daughter in the Shen family, their doorstep probably would have been trampled t.


    When Shen Yin was born, Shen Group was going through financial difficulties, and the family nning policy happened to be rolling out. So Fang Yue secretly gave birth to Shen Yin and registered her under Fang Yue''s maiden name. As a result, very few were aware there was a daughter in the Shen family, even with Yang Cui''s iplete investigation.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    Yang Cui''s investigation revealed that Shen Yin was sponsored to study abroad, andter married Xu Xiuhe at the sponsor''s request, but Yang Cui did not know who the sponsor behind it was.


    At this moment, Yang Cui was sitting on the sofa in the living room, extremely angry. Xu Guimin, Xu Xiuhe''s father, came back from the Xu Group and saw Yang Cui''s unhappy expression. He asked, "What''s wrong? Who made you angry?"


    Yang Cui adjusted her expression and looked worried: "Guimin, Xiuhe is trending on social media."


    "Oh?" Xu Guimin''s action of taking off his suit paused for a moment.


    Xu Guimin sat down on the sofa and took out his phone to see the trending news.


    Xu Guimin and Xu Xiuhe had a very strained rtionship. Xu Xiuhe had an argument with Xu Guimin before his college entrance exam. After the exam, he directly went to be a tutor without setting foot in the Xu family mansion again before going to university. Both father and son had stubborn temperaments and neither was willing to back down. Even when Xu Xiuhe started hispany, Xu Guimin was thest to know.


    "Guimin, the child has been away for quite some time and it''s been hard on him. Why don''t we send someone to bring him back?" Yang Cui tentatively suggested. In fact, she didn''t want Xu Xiuhe toe back at all. She just wanted to see Xu Guimin''s reaction now.


    "What''s there to pick up? He cane back if he wants." Xu Guimin''s expression was cold. Seeing this, Yang Cui felt reassured.


    She may be reassured, but theizens were not. They didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe''s wife to be from the Shen family, which was a marriage of equal elites. Moreover, they didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe''s previously unrevealed wife to be so beautiful with good temperament and appearance, and couldn''t understand why there had been no movement at all previously.


    The couple was good-looking, in line with the public aesthetic standards. Overnight, they even had a super-topic on social media, with fans frantically digging up all kinds of clues about their rtionship, to no avail as there really wasn''t anything previously.


    ¡¾Forget it, from today onwards I''ll start shipping this couple!¡¿


    ¡¾There''s no clue so let''s make up our own!¡¿


    ¡¾Sisters, go to Heyuan Group''s official ount. There are employees giving out clues there.¡¿


    Heyuan''s official ount gained hundreds of thousands of new followers overnight. Below were fans desperately asking for more clues. Unexpectedly, employees really gave out more:


    ¡¾It was thedy boss''s first timeing to thepany to deliver lunch to the CEO. It was a huge lunchbox.¡¿


    ¡¾Don''t mention it. We almost broke the elevator back then just to catch a glimpse of thedy boss.¡¿


    Heyuan employees gave out clue by clue.


    ¡¾Ahhhhh so sweet! What does thedy boss look like in person?¡¿


    ¡¾She''s gentle and charming, even I adore her as a woman.¡¿


    ¡¾Sisters, has thedy boss dropped by these two days?¡¿


    ¡¾She hasn''te these two days but dide by earlier.¡¿


    The threads grew longer with more and more peopleing to eat up the clues. Liu Bo also didn''t expect such a huge reaction this time. He thought it was just some rumor about the Heyuan CEO, but this directly confirmed the CEO''s marriage. Not only did the stock price not fall, but it kept rising steadily. Liu Bo felt a little proud and thought he should get a bonus from the CEO for this.


    Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin were not affected much. Xu Xiuhe was just worried that Shen Yin would be unhappy from having her marriage exposed. After dinner, Xu Xiuhe took the initiative to do the dishes while Shen Yin yed with Zhengzheng in the living room.


    In fact, Shen Yin didn''t care about this trending news at all. She understood that in this day and age, there was no privacy at all. So she just focused on living her own life well and taking care of Zhengzheng. As long as it didn''t interfere with her life, she didn''t care.


    "I''m sorry, this time it was my fault for letting my guard down and not realizing there would be paparazzi around." Xu Xiuhe said to Shen Yin after finishing up the dishes.


    "It''s fine, it was just some photos taken and we didn''t lose anything."


    Shen Yin suddenly remembered the wooden boards she bought today that needed calligraphy. So she asked, "Xiuhe, do you have calligraphy brushes at home?"


    Xu Xiuhe was quite busy normally but still made time to practice calligraphy for half an hour every week as self-cultivation. So not only did he have calligraphy brushes, there were plenty, all kept upstairs in his study.


    "They''re in my study upstairs. Are you going to practice calligraphy?"


    "I want to write some words."


    "Alright, let''s go upstairs then. It''s about time to give Zhengzheng a bath too." Xu Xiuhe picked up Zhengzheng and followed behind Shen Yin upstairs.


    Shen Yin stood outside the study door instead of going straight in. After all, it was Xu Xiuhe''s personal space and she felt it would be inappropriate to enter when the owner was not inside.


    Inside the study, there was a work desk. Next to the window was another desk covered in calligraphy paper, with a brush stand holding many brushes.


    "So you practice calligraphy too." Shen Yin walked over to the desk, feeling a little surprised. Not many people practiced writing with soft brushes nowadays since technology made typing and printing so convenient. Many people even had poor hard brush penmanship.


    Shen Yin took out the small wooden board from her bag. Xu Xiuhe didn''t understand - didn''t she say she wanted to practice calligraphy? Why did she take out a fancy wooden board?


    Xu Xiuhe held Zhengzheng on the sofa and found a children''s storybook to read out sentence by sentence for Zhengzheng. But half his attention was still on Shen Yin as he was very curious what she was doing.


    Shen Yin dipped and spread the ink with familiar motions. An experienced calligrapher''s posture. Sheid the board t and wrote the name "Yunyin Clothing Workshop" briskly in one go.


    It seemed Zhengzheng noticed his mother was not apanying him anymore and also wanted to y with the wooden board.


    "Mama, mama, Zhengzheng also wants." Zhengzheng was sitting on the sofa but now wanted to get down by himself. Seeing the struggle, Xu Xiuhe went over carrying Zhengzheng towards Shen Yin. It was just as well since if not for his son''s sake, he wouldn''t have the excuse to go over on his own ord.


    Next to Shen Yin, Xu Xiuhe then saw the words "Yunyin Clothing Workshop" on the board - probably the new name she came up with for her workshop.


    But the calligraphy was extraordinary instead of ordinary. The strokes were strong and vigorous with excellent control of the brush tip that didn''t seem like a woman''s writing. Clearly she had practiced specifically before. Even seasoned calligraphers would probably feel inferiorparing to this.


    Xu Xiuhe felt even more curious about Shen Yin now. He increasingly felt like she still had many secrets. A 24-year old woman with calligraphy like decades of practice.


    Shen Yin was also very satisfied looking at her own writing. Superb, much better than what she wrote in Dasheng before. If her old tutor saw her writing like this, he probably wouldn''t criticize her anymore for the poor form and penchant to argue with him that led her to always rank at the bottom in calligraphy evaluations at the academy! Shen Yin marveled again that everything in her dream was real. She just had to go along with it and all her skills seemed enhanced.


    "Have you studied calligraphy before?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Wary of exposing herself, Shen Yin replied, "I practiced for a period when I had nothing to do." Only then did she notice several framed calligraphy works on the wall that looked simr to what she produced in Dasheng. She considered her Dasheng work decent enough to show others, just that her tutor always found faults and made her keep practicing.


    "Zhengzheng wants to write too!" Zhengzheng struggled in Xu Xiuhe''s arms towards the desk.


    "Zhengzheng, you''re still small. You can write next year." Xu Xiuhe tried to dissuade him.


    But Shen Yin thought otherwise. How could they extinguish a child''s interest because he''s too young? A child''s interests must be encouraged and supported.


    "It''s fine."


    Shen Yin picked up Zhengzheng and stood him on the chair. She ced paper before him and gave him a brush. She soon regretted her naive thoughts as the disaster unfolded anyway.

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Zhengzheng took the pen and drew two strokes on the paper. When she turned around, the pen touched Shen Yin''s arm. Shen Yin was wearing a white shirt and instantly felt she had made a wrong decision.


    Seeing this, Xu Xiuheughed. He waspletely oblivious.


    "Zhengzheng, mother is angry. You got mother''s clothes dirty. What should you do?" Shen Yin pretended to be angry and spoke to Zhengzheng expressionlessly.


    Zhengzheng realized Shen Yin was angry and did not know what to do. Her eyes were filled with tears as she looked to Xu Xiuhe for help.


    "Zhengzheng, what should you do when you make a mistake?" Xu Xiuhe patiently taught her.


    Zhengzheng blinked and said, "I''m sorry, Zhengzheng was wrong. Can Zhengzheng wash mother''s clothes?"


    This line sessfully made Shen Yin break character andugh out loud. Seeing Shen Yinugh, Zhengzheng also revealed a few teeth in a smile. Xu Xiuhe was also affected by this atmosphere. It''s so nice that Zhengzheng finally has someone who loves her.


    The ringing of a cell phone broke this harmonious scene. Xu Xiuhe took out his phone which disyed an unknown caller ID. After thinking for two seconds, Xu Xiuhe still answered the call.


    "Hello, may I ask what you are calling about?" After Xu Xiuhe answered, the other party did not make a sound.


    "Hello?"


    Still no reply. Faintly, Xu Xiuhe seemed to guess who was on the other end of the call.


    Shen Yin had also been busy all day. Carrying Zhengzheng, she left the study, preparing to take a bath and go to sleep. There were still many things to do.


    Ever since Zhengzheng returned from the crew, her small room had be purely decorative. She had to find her mother every night. Shen Yin also indulged her. After all, she was only two years old and hadcked maternal love before. Now that she had it, she had to cling to it properly.


    Xu Xiuhe was still in the study, sitting at his desk handling documents, but he was still thinking about that phone call. So he sent a message to Xue Jingrui.


    [Did you give her my phone number?]


    [Did she really call you?]


    Xue Jingrui¡¯s reply had already answered what Xu Xiuhe wanted to know.


    [There was an unknown number that called me. When I picked up, the other side didn''t say anything.]


    [Let me ask you one thing, please answer me truthfully.] Xue Jingrui sent out this message.


    [Go ahead and ask.] Xu Xiuhe already guessed roughly what it was.


    [You and Qi Yan have no future together, right?]


    Xu Xiuhe had always known that Xue Jingrui liked Qi Yan. The two had known each other since childhood and could be considered childhood sweethearts. He and Xue Jingrui had been friends since childhood. However, coincidentally, he had only gotten to know Qi Yan in high school.


    He found out that Xue Jingrui liked Qi Yan when they were in college. His and Qi Yan¡¯s schools were close to each other, but Xue Jingrui¡¯s school was far from them. Every time Xue Jingrui came to see him, he would bring food for Qi Yan.


    Now Xu Xiuhe basically had no feelings left for Qi Yan. Time would dissipate everything. Now he felt that his current life was quite good. Zhengzheng was happy and carefree. He and Shen Yin respected each other, and their days were ordinary.


    Having obtained a definite answer, Xue Jingrui felt at ease. Since Xue Jingrui still did not know Shen Yin¡¯s current situation, he felt it necessary to let Xue Jingrui know that he and Shen Yin were doing quite well now. Although there were no feelings between them, they were decent life partners.


    [Are you free tomorrow night? Come over for dinner at my ce.] Xu Xiuhe replied.


    [Great! I¡¯ve long heard from Chang Zhiyuan that the dishes Shen Yin makes are more delicious than those made by a five-star hotel¡¯s master chef.]


    The message exchange between Xue Jingrui and Xu Xiuhe ended here. Xu Xiuhe looked at the time and confirmed Shen Yin hadn¡¯t gone to bed yet, so he called Shen Yin.


    When Shen Yin received the call, she thought it was preposterous. With only a wall separating them, that man had actually called instead of just knocking on the door.


    "What''s the matter? Zhengzheng is asleep already." Shen Yin asked.


    "I''m looking for you. Do you have time tomorrow night? We¡¯re having some guests over at home, and might need you to help entertain them."


    Xu Xiuhe felt a little bad about troubling Shen Yin.


    "Okay, sure." Shen Yin thought that as long as he told her to cook, everything else was her own time to be busy with. If Xu Xiuhe had said there were guestsing over for lunch, she would have definitely not agreed.


    On the day the guests wereing over, Shen Yin was busy with some matters at her studio in the morning. In the afternoon, she went to the supermarket early to buy all kinds of fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs.


    She didn¡¯t know how many people wereing, so she thought she might as well make more just in case there wasn''t enough food.


    Thinking that she might be a little busy, she remembered Shu Yi had moved into Ziyue Ting but they hadn''t had a chance to meet yet. It was just nice timing to ask Shu Yi toe over tonight to lend a hand and help look after Zhengzheng.


    When Shu Yi arrived, she brought two bottles of red wine. Shen Yin joked, "Every time youe, you bring stuff. If you keep doing this, I''ll feel too embarrassed to ask you over."


    "No way! Shen Yin, I should be the one treating you to dinner. After we left the police stationst time, I was busy promoting a movie I did previously in various cities. Like I told you, after sticking on the herbal patch for 10 days, I didn''t get a chance toe back. But strangely, when I came back recently, I didn''t feel any pain at all. I feel like my condition has improved a lottely." Shu Yi''s happy expression was written all over her face.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin also felt quite amazing herself. She was just a half-baked amateur and had no confidence at all, yet she had seeded.


    "Let me take a look at you again."


    Shen Yin took Shu Yi''s pulse and said, "Not bad. The coldness has dissipated almostpletely. Remember not to eat cold food, and try to minimize eating chilled stuff too."


    Shu Yi happily gave Shen Yin a big hug, then felt she had overstepped her bounds and said "Sorry, I got too excited."


    Dysmenorrhea had been so painful. Now that she was pain-free, she felt like the whole world had be better, and it was as if she had be a different person. "Shen Yin, you''re too good, too amazing. If you were to open a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, other clinics would go out of business."


    "Hahaha, no way. If I opened one, patients would probably ask me to refund their medical fees."


    Zhengzheng had been very well-behaved in the living room. Shu Yi yed with her for a while and felt there was no need to keep herpany, so she went to the kitchen to help Shen Yin.


    "Wow, something smells so good!" Shu Yi smelled a tempting aroma as soon as she entered the kitchen. Shen Yin took out two jars from the bottom cab and opened them.


    "Oh, so it''s the wine."


    The two jars contained peach blossom wine and osmanthus wine brewed by Shen Yin herself, filled with fragrance, making Shu Yi even more in awe of her.


    "You''re right, I shouldn''t have brought red wine. Shen Yin, is there anything you can''t do? In my eyes, you''re practically omnipotent now."


    Shu Yi was usually not very talkative, yet she seemed like a different person in front of Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin started cooking, mostly dishes she specialized in, plus some dishes she had learned in this time period. In two and a half hours, there were 4 cold dishes, 8 hot dishes, a pot of soup and some snacks on the table.


    Shu Yi marveled yet again, "I wonder how much good fortune your husband Xu umted in his previous lives to marry you."


    Just as she finished talking, the door opened, and in came Xu Xiuhe, Chang Zhiyuan, Xue Jingrui, and an unknown woman.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    What a coincidence, Shen Yin had seen this woman before, right at the entrance of this courtyard.


    Before Shen Yin could speak, Qi Yan took the initiative to introduce herself, "Hello everyone, I''m their friend." As Qi Yan spoke, she deliberately nced at Xu Xiuhe.


    A woman''s sixth sense is always so scary. Shu Yi has been in the entertainment industry for several years and understands women''s thoughts very well. Qi Yan''s deliberate nce definitely had more meaning behind it.


    Shen Yin recalled when shest saw Qi Yan at the courtyard entrance. Qi Yan clearly knew them but still imed she walked to the wrong ce. This residential area is so big yet doesn''t have many residents. Shen Yin figured Qi Yan must have deliberatelye over that time.


    The three women were putting on an act. Chang Zhiyuan clearly had an I-don''t-care expression as he walked straight to the dining table and marveled, "Sister-inw, you made so many dishes today. We''re lucky. But some people, oh well..."


    Shu Yi hugged Zhengzheng and retreated back a little, as she still feared Chang Zhiyuan very much. Some days ago, Chang Zhiyuan said her previous home had poor security and was easy for paparazzi to stalk her. So he moved Shu Yi to live in Ziyue Courtyard instead. Shu Yi was unwilling at first, always feeling like Chang Zhiyuan had ulterior motives. But her agent told her that her status in the entertainment industry had risen considerably, so she did need to be more careful. He said it was thepany''s arrangement and she had to obey. After thinking about it, Shu Yi admitted Ziyue Courtyard was very nice, plus Shen Yin also lived there, so she decided to just move.


    Chang Zhiyuan hated how Shu Yi was avoiding him. He walked up, wanting to hold Zhengzheng, and deliberately said "Godson, godmother is tired. Let godfather hold you."


    Shu Yi felt awkward. Shen Yin went into the kitchen, intending to bring out the peach blossom wine and osmanthus wine. Seeing this, Shu Yi considered that with two jars, Shen Yin may not be able to carry both herself. So Shu Yi also went into the kitchen.


    "Yinyin, you''ve seen Qi Yan before right?" Shu Yi deliberated for a few seconds then decided to give Shen Yin a reminder. She murmured near Shen Yin.


    "Yeah, I saw her at the courtyard entrancest time. She said she walked to the wrong ce."


    "Yinyin, the way she looks at your husband seems off. Be careful of this woman. She''s not simple."


    "Okay, got it." Although Shen Yin agreed, this didn''t seem to have much to do with her. Her current rtionship with Xu Xiuhe could only be described as diningpanions, distant and polite. So this matter wasn''t hers to handle.


    At the dining table, the dishes were full. Shen Yin put down the peach blossom wine and conveniently pulled over the baby chair. "It''s quite tiring to hold him. Let him sit down and get ready to eat."


    Chang Zhiyuan put Zhengzheng down. He was rather intimidated by Shen Yin now. If Shen Yin got unhappy and directly beat him up again, what would he do? That video had left a trauma on him.


    Chang Zhiyuan took out his phone and sent a message in their group of three, "Dude, how did Qi Yan get here? So awkward."


    Xue Jingui replied, "She asked me for Xiuhe''s number, so I brought her over to show her that Xiuhe is doing well now. Hopefully she can give up."


    "Please, she was the one who abandoned poor Xiuhe first back then. Now that she knows he''s sessful, shees back."


    "Alright, let''s eat first." After Xue Jingui sent this message, the group fell silent.


    "Sister-inw, this wine smells so nice. Where did you buy it?" Chang Zhiyuan opened the jar and asked.


    Just as Shen Yin was about to reply, Shu Yi quickly cut in, "You can''t buy this wine anywhere. Yinyin made it herself!" The young girl hadpletely forgotten that she also asked this when eating wontonsst time.


    Seeing they were ignoring her, Qi Yan felt rather awkward and cut in, "Sister Yinyin, you''re so awesome to even be able to make wine."


    Things were fine before she spoke up. But now Shu Yi got even angrier. Qi Yan was clearly older than Yinyin, yet she dared call her sister? Acting like she was some amazing character? How shameless to even step through this door!


    Shu Yi became unlike herself again and retorted, "Sister Qi, you don''t know our Yinyin''s cooking tastes even better!"


    "Let''s not just stand here, sit down everyone." Xu Xiuhe came downstairs, apparently having changed into a white t-shirt and gray pants.


    Shu Yi first noticed something amiss. Shen Yin wore a white skirt with a smoky grey top. At first nce, the two seemed to be wearing couple outfits. Shu Yi felt she had discovered a sweet treat but there was no one to share it with. So she observed Qi Yan''s expression - she refused to believe the cheap tea hadn''t noticed anything.


    It''s said a woman''s thoughts are meticulous. The moment Xu Xiuhe came downstairs, Qi Yan''s eyes never left him. She probably also noticed how Xu Xiuhe''s outfit matched Shen Yin''s clothing. Herplexion changed slightly for two seconds before recovering.


    At the table, the six people all had their own thoughts. Qi Yan secretly observed Xu Xiuhe''s attitude towards Shen Yin. Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan were different - with such delicious food on the table, it''d be a waste not to fully enjoy it. Xue Jingrui asionally nced at Qi Yan.


    "Qi Yan, eat more. The sister-inw''s cooking skills are indeed as good as Zhiyuan said." Xue Jingrui reminded.


    Qi Yan had eaten a few bites and admitted it was delicious. But she had no appetite at all, much less wanting to taste a love rival''s cooking.


    As Chang Zhiyuan drank the osmanthus wine, he kept praising, "I''ve never had such tasty wine before!"


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe also lifted his cup and gently drank a sip. The osmanthus fragrance flowed into his mouth with the wine. After drinking it, a lingering fragrance remained in his mouth, mixed with a light sweetness.


    "It is quite nice to drink." Xu Xiuhemented.


    Shu Yi quickly chimed in agreement, "So far, the wine Yinyin makes is the most pleasant I''ve ever had. None sold on the market taste as good."


    Upon hearing this, Qi Yan felt even more heartbroken. Why did it have to be this way? Xu Xiuhe clearly liked her a lot in the past. She wanted to see just how good this rival''s wine actually was that everyone praised it so much.


    After one sip, Qi Yan felt it was just ordinary. Why were they all praising it when she was the one who had known them for longer? How could they allmend that other woman?


    Qi Yan felt irritated and downed cup after cup of the osmanthus wine. Xue Jingrui noticed something wrong - the wine''s alcohol percentage wasn''t highpared to others, but it still couldn''t withstand such heavy drinking!


    "Qi Yan, stop drinking." Xue Jingrui shook Qi Yan.


    Qi Yan had already lost most of her sobriety. She stared straight at Xu Xiuhe without bothering to disguise it at all. The other four weren''t blind and could tell there was definitely an unusual past rtionship between them.


    Xue Jingrui had only wanted to bring Qi Yan here to show her that Xu Xiuhe was living well now with a wife and child, hoping she could give up. Beforeing, Qi Yan had also promised she would act just as an ordinary friend during the meal. But now Qi Yan was losing control. If Shen Yin lost her mind again because of Qi Yan, Xue Jingrui wouldn''t be able to shoulder that responsibility.


    "She''s had too much to drink. I''ll take her back first." Xue Jingrui supported Qi Yan as they headed towards the door.


    After Xue Jingrui left with Qi Yan, Shen Yin showed no reaction. She continued eating and drinking, feeding Zhengzheng, acting as if nothing had happened.


    Chang Zhiyuan and Xu Xiuhe exchanged a look. Chang Zhiyuan then sent a message in their group, "Really something, Jingrui. You deal with this situation yourself! I''m out."


    After the meal ended, Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan left. Xu Xiuhe cleaned up the remaining dishes and ced all the bowls, tes, and chopsticks into the dishwasher.


    Shen Yin was still ying with Zhengzheng. Xu Xiuhe felt that he needed to provide an exnation, given that despite having no feelings between each other, they still had to continue living together. Clearing things up would prevent any psychological burden.


    "Shen Yin, I had a previous rtionship, that is with Qi Yan, but now I don''t have any contact with her anymore. Xue Jingrui is pursuing her, so that''s why he brought her over tonight. Also, I didn''t know she wasing over, and Jingrui was innocent in this too."

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    When Shen Yin heard this, she said, "It''s okay, no need to exin."


    She didn''t care anymore.


    When Xu Xiuhe saw Shen Yin''s attitude, he felt inexplicably angry. How could she act as if nothing had happened? But he didn''t know where this anger came from.


    Time passed in a sh, and the weather in Rong City was getting hotter and hotter. During this time, Shen Yin had decorated the small building on Qinghe Street nicely. The third floor was furnished very cozily.


    The first and second floors were also renovated. Theyout of the rooms was personally guided by her for the workers and craftsmen, especially the office on the second floor and the workce. She chose the best materials and the newest machines.


    There was a ce on the first floor that was specifically for drinking tea and discussing work. Shen Yin sat on the sofa, checking the materials in her hands, and making phone calls one by one to the newly recruited employees to notify them toe to work on time tomorrow.


    In the exhibition hall on the first floor, Shen Yin had put some clothes she had made recently when she had nothing to do. Although Zhengzheng was young, he was very sensible. Not only did he not disturb her work, he would also help Shen Yin fetch things from time to time.


    "Miss Shen, the store is about to open. I''ve seen youe here often these days," Su Jin said, leaning on a cane. But it didn''t make her look ufortable at all, on the contrary, it made her temperament look even more noble.


    "Granny Su, you''re here." Shen Yin got up and let Su Jin sit down.


    Seeing Shen Yin stand up, Zhengzheng also hurried to Su Jin''s side. Su Jin was very happy to see Zhengzheng running and jumping around. "Slow down, don''t fall."


    "Oh, I see you''ve put out a few pieces of clothing here. You must have just made them recently." Su Jin pointed to the clothes on the hanger over there and walked over to take a closer look.


    "Yes, Granny, I have to have some clothes to prop up the storefront when opening a studio." Shen Yin smiled.


    Su Jin stood in front of a big red wedding dress and looked at it closely for a while. She said, "Miss, did you embroider this yourself?"


    When Shen Yin made this wedding dress, she thought that the studio had to have a decent piece of clothing. In Dashang, the most precious clothing for a woman was the wedding dress she wore when she got married.


    She also learned about the Chinese-style wedding dresses of this era, and felt that not only were they expensive, the quality was not very good either when examined closely. If she was going to make one, she had to make a unique one. She spent a long time in the fabric market before finding the right material for this wedding dress based on the specifications for ordinary family women in Dashang getting married.


    "Granny, my skills are not very good. It took me half a month to embroider this." Shen Yin answered truthfully.


    "What? Are you saying you embroidered this wedding dress in half a month?" Su Jin couldn''t believe it and asked again to confirm.


    Only then did Shen Yin remember that there weren''t many embroiderers in this era, only some professional embroiderers, and some even more professional ones who spent their whole lives learning the craft passed down from their ancestors.


    "Yes, Granny. I was interested before, so I learned for a while." Shen Yin replied.


    She didn''t just learn for a while. In Dashang, without electronic devices, let alone so many recreational facilities, women rarely went out, spending all their time learning musical instruments, chess, calligraphy and painting. As the legitimate daughter of the Xiang family, she had been required to learn various skills for women since she was a child. Her father Xiang even wanted to groom her to be the future princess consort, aiming for the position of Empress of the country.


    But after her stepmother Xu Zhen was established, Xiang never had this idea again. He didn''t know what kind of love potion Xu Zhen had given Xiang, and almost married her off to a bad-tempered old man of 37.


    "Just interested and learned for a while. No one can embroider like this nowadays, let alone embroider so skillfully with such vivid patterns. Even this wedding dress is quite unique." Su Jin was even more surprised, reaching out to touch the pattern on the wedding dress.


    The other clothes were modern evening dresses. Shen Yin redesigned them based on the original owner''s drafts, adding her own ideas. Because they were modern evening dresses, Shen Yin took advantage of modern machines and added some of her own thoughts. They also had their own style, butpared to the wedding dress, the impact was still greater.


    "Miss, when will you open?" Su Jin asked.


    "Granny, we''re opening tomorrow."


    After saying goodbye, Su Jin was still carefully recalling Shen Yin''s embroidery on the way back.


    At this moment, Shen Yin knew how valuable this wedding dress was and that she must preserve it well and not sell it lightly.


    "Mommy, hungry, want dinner dinner." After ying enough, Zhengzheng looked up at Shen Yin with his hands behind his back.


    Shen Yin smiled, "Okay, take Zhengzheng upstairs, but Zhengzheng has to wait for Mommy for a while. Mommy has to make dinner for Zhengzheng."


    Because Shen Yin and Zhengzheng had been solving lunch at the small building these days, she had never let the ingredients run out.


    Shen Yin made tomato egg drop soup, stir-fried okra with egg, fish slices with sauce, and braised pork ribs.


    At 11:50, Shen Yin looked at the time. Her phone hadn''t been taken back yet. The screen disyed the three words Xu Xiuhe.


    "Hello, are you still at Qinghe Street?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Well, we''re still at the small building."


    The distance between Qinghe Street and Xu Xiuhe''spany was not very far or very close, a 20 minute drive. Because Xu Xiuhe had been working overtime these past few nights, Zhengzheng would already be asleep when he got home. Before when he worked overtime, even if Zhengzheng was sleeping, he could still go in and see him. Now considering that Zhengzheng was with Shen Yin, he hadn''t seen Zhengzheng for several days. Shen Yin had been busy these days and hadn''t brought Xu Xiuhe lunch for a long time.


    There were rumors in thepany, wondering if he had offended his wife and that''s why his wife stoppeding.


    Under the excuse of seeing Zhengzheng, and getting a free meal wasn''t too much, right?


    When Xu Xiuhe walked into the small building, he saw some clothes right away. He figured their dining area was probably on the third floor, so Xu Xiuhe went straight up.


    Zhengzheng saw Xu Xiuhe first. He was very surprised and happy to see Dad after such a long time. "Dad!" he said.


    Shen Yin''s movements paused as she was bringing out dishes. She turned around and saw Xu Xiuhe standing at the top of the stairs: "What are you doing here?"


    Xu Xiuhe exined, "I had some things to do around here this morning, so I thought I''de by to see you guys."


    "Have you eaten?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Not yet."


    Fortunately, Shen Yin had cooked three dishes for lunch today. The rice might not be enough, "Let me make some noodles for you."


    Shen Yin went back into the kitchen again. Xu Xiuhe picked up Zhengzheng and stood in the kitchen doorway, watching Shen Yin with her hair in a low bun cooking noodles for him. Xu Xiuhe''s heartbeat suddenly slowed down by half a beat. It seemed, possibly, perhaps that he had fallen for Shen Yin.


    Xu Xiuhe''s mood was a little chaotic. He hurriedly took Zhengzheng to the dining table.

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    During this period of time, he would involuntarily think of Shen Yin when working. He would suddenly wonder what Shen Yin was doing and could even say that he was worried about her.


    Shen Yin brought out a bowl of clear noodle soup she just cooked from the kitchen. There was a tea egg in the noodles, as well as some vegetables, and there were some green onion slices sprinkled on top. It looked very appetizing.


    "There''s not enough rice, so have some noodles," Shen Yin said.


    Xu Xiuhe was still immersed in his own thoughts and was disrupted again by Shen Yin''s words.


    "What''s wrong? If you don''t like eating noodles, you can eat rice and I''ll eat the noodles."


    Xu Xiuhe quickly denied: "No, I was just thinking about some things. The noodles look quite delicious."


    Then, the three of them ate their meals in silence. Shen Yin saw that Xu Xiuhe was putting dishes into Zhengzheng''s bowl, so she didn''t add any more to his.


    "What ns does this studio have next?" Xu Xiuhe asked. In his eyes, Shen Yin''s clothing studio could only be regarded as a hobby to pass the time doing things she loved. He didn''t expect it to make money, and of course, he wasn''tcking money either.


    "The opening is tomorrow. I n to set the starting point a little higher," Shen Yin said. At first, she hadn''t thought about what kind of grade clothes she should make, but after Granny Su said her wedding dress was worth eight digits, Shen Yin decided.


    "You mean doing some custom-made, building a brand?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    That was Shen Yin¡¯s intention, but she didn¡¯t know how to express it. Unexpectedly, Xu Xiuhe had said it out.


    "The early stages may be more difficult. Everything is difficult at first. If there''s anything you need, let me know and I''ll have Liu Bo handle it," Xu Xiuhe had said this many times.


    But Shen Yin would handle things herself if she could handle them instead of troubling others.


    In the afternoon when Shen Yin was on the first floor with Zhengzheng, she felt a little ufortable physically with dizziness and blurred vision. Shen Yin touched her forehead, it was a little hot. Would she have a fever? The employees were going to start working tomorrow. She couldn¡¯t fall apart at the critical moment.


    Shen Yin took out her phone and called Xu Xiuhe. Xu Xiuhe was a little surprised to see Shen Yin''s iing call. Shen Yin rarely called him.


    "Hello, I''m feeling a little ufortable physically, maybe I have a fever. I''m afraid of passing it on to Zhengzheng. Can youe get him?" Shen Yin said weakly.


    When Xu Xiuhe heard this, he stood up directly from his office chair, "Wait for me, I''ll be right there."


    Xu Xiuhe put on his coat and hurriedly left the office. Liu Bo walked over, "What''s the matter, Boss?"


    "I have something urgent to attend to, won''t be back tonight," Xu Xiuhe said without turning his head.


    On the way, Xu Xiuhe stepped on the gas pedal. If it wasn''t for obeying traffic rules, he would have wanted to run through all the red lights.


    Finally, when he entered the small building, Xu Xiuhe saw Shen Yin sitting on the sofa with a paleplexion, still talking to Zhengzheng, telling him to y over there and not toe over.


    "Look at the time now!" Xu Xiuhe didn''t know why he was angry, but seeing Shen Yin like this inexplicably infuriated him.


    He walked withrge strides and went to Zhengzheng''s side, picked up Zhengzheng and carried him out.


    Seeing Xu Xiuhe carry Zhengzheng away, Shen Yin secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Now she didn¡¯t have to worry about passing something on to Zhengzheng.


    Shen Yin stood up with difficulty. She was worse now, her fever was probably higher now. There was no medicine here either. She went upstairs, intending to drink some hot water and take a nap.


    Just as she was walking up the stairs, Xu Xiuhe''s voice came from behind, "Where are you still going upstairs to? I''m taking you to the hospital." His tone was a little worried.


    Shen Yin didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe toe back again. Shen Yin turned around, wanting to take a look. Unexpectedly, she became dizzy and her feet slipped back. Relying on her body''s instincts, Shen Yin reached out to grab the railing.


    Xu Xiuhe hugged Shen Yin from behind, "Still not resting properly when you''re sick!"


    This was Shen Yin¡¯s first time being in such close physical contact with a man, and she felt a little ufortable at first. Just as she was about to say something, she was interrupted by Xu Xiuhe''s words.


    "Don''t move."


    Shen Yin stopped and Xu Xiuhe picked her up, turned around, and asked, "Is there anything else you need to bring from the room?"


    Shen Yin shook her head.


    Xu Xiuhe carried Shen Yin towards the door of the small building. When they got to the door, Xu Xiuhe put Shen Yin down and said, "Don''t move."


    Shen Yin really didn''t dare to move. Xu Xiuhe locked the door of the small building swiftly, then picked up Shen Yin again.


    "What''s going on here?" Su Jin walked over from beside Small Building No. 4 and saw Xu Xiuhe carrying Shen Yin while asking.


    Shen Yin spoke up in a small voice, "Mother-inw, I''m feeling a little ufortable physically."


    "Is it because you''ve been too busy recently and worn yourself out?" Su Jin asked with concern.


    Before Shen Yin could reply, Xu Xiuhe spoke up, "Mother-inw, I''ll take her to see the doctor first, we''ll get going now."


    "Okay, go see the doctor early, don''t overexert yourself," Su Jin said as she watched Xu Xiuhe¡¯s back.


    Xu Xiuhe carried Shen Yin to the passenger seat, changed his position, leaned his body towards Shen Yin''s side, quite close. The sides of Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin''s faces were less than 10 cm apart.


    Shen Yin was frightened, her spirits lifted in an instant, eyes wide open, holding her breath, not daring to move at all, "What are you doing?"


    Xu Xiuhe turned his face, the two people were face to face, close enough to feel each other''s breath, close enough for them to see themselves reflected in each other¡¯s eyes.


    "Buckling your seatbelt for you." Xu Xiuhe found the seatbelt on the passenger side and pulled it over. In this position, it looked as if Xu Xiuhe was hugging Shen Yin.


    Xu Xiuhe was truly handsome. Shen Yin felt her face be fiery hot, even hotter than before. How could it have gotten so bad so quickly? Shen Yin looked at herself in the mirror, her face was as red as a red apple.


    She seemed to know why her face was burning. She was shy. Fortunately, she had a fever, otherwise she wouldn''t have known how to exin and cover up why her face was so red.


    "How can you stille to work here when you''re sick? I''ll find another auntie to help you take care of the child too," Xu Xiuhe said while driving.


    But Shen Yin just shook her head again. She wouldn¡¯t feel at ease about anyone else taking care of Zhengzheng. During this time with Zhengzheng, Shen Yin felt her feelings towards him had deepened even more. After all, Zhengzheng was her own child that she gave birth to.


    "I may have caught a chill while sleepingst night. My head felt a little dizzy this morning, and I thought it was because I didn''t sleep wellst night. I didn''t expect to feel even dizzier this afternoon, even with some pain, before realizing that I might be sick with a fever."


    Xu Xiuhe stretched out his right hand and touched Shen Yin¡¯s forehead, "It¡¯s so hot!"


    But Shen Yin¡¯s point of attention wasn¡¯t on how hot it was. She felt Xu Xiuhe''s hand was very cool, feeling veryfortable on her forehead. Xu Xiuhe¡¯s fingers were long and well-proportioned, his skin was fair to begin with, and the blood vessels on his hands were clearly visible. Shen Yin could even smell the masculine cologne scent on Xu Xiuhe¡¯s arm.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Shen Yin''s hand was attracted by Xu Xiuhe''s hand, and her hand involuntarily touched Xu Xiuhe''s hand.


    Xu Xiuhe retracted his hand and focused on driving, saying, "Rest if you''re tired. I''ll wake you up when we get to the hospital."


    Shen Yin nodded. When she woke up again, she found herself lying in a hospital bed, with Xu Xiuhe peeling an apple next to her, but there was no Zhengzheng around.


    The first sentence Shen Yin uttered upon waking up was, "Where is Zhengzheng?"


    However, Xu Xiuhe did not answer this question, but said, ¡°Do you still feel ufortable? With your high fever, how could you not know you were sick. Your temperature reached 39 degrees."


    Shen Yin knew she was in the wrong, pursed her lips and asked again, "Where is Zhengzheng?"


    When Shen Yin fell asleep in the car, Xu Xiuhe had messaged Chang Zhiyuan toe to the hospital to pick up Zhengzheng.


    "Chang Zhiyuan took him home. You just started your IV drip, which will probably take three hours to finish."


    Xu Xiuhe booked a VIP ward that had everything. It was just Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe in the quiet hospital room. Knowing that Zhengzheng had gone home, Shen Yin felt at ease as she continued with her IV drip and fell asleep again.


    Things were not quiet at Chang Zhiyuan''s vi in Ziyueting. Earlier when he had watched Zhengzheng, Xu Xiuhe was also there. Now alone with a small child, the unmarried Chang Zhiyuan was distraught.


    "I want Mommy," Zhengzheng said innocently, looking pleadingly at Chang Zhiyuan.


    In recent days, Zhengzheng had be very attached to Shen Yin. Clearly she had apanied him to eat lunch this afternoon, but now she was noting back.


    ¡°Zhengzheng, Mommy is sick and needs to see the doctor. Can you y with Godfather?¡± Chang Zhiyuan patiently coaxed.


    Seeing it was gettingte, Zhengzheng started crying. Chang Zhiyuan was in a frenzy, he had tried everything ¡ª giving Zhengzheng water, reading to him, ying blocks, even telling him stories. But Zhengzheng showed no signs of stopping.


    "Waa waa, I want Mommy."


    Distraught, Chang Zhiyuan picked up the phone. ¡°Brother, I can¡¯t console Zhengzheng. He keeps crying."


    When Xu Xiuhe saw Chang Zhiyuan''s iing call, he exited the hospital room and took the call. Then he heard Chang Zhiyuan''s wailing voice.


    ¡°He probably misses her since it¡¯s nighttime and he doesn¡¯t know you well. Stay with him for two more hours. She''lle back after the IV drip.¡±


    Two more hours? Chang Zhiyuan wanted to say more but Xu Xiuhe had already hung up. Doesn¡¯t know his own Godfather well?


    He couldn¡¯t suffer this ordeal alone so he called Shu Yi.


    A few secondster, the call connected. ¡°Mr. Chang, hello, what can I do for you?¡±


    This rubbed Chang Zhiyuan the wrong way. Can he not call her if he doesn¡¯t need something? But there were more pressing matters, so Chang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t pick a fight. He simply said, "Shen Yin is sick and currently getting an IV drip at the hospital. I¡¯m at Xu Xiuhe¡¯s house watching Zhengzheng by myself, he keeps crying. Can youe over and help console him?¡±


    Getting straight to the point with a matter-of-fact tone wasn¡¯t like him at all. Shu Yi was annoyed, but at that moment other thoughts flooded her mind ¡ª Was Shen Yin seriously ill? What will happen to Zhengzheng by himself at home? Before Shu Yi could think further...


    She picked up her phone, put on a jacket. Fortunately when she first came, in order to easily visit Shen Yin, she had bought a small electric scooter. Shu Yi hopped on and arrived at Xu Xiuhe¡¯s vi gate in five minutes.


    As soon as she entered the living room, she saw an adult and a child on the sofa. One crying, the other also looking unwell.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally here. Xu Xiuhe said he cries because he doesn¡¯t know me well.¡±


    Shu Yi rushed over to hold Zhengzheng. ¡°Zhengzheng darling, don¡¯t cry. Godmother will take you to find Mommy, okay?"


    After Shu Yi spoke, Zhengzheng actually stopped crying, but tears were still flowing down his cheeks.


    ¡°Get some tissue.¡± Shu Yi put out her hand toward Chang Zhiyuan standing next to her. Chang Zhiyuan hurriedly grabbed the baby wet wipes from the table and handed them to Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi took the wipes and lovingly wiped Zhengzheng¡¯s tear-stained face, consoling him, ¡°Good boy, Zhengzheng. Don¡¯t cry or Mommy will cry too.¡±


    Seeing Zhengzheng¡¯s crying had ceased, Chang Zhiyuan finally breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°What should we do next?¡± he asked.


    Looking at Zhengzheng, Shu Yi replied, ¡°Let¡¯s first feed Zhengzheng, then if his mom still isn¡¯t back, I¡¯ll bring him to find her. How¡¯s that?¡±


    Exhausted from crying, Zhengzheng was also hungry. Hearing about eating, he nodded slightly.


    Looking at Shu Yi, Chang Zhiyuan asked, ¡°Where¡¯s the food?¡±


    If Shu Yi remembered correctly, Shen Yin often prepared dumplings and wontons in the freezer for easy ess when needed.


    ¡°Look in the freezer below the fridge.¡±


    Chang Zhiyuan was puzzled. Could there be edible food in the fridge? He walked to the open kitchen and opened the freezer below. ¡°There¡¯s some shrimp here, should I cook?¡± Chang Zhiyuan was incredulous.


    In all his years, seldom had he set foot in a kitchen, let alone cook.


    ¡°On the bottom shelf, see if there are any wontons.¡± Still holding Zhengzheng, Shu Yi headed over.


    Chang Zhiyuan looked and surprisingly discovered that the bottommost rack in the freezer was full of wontons. ¡°There really are some, but how do I cook them?¡±


    Shu Yi was speechless. She should have expected that this pampered young master, always served hand and foot, would not even be able to boil wontons, the most basic cooking task.


    ¡°Fill the pot with some water and boil.¡± Shu Yi instructed, wishing she could make them herself if not for holding Zhengzheng.


    After a few minutes, the water started boiling. Shu Yi continued advising, ¡°Put in the wontons.¡±


    ¡°How many should I add?¡±


    Looking at the amount, there should be enough for the three of them if all were cooked, Shu Yi said, ¡°Put them all in, leave the dumplings for them.¡±


    Chang Zhiyuan followed her directions. Seeing Chang Zhiyuan busying about in the kitchen, Zhengzheng actually stopped crying.


    After a minute, the wontons started floating up. Shu Yi told Chang Zhiyuan to add some cool water, then after a few seconds to turn off the fire.


    The wonton aroma had already permeated the air. Feeling hungry himself, Chang Zhiyuan asked ¡°Can I eat now?¡±


    ¡°You have to dish them out first before you can eat them!¡± Though inexperienced at cooking, Shu Yi knew how to boil noodles and congee.


    Chang Zhiyuan scooped the wontons onto three tes. Shu Yi wiped Zhengzheng¡¯s little hands with a wet wipe before seating him in a high chair. After blowing on the wontons to cool them down, she began feeding Zhengzheng. Zhengzheng was indeed starving, the small wontons disappearing in two bites. Seeing Zhengzheng eating with relish, the shameless Chang Zhiyuan asked ¡°Can I eat now?¡±


    Shu Yi wanted tough. Did he need her permission? He was her boss after all, she certainly couldn¡¯t let him starve.


    Finally filled up, Zhengzheng''s first words were ¡°Find Mommy.¡±


    Seeing this, Shu Yi prepared to carry Zhengzheng up. Chang Zhiyuan checked his phone, ¡°They''ll be back in an hour. Have your meal first, I¡¯ll hold him.¡±


    Worried about Shen Yin, Shu Yi had no appetite. She asked, ¡°What happened to Shen Yin, is it serious?¡±


    ¡°Xu Xiuhe said she had a fever, getting an IV drip at the hospital. They¡¯ll be back soon.¡±


    Only then was Shu Yi relieved. She ate some wontons and saw Chang Zhiyuan awkwardly holding Zhengzheng, seemingly trying to find Shen Yin. Entering the kitchen, she tidied up the cooking utensils.


    ¡°Zhengzheng, we have to find Mommy. Should we dress nicely?¡± Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    Zhengzheng nodded. Chang Zhiyuan continued cating, ¡°Then let¡¯s first wash our hands, use the bathroom, and change shoes, okay?¡±


    Zhengzheng was reluctant and had a twisted expression on his face, but eventually agreed. Chang Zhiyuan dragged his feet through every next step - when washing Zhengzheng''s hands, he cleaned each finger slowly, repeating the process two or three times. He also washed Zhengzheng''s face in the same unhurried manner.


    "Does Zhengzheng need to use the bathroom?" Without waiting for a reply, Chang Zhiyuan picked up Zhengzheng and brought him inside, directly taking off his pants.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    Chang Zhiyuan even deliberately dragged it out when helping Zhengzheng take off his pants, buying as much time as possible, thinking maybe Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin woulde back soon.


    "Want to find Mom," Zhengzheng seemed to realize that stepdad Chang Zhiyuan was deliberately dragging things out and looked at him sadly with a bitter face. Chang Zhiyuan''s conscience kicked in and he took out his phone to call Xu Xiuhe.


    "Hello, Xiuhe, when are youing back? I can''t stand my stepson''s pitiful gaze anymore."


    "On our way," Xu Xiuhe replied. "Is Zhengzheng there?" Chang Zhiyuan handed the phone to Zhengzheng.


    "Zhengzheng, be good. Mom and Dad will be home soon. Can you wait a little longer for Mom and Dad?" Hearing Xu Xiuhe''s voice, Zhengzheng quieted down and said, "Okay, Dad,e quickly."


    Shen Yin, sitting in the passenger seat, heard this through the phone and smiled slightly. It hadn''t been that long since theyst saw each other, but she was already missing Zhengzheng.


    Xu Xiuhe drove very steadily. Soon they arrived at Ziyue Courtyard. Xu Xiuhe parked the car neatly in the basement garage, pushed open the driver''s side door with his left hand, while Shen Yin also tried to open her door only to hear Xu Xiuhe say directly, "Don''t move."


    After getting out of the car, Xu Xiuhe walked around to the passenger side, opened the door, bent down, reached in, and lifted Shen Yin out princess style.


    Shen Yin''s eyes widened in surprise again. What the hell? Her fever was already gone thanks to the IV drip. Medical standards were so much more advanced in this era. The medicine worked fast. She could totally walk by herself now.


    Xu Xiuhe carried Shen Yin very naturally. There was a slope leading up from the underground garage. He held her as if walking on t ground, not even short of breath.


    Why was this man so strong? She wasn''t heavy at 168cm and 98 jin.


    When Xu Xiuhe carried Shen Yin to the door, he shifted her to hold her like he held Zhengzheng, extending one hand to touch the fingerprint lock, the door opened.


    In the living room, Xu Yunzheng sat obediently on the carpet. Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan looked at each other, not understanding how such a young child knew so much and kept asking if Mom was okay. After getting confirmation, he just sat there silently, without any other movement, blinking his eyes.


    Probably hearing Xu Xiuhe open the door, Zhengzheng crawled up and ran to the entrance.


    "Mom!" Zhengzheng called out.


    Still held in Xu Xiuhe''s arms, Shen Yin saw Zhengzhenge over and immediately struggled free and staggered. Xu Xiuhe reached out to steady her. Zhengzheng hurried over and hugged her legs.


    Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan also came out from the living room. This was unexpected for Shen Yin, who only knew Chang Zhiyuan was watching Zhengzheng.


    Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan had actually been sitting in the living room earlier and saw Xu Xiuhe carrying Shen Yin when he came in. Shu Yi felt it was normal for a husband to carry his sick wife. But Chang Zhiyuan knew about Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe''s past!


    At that moment, Chang Zhiyuan felt abandoned. Shu Yi went into the kitchen, cooked up the remaining dumplings and brought them to the table, calling for Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin to eat. The millet porridge was also done after she finished washing the bowls and chopsticks, and she figured the sick person should eat millet porridge.


    "Really thanks for your trouble," Shen Yin thanked Shu Yi.


    Zhengzheng actually wanted Shen Yin to hold him but Shen Yin could tell and was afraid of passing the illness to the child. Children had weaker immune systems. If he caught it, the child would suffer and she didn''t want that.


    "Zhengzheng, Mom is tired. Let Dad hold you, okay?"


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe actually thought Shen Yin was tired, so he carried up Zhengzheng and sat down at the table.


    That night, Shu Yi left first while Chang Zhiyuan stayed. After eating some millet porridge, Shen Yin went upstairs, quite sleepy. She simply washed up and fell asleep.


    Xu Xiuhe still had some work to take care of and took Zhengzheng to the study, exining to him that Mom was sleeping and to let her rest while Zhengzheng sat quietly on the sofa looking through picture books.


    When Chang Zhiyuan came up he directly asked, "Do you have feelings for Shen Yin?" Although his words were phrased as a question, his tone carried certainty.


    Chang Zhiyuan grew up with Xu Xiuhe since childhood and knew him too well. Popr with girls since young, Xu Xiuhe never paid those girls any attention, always rejecting them decisively. Chang Zhiyuan didn''t know how Qi Yan managed to catch his attention after so much effort.


    And Chang Zhiyuan clearly remembered that when Xu Xiuhe was with Qi Yan, other than trying to keep her once at the end, he never took initiative. In over a year together, the most intimate thing they did was hold hands.


    Yet now, he actually saw Xu Xiuhe carrying Shen Yin so intimately. To say Xu Xiuhe had no feelings for Shen Yin seemed unlikely.


    Xu Xiuhe looked up. He had been considering Chang Zhiyuan''s question these past few days.


    At first he only felt they were an arranged marriage. Later he grew annoyed and even wanted a divorce. And now, he would think of Shen Yin from time to time, unconsciously worrying over and caring for her. Just knowing she was sick, he wished he could fly directly to her side.


    After Shen Yin recovered, she seemed to exude an indescribable temperament that made one subconsciously want to get to know her better. It was an aloof yet cold feeling. But when facing Zhengzheng, that feeling became warm. In the kitchen she was gentle and feminine, excellent cooking skills. Coming home at night and seeing her gave a sense of family.


    He was probably attracted to and had fallen for Shen Yin after all.


    "What if I do have feelings for Shen Yin? What should I do?"


    This question left Chang Zhiyuan speechless. What did he mean what should he do if he had feelings for her? How would he know? It was Xu Xiuhe''s own business, plus the woman he had feelings for was already his wife and they had a child together. Meanwhile, the woman he liked, Shu Yi, actively avoided him whenever they met, leaving him more and more upset the more he thought about it.


    "Why ask me? How would I know? The one I like hasn''t even epted me yet. Yours has given birth to your child and you''re still not satisfied? Brother, seize the opportunity in front of you!" Chang Zhiyuan patted Xu Xiuhe''s shoulder.


    "Alright, I should get going. You rest early too." Chang Zhiyuan headed for the door.


    Reaching the door, he turned back again. "Zhengzheng, say bye to stepdad."


    Zhengzheng put down his picture book, lifted his head, waved his little hand, and said in a milk voice, "Bye bye."


    Satisfied, Chang Zhiyuan left for real this time.


    "Zhengzheng, Dad will give you a bath then you can sleep with me tonight, okay?"


    "What about Mom?"


    "Mom needs to rest. Let''s not disturb her. When she''s rested up, we''ll look for her, okay?"


    Xu Yunzheng nodded.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    That night, Xu Yunzheng slept in his own bed, and even taking a bath was given by Xu Xiuhe.


    When Shen Yin woke up, it was 6 o''clock in the morning. Because she had gone to bed earlier than usualst night, she woke up especially early today.


    Shen Yin turned her head and looked at the bed before reacting that since she was sick, Xu Yunzheng should not be sleeping in her bed. Today was the opening day of the studio, she had to get ready, after washing up, she picked a white suit, Shen Yin lightly applied some makeup, after applying lipstick, her whole temperament was different, her aura was extremely powerful.


    When Shen Yin went out, she looked at Xu Xiuhe''s room, the door was still closed, so she went downstairs to prepare breakfast. Just as she reached the first floor, she saw Xu Xiuhe wearing an apron, busy in the kitchen.


    Xu Xiuhe was wearing a white shirt, ck suit pants, tied with a pink apron, the outfit was extremely weird, making him look even more out of ce in the kitchen, but these could not affect Shen Yin from appreciating Xu Xiuhe.


    Very few men of high status, except those who cook for a living, would go into the kitchen, but the man in front of her had neither low status nor position, yet he was making breakfast in the kitchen.


    Perhaps feeling Shen Yin''s burning gaze, Xu Xiuhe turned his head and saw Shen Yin standing on the stairs.


    "You''re up? Do you feel better?" Xu Xiuhe stopped what he was doing and asked.


    Looking at Shen Yin''s outfit, he wondered if she was still going to work.


    "You''re sick, why do you still have to go out?" There was some imperceptible me in Xu Xiuhe''s tone.


    "Today is the opening day of the studio, I have to be there because some employees are going to report to the studio," Shen Yin exined.


    "Okay, go upstairs and see if Xu Yunzheng is awake first, breakfast will be ready soon."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin turned and climbed the stairs to the second floor.


    With one hand, Xu Xiuhe turned off the fire, and with the other, he took out his cell phone and dialed a number.


    "Liu Bo, I won''t be going to thepany this morning. If there are any documents, please handle them." After saying that, Xu Xiuhe immediately hung up, leaving Liu Bo alone in shock.


    At 7:10, Shen Yin came downstairs again holding Xu Yunzheng. On the dining table, Xu Xiuhe had already served the food. Before Shen Yin approached, she could smell the aroma of the food.


    Last night, Shen Yin only drank some rice porridge, and now she was already hungry. On the table were three bowls of shredded pork noodles which looked very appetizing. After putting Xu Yunzheng on the chair, Shen Yin sat down too.


    Although Xu Yunzheng was small, he could use chopsticks. Xu Xiuhe sat opposite them, watching their simr way of eating noodles, feeling extremely satisfied in his heart.


    Xu Xiuhe knew how to cook. After finishing high school, he worked part-time jobs, rented a small house, and cooked for himself to save money. Cooking noodles was the most convenient. So Xu Xiuhe was very good at cooking noodles. Although not as tasty as Shen Yin¡¯s, she could guarantee that Xu Xiuhe¡¯s noodle cooking skills had surpassed many, many people.


    After the meal, Xu Xiuhe asked, "Is everything packed and ready? Did you bring the bag?"


    "Hmm? All set." Shen Yin did not understand.


    "Then let''s go, I''ll take you there." Xu Xiuhe put on his suit and carried Xu Yunzheng to the porch.


    Shen Yin followed behind. Today was her first day as a boss, she had to face the employees and look a little sterner, so she chose a dark red lipstick and a pair of sharp white stiletto heels when putting on shoes in the porch.


    Seeing Shen Yin''s outfit and makeup this morning, Xu Xiuhe had guessed what she was up to, so he was not surprised at all that Shen Yin chose such high heels.


    Xu Xiuhe held Xu Yunzheng all the way until he put Xu Yunzheng in the car.


    "Actually, you didn''t have to send me, it''s not on your way." Shen Yin said in the car.


    "The car didn''t drive back yesterday. Also with your high fever yesterday, driving would be too dangerous."


    Xu Xiuhe parked the car behind the small building on Qinghe Street. Shen Yin took Xu Yunzheng out of the safety seat and into her arms. Just as she stepped out of the car door, Xu Xiuhe walked over.


    "Let me hold him." Xu Xiuhe took over Xu Yunzheng and waited for Shen Yin to get out before closing the car door and heading towards the front door of the small building.


    It was still early, none of the employees had arrived yet. Holding Xu Yunzheng, Xu Xiuhe entered the building after Shen Yin. She reached out her hand, "You should go back to work, I can hold him."


    "I''m not working today."


    Shen Yin was confused. What did he mean? Was Xu Xiuhe going to stay in this small building all day? Today was supposed to be her studio opening day. It was just a fever yesterday, there was no need for this. But she couldn''t bring herself to kick them out either.


    At the Andao Group, Liu Bo was very distressed. His workload today had increased a lot. The group chat was also gradually getting messages asking why the president hadn''te in today.


    At this moment, Xu Xiuhe was wandering around a small vegetable market near Qinghe Street with Xu Yunzheng while Shen Yin was busy assigning tasks to the employees. He and Xu Yunzheng didn''t want to disturb her, and there were not many vegetables left in the fridge either, so he figured he''d take Xu Yunzheng out for a bit.


    There were vendors selling all kinds of food items in the small Qinghe Street market. Xu Xiuhe walking among the crowds with a little toddler in his arms was very conspicuous. Xu Xiuhe was over six feet tall carrying this little one, very much looking like a daddy with his kid.


    However, their outfit was not really suitable for appearing here. The market had people every morning and the vegetables were freshly grown by the farmers themselves, both affordable and fresh.


    Most of the people who came here to buy vegetables were local residents, as well as those who lived on Qinghe Street.


    Xu Xiuhe was well aware that the stuff here was affordable and cheap. He had gone to simr markets when he was in college too, so he didn''t find the ce noisy or chaotic at all, but rather, full of down-to-earth vibes.


    "Oh it''s you."


    Hearing the voice, Xu Xiuhe turned his head. It was the silver-haired granny from yesterday.


    "Granny, granny." Xu Yunzheng called out.


    "Hello Granny, Shen Yin is busy, so I came to buy some vegetables." Xu Xiuhe greeted politely.


    "Good, good, good." Su Jin said good a few times. She had recognized yesterday that the man in front of her was the president of the Andao Group who often appeared on TV.


    "Not at work today?" Su Jin asked.


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe told the truth: "Shen Yin was sick yesterday but she insisted oning over, so I came along."


    Xu Xiuhe had been navigating the business world for years and was good at reading people. The olddy in front of him was definitely no ordinary person.


    "Young man, Shen Yin is a good girl in my eyes. Marrying her is your blessing, you must cherish her well." Su Jin spoke as one who had life experience.


    "Yes Granny, I will cherish her well."


    After that, it was an old, a tall man and a toddler walking in this vegetable market. Seeing Su Jin greeting some vendors, Xu Xiuhe figured she must have been living here for years.

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin had already bought groceries, so naturally Shen Yin would not be cooking lunch. Xu Xiuhe felt that Shen Yin was a patient and had to focus on work.


    Xu Xiuhe was busy in Shen Yin''s kitchen for most of the morning before finally preparing several dishes.


    Shen Yin knew that Xu Xiuhe had gone to buy groceries. When she went upstairs to the third floor to prepare lunch, she saw that Xu Xiuhe was already in the kitchen and there were several dishes arranged on the table.


    This was unexpected for Shen Yin. She didn''t think that Xu Xiuhe would prepare so many dishes: tomato and egg stir fry, bell pepper pork shreds, stir fried vegetables, and a dish of sauerkraut beef.


    She didn''t expect that a man who could cook would be so charming. "I was nning toe up and cook, but you''ve done it already."


    "My cooking definitely isn''t as good as yours. Just bear with it for now and take a rest after eating," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Actually, I''m not that busy in the afternoon. I''ve assigned tasks to the employees. Let them get familiar with things today and formally start work tomorrow."


    Shen Yin had decided to raise her studio''s level when recruiting employees. She already had ns to hire a fabric assistant, a public rtions person, and two professional clothing makers.


    The weather in early May could change suddenly. Even though it was sunny when they ate lunch, the wind started blowing after and the skies darkened.


    "You should go rest first. I''ll keep an eye on the studio downstairs."


    Shen Yin agreed. She really couldn''t be too tired now. Once her health improved, during her free time from work, she wanted to start martial arts training with Xu Yunzheng. Her uncle would definitely be angry if he knew she hadn''t been practicing her martial arts skills.


    But she was already dead in Dashang. Her uncle''s family must be so sad thinking about her. As Shen Yin thought about this, she fell asleep.


    When she woke up again, the skies were even darker. Shen Yin checked the time - 5:05 PM. That meant she had slept for nearly four hours straight.


    She had a long dream during those four hours, dreaming about her uncle''s family and about the present. In the dream, it was raining heavily outside, just like now. She woke up frightened. In the dream, she also saw Xu Xiuhe driving her and Xu Yunzheng back to Ziyue Manor. Because the rain was so heavy and visibility was poor, a speeding truck approached them. Xu Xiuhe didn''t have time to get out of the way and they got into a car ident.


    Shen Yin was extremely scared. She shouted "No!" before waking up. The dream had felt so real that she broke out into a cold sweat and took a long time to calm down.


    Xu Xiuhe opened the bedroom door while carrying Xu Yunzheng and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "I had a nightmare," Shen Yin replied.


    Shen Yin put on her slippers and tidied herself up a bit before opening the curtains. The skies outside were dark, just like in her dream, and it was raining, though not as heavily as in her dream.


    "Where are the others?" Shen Yin asked.


    "They were mostly done with things in the afternoon and it started raining, so I let them go back first," Xu Xiuhe exined.


    "I see."


    "Are you fully awake now? If so, let''s head back to Ziyue Manor," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    "Alright, let me grab my bag."


    On the third floor entrance, the three of them changed shoes. Xu Xiuhe locked the front door of the small building from the inside. Then, he and Shen Yin left through the back door. Under the carport, there were two cars: Xu Xiuhe''s and Shen Yin''s.


    "I''ll drive. Get in my car," Xu Xiuhe said as he opened the Bentley door. As Shen Yin got in the car, she seemed to feel that the rain outside the carport was getting heavier.


    Their current positions were just like in her dream. Shen Yin became afraid. Would what happened in her dreame true? Why did she have such a dream? Was it just a coincidence or was it a message from heaven?


    She hesitated, not daring to take the risk. After all, she had already experienced something even more oundish like transmigration. What else would she not believe?


    Just as Xu Xiuhe started driving the car out of the carport, Shen Yin quickly said, "The rain is too heavy. Driving at night is unsafe. Why don''t we just stay overnight at the vi tonight?"


    Xu Xiuhe hit the brakes and asked, "Are you too tired to travel back?"


    "Yes," Shen Yin replied.


    "Yunzheng, are you going back with Daddy or staying here with Mommy?" Xu Xiuhe turned around to ask Xu Yunzheng.


    Xu Yunzheng hadn''t spent much time with Shen Yin for a whole day and night. He was afraid that Shen Yin wouldn''t apany him anymore or dislike him again like before.


    "Yunzheng is good. Yunzheng wants to apany Mommy. But Yunzheng also wants Daddy."


    Shen Yin spoke solemnly, "Xiuhe, you have to stay here tonight too."


    This was not a gentle suggestion like "You''re staying here tonight too, right?" Rather, it was a firm "You have to stay here tonight too" that brooked no argument.


    Xu Xiuhe looked into Shen Yin''s eyes, not understanding why she was speaking so forcefully and not letting him go back. But he agreed.


    Back on the third floor, Shen Yin felt that the small house was very warm andforting. Outside, the rain was pouring down noisily while the wind howled. On the third floor of the small vi, there was the warm yellow light, the cozy sofa, and the babbling sound of the child''s voice.


    The TV was broadcasting Rongcheng''s news. In the kitchen, Shen Yin busied herself making dinner while Xu Xiuhe apanied Yunzheng in building block towers on the carpeted floor. At this moment, Xu Xiuhe felt truly happy.


    "Dear viewers, we''re interrupting the program to bring you breaking news. At 7:38 PM tonight, a car ident urred on Qingquan Avenue resulting in 1 death and 2 serious injuries..."


    The TV screen switched to show footage of the ident scene while the anchor continued exining the cause.


    "The cause of the ident has been identified. Due to the heavy rain reducing visibility, the truck driver entered the wrongne which led to a collision between the two vehicles. Relevant authorities are already investigating. We''d like to remind residents again that in adverse weather, go out less. If you must go out, please obey traffic rules, reduce your speed, and drive cautiously."


    The footage of the ident scene on Qingquan Avenue was still being shown. Qingquan Avenue was on the necessary route from Qinghe Vi back to Ziyue Manor.


    Looking at the location, Xu Xiuhe calcted that if driving at normal speed, he would have been right around the ident scene after 7:30 PM.


    From the moment she heard about the car ident, Shen Yin had pricked up her ears. She walked to the kitchen entrance and watched the news being broadcast on TV, feeling both shocked and terrified. She didn''t expect her dream toe true, just that the people involved had changed.


    She didn''t understand why she would have such a dream that predicted the future. At this moment, she felt extremely lucky that her dream had warned her and they avoided it happening to them. But she also couldn''tprehend why the ident still urred even after they had avoided it. Was this the will of fate?


    Seeing Shen Yin''s reaction, Xu Xiuhe thought she was frightened andforted her, "Don''t worry, it''ll be alright."


    At dinner, Shen Yin was lost in thought about her dream. Xu Xiuhe assumed she was still thinking about the car ident and said, "Stop thinking about it, just focus on eating."

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    After dinner, things became awkward. With two bedrooms and one living room, there was only one bed. When Shen Yin furnished the ce, she had only thought about taking a nap with Zhengzheng during lunch break. If it was inconvenient to go home at night, they could just stay over. She didn''t consider this kind of situation!


    One bed, one sofa. It rained today so it would be cold at night. There was no nket on the sofa either.


    The key issue was, there were no clothes here for Xu Xiuhe to change into. When Shen Yin prepared this ce, she only brought pajamas and extra clothes for herself and Zhengzheng. So she and Zhengzheng had everything here, while Xu Xiuhe had nothing.


    After giving Zhengzheng a bath, Shen Yin handed him over to Xu Xiuhe and went to take a shower herself.


    While Shen Yin was showering, she saw arge pajama in the bathroom that she had gotten as a gift when buying pajamas for herself. If not for seeing it now, she would''ve forgotten about itpletely.


    So Xu Xiuhe should be able to wear it. He probably wouldn''t mind, right?


    The rain outside had lightened to a soft pitter-patter that allowed Shen Yin to clearly hear the flowing water from the creek along Qinghe Street. After blow-drying her hair, Shen Yin took the oversized robe out with her.


    Xu Xiuhe was ying with Zhengzheng in the living room. He rarely had this much free time, let alone an entire day with Zhengzheng.


    "Here, this was a gift when I bought myself pajamas. It''s a little big but you should be able to fit into it." Shen Yin handed the white pajamas to Xu Xiuhe. Afraid he would dislike it, she quickly added, "I''ve washed this pajama before."


    Xu Xiuhe epted it and thanked her.


    In the 20 minutes Xu Xiuhe spent showering, Shen Yin thought of several sleeping arrangements for the night.


    Zhengzheng would definitely sleep on the bed. If she slept with Zhengzheng, where would Xu Xiuhe sleep? He couldn''t possibly sleep on the sofa, could he?


    No, no. Xu Xiuhe was too big, the sofa would be too cramped for him.


    Finally, Shen Yin came up with the best n - she would take the sofa while Xu Xiuhe and Zhengzheng slept in the bedroom. Now she regretted not buying an extra bed, more nkets and mattresses.


    When Xu Xiuhe came out, Shen Yin picked up Zhengzheng and said, "You and Zhengzheng take the bedroom tonight. I''ll be fine on the sofa."


    Xu Xiuhe''s eyes showed disapproval. "No, you''ve just recovered from an illness. The sofa would be ufortable to sleep on. You take the bed with Zhengzheng."


    Shen Yin thought Xu Xiuhe was quite good - he could cook, was a great dad, and considered women''s needs. What a good man.


    What she didn''t know was that in others'' eyes, Xu Xiuhe was also fierce, domineering, strict with employees, and caustic.


    Since Xu Xiuhe had considered her needs, and offered her the bed, she shouldn''t me him for being heartless.


    "Alright, don''tin if you feel ufortable." Only now did Shen Yin notice that the pajamas Xu Xiuhe wore were a bit tight, outlining his fit figure - a v-shaped torso with abs and...looking rather sexy at the waist.


    Not daring to look further in case she blushed, Shen Yin''s face had already reddened.


    Anxious to escape Xu Xiuhe''s presence, she hurried into the bedroom holding Zhengzheng.


    "Mommy, why didn''t Daddye in? Where is Daddy sleeping?" Zhengzheng asked with wide eyes.


    Shen Yin didn''t know how to exin. Should she directly say Xu Xiuhe was sleeping on the sofa?


    "Find Daddy." Children stick close to whoever they spend the day with, and the same goes for nighttime. Despite being with Xu Xiuhe for only a short while since he arrived, Zhengzheng was asking for him again.


    Left with no choice, Shen Yin opened the bedroom door, "Your son is asking for you."


    Xu Xiuhe had been sitting on the sofa drying his hair. Hearing this, he got up and walked into the bedroom, "What is it, Zhengzheng?"


    "Want to sleep with Daddy." Zhengzheng said, patting the bed with his little hand.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe exchanged a look. Shen Yin said, "Then I''ll head out."


    Before she even finished speaking, Zhengzheng was already extremely dissatisfied, shaking his head, "No, no! Want Mommy and Daddy to sleep together."


    Shen Yin swore those words did note from her teachings. She nced at Xu Xiuhe, and theymunicated silently. Zhengzheng crawled out of bed and pulled one hand from each, "Want Mommy and Daddy to sleep together."


    Left with no choice, Shen Yin asked, "Do you mind? If not, let''s just sleep together. The bed is big enough."


    How could the bed not be big? It was 2.2 by 2.2 meters. Shen Yin had deliberately bought a king size when purchasing it.


    How could Xu Xiuhe possibly mind? Since realizing his feelings, all he thought about was how to get closer to Shen Yin.


    Lying t on therge bed, the pitter-patter of rain outside continued its soporific effect. Before long, Zhengzheng had fallen asleep.


    Those preupied could not fall asleep even with lubies. Like Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin now - eyes closed but minds racing.


    Shen Yin did not expect to end up sleeping with an adult man, while Xu Xiuhe did not anticipate progressing this quickly. To him, after recognizing his feelings, he had to take action. Just this morning he was still wondering how to pursue Shen Yin.


    Tossing and turning, Shen Yin felt a bit irritable, unsure of her current feelings.


    She didn''t dislike or resent Xu Xiuhe, and even felt goodwill towards him. Otherwise, how could she have agreed to let him into her home and bed?


    Also, why did she blush? She clearly knew the flush yesterday in the car was not merely caused by a fever. And when she saw him in the pajamas earlier, her heart had inexplicably quickened.


    The more she thought about it, the more upset she got. Could this be what liking someone feels like? Just what was this liking business anyway? She should''ve liked more people when she was young in Dasheng. That way, she would be more skilled in this area, and at least not be bothered to the point of insomnia.


    "Are you unable to sleep because I''m on the bed too?" Xu Xiuhe suddenly spoke in the darkness.


    "No, I just slept too much during the day so I''m still energetic now." Shen Yin exined.


    With divergent thoughts, who knew how long it took before they finally fell asleep.


    The weather after a downpour is always exceptionally good. The first ray of morning sun shone in. Shen Yin felt something heavy on her waist, surely it was Zhengzheng asleep with his leg over her again?


    As Shen Yin felt her waist, the texture didn''t seem like Zhengzheng''s leg. Opening her eyes, she found herself lying sideways with Xu Xiuhe''s big hand draped over her waist.


    Shen Yin was instantly fully awake. She realized she had squeezed Zhengzheng, who then squeezed Xu Xiuhe. Now it looked as if she and Zhengzheng were in Xu Xiuhe''s embrace, almost shoving him off the bed. The other half of the bedypletely empty.

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    This was too embarrassing, Shen Yin gently took Xu Xiuhe''s hand away from her waist. As soon as she touched it, Xu Xiuhe woke up.


    "Sorry, I fell asleep and didn''t know," Xu Xiuhe exined. He had slept extremely soundly tonight.


    Shen Yin knew she was in the wrong, so she hurriedly got up and tidied up her pajamas before putting on her slippers.


    "I''ll go make some food in the kitchen first," she said hastily before running out.


    This is too embarrassing, Shen Yin thought to herself while cooking. Distracted, she had added the wrong seasonings.


    At the dining table, Xu Xiuhe was thinking about a charity g he had to attend tomorrow night. He was missing a femalepanion. At events like these in the past, he never brought a femalepanion. If he absolutely had to bring one, he would bring Qin Zhenzhen, a female assistant from hispany.


    Now that Shen Yin''s identity had been made public as his wife, it wouldn''t be unreasonable for her to apany him.


    Xu Xiuhe spoke up, "Are you free tomorrow night?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "A g. I''d like to invite you to attend together."


    Shen Yin''s instinct was to refuse. "Zhengzheng needs someone to look after him." Shen Yin realized using Zhengzheng as an excuse worked very well. Just as she was secretly delighted, she seemed to spot a problem.


    So Shen Yin asked with ill intentions, "What kind of g is it?"


    Xu Xiuhe looked at Shen Yin''s eyes blinking around suspiciously. He was a little worried that Shen Yin had changed her mind.


    "It''s a charity g hosted by Xue Jingui''s mother," he exined.


    Xue Jingrui''s mother was in business, while his father Xue Kai was in politics. The twoplemented each other well. This charity g was initiated by Xue Jingrui''s mother, Ye Rong. The money raised from the final auction would all be donated to welfare institutions, which would further raise Xue Kai''s poprity and cement his position as the second highest leader in Rong City. Recently, there had been talks that the current top leader would be transferred out soon, making Xue Kai the most likely sessor.


    "So there will be a lot of people attending?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Yes, from business and political circles."


    "I''ve changed my mind. Can I attend wearing clothes from my studio?" Shen Yin looked expectant.


    So that was her agenda - to take this opportunity of her first public appearance with him to promote her studio!


    "Sure, I''ll head to work first then. You and Zhengzheng can head back to Ziyue Manor in the evening?" Xu Xiuhe asked uncertainly.


    Shen Yin nodded. It seemed Xu Xiuhe did not doubt her spur-of-the-moment decision to stay overst night after all. Of course, which normal person would believe prophetic dreams? If not for the news broadcasts, even she wouldn''t have believed them herself. Let alone experiencing soul transmigration firsthand - that would never have crossed her mind before this.


    "What are your ns for Zhengzheng? Are you bringing him along?" Now it was Xu Xiuhe''s turn to ask.


    Shen Yin had originally intended to bring Zhengzheng along, but thinking about therge expected turnout and how busy she and Xu Xiuhe would be, she decided otherwise after deliberation. "I''ll send Zhengzheng to my mother in the afternoon to look after him for the night."


    Naturally, Xu Xiuhe had no objections.


    ncing at the time, Xu Xiuhe felt he really had to leave. After missing work all of yesterday, there were probably piles of documents waiting on his desk.


    In the employee WeChat group of Wei Group, there was a flurry of discussion that the workaholic CEO still hadn''t arrived this morning.


    ¡¾What''s going on? The CEO didn''te in at all yesterday.¡¿


    ¡¾It''s time but he still hasn''t arrived.¡¿


    ¡¾His wife hasn''t been here to deliver lunch recently too.¡¿


    ¡¾I want candy, wah.¡¿


    ¡¾He''s here, he''s here!¡¿The receptionist sent a message promptly when she saw Xu Xiuhe enter thepany.


    ¡¾What''s his mood like?¡¿


    ¡¾Looks decent.¡¿


    ¡¾Tsk tsk, don''t tell me he spent the whole day apanying his wife yesterday!¡¿


    In her studio Qinghe Vi, Shen Yin was simrly swamped with work. With her employees in today, she had to draw out the designs for the gowns to allow her fabric assistant Chen Nuan to source for materials in the morning. She also had to get the studio''s Weibo ount set up.


    To her few employees, it was virtually impossible toplete a gown in a day and a half.


    The fabric assistant Chen Nuan had gone out to look for materials while Shen Yin worked on publicity and liaised with her two fashion designers.


    "Boss, isn''t a day too rushed for making gowns? These aren''t ordinary clothes."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll cut the patterns and fabrics in the afternoon. You guys just need to machine sew them tomorrow morning." Shen Yin assured.


    Shen Yin would be very busy in the afternoon and couldn''t watch Zhengzheng the whole time. With how sensible Zhengzheng was, he definitely couldn''t be left alone without supervision.


    Thinking about sending Zhengzheng to stay with Fang Yue for the night, Shen Yin figured she might as well have Fang Yue over this afternoon to apany Zhengzheng. It would let her familiarize herself with him too.


    Shen Yin took out her phone and scrolled through her short contact list consisting of Shu Yi, Xu Xiuhe, Ji Qingyan, Yan Yan, and Fang Yue. This was a new phone Shen Lv had given her after confiscating her old one. Out of hatred toward Shen Lv and Shen Tianzheng, she had deleted their contacts and blocked them.


    Fang Yue had always treated her well - at least ording to the original host''s memories.


    "Hello, is this Yin Yin?" There was a slight quiver in Fang Yue''s voice. This was the first call from Shen Yin since her marriage.


    "Mom, it''s me." Shen Yin replied.


    "Oh Yin Yin, did something happen? Did Xiuhe bully you?" Fang Yue asked.


    It was understandable she would ask that. She knew Shen Yin''s stubborn temperament all too well. Since she married Xu Xiuhe, Fang Yue had been worried that Shen Yin''s stubbornness would make her unpleasing to her husband and cause her grief. Her worries grew when Shen Yin developed mental health issues. She would call Xu Xiuhe periodically to understand the situation and observe his attitude toward Shen Yin.


    "No, Mom. Are you free now?"


    This was the first call from Shen Yin in so long. Even if Fang Yue was busy, she would make time.


    "Yin Yin, tell me what''s going on. Have you run into some difficulty?"


    Hearing Fang Yue''s words moved Shen Yin deeply. This was the first time in her life she had experienced a mother''s love.


    "Mom, I''ll be busy with some things in the studio at Qinghe Vi this afternoon. Could youe over to help look after Zhengzheng?"


    "You''re bringing Zhengzheng? Sure, of course, I''ll head over now!" Fang Yue was overjoyed. She looked forward to bonding more with her grandson.


    "Be careful on your way here, Mom," Shen Yin reminded caringly. This hard-earned familial love was now precious to her.


    Hearing that brought tears to the corners of Fang Yue''s eyes. Her daughter still cared about her.


    After hanging up, Fang Yue called Shen Tianzheng to inform him she would be going out at noon.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Shen Yin didn''t expect that Fang Yue woulde so quickly. Fang Yue drove over in her own car and parked behind the small building, the one she had bought for Shen Yin. She didn''t expect toe here again.


    To the left after entering was some finished clothing, including the wedding dress worth millions. To the right was a set of leather sofas. Fang Yue was attracted by those clothes, could they all have been made by Shen Yin?


    "Mom, you got here so fast." Shen Yin said, carrying Zhengzheng downstairs.


    "I was free at home too." Fang Yue held out her hand. "Zhengzheng, can grandma hold you for a bit?"


    Zhengzheng looked at Fang Yue, blinked his eyes without reacting, then turned his head to look at Shen Yin.


    "Zhengzheng, this is grandma. Mom will be busy this afternoon, be good and stay with grandma okay?" Shen Yin gently coaxed.


    Zhengzheng nodded, "Zhengzheng is very obedient."


    "Such a good boy." Shen Yin handed Zhengzheng over to Fang Yue.


    Fang Yue was still a little cautious. "Zhengzheng, do you still remember grandma? Grandma held youst time."


    "Remember grandma." Zhengzheng showed his little milk teeth, answering Fang Yue''s questions.


    "This little mouth is so sweet, like he''s eaten honey." Hearing him call her grandma made Fang Yue happy from the bottom of her heart.


    "Mom, I have to finish a dress today. Xiuhe and I are attending a charity g tomorrow night, so I''ll probably have to bring Zhengzheng over to your ce again tomorrow night." Shen Yin exined.


    What, she was bringing Zhengzheng over again tomorrow night? This was unexpected for Fang Yue. She thought just getting to hold him and see him today would be enough to satisfy her, she didn''t expect to hear Zhengzheng call her grandma himself and that he''de over again tomorrow. Happiness seemed to havee too suddenly.


    "Okay, okay, juste find me if you''re busy." Fang Yue was a little excited.


    After cutting the panels in the afternoon and sewing the next morning, a dress was finallypleted.


    The four employees simply couldn''t believe that such a beautiful young woman had such mature design concepts, leading them to create such an outstanding piece.


    The dress incorporated elements of the qipao, with a stand cor but no sleeves. Shen Yin adapted to the aesthetics of this era very quickly, so she was also able to grasp the essence of dressmaking so quickly. The sleeveless design made the whole dress look more distinctive.


    "Good job everyone, you worked hard. It''s three thirty now. You can get off work early today." Shen Yin was very satisfied with these four employees.


    Chen Nuan and the others didn''t expect to get off work so early. As the four of them walked to the garage out back, they were still chatting about it.


    "I still can''t believe I found such a good job!" Chen Nuan said.


    "I know, the high sry is one thing, but the boss also provides housing and afternoon tea and fruit. "


    The girl in charge of publicity, Li Huanhuan, chimed in: "The house the boss rented for us isn''t far from here either, it takes less than ten minutes by bike. The housing prices there aren''t cheap!"


    When Shen Yin was hiring, she had written that housing was provided. However, that house wasn''t rented by her - she had bought it outright for 3 million.


    "Look at that car, it must have cost at least 5 million right?" Chen Nuan said, pointing to Shen Yin''s car in the garage.


    The dressmaker Xu Ruping said, "What if there''s a possibility our boss is a rich widow, or a madam from a wealthy family, and she''s out experiencing life?"


    "You might be right. The day before yesterday, wasn''t the boss''s husband here giving us tasks? His aura was so powerful I didn''t even dare look to see what he looked like."


    "He seemed quite handsome, I didn''t dare look either, girl!" Li Huanhuan felt like she had found a confidant.


    Shen Yin put on some makeup in front of her dressing table mirror, changed into the dress, did her hair up and pinned it in ce. When she was unmarried in Dashang she would put all her hair up and pin it with hairpins, but she still left some hair down around her temples and nape. So she had high standards for hairpins.


    The quality of the one in her hair now was not as good as the ones she had in Dashang. One of these days she would have to go get a custom hairpin made.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s go to grandma''s okay?" Shen Yin picked up Zhengzheng.


    After spending half the previous afternoon with Fang Yue, Zhengzheng was no longer unfamiliar with grandma and knew she was very nice to him, so he happily nodded.


    Fang Yue had been waiting eagerly at the door for Shen Yin to arrive. She hadn''t stopped bragging to Shen Tianzhengst night after getting home - bragging that Zhengzheng called her grandma, bragging that she had yed with him all afternoon.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Tianzheng felt itchy on the inside. Knowing Shen Yin was bringing Zhengzheng over today, he got off work early in the afternoon to wait at home.


    "Zhengzheng, let grandma hold you."


    After Shen Yin got out of the car, she followed Fang Yue into the Shen family vi. The Shen family vi was located in the Lanyuan Vi Area in the eastern part of Rong City, simr to Ziyue Manor with one house per yard.


    The yard was full of all kinds of flowers and nts. Fang Yue seemed to be someone who loved life. The past two or three years while the original owner was sick must have been quite painful for her. Unknowingly, Shen Yin actually empathized.


    Upon entering the house, Shen Yin saw Shen Tianzheng waiting expectantly. She almost wanted tough, but held it in.


    "Dad." Shen Yin called out.


    Hearing her call him dad made Shen Tianzheng feel privileged. Although the misunderstanding between them was resolved, there was still estrangement that could only disappear slowly over time.


    Shen Tianzheng consciously realized that his presence here would affect their mother-daughter conversation, so he took Zhengzheng out to the yard to y. Zhengzheng''sughter mixed with Shen Tianzheng''s, and at that moment, Shen Yin felt the warmth of family for the first time in her two lifetimes.


    Fang Yue chatted with Shen Yin about all kinds of family matters, from the changes happening around the house, to Shen Lv still not finding a wife. Seeing that Shen Yin didn''t show any impatience at all, Fang Yue was even more satisfied. Her mouth didn''t stop the whole time.


    As the sun set over the mountains, early summer evenings were prime time. Fang Yue realized she may have talked too much, so she took Shen Yin for a walk around the yard. Zhengzheng sat on a swing in the yard while Shen Tianzheng rocked him back and forth behind him. In that moment, it was like Shen Yin could feel the warmth of family in her two lifetimes.


    "Shen Yin, mom and dad." Xu Xiuhe walked into the yard and saw this harmonious scene.


    "Xiuhe you''re here!" Fang Yue said. There''s a saying that the more a mother-inw looks at her son-inw, the more satisfied she is. With how Shen Yin had been the past few years, Xiuhe still hadn''t divorced her - what more could she be dissatisfied about?


    "It''s time, I have to go now. I''ll be backter to get Zhengzheng." Shen Yin said.


    Still, Shen Yin couldn''t resist going over to Zhengzheng: "Zhengzheng, mommy is going out with daddy for a bit. Be good and listen to grandma and grandpa okay? No crying allowed, little men can''t cry. Grandma and grandpa love you very much, so don''t be scared. I''lle get youter alright?"


    "Okay." Zhengzheng nodded. He would rather make himself unhappy than let mommy be sad.


    "Say bye bye to mommy and daddy." Xu Xiuhe said.


    Zhengzheng waved his little hand. "Bye bye!" he said in his sweet little voice.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    Shen Yin took off her t shoes and put on a pair of high heels before getting into Xu Xiuhe''s Bentley.


    At the entrance of Qingfeng Mingyue, there were numerous luxury cars parked, and Shen Yin immediately noticed the abundance of cars and people, especially the media personnel.


    It was expected that the organizers would invite many reporters to publicize the good deeds. As Shen Yin opened the passenger door and stepped out, the sound of camera shutters clicking filled the air. Facing so many lenses for the first time, it was impossible not to feel nervous or scared.


    However, Xu Xiuhe went to park the car, and now Shen Yin felt embarrassed to enter the venue alone. She couldn''t allow herself to be photographed looking unttering. Absolutely not. She couldn''t show any signs of weakness. Yes, she had to carry herself with poise and confidence.


    As Shen Yin gave herself some pep talk, she adjusted her posture and expression. As the legitimate daughter of the Duke''s Mansion, she had learned all these things.


    When Xu Xiuhe emerged from the underground garage, he saw Shen Yin standing elegantly in ce. The journalists only realized that they had just taken numerous photos of this woman when Xu Xiuhe walked up to her. It turned out she was the wife of the CEO of Yuan Group.


    This trip was not in vain. If she remembered correctly, this was the first appearance of their couple after the previous trending official announcement. And the way they presented themselves was indeed grand.


    "Hold onto my arm," Xu Xiuhe raised his arm and adjusted his posture.


    Shen Yin hesitated. Did the asion require the woman to hold onto the man''s arm? She nced at some couples preparing to enter, and it seemed that it was indeed the case. The woman held onto the man''s arm. Well then.


    After a few seconds of hesitation, Shen Yinplied. She wasn''t naive. In this kind of asion, if she didn''t hold on, it would give people something to talk about. For example, "The CEO of Yuan Group and his wife made their first appearance at the charity g, seemingly not getting along."


    Xu Xiuhe wore a ck suit that matched perfectly with Shen Yin''s ck evening gown. The two walked in sync, making their way into the venue.


    "Mr. CEO, your wife is on the third floor," the receptionist recognized their presence at first nce.


    The journalists outside couldn''t enter and could only specte at the entrance of Qingfeng Mingyue.


    "I really want to go in."


    "Forget it, we''re not major media outlets. We didn''t receive an invitation. It''s enough to capture photos of Xu Xiuhe and his wife here. We should be content."


    "How can there be such a perfectly matched couple? He''s talented, and she''s beautiful."


    "Did you see that? Their footsteps are synchronized."


    Even the people inside paused and stared at them, overwhelmed by their presence. Shen Yin looked at the gazes of the crowd, a faint smile ying on her lips.


    She had achieved her goal. Everyone here held exceptional status and identity. As long as they noticed her, noticed her attire, her trip wouldn''t be in vain.


    Her dress was a long gown. The ck fabric was a high-quality material that Shen Yin had specifically asked Chen Nuan to find in the market. It was smooth and had a luxurious feel. The upper part incorporated exquisite vintage Chinese elements, delicate yet harmonious.


    With a slight fishtail design, Shen Yin walked like a mermaid, and at the hem of her skirt, she sewed small white pearls, adding a sense of drape to the dress.


    In the crowd, Shen Yin could be seen at a nce. She stood quietly beside Xu Xiuhe, not saying a word, but she was a sight to behold. Xu Xiuhe naturally knew that from the moment he saw Shen Yin at her house, he had noticed her.


    As a person of Xu Xiuhe''s status, there weren''t many people who needed to greet him. On the contrary, people came in waves to talk to Xu Xiuhe.


    "Xiuhe, you''re here? Wow, sister-inw looks stunning today," Xue Jingrui said, walking up to Xu Xiuhe with his femalepanion.


    "Yeah, when do we start?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Xue Jingrui replied, "We can start now. Let''s go inside first."


    It was then that Shen Yin recognized that Xue Jingrui''s femalepanion was actually Qi Yan. It''s no wonder she didn''t recognize her at first, as Qi Yan had indeed changed quite a bit.


    In the two previous encounters with Qi Yan, once at the doorstep and once when Qi Yan visited her home, Qi Yan looked fresh and different from today. Wearing a white knee-length evening gown, along with specially designed makeup, she looked cute yet sexy.


    However, her gaze was not so cute. Even while walking, Qi Yan''s eyes asionally nced at Xu Xiuhe. Wasn''t she afraid of tripping? Shen Yin thought to herself.


    After taking their seats, the venue became quiet. Xue Jingrui''s mother, Ye Rongzai, stood on the auction tform in front, holding a microphone, and after adjusting her tone to a rxed one, she said, "Seeing that everyone is almost seated, let''s begin. I, Ye Rongzai, promise that all the money raised from the auction will be donated."


    Shen Yin was attentively listening to the rules set by the host when suddenly someone bumped into her from behind. Shen Yin turned her head and said softly, "Shu Yi, why are you here too?" Shen Yin was afraid of speaking loudly, so she whispered.


    Shu Yi looked at her mouth and roughly guessed what Shen Yin was saying, so she pointed to her own phone, indicating that Shen Yin should take a look.


    Shen Yin took out her phone from her white handbag and saw a message from Shu Yi.


    [I was threatened by Chang Zhiyuan toe here. I just saw you when you came in. Chang Zhiyuan and I were right behind you.]


    Shen Yin turned her head again and sure enough, she saw Chang Zhiyuan sitting with crossed legs next to Shu Yi, behind Xu Xiuhe. Shen Yin turned back and typed.


    [I thought you were filming in the northern city.]


    [Yes, we had a break this afternoon. I just got back home. I don''t know how Chang Zhiyuan received the message and asked me toe and apany him at the charity event.]


    Shu Yiined, but Shen Yin, who had spent some time with her, discovered that Shu Yi''s aloofness and indifference were only for outsiders and werebels she intentionally created for herself. In reality, when she was with familiar people, she had no reservations and could even make people feel very happy.


    [Who is the woman next to Xue Jingrui?] Women are naturally gossipy, and Shu Yi was no exception.


    [Qi Yan.]


    Shu Yi looked up and saw Qi Yan''s figure, then nced at her phone and began typing: "Looking at it this way, it feels pretty good, quite cute. Sitting upright, watching the auction, unlike the two of us, secretly chatting."


    Shen Yin saw the message Shu Yi sent and couldn''t help but smile. Do her fans know that she acts like this? Since the auction was still ongoing, Shen Yin had to hold back and raised her head with a half-smile.


    Xu Xiuhe, who had turned away from Shen Yin, noticed Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi behind him when he lowered his head to type. Auctions were actually quite boring, and Chang Zhiyuan was nearly falling asleep.


    "Have you found anything you like?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    In auctions like this, whether or not you can find something good depends entirely on luck. As for charity items, they generally don''t have much value, but they be valuable after being auctioned by wealthy individuals. And these auction items are usually bought by the organizers from antique markets or collectors.


    "Not yet."


    Just as Shen Yin finished speaking, the host said, "Next, the item we are going to auction is thest one of today. Can you all guess what it is?" The host deliberately left it suspenseful.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    The host didn''t want to feel awkward, so he kept the suspense going and slowly opened the box in front of him, tilting it slightly so that everyone present could see the contents.


    At the first nce of the item, Shen Yin''s heart skipped a beat and she sat up.


    Upon seeing Shen Yin''s reaction, Xu Xiuhe also shifted his gaze to the box in the host''s hand. The box was quite exquisite, and inside it was a hairpin.


    The hairpin was made of jade. Although Shen Yin was sitting in the front row, she couldn''t clearly see the patterns on the hairpin, but her intuition told her that it was of good quality and the color of the jade was strikingly simr to another hairpin she had before.


    "Now, we will auction this hairpin. It can be considered a fine piece in terms of craftsmanship and material. It has a long history and is said to havee from the pce."


    Shen Yin could tell that the quality was indeed good, and it captivated her at first sight.


    "The starting bid is 1 million yuan. Let the bidding begin."


    "1 million," Shen Yin raised her paddle.


    As soon as her voice fell, everyone''s gaze converged on her. Shen Yin didn''t really think about it and just raised her paddle. 1 million yuan wasn''t a big deal for them, but they had never seen someone spend money so easily.


    "1.5 million," Qi Yan raised her paddle.


    Many people in the audience knew Qi Yan. She was brought here by Xue Jingrui and they had grown up together. Qi Yan''s father, Qi Shengwu, held a high position in the city government. Could it be that the two families had intentions of forming a marriage alliance?


    "2 million," Shen Yin spoke up again.


    "2.5 million," Qi Yan increased her bid.


    Shen Yin nced at Qi Yan. Although she really liked this hairpin, if Qi Yan wanted it badly, she could let it go.


    To her surprise, Shen Yin saw a provocation in Qi Yan''s eyes. Despite being several years older, why did Qi Yan always appear so childish? If it wasn''t for the provocation, it would have been fine, but Qi Yan had to do that.


    This was one aspect where Shen Yin fell short. She had a strong desire to win and couldn''t tolerate others suppressing her. It was precisely because of this trait that Xu Zhen from the Xiang Mansion couldn''t take advantage of her. "5 million."


    Shen Yin''s tone was calm as she changed her posture, wearing an expression as if she could afford to y along.


    Qi Yan''s eyes were filled with anger, unwilling to back down she shouted, "5.5 million."


    No one in the room was a fool, and no one dared to interrupt. It was obviously a battle between two women. If this battle had levels, they would definitely be cannons against airnes¡ªone dared to fire, the other dared to deliver.


    Xu Xiuhe and Xue Jingrui remained motionless for now. Xu Xiuhe wouldn''t dare to intervene if Xue Jingrui dared to help Qi Yan snatch the item, he would immediately sever ties with Xu Xiuhe.


    He didn''t know about other things, for example, whether Xu Xiuhe really liked Shen Yin or not. But Xu Xiuhe was known for being protective, and he was well aware of that. No matter what, Shen Yin was his wife now, and he couldn''t afford to speak up.


    Very well, Shen Yin smiled. Qi Yan was probably getting worked up now, so she would raise the bid by another 500,000 yuan. That shouldn''t be unreasonable, right?


    "8 million."


    There were quite a few spectators in the venue who enjoyed watching the excitement. The most interesting part of an auction was when two people kept raising the bid. They couldn''t miss such a good show and watched with relish, only missing some melon seeds and tea.


    Shu Yi wasn''t worried at all. She kept sending messages to Shen Yin, saying, "Come on, Yin Yin, you can''t lose. This is not just about the hairpin!"


    Feeling like her previous message wasn''t enough, she added a cheering emoji package. "If you don''t have enough money, I''ll pay half for you!"


    Shen Yin looked at the messages on her phone screen and found Shu Yi really adorable. She wondered why she hadn''t noticed it before. So Shen Yin replied, "Shu Yi, I don''t think I''m poor either."


    Upon seeing the message, Shu Yi realized that she had worried for nothing. Being the wife of the president of Yuan Group and the daughter of the Shen family, she couldn''t possiblyck money. Shen Yin was much wealthier than her.


    "Yin Yin, please support me financially," she jokingly replied.


    This statement made Shen Yin burst intoughter again. Her sense of humor was indeed peculiar.


    "I''ll prepare for a divorce from Xu Xiuhe!" Shen Yin jokingly responded.


    Shu Yi was shocked when she saw the message. Could she really have that?


    "Please don''t. I''m afraid Xu Xiuhe will cklist me from the entire inte," Shu Yi replied.


    "Eight million once, eight million twice, eight million..." The host was about to say "three times" and was ready to strike the gavel.


    "Eight million five hundred thousand," Shen Yin raised the bid.


    Shen Yin thought 8.5 million was already a substantial amount. She was ready to back out. She could always go out more often in the future and find something else. There was no need to hang herself on a hairpin.


    "One million," Xu Xiuhe held up his sign.


    Shen Yin didn''t expect this move from Xu Xiuhe. The hairpin was precious, but it wasn''t worth a million.


    Qi Yan''s expression of anger changed. Why did Xu Xiuhe treat her like this? He had never been like this before.


    "One million once, one million twice, one million three times, sold for one million!" The gavel came down.


    One million was the highest price of the night. Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin were invited to the stage because of it. Shen Yin held Xu Xiuhe''s arm and, to be honest, Xu Xiuhe bid on the hairpin because of her.


    Considering that she was still wearing her own studio''s dress, Shen Yin immediately changed her expression, smiling gracefully without showing her teeth. Xu Xiuhe slightly moved to the side behind Shen Yin, and their posture together could be described as the epitome of a couple.


    The journalists in the audience took pictures of this scene, and the headlines were ready: "A Million Wager for Love and Laughter."


    The happiest person in the audience was undoubtedly Shu Yi, who was so happy that she stood up. Xu Xiuhe was really handsome, and he exuded a sense of masculinity.


    "How about it? Do you like the hairpin too? Should I get you one as a gift?" Chang Zhiyuan turned to Shu Yi and asked.


    In just a split second, Shu Yi''s expression changed faster than in a Sichuan opera. Chang Zhiyuan couldn''t help butugh. After getting to know her, he found Shu Yi even more interesting. She waspletely different from how he knew her before.


    "Why do you change expressions so quickly and treat people differently?" Chang Zhiyuan asked unwillingly.


    Seeing Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhee down from the stage, Shu Yi ran straight to Shen Yin. "Yin Yin, this dress is so beautiful. It''s probably going to trend tonight."


    Chang Zhiyuan facepalmed, saying, "Public figures should be mindful of their image."


    "It''s true. The effect was achieved. Our big star praised it, which means the dress is really good. I''ll have one tailored for you another day," Shen Yin said.


    "Did you make it yourself? I forgot that you''re the one who alters all of Zheng Zheng''s clothes on the set."


    Qi Yan, standing next to Xue Jingrui, was so annoyed that her teeth itched. She turned around and left the venue. In the darkness, Qi Yan was filled with unwillingness. Why should she always have to take it? One day, she would reim what belonged to her.


    Xue Jingrui followed her outside. He didn''t expect things to turn out like this today, but it''s for the best. Qi Yan should finally give up.


    Chang Zhiyuan thought it was enough and pulled Shu Yi towards the underground parking lot.


    "What are you doing? I haven''t finished talking with Yin Yin yet."


    "You, silly, can''t you give the couple some private space after they''ve just reconciled?" Chang Zhiyuan exined.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    "For you." Xu Xiuhe handed Shen Yin the box containing the hairpin.


    Shen Yin epted it. She was about to say there was no need to buy it back for 10 million yuan. But Shen Yin then thought that money was nothing to Xu Xiuhe. 10 million to him seemed insignificant.


    Moreover, the hairpin was a gift for her. If she said it out loud, wouldn''t it make her seem unappreciative? Shen Yin secretly rejoiced. This meant Xu Xiuhe treated her quite well. Could it be that he liked her a little?


    Shen Yin didn''t dare think further. To use modern words, the revolution had yet to seed. How could she talk about romance? Her career had just started and she couldn''t let other things distract her. She had watched so many TV shows and concluded that women must have money and be financially independent!


    She couldn''t be tempted and bewildered by a small hairpin. She had to stay sober. Xu Xiuhe still had an ex-girlfriend eyeing him like a tiger watching its prey. Shen Yin reminded herself again mentally. Although she was mentally mature, she was still 24 years old physically with a 16-year-old soul inside.


    Focus on making money!


    "Thank you. I really like it," Shen Yin said. She still had to be polite, or she would seemcking in manners.


    "That''s good if you like it. It''s gettingte. Go pick up Zhengzheng. He''ll probably start crying if we wait any longer," said Xu Xiuhe.


    "Okay."


    Lights filled the Shen family vi. In the living room, three adults busied themselves around Zhengzheng.


    "Zhengzheng, say ''uncle'' and uncle will call for you," said Shen Lv.


    Xu Yunzhang, lying on the floor, looked up. "Uncle, uncle."


    When Shen Yin came in, she saw Shen Lv coaxing her nephew.


    "Mommy." Xu Yunzhang didn''t expect to actually see his mommy when he looked up. The longing in his eyes made Shen Yin''s heart melt. The luckiest thing to happen sinceing to this world was having a chubby, cuddly darling.


    "Zhengzheng, we have to go home now."


    The little darling held out his two hands, asking to be hugged. Considering Shen Yin was still in high heels, Xu Xiuhe bent down and picked up Zhengzheng.


    "Mom, thanks for your hard work. I''ll take him home tonight," Shen Yin said to Fang Yue.


    "No hardship at all. You didn''t get too tired today, did you?" Fang Yue asked caringly.


    "Not tired at all. It''s gettingte. We should head back first," said Shen Yin, looking at them as she spoke.


    "Dad, Mom, Bro, we''re leaving first. Zhengzheng, say bye to Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle." Xu Xiuhe spoke.


    "Yinyin, you haven''t eaten yet right? It''ll be toote once you get home. Why not eat a little here?" Fang Yue suggested.


    Shen Yin thought it really waste. Zhengzheng seemed to have eaten already. That left just her and Xu Xiuhe. She still had things to do when they got home tonight. Her mom''s suggestion was great, as expected of her mother.


    At the dinner table sat just Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe. It was Xu Xiuhe''s first time eating at his mother-inw''s house. He felt a little strange.


    After returning home, Shen Yin immediately opened Weibo. Sure enough, she and Xu Xiuhe were trending with "A wealthydy''s determined bid wins her husband''s smile."


    Looking at this trending topic name, Shen Yin thought, who came up with such an oundish name? Was she smiling? She had maintained the studio''s image.


    Comments piled up under the Weibo post. Many cp fans rushed out to say the protagonists were showing affection. After scrolling for a long time, Shen Yin finally saw a fewments about the dress.


    [This dress must be custom-made. It''s so unique.]


    [It looks so good, the retro stylebined with modern style gives it a different feel.]


    [It really shows off her figure and temperament when worn.]


    [Is it possible her figure and temperament were good to begin with?]


    Shen Yin immediately called the studio''s PR person, Li Huanhuan. "Huanhuan, did you see the trending topic?"


    Not only had Li Huanhuan seen it, she was shocked. She, Chen Nuan and two other dressmakers lived in the house Shen Yin bought. When they saw the "A wealthydy''s determined bid wins her husband''s smile" trending topic, they couldn''t believe their eyes.


    No wonder the boss seemed a little familiar. It turned out Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe had trended before. The boss''s husband they didn''t dare look at was actually the CEO of Heyuan Group.


    When Shen Yin called Li Huanhuan, the three pricked up their ears, wanting to hear what the boss would say.


    Chen Nuan mouthed to Li Huanhuan, "Speakerphone."


    Li Huanhuan turned on the speakerphone.


    "Boss, we saw the trending topic," said Li Huanhuan.


    "Good. Next, post all our studio''s work on the studio Weibo. Edit the custom inquiry number in too. Then tap the trending topic below to attract attention. I''ll buy some trends."


    "Okay, Boss."


    Shen Yin hung up. She then nned to buy trending topics, but having never done so before, she could only search Baidu. The inte age brought fast news. These things she didn''t even dare dream of in Dasheng times she was now familiar with.


    Shen Yin registered a Weibo ount herself. Following Baidu''s instructions step-by-step, she finally paid.


    Soon after, Shen Yin saw her studio''s name in the trending topics on Weibo: "Dress of CEO''s wife from Heyuan Group."


    Shen Yin deliberately had Li Huanhuan edit the wording this way. She didn''t want to expose having started a studio for now. Even though the studio name contained "Yin,"izens would think Shen Yin was trending and brought attention to the dress studio too.


    In no time, the trending topic ranked in the top five, just a few spots below that "A wealthydy''s determined bid wins her husband''s smile."


    This trend seemed to be rising too quickly. Could trending topics be so cheap? She didn''t spend much, barely enough to get on the trending chart.


    Oh well, trending was a good thing. No need for more. Next she just had to see the feedback the studio got. If the effect was good, she could move on to her next venture.


    Xu Xiuhe was giving Zhengzheng a bath. Shen Yin also intended to enter the bathroom. One thing she wasn''t used to in this world was how everyone could stay up sote now. Sleeping by midnight was considered early. But it was understandable with so many entertainment options nowadays.


    She couldn''t do it. She got sleepy early. Despite having Shen Yin''s body, could it be sleep habits were still rted to past practices? Like in Dasheng times, after finishing reading, she would fall asleep by 9pm.


    In the bathroom, Shen Yin seemed to vaguely hear her phone ring. Could it be Xu Xiuhe bringing Zhengzheng to her room, but she didn''t hear him knock so he called instead?


    Shen Yin hurried out and checked her phone right away. It showed a missed call from "Shu Yi."


    Calling sote, Shu Yi must have something urgent. Shen Yin called back.


    "Hey, Yinyin. Your studio bought trending topics right?"


    "Mm-hm, you noticed huh."


    "It rushed into the top five! How could a newly registered Weibo with only a few posts gain traction so quickly unless it bought trends?"


    "Shu Yi, I can buy them for you in the future. I found trending topics surprisingly cheap. I only spent 2000 yuan but the poprity was huge."

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    "No, Shen Yin, you said you only spent 2,000 yuan." Shu Yi asked back.


    "Yeah, isn''t it a bargain? In the future if you need promotion, I''ll buy hot searches for you." Shen Yin said.


    "Are you sure no one helped you buy it?" Shu Yi was skeptical. She was in the entertainment industry after all. Although she had never bought one herself, that didn''t mean she didn''t know how much it cost to get into the top 5 hot searches!


    Shen Yin started to doubt upon hearing this. Could it be that someone really did help buy it for her, Xu Xiuhe or Fang Yue?


    "Then I guess someone must have helped me buy it." Shen Yin said.


    "What if it was Xu Xiuhe? That would be so romantic! Oh, do you know I was browsing Weibo and saw you and Xu Xiuhe have a super topic. It was pretty interesting, everyone there was shipping you two. They went crazy tonight! You two aren''t just giving out candy, you''re pouring it all over. Ah ah, I''ve be a CP fan too."


    "Super topic?" Shen Yin didn''t pay much attention to things like that. This era was truly interesting.


    "There''s something else. I really do need toe to your ce to order a dress. Yan Xi''s Legend needs promotion. I need to attend events but before I really hated taking endorsements so no sponsors gave me dresses!" Shu Yi continued.


    "Haha, didn''t I see online people saying you have a backer so you don''t need to take endorsements to make money?" Shen Yin teased.


    "I''m justzy. I wanted to go out and y. There''s no backer!" Shu Yi pouted. Fortunately Shen Yin wasn''t facing Shu Yi or she would haveughed again.


    "Okay,e to my studio tomorrow. I''ll custom make one for you."


    "Knock knock knock." There was a knocking sound.


    Shen Yin was about to open the door and said, "Let me hang up first, see you tomorrow."


    When she opened the door, it was Xu Yunzheng standing there. Seeing her, he immediately hugged Shen Yin''s legs, "Mama, sleep."


    "Are you sleepy?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe was the one who replied first however, "I just gave him a bath. He wanted toe find you as soon as he was done. He had another tiring day today so you should put him to bed early."


    "Okay, thanks."


    "Don''t mention it. No need to thank me."


    After closing the door, Shen Yin only just remembered she had forgotten to ask Xu Xiuhe about the hot search. Oh well, better not to ask. What if he didn''t buy it? Wouldn''t she seem full of herself then?


    In the study, Xu Xiuhe received a call from Liu Bo.


    "Boss, I bought the hot searches. But why are we buying hot searches for a newly opened clothing workshop? I don''t understand." In Liu Bo''s impression, Xu Xiuhe never did things unrted to his own interests.


    "Hm?"


    Sensing Xu Xiuhe''s tone, Liu Bo immediately said, "Got it boss, I understand now."


    After hanging up, Liu Bo hit his own head. How could he be so stupid? Other people might not know Yunyin Clothing Workshop was opened by whom but he should know! One Yun, one Yin, it was obviously opened by either the boss or the boss''s wife! If he had known, he would have bought more to get "Heyuan Group Boss''s Wife''s Dress" straight to #1 hot search.


    Sure enough, Shu Yi came to Yunyin Clothing Workshop the next day. Downstairs there was only Chen Nuan and Li Huanhuan. Upstairs were twodies busy stepping on sewing machines.


    When Shu Yi first stepped into the workshop, she was attracted by theyout and decor. After taking off her sunsses, Chen Nuan recognized her at first nce.


    "Are you Shu Yi?" Chen Nuan had already recognized her but it was still more polite to ask first.


    Shu Yi hadn''t considered there might be other employees in the workshop. She also hadn''t expected to be recognized immediately and it made her a little embarrassed. "Is Shen Yin here?"


    Chen Nuan was a little excited. "The boss is on the third floor."


    Shu Yi nodded politely at Chen Nuan and Li Huanhuan then headed upstairs shyly.


    It took Li Huanhuan a few seconds before realizing, "Chen Nuan, did we just see a TV star?"


    Chen Nuan nodded and said, "What great fortune did I have to be able to see my goddess in person today? See, I''ve always felt she was so beautiful and unique looking. If you look closely, you can feel she has a bit of a sweet girl image. Actually I don''t think her features suit ying Yan Xi that well. She''s more suited for ying gentle sweet characters. On the contrary, I feel our boss is better suited. Her features have that kind of striking impact. You could say very morous. Ah ah, as expected beauties make friends with beauties. Excellent people are always surrounded by excellent people."


    "Then let''s strive to be excellent too! By the way, did you get any calls for custom dresses?" Li Huanhuan asked.


    Only then did Chen Nuan remember that she wasn''t busy right now so she was helping Li Huanhuan handle current orders and business matters too.


    "I got one, a small time celebrity but not as famous as my goddess. There was another one, I wrote down her name, Qi Yan. Her tone wasn''t very nice."


    "Okay, send those orders to the bosster."


    Up on the third floor, Shen Yin was sitting in the living room. The living room of the small building wasn''t small. Shen Yin had ced a desk inside where she could work while keeping an eye on Xu Yunzheng.


    When Shu Yi came in, Xu Yunzheng noticed first as usual. A child''s attention was easily caught after all.


    "Yunzheng, miss me?" Sweetheart?"


    "Miss."


    "Wow, so well behaved. Let auntie hug you." Shu Yi stepped forward and picked up Xu Yunzheng from the carpet.


    "You''re here early." Shen Yin said.


    "I came to give you some face. I''m serious!" Shu Yi said.


    Shen Yin stood up and took a measuring tape. "Put Yunzheng down first."


    Shen Yin measured everything one by one, bust, waist, hips and leg circumference.


    There was a beeping sound from theputer on the desk. Shen Yin was clever to begin with. After learning for a month or two she could grasp some basic office software.


    When Shen Yin sat down to record the measurements she had just taken, she happened to nce at theputer. It was the orders Chen Nuan and Li Huanhuan had sent over. Qi Yan''s name just so happened to be at the top and Shen Yin frowned slightly when she saw it.


    "What''s wrong?" Shu Yi asked.


    "Got some orders. They''reing this afternoon."


    "That''s pretty good though."


    Shu Yi leaned in to take a look at theputer screen.


    "She doesn''t know this workshop is opened by you right? I guess after not winning the auction yesterday and you stealing her thunder, she must be annoyed now and wants to check out this workshop."


    Shu Yi was worried Qi Yan would take out her anger on the workshop. She was even more worried Shen Yin wouldn''t be able to handle it with Yunzheng here so she decided to stay with Shen Yin the whole day.


    "I''ll keep youpany. I''m free these few days anyway." There were still a few days until Shu Yi had to attend theunch event for Yan Xi''s Legend.


    "That''s good. You just want to freeload food right." Shen Yin said jokingly.


    "Oh, you know me best."


    Actually Shen Yin knew Shu Yi truly cared for her as a friend. She was just considering how she should handle things when Qi Yan came overter. Should she not show herself or...

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    Qi Yan came to the studio in the afternoon with another girl by her side.


    Shen Yin had specifically instructed Chen Nuan and Li Huanhuan to let her know when Qi Yan arrived.


    So Chen Nuan notified Shen Yin right away. Shen Yin replied: [Just see what she says first, don''t reveal my information yet.]


    [Got it.]


    "I booked an appointment yesterday toe get a dress for a ceremony." Qi Yan said as she stood in front of the counter to the right of the studio entrance.


    "Of course, ma''am." Li Huanhuan replied professionally.


    "I want your studio''s most expensive, finest dress."


    "Ma''am, our dresses are custom-made. What we have in the store right now are just samples. The most expensive one we have is that traditional Chinese wedding gown over there." Chen Nuan pointed to the Chinese wedding gown on the other side of the room.


    Qi Yan looked in the direction Chen Nuan was pointing. It was a solemn, deep red Chinese wedding gown, quite elegant and exquisite indeed, but she wasn''t getting married, so what would she need a wedding dress for?


    "Then I want a custom-made dress. Where is your manager?" Qi Yan''s tone was displeased.


    Chen Nuan didn''t know what to do. She replied to wait a moment and immediately sent a message lowering her head.


    [Qi Yan is asking for the person in charge.]


    When Shen Yin saw the message, she handed Zhengzheng over to Shu Yi and said, "I''ll go downstairs to take care of it."


    Shen Yin strode down the stairs, pretending not to know Qi Yan was here. "I heard you''re looking for the person in charge?"


    Qi Yan immediately turned around, incredulously saying: "You''re the manager?"


    "Qi Yan! I''m so sorry, I was dealing with something upstairs just now."


    Hearing Shen Yin say this, Qi Yan''s expression soured even more. Forcing down her anger, she said: "Well, since that''s the case, can I ce a custom order now?"


    "Of course. Does thisdy also want to order a dress?" Shen Yin asked, looking at the woman beside Qi Yan.


    This woman was the budding starlet Chen Nuan had mentioned, but Shen Yin didn''t recognize her. So when Shen Yin asked if she wanted a dress too, Gu Mengmeng''s first reaction wasn''t anything else - it was that Shen Yin didn''t even recognize her.


    She was a celebrity, after all. To not even recognize her... Gu Mengmeng''s family owned a smallpany, and she was the only daughter, spoiled since childhood. She wanted to break into show business, so her family bought her resources. She was decently good-looking and hadn''t been in the industry long, standing as a third or fourth-tier celebrity. So she had always been quite arrogant. Before even getting a good look at who the boss was, she was already angry.


    "What? You don''t recognize me? For a newly opened shop, I can endorse for you guys for free." Gu Mengmeng said haughtily.


    Before Shen Yin could respond, Shu Yi came down the stairs. Shen Yin''s expression seemed to ask "Why did youe down?"


    "One endorser should be enough, right? And coincidentally, I got here before you." Shu Yi said, determined to provoke.


    She hadn''t even done any endorsements yet. And as for poprity, she seemed higher than Gu Mengmeng. Come on, how could Gu Mengmeng so shamelessly ask for free dresses?


    "Why are you here?" Gu Mengmeng said in shock.


    "Me? I''m here to endorse for the studio." Shu Yi gave Shen Yin a look, signaling her to not worry and that Zhengzheng was napping upstairs.


    Gu Mengmeng was rendered speechless. "Nevermind, this studio is clearlycking. You don''t even have ready-made dresses. Let''s go."


    Qi Yan didn''t know what to do either. She felt like a clown and took the opportunity Gu Mengmeng had given her to bow out gracefully. "Alright, since you don''t even have finished dresses, we''lle back another time."


    Qi Yan said this, then turned and left the building with Gu Mengmeng.


    "Shu Yi, why did youe down?" Shen Yin asked after they had left.


    "I suddenly remembered seeing Gu Mengmeng''s name in the orders on yourputer this morning. She has a notorious reputation for being unreasonable in the industry, so I was worried you wouldn''t be able to handle her. Zhengzheng happened to be napping, so I came down." Shu Yi exined.


    "Thank you! Don''t worry, I can handle it."


    Shen Yin gave some more instructions and went back upstairs with Shu Yi.


    Leaving Chen Nuan and Li Huanhuan staring at each other speechlessly.


    Chen Nuan spoke first: "My girl is so tough! I heard shees from an ordinary family background. To actually stand up to Gu Mengmeng like that!"


    "I know, right? I didn''t expect Gu Mengmeng to be so arrogant in real life. It really is all fake on TV."


    "You''re right about that. But it seems my girl also carefully crafts her image. Yet I prefer her true personality even more." Chen Nuan said.


    "Do you think this will negatively impact the studio at all?" Shu Yi asked Shen Yin after going back upstairs.


    "No worries. I''ll take care of it. I didn''t do anything wrong. And we got quite a few orders this morning and afternoon, so that charity gst night was great for me. The effect has been achieved."


    "What I need to do now is make sure your dress steals the spotlight at the press conference, shining brilliantly. If I can pull this off sessfully, I should be able to start working on furniture."


    At dinnertime, Shen Yin told Xu Xiuhe about Qi Yan''s visit to the studio.


    "She didn''t do anything bad, did she?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "No, the studio just didn''t have any ready-to-wear dresses, so she left." Shen Yin said.


    Shen Yin actually wanted to say she seemed to have some bad feelings towards Qi Yan, though she was oblivious when it came to rtionships and didn''t know why.


    Was it because Qi Yan had provoked her, or because Qi Yan was Xu Xiuhe''s ex-girlfriend? Shen Yin still hadn''t figured it out.


    "Mama, mama, want to sleep sleep."


    Shen Yin looked at the time - it was Zhengzheng''s bedtime. He always got sleepy earlier than her. Like right now, he was already drowsy right after dinner.


    "I''ll give Zhengzheng a bath tonight." Shen Yin said.


    "Then I''ll clean up the dishes."


    Their division ofbor was so clear, they really seemed like an old married couple.


    After Shen Yin finished bathing Zhengzheng, she went to bed early herself. To reward herself for the past few days of hard work, she drank a cup of warm milk to help her sleep, nning to get a good night''s rest.


    But she had another nightmare, except the protagonist wasn''t her this time. She was startled awake, got out of bed to drink some water. Her previous nightmare hade true, so this one was probably real too.

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Two days before what happened in the dream, so is there still a chance to remedy this time, just like the car ident dreamst time, to avoid it.


    Shen Yin was not sure. She couldn''t fall asleep for a long time now. This matter was not up to her, so if she wanted to avoid it, it might be a little troublesome.


    The next morning, Shen Yin woke up. Because she didn''t sleep well, her whole body feltzy. She forced herself to cheer up. There were so many orders that she had to draw many dress designs.


    While working on the drawings, Shen Yin was still restless. She still hadn''t thought of aprehensive method to help Shu Yi avoid this ident.


    In the dream, Shu Yi was attending theunch event of "Yan Xi''s Legend". While speaking on stage, the stage frame suddenly copsed. Therge light happened to hit Shu Yi''s head without bias. In an instant, bright red blood flowed from Shu Yi''s head, and then she copsed to the ground.


    If the dreames true, Shu Yi''s life will be in danger. But that frame was fine, why did it suddenly copse? And why did that light seem to target Shu Yi''s head?


    She muste up with a way to prevent this tragedy from happening. If she said the nightmare she hadst time finally happened by coincidence, then if it happens again this time, it means her nightmares can really predict the future.


    Shen Yin recalled the script of "Yan Xi''s Legend" she watched before, and designed a dress based on the life experience of Yan Xi.


    Because there were quite a few elements to consider, it took a long time to draw the design drawings. When making the dress form, Shen Yin asked two dressmakers to help out, and finally saw the finished product the next night.


    "My god, this dress is so beautiful!" Li Huanhuan eximed.


    Shen Yin was also very satisfied with this dress. She spent a whole day modifying it before finalizing the design. She was not very good at usingputer software to draw, so her design drawings were all hand-drawn.


    Because the dress she designed for herselfst time was all made by her, and the two dressmakers only did the sewing without seeing the design drawings, when they saw these hand-drawn design drawings this time, they were incredulous. Hand-drawn design drawings were much more difficult and time-consuming thanputer drawings. They didn''t expect their boss, a rich youngdy and the wife of a wealthy family''s CEO, to be so capable.


    The finished product was even more stunning than the dress she worest time. Shen Yin was very happy, which meant her skills had improved.


    "It''s too beautiful. Such a gorgeous dress should have a name," Chen Nuan said.


    Shen Yin thought about it and dide up with one. If Yan Xi''s life could be summed up in one sentence, it would be: "The wastnds give way to spring mountains."


    "Let''s call it Seeing the Spring Mountains," Shen Yin said.


    What came next was more important business that she had to attend to.


    These past two days, she had been thinking of ways to help Shu Yi avoid this ident. Today, she finally had an idea. She didn''t know the exact time in the dream, so she couldn''t tell Shu Yi directly not to stand on the stage at the press conference. That would not only make her seem unreasonable, but more importantly, it was simply unfeasible for Shu Yi as the leading actress to not appear on stage.


    Therefore, the safest approach was for her to be there and respond as situations called for.


    Shen Yin picked up her phone and called Shu Yi.


    "Hello, Shen Yin, is the dress ready?" Shu Yi asked.


    "Yes, do you want to take a look?"


    "I do."


    "Well I won''t show it to you now then."


    "Fine, I''lle over to get it."


    "You''re at Ziyue Manor right now. I''ll bring it over after you get home tonight."


    "Shu Yi, can I ask you something? Can I attend your press conference?"


    "Shen Yin, it would be wonderful if you could make it."


    "It''s tomorrow morning at Qingfeng Mingyue, right?"


    When Shen Yin heard Qingfeng Mingyue, she became interested. Wasn''t that Xu Xiuhe''s venture? If she needed to investigate something, wouldn''t it be very convenient?


    "Alright, I''m taking Yunzheng home now. Wait for me there." Shen Yin hung up after speaking.


    On the drive back to Ziyue Manor, Shen Yin first went to Shu Yi''s vi to deliver the dress before heading to her own vi.


    When she pulled into the underground garage, Xu Xiuhe arrived right before her in his car.


    After parking, Xu Xiuhe walked to the back seat of Shen Yin''s car and carried Xu Yunzheng up.


    "Did Yunzheng miss his dad today?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Xu Yunzheng hugged Xu Xiuhe''s neck, and patted Xu Xiuhe on the shoulder, saying "miss dad".


    As Shen Yin locked her car door, she couldn''t help retorting when she overheard Xu Xiuhe say, "Why are you hitting dad when you missed me?"


    "He was patting you to show he''s happy and excited. It wasn''t hitting you. And even if he did hit you lightly, could you actually feel any pain?"


    Xu Xiuhe felt a little embarrassed. So it was meant to show happiness. He felt a little inferior now that Shen Yin also had work every day yet took care of Yunzheng withoutint, while he had been with Yunzheng for over two years now, far longer than the two months Shen Yin had spent with him, yet understood Yunzheng less than Shen Yin did in her short time together.


    Fortunately Shen Yin didn''t know what Xu Xiuhe was thinking, otherwise she would have mocked him again. The two months she spent with Yunzheng was far more than his two years with the boy.


    After changing into house slippers in the foyer, Shen Yin headed to the kitchen to start preparing dinner as usual, while Xu Xiuhe yed with Yunzheng for a bit before the boy went to build block towers on his own in the living room.


    Xu Xiuhe also walked into the kitchen. "Why did youe in again?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Yunzheng is ying by himself in the living room. I''ll help you out a bit so we can finish faster."


    In actuality, Shen Yin realized he was afraid she might get tired since he had handled prep of all the ingredients himself, leaving only the stir-frying to her.


    At this moment, Shen Yin felt this man was quite reliable and attentive, caring enough to not want her to overwork. So could she tell him about the nightmare and ask him to help investigate whether it was truly an ident or someone deliberately causing harm?


    At dinner, Shen Yin was lost in thought, still unsure after much deliberation whether Xu Xiuhe would believe her or even suspect her.


    "What''s wrong, something on your mind?" Xu Xiuhe asked when he noticed Shen Yin wasn''t concentrating on eating.


    "Do you believe in dreams?" Shen Yin''s tone carried a hint of probing. After all, dream premonitions were such a preposterous thing, how could anyone believe it?


    Xu Xiuhe looked at Shen Yin and said, "What happened? Did you have some dream you can''t make sense of? If you really can''t figure it out, don''t dwell on it. But if you truly want to know, you can find someone to interpret dreams."


    "Mm-hmm," Shen Yin was surprised by Xu Xiuhe''s response. Well then, she would have him interpret this dream!

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    "It''s like this, I had a dream, dreaming that Shu Yi will have an ident at the press conference tomorrow." Shen Yin looked into Xu Xiuhe''s eyes, hoping to see something in Xu Xiuhe''s eyes.


    Xu Xiuheforted Shen Yin, saying: "Dreams and reality are opposites."


    "What if I say, that afternoon when we stayed at Qinghe Xiaolou, I dreamed about a car ident happening on the way back, do you believe it or not?" She suddenly became serious.


    Xu Xiuhe carefully recalled that day. Indeed, the car had already been driven out of the garage, then Shen Yin suddenly mentioned staying overnight at the small building. Xu Xiuhe became serious and looked at Shen Yin.


    "That afternoon, I don''t know why I slept for so long. The dream was so realistic. In the dream, you were driving, Zhengzheng and I were sitting in the same positions as in reality. After waking up, I thought I was overthinking, but it was really raining outside."


    Shen Yin said, getting a little excited, unwilling to recall it.


    Xu Xiuhe gently patted Shen Yin on the back, as if to soothe her. Then he said, "I believe you."


    Thisfort seemed to work. Did Xu Xiuhe really believe her?


    "Does anyone else know about your prophetic dreams?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "No one. I also know it''s really hard to believe and no one will believe me if I say it. But it really happened. Only you and Zhengzheng know for now." Shen Yin said while helping Zhengzheng get some food.


    Zhengzheng seemed to not hear Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin''s conversation at all, eating deliciously without any distraction.


    "Then what else did you dream about?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "I dreamed that at Shu Yi''s press conference tomorrow, the stage she was standing on copsed, and the big light on the ceiling fell directly on her, blood all over her head, and then she fell down."


    "I don''t know if it will really happen, but the dream was still very realistic, the same feeling as the car ident dream, only the time before it happens is a little longer thanst time."


    "Where is the press conference?" Xu Xiuhe asked. Based on his observations over the past two months, Shu Yi seemed to be Shen Yin''s only friend.


    "At Qingfeng Mingyue. My purpose in telling you this is, if this really happens, can you check whether this is an ident or someone deliberately harmed her."


    Xu Xiuhe looked at Shen Yin and said, "If Qingfeng Mingyue wasn''t my asset, would you not tell me about this at all?"


    Shen Yin thought for a few seconds, then nodded.


    Xu Xiuhe was really angry. "Why wouldn''t you tell me?"


    "If I told you, would you believe it?" Shen Yin retorted.


    Xu Xiuhe looked into Shen Yin''s eyes firmly and nodded, "I would."


    Shen Yin''s heart beat faster under his gaze.


    Finally, Xu Xiuhe changed the subject, "So what do you n to do, if this dreames true, how do you n to stop it?"


    "I''m going to the press conference tomorrow, to respond ordingly."


    "No." Xu Xiuhe directly refused.


    "I''ll send Zhengzheng to my mom in the morning, and go by myself, it won''t be dangerous."


    After getting along for two months, Xu Xiuhe also discovered that Shen Yin was a very opinionated person, and it was difficult for others to change her mind once she decided on something.


    "Alright, pay attention to safety, call me anytime if anythinges up."


    The next day, Shen Yin packed all the things Zhengzheng would need during the day in a bag. She wore a mask, hat, and sunsses, then drove Zhengzheng to Yu Lan Garden.


    Because she didn''t tell Fang Yue in advance that she wasing over, when she was close, Shen Yin called Fang Yue.


    "Hello, mom, are you home?"


    "I''m home, what''s up?"


    "It''s like this, I might have something to do this morning and can''t bring Zhengzheng with me conveniently. Could you help me watch him?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Of course, of course, should I go pick up Zhengzheng?"


    "No need, Zhengzheng and I are almost there, juste open the door."


    Fang Yue was delighted. It seemed like there was no longer any estrangement between her daughter and herself. She was free every day, tending flowers and drinking tea. Of course she would be happy to look after her grandson.


    "Zhengzheng, be good and stay with grandma this morning. Mommy has something to do and wille get you in the afternoon."


    "Okay, with grandma."


    "Zhengzheng is so good." Shen Yin picked Zhengzheng up from the back seat and handed him to Fang Yue.


    "Mom, thanks for the trouble." Shen Yin thanked her again.


    "What trouble? I''m overjoyed. Or should I just dedicate myself to looking after Zhengzheng for you from now on?"


    "Sounds good." Shen Yin said with a smile. Of course she couldn''t bear to be separated from Zhengzheng, unless she was too busy to take care of him. It was great that her own mother was willing to help look after her child, so she was happy to agree for now.


    "Say bye to mommy again, Zhengzheng." Shen Yin waved to Zhengzheng as she got in the car.


    Seeing that, Zhengzheng shook his little head and waved his little hand. "Bye bye."


    Shen Yin was farsighted and fully armed. After all, she now bore the title of wife of the president of Yuan Group, she had to consider not just herself but Yuan Group as well.


    Sure enough, as she expected, the entrance of Qingfeng Mingyue was surrounded by reporters and media. This time she didn''t need to show her face or have the strictly required entry tickets fromst time.


    So Shen Yin went straight from the underground parking lot and took the elevator up to where the press conference was being held.


    Because she was fully masked up, no one could see Shen Yin''s face. Her figure and temperament were also unlike ordinary people, so the staff assumed Shen Yin was a lead actress and directly led her to the dressing room backstage.


    Shen Yin looked around one by one until she finally saw Shu Yi''s dressing room.


    Knock knock knock, Shen Yin knocked three times.


    Shu Yi opened the door and immediately recognized that the woman in front of her with even her eyes hidden was Shen Yin.


    "You''re sote, I thought you weren''ting." Shu Yi said in a slightlyining tone.


    "This is the first time you''re wearing clothes I designed, how could I possibly note? I had to send Zhengzheng to my mom first, didn''t I. With so many people here, I was worried it would be unsafe to bring him."


    "True, look, your design is so gorgeous." Shu Yi spun around in front of Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin looked it over. It was great, very striking and fitted perfectly, but it seemed to still be missing something.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    "Just the make-up and hairstyle left," Shen Yin said in realization.


    "Let me do it," Shen Yin pulled Shu Yi to sit in front of the dressing table. It had to be said, Shu Yi just trusted Shen Yin unconditionally, although she had never seen Shen Yin do make-up or style hair for others.


    Yes, when had Shen Yin ever helped others with make-up and styling? From young to now, it had always been others waiting on her. However, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. It was the 21st century now, there was gender equality, everyone was equal.


    The make-up Shen Yin did for Shu Yi, the eye shadow she applied, everything was intentionally matched to the gown. Even the hairstyle incorporated elements of Yan Xi''s hairstyle, a modern gown naturally needed a modern hairstyle. Shen Yin also curled Shu Yi''s hair ends.


    After applying the lipstick, the overall look finally came together. Shen Yin dared to say, today''s trending searches would definitely have Shu Yi''s name. The original stylist by the side was already stunned, Shen Yin''s make-up techniques were something she had never seen before.


    What made her even more dumbfounded was that someone with such advanced beauty senses would actually be the wife of the CEO of the Distant Group. The stylist recognised her the moment she entered. She just did not expect that she would have such a close rtionship with Shu Yi, even helping her with styling.


    It looked like Shu Yi really had backing, they often mingled in entertainment circles, so naturally they knew what could and could not be said. So Shu Yi was not worried at all about the stylist exposing Shen Yin''s identity.


    "Knock knock knock"


    There was another knock on the door.


    "Teacher Shu, are you ready? It''s almost time for you to go on stage," Yan Yan entered.


    "Wow." Yan Yan was a little surprised, she did not expect to see Shen Yin here.


    "What''s wrong, don''t recognise me after not seeing me for so long?" Shen Yin joked.


    "No no, I just didn''t expect it."


    At first, Shen Yin was worried that if she really had to go and stop anything when the time came, it would draw too much attention. But now that she saw Yan Yan, things became easier. If she needed Shu Yi to get away at the moment the lights fell, she could get Yan Yan to persuade Shu Yi to leave.


    But now there was a problem, she did not know exactly when Shu Yi would get hit.


    "Shu Yi, how long will you be on stage?"


    "10 minutes. Don''t worry, it''s not long, but I will definitely show off this gown, and make Yunyin Studio''s name known."


    10 minutes. To Shu Yi it was not long, but to Shen Yin, danger could happen on stage anytime during those 10 minutes.


    "Then I''ll head out first. Do you want to go out and see?" Shu Yi asked.


    Shen Yin tied up her hair again and put on her cap, mask and sunsses again.


    "Shu Yi, do you have any ck pants and ck tops here?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Yes, my usual clothes."


    "Bring them here, let me change into them."


    Shen Yin changed into the pants and top. She removed her cap and sunsses, then sat in front of the dresser and altered her eyebrows slightly. Her entire aura changed instantly.


    "Yin Yin, what are you trying to do?" Shu Yi asked.


    Shen Yin did not reply, only asking instead: "Look very different?"


    Shu Yi and Yan Yan only nodded. The stylist at the side also nodded non-stop. Fortunately the person in front of her was a wealthy madam, otherwise she probably would have lost her job already. Was it just drawing eyebrows? She had used foundation and changed her looks. Now she just looked ordinary, not matching her delicate features from earlier at all. This was her first time seeing someone making themselves ugly and in on purpose. But this skill was indeed powerful, it could pass off as special effects make-up.


    "Alright, let''s go," Shen Yin still had her mask and sunsses on, but not her cap. With simr build to Shu Yi, the ck clothes fit very well.


    "Why are you dressed like a bodyguard?" Shu Yi did not understand.


    "Does it look like one? That''s the effect I''m going for," Shen Yin had just arrived in this world, but she had watched many TV shows, including one about a retired female soldier who became a bodyguard. Beautiful and cool while carrying out all kinds of missions.


    Back then, she thought that if she really had no way out in the future, she could be a bodyguard to support herself.


    Shu Yi went on stage. Shen Yin stood at the side of the stage, getting Yan Yan to stand nearby too. Shen Yin put both hands behind her back,pletely looking like a bodyguard.


    Shu Yi was on stage giving her speech, but the production team decided to add an impromptu interview.


    Shu Yi talked about some experiences filming, some funny things that happened, and her understanding of the drama characters. With the director''s consent, she even revealed some spoilers.


    Next, she was about to steer the conversation to her gown, but before she could, the reporters took the initiative to ask.


    "Ms Shu, I heard you haven''t epted anymercials, so did you pay for this custom gown yourself? It must have been expensive."


    This was exactly the kind of question Shu Yi wanted. She felt like giving the reporter a Like.


    Shu Yi smiled and replied, "Good question. This gown is indeed custom-made, and it''s also my first endorsement of sorts I guess. Have you noticed anything special about this gown?"


    "Very exquisite, very eye-catching, the design is also very novel. It should have been very expensive too." The reporters belowmented.


    "The biggest highlight of this gown is actually how it incorporates Yan Xi''s life journey," Shu Yi intentionally teased their curiosity.


    The teaser was very sessful, attracting a lot of attention. Even Wang Ming did not expect the gown to be rted to the drama.


    Shu Yi went on, "Yan Xi''s life was very bumpy, yet very sessful. It was a process of gradual growth, giving different impressions at each period. So this gown incorporates the experiences from different periods - the innocence of youth, the maturity of marriage, and the gravitas of bearing a family legacy. This gown seems to give different impressions. At the same time, the designer gave it a great name. She felt that if Yan Xi''s life were to be defined in one line, it would be: tranquility always lies beyond turmoil. So the gown is also named ''Seeing Spring Mountain''."


    As Shu Yi slowly borated, the reporters and audience listened with great interest. Wang Ming was also very happy. With such a name, the gown would draw more anticipation for the drama.


    The time had already exceeded 10 minutes, and Shen Yin started to worry. Could the dream have been false? Inurate?


    Shu Yi bent down to bow, when suddenly there was a sound from below the stage. Shen Yin immediately looked towards the lighting equipment. The lighting rig was crashing down towards Shu Yi. Shu Yi did not notice at all, let alone dodge it. Time was tight. Shen Yin strode forward and kicked off the ground, kicking the rig to the right side of the stage where no one was standing, so as to not hurt anyone.


    Now only Shen Yin and Shu Yi remained on the stage.


    Seeing the stage about to copse, the reporters also retreated backwards. Shu Yi was still wearing high heels, although the stage wasn''t high, it was still dangerous as it was copsing inwards from all sides. Shu Yi would not have been able to run off.


    Although Shen Yin had not mastered lightness skill, it was still easy for her to get out. She grasped Shu Yi tightly by the waist with one hand, leapt upwards, then borrowed the momentum tond on the stage and leapt off in one smooth movement. The two of themnded safely on t ground below.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Shu Yi had not yet recovered, but the reporter had taken a photo of the scene that had just transpired. What was impressive was not only Shen Yin''s action of steadily catching Shu Yi after she had fallen from the stage. There were also those few seconds when Shu Yi was suspended in midair, her dress billowing in the wind, looking like a fairy. Everyone present had seen it clearly. This was an unexpected ident, without any preparation, safety wires or anything. The two people who should have fallen into the hole in the stage were now standing perfectly fine before them, as if they had flown over.


    When he saw the stage copse, Wang Ming had taken out his phone, preparing to dial 120. But the oue exceeded his expectations.


    It was as if time had stopped; the atmosphere at the scene was exceptionally quiet.


    Shu Yi did not have time to react to any of this, but she seemed to understand why Shen Yin had changed into this outfit.


    After the initial panic, Wang Ming contacted the staff to deal with the stage. The host immediately went to the front to control the situation. "Dear friends, there has been some ident on site. Today''s press conference muste to an end now. Again, thanks to all the media and friends who have taken time out of your busy schedule to attend this press conference. To express our gratitude, the crew has prepared some souvenirs for everyone."


    Backstage in the dressing room, Shu Yi looked at the in-clothed Shen Yin and asked, "Did you know beforehand that I would be in danger today?"


    Shen Yin smiled. "Yes, guess how I knew?"


    Shu Yi paced back and forth in front of Shen Yin. Her right index finger on her chin and her left hand supporting her left arm. She sized up Shen Yin from time to time, as if thinking hard.


    Shen Yin said jokingly, "I dreamed it."


    "Impossible." Shu Yi did not believe it at all. Shen Yin had said it, precisely because she knew Shu Yi would not believe her.


    "I was thinking, there must be many people and many things going on at the press conference. And you''re my studio''s spokesperson. Shouldn''t Ie take a look, just in case something happens to you, so I can help?" As for this outfit, aren''t I giving you more exposure and trending searches?"


    Shu Yi thought, that was true. It''s just that the ident did happen in the end.


    "Are you done for today?" Shen Yin asked.


    "No, the crew still needs me this afternoon." Shu Yi answered truthfully.


    "Then I''ll head back first. Zhengzheng is still waiting for me at my mom''s ce." Shen Yin said, changing her clothes at the same time.


    Sitting at the dressing table, Shen Yin used a makeup removal wipe to clean off all the makeup on her face, instantly revealing fair and wless skin. She then let down her hair and put on a fisherman''s hat. It seemed like she had thought of something.


    "Shu Yi, stay safe. Yan Yan, keep by Shu Yi''s side at all times."


    Shu Yi felt something was off. "Do you mean the ident earlier may not have just been an ident?"


    "I don''t know the specifics yet. But we must guard against dangers before they arise. I guess someone will investigate." Shen Yin was right. Xu Xiuhe had already notified Qingfeng Mingyue''s person in charge earlier this morning. If something unexpected happens at the press conference for ¡°The Legend of Yan Xi¡±, investigate immediately.


    At this moment, Xu Xiuhe sat in the office of Heyuan Group¡¯s CEO, reading the messages sent from Qingfeng Mingyue, deep in thought. Shen Yin¡¯s dream hade true again. If it was a coincidence once, twice could hardly be exined away.


    Xu Xiuhe seemed to have thought of something and immediately called Shen Yin. The few seconds as the call connected felt exceptionally long to him.


    "Hi, what''s up?" Shen Yin answered.


    "You okay?" Xu Xiuhe only knew that Shen Yin had gone to the press conference, nothing else.


    "I''m fine. On my way to Yun Residence now." Shen Yin spoke on the phone while driving.


    "Don''t ever tell others about the dream thing, including Shu Yi." Xu Xiuhe reminded.


    "Got it. I was just joking about it with Shu Yi earlier. She absolutely didn''t believe me. Thank you for having such faith in me." Shen Yin did not want to get sentimental, but having someone who unconditionally trusted and supported you felt truly special.


    "Alright, take care and drive slow. No need to cook when you get back at noon. I''ll ask Chen Siming to deliver food to you."


    "No need. Do you think my mom won''t ask me to stay for lunch thiste into the day? " Shen Yin felt Fang Yue really loved her, no, she should say, Fang Yue really loved the original owner. Since the original was no longer around, she would enjoy this love on her behalf.


    "Okay, drive slowly." Xu Xiuhe still felt uneasy.


    After hanging up, Shen Yin obediently followed Xu Xiuhe¡¯s advice by slowing down and observing traffic rules.


    On his news feed, Xu Xiuhe saw a video of a woman in ck, wearing sunsses and a mask, saving Shu Yi from the copsed stage. Her movements were agile. Others could not recognize her as Shen Yin, but Xu Xiuhe knew with one nce¡ªhe had witnessed Shen Yin¡¯s skills before. What surprised him was how strong she was, able to lift and leap with Shu Yi in her arms.


    Thements below were diverse. Some praised Shu Yi¡¯s beauty, some the stunning dress.


    Upon seeing the dress, Xu Xiuhe called Liu Bo again. "Buy hot searches for Yunyin Studio, target top 5."


    The observantizens had dug up the previous video of when Shu Yi trended.


    [This is the same person right, mad skills.]


    [Should be a bodyguard. The previous video was too far to see her face clearly, but you can in this one.]


    [She''s wearing sunsses and a mask, still can¡¯t see clearly.]


    [Who cares, must be a bodyguard dressed like that.]


    [So cool. Thisdy bodyguard trained at Shaolin Temple? Carrying my goddess and jumping so far.]


    [With such a capable bodyguard, I can rest easy about mydy goose.]


    It worked. Shu Yi trended again, bringing Yunyin Studio, ¡°The Legend of Yan Xi¡±, the dress, and female bodyguard along. The top 5 trending searches were all rted to Shu Yi.


    Upon seeing these topics trending, Chang Zhiyuan called Shu Yi at once.


    "Not scared, are you? The one carrying you was Shen Yin?"


    "Yes."


    "I¡¯ll arrange two more bodyguards for you next. You¡¯re famous now, top 5 searches rted to you. Must be some envious ones out there."


    "Thanks for the arrangement."


    No word of thanks for him? The more Chang Zhiyuan thought about it, the more annoyed he felt. He was the one who had arranged the bodyguards, yet she did not thank him?


    Shu Yi did not care what Chang Zhiyuan thought. Hanging up, she opened Weibo. It was true, all rted to her. So was she popr now? That was quick.


    Shen Yin also received many calls from excited assistants at the studio, updating her about the influx of orders.


    After lunch, Fang Yue still couldn¡¯t bear for Zhengzheng to leave and persuaded Shen Yin to stay and y a while longer.


    Shen Yin wanted to as well, but the studio was really busy. She also wanted Zhengzheng by her side to care for him anytime. Yet she aspired to be capable and contribute. What should she do?

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    "Mom, I''m a bit busy with work, I may have to leave soon."


    "Why don''t we hire more people. If it really doesn''t work, we''ll close the studio." Fang Yue persuaded.


    Shen Yin had thought about this issue before. At Dasheng, apart from learning music, chess, calligraphy and painting, she had nothing else to do. She was pampered at her maternal grandfather''s house, and was a youngdy at the Xiangfu. She didn''t need to worry about anything.


    It was precisely because of this that when she encountered things, she would be so passive, and even resorted to schemes to seek help from her father.


    The feeling of passivity was too painful. Coming here, she was still very passive. Fortunately, in this era, women could have many choices.


    She was not short of money now, but that did not mean she would notck it in the future. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. She must be independent and have her own career and her own assets.


    "Mom, I feel like the studio is a spiritual support for me. Life is not just about food and shelter, but also about ideals and hopes. I''m only 24 years old now. I don''t want to just settle for the status quo. Maybe in 10 years, I''ll be very satisfied with my current life, but right now, I just want to have a career of my own. When people mention the name Shen Yin, I don''t want them to only think of me as a rich youngdy of the Shen family, a wife of a prominent family and otherbels like that. I don''t know what the future will be like, but I know what I want now. Of course, I think I''m luckier than most people. I have your support and help, so I''m even less likely to give up. If one day, Xu Xiuhe and I get divorced, I hope that I have the ability to get full custody of Xu Yunzheng ."


    When Fang Yue heard Shen Yin say such things, she really felt that her daughter had grown up. She was over fifty years old herself, and had never thought about suchplicated things.


    "Yinyin, your thinking is very mature. It''s good to have dreams. Whatever you do, your mother will support you, but don''t think too much. I see your rtionship with Xiuhe now is quite good. I can see that Xiuhe is a good man. Let me tell you, my judgment of people is very urate."


    "Don''t look at your dad for having traditional and conservative stubborn thoughts, he''s actually not a bad person. People say that when a man has money he turns bad. I see it depends on the person. I''ve apanied your dad from when we had no money to where we are today. I understand him. After so many years, he hasn''t done anything to betray me, although the things he did to you were indeed too much. But you have to believe that he really wanted the best for you. When he chose Xiuhe at the time, he also considered it from many aspects."


    "Okay, thank you Mom." What Shen Tianzheng did to the original owner was indeed too much, butpared to her father in Dasheng, Shen Tianzheng was much better. Shen Tianzheng would asionally show regretful looks when facing her, which made Shen Yin very embarrassed because she was not the original owner after all.


    "Yinyin, what do you think, shall I go to work with you? Anyway, your dad and brother are at thepany every day, and I feel very bored at home by myself. I''ll go to the small building with you and help you take care of Yunzheng, okay?"


    Shen Yin was somewhat moved, her eyes brimming with tears. With just a blink, the tears would flow out. So this is what it feels like to have a mother. Shen Yin suddenly felt very lucky. She didn''t say too much, but walked over to Fang Yue and hugged her, whispering in Fang Yue''s ear, "Mom, you''re so nice."


    With this gesture, the mother and daughter''s feelings deepened. Fang Yue wiped Shen Yin''s face and said, "You''re a mother now, still shedding tears. Look at Yunzheng, he''s watching cartoons on the sofa without shedding a tear."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin let out a "pfft"ugh and turned to look at Yunzheng. The little darling was so well behaved, watching the cartoon intently without making any fuss.


    "Then Mom, I have to go back for today. If you miss Yunzheng in the future, just go to the small building. I''ll always be there."


    "Then I''ll go see my girl and grandson every day." Fang Yue smiled very kindly.


    "Say goodbye to Grandma, Yunzheng. We''re going back." Shen Yin picked up Yunzheng and waved his little hand with hers.


    "Bye Grandma."


    "Bye Yunzheng."


    Shen Yin drove off, but didn''t go home. Instead she drove to her studio at the Qinghe Small Building. There was still a pile of work waiting for her to deal with.


    Chen Nuan and Li Huanhuan were busy in the studio. When they saw Shen Yine in, they said, "Boss, so many orders."


    "Good job, work hard. Send me the requirements, sizes and measurements of the orders. I''ll give you a raise next month." Shen Yin''s tone was gentle.


    Carrying Yunzheng upstairs after that, Chen Nuan and Li Huanhuan''s faces were filled with joy. They didn''t mishear just now, did they? The boss was actually going to give them a raise. They already had quite a high sry of over 10,000 per month, plus lodging provided. Such treatment was beyond what they had ever imagined.


    Passing by the second floor, Shen Yin went in to see the two clothing workers as well.


    "Jiang Meiyan, make the stitches here a little closer together." Holding Yunzheng in one hand, Shen Yin pointed at the work-in-progress in Jiang Meiyan''s hand with the other.


    "Boss, take a look at mine." Fu Xingqi next to her showed Shen Yin the dress she was working in.


    "Yours looks good, keep up the good work. It may get a little tough over the next period." Shen Yin''s tone was gentle.


    "Thank you Boss!"


    Shen Yin smiled, and went upstairs with Yunzheng. Sitting in front of theputer, she sorted out the order information Chen Nuan and Li Huanhuan had sent over, a total of 12 dress orders. Even if she drew non-stop, it would take her a week to draw out all the design drawings for the 12 dresses.


    After roughly nning the follow-up work schedule, Shen Yin sketched a little more before stopping. Looking up, it was already quitete outside.


    "Mommy, need to pee." Yunzheng stood up from the carpet and looked at Shen Yin.


    "Okay, mommy will take you to the bathroom."


    While taking off Yunzheng''s pants, Shen Yin praised, "Yunzheng, great job, another day without needing diapers."


    "Great, Yunzheng." Xu Yunzheng pped his little hands after being praised.


    Carrying Yunzheng, Shen Yin bid Chen Nuan and the others goodbye, then left with Yunzheng to go home.


    On the way back, the setting sun cast a pink glow over the horizon, bathing the entire city in a particrly gentle hue under the pink shading.


    The untimely ringing of the phone broke this beautiful scene.


    "Hello, this is Xu Xiuhe."


    Shen Yin didn''t get to check the screen before hearing Xu Xiuhe announce himself. Thinking that Xu Xiuhe had something to tell her, she said,


    "I''m driving home with Yunzheng. What''s the matter? Are you home yet?"


    "Not yet, I''ll be home soon too. Nothing really, we''ll talk when you get home." Considering he shouldn''t be distracted while driving, Xu Xiuhe hung up.


    Shen Yin was puzzled. What was the point of calling for nothing? Phone bills don''t grow on trees.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    When Shen Yin got home, she found that Xu Xiuhe had already returned, and the lights in the room were all on.


    Shen Yin was holding Zhengzheng and was about to open the door when Xu Xiuhe opened it from the inside first.


    "The investigation results are out. It was indeed man-made." Xu Xiuhe took Zhengzheng from Shen Yin''s arms.


    "Let Zhengzheng y in the living room first." Shen Yin walked towards the kitchen. Xu Xiuhe understood that although Zhengzheng was still young, it would be better if he didn''t hear about these bad things.


    In the open kitchen, Shen Yin poked her head out to look at Zhengzheng in the living room while asking Xu Xiuhe about the investigation results.


    "The monitoringst night showed that someone had loosened all the screws fixing the stage. This morning when Shu Yi got on stage, someone hid under the stage, removed some screws, and then crawled out from behind. It looks like the same person. The number and position of screws removed were precalcted, so the stage copsed towards the middle and the spotlight fell towards the middle."


    "So where is this person now?"


    "At the police station. He took all the responsibility and said he wanted to destroy something he couldn''t obtain."


    "This person is a pervert, right?"


    "Probably not. Why didn''t you let me stop this ident from happeningst night?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "First, I wanted to confirm again whether what I dreamed would really happen. Second, I didn''t want to alert the enemy. But now it seems it would have been better to stop itst night. However, if we had stopped itst night, we wouldn''t know what would have happened instead." Shen Yin said.


    "He''s not a pervert. Someone is behind him, he''s just acting tough." Xu Xiuhe said.


    While Shen Yin was cooking, she kept thinking about the person behind this. Her intuition had always been very urate. If it was Gu Mengmeng, she felt very sorry for Shu Yi. It was because of her that Shu Yi offended Gu Mengmeng.


    What they didn''t know was that Chang Zhiyuan had already investigated and found that although there was no evidence, he could still cklist Gu Mengmeng across the entire Inte over the argument she had with them at the studio.


    Xu Xiuhe was washing vegetables at the sink. The sound of running water drowned out the knock at the door. Shen Yin was chopping vegetables and didn''t hear it either. Zhengzheng in the living room was the one who heard the knock and got up, toddling towards the door on his little legs.


    "Zhengzheng, what are you going to do?" Shen Yin noticed Zhengzheng running to the door and called out to stop him, putting down the knife in her hand.


    Xu Xiuhe turned off the faucet. Only then did he hear the knock at the door. He put down the vegetables in his hands and picked up a nearby dry towel to wipe his hands, saying, "Someone''s knocking. I''ll go open the door."


    "Good evening!" Chang Zhiyuan poked his head in.


    "Why have youe again?" Xu Xiuhe was already used to Chang Zhiyuaning over to mooch dinner from time to time.


    Chang Zhiyuan gave a mischievous grin. "You go in first."


    Xu Xiuhe thought Chang Zhiyuan was talking to him. He reluctantly moved back and said unwillingly, "Just here to mooch food but still so demanding." After speaking, he picked up Zhengzheng and went into the living room.


    "I didn''t mean you. I was talking to Shu Yi." Chang Zhiyuan turned his head.


    Shu Yi was speechless standing outside the door. Chang Zhiyuan wanted toe and mooch dinner and insisted on dragging her along when she didn''t want to appear with him at all. But Chang Zhiyuan kept threatening her.


    Shu Yi was even more reluctant than Xu Xiuhe. "Move aside."


    Chang Zhiyuan''s eyes widened in anger. Shu Yi was his boss! How dare she talk to him like that? It was simply outrageous. Chang Zhiyuan was very angry but had nowhere to vent it, making his expression as funny as it was ridiculous. If Xue Jingrui had been there, their WeChat sticker album would have gained another entry.


    After Shu Yi entered the room, she headed straight for the kitchen.


    "Chang Zhiyuan made youe over?" Shen Yin saw right through it with one line.


    "Yin Yin, you''re so smart. But I missed you too." Shu Yi said coquettishly.


    "You just saw each other half a day ago. Must you be so lovey-dovey? And Shu Yi, look at your attitude towards me. Is this how an employee should behave? Can you not be so two-faced?" Chang Zhiyuan said resentfully.


    Shu Yi didn''t even want to respond to Chang Zhiyuan. "How can it be the same? Yin Yin has saved me several times."


    What she said made it so Xu Xiuhe next to her wanted to cut in but couldn''t. His wife was awesome and had a fangirl. What could he do? Maybe he should remind them of his presence.


    "Shu Yi, your ident today was man-made."


    The atmosphere suddenly became heavy as it concerned Shu Yi''s safety. Chang Zhiyuan immediately became serious.


    "Let''s talk about it after eating." Shen Yin suggested.


    During the meal, the topic was brought up again.


    "So you mean the suspect has someone behind him giving orders but he refuses to expose them?" Chang Zhiyuan''s expression was unusually serious.


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe said, "Yes, that''s what it means. The person behind this was very careful and didn''t leave any evidence."


    "Shu Yi, take bodyguards with you from now on when you go out. I''ll arrange two more for you."


    "No need, the two I have are enough."


    "Anyway, pay more attention to safety these days." Although Xu Xiuhe was speaking to Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi, his eyes were looking at Shen Yin.


    Shu Yi noticed this small detail in Xu Xiuhe''s gaze and felt she had discovered another cp moment. This kind of implicit stuff was too sweet! She would definitely be a cp fan leader sooner orter. The cp name she secretly gave Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin with her alt ount in the cp fan club was so romantic¨DGxy Couple.


    Shen Yin didn''t notice Xu Xiuhe looking at her as she was thinking about the Gu Mengmeng matter. After the recollection just now, she was 80% certain this was Gu Mengmeng''s doing.


    It looked like she would have to take some action herself these days¨Dnot only toplete some design drafts for the studio but also to find evidence. Since this all started because of her, she should be the one to resolve it.


    Shen Yin couldn''t sleep, watching Zhengzheng sleeping soundly. She really envied him. Children had no worries and lived so blissfully and freely.


    Shen Yiny there tossing and turning, still unable to fall asleep. She was worried she would wake Xu Xiuhe and carefully and quietly got out of bed, gently opening the door.


    As soon as she took a step out and turned around, she crashed into a wall of flesh.


    "Oh my god, that hurts so bad!" Shen Yin covered her forehead with her hand, lookingpletely wronged.


    "Why aren''t you sleeping thiste into the night?" Shen Yin had bumped into something and her tone was unhappy.


    "I went downstairs to drink some water. I just came back up and you crashed into me when I passed by here." Xu Xiuhe exined why he was at Shen Yin''s door. Her head had banged right into his chin. Shouldn''t he be the one shouting in pain?


    But a man, a gentleman, how could he easily shout in pain? Xu Xiuhe pulled Shen Yin over, putting his palm on her forehead, "Let me see if you''re badly hurt."


    Xu Xiuhe rubbed Shen Yin''s forehead with his palm, "Does it still hurt?"

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    It hurt. But it wasn''t hit by flesh, it was bone, okay. The pain from that one just now almost brought tears to her eyes.


    Xu Xiuhe''s hand moved over it, massaging it some more: Do you know, the effect of force is mutual?


    The lights in the lobby were not on. The light from the stairwell shone down the hallway and through to them, allowing them to see each other clearly. They were face to face, extremely close. Shen Yin looked up at him while Xu Xiuhe looked down at her. Most importantly, Shen Yin was still in Xu Xiuhe''s embrace.


    The faint shadows were projected onto the white wall beside them. The two shadows seemed to be locked in a tight embrace. The taller shadow bowed his head, his hand caressing the forehead of the other shadow. At first nce, they looked like a sweet pair of lovers, hugging and kissing.


    Shen Yin inadvertently saw the shadow on the wall. If she were to look at the light now, she would definitely find her entire face flushed red, because she felt her cheeks were burning hot now, apanied by the thumping of her heartbeat. Shen Yin swallowed nervously and struggled free of Xu Xiuhe''s embrace in embarrassment.


    "Ahem, it was me turning around and didn''t see you when I came out." Shen Yin said, trying to conceal her awkwardness.


    "It''s my fault, I should have turned on the light." Xu Xiuhe flipped on the hallway light switch.


    Shen Yin''s first reaction was to cover her face. It was still so hot. What to do? Should she go downstairs and get an ice pack?


    "Yeah, I''m going downstairs to the kitchen for some water." Shen Yin told a white lie. She had a high-end water dispenser in her bedroom, so there was no need for her to go downstairs for water.


    "Let me go with you." Xu Xiuhe said and headed downstairs without waiting for Shen Yin''s consent.


    Shen Yin had no choice but to follow behind, still covering her face with her hand. She looked extremely well-behaved. Suddenly, Xu Xiuhe stopped in his tracks. Shen Yin was still preupied with her own thoughts and didn''t react in time. She bumped into Xu Xiuhe again.


    Only this time, Xu Xiuhe didn''t feel anything, but it was disastrous for Shen Yin. She really wanted to curse at Xu Xiuhe. He was walking just fine, why did he have to stop?


    "Why did you stop again?" Shen Yin felt very wronged.


    "I was checking if you were following." Xu Xiuhe looked somewhat bewildered.


    This time Shen Yin bumped her nose. It must be because of her tall and prominent nose bridge that also had drawbacks. She covered her nose and red at Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe strode up a step and scooped Shen Yin up in his arms. Shen Yin panicked and struggled, trying to get down. However, although Shen Yin was very skilled in martial arts, she was no match for the difference in strength between men and women. Moreover, Xu Xiuhe had her locked tightly in his embrace now. If she insisted on getting down, Xu Xiuhe would definitely get injured.


    "Don''t move around, it''ll hurt more if you fall." Xu Xiuhe stared at Shen Yin''s nose, feeling guilty.


    "Stop looking."


    "It''s fine, your nose isn''t bleeding."


    Xu Xiuhe carried Shen Yin to the sofa and set her down. "Sit still." Xu Xiuhe got up and went into the kitchen. He poured a ss of water and brought it to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin covered her nose with one hand and her forehead with the other. She looked at Xu Xiuhe innocently. Xu Xiuhe really couldn''t stand that look.


    "Does it still hurt?" Xu Xiuhe sat down, one hand holding Shen Yin''s shoulder while the other held the ss of water to her mouth to get her to drink.


    Shen Yin wasn''t thirsty at all. She didn''t intend to really go downstairs. She just had insomnia and was afraid of disturbing Zhizhi, so she wanted toe out for a walk. Who knew she would have such bad luck, injuring one spot wasn''t enough, she had to injure two ces.


    Shen Yin shook her head.


    "Don''t want anymore? Have a little more." Xu Xiuhe looked at Shen Yin expectantly.


    Shen Yin pretended to drink a couple more sips. Xu Xiuhe could tell Shen Yin wasn''t thirsty at all, so he finally couldn''t resist asking, "Why is your face so red? Do you have a fever again?" He put the ss down and touched Shen Yin''s forehead.


    "Your forehead isn''t hot."


    Please, Shen Yin was really anxious now. Her flushed face wasn''t because she was ufortable, it was psychological. "Got red from the bumps." Shen Yin didn''t even believe her own excuse.


    But Xu Xiuhe actually believed it. "I''m sorry."


    He rarely apologized to others. The words ''I''m sorry'' hadn''t been uttered for a long time.


    Seeing that he was quite sincere, Shen Yin didn''t dwell on it too much.


    "I actually just had insomnia." Shen Yin spoke up.


    Xu Xiuhe looked intently at Shen Yin, waiting for her to continue. Why did she have insomnia? But Shen Yin didn''t say anything else. She just sat there quietly.


    "Why did you have insomnia?" Xu Xiuhe finally couldn''t hold back and asked.


    "I don''t know why these bizarre things keep happening to me."


    Xu Xiuhe thought Shen Yin was talking about her prophetic dreams. But actually, Shen Yin knew she wanted to express more than just the dreams. Even more bizarre was that after she came here, she thought her original world was ancient times, namely the Song dynasty. Until recently, after looking through various materials, she realized the Song dynasty was not Great Prosperity. These two were of the same time period and had extremely simr lifestyles and customs. But there were no records of Great Prosperity in today''s history. It was clearly the same time period, so why was there no mention of it? And most crucially, the Tang and Five Dynasties came before the Song dynasty.


    Shen Yin had previously thought she had just crossed through time. But now it seemed it wasn''t that simple. Perhaps it was a parallel world?


    "Sometimes things happen that we can''t figure out or exin scientifically. But since it happened, it means this matter hase upon you. Everything and everyone in this world, all sorts of rtionships, are intricately intertwined and ever-changing. We can''t possibly understand everything clearly, so don''t think too much about it. In the end, didn''t the bizarre things you encountered help you? You avoided a car ident and other mishaps. There was no harm, and perhaps it''s your superpower." This was the longest Xu Xiuhe had spoken as he tried to reassure Shen Yin.


    Although what Xu Xiuhe said seemed different from what Shen Yin was thinking, she suddenly felt he made a lot of sense. She had no idea why she came here, but aftering here, she did continue living, made friends, received a mother''s love, and became skilled in many abilities. Her dreams were also helping her. Xu Xiuhe wasn''t unkind to her either. So why was she feeling anxious and unable to sleep? Take one step at a time. Next, she had to cheer up and work hard to protect her loved ones and friends.


    "I feel Shu Yi''s ident may have been orchestrated by Gu Mengmeng." Shen Yin opened up. There were some things that Xu Xiuhe knowing could make handling easier.


    "Gu Mengmeng?" Xu Xiuhe asked back.


    "She''s a small-time celebrity, not as famous as Shu Yi, and has a bad temper." Shen Yin told Xu Xiuhe everything she knew about Gu Mengmeng.


    Xu Xiuhe took note of this name and urged, "I''ll handle it. Don''t take any rash actions. Knowing martial arts doesn''t mean you should show off your strength. Be careful when going out. Let me know right away if you have any nightmares again."


    Xu Xiuhe nagged on and on. When he lowered his head, he saw Shen Yin was leaning on his shoulder, fast asleep. Was she so at ease with him?


    Xu Xiuhe picked Shen Yin up. The woman in his arms was so slender yet seemed to possess some mysterious power that drew him in.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Xu Xiuhe''s actions were very gentle, afraid of waking Shen Yin up. He sent Shen Yin back to her room, bent down and put Shen Yin on the bed. Looking at the big one and the small one sleeping soundly on the bed, Xu Xiuhe felt very satisfied. Recalling again that night at Qinghe Xiaolou, when he was also lying on the bed, Xu Xiuhe looked at them for a good while before leaving. He had hugged her already, so did Shen Yin know his feelings? What were Shen Yin''s feelings towards him? The more he thought about it, the more upset he became. The more he thought about it, the moreplicated things became. Xu Xiuhe couldn''t sleep that night, thinking about how he could pursue Shen Yin.


    So early in the morning, Xu Xiuhe got up early, oh no, it should be said that he hadn''t slept well all night. Xu Xiuhe strode into the kitchen. Shen Yin hadn''t woken up yet, so he would make breakfast first.


    When Shen Yin came downstairs holding Zhengzheng, she was no longer surprised to see Xu Xiuhe making breakfast in the kitchen. After all, he had done it several times before.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s eat breakfast, okay?" Shen Yin said to Zhengzheng.


    Xu Xiuhe turned his head, "You''re up, breakfast is ready, sit down first."


    Shen Yin nodded, observed Xu Xiuhe today, and found that he was a little different today. When Xu Xiuhe brought the sandwiches to the dining table, Zhengzheng grabbed Xu Xiuhe''s apron.


    Only then did Shen Yin realize what was different. Xu Xiuhe was wearing her apron, a milk green apron. Worn on Xu Xiuhe''s body, it looked small and out of ce. Xu Xiuhe''s usual clothes were dark colored, either ck or gray, except for the white shirt inside.


    "You look quite good wearing this apron," Shen Yin said with a smile. Actually, she wanted to say that Xu Xiuhe wearing this apron looked so funny, but she euphemized it a bit so as not to hurt Xu Xiuhe''s self-esteem.


    "Really?" Xu Xiuhe took it seriously.


    "Yes, really. I think you can try other colors in the future. People can''t just wear ck, gray and white all the time," Shen Yin said.


    "Okay."


    "Let''s eat first. After the meal, I''ll take you to the studio." Xu Xiuhe also sat down.


    "No need, I can go by myself," Shen Yin''s first reaction was to refuse.


    "It''s okay, I have something to do over there in the afternoon, so I''ll pick you upter. Let''s just do it this way," Xu Xiuhe said. After he said this, Shen Yin couldn''t refuse again. She always felt that Xu Xiuhe was a little strange today.


    "How did I get upstairsst night?" Shen Yin''s expression was a little nervous, and her tone was probing.


    "You fell asleep and climbed up by yourself sleepwalking," Xu Xiuhe didn''t know where he got the interest to tease Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin was eating a sandwich. Hearing this, her actions paused. She only remembered that her forehead and nose hurtst night, and she was in a bad mood. Xu Xiuhe said a long string of words tofort her, and then she seemed to have fallen asleep.


    "Really? Do I really have a sleepwalking disorder?" Shen Yin couldn''t believe it. This was too unbelievable. The original owner had depression. She didn''t realize there was also a sleepwalking disorder!


    Seeing Shen Yin''s self-doubting expression, Xu Xiuhe thought it was so cute. Alright, the purpose was achieved, so he wouldn''t tease Shen Yin anymore. "How did you get downstairsst night?"


    Hearing this, Shen Yin recalled that her nose had hit Xu Xiuhe''s backst night, and she didn''t want to lift her head instantly.


    Seeing Shen Yin lowered her head with her face all red, Xu Xiuhe slightly hooked the corner of his mouth. This was shyness, right? Since it was shyness, it meant that Shen Yin didn''t have absolutely no feelings for him.


    Xu Xiuhe was in a great mood. "Clean up and get ready to leave."


    When Xu Xiuhe arrived at He Yuan Group, even his pace was brisk. He even felt that the weather today was better than usual, the breeze was not sultry, and the sunshine was just right.


    "Good morning, President," the front deskdy greeted Xu Xiuhe as usual when she saw him.


    Only this time Xu Xiuhe was quite different from usual. "Good morning," Xu Xiuhe nodded in response. He didn''t seem to notice that he was not normal, and walked to the elevator by himself, his expression was almost whistling.


    The front deskdy who was at the forefront of gossip couldn¡¯t help but share this news. She took out her phone and started typing.


    [Family, big news, the president is in a good mood today!]


    [???]


    [I want to know, the president''s face is unchanged for thousands of years. How did you see it?]


    [Family, you have to believe me, I saw it with my own eyes. Usually when I say hello, the president doesn''t even turn his head and just responds with an "um", but today...]


    [What happened today? Don''t stop halfway, you''re killing me!]


    [I didn''t stop halfway. Liu, the assistant just went up. I said hello, and today, the president replied "Good morning" to me. I was shocked.] The front deskdy tried her best to exin and prove that what she said was true.


    [And it seems like he smiled, but I''m not sure ha]


    Liu Bo opened his phone and saw this message. Heughed. No way, he had to confirm it.


    But today, why did the president arrive earlier than him? Would he get scolded if he went in?


    Liu Bo had just walked into Xu Xiuhe''s office when he saw Xu Xiuhe holding a cell phone in one hand and stroking his chin with the other. Could it be that he was fascinated by his own beauty and admiring himself?


    "Ahem, President, why do you keep stroking your chin?"


    "It hurts a little." Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "How can the chin hurt? Did it dislocate? President, I saw a news story earlier that someone''s chin hurt, went to see the doctor, and the doctor said it was dislocated. In the end, the doctor snapped it back into ce." Liu Bo said while gesturing the action of snapping a chin back into ce. To prove that what he said was evidenced, he even took out his phone to search for the news and show Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe took a look and instantly felt the need to change assistants. That was obviously called dislocation when the mouth couldn''t close, which of his eyes saw that he couldn''t close his mouth?


    "Do you want to quit? Can you take a closer look at the news carefully?" Xu Xiuhe looked at Liu Bo helplessly.


    Liu Bo looked at the news again. It was about a woman whoughed so hard that her chin dislocated and she couldn''t close her mouth. He instantly felt that the president was really in a good mood today, at least he didn''t tell him to get lost.


    Liu Bo smiled awkwardly and said, "Then it''s nothing, I''ll go out."


    Xu Xiuhe seemed to not have heard it at all, and continued to look at his phone, stroking his chin. When Liu Bo turned around to close the door, he took another look at Xu Xiuhe.


    He felt that the president had gone crazy, and dislocating his chin was probably not far off, he was actually smiling at his phone.


    Liu Bo tidied up his clothes and walked to the office area of the other assistants, saying, "The president is indeed in a good mood today. Later, the ns we did before can be taken out."


    When the assistants submitted the ns, they were all cautious, for fear that the president would scold them if they didn''t do well. So every time they handed in the ns, they would ask Liu Bo to go instead of going themselves. But Liu Bo couldn''t go for them every time either.


    Hearing this information, the assistants all took out the ns they had made. Not going now would be foolish.

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    "Liu Bo,e in," Xu Xiuhe called Liu''s assistant.


    "What color do you think suits me?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Damn, this is a question he can''t answer. He''s not an art student.


    "Boss, I need to use the restroom urgently. Can I go first?"


    Xu Xiuhe raised an eyebrow and said, "You have 10 minutes. I expect an answer when you return."


    Liu Bo rushed into the bathroom, walking and running at the same time.


    The assistants in the office area had never seen Liu''s assistant in such a hurry before.


    "Do you think Liu''s assistant is also in the dominant and Yuan Group chat?"


    "Impossible. We would have revealed too much information."


    "What information?"


    "Sister, you forgot so quickly. You used to be the leader of Liu''s assistant and the boss''s couple, right?" Yang Mo reminded.


    "Oh, that was in the past. Now I''m obsessed with the Silver River couple," Qiu Yiyi said.


    "Wait, Liu''s assistant just said the boss''s mood is indeed good. What does ''indeed'' mean?"


    "Damn, that''s scary to think about, sisters."


    The office area suddenly quieted down.


    "Check the group messages," Yang Mo reminded.


    In the chat group of the Dominant and Yuan Group, a person named "Whirlwind Little Prince" sent a message.


    "[Family, I need your help. What color do you think suits the boss?]"


    "Yellow!"


    "Ahem, let''s be serious."


    "The boss usually wears ck, gray, and white clothes, giving off a cold and aloof vibe."


    "Oops, I misspoke, family. It''s the arrogant and unyielding boss, not cold and aloof. Slip of the tongue."


    "Nonsense, he has children. How can he be cold and aloof?"


    "Hey, do you think the boss is amazing?"


    Liu Bo looked at the discussion getting farther and farther off-topic in the restroom and started to panic. He could see that 10 minutes were almost up.


    "[Family, let''s get back on track. What color suits him?]"


    "Pink. I think that face with pink is absolutely adorable in contrast."


    "Red?"


    "Blue is suitable, like a noble prince."


    "Why don''t you mention green? He''s a mncholic prince too."


    Messages with all kinds of reasons and weird ideas kept pouring in.


    The mobile phone rang on time, and Liu Bo answered the call.


    "10 minutes are up."


    "Okay, I''ming, boss," Liu Bo hung up the phone and rushed into the boss''s office. His footsteps were a bit loud, and his movements were exaggerated, attracting the attention of other employees who stopped their work.


    Yang Mo spoke up, "What''s wrong with Liu''s assistant today, so flustered."


    "Could he have provoked the boss? Is the boss still in a good mood? Should I go in and submit my proposal?" Xiao Li''er asked.


    "Let''s wait and see."


    Inside the boss''s office, Xu Xiuhe sat on the chair beside the desk, staring at Liu Bo with unwavering eyes. Liu Bo''s current state of mind was even more nervous than defending his thesis during his postgraduate studies.


    "What color suits me?"


    "Blue."


    "Tell me the reason," Xu Xiuhe''s tone was calm, and it was hard to tell his emotions.


    "Blue looks noble," Liu Bo said.


    "Besides noble?"


    Xu Xiuhe continued to ask.


    Liu Bo waspletely at a loss. What kind of bizarre problem was this? Was this something a personal assistant should be dealing with? All he saw in the group chat was someone mentioning the color blue as being noble, but he had no idea about anything else. He discreetly nced at his phone and only saw the word "romantic." So he said, "Blue is the color of romance."


    "What other colors?"


    "Green as well."


    "Why?"


    "Green gives a mncholic vibe." Liu Bo replied ording to the answers given in the group.


    "Is mncholy a good word?" Xu Xiuhe asked again.


    Liu Bo was frightened and lowered his head once again, sneaking another look at his phone, hoping to find a reliable answer from the group.


    "Pass me your phone."


    At this point, Liu Bo wasn''t just shocked; he felt like his life was over.


    Xu Xiuhe stood up and walked over to Liu Bo. He took the phone from Liu Bo''s hand, and the group message from "Chengba and Yuan Group" kepting in without stopping.


    "Chengba and Yuan Group?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Sir, that''s just the name of the group."


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t pay attention to what Liu Bo said. His focus was entirely on the group message.


    Xu Xiuhe scrolled through the messages and saw the one Liu Bo asked, "What color do you think suits the CEO?"


    Xu Xiuhe became even more interested. He wanted to see what color would suit him. It would have been better not to look at all because the moment he did, his expression turned sour. Was he aloof?


    And what were all these colors? They were asked about a color that would suit him, and the answers were red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple. It was like they were trying to piece together a rainbow.


    "Do I look like a rainbow?"


    Damn, what a bizarre question. Liu Bo was already numb and quickly replied, "No, no, CEO, you definitely don''t look like a rainbow."


    Liu Bo was scared. Could it be that Xu Xiuhe saw the messages they sent earlier? He couldn''t engage in a romantic rtionship with the CEO. He was definitely straight and had normal sexual preferences.


    "Not like a rainbow? You managed toe up with all seven colors for me."


    What? Liu Bo let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully, he had forgotten that the CEO was a workaholic and probably didn''t know the other meaning of a rainbow. The CEO was purely talking about colors.


    Xu Xiuhe continued scrolling, and he asked, "Who sent this message?"


    Liu Bo had just breathed a sigh of relief, but now he was startled again. He had discreetly looked at his phone earlier and saw the word "romantic," but it wasn''t about colors.


    Liu Bo checked the ID and replied, "It should be Xiao Li''er from the Assistant Group."


    "Bring her in."


    Liu Bo''s inner turmoil at this moment could not be described. Could it be that the CEO wanted to create trouble for Xiao Li''er? Liu Bo was about to turn around and call Xiao Li''er when Xu Xiuhe spoke again.


    "Add me to this group."


    Liu Bo was sweating. He now felt like he was the eternal sinner in the Chengba and Yuan Group chat.


    "CEO, I used my secondary ount to join the group. My secondary ount doesn''t have you as a friend." Liu Bo tried to resist onest time, hoping to prevent Xu Xiuhe from joining the group.


    "It''s alright, you can create a small ount for me and then add me as a friend." Xu Xiuhe touched his chin again, whether he was thinking just now or because his chin was hurting.


    Having failed to struggle free, Liu Bo left and approached Xiao Li''er with a guilty expression. He spoke softly, "Xiao Li, the CEO is calling for you."


    Xiao Li''er froze in ce, unable to believe it. She looked left and right, realizing that Yang Mo and the others were also unaware.


    "Um, Assistant Liu, what does the CEO want with me?" Xiao Li''er''s words became somewhat unclear.


    Assistant Liu was the supervisor of these assistants, and they usually had a good rtionship. The other assistants also looked at Liu Bo, anticipating his answer.


    "Xiao Li, if you''re ever out of a job, I''ll marry you." Liu Bo couldn''t fully conceal his remorse, but his words were particrly sincere.

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    Xiao Li''er was nearly frightened to tears upon hearing those words. She hadn''t even brought in her proposal yet, but she was already being summoned. And what did Liu Bo mean by saying that if she loses her job, he would marry her?


    "Who would want you to marry me?" Xiao Li''er said indignantly, blushing with shame.


    Liu Bo knew this situation was caused by him, so he didn''t dare make a sound.


    When Xiao Li''er entered the office, she saw Xu Xiuhe standing with his arms folded in front of the massive floor-to-ceiling window, his back facing the desk. Upon hearing the knock, he said, "Come in."


    Xiao Li''er took small steps, feeling afraid as she didn''t know what grave mistake she had made to warrant a personal summons from the CEO that could lead to her dismissal.


    Xu Xiuhe turned around, walked to the sofa, and sat down, his weight visibly sinking into the leather couch.


    Xiao Li''er was extremely nervous, her head lowered as she didn''t dare look up. Her hands were tightly clenched together, her nails digging into her palms, yet she felt no pain.


    "Am I not romantic enough?" Xu Xiuhe asked tly, deliberately feigning indifference.


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Li''er''s mind went nk. Her high heels could no longer support her standing, and her legs trembled as she dared not speak.


    "You can sit down," Xu Xiuhe said, pointing to the sofa opposite him.


    "No, no," Xiao Li''er hurriedly waved her hands, her voice quivering.


    "Don''t be nervous, just sit down," Xu Xiuhe said after taking a sip of water.


    Xiao Li''er was still afraid, wondering if this was a final perk before being fired.


    "Answer the question from earlier - am I not romantic enough?" Xu Xiuhe pressed, eager to know the answer.


    After sitting down, Xiao Li''er finally regained herposure. Why would the CEO ask her this question? Suddenly, it dawned on her - the message she had sent.


    "I didn''t mean it, Mr. CEO," Xiao Li''er said, no longer questioning how Xu Xiuhe knew about her message. She only wanted to exin, for talking behind her top boss''s back and getting caught was truly a tragic event. She must not have read her horoscope before leaving home that morning.


    "You and Liu Bo are quite alike. Don''t be nervous, just answer honestly. I don''t hold grudges," Xu Xiuhe lied smoothly. If Chang Zhiyuan were present, he would haveughed his teeth out - a fine example of not holding grudges, when Xu Xiuhe gave him the cold shoulder for a month after Chang got him drunk at their wedding.


    "Here''s what we''ll do - tell me why I''m not romantic."


    "If I speak the truth..."


    "Tell me."


    "In TV shows and novels, tyrannical CEOs would prepare all sorts of surprises for their wives, like cing citywide advertisements to publicly dere their love. Grand, public gestures. Our son is already two years old, but we didn''t even know what the Madam looked like before."


    Xiao Li''er spoke softly, asionally ncing at Xu Xiuhe to see if he was angry.


    Xu Xiuhe fell into contemtion. Could he use those methods? Wouldn''t cing ads scare Shen Yin away when he hasn''t even won her over yet?


    "So you''re saying I should do things that would make her feel happy and joyful?"


    "Yes."


    "Then what should I do first?"


    "You could buy her clothes, handbags, jewelry, and so on."


    "We already purchase thetest items every month at home," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Xiao Li''er felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, at a loss for words. Indeed, she didn''t understand the world of the wealthy. Why did she send that message saying the CEO wasn''t romantic enough? No, the bigger question was how the CEO found out she sent it.


    "Mr. CEO, it''s not the same as you apanying the Madam to shop for those things yourself."


    "Good, go draft a proposal on how to be romantic. If it''s well done, you''ll get a raise."


    Xiao Li''er could hardly believe her ears. Didn''t Liu Bo say she would be fired? But the next statement plunged her back into despair.


    "If it''s not done well, we''ll settle all new and old scores - you can leave thepany."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Li''er immediately resolved herself, "Mr. CEO, I will do my best." After leaving the office, she let out a deep breath at the entrance. She never wanted to experience that kind of oppressive atmosphere again in her life.


    The office assistants, including Liu Bo, were all paying close attention. Seeing Xiao Li''ere out, they immediately asked what had happened.


    Yang Mo was the first to speak, "Xiao Li''er, what''s going on?"


    "The CEO is in our ''Conquer and Distant Group'' chat room."


    Instantly, the air froze again. The other assistants opened their phones to see a new person had joined the group. Yang Mo asked unnaturally, "It couldn''t be this, could it?"


    Xiao Li''er shook her head. The person had just joined, but the CEO had summoned her 20 minutes earlier.


    Liu Bo sighed beside them, not only had the CEO just joined, but he had also been using a small ount in the group for half a year.


    "Wait," Xiao Li''er gave Yang Mo and the other assistants a look, indicating that Liu Bo was still there.


    "Assistant Liu, were you in the ''Conquer and Distant Group'' chat from the beginning?" Yang Mo questioned him.


    "Stop, stop, it was my fault. I didn''t mean to expose it." Liu Bo had no choice but to surrender and exin everything.


    Xiao Li''er didn''t hear anything else except that Liu Bo had told the CEO about her "The CEO isn''t romantic enough" message. If looks could kill, Liu Bo would have been in by Xiao Li''er several times over.


    "Xiao Li''er, so what''s your situation now?" Yang Mo asked cautiously.


    "I have to draft a proposal on how the CEO can be romantic," Xiao Li''er said dejectedly.


    "Oh my, the CEO is so adorably contradictory. I''ve never heard of having a proposal to learn how to be romantic. This is too funny, I can''t take it anymore!" Yang Mo roared withughter.


    "Don''tugh, if I don''t do well, I''ll have to leave," Xiao Li''er said somberly.


    The others stoppedughing, for leaving one''s job was indeed a sorrowful affair.


    Yang Mo spoke up, "Assistant Liu, do your words from earlier still count? Xiao Li''er might lose her job because of you."


    "But she hasn''t lost it yet," Liu Bo thought there was still hope. "Xiao Li, let me help you with the proposal."


    Inside the CEO''s office, Xu Xiuhe recalled what Xiao Li''er had suggested - apanying Shen Yin to shop for clothes seemed like a good idea.


    With a n in mind, he had to act swiftly. Seizing opportunities had always been Xu Xiuhe''s guiding principle, whether it was starting apany or pursuing his wife.


    As the sun''s piercing rays gave way to the evening glow, the ever-changing western clouds caught Xu Xiuhe''s gaze through the floor-to-ceiling window. He had never noticed how beautiful the office could be at this hour.


    "Assistant Liu,e in."


    Upon receiving the call, Liu Bo hurriedly entered the office.


    "There are still a few documents left. Handle them. I''m going to pick up Zhengzheng," Xu Xiuhe said, grabbing his coat and car keys before leaving without turning back. What he wanted to say was, "I''m going to pick up my wife."

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    Fang Yue came out of the studio and happened to meet Xu Xiuhe.


    "Xiuhe is here," Fang Yue asked.


    "Mom, you''re here too. I''vee to pick up Yin and Zheng to go home," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Okay, it''s gettingte. I''ll head back first. Be careful on your way home tonight," Fang Yue reminded them.


    "Sure, you drive slowly too when you go back."


    "Mm, got it. You go on up." Fang Yue walked towards the car shed at the back, with a smile spreading across her face. Xiuhe called her daughter Yin, meaning the two must be on good terms now. The more she thought about it, the happier she felt. As a mother, seeing her daughter happy is all she needs.


    When Xu Xiuhe passed the first floor, Chen Nuan and Li Huanhuan finally saw his true appearance. Girls really are amazing¡ªwith just a nce, without saying a word, they can understand each other''s thoughts.


    Xu Xiuhe went up to the third floor. Zheng was still ying with the little building blocks that his grandma had bought him on the carpet. Shen Yin was sitting at the table, seriously drawing design sketches.


    "I just saw Mom heading back," Xu Xiuhe broke the silence.


    Shen Yin looked up. "She said yesterday that she''de over to help me look after Zheng. I thought she was just saying it, but she really dide today."


    "Mm, she went out of her way. Are you done? Let''s go to the mall," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    "Go to the mall for what?"


    Xu Xiuhe felt a bit awkward about saying he wanted to buy her clothes, so he replied in a roundabout way, "You said I could try out clothes in other colors, didn''t you?"


    "You really want to try?" Shen Yin hadn''t expected Xu Xiuhe to take her casual joke seriously.


    "I''ve never tried menswear before. Do you want to practice on me?" Shen Yin''s tone was probing. She had only done women''s clothing before, but now it seemed that menswear could also be a lucrative path.


    Xu Xiuhe: !! What a great opportunity. "Sure."


    Shen Yin picked up the tape measure from her table and said, "Come over here, let me take your measurements."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xiuhe walked over to Shen Yin''s table.


    Shen Yin stood behind Xu Xiuhe. At over 1.8 meters tall, she had to raise her hand to be level with his shoulders. With the tape measure in her left hand and her right arm stretched out, his shoulder width was 46 centimeters¡ªquite standard. Shen Yin made a note of it.


    "Turn around and stretch your arms out to the sides," Shen Yin instructed.


    Xu Xiuhe obediently turned to face Shen Yin. Shen Yin picked up the tape measure to measure his chest circumference, but this position felt a bit awkward¡ªfrom any angle, it looked like Xu Xiuhe had his arms open wide, waiting for an embrace.


    Shen Yin''s expression became a bit unnatural, but since she''de this far, she couldn''t just give up now. Xu Xiuhe could clearly feel Shen Yin''s breathing.


    When Shen Yin had stood behind him earlier to measure his shoulder width, he had felt her hand touch his shoulder. Wearing so little clothing in the summer, that touch of her hand on his shoulder had made him feel a ticklish sensation¡ªhe couldn''t tell if it was his shoulder or his heart that was itching.


    Now he understood: it wasn''t his shoulder, it was his heart that itched. Xu Xiuhe lowered his head, bringing his face very close to Shen Yin''s. Shen Yin slid the tape measure under one of Xu Xiuhe''s arms with her left hand, then reached her right hand from the other underarm to grab the tape measure. Unable to quite reach, Shen Yin took another step forward.


    Xu Xiuhe looked at this face right in front of him. If he lowered his head just a bit more, he could kiss Shen Yin''s forehead. Her skin was fine and fair, without any makeup. Her lips were glossy and slightly parted.


    Shen Yin raised her face a little as her right hand strained to reach, and Xu Xiuhe, looking at those lovely red lips, finally leaned down on an impulse and kissed her.


    In that moment when their lips met, both of them were stunned. Shen Yin''s eyes went wide, and the tape measure fell from her hand. Xu Xiuhe didn''t know what hade over him to make such a bold move, but he found the soft, jelly-like feel of her lips quite nice, and wanted to deepen the kiss.


    Shen Yin waspletely caught off guard¡ªhow could she have expected Xu Xiuhe to do something so daring in broad daylight? In reality, she was still just a young woman who had never been this intimate with a man before.


    Her instinctive reaction was to forcefully twist her right leg, using the momentum to spin and throw Xu Xiuhe over her shoulder and onto the sofa.


    It was an awkward scene: Xu Xiuhe lying stunned on the sofa, his right hand touching his lips, his expression one of disbelief¡ªhe had just been shoulder-thrown!


    Shen Yin stood by the sofa, awkwardly straightening her hair, pretending that nothing had happened. Yes, that''s it¡ªjust keep telling herself that over and over.


    Themotion had drawn Xu Yunzheng''s attention from the moment Xu Xiuhe was thrown onto the sofa. He set down the building blocks and,pletely unaware of what had just transpired, toddled over to the sofa with a intive look, saying, "Daddy, hurt."


    Xu Xiuhe recovered hisposure, sat up, and stroked Zheng''s face. "Zheng, Daddy''s not hurt."


    "Daddy fall down, Daddy hurt," Zheng persisted, reaching out to touch Xu Xiuhe''s face.


    "Zheng, I''m sorry, it was Mommy''s fault. Mommy was just ying a game with Daddy, he didn''t fall down," Shen Yin exined, not knowing how much Zheng had seen. But she truly hadn''t meant it¡ªit was just an instinctive reaction, since she had never been kissed on the lips by a man before.


    "Zheng, Daddy''s fine. Daddy was just ying a game with Mommy," Xu Xiuhe also exined. Although he had been quite embarrassingly thrown down, it did seem that he was the one at fault for kissing Shen Yin without her consent.


    "Game, Zheng want y game too!" With that, Xu Yunzheng clumsily climbed onto the sofa and flopped down, motioning for Shen Yin to do the same.


    "The game is over, Zheng," Shen Yin said, not wanting to continue this kind of "game."


    "I''m really sorry about that. It really was just an instinctive reaction," Shen Yin apologized again.


    Xu Xiuhe had been about to apologize too, since he was the one who had initiated it, but hearing Shen Yin''s exnation, he no longer felt like apologizing. Instead, he asked, "Well, how can I avoid that kind of instinctive reaction?"


    This question touched on an area of ignorance for Shen Yin¡ªshe didn''t know how to respond. Feeling her face grow hot again, she turned and fled to the bathroom.


    The faucet was turned on, and cool water flowed as Shen Yin sshed her face repeatedly. Why had Xu Xiuhe kissed her? She touched her lips. Did he... like her?


    Shen Yin was lost in a muddle of thoughts, staring at her reflection in the mirror, uncertain of how to face Xu Xiuhe going forward.


    Xu Xiuhe came to the bathroom door with Zheng in his arms and said, "We didn''t finish taking the measurements earlier."


    "Oh, right. You go over first," Shen Yin replied.


    Xu Xiuhe stood next to the sofa again. Shen Yin regained herposure, picked up the tape measure once more, and realized she couldn''t remember the chest measurement from before, so she would have to redo it!


    Shen Yin was a bit frazzled¡ªwhat was even happening here? "Raise your arms," she instructed curtly.

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    Things were going rtively smoothly. The two remained silent as Shen Yin carefully measured Zhengzheng''s bust and waist circumference, jotting down the numbers. "We''re done, let''s head home."


    Xu Xiuhe was still feeling emotional. As a grown man, he had been brought down by his own wife¡ªhow humiliating would it be if word got out?


    At dinner, to avoid awkwardness and show regret, Shen Yin kept piling food onto Zhengzheng''s te. "Mom, I''m full. Zhengzheng has had enough," the little boy said, looking at the remaining food in his bowl, no longer hungry.


    "Okay Zhengzheng, you don''t have to eat any more." Shen Yin''s mind, however, was upied with finding a way to escape the situation.


    Sometimes, things happen just when you think of them. Shen Yin''s phone screen lit up with a WeChat message. She opened it: [Yin Yin, want to go for a run?]


    Shen Yin felt Shu Yi was her savior. "Shu Yi''s asking me to go for a run. Can you look after Zhengzheng for a bit after you finish eating?"


    "Sure," Xu Xiuhe replied, his mood still sour.


    Upon hearing his response, Shen Yin put down her chopsticks, grabbed a wet wipe, headed to the hallway, changed into a pair of running shoes, and left¡ªall in one smooth motion.


    The Ziyue Courtyardplex had a running track along the roads. With only five vis, there were few residents, and the ce was usually deserted. Shu Yi, dressed in a sports top and shorts, was waiting near Xu Xiuhe''s vi.


    "Shu Yi, I just had dinner. Let''s take a stroll first," Shen Yin suggested.


    "Sure, let''s walk for now. Yin Yin, what does kissing feel like?" Shu Yi asked.


    Shen Yin was stunned! How did Shu Yi know about this? Did she have some special power, or could she tell just from a kiss?


    Slowing her pace, Shen Yin asked, "Why are you suddenly asking this? How did you find out?"


    "Find out what? I have an uing role with a kissing scene, so I wanted to know what kissing feels like beforehand," Shu Yi exined her reason for asking.


    Shen Yin was relieved¡ªshe had thought Shu Yi was asking about her own experience. Perhaps this was a case of a guilty conscience.


    "Haven''t you kissed before?" Shen Yin inquired.


    "I''m a single mother by choice."


    "Huh?" Shen Yin didn''t quite understand what Shu Yi meant.


    "Oh, do I really have to spell it out? I''ve been single since birth," Shu Yi said in a cutesy voice.


    Shen Yin wanted tough. She was in a simr situation, but it didn''t seem appropriate to say so.


    "Haven''t you had any kissing scenes before?" Shen Yin continued.


    Shu Yi''s previous roles were mostly student dramas with no kissing scenes. In the hit drama The Story of Xian Xi, she was the lead, but that was a period piece with no such scenes either. And in her movie roles, she wasn''t the main character.


    "No, I haven''t. So this won''t just be my first on-screen kiss, but my first kiss ever. I''m quite nervous," Shu Yi said as they strolled along, slowing her pace.


    "So, what does it feel like?" Shu Yi was eager to know the answer.


    "I''m not really sure, haha." Shen Yin wanted to change the subject. She truly didn''t know¡ªthat brief moment earlier had left herpletely dazed.


    "What?? But you have a two-year-old! How can you not know? Unless... you two have a tonic marriage? Or could it be that Xu Xiuhe is... unable to? But that doesn''t seem right, given your son and all." Shu Yi rambled on with her spections.


    Shen Yin didn''t know what a "tonic marriage" meant, but she had an idea of what Shu Yi meant by "unable to"¡ªhow embarrassing! "Where did you learn all this nonsense?" she asked, flustered.


    "Haitang," Shu Yi replied.


    Once again stumbling into unfamiliar territory, Shen Yin decided to skip over this topic. "Zhengzheng was an ident. He was drunk, I was out of it, so I''m not too sure about the details," she exined vaguely.


    Shu Yi looked as if she had discovered a shocking secret, covering her mouth with both hands. "So you two don''t have feelings for each other!"


    "Yeah, I guess you could say that," Shen Yin affirmed.


    Shen Yin''s response piqued Shu Yi''s curiosity further. "Then what are your ns, Yin Yin?"


    Shen Yin pondered the question. Initially, she had thought about getting a divorce once Xu Xiuhe brought it up. But after that kiss, she was utterly confused about his intentions. It seemed she might have to raise the topic of divorce herself, who knew what else he might do. She did have feelings for him, but she was also afraid¡ªafraid of what, only she knew.


    "I''m thinking about divorcing him," Shen Yin said in a small voice, admitting her desire to escape from these emotions.


    "Yin Yin, have you thought this through? I think Xu Xiuhe is quite a catch¡ªyoung, capable, good-looking, and no scandals that I know of."


    "But we don''t have any feelings for each other," Shen Yin reiterated. In the Dasheng Kingdom, women''s status was still decent. If not for her wicked stepmother, she could have had a good life and maybe even married a suitable partner.


    "That''s true. But I''ll support whatever you decide to do," Shu Yi assured her.


    "What about you? I feel like Chang Zhiyuan is always taking advantage of you," Shen Yin joked.


    Shu Yi''s face turned gloomy. "What can I do? I''m an artist under hispany, and my contract isn''t up yet. I want to escape so badly."


    "Then let me teach you some martial arts. If things ever get to the point of no return, you can give him a beating first and then we''ll talk," Shen Yin said seriously.


    "That''s not a bad idea. Yin Yin, you''re so cool. Why don''t you and I just get together? Then you can protect me," Shu Yi suggested yfully.


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea." The original owner of this body was into women, but Shen Yin wasn''t. She couldn''t just get divorced and then...


    The moonlight was hazy, and to Shu Yi''s delight, they could even see fireflies along the small path. Shen Yin, however, was unfazed¡ªshe had often caught fireflies with her little maidservants back in Dasheng Kingdom.


    "I thought fireflies were almost extinct. I didn''t expect to see them here. Is it because of Ziyue Courtyard''s great greenery and air quality?" Shu Yi guessed.


    "Could be. I should take Zhengzheng out to see them in the evenings over the next few days," Shen Yin replied.


    She was conflicted. She didn''t know how to face Xu Xiuhe or deal with these feelings. Having never liked anyone before, she was at aplete loss. Whenever her heart grew restless, her first instinct was to avoid and escape, to distance herself from the situation.


    But now, she couldn''t bear to part with Zhengzheng. What would happen to the little one if they really did divorce? Shen Yin felt like Zhengzheng''s real mother, having given birth to him from this very body, her own blood flowing through his veins. Moreover, during this time, it wasn''t so much that she had been taking care of Zhengzheng, but rather that Zhengzheng had been keeping herpany. Despite his young age, he was exceptionally sensible, often saying things that warmed her heart and made her feel less alone in this world. He had be her bond, her attachment. And a divorce wouldn''t be good for Zhengzheng either. What should she do?

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    On the way back, Shen Yin kept wondering how to bring it up - whether to tell Xu Xiuhe tonight or tomorrow evening, or not to say anything and just bring Zhengzheng to live with her in the small house by the Clear River, acting as if she knew nothing?


    Shen Yin was conflicted. She felt so vexed. After entering the house, she found that the table had been cleaned up by Xu Xiuhe, who must have given Zhengzheng a bath on it. Shen Yin changed her shoes in the cloakroom before going upstairs, turning off the downstairs lights as she climbed the stairs.


    In the bathroom, Shen Yin soaked in the bathtub, the water temperature just right. She had been busy all day, designing three dresses, so she would think about the divorce tomorrow. Tonight, she would just sleep.


    Zhengzheng had note to her room yet, so in a while, Xu Xiuhe would surely bring him back. Learning from the previous lesson, after taking a bath and putting on a robe, Shen Yin went to the dressing room next door, changed into a modest nightgown, and then began to dry her hair.


    At nine o''clock, it was Zhengzheng''s bedtime. As expected, Xu Xiuhe knocked on Shen Yin''s door, carrying Zhengzheng.


    When Shen Yin opened the door, to avoid contact with Xu Xiuhe, she did not take Zhengzheng from him as usual but let Xu Xiuhe carry Zhengzheng onto the bed instead, keeping a distance herself.


    "Then I''ll leave first." Xu Xiuhe wanted to say something more, but seeing Shen Yin''s expressionless face and her unwillingness to talk, he gave up.


    After Xu Xiuhe left, Shen Yin alsoy on the bed. Zhengzheng''s eyes kept blinking, and he rubbed them with his hands from time to time, apparently sleepy.


    "Zhengzheng, be a good boy. Go to sleep if you''re tired. Mommy is going to sleep too." Shen Yin kissed Zhengzheng''s forehead, theny down, gently patting his little belly to lull him to sleep.


    To Shen Yin, Zhengzheng was the most precious little treasure in the world.


    The night was quiet. Xu Xiuhey in bed, recalling the unfinished kiss from earlier that day, and felt a surge of heat in his heart. Especially when he had just seen Shen Yin in her nightgown, her fair skin, her swan-like neck entuated by her dark hair, making her even more alluring. Her hair was still dripping wet, droplets falling onto her nightgown. The loose nightgown revealed that she was not wearing any undergarments, and he could vaguely make out her full breasts, even more striking than the bathrobe she had worn before. His mind was now filled with this image, and he found himself unintentionally aroused.


    The evening breeze blew gently through the summer night. Xu Xiuhe went into the bathroom and opened the window, letting the cool air in as the cool shower rained down on him, finally making him feel better.


    Shen Yin decided to calm down herself first. In the morning, she had brought some clothes and important documents, so she wouldn''t have to go back and forth for now since her work was also busy.


    Xu Xiuhe sat in his office, unable to focus on the documents. This predicament was the first he had encountered in years, and he couldn''t share his troubles with anyone else.


    So Xu Xiuhe picked up his phone and googled "How to win back your wife''s favor."


    There were actually some answers. Be her listener, hug her every day,pliment her in front of friends, participate in household chores, cook for her, praise her appearance, help her, and ept her for who she is. At the end of the article, there was a sentence about the "Harmonious Family Course" that explores issues and insights about life and family with you.


    Xu Xiuhe felt that none of these applied to him, except perhaps the second point about hugging her every day. But for him, that seemed more difficult than ascending to heaven. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to hug her - it was that shoulder throw that had mmed him onto the couch. If he tried, she would just report him for harassment.


    So he searched for another term: "What to do if your wife knows martial arts." He wished he hadn''t seen the search results - all sorts of ridiculous answers like "learn to kneel and scrub clothes," "learn to kneel on a durian," "don''t talk back, don''t fight back," "when you have time, massage her shoulders, feet, and legs."


    "Assistant Liu Bo,e in."


    When Liu Bo received the direct call, he dared not dy, and as soon as he entered the door, he could feel the oppressive atmosphere in the room.


    "Sir, you called me?" Liu Bo asked cautiously.


    "Tell Xiao Li''er to submit the proposal by 5:30 this afternoon." Xu Xiuhe sat at his desk, tapping his fingers rhythmically, exuding an overwhelming sense of pressure.


    In the studio, Shen Yin had spent the entire morning designing Xu Xiuhe''s clothing sketches. Originally, she didn''t want to make clothes for Xu Xiuhe anymore, but she had promised yesterday, so it wouldn''t be good to go back on her word now.


    "Yin Yin, are these clothes for Xiuhe?" Fang Yue walked over from the kitchen to where Shen Yin was working and noticed the exquisite men''s clothing design.


    "No, I''m just designing for fun." Shen Yin didn''t want to admit that it was for Xu Xiuhe right now since she was still upset with him. She had apologized to Xu Xiuhest night for throwing him, which was her fault, but it was clear that Xu Xiuhe was the one who had made the first mistake.


    "These clothes look so nice. Yin Yin has really grown up and done such an amazing job." Fang Yue praised her generously.


    "Thank you, Mom. When I finish these dresses, I''ll make one for you too." Shen Yin said.


    Fang Yue was pleasantly surprised. "Really? That''s wonderful. Bute and eat first."


    When Shen Yin arrived at the studio this morning, she found that Fang Yue hade again to help take care of Zhengzheng, just as she had promised. While Shen Yin was sketching, she would asionally look at Zhengzheng and y with him during breaks. Sometimes, though, she became too absorbed in her work. With Zhengzheng being so young, having someone constantly watching over him put Shen Yin at ease. She was very grateful to Fang Yue for letting her experience a mother''s love.


    After finishing lunch, Zhengzheng let out a yawn.


    "Zhengzheng is sleepy. Grandma will take Zhengzheng for a nap, okay?" Fang Yue said.


    "Okay, sleep and grow taller," Zhengzheng stretched out his arms, and Fang Yue carried him into the bedroom.


    "Yin Yin, why did you bring so many things here? Are you nning to stay here often?" Fang Yue returned and asked after seeing the wardrobe full of clothes.


    Shen Yin didn''t know how to exin. If she said she wanted a divorce, Fang Yue would definitely disagree. "I''ve just been really busy these past two days, so I''m not going back."


    Fang Yue made a mental note of it.


    Shen Yin felt she couldn''t drag it out any longer. She took out her phone and found Xu Xiuhe''s chat window.


    [Let''s get a divorce.] After much hesitation, Shen Yin sent the message.


    In fact, she didn''t know what she was doing - whether she was testing his feelings for her or wanted to end it quickly.


    Seeing this message, Xu Xiuhe''s expression darkened even further. Why so suddenly? Hadn''t they been getting along welltely? Shen Yin was even going to make clothes for him.


    "Liu Bo, have Xiao Li''ere in." Xu Xiuhe made a call.


    When Xiao Li''er entered, she was carrying an unfinished romantic proposal n. "Sir, it''s not done yet."


    "Put that n on hold for now. My wife wants a divorce from me. You watch a lot of TV shows and read novels, don''t you? Think of a way to stop it."


    Xiao Li''er was utterly shocked. Wow, what drama had she stumbled into? So the plot had changed from romance to the CEO pursuing his wife. How exciting!


    "What''s the matter? Finding it too difficult toe up with an idea? Then resign immediately."


    "I''m thinking, I''m thinking, Sir. In novels, when the CEO pursues his wife, he''s relentless and never gives up," Xiao Li''er quickly responded, her eyes scrutinizing Xu Xiuhe''s expression.


    Xu Xiuhe considered the feasibility of the approach. So the next step was to relentlessly pursue her? The phone on the desk rang just then, and Xu Xiuhe nced at it before answering without hesitation.

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    "Hey, Xu Xiuhe, I want to ask you something," Fang Yue said.


    "Mom, you can ask me anything," Xu Xiuhe turned on the hands-free mode.


    "Did you and Shen Yin have a fight? I saw her bring some clothes over, including Xiao''s and hers, to the small house on this side. When I asked her why she brought so much, she said she was busy with work and didn''t want to waste time going back and forth, so she''d stay here for a few days."


    Xu Xiuhe was furious on his end. So this was what she had nned yesterday, and today she''s packing up and leaving?


    "We didn''t have a fight," Xu Xiuhe answered truthfully. Indeed, they hadn''t fought; she just wanted a divorce.


    "Oh, that''s good, that''s good. But you two can''t go on like this, you know. With a helpless mother and child staying in that small house, it''s not safe," Fang Yue said worriedly.


    Xu Xiuhe thought to himself, ''Shen Yin may be small, but she''s far from helpless. She could probably take down five men single-handedly. So Fang Yue doesn''t know her daughter''s martial arts skills?''


    Xiao Li''er, standing nearby, was almost dying upon hearing this. The CEO is getting a golden opportunity from his mother-inw, and he''s not cherishing it.


    Xu Xiuhe noticed the resentful look on Xiao Li''er''s face and said, "Mom, I know what to do next."


    "Good, good, good. I''ll hang up then," Fang Yue said "good" three times before ending the call.


    Xu Xiuhe stood up and took two steps. "What did that ''wishing for iron but getting steel'' look on your face mean earlier? And why are you so persistent?"


    Xiao Li''er lowered her head and muttered softly, "Didn''t you say on the phone that you knew what to do?"


    "What did you say? Speak louder," Xu Xiuhe couldn''t hear her.


    "I said, didn''t you tell your mom on the phone that you knew what to do?" Xiao Li''er repeated the sentence a little louder, but still without much confidence.


    Xu Xiuhe was rendered speechless. For a moment, he didn''t know what to say. He knew he should go find Shen Yin next, but what if she turned him away?


    "What if she kicks me out when I go find her?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Then you just be shameless and refuse to leave. Say you''re concerned about their safety," Xiao Li''er suggested. Then, reconsidering the wife''sbat skills, she added, "No, nevermind. Just say you miss your son. But don''t you dare threaten the wife with custody rights. Women hate it when men threaten them the most. If you do that, she''ll only resent you more. Don''t me me if that happens; I really don''t want to quit my job."


    Xu Xiuhe nodded understandingly. "What if she doesn''t let me see my son?"


    "Then y the pitiful act. Women may appear tough on the surface, with impressive fighting skills. But when Mrs. Xu first came, I felt she had mellowed, gentle and kind."


    "Wooing a girlfriend requires effort and attention to details. Wooing a wife requires even more effort," Xiao Li''er continued advising.


    Xu Xiuhe listened intently, almost ready to take notes.


    "Did you learn all this from watching TV and reading novels?" Xu Xiuhe asked skeptically.


    Xiao Li''er suddenly felt the CEO was a bit naive but didn''t dare say it. "Some things are justmon sense if you think about it." She lowered her head after speaking.


    "Alright, you can leave now. If a third person finds out what happened here, you''re fired immediately. Also, call Liu Bo in."


    Xiao Li''er turned and left, feeling frustrated. He had just said not to threaten women, yet he threatened to fire her right after. She must have been cursed in her previous eight lives to be dancing on the edge of being fired every day. So what if he''s the CEO? He still has to woo his wife back.


    At the door, Xiao Li''er said in a harsh tone, "Liu Bo, the CEO is calling for you." She''d remember this. Everything happening now was because of Liu Bo. If she got fired, she wouldn''t let him off easy either.


    "Did the CEO say anything to you? How did the n go?" Liu Bo asked.


    "Just go in. The CEO''s in a bad mood. And you''d better not quit again, or I might just have to marry you," Xiao Li''er said without turning back as she walked to her office area.


    Her words made Liu Bo break out in a cold sweat. He hadn''t done anything wrong, so why was the CEO calling for him?


    Liu Bo entered quietly, trying not to provoke Xu Xiuhe in any way. "CEO, you called for me?"


    "Yeah, about the task of keeping tabs on Gu Mengmeng I gave youst time, any updates?"


    Liu Bo exhaled in relief; it was about this matter. "There''s nothing new with Gu Mengmeng. No new shows, only a new endorsement deal yesterday for a clothing studio called Qiyan Fashion Studio."


    Xu Xiuhe paused his pen and looked up. "Qiyan Fashion Studio?"


    "Yes, CEO. You know it?"


    Xu Xiuhe sighed, realizing who it was. "Any updates on the studio''s progress?"


    "Seems like they''re nning to buy some hot search rankings."


    Xu Xiuhe felt annoyed just hearing the studio''s name. He had only wanted to check on Gu Mengmeng''s activities to have an excuse to find Shen Yin, but now it had unexpectedly dragged Qi Yan into the picture.


    "Do everything you can to suppress those hot search rankings. Don''t give this studio any chance to take off," he ordered.


    "Understood. Can I leave now, CEO?" Liu Bo wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.


    "No, sit at that desk and process the remaining documents. You''ll also chair the executive meeting this afternoon."


    "But that''s..." Liu Bo had chaired many meetings as a proxy, but never the executive meetings.


    "What''s the problem? I have something to take care of." Xu Xiuhe grabbed his car keys and left the office.


    The assistants in the office area were surprised to see the CEO leaving at this hour, knowing there was an important afternoon meeting.


    "Why did the CEO leave so early?" They whispered among themselves. Only Xiao Li''er sat dejectedly, wishing she could share this huge gossip. Some news is only fun when shared; keeping it to herself was torture.


    "Hey Li''er, the CEO called you in to discuss a n earlier, right?" Yang Mo asked.


    Xiao Li''er could only nod.


    In the group chat for executives of Conquest Group and Far Group, others noticed the CEO''s early departure and asked, [Why did the CEO leave so early? It''s only 2:30 PM.]


    One of the younger assistants, forgetting the CEO and Liu Bo were also in the group, shared thetest gossip: [The CEO went to be romantic.]


    Xiao Li''er saw the message and panicked. "Wan Jia, retract that! The CEO is in the group!"


    Wan Jia realized her mistake and quickly retracted the message, but many had already seen it, replying with questions like [Why retract it?] and [Wow, ''be romantic'' is such an elegant phrase. What does it mean?]

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    Xu Xiuhe sat in the car, scrolling through his phone and feeling agitated as messages popped up in the group chat. He opened a smaller group with Xue Jingrui.


    "[Qi Yan has opened a studio, did you know?]"


    Within seconds, Xue Jingrui replied, "[I''m not sure, I haven''t been in touch with her.]"


    "[Xue Jingrui, buddy, have you seen the light again? Is it for three days or forever?]" Chang Zhiyuan had already warned Xue Jingrui that Qi Yan might have been okay before college, but things had changed since then. He had seen many women, so he knew exactly what Qi Yan was like, but unfortunately, Xue Jingrui was not reliable.


    "[My family arranged a blind date for me.]" Xue Jingrui responded.


    "[What''s up? Are you following Xu Xiuhe''s path to an arranged marriage?]" Chang Zhiyuan was just enjoying the drama.


    Xue Jingrui typed, "[Something came up. Let''s talk about it when we meet.]"


    "[The name of the clothing studio is Yanhe Clothing Studio.]" Xu Xiuhe sent a message.


    Xue Jingrui remained silent. It was Chang Zhiyuan who couldn''t hold back: "[Is Qi Yan seriously ill?]" He didn''t consider Xue Jingrui''s feelings when he sent this message.


    "[Since you''re nning to go on a blind date, you probably won''t get involved in this matter afterwards, right?]" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "[Hmm, I won''t interfere.]" His rtionship with Qi Yan might be even moreplicated in the future.


    "[Alright, that''s good.]"


    Xu Xiuhe drove towards Qinghe Street, nning all along how to start the conversation when they meet.


    For the whole morning, Shen Yin worked on Xu Xiuhe''s clothing design sketches, and now she was busy with her own formal wear orders. There were asional customersing into the shop for customizations. Shen Yin felt she might need to hire another clothing designer. She only designed haute couture. Clothing, like everything else, had different grades, and the style of dress varied for different asions. Shen Yin had been pondering why so many people went abroad to study fashion design in this era. After reading some materials, she concluded that it was due to ourck of cultural confidence and innovation. Foreign luxury goods were so expensive, yet many people still rushed to buy them, while Chinese clothing had few luxury brands.


    Why couldn''t she create luxury brands in China? Rich, elegant, and noble, three different styles of clothing could be infused with Chinese culture. China''s rich cultural heritage was definitely not inferior to any other country, even though there had been no great prosperity in history. She believed that given time, she could definitely create luxury brands unique to China that were not only fashionable but also morefortable than foreign luxury brands.


    When Zhengzheng woke up, Fang Yue carried him to the living room. Children couldn''t stay indoors all the time; they wanted to y at this age.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng wants to go out to y." Xu Yunzheng''s speech was extremely slow.


    "Zhengzheng, can you wait for mommy for a while?" Shen Yin replied.


    "Alright, how about I take him out for a stroll first? The environment here is nice, and it''s good to go out for a walk. You cane find us after you''re done with your work," Fang Yue suggested.


    Shen Yin naturally agreed. It was almost four o''clock, and the sun was still shining brightly as Fang Yue walked with Zhengzheng from the shaded area.


    "Zhengzheng, we can''t go near the water, it''s deep and dangerous," Fang Yue pointed to a nearby stream.


    Zhengzheng nodded and replied, "Dangerous, won''t go."


    "Ah, such a good child," Fang Yue patted Zhengzheng''s head.


    After parking the car, Xu Xiuhe and Fang Nuan went to purchase fabrics, leaving only Li Huanhuan on the first floor.


    "Is your boss on the third floor?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Yes, he is," Li Huanhuan replied.


    Upon reaching the third floor, Xu Xiuhe only saw Shen Yin. Upon entering, his first question was, "Where''s Zhengzheng?"


    Shen Yin looked up, then lowered her gaze, asking calmly, "Why are you here? Have you made up your mind?"


    "What do you mean, made up what?" Xu Xiuhe pretended to be clueless. He hadn''t considered divorce since he made up his mind about his feelings.


    "Divorce," Shen Yin continued, her tone indifferent. It was hard to tell if she was happy or angry. In reality, she was nervous, surprised that she had actually said it in front of him. She had some courage.


    "Where''s Zhengzheng gone?" Xu Xiuhe changed the subject.


    Shen Yin raised her head, walked to the sofa, and poured two sses of water. "My mom took him out to y. Are you here to agree now?"


    "Agree to what, divorce? What if I don''t agree?"


    This question caught Shen Yin off guard. She didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe to ask her, but she felt a bit happy inside and deliberately continued, "Then how can you agree? We have no feelings for each other."


    Thinking of Xiao Lier''s words, Xu Xiuhe, thick-skinned as he was, said, "No matter what I do, I won''t agree. Who said there are no feelings?"


    "You¡ª" Shen Yin was interrupted by Fang Yue''s return with Zhengzheng.


    "Daddy!" Zhengzheng walked over, hopping a little.


    "Mom, why are you back so soon? Didn''t you just go out?" Shen Yin was puzzled.


    "Just went out, took a few steps, and Zhengzheng turned back and called for Daddy. I thought the child had made a mistake, but he insisted oning back. Didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe to reallye," Fang Yue exined.


    "Yeah, Mom, I had something to do around here this afternoon, so I came to see you guys," Xu Xiuhe said smoothly, without needing to rehearse his words now.


    "Are you going back then?" Fang Yue asked yfully. When he called, he had already mentioned knowing what to do.


    "Not going back, it''s troublesome to travel back and forth," Xu Xiuhe said, ncing at Shen Yin. Didn''t she tell Fang Yue that it was inconvenient tomute back and forth, wasting time? Then he could use the same reason, right?


    Shen Yin had no other reaction, just felt for the first time that Xu Xiuhe was so shameless.


    "Okay, since you''re here, I can head back now. Give Grandma Zhengzheng a kiss goodbye," Fang Yue said with a smile.


    Xu Xiuhe stood on the ground, reached out his little hand, and touched his mouth, making a "mua" sound as he extended it.


    "Such a good boy. Grandma is leaving now. I''lle back tomorrow."


    Fang Yue waved her hand, turned around, and walked downstairs.


    "Mom, let me walk you out," Xu Xiuhe followed.


    "Xiuhe, Yin Yin is still so young, and you''re already a mother. If there''s anything she doesn''t understand, be patient with her. There''s nothing in a marriage that can''t be ovee," Fang Yue advised earnestly.


    "Okay, Mom, I understand. Take care and drive safely," Xu Xiuhe reminded.


    "Alright, stop here. Go back upstairs and keep thempany," Fang Yue got into the car.


    As Xu Xiuhe headed upstairs again, Shen Yin was in the bathroom with Zhengzheng.


    "Mommy, Daddy''s back," Shen Yin turned her head and indeed saw Xu Xiuhe standing behind her.


    "Zhengzheng, focus when you''re using the toilet," Shen Yin turned back to Zhengzheng, deciding to ignore Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t mind at all. He decided to stay here today and see how Shen Yin would deal with him. ncing at his watch, realizing it was gettingte, Xu Xiuhe went into the kitchen.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    In the kitchen, Xu Xiuhe washed various types of rice and ced them in the rice cooker, adding a lot of water.


    Shen Yin came out of the bathroom carrying Zhengzheng, and saw Xu Xiuhe cutting potato shreds in the kitchen. Since he was cooking, she didn''t go in. Zhengzheng in her arms said, "Daddy cooking." Then he wanted to get down.


    Shen Yin put Zhengzheng on the ground, and the little one toddled towards the kitchen. "Daddy, Zhengzheng help you cook."


    Shen Yin wanted tough at this. Zhengzheng was small but wanted to do everything, drive, write, and now that he had just been potty trained, he wanted to cook. "Zhengzheng, cooking is dangerous,e here."


    Zhengzheng turned around and looked at Shen Yin, who had a troubled expression and shook her head.


    Just as Shen Yin was about to pick up Zhengzheng, she saw Xu Xiuhe wipe his hands and pick up Zhengzheng, walking to the sink and saying, "Zhengzheng, help Daddy wash this tomato, okay?"


    "Okay." Zhengzheng readily agreed, revealing two small milk teeth. He then took the tomato, and Xu Xiuhe turned on the faucet. Zhengzheng touched the running water with his hand before putting the tomato under it.


    Shen Yin didn''t know if he was really washing the tomato or not, but in her eyes, father and son were having a great time.


    "Zhengzheng, well done, thank you Zhengzheng. Daddy needs to cut the tomato now, why don''t you go to Mommy?" Xu Xiuhe coaxed, realizing that he wasn''t as good at cooking as Shen Yin, and having a little kid interfering, they might not be able to eat dinner until the next morning.


    Zhengzheng had gotten tired of ying, and when Xu Xiuhe put him down, he waddled towards Shen Yin.


    "Zhengzheng, wait until you''re a little bigger, then you can cook for Mommy, okay?" Shen Yin squatted down and coaxed Zhengzheng.


    "Okay, Zhengzheng will cook for Daddy and Mommyter."


    Shen Yin rubbed her forehead, she hadn''t mentioned Daddy just now.


    In the living room, Shen Yin drew design sketches while chatting with Zhengzheng.


    "Mommy, hungry," Zhengzheng said.


    Shen Yin sighed, usually at this time, she would have finished cooking at the Purple Courtyard, but now in the kitchen, Xu Xiuhe was still stir-frying dishes.


    "Zhengzheng, Mommy is hungry too," Shen Yin said. She could only say that.


    Hearing Shen Yin''s words, Zhengzheng frowned and walked back into the kitchen.


    "Daddy, Mommy''s hungry," Zhengzheng told Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe, who was stir-frying, turned his head and smiled, "Are you the one who''s hungry?"


    "Mommy''s hungry, Zhengzheng''s hungry too," Zhengzheng pouted.


    "Zhengzheng, go tell Mommy that dinner will be ready soon," Xu Xiuhe dished out the tomato and scrambled eggs.


    The kitchen wasn''t far from the living room, and Shen Yin had heard the whole conversation between Zhengzheng and Xu Xiuhe. My goodness, what was with Zhengzheng? "Zhengzheng, why did you tell Daddy that Mommy is hungry?"


    "Because Mommy told Zhengzheng that Mommy is hungry too," Zhengzheng blinked innocently. Shen Yin didn''t know how to end this topic; children these days were so clever.


    "Daddy says we can eat now," Zhengzheng had just finished speaking when Xu Xiuhe came out with two tes of dishes, called out "Dinner''s ready," and went back to the kitchen.


    One te of tomato and scrambled eggs, one te of potato shreds, a te of stir-fried mushrooms and meat, followed by three bowls of porridge.


    Shen Yin still felt awkward, she hadn''t asked Xu Xiuhe to cook, and just a few hours ago they were discussing divorce. She didn''t feelfortable going over there.


    "Dinner''s ready," Xu Xiuhe called out. Then he seemed to remember something and added, "Zhengzheng, call Mommy to eat."


    Zhengzheng obeyed and pulled Shen Yin''s hand, "Mommy, eat food."


    Shen Yin sat at the dining table, feeling awkward and not knowing how to face Xu Xiuhe. The table had homemade dishes, but those potato shreds were cut so thick, Shen Yin could hardly look at them, they were almost as thick as Zhengzheng''s little fingers. Could they even be eaten?


    Xu Xiuhe noticed that Shen Yin kept looking at the dishes on the table but didn''t pick up her chopsticks. He felt anxious, picked up a potato shred with his chopsticks, tasted it, and feeling satisfied, put some in Zhengzheng''s bowl.


    "Wife, didn''t Zhengzheng say you were hungry? Why aren''t you eating?" Xu Xiuhe had pondered for a while before speaking these words, and this was the first time he had called her "wife."


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin was stunned. What did Xu Xiuhe mean by calling her "wife"? She froze,pletely at a loss.


    Zhengzheng used his own spoon to scoop up a few potato shreds and put them in the small te in front of Shen Yin, "Wife, eat potatoes."


    When Xu Xiuhe heard this, his expression changed, and he turned to say, "Xu Zhengzheng, she''s my wife, my wife is your mother, you can''t call her wife, understand?"


    "Oh, I understand, then Zhengzheng wants a wife too." Zhengzheng nodded, seeming to understand but not really, and when he said he wanted a wife too, his face was filled with anticipation.


    Shen Yin was troubled. One "wife" was too much, but every sentence had that word. The adult said it, the child learned it. She frowned and looked at Xu Xiuhe displeased, "Xu Xiuhe, can''t you watch what you say? Zhengzheng is at the age of learning to talk, and you''re saying such nonsense."


    Shen Yin was really scared by that word "wife." What had gotten into Xu Xiuhe?


    "What nonsense did I say? You are my wife, that''s a fact. What does Zhengzheng learning to talk have to do with me calling you wife? We''re legally married." Xu Xiuhe felt he hadn''t said enough, so he turned to Zhengzheng and said, "Remember, you can''t say that word randomly, you can''t say it casually. Zhengzheng, when you grow up, you''ll have a wife. From now on, you''re not allowed to say the word ''wife''."


    Zhengzheng looked at Xu Xiuhe speaking so seriously and nodded, "I remember, Daddy."


    Shen Yin was now so embarrassed by Xu Xiuhe''s behavior that she didn''t want to talk. She picked up the potato shreds, no, potato chunks, that Zhengzheng had put in her te and ate them. They were cooked through, but the taste was just barely edible.


    Seeing Shen Yin eat the potatoes, Zhengzheng scooped up some meat shreds from his own small bowl and put them in Shen Yin''s te.


    "Zhengzheng, eat your own food. Mommy can serve herself," Shen Yin said.


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe used his own unused chopsticks to put some mushrooms, potatoes, and tomatoes into Shen Yin''s small te.


    "I can eat by myself, you don''t need to serve me," Shen Yin said.


    "Then why didn''t you eat earlier?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin was speechless, "I didn''t want to eat what you cooked."


    "But I still eat what you cook every day," Xu Xiuhe retorted.


    Shen Yin felt this logic was wed, "It''s not like I forced you to eat it."


    "You''re my wife, if I don''t eat what you cook, whose cooking would I eat?" Xu Xiuhe understood and decided to fullymit to his thick-skinned approach.

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    Shen Yin felt that Xu Xiuhe must have gone crazy, no matter how she looked at him, he seemed a bit abnormal. "Can''t you be less shameless?"


    "Ahem, Zhengzheng is here. The kid is learning to talk now, so we can''t say bad words. He might be more mature than we think, so let''s not bring up that topic from the afternoon. What if he understands?"


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t know whether Xu Yunzheng understood what divorce meant, but he could use any excuse now.


    Shen Yin was intimidated by Xu Xiuhe, so she didn''t dare bring it up in front of Zhengzheng.


    "What is a topic?" Zhengzheng suddenly raised his head while eating meat.


    "It''s just a small issue," Xu Xiuhe exined.


    "There''s no bed for you to sleep here tonight. You figure it out yourself. If it''s really not possible, you can go back to the Purple Joy Residence," Shen Yin said.


    "It''s okay, I told Mom I need to protect you two, and it''s getting dark now anyway. Zhengzheng, don''t you want Dad to stay?" Xu Xiuhe turned to ask Zhengzheng.


    "It''s dark, scary, Dad don''t go, close the door," Zhengzheng replied.


    "The door is closed. Drink some porridge, don''t choke," Shen Yin picked up Zhengzheng''s small porridge bowl and fed it to his mouth.


    After drinking about half a bowl, Zhengzheng felt full and said, "Mom, Zhengzheng is full."


    "Okay, then let''s take a bath," Shen Yin picked up Zhengzheng, intending to go to the bathroom.


    "You should eat a little more," Xu Xiuhe called out.


    Shen Yin indeed hadn''t eaten much, as she was annoyed by Xu Xiuhe.


    After bathing Zhengzheng, when Shen Yin carried him out again, Xu Xiuhe had already cleaned up the dining room and kitchen, but he wasn''t there. Shen Yin thought Xu Xiuhe must have gone back to the Purple Joy Residence.


    "Zhengzheng, you y on the bed for a while, okay? Mommy will take a shower. Stay on the bed and be good. Don''te down. Mommy will be back soon," Shen Yin said, handing a children''s picture book to Zhengzheng.


    Zhengzheng nodded in agreement, so Shen Yin felt reassured and went back into the bathroom.


    After Xu Xiuhe took out the trash downstairs and came back up, he saw Zhengzheng alone in the bedroom and suddenly had an idea.


    "Zhengzheng," Xu Xiuhe called out as he entered the bedroom.


    "Dad," Zhengzheng happily called out.


    Xu Xiuhe made a "shh" gesture with his hand. "Zhengzheng, Dad wants to discuss something with you, okay?"


    "Okay."


    "You see, Dad will be scared sleeping alone tonight, so can you keep Dadpany and sleep with him?" Xu Xiuhe feigned helplessness and pity.


    Then he realized that the tricks Xiao Li''er had taught him not only worked on Shen Yin but could also be used on his son.


    "Dad, don''t be afraid. Zhengzheng will keep youpany," Xu Yunzheng said as he gently patted Xu Xiuhe, showing a protective attitude.


    Xu Xiuhe estimated that Shen Yin would finish showering soon, so he quickly left the bedroom and sat on the sofa in the living room.


    When Shen Yin came out, she saw him, and though she intended to ask him to sleep on the sofa, she felt it wasn''t necessary.


    She entered the bedroom, turned around, locked the door ¨C her actions were quick and decisive, without any hesitation.


    "Mom, where''s Dad?" Xu Yunzheng asked when he saw Shen Yine in.


    "Dad went to take a shower and sleep. Zhengzheng must be tired too, so go to sleep quickly," Shen Yin replied.


    Xu Xiuhe entered the bathroom, and this time the feeling was deeper than thest time. The bathroom smelled more fragrant than his own bathroom ¨C this was the scent he had smelled that night.


    "Mom, Zhengzheng wants to find Dad," Xu Yunzheng said, lying on the big bed and raising his hand to look at his small hand.


    "Dad needs to take a shower and sleep. You can find him tomorrow, okay? It''ste. Zhengzheng should sleep now," Shen Yin coaxed.


    "No, Dad said he''ll be scared sleeping at night," Xu Yunzheng shook his head.


    Shen Yin had already cursed Xu Xiuhe several times in her heart. How could he be so shameless? He''s an adult, yet he''s still afraid? Was he just trying to make her feel bad for Zhengzheng, so she would let him into the bedroom? She wouldn''t do that.


    Although she was criticizing him in her heart, she couldn''t show it in front of Zhengzheng, so Shen Yin said, "Dad is so tall, he''s an adult. He''s not afraid. Doesn''t he sleep by himself at home?"


    "This is not home," Zhengzheng said.


    Shen Yin really didn''t know why such a young child''s brain worked so fast. At the beginning, he couldn''t even speak clearly, but now, after just over two months, he could argue with her.


    "Okay, how about this? You go sleep with Dad on the sofa, and I''ll sleep on the bed myself," Shen Yin suggested. She wanted to see how Xu Xiuhe would handle it.


    "Okay," Zhengzheng readily agreed.


    Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng out to the living room and put him down. She went into the bedroom herself, to be honest. She didn''t want Zhengzheng to sleep on the sofa, she just wanted to see what Xu Xiuhe would do next.


    The plot wasn''t going the way he had expected, and Xu Xiuhe was dumbfounded. Shouldn''t Shen Yin have let him into the bedroom? Why did Zhengzhenge out instead?


    "Dad, don''t be afraid. Zhengzheng will keep youpany."


    Xu Yunzheng ran to the sofa andy down next to Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe was thinking about what to do next when Shen Yin received a call from Shu Yi.


    "Yin Yin, how is it going? Any progress? Did you bring it up?" Shu Yi asked.


    "No progress. I brought up divorce, but he pretended not to understand. It seems he doesn''t agree with divorcing. He even cooked diligently and said some weird things. He''s still staying here and not leaving. What''s worse is that he keeps calling me ''wife''," Shen Yinined.


    "Wow, seriously? I didn''t think he was that kind of person. He''s so funny, hahahahaha," Shu Yipletely forgot that this was a serious topic.


    "Stopughing. What do you think I should do?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Yin Yin, from my experience reading so many novels, it seems he has fallen for you. He likes you, but since he''s a domineering CEO, he has a bit of an adorable contrast. In novels, those dominant CEOs usually take what they want forcefully. I didn''t expect him to be so stubbornly persistent," Shu Yi analyzed.


    "What kind of novels have you been reading? I should read them too," Shen Yin said.


    Shu Yi was about to blurt out the name of the novel she had mentioned before, but then worried that it might corrupt Shen Yin''s mind.


    "It doesn''t matter where I read them. What''s important is how you feel about him now. What are your feelings towards him?" Shu Yi said solemnly.


    "I don''t know. When he calls me ''wife,'' I feel my face getting hot," Shen Yin said haltingly. When she initially brought up divorce, her mind might have been confused, and she was just testing the waters.


    Outside, Xu Xiuhe didn''t know what to do with the current situation, so he sought advice from Xiao Li''er.


    "Boss, why don''t you make Zhengzheng cry?" Xiao Li''er had already gone homete at night but still received Xu Xiuhe''s call, which was incredibly frustrating.


    Xu Xiuhe was smart enough to understand what to do immediately. After hanging up, he said, "Zhengzheng, sleeping on the sofa is ufortable. Can you cry for a bit? Then Mommy will let us go sleep on the bed."


    "Mom said real men don''t cry or let the little pearls fall," Zhengzheng sat on the sofa, swinging his legs.

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    Xu Xiuhe felt helpless, "Zhengzheng, how can a man have such a good memory? A true man should be flexible and adapt to situations. Sometimes, being soft towards a woman is a strategy. You understand what tactics are, right?"


    "What are tactics?" Zhengzheng asked.


    "The current tactic is for you to act pitiful and cry. You see, this sofa is ufortable, isn''t it? If you cry a little, mom will let us go inside," Xu Xiuhe persuaded gently.


    Inside, Shen Yin waspletely unaware of what was happening outside. She was perplexed by Shu Yi''s few questions.


    "Do you dislike him? Did your heart rate ever increase when you saw him? After the divorce, if other men pursue you, would you agree? Most importantly, if, and I mean if, there is a woman by his side, would you feel a bit ufortable?"


    Shen Yin pondered the answers to these questions but didn''t respond to Shu Yi.


    "Think carefully, if you''re thinking carefully now, it means you''ve already been moved by him, or at least you have feelings for him, but you''re unaware of it yourself. If you say you have absolutely no feelings for him and are determined to get a divorce, you would definitely answer firmly: I dislike him, my heart rate doesn''t increase. Instead of seriously considering the few questions I asked, like you''re doing now."


    Shu Yi continued, "Sometimes feelings aren''t thatplicated, we just overthink them. Look at you two, things are already great. If you truly like each other, you don''t even need to prepare for marriage, and you even have such an obedient, handsome child. Do you know, nowadays many people who like each other eventually fail to make it to the altar due to reality?"


    Shen Yin sincerely felt that Shu Yi understood emotions well, "What about you? I feel Chang Zhiyuan quite likes you, why are you avoiding him?"


    "As for me, I don''t know if he''s just momentarily interested or has truly reformed. Even if he''s a prodigal son returning, I dare not gamble easily. I''m afraid in the end, I''ll be the only one hurt. All these years, I haven''t dated for this reason - I overthink things, consider the oue, and want a rtionship that doesn''t end in a breakup. Think about it, his family is wealthy and influential, would they agree for him to marry an ordinary woman from the entertainment industry?"


    "Knock, knock, knock."


    "Is someone knocking on the door?" Shu Yi vaguely heard a sound on the other end of the phone and asked.


    "Yes, it''s probably Xu Xiuhe knocking," Shen Yin replied.


    "Then you should open the door. Oh, by the way, ''The Legend of Xian Xi'' has been scheduled. It will air tomorrow night, so you can see Zhengzheng on TV." Shu Yi said before hanging up.


    When Shen Yin opened the door, the first thing she heard was Zhengzheng''s crying.


    Xu Xiuhe was holding Zhengzheng, standing at the door waiting for Shen Yin to open it.


    Hearing Zhengzheng''s cries softened Shen Yin''s heart, and she began to me herself. Xu Xiuhe held Zhengzheng with his back towards Shen Yin; he dared not let Zhengzheng face Shen Yin, for his acting of crying without tears was too poor.


    "Zhengzheng,e to mommy," Shen Yin extended her arms to take Zhengzheng, but he shook his head.


    Xu Xiuhe inwardly praised his son''s excellent acting skills; he had indeed taught him well to remember not to go to mom but to go inside instead.


    "Zhengzheng, don''t cry anymore, mommy was wrong, okay?" This was the first time in so long that Shen Yin had heard Zhengzheng cry so intensely while caring for him.


    "Want to go inside," Zhengzheng said with a sob in his voice.


    As soon as Xu Xiuhe heard this, he seized the opportunity and carried Zhengzheng into the bedroom without waiting for Shen Yin''s approval. Not only did they enter, but they also sat on the bed.


    "Zhengzheng must be tired, daddy is tired too, let''s sleep," Xu Xiuhe continued to deceive.


    The duo, one big and one small, swiftlyy down, intentionally leaving space for Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin stood dazed, watching their actions unfold. Only then did she realize that the father and son hade to take over the bed.


    As she prepared to leave and open the door, Zhengzheng sat up with tears in his eyes, saying, "Mommy, you don''t want Zhengzheng anymore?"


    The pitiful expression, tinged with sadness, made it seem as though tears would fall any moment. Shen Yin couldn''t bear it.


    Beside him, Xu Xiuhe also sat up, inwardly praising his son''s acting skills, which were so convincing that even he thought it was real.


    "No, no, mommy doesn''t not want Zhengzheng, mommy won''t leave," Shen Yin reluctantly returned to the bed andy down.


    She was still thinking about what Shu Yi had told her. It seemed true that she didn''t dislike Xu Xiuhe and might even have feelings for him. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have brought up divorce and would have continued living indifferently like before. But now that she had feelings, things were different, and she had to take it seriously.


    Soon, Zhengzheng fell asleep. Shen Yin didn''t know if Xu Xiuhe was asleep too. She got up from the bed and walked over to Xu Xiuhe''s side.


    Xu Xiuhe wasn''t asleep either. Seeing Shen Yin''s movements, he immediately pretended to be asleep, terrified that she might take advantage of Zhengzheng''s slumber to drive him out of the bedroom.


    It''s probably true that you can never wake someone who''s pretending to be asleep. Shen Yin called out to Xu Xiuhe several times by the bed, but he didn''t respond.


    Perhaps her voice was too soft, but if she raised it, would she wake Zhengzheng? To be honest, Zhengzheng and Xu Xiuhe did resemble each other; looking at them together, one could tell they were father and son.


    Xu Xiuhe kept his eyes closed, relieved that Shen Yin had stopped moving. Had she given up? He secretly rejoiced.


    Suddenly, Shen Yin leaned closer. Xu Xiuhe''s face did look quite like Zhengzheng''s. She couldn''t resist and gently pinched his face, just like she did with Zhengzheng''s.


    Xu Xiuhe could no longer keep up the act and opened his eyes, locking gazes with Shen Yin. She didn''t expect him to open his eyes so quickly; her action wasn''t forceful, just a light pinch like she did to Zhengzheng, who hadn''t woken up. Embarrassed, Shen Yin retracted her hand and took two steps back.


    Xu Xiuhe closed his eyes again, pretending nothing had happened.


    "Since you''re awake, don''t sleep anymore. Let''s go out and talk," Shen Yin cleared her throat and said.


    Xu Xiuhe knew they needed to rify things between them.


    Shen Yin turned and went to the living room, with Xu Xiuhe following behind. On his way out, he quietly closed the door.


    They sat on the sofa in the living room in silence for a moment before Xu Xiuhe spoke first, "About what was said earlier, I disagree. I don''t want a divorce, and it''s not because you''re the mother of my child, but because I have feelings for you."


    Shen Yin was shocked by this sudden confession.


    Xu Xiuhe continued, "Why did you suddenly bring up divorce? Weren''t we doing well just a few days ago? Weren''t you going to make clothes for me?"


    As soon as Xu Xiuhe mentioned making clothes, Shen Yin remembered that he had kissed her without her consent.


    "You kissed me without my consent," Shen Yin muttered.


    "So if I had your consent, I could kiss you?" Xu Xiuhe shamelessly said.

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    Every time Shen Yin didn''t know how to respond to Xu Xiuhe''s out-of-sync words: "It seems like I don''t have any feelings for you."


    "Really, not even a little bit?" Xu Xiuhe''s eyes were fixed on Shen Yin, not missing any of the subtle expressions on her face.


    Shen Yin hesitated for a moment and said, "No." In reality, whether she had feelings or not, she knew in her heart. Of all her body parts, her mouth was the most stubborn, and she didn''t know whose lead she was following.


    "It''s okay, as long as I have feelings for you, I like you. As long as you don''t resist me, we can slowly cultivate feelings. One day, there will be," Xu Xiuhe said confidently.


    "I''m not the Shen Yin I used to be," Shen Yin said.


    "I know," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Shen Yin felt anxious and uneasy. How did Xu Xiuhe know? Did she reveal herself?


    "Don''t be afraid, I like you as you are now," Xu Xiuhe recalled what Ji Qingyan had said, that the present Shen Yin was a different persona.


    "So from now on, I''ll pursue you. Don''t run away, and don''t mention divorce again, unless I''m gone. Otherwise, in the spouse section, only my name can be there." Xu Xiuhe''s tone was a little domineering.


    He was domineering by nature. He was unwilling to say more to others, but after understanding his feelings, he couldn''t wait to share everything with Shen Yin. This must be love.


    Inparison, his feelings for Qi Yan could hardly be considered liking her. During the more than a year he was with Qi Yan, she took the initiative in many things. Now, looking back on his attempts to keep her, it was just the routine a boyfriend should go through when breaking up.


    Shen Yin didn''t know if she had revealed herself to him, but Xu Xiuhe''s expression was very sincere. For a fleeting moment, she seemed to see a light in his eyes. If he liked her as she was now, did that mean she didn''t have to be so cautious anymore?


    "I still don''t know what to do," Shen Yin said. Everything was too sudden, she had never faced such a direct confession. At Dashen, she barely interacted with men.


    "Just give me time, leave the rest to me. Take your time epting it," Xu Xiuhe''s expression was serious and determined.


    Shen Yin thought for a moment and nodded. At the same time, she felt she was overacting, but it didn''t matter, at least she had an answer in her heart now.


    Xu Xiuhe stood up, heading towards the bedroom: "Let''s go back to sleep then."


    Before Shen Yin could say anything, he immediately said, "Xu Yunzheng will be sad if he doesn''t see me when he wakes up."


    Shen Yin''s words were stuck in her throat. Xu Xiuhe had anticipated this¡ªXu Yunzheng was her weakness, and now he knew how to handle her too well.


    Shen Yin was exhausted from the day. Her biological clock told her she had to sleep.


    The moonlight shone through the window onto the bed. The faint light allowed Xu Xiuhe to vaguely see Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng''s faces. He looked up at the window. Tonight''s moonlight was beautiful, and his mood was even more beautiful, to the point where he was too excited to sleep.


    Xu Xiuhey on his side, facing Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng. The minute hand on his watch went around and around. A few frog calls sounded from outside before it became quiet again, so quiet that he could hear the ticking of his watch.


    After a sleepless night, Xu Xiuhe got up the moment the sunlight shone through the window. He automatically covered Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng with a nket, lowered his head, and kissed Xu Yunzheng''s forehead.


    Shen Yin opened her eyes groggily. She had sleptter than usualst night and hadn''t woken up yet.


    Xu Xiuhe said softly, "Sleep a little longer, I''ll call you when the food is ready."


    The breakfast Xu Xiuhe made that morning was more abundant than before. There was millet porridge, boiled eggs, and he had also bought some steamed buns and dumplings from the neighbors across the street. He suddenly realized that living here was morefortable than at Ziyue Ting.


    Xu Xiuhe was in a good mood. When he arrived at thepany that morning, the receptionist noticed his good mood again.


    Messages appeared again in the chat group for dominating Heyuan Group and Yuanji Group.


    [The CEO is in a good mood today, but he looks like he has dark circles under his eyes.]


    [Was he too vigorousst night? Couldn''t sleep at all?]


    [Hey, what nonsense are you saying?]


    The group of assistants on the top floor saw the messages in the group and were scared. How could they speak so carelessly? They hadpletely forgotten that they used to be even more unrestrained, revealing thetest news every day.


    When Xu Xiuhe entered his office, he saw that Liu Bo had already arrived. Liu Bo had also seen the messages and looked at Xu Xiuhe''s face for a few seconds out of curiosity.


    "What''s wrong? Is there something on my face? Have you finished processing yesterday''s documents? Have youpleted the meeting minutes?"


    Liu Bo immediately averted his gaze and replied, "CEO, everything is done. It''s on your desk. Nothing, I''ll go now."


    "Hmm."


    After sitting down, Xu Xiuhe opened his phone and saw a flurry of messages pop up in the group. Things like dark circles, physical vigor, how long each timested¡ªyou name it, it was all there.


    Could his dark circles really be that bad? Xu Xiuhe opened the camera. It didn''t seem that serious. If you didn''t look carefully, you couldn''t tell at all.


    "Liu Bo,e in here."


    These days, Liu Bo''s life was a living hell. His boss now often left work early and frequently asked questions beyond his ability, treating him like a search engine.


    "Do I have obvious dark circles?" Xu Xiuhe asked. Shen Yin had said the same thing before.


    Liu Bo took a few steps forward. He had actually noticed when he was inside earlier. The truth was, the CEO had fair skin, so any slight dark circles were noticeable. But these dark circles wouldn''t be visible on an ordinary person''s face.


    "It''s not too bad. If you don''t look closely, you can''t tell," Liu Bo answered honestly.


    "Then who is this person, and how did he notice?" Xu Xiuhe pointed to the ID in his phone.


    Liu Bo had already revealed one person, so revealing another didn''t matter. "CEO, this is Chang Xue, thepany receptionist. When we recruited her, the requirements included 5.0 naked vision, courage, attentiveness, and goodmunication skills. She''s also a die-hard fan, so no pimple on anyone''s face can escape her eyes."


    Liu Bo thought Xu Xiuhe would have him summon Chang Xue again, but instead, Xu Xiuhe said, "Go to Ziyue Ting this afternoon and sort out my clothes and daily necessities from my room, and send them to No. 5 Building on Qinghe Street. Oh, and take Flower Flower home to look after her for a few days."


    "Qinghe Street?" Liu Bo asked.


    "My wife is there, so of course I have to go too." This time, Liu Bo was certain he heard a boastful tone in Xu Xiuhe''s voice.


    After Liu Bo left, Xu Xiuhe took out his phone and sent a message in the Heyuan Group and Yuanji Group chat: [I''ve had dark circles recently too, so how do I get rid of them?]


    [Use eye cream.]


    [Go to bed early, exercise and sleep in moderation.]


    Xu Xiuhe directly called the most expensive luxury goods store in Rongcheng and ordered 10 bottles of high-end eye cream to be sent to No. 5 Building on Qinghe Street.

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    Shen Yin was interviewing new fashion designers. There were three youngdies and a rather feminine young man.


    Shen Yin looked at their portfolios and thought they were decent. "You have half a day to design an outfit with an early summer theme. The type of clothing is not limited."


    There were a few tables upstairs where Shen Yin asked them to work on their designs. She was also sketching herself. If she could hire someone satisfactory, then she could focus solely on haute couture while leaving Li Huanhuan to handle the rest and increase publicity to raise the brand''s profile. As for herself, she nned to develop another career.


    "Hello, I''m the delivery person from the luxury retail store. This is the order for Mr. Xu. Please sign for it." The delivery person spoke to Li Huanhuan downstairs.


    Li Huanhuan didn''t dare sign for it as the brand was unattainably expensive for her. She called Shen Yin: "Boss, Mr. Xu''s order has arrived."


    When Shen Yin came downstairs, she called Xu Xiuhe: "The items you ordered are here."


    "Please sign for them. I bought some eye cream since you said I had dark circles."


    "An entire box full of just eye cream?" Shen Yin couldn''t believe it.


    "Ten bottles, we can use them together," Xu Xiuhe happily said, delighted his wife had called him proactively. He decided to buy more gifts to be delivered to the little house.


    Li Huanhuan stifled augh nearby. She had seen people hoarding items, but never to this extent. This brand was notoriously difficult to purchase, requiring VIP registration. Each tiny bottle of eye cream cost 5,499 yuan. Surely the boss''s husband didn''t think one bottle was for a single day''s use?


    "That''s too much. We should return some," Shen Yin suggested.


    "But we can''t return items after purchase. We''ll use them up, or give extras away as gifts," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Shen Yin was speechless. After signing, she politely thanked the delivery person.


    Shen Yin opened the exquisite gift box and took out five bottles of eye cream, handing them to Li Huanhuan. "You four can each have one bottle. I think we''ll have a new member join today, so the remaining bottle is for her."


    When Shen Yin hade downstairs earlier, she had decided to keep the short-haired girl while passing through the second floor.


    Li Huanhuan stood dazed, thinking she had misheard. But the five bottles of eye cream were right in front of her ¨C worth over a month''s sry.


    Shen Yin went upstairs and approached the short-haired girl. "What''s your name?"


    "I''m Wang Nannan."


    "Okay, you''re hired. Sorry, the three of you can leave. Topensate for the time, our studio will give each of you 200 yuan." Shen Yin had already transferred the money to Li Huanhuan''s ount.


    Not only was Li Huanhuan stunned downstairs, but it was the first time she had seen unsessful interviewees receivepensation. The other three were stunned too, feeling awkward after realizing they likely wouldn''t be hired after seeing Wang Nannan''s impressive designs.


    "Wang Nannan, how long have you studied fashion design?"


    "Four years in university, plus two more years of continuing education."


    "Not bad. Do you know why I hired you?"


    Wang Nannan shook her head.


    "Your design sketches show your experience. The dress you designed was clearly well-thought-out."


    Wang Nannan''s dress design was indeed thoughtful. For the early summer theme, she used green as the main color with red ents. Red and green together could seem gaudy, but Shen Yin sensed an elegance in this design.


    The reason was that Wang Nannan had incorporated traditional elements, using an ancient V-neck style for the cor. It was a short dress in shades of cooling green, with lotus leaf edges on the skirt and a touch of red on the sleeves ¨C perfectly bnced. With some modifications, it could be produced.


    Shen Yin assigned Wang Nannan some orders from the studio and found her an office on the second floor. Next, Shen Yin would sketch out various furniture designs from Dasheng based on her memories.


    As Shen Yin went to the third floor, she didn''t forget to bring the eye creams.


    "Mom, here''s an eye cream for you," Shen Yin said to Fang Yue, who was sitting on the sofa reading with Zhengzheng.


    "Why do you have so many bottles of eye cream? Did Xiuhe buy them?" Fang Yue noticed the expensive brand up close.


    "Yes, he bought ten bottles," Shen Yin said.


    "But there are only five here. Where are the rest?" Fang Yue asked.


    "I gave them to Chen Nuan, Huanhuan, and the others."


    Fang Yue didn''t know what to say. "Yin, do you know how much each bottle costs?"


    Shen Yin shook her head, having no recollection from the original person''s memories.


    "5,499 yuan per bottle," Fang Yue said, aware of Xu Xiuhe''s wealth but surprised her daughter was so casual about money.


    It was indeed expensive, Shen Yin thought, but she and Xu Xiuhe couldn''t use ten bottles anyway. She might as well give them as employee benefits.


    "Oh, Mom, you take one too," Shen Yin offered.


    Of course Fang Yue would ept a gift from her daughter and son-inw.


    "Mom, I''m not busy. Let me cook lunch while you take Zhengzheng."


    Shen Yin hadn''t been in the kitchen for a few days. She skillfully sliced potatoes, meat, and prepped various ingredients. The fridge had plenty of vegetables.


    While in the living room, Fang Yue''s mind was in the kitchen. She had never seen Shen Yin cook before. At home, she rarely cooked herself, having a maid. asionally she felt like cooking, but only once in a while. Here in the small house, the third floor wasn''t as spacious as a vi, so having an extra person would be inconvenient.


    After some time, Shen Yin had prepared steamed pork balls, shrimp with phoenix tails, stir-fried vegetables with mushrooms, and shredded potatoes.


    Fang Yue looked at the dishes, surprised. "Yin, when did you learn to cook so much? Your mother didn''t even know."


    "I learned abroad," Shen Yin lied.


    Fang Yue tasted the food and found it better than what she had eaten at fancy restaurants, feeling both proud and guilty. "Yin, you really struggled these past few years."


    "Mom, let''s not dwell on the past. Let''s eat," Shen Yin said.


    "Okay, okay, let''s talk about something happier. I saw on social media that the show Zhengzheng acted in airs tonight. Is that right?" Fang Yue turned and smiled at Zhengzheng.


    "Yes, Zhengzheng acted. Zhengzheng also acted yesterday," Zhengzheng happily said while eating.


    "Oh? Tell Grandma what y you acted in yesterday," Fang Yue curiously leaned in to ask.

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    "Dad said a real man should be flexible and yield softly," Zhengzheng only vaguely remembered the words.


    Huh? Fang Yue was slightly confused by the words she heard, wondering what it meant to be flexible and soft, and why Zhengzheng had to pretend to cry.


    Shen Yin, however, realized what was going on. How pitiful she felt for himst night, ming herself for a while. Little did she expect that it was all an act orchestrated by Xu Xiuhe, who, at his age, was teaching a little kid to fake cry. How shameless.


    "Zhengzheng, did your dad say that a real man should be flexible and yield softly? Did he ask you to pretend to cry?" Shen Yin patiently asked.


    After a moment of thinking, Zhengzheng nodded, "Yes."


    Fang Yue finally understood, "But why did your dad ask you to pretend to cry?"


    "Dad said..." Zhengzheng started, pointing at the sofa, "Dad said the sofa was ufortable."


    As Zhengzheng was about to continue, Shen Yin quickly interjected, "Zhengzheng, have a shrimp." She ced a shrimp in Zhengzheng''s small bowl.


    Fang Yue sensed something was off with Shen Yin''s behavior. Could it be that Shen Yin wanted Xu Xiuhe to sleep on the sofa? She gave Shen Yin an inquisitive look, trying to read her expression, but Shen Yin''s acting was too good to reveal anything.


    In reality, Shen Yin could hardly keep up the act anymore. Just yesterday afternoon, she had told Fang Yue that there was no conflict between her and Xu Xiuhe. Now, if Fang Yue found out that Shen Yin had wanted Xu Xiuhe to sleep on the sofast night, she would nag about it all day.


    For now, Zhengzheng was Shen Yin''s little buddy, and she couldn''t let him spill the beans.


    "Yin, in a marriage, you need to be understanding and tolerant of each other. Be careful not to let ill-intentioned people take advantage of any misunderstandings," Fang Yue advised in a seasoned tone.


    "I know, Mom," Shen Yin replied. There was no misunderstanding between her and Xu Xiuhe. As for those trying to take advantage, it seemed there was one.


    Shen Yin was furious. Why did she believe Zhengzheng and Xu Xiuhe''s liesst night? Those two big liars.


    After the meal, Shen Yin sent Xu Xiuhe a message:


    [Be careful what you say to Zhengzheng in the future. Don''t teach him to lie.]


    Xu Xiuhe had already pinned Shen Yin''s chat and set up message notifications. He had even changed her nickname to "Wife".


    The moment he saw Shen Yin''s message, without even thinking about how he was exposed, he immediately called her back in a lowered voice, "Wife, I was wrong. I won''t do it again. From now on, I''ll obediently listen to you."


    On the other end of the phone, Shen Yin was once again rendered speechless by Xu Xiuhe''s unique way with words.


    After a long pause, Shen Yin said, "Be serious, I mean it."


    "I am being serious," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Nevermind, I''m hanging up." Without any warning, Shen Yin abruptly ended the call.


    On his end, Xu Xiuhe stared at the disconnected phone in a daze. That was fast. It was the first time someone had hung up on him in years. So this was what it felt like.


    In the group chat with Chang Zhiyuan and Xue Jingrui, Chang Zhiyuan sent a message: [Are you guys free tonight? Let''s meet up at 8 PM at Qingfeng Mingyue.]


    Xu Xiuhe replied: [No, I need to go home and spend time with my wife and kid.] He had just made some progress and couldn''t afford to ck off now. He had to strike while the iron was hot. Shen Yin would eventually develop feelings for him.


    [Oh, showing off your hot and cozy family life, huh? Xue Jingrui and I will hang out then.] Chang Zhiyuan tagged Xue Jingrui.


    [I''m not free either. My parents have arranged a blind date for me tonight,] Xue Jingrui replied.


    [That was so sudden! Is marriage the next step then? Waaah, I''m the only single dog left.] Chang Zhiyuan sent a crying emoji after his message.


    [Yeah, it''s pretty fast. Who''s the other party?] Xu Xiuhe asked.


    [Qi Ji]


    [What a strange name, like a miracle,] Chang Zhiyuan had never heard that name before.


    [The youngest daughter of the Qi family from Yang City,] Xue Jingrui exined.


    Chang Zhiyuan was intrigued, [Oh, so she''s not from Rong City. Will you go to Yang City then?]


    [No need. I heard she''s already in Rong City. This is supposed to be a blind date, but it''s pretty much settled. Just like you said, marriage might be the next step. We''ll meet tonight,] Xue Jingrui said.


    [Holy shit, that''s so sudden! I''m the real clown now. Buddy, that''s not cool. Once you get married, my mom will nag me about getting married every day,] Chang Zhiyuan was shocked.


    [No way, I''ming too tonight. I want to see what Xue Jingrui''s future wife looks like,] Chang Zhiyuan sent another message.


    [It''s just a blind date, why do you need to butt in? Any progress with Shu Yi?]


    [No progress yet, but I still want to see this ''miracle'' girl. As long as she''s better than Qi Yan, it means your good deeds from your past life are being rewarded,] Chang Zhiyuan had always disliked Qi Yan. Years ago, Xu Xiuhe had walked away, but now Xue Jingrui seemed to be falling into the same trap. Chang Zhiyuan couldn''t understand what was so appealing about that woman that had Xue Jingrui so infatuated.


    [Xiuhe, you really don''t want toe and take a look?] The talkative Chang Zhiyuan asked again.


    [No, you go ahead. I need to go home and watch my son''s TV drama tonight,] Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Oh right, Chang Zhiyuan suddenly remembered that Shu Yi''s drama was airing tonight. He should show some support. No problem, he could both see the spectacle and watch the drama at the same time, he reassured himself.


    Xu Xiuhe had been busy with work today and had some documents left unfinished. Since it was Friday, he figured he could work a bit longer today and take tomorrow off. Liu Assistant could handle any less important matters.


    Liu Assistant was currently packing up Xu Xiuhe''s things at Ziyu Courtyard. After receiving Xu Xiuhe''s message, he felt the need to tell the CEO that he needed time to deal with personal matters. After all, he wasn''t that young anymore. All these years, he had traded his time for money.


    When Liu Assistant arrived at Qinghe Vi where Shen Yin was staying, she was shocked to see him, "Aren''t you Xu Xiuhe''s assistant? Why are you here?"


    "Madam, the CEO said that wherever his wife is, that''s his home," Liu Assistant felt he had brilliantly conveyed and even borated on Xu Xiuhe''s intentions. If the CEO knew about his reply, he would definitely give him a raise.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin wished she could find a hole to crawl into. It was now quitting time, and the five youngdies were downstairs, barely holding back theirughter.


    Holding Zhengzheng, Shen Yin turned around, intending to escape, "Please take it upstairs."


    Liu Assistant followed them up.


    The five youngdies exchanged nces, with only Wang Nannan looking puzzled, unaware of the situation.


    "Here, one bottle each. It''s a gift from the boss," Li Huanhuan took out some eye creams from behind the counter.


    "Wow, these are so expensive!" Chen Nuan eximed.


    Seeing Wang Nannan''s confused expression, Li Huanhuan smiled, "Don''t be surprised. Our boss''s husband is the CEO of Heyuan Group. They''re a sweet couple every day. There''s even a fan club for them on social media called ''Gxy CP.'' You should join and fangirl over them."


    "That''s right, they''re so shippable. The real-life CP is right in front of us. Oh my, I''m indulging in some sugar today," Jiang Meiyan eagerly promoted.


    Unable to contain herself, Li Huanhuan said, "Let me share some sugar. These eye creams were bought by the boss''s husband. He bought 10 bottles. His spending power is just too strong."

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    When Xu Xiuhe returned to the small building in Qinghe, the employees in the studio had already left for the day. He parked his car and nced at the lights on the third floor, instantly feeling a sense of belonging.


    Upon entering, he went straight to the third floor after closing the door. Shen Yin had her hair tied in two low buns and was stir-frying in the kitchen, while Xu Yunzheng sat on the carpet in the living room, ying with building blocks.


    Xu Xiuhe walked into the kitchen and said, "Dear, sorry I''mte. You must be tired." He actually wanted to hug Shen Yin from behind, but was afraid her instinctive reaction might cause her to swing the spat at his head, so he thought better of it.


    "Mm, dinner will be ready soon. Take Xu Yunzheng to wash his hands first," Shen Yin said.


    Xu Xiuhe felt that his wife''s words weremands now, so he immediately took Xu Yunzheng to wash his hands.


    In the bathroom, Xu Xiuhe held Xu Yunzheng up to the sink so he could reach it. Xu Yunzheng yed happily with the water, and Xu Xiuhe asked softly, "Xu Yunzheng, did you tell your mom that you were pretending to cryst night?"


    Xu Yunzheng was too busy ying with the bubbles on his hands to pay attention to Xu Xiuhe. Helplessly, Xu Xiuhe rinsed the bubbles off Xu Yunzheng''s hands, washed his own hands, and dried them both with a towel.


    After dinner, Xu Xiuhe took the initiative to clean up the dishes and wash the pots in the kitchen.


    Shen Yin sat on the couch with Xu Yunzheng, waiting for the broadcast of "The Legend of Xian Xi."


    At 8 o''clock sharp, "The Legend of Xian Xi" started on time. Xu Xiuhe sat on the couch, deliberately next to Shen Yin, their arms touching.


    Xu Xiuhe wore a short-sleeved shirt, while Shen Yin had on a casual T-shirt. Sitting so close, their bare skin touched, and they could feel each other''s warmth. Shen Yin felt awkward and ufortable, so she shifted away slightly. But Xu Xiuhe moved closer again, and Shen Yin shifted once more. Xu Xiuhe clung to her like a leech.


    As Shen Yin tried to move again, Xu Xiuhe said domineeringly, "Stop moving. If you keep shifting, Xu Yunzheng will fall off."


    Shen Yin didn''t dare move anymore. The TV yed the opening theme, which Shen Yin found quite pleasant.


    "Mommy!" Xu Yunzheng pointed at the TV.


    "Xu Yunzheng, that''s not Mommy. You''re mistaken. Mommy will be sad," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "It''s Mommy!" Xu Yunzheng insisted loudly.


    The opening sequence included a clip of Xian Xi riding a horse with Jiang Yuce, their faces unseen but their silhouettes quite dashing.


    Xu Xiuhe looked at Shen Yin and noticed her smiling and patting Xu Yunzheng''s head. Could it really be Shen Yin?


    If it was indeed Shen Yin, then he was in trouble for not recognizing his own wife and telling his son he was mistaken. Xu Xiuhe thought he might have to sleep on the couch that night.


    As the first episode yed, Xu Xiuhe''s attention had drifted. He messaged Chang Zhiyuan, "Has my wife ever appeared on TV before?"


    Chang Zhiyuan was eavesdropping on Xue Jingrui''s conversation with Qi Ji, eager not to miss any gossip about their rtionship. Seeing Xu Xiuhe''s message, he dismissively replied, "I think she rode a horse."


    Boom, Xu Xiuhe really felt doomed. "Send me her original video clip of that right now."


    Chang Zhiyuan had to ask Wang Ming, who in turn requested the raw footage from the editing team. After much effort, Xu Xiuhe finally saw the unedited video from all angles, revealing the full beauty and grace of the scene.


    If one had to describe it in a sentence: "A gentle smile as she gracefully rode by, her natural beauty and poise caught every eye."


    The untouched footage showed Shen Yin''s determination and inner strength, as well as her gentle, graceful demeanor.


    Xu Xiuhe turned to her. "Dear, I was wrong. My eyes failed me. You can scold me however you want, but please don''t make me sleep on the couch."


    Shen Yin didn''t know what was going on, but she felt an urge tough at how adorable Xu Xiuhe seemed.


    "No talking during the show," she replied.


    Xu Xiuhe promptly fell silent. Since Shen Yin didn''t say anything else, did that mean he could still sleep in their bed tonight? With that thought, his mood brightened instantly.


    Seeing Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng both engrossed in the show, thetter asionally calling out "Mommy," Xu Xiuhe had an idea.


    He suddenly kissed Shen Yin''s cheek and quickly pulled away. Shen Yin was caughtpletely off guard and touched her face, thinking to herself, "Scoundrel!"


    Unfortunately, Xu Yunzheng had witnessed the whole thing. Imitating his father, he seized the moment while Shen Yin was distracted and kissed her other cheek, then giggled mischievously.


    "Xu Yunzheng, you can''t just kiss girls other than Mommy, understand?" Shen Yin said gently.


    Xu Xiuhe had drawn a bath and came to carry Xu Yunzheng in. "Xu Yunzheng, Daddy''s going to give you a bath, and then it''s bedtime."


    As Xu Yunzheng sat naked in the child''s bathtub, Xu Xiuhe suddenly said, "Xu Yunzheng, you''re growing up."


    "Yes, Xu Yunzheng is a big boy now, a real man," Xu Yunzheng proudly pped his hand on the water.


    "Real men can''t just kiss girls, including Mommy. I''ll give you one more year. When you turn three, you can''t kiss Mommy or sleep with her anymore, got it?"


    Xu Yunzheng pouted and shook his head.


    Having sessfully stolen a kiss, Xu Xiuhe decided to let it go for now and teach Xu Yunzheng again when he turned three.


    After bathing Xu Yunzheng, Xu Xiuhe put him on the bed in the bedroom and quickly showered himself before joining them.


    "Dear, I''ve drawn your bath. You can go ahead," he said cheerfully.


    Seeing that Xu Yunzheng was almost asleep, Xu Xiuhe checked his phone and saw Chang Zhiyuan''s messages in the group chat.


    "I seriously suspect Xue Jingrui is involved in child trafficking. That girl Qi Ji looks like a minor," Chang Zhiyuanmented.


    "No, she''s 22, just graduated from university. She has a baby face," Xue Jingrui replied.


    "Oh, she does look really young. But she''s pretty cute, and has a sweet way of speaking. Not bad, Xue Jingrui. You must have umted great virtue in your past life," Chang Zhiyuan said.


    "When''s the wedding?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Getting the marriage license next Monday, wedding ceremony set for mid-next month," Xue Jingrui responded.


    "Damn, that''s fast. Hard to believe. Does Qi Yan know?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    Xue Jingrui didn''t reply, and Chang Zhiyuan furiously typed away.


    "Xue Jingrui, let me tell you, Qi Yan is not the right match for you. You need to let her go. Do you really think she genuinely likes Xu Xiuhe? You think she''s after his money? Her family''s not short on money either, so why is she pursuing Xu Xiuhe relentlessly? It''s because what you can''t have is the most desirable. She can''t stand losing. A woman''s pride and obsession can be terrifying sometimes. How could she not know you like her? But why hasn''t she responded? Because having a rich and powerful man pursuing her, being his backup option, is something for her to be proud of and satisfies her vanity. But the moment you stop liking her, just watch, she''ll definitely react. So it''s best to cut ties cleanly. I think this girl Qi Ji seems quite nice."

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    Chang Zhiyuan had sent messages to the group, which the two people saw.


    Xu Xiuhe expressed his default and remained silent.


    A momentter, Xue Jingrui sent a message [Okay, got it.]


    Chang Zhiyuan was finally satisfied, [Brother, the road ahead is long and arduous. Not having feelings now doesn''t mean you won''t have them in the future. It''s a long journey, you have to try. Look at Xiuhe, he''s always talking about his wife and kids these days, isn''t that great? Who knows, maybe by this time next year, you''ll be able to hold your son too.]


    When Xu Xiuhe saw that Chang Zhiyuan had cued him, he replied [Sleeping with my wife and child, you guys chat slowly.] Then he turned off his phone,y down, and waited for Shen Yin toe in.


    [Look at this guy, showing off again.]


    Xue Jingrui [.]


    After taking a shower, Shen Yin returned to the bedroom, only to see Xu Xiuhe lying next to Zhengzheng with his eyes closed. Since they had already slept in the same bed twice, she couldn''t be so petty as to make herself sleep on the couch, right? Besides, they each slept on their own side, so it wasn''t a big deal. Thinking this, Shen Yin slept on the other side of Zhengzheng.


    Xu Xiuhe only felt at ease when he saw Shen Yin lying down. He secretly opened his eyes, looked at the mother and son, and then closed his eyes again.


    The night became quiet again. Zhengzheng didn''t sleep well and liked to snuggle up to people. Coincidentally, Shen Yin also liked to sleep snuggled up to Zhengzheng during this period. As a result, the two moved in the same direction.


    Xu Xiuhe was squeezed to the edge of the bed again, in a position where he could fall off with just one turn. With no choice, Xu Xiuhe got up and slept next to Shen Yin. He was afraid that Shen Yin would go and snuggle up to Zhengzheng again, and what if Zhengzheng fell to the ground? That wouldn''t do.


    He pulled Shen Yin into his embrace, holding her in his arms. Sure enough, Zhengzheng moved a bit toward Shen Yin''s side. Now no one would be squeezed off the bed.


    But after a while, Xu Xiuhe regretted it. What sin had hemitted? The bundle in his arms was soft and gave off a wonderful scent. As a grown man, he simply couldn''t resist.


    Shen Yin was dreaming, but this time her dream wasn''t a nightmare. In the dream, she saw a girl, about sixteen or seventeen years old, with her hair tied in a high ponytail, sitting in a ssroom.


    For some reason, Shen Yin felt that this girl gave her a strange feeling, as if she had never met her before, yet she seemed so familiar. The girl in the dream was full of cogen and exuded the energy of youth.


    It wasn''t until the girl wrote in her diary, "Today is the 30th day of Yinyin''s transmigration. I wonder if my dad and mom miss me. Although my current dad and mom are very good to me, I still miss them a little."


    It was then that Shen Yin realized that this girl was the original Shen Yin, who had transmigrated to another world. But her appearance, expression, and mentality didn''t seem quite like the original host''s. After all, the original host had been in so much pain before. Shen Yin was puzzled and moved a little in Xu Xiuhe''s embrace.


    Then the dream continued, and the girl wrote another passage: "It''s so strange, why did I end up here? I was taking an exam, felt sleepy and took a nap, but when I opened my eyes again, I was in an unfamiliar ssroom with people I didn''t know, and I had changed from Shen Yin to Tou Yu."


    So the original host had also transmigrated to another world like her? Then what about the original host''s memories? Why was it that she had fallen asleep during an exam and gone over? Shen Yin didn''t understand, but seeing the original host''s radiant smile, she suddenly felt at peace. She wanted to learn more, but it was as if a mysterious force suddenly pulled her out of the dream.


    Shen Yin opened her eyes and her consciousness became clear. She felt that something was amiss, why was she in Xu Xiuhe''s embrace, and so close too? She clearly felt something poking her thigh, and two secondster she suddenly understood what it was. It seemed that all the TV shows, books, and paperbacks she had studied before weren''t in vain.


    Shen Yin hurried to struggle and get up.


    "Don''t move." Xu Xiuhe could no longer hold back, but it wasn''t time yet. Shen Yin hadn''t epted him yet, so he got up and went into the bathroom.


    Shen Yiny in bed for a long time, dazed. She opened her phone - it was 12:30 AM.


    Shen Yin also got up and walked into the living room, drank some water, and then sat on the couch. She needed to sort out her thoughts, not only about Xu Xiuhe''s reaction just now, but also about the dream she had.


    Either of these things was enough to keep her awake tonight. She had to calm down.


    More than half an hourter, Xu Xiuhe came out of the bathroom but didn''t see Shen Yin in bed.


    He panicked. His hair was still dripping wet, but he left the bedroom and saw Shen Yin sitting dazed on the couch. Xu Xiuhe walked over and said softly, "Sorry, I scared you just now. I didn''t mean it, it was just a physiological reaction of the body."


    Shen Yin turned her face to look at Xu Xiuhe. He was wearing pajamas with a serious expression, his hair dripping water.


    "Do you know where the former Shen Yin went?" Shen Yin asked calmly.


    Xu Xiuhe was shocked. What was going on? Was it possible that he had just scared Shen Yin into some kind of mental disorder and she was now talking nonsense? Xu Xiuhe''s expression changed from serious to suspicious.


    Seeing that Xu Xiuhe didn''t speak, Shen Yin continued, "Sit down first."


    Xu Xiuhe sat down upon hearing this.


    "We used to sit like this in the living room too. I said I wasn''t the former Shen Yin anymore, and you said you knew. How did you know?" Shen Yin asked.


    "You''ve recovered to normal," Xu Xiuhe replied honestly.


    "Hmm, there are indeed many things that can''t be exined by science, like why I ended up here."


    Xu Xiuhe still didn''t know what to say and just looked at Shen Yin silently. He seemed to understand that Shen Yin''s meaning of "I''m not the former Shen Yin" wasn''t the same as his understanding.


    Xu Xiuhe remained rtively calm, after all, Shen Yin''s dream was predictive. "So where are you from?"


    "Oh, I''m from a dynasty that never existed in history. You might say it''s incredible, but if I had to name a period, it would probably be the Song Dynasty. Our history is the same as the Song Dynasty, but there''s no record of our Dasheng Dynasty in history."


    Xu Xiuhe was very shocked, and then fear followed. He was afraid that the person in front of him would leave at any time, disappear from his sight at any moment.


    "Will you leave here?" Xu Xiuhe asked in a trembling voice.


    "Do you know how I got here?"


    Xu Xiuhe shook his head.


    "I was originally the legitimate daughter of a wealthy family, destined to live a carefree life. But my stepmother thought I would hinder her path, so she nned to marry me off to a prince 21 years older than me. I didn''t want that, so I tried to force my father to refuse by attempting suicide. I chose to jump into ake. I had arranged for someone to rescue me, but it turned out that the person meant to rescue me was working for my stepmother all along."

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    A while ago, it made Xu Xiuhe even more heartbroken.


    "So I came here, and when I woke up, I was lying in the bathtub, while the original Shen Yin had drowned herself in the bathtub. I don''t know how much courage she mustered to choose to leave in this way."


    "She chose to leave because she wanted to escape the pain. By the way, she didn''t dislike you. She disliked her inability to do anything about that rtionship. Iter realized that in that rtionship, she was the biggest victim, but she still doesn''t know that. The person she liked is now married."


    Xu Xiuhe was shocked. That was a lot of information to take in. No wonder Shen Yin didn''t want to talk to him before and spoke coldly to him. Thinking about it now, her behavior wasn''t unreasonable at all.


    "What about her now?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "I thought she had died, but I just dreamed of her. She has also gone to another world, seemingly having lost the memory of that painful experience, and is still in school now."


    Xu Xiuhe processed this, then asked, "Will you leave?"


    Shen Yin shook her head. "The dream told me, since I''m here, I should stay."


    Xu Xiuhe''s anxious heart finally settled.


    "Does anyone else know about this?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin shook her head again.


    "Good, don''t let anyone else know, including your parents," Xu Xiuhe advised. No one would believe such a thing. They might even think she''s mentally ill. And if someone did believe it, it could invite unnecessary trouble.


    "Okay, but I''m actually 16 years old. Could you please not..." Shen Yin looked at Xu Xiuhe''s lower body.


    Xu Xiuhe rubbed his forehead. After all this, his wife was still a minor. Suddenly, an idea struck Xu Xiuhe.


    "Don''t take advantage of me not being from ancient times. For you, 15 was the ''ji li'' age, meaning you reached the age to wear a ji li hairpin. For girls, 15 was the most suitable age for marriage. I''ve already gifted you a hairpin, not to mention your body is already 24 years old. No matter how you look at it, I can do it, and it''s not something I can control."


    Shen Yin was dumbfounded by Xu Xiuhe''s long-winded argument. Thinking about it carefully, what he said did seem to make sense.


    "So you told me all this because you trust me or have epted me, right?" Xu Xiuhe pushed further.


    "Who epted you?" Shen Yin''s wordscked conviction, as if she did trust Xu Xiuhe now.


    "Do you still like me this way?" Shen Yin asked seriously.


    "I do. Remember, I like you - the normal you, or rather the you from Dasheng. You''ll always be the only one in my spouse column, understand?" Xu Xiuhe said.


    Shen Yin felt embarrassed and lowered her head. Such a direct confession was something she had never heard before.


    "Can you give me a timeframe for when you might ept me?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "I don''t know," Shen Yin truly didn''t know, but she felt like she had already epted him.


    "Then in the future, can I hug you and kiss you?" Xu Xiuhe asked again.


    Shen Yin didn''t respond.


    "Your silence means you consent," Xu Xiuhe said, then scooped Shen Yin up and carried her to the bedroom.


    "I can walk myself," Shen Yin said.


    Xu Xiuhe ignored her and kept carrying her as Shen Yin didn''t struggle.


    Xu Xiuheid Shen Yin on the bed, theny down himself.


    The sober Shen Yin felt extremely ufortable lying in Xu Xiuhe''s embrace. She could clearly smell his faint, pleasant scent.


    "Could you not hug me? I''m not used to it," she said.


    "My dear wife, if I don''t hug you, my junior will get squished," Xu Xiuhe whispered in Shen Yin''s ear in a low, sexy voice.


    Shen Yin''s ear tickled, and she wanted to change positions.


    "Don''t move. I don''t want another cold shower. If something really happens, you''ll have to take responsibility," Xu Xiuhe said in a deep voice tinged with sensuality.


    Over the years, Xu Xiuhe had only been intimate with his wife on their wedding night. His desire wasn''t usually strong, and he could often take care of it himself, but not this time with the woman he liked in his arms. He was a little afraid he might lose control.


    Shen Yin didn''t dare move and stiffened, then fell asleep without realizing it.


    The first rays of morning sunlight shone in again, and Shen Yin woke up. She tiptoed to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, and washed her face.


    Then she cooked breakfast: steamed buns, soy milk, and egg soup. As usual, after eating, Xu Xiuhe went to work, and thepany employees gradually arrived.


    Shen Yin sat at her desk, continuing to write her next n. Fengfeng sat on the carpet, scribbling in a notebook with a pen. Suddenly, her phone rang.


    "Hello," Shen Yin answered without checking who it was.


    "Yin Yin, Mom has something to do this morning, so I won''te over until the afternoon," said Fang Yue.


    "Okay, Mom, I''m not busy. You don''t need toe today."


    "Alright," Fang Yue hung up.


    Then a message popped up from Shu Yi.


    [Yin Yin, did you watch my showst night?]


    [What do you think?] Shen Yin replied.


    [Hahaha, Yin Yin, you''re so great. Xu Xiuhe really lucked out in his previous eight lifetimes. By the way, have you two made any progress?]


    [I think I might like him a little now.]


    [Oh, what stage are you at?]


    [Last night he hugged me while we slept.]


    [Wow, that''s progressing fast. Was that all, or did you do other things?]


    [No.] Shen Yin blushed at the message.


    When Shu Yi saw Shen Yin''s reply, her first thought was that Xu Xiuhe really had no reaction while holding such a beauty in his arms.


    Shu Yi sent a video call, which Shen Yin hurriedly answered. "Is he impotent?!" Shu Yi''s gossipy heart had never been stronger - this was even juicier than celebrity gossip about secret marriages.


    Shen Yin suddenly remembered her situation upon waking from a dreamst night, so she whispered, "He''s capable."


    "Hahahaha, no need to be shy. You''re married, it''s normal," Shu Yi had already imagined all sorts of scenarios.


    "Will it hurt a lot?" Shen Yin shyly asked, truly afraid.


    "Based on my many years of reading novels, it should be bitter at first, then sweet. It''s supposed to feel great," Shu Yi imparted her wisdom.


    "Come on, Yin Yin. You, a mother, are asking me, a virgin, this question. Don''t you think that''s a bit unreasonable?" Shu Yiughed.


    Shen Yin thought about it - that was indeed unreasonable. "Then who should I ask? You''re my only friend."

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    In an instant, Shu Yi felt heartbroken. She had been there too, hadn''t she? The entertainment industry was all about personal interests, and no one could speak their true feelings. So she chose to escape. When there were shows to film, she would act; when there were none, she would live her own life. Back in high school, she had a very good friend, but that friend eventually ended up with the person Shu Yi had secretly admired.


    She pretended not to care, but deep down, she felt hurt. After entering university and getting busy with their own lives, Shu Yi let go of her feelings for that secret crush. But her friend had already made new friends. Shu Yi no longer had any close friends around her, so meeting Shen Yin was her great fortune.


    Bing friends with Shen Yin was quite miraculous. Before she knew it, they had be very close. Sometimes, fate truly works in wondrous ways. You never know what might happen the next second, nor can you predict what kind of person will click with you, until you meet them.


    "Yin Yin, although I can''t experience it firsthand for you, I can look into the novel again. If that doesn''t work, I can watch the movie adaptation for you. Wait for me, I''ll let you know tonight," Shu Yi said casually.


    "That''s too much trouble for you," Shen Yin replied.


    "We''re close friends," Shu Yi''s expression conveyed a sense of assurance.


    After hanging up the call, Shu Yi did indeed open a novel website. Just as she was reading an intriguing synopsis, a message popped up.


    Seeing that long-forgotten name, those two familiar words, felt strangely unfamiliar to Shu Yi.


    The sender was Wei Yuan. [Yue Ru, it''s June already. Are youing to the ss reunion?]


    Shu Yi didn''t reply.


    [At the hotel across from Rong City No.3 Middle School, the time is set for tomorrow night. Pleasee this time, it''s been years since west saw each other,] Wei Yuan urged.


    Shu Yi looked at the message. Since graduating, she had indeed never attended any ss reunions. It wasn''t because she was putting on airs as a celebrity but rather because she had never truly blended in with that ss during high school.


    After some thought, Shu Yi changed her clothes, grabbed her car keys, and headed to Qinghe Vi.


    "Is your boss on the third floor?" Shu Yi asked Li Huanhuan on the first floor.


    "Yes, yes," Li Huanhuan nodded excitedly. For her, this wasn''t just a job; she was also an avid fan.


    Upon reaching the third floor, Shu Yi changed into a pair of slippers and peeked in, asking, "Didn''t your auntiee today?"


    Hearing her voice, Zhengzheng looked up and called out, "Auntie mom." After that, she continued ying with her little building blocks.


    Shen Yin raised her head, a bit surprised. "Why did youe over now? Don''t tell me you''ve figured out the answer to my question and rushed here to tell me."


    "I''m here to freeload a meal," Shu Yi said matter-of-factly.


    "You had me worried for a second there. I actually thought you had found the answer and came to share it with me," Shen Yin replied.


    Hearing this, Shu Yi chuckled, "How could I figure it out so quickly? I came to find you because there''s something I want to confide in you about."


    Shen Yin raised an eyebrow, concerned. "Did something happen?"


    "Let me show you what I looked like before," Shu Yi said, taking out her phone from her bag and opening the photo gallery. She flipped to a picture and handed the phone to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin looked at the photo, then at Shu Yi, and said, "The change is quite significant, but if you look closely, it''s not that different."


    In the photo, Shu Yi''s face was dark and red, with some e. She looked rather chubby, wearing ck-framed sses with thick, old-fashioned lenses. Overall, she was nearly unrecognizablepared to her current self.


    "For the three years of high school, I pretty much looked like this," Shu Yi said, her expression showing her reluctance to recall that past. "I got sick in middle school and took a lot of medication. Then, during military training, I got sunburned. My face became puffy, dark, and covered in e. At that time, I was always very self-conscious, feeling like an ugly duckling unable to fit in with the group. I had a very low presence in ss. There was only one friend, named Wei Yuan. She had a great personality, was beautiful, and had many friends around her."


    Shu Yi leaned her head on Shen Yin''s shoulder, and Shen Yin gently patted her back.


    "It''s okay, that''s all in the past now. Our Shu Yi is now a big star loved by so many people," Shen Yinforted her, not expecting that the cool and aloof Shu Yi she saw on TV had such a past, so different from the open-hearted persona she showed in private.


    "My original name wasn''t Shu Yi; Shu Yi is just my stage name. Only a few people know that my real name is Shu Yue Ru. Isn''t it a bit rustic?" Shu Yi asked with augh.


    "Not at all, it''s a nice name," Shen Yin replied.


    "During the summer after the college entrance exams, my mom took me to get LASIK surgery. Every night, she would take me out for runs to exercise. With the medication having stopped for a few years, my body slowly regained its shape, and my skin became fairer. Luckily, I was in an experimental ss, and my exam scores were decent, so I got into Rong City University of Science and Technology to study mechanical engineering. Acting was purely idental for me. A film crew came to our university to shoot a movie, and the director selected me. Later on, thanks to some good luck, I acted in several low-budget youth dramas during college and got signed by the mediapany under the Chang Corporation due to my decent acting skills. Back then, I almost didn''t graduate because of acting," Shu Yi suddenly straightened up as she spoke.


    "That''s amazing, bncing work and studies so well," Shen Yin praised.


    "I actually had a secret crush on a boy in high school. When we graduated in our senior year, he got together with Wei Yuan. I instantly lost my feelings for him. Apart from Wei Yuan, I cut off contact with everyone else in the ss. They probably don''t even know that Shu Yi is actually Shu Yue Ru. After all, who would pay attention to an ugly duckling, right?" Shu Yi''s tone carried a sense of resignation.


    "Don''t say that. The ugly duckling has now be a beautiful swan. Our Shu Yi is the most beautiful swan of all," Shen Yin said.


    Shu Yi burst outughing. "Yin Yin, you''re the best."


    "Now that you''ve talked about it, do you feel a bit better?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I do feel better, but there''s one more thing. Next week, there''s going to be a high school ss reunion. Wei Yuan invited me, but I''ve never attended one before. She doesn''t know that I''m Shu Yi," Shu Yi exined. "So I''m not sure if I should go or not."


    "Go if you want to, or decline if you don''t," Shen Yin advised.


    "Actually, I want to see what the person I liked back then looks like now. But I''m worried that if I go, my high school photos might get leaked online. There have never been any pictures of me from before my debut, and I have to say, Chang Zhiyuan has been really good at protecting the privacy of his artists."


    "Even if they get leaked, there''s no need to worry. This is a story of our sess and transformation. I''ve made a bit of money recently, so I can handle the public rtions for you anytime," Shen Yin reassured her.


    Shu Yi was deeply touched and hugged Shen Yin tightly. Seeing this, Zhengzheng came toddling over, jumping up and down, "Zhengzheng wants a hug too!"


    "Then let Auntie mom give Zhengzheng a kiss first," Shu Yi turned around and nted a kiss on Zhengzheng''s little face.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    "Oh right, why didn''t Auntiee?" Shu Yi asked again as it was nearing noon.


    "My mom said she has something to attend to. I''ll ask what it ister. Watch Zhengzheng for me, I''ll go make lunch," said Shen Yin as she got up.


    Having opened up about her troubles, Shu Yi knew the answer and felt much better. "Zhengzheng, I''ll y with the building blocks with you."


    "Okay," the twoy down on the carpet.


    "This triangle piece should go here," Shu Yi picked up a block, about to ce it on the rectangle.


    "Ugly, put it here," Zhengzheng pointed to a curved block.


    "Hmm, so you know what''s ugly now. But I want to put it here," Shu Yi acted a bit childish, teasing Zhengzheng.


    Xu Yunzheng looked at Shu Yi, blinked his eyes, lowered his head to continue stacking his blocks, but said: "A real man yields."


    "Ah hahahahaha, sweetie, who taught you that? You''re cracking me up!" Shu Yi, not looking like a celebrity at all, burst intoughter.


    Shen Yin heard it from the kitchen and smiled too. Not far from the living room, she said, "Xu Xiuhe taught him, always telling him weird things."


    "How nice, our Zhengzheng is such a gentleman. If I were ten years younger, Auntie would definitely wait for you," Shu Yi joked.


    Shen Yin was shocked to hear such racy words. Shu Yi was around the same age as her, 24, so ten years younger would only be 14 - how could she wait for him? "Ahem, don''t corrupt the child now."


    "Just kidding," Shu Yi and Zhengzheng picked up the blocks again.


    The phone on the desk rang. Shen Yin was cooking, so she turned and said, "Shu Yi, can you get that for me?"


    Shu Yi got up, saw "Mom" on the caller ID and said, "Yin, it''s Auntie calling."


    Shen Yin turned off the stove, wiped her hands, took the phone from Shu Yi and answered, "Hello, Mom, what''s up?"


    "Yin, I can''t make it over this afternoon either," Fang Yue''s voice sounded solemn.


    Shen Yin detected something off in Fang Yue''s tone and asked, "Mom, did something happen?"


    "Nothing major, just that your dad''s not feeling well and needs to stay in the hospital for a few days," Fang Yue said.


    Shen Yin froze for a moment. "Is it serious?"


    Regarding Shen Tianzheng, she wasn''t sure how she felt. He was stubborn and conservative, patriarchal and traditional. But she couldn''t change the fact that he was the original host''s father, though the memories of the original self seemed to have faded in this dream.


    "Not serious. He had surgeryst night and should be able to go home in a few days. I need to look after your dad these few days, so I won''t be able toe over. Don''t overwork yourself," Fang Yue advised.


    Shen Yin felt an inexplicable pang of sadness. "Mom, which hospital is he at? Have you eaten? I can bring you some food."


    "No no, your brother bought food already. You have Zhengzheng with you, it''s inconvenient. No need toe over," Fang Yue said.


    "Okay. Mom, don''t overwork yourself either," Shen Yin reminded her. Truth be told, she wasn''t close with Shen Tianzheng at all, having only met him a few times. Thest time was seeing him, a man in his 50s, smiling as he pushed a swing in the sunset. After some thought, Shen Yin decided to visit the hospital that afternoon.


    "What''s wrong?" Shu Yi asked.


    "Nothing," Shen Yin replied.


    At lunchtime, Shen Yin didn''t have much appetite despite the delicious food. She didn''t have feelings for Shen Tianzheng after all.


    "Shu Yi, if your father treated you really badly,pletely controlled you, butter you realized he did it all for your own good, would you still hate him?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I would, but love and hate aren''t mutually exclusive. I''d still hate him, but he''s my father who did it for me, so I''d also love him. It''s quite a contradictory feeling," Shu Yi said.


    After lunch, Shu Yi left to go shopping for tomorrow''s costume. Shen Yin wished her luck with a smile.


    In the afternoon, after handling orders for her studio, Shen Yin called Fang Yue again to ask which hospital and room number Shen Tianzheng was in.


    Knowing hospital environments could be unpleasant and the food not very appetizing, Shen Yin prepared some light dishes suitable for patients. She didn''t know what illness Shen Tianzheng had, but if he couldn''t eat it, Fang Yue could.


    Around 4pm, Shen Yin finished cooking and called Xu Xiuhe to let him know she was going to the hospital and might be backte, so he shouldn''t wait for her.


    Xu Xiuhe thought something had happened to Shen Yin and immediately asked, "What''s wrong? Are you not feeling well?"


    "No, it''s my dad who''s hospitalized. I''m going to see him," Shen Yin said.


    After hanging up, Xu Xiuhe immediately had his assistant Liu look up which hospital and room Shen Tianzheng was in. In the past, he might have thought it wasn''t his business since they were just business partners. But now it was different - that was his father-inw. Even if Shen Yin wasn''t the original Shen Yin anymore, in the eyes of others, these rtionships were very real.


    "Get some fruit and nutritional supplements and put them in my trunk," Xu Xiuhe instructed.


    After getting off work, Xu Xiuhe didn''t return to the Qinghe Vi, but went straight to Rongcheng First Hospital. When he arrived at the ward, Shen Yin and Zhengzheng were already there.


    It was a two-room ward, with the sickbed inside and a bed for caregivers outside, along with a sofa and cab.


    Xu Xiuhe put the items he bought in the cab and asked, "Is it serious? What did the doctor say?"


    "Liver cancer. It wasn''t detected toote. He had surgeryst night and may need chemotherapy after," Fang Yue''s spirits were low and she looked haggard.


    "Don''t worry too much, he''ll recover," Xu Xiuheforted her.


    In her past life in Da Sheng, Shen Yin had no concept of cancer. But after being here for over two months, she had some understanding of it.


    "Mom, don''t worry, medical treatments are so advanced nowadays," Shen Yin consoled her too.


    Zhengzheng in Shen Yin''s arms didn''t fully understand, but could sense his grandma''s sadness, so he reached out to pat Fang Yue''s shoulder.


    Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin stood by the door to the inner sickroom. Shen Tianzhengy on the bed, eyes closed, looking much thinner. Shen Yin didn''t know if it was a psychological effect, but for a fleeting moment, she felt a pang in her heart.


    "Where''s my brother?" Shen Yin asked.


    "He went to thepany this afternoon. Probably won''t be here untilter," Fang Yue replied.


    "Mom, have something to eat first," Shen Yin put Zhengzheng down and took the dishes out of the lunchbox.


    "I''m not hungry," Fang Yue had zero appetite at the moment.


    Xu Xiuhe spoke up, "Mom, you still need to eat something. If you starve yourself, who will look after Dad?"


    This was the scene Shen Lv walked in on when he arrived.

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    This time when Shen Yin saw Shen Lv again, she felt that Shen Lv had changed, though she couldn''t pinpoint exactly what had changed, but she just felt he was different from before.


    "Yin Yin is here?" Shen Lv asked.


    "Mm-hmm."


    "Is Dad awake?" Shen Lv turned his head to look at Fang Yue.


    Fang Yue shook her head, looking exceptionally weary. Cancer is something that is difficult to detect in the early stages. Fortunately, the Shen Group has a physical examination every six months, and it was discovered in yesterday''s examination. Shen Lv had immediately contacted experts for surgery, but the liver is such a vital organ. Shen Tianzhengy there, pale and looking extremely weak.


    For most of his life, Shen Tianzheng was Fang Yue''s everything. She had been through thick and thin with Shen Tianzheng, tasting both the bitterness and sweetness, but she never expected him to suddenly fall ill. Fang Yue couldn''t ept it at first, and she hadn''t slept since learning the news yesterday.


    "What did the doctor say about when he might wake up?" Xu Xiuhe asked from the side.


    "Tonight at thetest," Fang Yue said, looking at the bed inside with worry in her eyes.


    The room fell silent again for a while, then Zhengzheng walked over to the bedside, pointed at the bed-ridden Shen Tianzheng, and turned to look at Shen Yin, saying, "Grandpa sick."


    Hearing Zhengzheng''s words, Fang Yue couldn''t hold it together anymore. She had been holding back her sorrow sincest night, forcing herself to remain calm and not panic. But at Zhengzheng''s words, she broke down, tears streaming down her face in front of her son, daughter, and son-inw.


    Zhengzheng ran up to Fang Yue, who was sitting in a chair, and reached up with his little hands, trying to touch Fang Yue''s face. "Grandma no cry."


    "Mm-hmm, Grandma won''t cry," Fang Yue said, wiping the tears from her face with her hand.


    "Mom, have something to eat and get some rest. Dad will feel bad if he sees you like this," Shen Lv said.


    "I''ll rest after your father wakes up," Fang Yue insisted. How could she sleep if Shen Tianzheng hadn''t woken up?


    Shen Lv didn''t persuade her further, knowing full well the depth of feeling between his parents after all these years. He turned to Shen Yin and said, "Yin Yin, it''s gettingte. You should head back. Zhengzheng is still little, and the hospital is no ce for him."


    Shen Yin finally realized what was different¡ªShen Lv now seemed much more mature.


    "Cough, cough." The sound came from the hospital bed, instantly drawing everyone''s attention.


    Shen Tianzheng opened his eyes with difficulty, nced around the room, and finally settled his gaze on Fang Yue. "Why are you crying? Can''t you see I can still talk?"


    Shen Tianzheng''s voice was still quite weak. Hearing it made Fang Yue feel even worse¡ªjust yesterday he had been fine, but now...


    "Don''t cry anymore. Your eyes are swollen, and it doesn''t look good," Shen Tianzheng tried to sit up.


    "Dad, don''t move," Shen Lv stepped forward and adjusted the height of the bed so that Shen Tianzheng could see them.


    "Yin Yin and Xiuhe are here too," Shen Tianzheng finally noticed the couple.


    "Dad," Xu Xiuhe called out.


    "Grandpa," Zhengzheng called out too.


    Seeing Zhengzheng call him Grandpa, Shen Tianzheng smiled a little, but it seemed the smile might have pulled at his wound, as his expression showed a flicker of pain before he suppressed it again.


    Fang Yue''s tears flowed even more, and seeing this, Shen Yin felt a pang of heartache.


    "Dad''s fine now. You take the child and head back first," Shen Lv said.


    Shen Lv and Fang Yue both looked at the family of three.


    "Then Dad, Mom, Brother, we''ll head back first. We''lle again tomorrow," Xu Xiuhe said, holding Zhengzheng in one arm while putting his other hand on Shen Yin''s shoulder.


    After leaving, Shen Yin still felt a little dazed. Is this what marriage is like? She felt moved. In the prosperous era, women took their husbands as their everything, but most men had multiple wives and concubines. Yet Shen Tianzheng''s first reaction upon waking was to look for Fang Yue.


    "What''s wrong?" Xu Xiuhe noticed Shen Yin seemed a little off and asked.


    "Nothing."


    Shen Yin was dreaming again. In the dream, she saw the original Shen Yin again, but this time the original Shen Yin didn''t seem happy, sitting in the ssroom with a furrowed brow. She didn''t know why the original Shen Yin was unhappy, but just seeing the original Shen Yin unhappy made her feel uneasy in the dream too.


    Xu Xiuhe, who had light sleep, heard Shen Yin''s groaning and turned on the light. Shen Yin''s expression was one of pain, and a hint of heartache shed across Xu Xiuhe''s eyes. "Wife, wake up," he said gently, shaking Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin opened her eyes, and Xu Xiuhe got out of bed to pour her a ss of water, which he handed to her. After taking a sip, Shen Yin shook her head when Xu Xiuhe asked softly, "Did you dream about something again?"


    "I dreamed about the original Shen Yin again. She seemed unhappy."


    "It''s nothing," Xu Xiuhe said, not knowing how tofort Shen Yin, gently patting her shoulder.


    Shen Yin didn''t have any more nightmares after falling back asleep. The next afternoon, after much thought, Shen Yin decided to put down her work at the studio and drove to Rong City No.1 Hospital.


    When she entered, only Fang Yue and Shen Tianzheng were in the room, with no sign of Shen Lv. "Mom, where''s my brother?"


    "With your father''s illness, all thepany''s affairs have fallen on your brother''s shoulders. He went to thepany early this morning," Fang Yue said, looking at Shen Yin.


    "You''re so busy at work. Why did you stille? It''s not convenient with Zhengzheng either. Yin Yin, have you forgiven your father?"


    Shen Yin didn''t say anything. She wasn''t the original Shen Yin, and the past was in the past.


    "Mom, you should have something to eat. Did you hire a caregiver? How will you manage everything by yourself?"


    "I don''t trust caregivers. I''ve been taking care of your father for most of my life¡ªhe''s not used to others. Your brother and I will take turns at night."


    Shen Yin stood in the hospital room for a long time, just looking at the bed-ridden Shen Tianzheng. She suddenly felt how fragile life was.


    "Mommy," Zhengzheng had been standing on the ground for a while, reaching up for Shen Yin to carry him.


    Shen Yin picked up Zhengzheng, and after repeated persuasion from Fang Yue, she left the room with Zhengzheng. The older generation believed that hospitals weren''t good ces, and that children shouldn''t go in if they didn''t have to, lest they encounter something unpleasant.


    When Shen Yin returned to the little building, she happened to run into Shu Yiing out of the studio and getting into her car. "Why are you here?"


    "Yin Yin, you''re back! How do I look?" Shu Yi spun around. She had an afternoon ss at Rong City No.3 Middle School and was passing by, so she thought she''d let Shen Yin take a look to see if her outfit was appropriate.


    Shu Yi had long hair styled in big, wavy curls, with delicate makeup and a pink, puffy dress paired with cute white shoes.


    As someone who designed clothes, Shen Yin naturally knew that this shade of soft pink and style was very particr about who could pull it off. But Shu Yi wore it well¡ªher face had an innocent, first-love kind of look without being overtly aggressive. Her long, curled hair cascaded down her back, and when Shu Yi casually flipped her hair, Shen Yin was struck by how she suddenly looked like a little temptress.


    The short dress entuated Shu Yi''s perfect proportions, making her look lively, sexy, and radiant.


    "You look so beautiful. Our Shu Yi is truly the most beautiful swan."


    Shu Yi stood on her tiptoes, posing in a dance move. This was her official farewell to her youth.

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    "Be careful when you go, and make sure to protect yourself. Call me anytime if something happens," Shen Yin advised.


    "Okay, got it. I''ll head over now."


    It had been many years since she had been to Rong City No.3 Middle School. That area was the old town. After she graduated from university, her parents sold their house there and rented an apartment near her university to live with her. Later, when she started making money from acting, she bought her parents a new house.


    If there was anything that kept her going through those insecure years of her life, it was thepany of her parents.


    When Shu Yi arrived at the hotel across from Rong City No.3 Middle School, it was already quitete. Wei Yuan kept messaging her to hurry up.


    She wanted to hurry too, but she had to avoid being recognized. In the past few days, Shu Yi''s drama "Yanxi Biography" had be a huge hit, propelling her to the ranks of A-list celebrities. She didn''t want to be recognized before she even made it to the private room.


    Shu Yi put on her bluetooth earpiece and called Shen Yin. She felt that hearing Shen Yin''s voice would give her more confidence.


    "Shu Yuerou, don''t be afraid. Believe in yourself," Shen Yin encouraged her.


    After parking, Shu Yi looked around to make sure there were no paparazzi. She then put on an oversized pair of sunsses, a fisherman''s hat, and a face mask, grabbed her bag, and headed towards the private room. As she approached the door, Shu Yi took a deep breath and said, "It seems like no one has recognized me. I''m going in now."


    Shu Yi opened the door to find arge round table with around thirty people inside, all of whom had graduated six or seven years ago. It was unlikely that everyone from their ss would be present.


    "Hello, did youe to the wrong private room?" the ss president from high school asked.


    Shu Yi recognized him and replied softly, "No, I didn''t."


    "So I guess everyone who''sing has arrived?" the ss president turned and asked the other ssmates behind him.


    Before anyone could answer, Shu Yi took off her hat and said, "Hello everyone, I''m Shu Yuerou."


    The chatter in the private room fell silent instantly. Everyone''s reaction was: "What? Shu Yuerou? I don''t really remember her... Oh, wait, wasn''t she that dark-skinned, chubby girl in our ss?"


    Wei Yuan stood up from her chair and walked over to Shu Yi, asking uncertainly, "Are you Yuerou?"


    Shu Yi removed her hat, mask, and sunsses.


    "Oh my god, Shu Yi!" the ss president eximed in shock.


    The others were naturally drawn to themotion. Everyone knew Shu Yi now ¨C she had been the campus goddess from the moment she debuted, even if her career wasn''t particrly hot. But her recent hit drama "Yanxi Biography" had propelled her into the A-list. What they couldn''t believe was that this beautiful A-list celebrity was their high school ssmate.


    Even Wei Yuan couldn''t process the situation. She was probably the only one in the ss who had kept in touch with Shu Yuerou, but even their contact was limited to a sentence or two per year. She had no idea that Shu Yuerou had changed so much.


    "Have a seat, have a seat," the ss president said eagerly, adjusting a chair for Shu Yi.


    The private room remained silent. Shu Yi sat down and smiled at Wei Yuan, "Wei Yuan, you should have a seat too."


    Wei Yuan was still in a daze. A table full of food, but no one had started eating yet.


    This was supposed to be a reunion, but in reality, many reunions were just asions for ssmates topare their achievements. Everyone in this ss had done well academically, and they now worked in various professions ¨C some were teachers,wyers, doctors. And now, one of them was even a celebrity.


    Theparisons were indeed quite intense. Everyone in the room was well-dressed, with the men wearing luxury watches and the women carrying expensive handbags, all signaling that they were doing well in life.


    Only Shu Yi wore unbranded clothes and carried an ordinary bag.


    "Is Zhai Minghao still in the restroom?" one of the male ssmates asked.


    Upon hearing that name, Shu Yi felt a pang of nervousness. She had moved on, but she could neverpletely forget her old crush.


    "He''s back," Zhai Minghao had just opened the door when he heard someone mention his name.


    All two or three dozen people turned to look at him, including Shu Yi.


    Zhai Minghao was taken aback when he saw Shu Yi. He hadn''te to the wrong ce, but the woman in front of him seemed to be a celebrity. What was going on? Who had brought her?


    "Minghao, do you remember Shu Yuerou from our ss? She''s a big celebrity now," the ss president exined.


    Zhai Minghao paused, feeling a sense of familiarity with the name Shu Yuerou. Wasn''t she the girl who had a crush on him back then?


    Shu Yi responded with a smile. "Long time no see."


    When they met again, she had truly let go of her feelings. Shu Yi greeted him casually. What had drawn her to him in her youth ¨C was it his good grades, his fair looks, or the fact that he seemed like the ideal literary young man? In any case, Shu Yi hadpletely moved on.


    "Dr. Zhai is back!" one of the male ssmates called out to him.


    A doctor, Shu Yi thought to herself. It seemed her taste in men back in high school wasn''t bad after all.


    Messages flooded the ss group chat:


    [Oh my god, the change is insane!]


    [Did she get stic surgery?]


    [I heard the entertainment industry is not a clean ce.]


    [Wei Yuan, have you been in touch with her all these years?]


    [No.]


    Seeing the awkward atmosphere, the ss president spoke up loudly, "Everyone''s here now, let''s eat."


    Shu Yi wasn''t in the group chat, so she was unaware of the messages. From time to time, someone would try to get her to drink alcohol, but she politely declined.


    "Shu Yi, don''t drink. Don''t trust anyone," Shen Yin warned her through the earpiece.


    "Sorry, I can''t drink because I''m driving," Shu Yi told the person offering her a drink.


    "It''s okay, it''s been so many years since west saw each other, and you''re a big celebrity now. We''ve never had a chance to dine with a celebrity before. Just have a little drink, we can always get a designated driverter," one of the men said.


    "Yeah, exactly. Aren''t you people in the entertainment industry always drinking with others? If you can drink with them, why not with your old ssmates?" another man chimed in rudely.


    Their words and tone made Shu Yi ufortable. Shen Yin regretted letting Shu Yi go alone. She was still too young and naive about the ways of the world. Shen Yin had wanted Shu Yi to follow her heart and bid a proper farewell to her old ssmates, to stand before them without feeling inferior. But some people''s hearts were just impure, not worth bidding farewell to, not even worth meeting.


    "Yuerou, it''s been so long since you''ve been here. Have a drink?" Wei Yuan spoke up.


    Shu Yi felt torn, as if she had been transported back to high school and was experiencing that same sense of inferiority all over again.


    "If she doesn''t want to drink, then she doesn''t have to," Zhai Minghao interjected.


    "Oh, look at the top student trying to y the hero and shield the celebrity from drinking. What about our ss beauty Wei Yuan then?" the rude man retorted, ncing at Wei Yuan.


    Wei Yuan was fuming with embarrassment. She and Zhai Minghao had broken up a long time ago, shortly after entering university.


    Zhai Minghao was at a loss for words.


    Shu Yi hadn''t expected some people to be so vulgar. It was an awkward situation ¨C leaving would be rude, but staying wasn''t ideal either.


    "Just have a drink," Wei Yuan said again. She wanted to see Shu Yi make a fool of herself. Wei Yuan had always been the most beautiful girl in their ss, so how dare Shu Yueroue in and steal the spotlight?

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    From the moment Shen Yin heard the urging to drink, she grabbed her car keys. If anything happened to Shu Yi, she would never forgive herself.


    "What''s wrong? Are you going out?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin looked anxious, changing her shoes and putting on a mask. "Shu Yi might be in danger. I''m going to find her. Give Zhengzheng a bath and don''t wait up for me tonight."


    Xu Xiuhe felt uneasy, so after cleaning up the bowls and dishes on the dining table and washing his hands, he picked up Zhengzheng from the high chair. "I''ll go too."


    Shen Yin didn''t stop him. After leaving, Xu Xiuhe insisted on driving since his driving experience was much more extensive than Shen Yin''s.


    Shen Yin sat in the backseat with Zhengzheng, and her Bluetooth earpiece was still on, allowing her to clearly hear the conversation on the other side. Shu Yi wanted to leave, but some women asked for her autograph, others asked how she transformed into her current appearance. Some men urged Shu Yi to drink, others asked how she became a celebrity. One man with a lecherous voice even asked how much she charged for a night.


    Shen Yin felt disgusted by these people once again. Shu Yi replied, "Can you afford a billion?"


    "Stop pretending to be so high and mighty. Aren''t you all promiscuous in the entertainment industry?" the lecherous man said unabashedly.


    "Moon." Wei Yuan called out in an unsatisfied tone, feeling that Shu Yi''s words were too unpleasant.


    "What''s wrong? Is there a problem?" Shu Yi red at Wei Yuan with an unpleasant expression.


    Wei Yuan was too afraid to speak, recalling that Shu Yi had a bodyguard capable of taking on five men.


    The lecherous man took two sips of his drink, feeling a bit tipsy, but still insisted on urging Shu Yi to drink. "Just have a little, it won''t kill you. Drink it for me." He even tried to reach out and touch her.


    Shu Yi took a step back, and others intervened, saying, "Yang Meng, just let it go."


    "Let it go? She has to drink today, or else her ugly high school photos will go viral on social media tomorrow."


    "Let''s see who dares to post them. For every one posted, I''ll take one down." Shen Yin entered and spoke in a clear, emotionless voice. Everyone looked over, recognizing her but unable to immediately recall who she was, though they were all stunned by her presence.


    "Yin Yin, why are you here?" Shu Yi asked.


    Shen Yin gave Shu Yi a reassuring look. A few girls seemed to recognize Shen Yin, whispering, "Isn''t she the wife of the CEO of Yuanjituan Corporation?"


    After recognizing her, they didn''t dare speak anymore, not wanting to provoke the CEO of Yuanjituan Corporation. So Shu Yi really did have someone behind her, even if it was a woman.


    Several people furiously signaled to the ss leader and Zhai Minghao. The two realized the person before them was likely not ordinary, and they pulled Yang Meng aside, telling him to sit down.


    "My apologies everyone, I shouldn''t havee." Shu Yi said, having seen Zhai Minghao and feeling a sense of closure.


    "No, no, it''s our fault," the girls and the ss leader apologized, acknowledging their mistake. What started as a pleasant ss reunion had been ruined by those with impure intentions.


    Shu Yi smiled, a relieved and letting go expression. She had seen Wei Yuan''s true colors, so this trip wasn''t in vain. From now on, she would be a white swan, facing the future bravely and bidding farewell to all her insecurities.


    "You all continue," Shu Yi said, pulling Shen Yin out of the private room.


    Shen Yin handed Shu Yi a hat. "Sorry, I shouldn''t have let youe."


    Shu Yi shook her head, her eyes filled with tears as she smiled and said, "Yin Yin, I finally had the courage to stand in front of them. Even if it didn''t go as expected, I feel like I''ve grown. Some people and events will teach us lessons. The person I once secretly admired is now very sessful, and I feel good about myself too."


    "Yes, a confident girl is the most beautiful. Our Shu Yi is the most beautiful goddess."


    Shu Yi hugged Shen Yin and said, "Yin Yin, I feel like meeting you is my greatest fortune."


    Shen Yin patted Shu Yi''s shoulder. "Me too, but I think you need to learn some self-defense now."


    Shu Yi burst outughing. "What about Zhengzheng since you came?"


    "Zhengzheng and Xu Xiuhe are in the car. I originally thought that if I needed to take action, it wouldn''t be good for the child to see, so I didn''t let theme. Haven''t you eaten?"


    Shu Yi shook her head.


    "Put on your mask and go to the parking lot. I''ll drive and take you to eat."


    In the parking lot, Chang Zhiyuan leaned against Shu Yi''s car, ncing at Xu Xiuhe in the opposite car. This man had called him, saying Shu Yi was in the old town area and asking him toe, but then not letting him enter or get in the car. He could only stand by Shu Yi''s car door, brooding.


    [Why won''t you let me in?]


    [You''ll just cause trouble if you go in.]


    [???]


    [Shen Yin is inside], Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Upon hearing Shen Yin was there, Chang Zhiyuan felt relieved since he wouldn''t have to worry with her present. His presence would indeed be disruptive.


    "What do you want to eat?" Shu Yi asked.


    Hearing her voice, Chang Zhiyuan immediately closed his phone and looked over at the two women.


    "Why is he here?" Shu Yi noticed Chang Zhiyuan and asked again.


    Shen Yin shook her head, already knowing the answer in her heart. So Shu Yi would go with him instead? She wouldn''t be a third wheel.


    With that thought, Shen Yin got in the car and asked, "Did you tell him?"


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t dare hide it from his wife''s question, so he nodded honestly. "After all, she''s an artist under hispany. It''s better for him to handle any issues thate up."


    "Shu Yi hasn''t eaten yet. I was going to apany her to eat, but it seems unnecessary now. I wonder what Chang Zhiyuan is thinking? Is it a passing fancy, a lustful impulse, or a reformed yboy? Shu Yi is quite sensitive, and she can''t afford to gamble."


    "I think he''s sincere. Although he''s been with many women over the years, it was all just acting. Sometimes in life, people can''t help but be swayed. But with you, I''ve been absolutely sincere. It''s not a passing fancy or lustful impulse, but a decision I made after careful thought. I like you."


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t miss any opportunity to express his feelings. In his view, Shen Yin no longer resisted him, but that didn''t mean she liked him, so he had to keep trying. One day, Shen Yin would develop feelings for him.


    "Zhengzheng is still here?" Shen Yin noticed Xu Xiuhe''s sincere gaze and felt a bit embarrassed.


    "He''s asleep."


    Shen Yin turned to see Zhengzheng asleep in his car seat, his head tilted to one side, snoring with bubblesing from his nose.


    "Chang Zhiyuan is here, so don''t worry. He won''t let Shu Yi go hungry. Zhengzheng is sleeping ufortably in the car, so let''s go home."

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    "I didn''t drive, you''ll have to take me home," Chang Zhiyuan insisted stubbornly.


    Shu Yi was speechless. She was hungry too, so she opened the car door and sat in the driver''s seat. What could she do? The man in front of her was her boss; she couldn''t just abandon him there.


    "Get out and sit in the passenger seat. I''ll drive," Chang Zhiyuan said.


    Shu Yi obediently followed his instructions. She was indeed exhausted and hungry, thinking of going home to cook some noodles to tide herself over.


    But to her surprise, Chang Zhiyuan parked the car in front of a private cuisine restaurant.


    "Let''s get out. Since you haven''t had dinner, we can eat a little here," Chang Zhiyuan opened the passenger door for Shu Yi.


    This was unexpected for Shu Yi. She followed Chang Zhiyuan inside, and since he was a regr, the manager recognized him immediately.


    "Mr. Chang, shall we take the private room upstairs?" the manager asked.


    Chang Zhiyuan nodded and inquired, "Is Chen Siming here?"


    Chen Siming had just entered from the door when he heard Chang Zhiyuan call his name. "Here, bro. It''s been a while since youst came."


    Chang Zhiyuan calcted the days and realized it had indeed been several days. "That''s because I found a new ce to freeload, and the food there is even better than yours."


    Shu Yi nodded in agreement. Indeed, Shen Yin''s cooking was fantastic.


    Chen Siming noticed Shu Yi standing beside them, a famous celebrity. So Chang had found a new girlfriend. Running a mediapany was really great.


    Before Chen Siming could wonder where Chang Zhiyuan had been eating food better than his private cuisine, he was already eager to gossip about Chang Zhiyuan''s new girlfriend.


    "You two go to the private room on the far left upstairs. It''ste, so there aren''t many people, and no paparazzi around," Chang Zhiyuan said to Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi didn''t act coy and went upstairs. It seemed Chang Zhiyuan was a regr here, with his own private room.


    "Bro, you changed again?" Chen Siming''s gossip-loving heart had reached its peak.


    "What do you mean ''changed again''? The previous ones don''t count. I''m a virgin! This time, I''m serious. Watch your words and looks from now on. The way you looked at me earlier, you were just short of blurting out, ''What the hell is going on?''" Chang Zhiyuan said disdainfully.


    "What the hell! What the hell! Bro, really? You''re a virgin? I don''t believe it. If you''re a virgin, then everyone in this world must be a virgin," Chen Siming looked doubtful.


    "What''s wrong with that?" Chang Zhiyuan said proudly, with an expression that said, ''I''m a virgin, and I''m proud of it.'' His reputation was just a result of circumstances. In reality, he was pure.


    After saying that, Chang Zhiyuan went upstairs, leaving Chen Siming in shock. How could this be possible? If it was true, he felt he could believe that the Chinese national ser team could win.


    When Shen Yin arrived at Qinghe Street, she was once again amazed by the beautiful environment. If someone asked her what summer meant, she would say summer was the brilliant starry sky, the flickering fireflies in the winding streams, the gentle breeze sweeping across the creek beside the small houses on Qinghe Street.


    "I went to the hospital today," Shen Yin began.


    "How''s Dad?" Xu Xiuhe asked, carrying Zhengzheng from the back seat.


    "Still very weak." She had searched online for information about her father''s surgery. It had been done rtively early, and the cancer cells had already been removed, so as long as the cancer didn''t recur, he would not be in danger of losing his life.


    So what she needed to do was nourish her father''s body and improve his immunity by preparing medicinal cuisine for him.


    Xu Xiuhe was carrying the sleeping Zhengzheng. "Why don''t you take him upstairs and give him a bath? We went to the hospital this afternoon, so he should get cleaned up," Shen Yin suggested.


    Xu Xiuhe carried Zhengzheng upstairs, with Shen Yin following behind. He took off his shoes and carried Zhengzheng into the bathroom without being told. Shen Yin tidied up the living room and soon heard Zhengzheng''s whining.


    "What''s wrong?" Shen Yin entered the bathroom.


    She found Xu Xiuhe''s white shirt was soaked, clinging to his body, with an innocent expression on his face. Zhengzheng was still asleep in the baby bathtub, but he seemed even more restless than when awake, tossing and turning. His body was coated with bath gel, slippery like a little mud eel. Xu Xiuhe was squatting by the tub, at aplete loss.


    This scene amused Shen Yin again. She squatted down and said, "Use one hand to support him and the other to wipe his body with a towel." Shen Yin soaked the towel in water, wrung it out, and gently wiped Zhengzheng''s back.


    Xu Xiuhe helped, and they finally managed to bathe Zhengzheng.


    "You go ahead and shower. I''ll take him out to sleep," Shen Yin said, carrying the dried Zhengzheng and dressing him in his pajamas. But Zhengzheng showed no reaction, still sleeping soundly.


    Shen Yin bent down and kissed Zhengzheng''s forehead, calling him a "littlezy bug."


    But when she turned around, she found Xu Xiuhe hade out of the bathroom shirtless. If Zhengzheng hadn''t been asleep, she might have screamed. What was he ying at, shirtless like that?


    Shen Yin covered her eyes and said, "Why did youe out without your shirt on?"


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t understand her overreaction. Was his physique that scary? He looked down but saw nothing unusual. He worked out regrly and maintained a decent figure¡ªslim when clothed but muscr when shirtless, with just a hint of abs, not too prominent.


    "I didn''t bring my pajamas," Xu Xiuhe walked over to the walk-in closet.


    Shen Yin opened her eyes a crack and saw no one in the bedroom, assuming Xu Xiuhe had gone back into the bathroom. But then he came straight out of the closet and stood right in front of her. "What''s wrong? Don''t you like it? Do you like it or not? Have I gotten fat or thin? Tell me what you prefer, and I''ll change."


    Shen Yin backed away a little, caught off guard by his words. She knew this era was more open, with shirtless men on TV, but having a real person standing right in front of her, asking if she liked it or not, was quite a shock.


    "No need to change. Just right," Shen Yin turned her back to Xu Xiuhe.


    Satisfied with her answer, Xu Xiuhe smiled slightly before returning to the bathroom.


    Shen Yin patted her face, reassuring herself, "It''s fine, it''s normal. He''s just shirtless, not pantless."


    After her shower, Shen Yin found Zhengzheng sleeping at the edge of the bed, and Xu Xiuhe was staring at her intently, leaving a space next to him for her.


    Shen Yin didn''t want to go over, so she said, "Move over a bit. You''re about to push Zhengzheng off the bed."


    Xu Xiuhe shifted inward, and Shen Yin bent down to scoot Zhengzheng further in before lying down beside him on her side.


    She thought they could just turn off the lights and sleep, but Xu Xiuhe picked up Zhengzheng and ced him on his other side. Then hey in the middle, even putting his arm around Shen Yin''s waist and pulling her closer. "Move in, or you might fall off," he said.


    Shen Yin tensed up. "I think we''re moving too fast."

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    Was it fast? No, it wasn''t fast, Xu Xiuhe thought to himself, "I won''t do anything else, I''ll just sleep obediently."


    Shen Yin froze, not daring to move. Xu Xiuhe naturally knew his wife was tense, "I promise, don''t worry and go to sleep." When would his wife be able to let down all her guard around him?


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe fell asleep, but Shu Yi couldn''t fall asleep for a long time. It was all because of her simple thinking that got Shen Yin entangled in this situation, going to find himte at night, even rming Chang Zhiyuan.


    "Knock, knock, knock" someone was knocking on the door. Shu Yi regretted that she shouldn''t have softened and agreed to let Chang Zhiyuan take him in. With a single man and a lone woman, what if Chang Zhiyuan really did something to her? As a woman, she would have no way to resist.


    Shu Yi got out of bed, put on her slippers, and reluctantly went to open the bedroom door. She didn''t open the door all the way, but left a small crack and asked, "It''s sote, what''s the matter, Mr. Chang?"


    "Something came up, should Ie in or youe out?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    Shu Yi thought for a moment, then decided she should go out. After saying that, she closed the door and went into the dressing room. She couldn''t possibly go out to see Chang Zhiyuan wearing her pajamas.


    Downstairs in the living room, Chang Zhiyuan was sitting and waiting for Shu Yi toe down. Shu Yi wore an oversized T-shirt and came downstairs to sit on the sofa.


    Now Chang Zhiyuan felt he couldn''t look at her enough, "Are you so afraid of me? Why?"


    Shu Yi lowered her head, "Afraid you''ll keep me as a mistress." After saying that, she was afraid Chang Zhiyuan would get angry, so she quietly observed his expression.


    Chang Zhiyuan was amused and annoyed, "What''s wrong with this woman? When did I ever say I wanted to keep you as a mistress? Do women''s thought processes work in such strange ways?"


    Shu Yi heard the questioning tone in Chang Zhiyuan''s voice and felt he didn''t understand. But wasn''t that the case? No one would be kind to someone for no reason. Many rtionships had ulterior motives. She couldn''t possibly think Chang Zhiyuan was being good to her out of true love. She didn''t think she had that kind of charm.


    Those involved often lose perspective while onlookers see clearly. Right now, she felt that Xu Xiuhe''s love for Yin Yin was true love. Buying her a hairpin, although a bit silly, showed how much he valued Yin Yin. If that Cha Sister had really taken away the hairpin, she would have thought Xu Xiuhe wasn''t a real man. To pursue his wife, giving up living in this grand Ziyue Manor vi to move into a small room, Xu Xiuhe did well on that.


    Now, this yboy in front of her, was he just after her body?


    "Mr. Chang, let me tell you the truth, I was an ugly duckling in high school." Shu Yi showed Chang Zhiyuan her ugly photos from the past. She was prepared to be exposed and leave the entertainment industry at any time.


    "Still quite cute, chubby," Chang Zhiyuan said as he looked at the photos, his interest piqued further.


    Shu Yi looked a bit doubtful. Could Chang Zhiyuan have gone blind? With so many artists under hispany, how could his taste be so strange?


    Shu Yi went upstairs, still unable to process what had happened.


    The next day, Shen Yin woke up early and prepared some breakfast to take to the hospital, thinking that since Fang Yue didn''t want Xu Yunzheng to go to the hospital, Shen Yin hesitated. It really wasn''t very good to always bring a child to the hospital.


    Xu Xiuhe stood by, seeing Shen Yin''s pensive expression, and said, "Why don''t Xu Yunzheng go with me to the office? Your mom doesn''t have time now, and you have work too. It''s inconvenient to bring Xu Yunzheng to the hospital."


    Shen Yin looked at Xu Xiuhe''s expression for a few seconds, then said, "Is that okay?"


    Xu Xiuhe nodded. Of course it was okay, Xu Yunzheng was his child too, wasn''t he?


    Shen Yin crouched down, stroked Xu Yunzheng''s little face, and said, "Xu Yunzheng, do you want to go with Daddy? Mommy has to go see Grandpa."


    Xu Yunzheng nodded but said he also wanted to go see Grandpa. Shen Yin smiled and promised to take Xu Yunzheng next time. She then gathered some of Xu Yunzheng''s things and put them in arge bag.


    Xu Xiuhe took the bag from her. He picked up Xu Yunzheng from the ground and said, "Xu Yunzheng, say goodbye to Mommy."


    Xu Yunzheng''s expression was full of reluctance. He had been with Shen Yin for the past two months, and his dependence on her was evident. "Bye, Mommy," he said, leaning towards Shen Yin.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t know what he was trying to do, but he walked the two steps towards Shen Yin holding Xu Yunzheng, who turned around in his embrace and kissed Shen Yin''s face.


    Shen Yin suddenly smiled, looking fully satisfied. Watching Shen Yin''s smile, Xu Xiuhe felt blissful at that moment. This was the warmth of a family, wasn''t it? It would be even better if he could also kiss Shen Yin.


    After Xu Xiuhe left with Xu Yunzheng, Shen Yin went into the kitchen and portioned the glutinous rice porridge from the pot into a lunch box, then added a few light side dishes.


    At the hospital, Shen Tianzheng had already woken up, and Fang Yue was wiping his face. When Shen Yin arrived, she happened to meet Shen Lv at the door. "Brother, you didn''t go to thepany today?"


    "No, there wasn''t anything important at thepany today," Shen Lv replied.


    Shen Yin looked at Shen Lv. People do grow through experiences. Seeing Shen Lv this time, Shen Yin clearly felt he seemed much moreposed than before, no longer that unreliable and careless manner.


    Shen Yin held a lunch box in her left hand and arge bunch of sunflowers in her right. Shen Lv reached out to take the sunflowers, saying, "Next time, don''t buy these again. The room is already full of them."


    Shen Yin entered the sickroom and indeed, all kinds of nutritional supplements, fruits, and fresh flowers were ced under the cab. Of course, for the director of arge group falling ill, friends and employees would definitelye to visit.


    Fang Yue came out from inside the sickroom and saw Shen Yin, saying, "Where''s Xu Yunzheng? You have a child and work, how can youe here every day?"


    "It''s fine, Xu Xiuhe took Xu Yunzheng to the office," Shen Yin said as she went inside and looked at Shen Tianzheng. She noticed Shen Tianzheng''s condition was much better than yesterday and the day before. "What did the doctor say?"


    "The test results came backst night. They said it''s under control now, and there won''t be any life-threatening risks as long as there are no rpses," Fang Yue said, looking at Shen Tianzheng with a sigh.


    "Brother, bring the lunch box in."


    Hearing this, Shen Lv brought the lunch box inside and handed it to Shen Yin. Shen Yin opened the lunch box and took out the few side dishes and glutinous rice porridge.


    "Mom, they''re all quite light. You and Dad should have some," Shen Yin said.


    "Alright," Fang Yue replied as she took them.


    However, Shen Yin sat by the bedside and held the glutinous rice porridge. Seeing this, Shen Lv raised the head of the bed a bit. Shen Yin spooned the porridge into Shen Tianzheng''s mouth, one spoonful at a time.


    As Shen Tianzheng sipped the porridge, tears streamed down from the corners of his eyes. "Yin Yin, all these years, Dad wronged you and made you suffer," he said in a small voice that Shen Yin could hear clearly.


    Seeing this, Shen Yin''s heart couldn''t remain unperturbed. The spoon in her hand stopped, and she had fed him almost all the porridge in the bowl. Shen Yin was about to say something when her father spoke again.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    "Your father indeed went too far back then, but you had a marriage agreement. If you were not married by the age of 20..." Shen''s Father had barely spoken when Fang Yue started coughing violently beside him.


    "Mom, let Dad finish speaking," said Shen Lv. He too was unaware of his younger sister having a marriage agreement until his 27th year.


    Shen''s Father nced at Fang Yue, who did not stop him this time. "When Yin was born, we had gone bankrupt. With you being a boy, having Yin would be considered having an extra child, for which we had to pay a fine. But we didn''t have the money then. To have Yin, I had to take your mother to our hometown in Yangcheng next door. On the night Yin was born, your mother had a difficultbor. There was a renowned midwife in the vige whom I fetched. However, she had a condition - she said the one-child policy had led to more boys being born, so girls were few. If Yin turned out to be a girl, she would have to be her grandson''s wife in the future. I didn''t agree, but seeing your mother''s life in danger, the midwife said that if Yin was not married by 22, she would marry her grandson."


    Shen Lv listened, perplexed. He was three years old then and had been staying at his grandmother''s to avoid the one-child policy restrictions, so he knew nothing about this. "But how did the midwife know Mom was carrying a girl?"


    This was the very question Yin had wanted to ask too.


    Fearing Shen Tianzheng might get tired from talking too much, Fang Yue took over to answer Shen Lv''s query. "Back then, seeing me in a critical condition, your father thought the baby might not necessarily be a girl and agreed to the midwife''s condition. When Yin was born a girl, the midwife was overjoyed, iming she had never been wrong in her decades of delivering babies and could tell the gender just by looking at the belly."


    To Yin and Shen Lv, it seemed like they were listening to a story. Yin felt the midwife from Dasheng was quite impressive, but Shen Lv was more shocked. "So Yin had a child marriage fixed even before her birth?"


    With a worried look, Fang Yue continued, "It wasn''t a big deal initially. After your father''s fortunes revived, the midwife brought her son and daughter-inw when Yin turned 18, since we had promised her. They were poor, but we could have supported them. However, when your father investigated the boy, he found that he had just been released from prison for intentional theft and assault. How could we let Yin marry him? With only three to four years left until Yin turned 22, your father started looking for grooms for her. This, coupled with the incident involving Zhou Man, led us topromise and allow Yin to study abroad - something we would never have agreed to otherwise."


    Yin recounted how the original owner had indeed led a ill-fated life - a difficult birth, a child marriage, being deceived, and being unaware of her parents'' efforts for her wellbeing. If anyone was to be med, it was the twists of fate and the wicked people involved.


    "Yin, I''m sorry. It was my fault. I was afraid I might not get another chance, so I told you today," said Shen''s Father in a low, regretful voice that sounded quite sad.


    Hearing this, Fang Yue''s tears began flowing again as she wiped them, saying, "What nonsense! Didn''t you have the surgery?"


    Shen Lv agreed wholeheartedly. "Yes, you''ll recover fully after proper recuperation."


    Shen''s Father looked at Shen Lv. Although this son was often unsatisfactory, he was not a bad person apart from his fondness for beautiful women. "Shen Lv, you''re not young anymore either. It''s time for you to settle down. Pay more attention to thepany''s affairs and focus."


    "Dad, don''t you manage thepany? I''m still young," Shen Lv replied.


    Shen''s Fatherughed. "When is Xiu Heing?"


    "Dad, why are you talking like you''re making your final arrangements? The surgery was sessful, so don''t overthink it. Just recuperate properly, and you''ll be able to return soon," Shen Lv said with a forced smile.


    Yin took the opportunity to hold Shen''s Father''s wrist and check his pulse, which seemed fine. With proper care, he still had many years ahead.


    "Dad, don''t lose heart. With modern medical advancements, don''t worry too much," Yin consoled him.


    "Alright, I''ll recuperate properly. Don''t worry about me. Yin and Shen Lv, you two focus on your work. Your mother will be here," said Shen Tianzheng, waving his hand.


    Yin and Shen Lv exchanged a nce, then left the room. Yin picked up her bag and bid farewell to Shen Lv before heading to Xu Xiuhe''spany, Heyuan Group. However, her navigation app had some issues and gave her a wrong route, so she had to circle back before reaching the familiar Heyuan Group building she had visited several times.


    When the receptionist, Xiao Li''er, saw Yin, she immediately sent a message to their group chat: [The wife of the CEO has arrived. Fans of the Yin He Couple can have some sugar now.]


    Yin responded warmly to the employees'' greetings. Upstairs, Xu Xiuhe was puzzled by the constant stream of [Sugar time] messages flooding the group chat. After checking, he realized Yin hade and was delighted that his wife hade to see him. Perhaps it meant Yin liked him a little more now.


    "Zheng, Mommy''s here. Let''s go and greet her," Xu Xiuhe said to Xu Yunzheng.


    Xu Yunzheng, sitting on the sofa and ying with his feet, was overjoyed to hear this. He turned around, trying to get down, slowly cing his feet on the ground and stepping off the sofa. He ran towards Xu Xiuhe with small steps.


    Xu Xiuhe picked up Zheng and lifted him over his head, eliciting gleefulughter from the child that could be heard throughout the assistant''s office area.


    Carrying Zheng, Xu Xiuhe went to the elevator to wait for Yin.


    In the office area, a few youngdies were discussing, "Who would have thought the cold-faced King of Hell would be such a doting father?"


    Yang Mo said, "He''s only cold towards us. Of course, he''d be different with his wife and child, right, Xiao Li''er?"


    When Yang Mo asked her, Xiao Li''er replied, "Yes, the CEO must be different behind the scenes." She had been on tenterhooks recently, fearing she might inadvertently get fired by the CEO. But now that the wife hade to see the CEO, did it mean he had won her over and they wouldn''t divorce?


    Liu Assistant had juste out of the restroom when Xiao Li''er approached him proudly, saying, "You don''t need to marry me. I''ll stay here through my abilities."


    Liu Assistant was perplexed. "That''s great. I don''t want to marry you either."


    "I don''t want to marry you either, you big straight man. You''re probably made of steel rebar with how straight you are!" Xiao Li''er retorted angrily. She was beautiful, educated, and good-looking - who was Liu Assistant to look at her with disdain?

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    As soon as Shen Yin stepped out of the elevator, she saw Xu Xiuhe holding Xu Yunzheng in his arms, standing at the elevator door.


    "How did you know I wasing?"


    "A mutual understanding of the heart," said Xu Xiuhe, not caring about his image in front of the employees. He took Shen Yin''s handbag from her. Carrying the bag in one hand and holding Xu Yunzheng in the other, he followed Shen Yin into her office.


    After entering, Xu Xiuhe set the bag on the desk and ced Xu Yunzheng on the sofa. He turned and poured a ss of water.


    "Mommy, hug," Xu Yunzheng stretched out his arms, gesturing for Shen Yin to hold him.


    "Xu Yunzheng, you''ve grown up. Mommy just got here and is too tired to carry you," said Shen Yin.


    Xu Xiuhe''s tone was somewhat stern. Xu Yunzheng looked at him, pouted, then turned his gaze back to Shen Yin, his face crestfallen, his eyes almost turning red. Unable to bear it, Shen Yin walked over and picked Xu Yunzheng up.


    "He''s still little, why are you being so harsh?" Shen Yin held Xu Yunzheng and gently patted his back.


    "Mommy," Xu Yunzheng rubbed his eyes and whined.


    "I was just afraid you''d get tired," said Xu Xiuhe.


    Shen Yin was momentarily at a loss for words, wondering why he was acting like this, regardless of the setting.


    "Mommy, hungry," Xu Yunzheng didn''t want to stay any longer and wanted to go out.


    "Little greedy cat, didn''t you just eat?" Shen Yin yfully pinched Xu Yunzheng''s nose, and the baby giggled.


    Fearing his wife might get angry, Xu Xiuhe brought their son back home shortly after arriving. He nced at his watch and said, "It''s gettingte. Let''s have lunch at thepany."


    Shen Yin thought about it ¨C it was so hot outside, and Xu Yunzheng was hungry too. If they went back, she''d have to cook. So she agreed.


    Xu Xiuhe was delighted inwardly. This meant that his wife had epted him a little more.


    At thepany cafeteria, there were private dining rooms specifically for high-level executives. When the manager learned that the CEO was bringing his wife to eat, they prepared the best room. However, Xu Xiuhe said, "No need for a private room, we''ll eat out here."


    His wife had finallye to see him after so long, and he had to show off a little, letting everyone see that he and his wife were on good terms.


    The effect was indeed achieved. Many employees enviously watched the family of three eating together, gossiping about how the CEO acted with his child ¨C even the CEO had to obediently serve his son food.


    [Holy crap, this is the first time I''ve seen the CEO eating. Turns out even a handsome guy looks charming while eating.]


    [Stop, stop, the CEO is a married man.]


    [If I could find a husband like that in the future, I could make my ancestors'' graves sprout greenery.]


    Messages flooded the group chat incessantly, but Xu Xiuhe had no time to check them ¨C his wife was talking to him.


    "Do you know about Chinese-style furniture?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe nodded. He knew about it. Could it be that his wife was homesick? Then he''d order a whole set of furniture and transform Ziyue Manor into a Chinese style.


    "I''ve realized that Chinese-style furniture is so expensive, much more than regr furniture," Shen Yin continued.


    Xu Xiuhe thought it was nothing ¨C how expensive could it be? He had more money than he knew what to do with. It was just a set of furniture. He took out his phone and sent a message to Liu Bo.


    [Order the most expensive set of Chinese-style furniture, have it delivered to Ziyue Manor this afternoon.]


    After sending the message, he said to Shen Yin, "No matter how expensive, your husband can afford it. The furniture will be delivered to Ziyue Manor this afternoon."


    Shen Yin sighed and said, "I haven''t finished speaking. What I meant was, I want to make and sell this kind of Chinese-style furniture."


    Xu Xiuhe was stunned. He had never expected this reason. Could it be that he had made Shen Yin feel insecure? "Wife, I can support you. You don''t need to do so much. Or is it that you''ve been thinking about divorcing me all this time, and I''ve never truly reached your heart?" Xu Xiuhe''s expression suddenly turned cold.


    He was too sensitive. Having lost his mother at a young age, he hadn''t felt the warmth of family for a long time. After confirming his feelings, he had always been cautious, worried that Shen Yin would abandon him, worried that she would divorce him and leave.


    Noticing Xu Xiuhe''s expression shift, thepany employees quickly distanced themselves from the scene, shocked by what they had just overheard. Could it be that all this time, the CEO''s wife had been the one in control of their rtionship!


    [Holy crap, what a shocking scandal! The wife wants a divorce.]


    [Family, I heard it too.]


    [So handsome, so wealthy, so capable, yet still worried his wife would leave him. I suddenly feel it''s normal that I haven''t married after all these years.]


    Shen Yin didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe to react so strongly, especially in a public setting. "That''s not what I meant. Let''s eat first, and we''ll talk about itter upstairs."


    But how could Xu Xiuhe eat after that? Seeing that Xu Yunzheng had eaten enough, he picked him up and walked out of the cafeteria. Shen Yin followed behind him, and the passing employees kept their distance, afraid of identally offending the CEO and getting fired, unable to find another job.


    Xiao Li''er was now so scared that she was about to cry. Ever since the assistants found out the CEO was in the group chat, they dared not speak in it, usually discussing the group''s happenings offline during breaks.


    Xiao Li''er hid in the restroom, wiping away tears as she looked at her reflection, her face forlorn. She hadn''t told anyone, including her closest friend Yang Mo, about the CEO''s wife wanting a divorce. She had never been this tight-lipped before, so why did everyone in the group know?


    With one hand wiping her tears and the other turning on the faucet, Liu Bo came out of the restroom and was startled when he went to wash his hands. "A ghost!"


    If he hadn''t called out, it would have been fine, but his exmation only made Xiao Li''er feel worse. Not only was she about to be fired, but she was also being called a ghost. "Wah wah wah." Xiao Li''er looked at her smeared makeup in the mirror, and indeed she did look like a ghost, unable to stop crying.


    "Auntie, why are you crying? I haven''t done anything inappropriate to you," said Liu Bo, the Special Assistant, who was most afraid of seeing women cry.


    Xiao Li''er continued to sob, "I... I''m going to be fired."


    Liu Bo thought for a moment. He hadn''t heard any news, and the CEO had been in a good moodtely. How could she suddenly be fired?


    Liu Bo took out a tissue from his pocket and handed it to Xiao Li''er, but she was too busy crying to take it. On the principle of not being able to bear seeing a woman in tears, Liu Bo used the tissue to wipe Xiao Li''er''s eyes himself.


    "Auntie, don''t cry. What''s going on?"


    "It hurts," she said.


    Liu Bo realized he was being too rough and lightened his touch. It wasn''t his fault ¨C he had never wiped a woman''s tears before.


    His phone in his pocket started ringing. Liu Bo took it out and saw it was the CEO calling. He put a finger to his lips, gesturing "Shh" to Xiao Li''er.


    Xiao Li''er also saw the caller ID on the screen and immediately stopped crying.


    "Special Assistant Liu,e to the office for a bit," said the CEO before hanging up.


    Liu Bo didn''t dare dy and said to Xiao Li''er, "Let me go see what''s going on first. Wash your face and don''t cry anymore."

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    After Liu Bo entered the office, Xu Xiuhe instructed him to take Zhengzheng out. Liu Bo understood - when the wife was here, having the son around would be a nuisance.


    The atmosphere seemed a bit off, but he didn''t dwell on it now. Such an adorable child, why not y? Liu Bo took the child and left the office, not wanting to disturb the married couple.


    "Now that Zhengzheng is out too, tell me, are you still thinking about divorcing?" Xu Xiuhe''s tone had an usatory edge.


    Shen Yin was a bit unhappy. How dare he ask like that? "I just said I wanted to do furniture, and you got so angry."


    Shen Yin sat on the sofa, acting like she had done nothing wrong, sitting upright. She hadn''t said anything else.


    "So have you thought about divorcing these past few days?" Xu Xiuhe''s anger subsided a bit as he stood there speaking.


    Shen Yin felt awkward. Ever since she decided to ept Xu Xiuhe, she had never thought about divorcing. But to admit out loud that she didn''t want a divorce, she couldn''t bring herself to do it yet.


    "What do you think? I''ve already been sleeping in the same bed as you at night, and I''ve allowed you to stay at the vi. What more do you want from me?"


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xiuhe suddenly bent down, embracing Shen Yin''s shoulders with one hand and cupping the back of her head with the other. His right leg went up on the sofa as his left leg pinned down Shen Yin''s legs, not giving her room to react, pressing his lips against hers.


    Their eyes met, and this time, Shen Yin didn''t resist.


    The sensation was soft. Since their brief kiss before, Xu Xiuhe had been constantly thinking about this feeling. Even in his midnight dreams, he would recall it. Now, he had finally attained his desire.


    He had been waiting for her to ept him. Herck of resistance this time, did it mean she had epted him? That she didn''t want a divorce anymore?


    As their lips touched, the soft sensation drove Xu Xiuhe even crazier. He wanted more, and he did just that.


    He overcame Shen Yin''s lips and teeth.


    Shen Yin had no time to resist. Even with her martial arts skills, there was still a significant difference in strength between men and women. Xu Xiuhe held her tightly, leaving her powerless to resist.


    Finally, Xu Xiuhe got his wish.


    Enveloped in the man''s presence, Xu Xiuhe lost himself in the passionate kiss, gradually bing immersed in it.


    Shen Yin''s body had gone limp, unable to break free. With Xu Xiuhe''s face just inches away, his exquisite features left Shen Yin no chance to think of anything else. Shen Yin let out a soft moan, her voice sounding alluring.


    Xu Xiuhe suddenly felt that something was off about his body. He paused, and Shen Yin seized the opportunity to bite his lip. Xu Xiuhe winced in pain, releasing his mouth as he leaned towards Shen Yin''s ear and whispered softly, "Wife, I''ll be waiting for you tonight."


    After getting up, Shen Yin touched her own mouth, wiping away the lip gloss at the corners. She had mixed feelings - how could Xu Xiuhe do this to her, in the office of all ces, acting so unreasonable? Especially thosest words whispered in her ear, utterly suggestive, her face instantly flushed red.


    Looking at Xu Xiuhe, he wore an expression of someone whose schemes had seeded, smiling slyly, quite different from usual. "Wife, you weren''t ufortable just now, were you?"


    "How could you do that?" Shen Yin said resentfully.


    "What did I do? Kissing my own wife is very normal, isn''t it? Didn''t you say you''ve allowed me into your bed? Can''t I kiss you?"Xu Xiuhe was in a great mood. His wife didn''t want a divorce, and he had an intimate moment with her too. Not bad at all.


    "You call that just a kiss?"


    ...


    "One minute."


    Shen Yin was annoyed and left the office. As she was leaving, she heard Xu Xiuhe''s words:


    "Wife, drive slowly on your way back. I''ll be waiting for you tonight."


    Shen Yin''s face stayed flushed red. Outside in the assistant area, a group of youngdies surrounded Zhengzheng, each utterance of "Sister" from him making themugh endlessly.


    Only Xiao Li''er sat at her desk, staring nkly at theputer in front of her, seeming dazed. Liu Bo standing nearby felt there was something off about her too.


    "The wife is here," Yang Mo called out.


    With her face still burning, Shen Yin picked up Zhengzheng, telling them she had to leave before heading towards the elevator.


    "Why is the wife''s face so red?" Yang Mo asked.


    No one answered, but Liu Bo had noticed - not only was Shen Yin''s face red, but her lips were too. It was pretty much as he had imagined.


    "Xiao Li,e here for a bit," Liu Bo called out.


    Xiao Li''er didn''t hear him, still lost in her own world. She had been thinking that after being fired from this bigpany, no otherpany would want to hire her. If it really came to that, she might have to set up a street stall or work in a factory tightening screws.


    "Little Li, what are you spacing out for? What''s wrong, you look gloomy," Yang Mo patted Xiao Li''er''s shoulder.


    "The special assistant is calling you."


    Only then did Xiao Li''er snap out of it and head to Liu Bo''s office.


    "Still thinking about getting fired?" Liu Bo looked at Xiao Li''er as he asked.


    Xiao Li''er didn''t have the energy to spar wits with Liu Bo like before, simply nodding glumly.


    "Tell me, why does the CEO want to fire you? Didn''t you already submit that romance proposal?"


    "The CEO''s wife wanted a divorce, and I found out about it. He said if a third person knew, he would fire me. But today, everyone in thepany knows about it." Xiao Li''er still didn''t know how this incident had leaked out.


    "What, a divorce? That''s impossible, howe I didn''t know?" Liu Bo hadn''t checked the group messages on his phone, so he had no idea what had happened in the group.


    "It''s true. Before, I was even helping the CEOe up with ideas to pursue his wife. But today, the news that the CEO wanted a divorce spread through the group, and a few hundred people know about it."


    Liu Bo opened his phone and scrolled through the messages in the group. Sure enough, there were messages like "Don''t believe rumors, don''t spread rumors. How could this be made up? You must have heard wrong. The group messages are fake too. Didn''t you see Zhengzheng being taken out by me? The husband and wife''s rtionship is good. How could they be getting divorced?"


    "Really?" Xiao Li''er didn''t believe it.


    "Really. Didn''t you see how red the wife''s face was when she came out? Even her lips were more vibrant than usual. Their rtionship is clearly good, don''t overthink it. You won''t be fired."


    "Really?"


    "Yeah, really. I''ve never been wrong about this before."


    "But the timing seems too short, doesn''t it?"


    ...


    Liu Bo didn''t know how to respond to that.


    When Shen Yin returned to Qinghe Vi, she couldn''t focus on work, her mind filled with thoughts of that afternoon''s kiss and those words. What if tonight... how would she deal with that?


    The more she thought about it, the more agitated she became. That kiss really made her body feel different from usual. Shen Yin could only start cooking to distract herself from her disorderly thoughts.


    When Xu Xiuhe came back and saw Shen Yin in the kitchen with Zhengzheng in the living room, he was no longer afraid of Shen Yin beating him up. He took off his shoes, went to the kitchen, and embraced Shen Yin from behind, cing his hands on her stomach.


    Shen Yin froze, halting her movements. Xu Xiuhe took advantage and kissed her nape, softly asking, "Wife, are you ready?"

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    Shen Yin didn''t dare look at Xu Xiuhe, she always felt that Xu Xiuhe was now looking at her in a strange way, like looking at prey, certain to obtain it.


    Shen Yin wanted to escape, but Xu Xiuhe was too close to her, she could feel his exhaled hot breath, her neck feeling itchy.


    "Step back, I''m cooking," Shen Yin said.


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe smiled, his thin lips lightly brushing past Shen Yin''s ear, gently biting it: "Mm, I know, wife."


    After saying this, Xu Xiuhe reluctantly let go, turned and left, his mood greatly improved, going to the living room to y with his son Zhengzheng.


    Leaving Shen Yin alone in the kitchen, her heart pounding, she didn''t know what this reaction was, but her body seemed to no longer resist him.


    Her ears were red, as if dripping blood, Shen Yin touched them, scorching hot. Xu Xiuhe in the living room would asionally turn his head to look towards the kitchen, seeing Shen Yin like this, finding it even more interesting.


    At dinner, Shen Yin was too embarrassed to raise her head, silently eating rice, Xu Xiuhe realized his wife was shy, putting some vegetables on Shen Yin''s te, "Don''t just eat rice, it''s easy to choke, eat some vegetables."


    After dinner, Xu Xiuhe was considerate, cleaning up the kitchen dishes, taking out the trash downstairs, when he came back upstairs he saw Shen Yin and Zhengzheng sitting on the sofa watching ''Yan Xi''s Legend''. These episodes happened to feature Xu Yunzheng.


    "Mom, the actor is bad," Zhengzheng said very seriously to Shen Yin, pointing at the TV.


    "Zhengzheng is great, but eating vegetables is good for the body, so Zhengzheng can''t be picky, understand?" Shen Yin coaxed.


    "Xu Yunzheng, time to take a bath."


    Hearing this, Zhengzheng got off the sofa, walking with his little legs towards Xu Xiuhe.


    While giving Zhengzheng a bath, Xu Xiuhe chatted with him, "Zhengzheng, after your bath you need to go to sleep quickly, sleeping will help you grow taller."


    Zhengzheng heard he could grow taller and agreed very readily. By the time Xu Xiuhe carried him to bed, Zhengzheng was already drowsy, children''s sleep is enviable.


    Quietly closing the door, when Xu Xiuhe came to the living room, he asked: "Wife, would you like to take a bath with me?"


    Shen Yin hurriedly shook her head.


    "Alright, you go to the bathroom in the bedroom, I''ll use the one outside, that saves time." Xu Xiuhe thought, in the end they would bathe togetherter, no need to rush.


    Hearing this, Shen Yin got up and went into the bedroom, locking the door from the inside, after locking it, she pulled hard to make sure the lock was sturdy before going into the bathroom.


    After her bath, Shen Yiny on the bed, thinking the weather was nice so she didn''t need a nket, she could make do sleeping on the sofa outside.


    Xu Xiuhe took a very thorough bath, when he was done and found Shen Yin had locked the inside door, he felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured on him.


    Shen Yin kept listening for sounds at the door, it made a noise earlier, but now it had stopped, Xu Xiuhe must have given up.


    But it seemed she was wrong, the lock turned a few times and the door opened.


    Xu Xiuhe walked up to the bed, Shen Yin was still in a daze, clearly all the keys were in the drawer of the bedside table, so how did he open it?


    "How did you get in?"


    Xu Xiuhe lowered his head, saying quietly, "From the day I moved into the small building, I was afraid you''d lock me out of the bedroom, so I secretly made a copy of the key." He showed Shen Yin the key in his hand.


    Shen Yin hadn''t expected Xu Xiuhe to do something like this: "You''re a rascal."


    Xu Xiuhe bent down: "There are more mischievous things, want to try?" With that, he covered Shen Yin''s lips with his own.


    Shen Yiny on the bed, wanting to speak, but her mouth was already sealed, this kiss was different from the one in the afternoon, Xu Xiuhe''s movements were gentle, gradually exploring.


    "Don''t drift off now." Xu Xiuhe''s hand fell on Shen Yin''s waist, pinching it. Then it moved up in position.


    Suddenly, Shen Yin felt her whole body go numb, shuddering, a muffled moan escaping her red lips.


    "Zheng... zheng is still here," Shen Yin said with difficulty.


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe got up from Shen Yin. "Then let''s carry him to the sofa in the living room."


    Shen Yin shook her head.


    Xu Xiuhe bent down again, this time not to kiss, but to pick Shen Yin up, "Then we''ll go out."


    Shen Yin had been kissed breathless just now, her breathing rapid, and now Xu Xiuhe was carrying her. As they left, Xu Xiuhe grabbed a thin nket off the bed.


    The sofa wasrge, but with the two of them on it, it felt extremely small.


    Shen Yiny on the nket, Xu Xiuhe continuing where they had left off, this time his hands were even more unrestrained, moving from above to below.


    Soon, Shen Yin sumbed, utterly spent.


    Xu Xiuhe felt it was enough, saying: "Don''t overthink it, don''t be afraid, don''t be nervous."


    A muffled moan, "Call me husband."


    Shen Yin''s voice was already abnormal, at this moment suffering terribly, especially that feeling of unfulfillment, making her truly frenzied, arms tightly hugging Xu Xiuhe''s shoulders, digging in hard enough to leave red marks, but Xu Xiuhe felt nothing. "Husband."


    Hearing "husband", it was as if Xu Xiuhe was encouraged, the first time hearing the woman he liked call him that, truly satisfying.


    Xu Xiuhe''s actions told Shen Yin,


    The rest was bearable, but Shen Yin was already exhausted, seeing this, Xu Xiuhe picked up Shen Yin and went into the bathroom.


    Shen Yin had no strength to stand,pletely depending on Xu Xiuhe, she regretted it, wishing she didn''t have to take this bath, the more she washed the more tired she became.


    The next morning, Shen Yin woke up in Xu Xiuhe''s embrace, he wasn''t wearing a shirt, her face against his chest, suddenly recalling what had happenedst night.


    "Good morning, wife." Xu Xiuhe kissed Shen Yin''s forehead.


    Shen Yin suddenly covered her face with her hands.


    "Don''t cover up, I''ve seen everything. We should buy a bed for the neighbors, let Zhengzheng sleep over there."


    Shen Yin got up, looking at the marks on her body, giving Xu Xiuhe a nce: "I''m going to take out the trash. You clean up the rest." With that she went into the closet, changing into fresh clothes.


    The trash cans in the living room and bathroom held evidence fromst night, Shen Yin tied the two trash bags securely before throwing them into therge trash bin.


    Xu Xiuhe got up obediently following Shen Yin''s words, putting away what hadn''t been used, can''t let Zhengzheng see it.


    After changing clothes, he went to the living room, seeing Shen Yin had juste upstairs, saying: "You were too tiredst night, let me make breakfast, you go rest some more."


    If he hadn''t said anything it would''ve been fine, but mentioning it made Shen Yin want to beat Xu Xiuhe,st night he said it was okay, but Xu Xiuhe still didn''t stop, and first thing this morning he brought it up again.


    Embarrassed, angry, Shen Yin''s face reddened, she felt this man was shameless. Furious with shame, Shen Yin went into the bedroom, but she had already seen Xu Xiuhe put the nket from the sofa into the washing machine.

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    Shen Yin entered the bedroom, and Zhengzheng was lying on the bed with her eyes open. When she saw Shen Yine to the bedside, she said in a childish voice, "Mommy''s face is red."


    Shen Yin touched her own face and said shyly, "Mommy just went out. It''s very hot outside, and the sun made mommy''s face red. What should Zhengzheng wear today? Let me find something for Zhengzheng."


    Shen Yin went into the dressing room and found a little fisherman''s hat in Zhengzheng''s wardrobe. She took it in her hand, then grabbed a pair of khaki overalls shorts and a yellow T-shirt.


    After dressing Zhengzheng and helping her wash up, when they came out, Xu Xiuhe had already prepared breakfast and ced it on the table.


    "We can eat breakfast now."


    "Eat food, grow tall, eat meat, get fat," Zhengzheng hummed to herself.


    Xu Xiuhe heard her and said, "You can grow tall, but you can''t just eat meat. Come and eat some vegetables."


    Xu Xiuhe picked up Zhengzheng and put her in the high chair, then pulled out a chair for Shen Yin to sit. They ate the meal quietly. After finishing, when Xu Xiuhe was about to leave, he brazenly asked Shen Yin to kiss him. Shen Yin couldn''t refuse and gave him a kiss on the cheek.


    "Call me husband."


    Zhengzheng, who was watching from below, looked puzzled and asked, "What is a husband? Zhengzheng also wants mommy to kiss." She stretched out her arms, signaling Shen Yin to pick her up.


    "Zhengzheng, you''ve grown up. Mommy can''t carry you anymore," Xu Xiuhe brought up this issue again.


    "Wife, don''t spoil him. You worked so hardst night, get some rest today."


    "Stop." This man still had the nerve to say that.


    "Stop, bad daddy," Zhengzheng chimed in, her little expression stern.


    Xu Xiuhe just stared at them...


    Zhengzheng called him bad, but he could be even worse. An idea crossed his mind, and he looked at Zhengzheng meaningfully, saying, "Yeah, daddy is bad."


    Shen Yin didn''t understand what Xu Xiuhe meant untilter that morning when a furniturepany truck stopped in front of Qinghe Vi. That''s when Shen Yin realized the meaning behind Xu Xiuhe''s look.


    A brand new set of children''s furniture ¨C a wardrobe, nightstand, but Shen Yin was stunned when she saw the bed. Could Xu Xiuhe not afford a bigger bed? That bed was truly a child''s bed. Shen Yin estimated it was only about 1.5 meters long and 1.2 meters wide.


    As Shen Yin was directing the movers to take the furniture up to the third floor, her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and was surprised to see "Husband" disyed.


    When did she set that contact name? Or was this a scam call?


    After much hesitation, Shen Yin answered.


    "Wife, the furniture should have arrived."


    "Xu Xiuhe?"


    "Call me husband," Xu Xiuhe said with a smile from his office, twirling a pen in his hand.


    "Why did you buy such a small bed?" It was too small. Did he think Zhengzheng wouldn''t grow taller? This bed really opened Shen Yin''s eyes.


    "Children should sleep in children''s beds," Xu Xiuhe replied. He definitely wouldn''t admit that he had looked at several options before choosing this one intentionally. He wasn''t foolish ¨C if he bought a bigger bed, he might end up having to sleep in it himself. So a small bed it was, only big enough for Zhengzheng.


    Shen Yin hung up the phone.


    Xu Xiuhe...


    Shen Yin was really tired. Last night was exhausting, and she woke up early this morning. Walking was ufortable too, and she really wanted to sleep for a bit.


    The phone rang again with an unfamiliar number.


    "Yin Yin, how have you been after all these years?"


    Shen Yin paused, "...Who is this?"


    "Yin Yin, don''t you remember me? It''s Man Man. I''ve missed you so much these past two years."


    "Sorry, I''m not Shen Yin. You have the wrong number," Shen Yin said calmly.


    "That''s impossible! This is the right number." The woman on the other end questioned her skeptically.


    "I''m sorry, ma''am, but you really have the wrong number," Shen Yin said before hanging up. She wasn''t lying ¨C she truly wasn''t the original Shen Yin. Zhou Man was looking for the original owner of this body, not her.


    But why did Zhou Man know her phone number? And what was the rtionship between Zhou Man and Yang Cui? Why did Zhou Man call her? Question after question came to Shen Yin''s mind, and she knew she needed to be more vignt.


    "Boss, do you think this fabric is suitable for making this dress?"


    Chen Nuan held up a length of silver fabric and asked.


    Shen Yin took the fabric and felt it. It was quite smooth. "Yeah, it''ll work. Just tell Jiang Meiyan and the others that this fabric might be a bit tricky to cut and sew, so they should be extra careful."


    "Be careful," Zhengzheng imitated Shen Yin''s words, making everyoneugh.


    Shen Yin held Zhengzheng''s hand and started walking up the stairs. Her inner thighs were still ufortable, so carrying Zhengzheng up the stairs was a bit difficult.


    "Zhengzheng is a little man. Why don''t we practice climbing the stairs together?"


    Before, either Xu Xiuhe or Shen Yin would carry Zhengzheng up the stairs. But now Zhengzheng could already run on t ground, so climbing stairs shouldn''t be a problem.


    Zhengzheng tightly gripped one of Shen Yin''s fingers with her hand. "Zhengzheng, slow down. Let''s take it one step at a time. Don''t try to skip steps, okay?"


    Chen Nuan and Li Huanhuan saw them reaching the second floor andmented, "Look, the leading actress from Yanxi Biography is also ying the role of Zhengzheng."


    "So young, and she''s already earning money for milk powder. Zhengzheng is amazing."


    "I wonder why they agreed to let Zhengzheng act, given how wealthy Xu is."


    "Who can understand the world of the rich?"


    "That precious Zhengzheng is so adorable in the show. I really love her. I wanted to pinch those rosy little cheeks - she probably still has that milky scent. She''s too cute, I couldn''t control myself."


    "Huan Huan, if you can''t control yourself, go ahead and pinch her cheeks next time."


    At the top floor office of Huanyuan Group, Xu Xiuhe was in a cheerful mood as he called Xiao Li''er.


    Xiao Li''er was startled when she saw the caller ID and didn''t dare breathe.


    "Li''er, why aren''t you answering?" Yang Mo reminded her from the side.


    Xiao Li''er took a deep breath and answered the call.


    "Come in for a bit."


    As Xiao Li''er passed by Liu Bo''s office, he looked puzzled about why she was being summoned again. He then started ming himself, feeling that this whole situation was probably his fault.


    "About the divorcest time..." Xu Xiuhe had barely started speaking when he saw Xiao Li''er''s tears streaming down her face.


    "I haven''t finished talking. Why are you crying?"


    Startled, Xiao Li''er swallowed the rest of her tears.


    "The divorce fromst time is in the past. I''ll give you a raise."


    Xiao Li''er was stunned. Was she dreaming? A second ago, she was teetering on the brink of being fired, and now she was getting a raise?


    "There''s one more thing you still need to think about - what can I do to gain my wife''s favor?" As soon as Xu Xiuhe finished speaking, Xiao Li''er felt dejected again.


    Mustering her courage, she said, "Boss, could you please stop threatening to fire me all the time? Assistant Liu said that if I get fired, he''ll marry me."


    "Oh, is that so?" Xu Xiuhe immediately became interested.

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    Xiao Li''er looked at Xu Xiuhe''s gaze, instantly feeling that something unpleasant might happen.


    "CEO, it''s nothing, I''ll be going now." Xiao Li''er pointed towards the door, tentatively asking.


    "It is something. Don''t you have a boyfriend? Liu Assistant has also been single for so many years. I think you two would be quite suitable." Xu Xiuhe''s tone didn''t seem like he was joking.


    Xiao Li''er stood in her ce. This CEO, what is he up to? He hasn''t even sorted out his own affairs, yet he''s ying matchmaker for others.


    Xiao Li''er hurriedly waved her hands: "We''re not suitable for each other, CEO. Liu Assistant and I are not astrologicallypatible, and our star signs don''t match either. Truly, we''re really not suitable for each other."


    Xu Xiuhe: "......"


    "Star signs are deceiving, they have no scientific basis. Alright, you can go back now."


    After Xiao Li''er left, Xu Xiuhe opened hisputer and searched for a star sign chart. He cross-checked it and found that he was a Capricorn.


    He then searched for the star sign mostpatible with Capricorn: Taurus.


    He knew that the original host, Shen Yin, was born on April 24th. On that day, he had Liu Bo buy some branded bags and send them to Ziyue Manor. But he didn''t know what Shen Yin''s current birthday was. If her current birthday was also April 24th, then he and Shen Yin would be the mostpatible.


    Xu Xiuhe dialed a number: "Wife."


    Xu Xiuhe''s voice was very pleasant, deep and maic. When he called her "wife", it was filled with utmost tenderness.


    On the other end, Shen Yin picked up the phone and heard the word "Wife".


    "What is it?"


    "When were you born during the Dasheng Dynasty?"


    "April 23rd, I think." Shen Yin didn''t know why Xu Xiuhe was asking, but she answered truthfully.


    Upon hearing that they were just one day apart, Xu Xiuhe wondered if this was the fate between the original host and Shen Yin.


    So Shen Yin was a Taurus, and he and Shen Yin were the mostpatible. After reaching this conclusion, Xu Xiuhe became even happier. Whoever invented star signs, and whoever researched them, was truly great.


    While staring at the screen, suddenly an advertisement popped up for apatibility testing app. Xu Xiuhe became curious and downloaded it on his phone.


    A few secondster, Xu Xiuhe opened the app, which had horoscopes andpatibility readings. He entered his and Shen Yin''s birthdays, names, and residence, and found that theirpatibility score was an incredible 96.


    He had to show off a bit, so he took a screenshot of theirpatibility score and the star signpatibility chart from hisputer, and sent them to the group chat with the other two.


    [My wife and I are the perfect couple, our star signs are the mostpatible.]


    Chang Zhiyuan [............]


    Xue Jingrui [. . . . .]


    [It''s been a long time since we got together. Why don''t we meet up, and I can introduce you all to Qi Ji before the wedding?]


    [What? With our partners?] Chang Zhiyuan was shocked.


    [Sure, tonight at Qingfeng Mingyue? I might be a bitte though.]


    Chang Zhiyuan: [?]


    [I need to pick up my wife and kid.]


    Chang Zhiyuan [, , ,] So one of them is bringing his wife and kid, the other his fianc¨¦e, and he''s the only single dog?


    [Yes.]


    [You''re right.]


    After the other two replied, they each went back to work.


    Chang Zhiyuan couldn''t sit still anymore. He got up and drove to Ziyue Manor.


    When Shu Yi opened the door, she still felt incredulous. She thought she had made it clearer, yet Chang Zhiyuan still didn''t understand.


    "President Chang, what''s the matter?"


    "Nothing, I just didn''t have a ce for lunch, so I came to mooch a meal from you." Chang Zhiyuan said it as if it was natural.


    Shu Yi...


    He''s a big CEO, and he''s saying he had nowhere to eat? Shu Yi didn''t believe it at all.


    "Yue Ru, I really didn''t have anywhere to eat." Chang Zhiyuan leaned against the door frame, his tone much softer.


    "I''m not called Yue Ru!" Shu Yi was terrified of anyone mentioning her previous name.


    "Yue Ru sounds nice." Chang Zhiyuan said earnestly. He felt that Yue Ru did sound nice. He even felt that Shu Yi''s previous appearance was also quite pretty. That night, he had dug up all of Shu Yi''s information and looked through it. He didn''t feel any disdain, but rather more pity.


    "Come in then, I''m not a great cook, but it''s edible."


    Chang Zhiyuan got what he wanted and entered, changed into slippers, and went straight to the dining room as if it were his own home.


    On the dining table, there were only two dishes, one meat and one vegetable.


    "Just this little bit?"


    Shu Yi was speechless. It was just for herself, how much could she make? She didn''t know Chang Zhiyuan woulde over.


    "Yes, just this little bit. If you don''t want to eat it, the kitchen is over there, you can go make your own."


    "No, no need." Chang Zhiyuan sat down.


    Shu Yi brought another pair of chopsticks and a bowl, and Chang Zhiyuan started eating.


    Shu Yi could cook simple dishes. As for the taste, it was just very ordinary home cooking. The taste was quite average.


    "I have something to ask you." Chang Zhiyuan said as he ate.


    Seeing that Shu Yi didn''t react, Chang Zhiyuan continued: "Can you apany me to a dinner gathering tonight?"


    "What if I say I can''t?" Shu Yi looked at Chang Zhiyuan.


    Chang Zhiyuan had already guessed this response. "You can''t say you can''t, it''s work."


    At thepany, Xu Xiuhe had a simple lunch, and then made another call to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin really couldn''t have imagined that Xu Xiuhe would be so clingy now, calling her several times a day already.


    "Wife, don''t cook dinner tonight. I''lle pick you and Zheng Zheng up in the evening to eat out."


    "Okay."


    Xu Xiuhe was satisfied and called Liu Bo into his office.


    "I heard you''re going to marry Xiao Li''er?"


    "???" Liu Bo was caught off guard by the question. How did this get to the CEO?


    "No, no. I said that before because I felt guilty about worrying that she might get fired."


    "Just out of guilt? You don''t like her?"


    Liu Bo hurriedly waved his hands: "No, no, I don''t like her."


    "Liu Assistant, you''re not that young anymore, almost 30. You should take care of your life''s big matters too."


    Hearing this, Liu Bo inwardlymented. So the CEO also knew he wasn''t that young anymore? Yet he still overworks him every day. Liu Bo is so busy with work, when does he have time to deal with his own marital affairs?


    "CEO, I don''t think I have enough time."


    Xu Xiuhe thought for a moment and said, "What time?"


    "Personal time to find a partner."


    "Finding a partner needs time? I didn''t need any. I''m a year younger than you, and my son is already two years old."


    Liu Bo was speechless: "That''s because you''re impressive."


    "Here''s what we''ll do. Ourpany has quite a few single youngdies too. You take a look and see if you like any of them. If so, I''ll have them transferred directly to the top floor. Proximity breeds affection." Xu Xiuhe stroked his chin, feeling it still wasn''t enough, and continued, "Marriage is a big deal after all. Xiao Li''er is also getting on in years. How about this? This weekend at Qingfeng Mingyue, we''ll hold arge-scale matchmaking event. Any singles from our subsidiarypanies can sign up. I''ll have you handle this."


    Liu Bo was so shocked he couldn''t speak. Had the CEO taken the wrong medicine? Or was he so blessed in his own marriage that he wanted those around him to enjoy marital bliss too?

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


    In the evening, though the sun had not yet set over the western hills, Xu Xiuhe was in a good mood and did not ask Liu Assistant to continue processing the unfinished files, perhaps out of a pang of conscience. He felt that Liu Assistant had been working a bit too hard.


    When he drove back to the small building, the other employees had already left. Xu Xiuhe climbed up to the third floor, where Shen Yin was sketching design drafts.


    Xu Xiuhe walked up to the desk, bent down and kissed Shen Yin''s hair, and asked while looking at the draft, "You really want to make furniture?"


    "Zhengzheng is here," Shen Yin replied.


    Xu Xiuhe turned to see Zhengzheng ying in the living room, and said with his head lowered, "He''s having a great time ying."


    "I think this furniture is quite interesting. The Chinese-style furniture on the market nowadays always seems to becking something. I wanted to recreate the furniture from my memory of the Dasheng Dynasty, with more exquisite decorative patterns. I''ve looked at the furniture in stores, and while the styles arergely simr, the carvings aren''t delicate enough," Shen Yin exined.


    "So you want to make it yourself?"


    Shen Yin nodded.


    "Won''t it be too tiring for you?" Xu Xiuhe was genuinely concerned about Shen Yin overworking herself.


    "I''ll just draw the designs, and have someone else make them. It won''t be too tiring," Shen Yin assured him.


    "Hmm, okay. But when you''re pregnant, you should stop, alright?"


    "???" Shen Yin didn''t quite understand.


    Xu Xiuhe stood up, walked over to the carpet, picked up Zhengzheng and asked, "Zhengzheng, do you want a daddy?"


    Zhengzheng waved his hands, "Want daddy." Then he nted a kiss on Xu Xiuhe''s face.


    "Daddy will take you out for dinner tonight, okay?"


    Zhengzheng grinned, squirming in Xu Xiuhe''s arms with delight.


    "Go to your mom, daddy needs to get ready." Xu Xiuhe put Zhengzheng down.


    Zhengzheng stood on the ground, swinging his arms and strutting over to Shen Yin in a hriously exaggerated manner. Once he reached Shen Yin, he hugged her legs and said, "Mommy, eat food go."


    Xu Xiuhe went into the bedroom, grabbed Zhengzheng''s cup from the bedside table, packed Zhengzheng''s go-bag, then went to the closet to fetch a bag for Shen Yin.


    "Wifey, I''m all set. Let''s go," Xu Xiuhe said, standing in the living room holding a bag in each hand.


    For some reason, the sight struck Shen Yin as hrious, and she struggled to hold back herughter as she said, "Alright then, let''s go."


    Xu Xiuhe drove steadily, with Shen Yin and Zhengzheng sitting in the back seat. He kept ncing at them through the rearview mirror.


    Shen Yin felt a bit shy under his gaze, as she was still quite flustered - after all, justst night the two of them had...


    "Focus on driving," she said.


    "Mm-hmm, got it, wifey," Xu Xiuhe replied with a smile.


    "Wifey, have you thought about what I mentioned earlier?"


    Shen Yin was puzzled, unable to recall what Xu Xiuhe had said.


    "Having a second child," Xu Xiuhe stated bluntly.


    Shen Yin''s heart skipped a beat. What did he just say?


    "What''s having a second child?" Zhengzheng piped up, his curious face the picture of innocence.


    "It means giving Zhengzheng a little brother or sister, so Zhengzheng can be the big brother," Xu Xiuhe patiently exined.


    "Oh," Zhengzheng nodded, half-understanding.


    "Does Zhengzheng want a little brother or a little sister?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Zhengzheng put a finger to his mouth, appearing deep in thought. After a few seconds, he said, "Zhengzheng wants a big brother."


    By this point, Shen Yin could no longer bear to listen. What was this all about? Leaving aside the fact that she had no ns for another child yet, how could she give Zhengzheng an older brother?


    "Stop, Zhengzheng, you''re too young. Let''s talk about this again in a few years, okay?" Shen Yin said softly, her head lowered.


    "You don''t want to have another one?" Xu Xiuhe''s tone was unreadable, but Shen Yin''s instinct told her he was a little unhappy.


    She knew Xu Xiuhe well enough to realize that if she didn''t exin, his brooding nature would lead him to overthink things, perhaps even assuming she wanted a divorce again. "No, it''s just that Zhengzheng is too young, only two years old. Let''s reconsider when he''s a bit older. Don''t read too much into it, I have no thoughts of divorce," she rified.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xiuhe suddenly broke into a smile so bright that Shen Yin could see it clearly in the front mirror. She rarely saw him smile so happily. From what she learned about his family history and upbringing from Auntie Song, she knew his past could not have been easy.


    "Am I so good-looking that you''re staring at me so intently?" Xu Xiuhe asked in a low voice.


    "Who''s staring at you? You''re so full of yourself," Shen Yin replied sheepishly, her voicecking conviction.


    "Daddy looks like Zhengzheng, just as handsome," Zhengzheng chimed in.


    Shen Yin burst intoughter at this. Little kids really did say the funniest things when they started talking.


    "Zhengzheng, I''m your daddy. You can only say you look like me, not that I look like you. Understand?" Xu Xiuhe corrected.


    "Understood, but I''m saying you look like me, not that I look like you," Zhengzheng argued, notprehending the issue. He turned to Shen Yin, hoping his mother would take his side.


    "Hahahahaha!" Shen Yin couldn''t hold it in any longer. The logic of children really was hrious.


    "Ahem." Xu Xiuhe cleared his throat loudly, and Shen Yin finally calmed down. A few secondster, she leaned towards Zhengzheng and said, "Zhengzheng, you can''t say daddy looks like you. You have to say you look like daddy, okay?"


    Zhengzheng nodded obediently, "Zhengzheng looks like daddy."


    Only then was Xu Xiuhe satisfied.


    Watching the father and son interact, Shen Yin felt deeply moved. Zhengzheng was sure to grow into a sunny, lively, kind, and cheerful boy, because he was growing up surrounded by love.


    The car pulled up to the entrance of Qingfeng Mingyue restaurant. Shen Yin wanted Xu Xiuhe to stop so she and Zhengzheng could get out first.


    "It''s fine, just drive straight down to the underground parking. We''ll take the elevator up to the private room," Xu Xiuhe said.


    The private room was spacious and elegantly decorated. When Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin entered, Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi had already arrived.


    Chang Zhiyuan had only told Shu Yi about a dinner gathering, without specifying what kind. From the moment they entered the private room, Shu Yi had been feeling anxious and afraid.


    She had already envisioned the worst-case scenario - that Chang Zhiyuan was making here to provide drinkingpany because she had been disobedient. She clutched her bag tightly, having ced a can of pepper spray inside just in case. If anything untoward happened, she would spray both Chang Zhiyuan and herself, then escape.


    But it turned out to just be Shen Yin, which instantly put Shu Yi at ease. She let go of her bag, walked over to Shen Yin, and said, "I didn''t expect we were dining together."


    Xu Xiuhe gave Chang Zhiyuan a meaningful look, then asked, "You didn''t tell her who we were dining with?"


    Chang Zhiyuan shrugged. "How could I? If I told her it was a family dinner, she definitely wouldn''t havee."


    "Zhengzheng, let auntie give you a kiss."


    Shu Yi took Zhengzheng in her arms, and he nted a kiss on her cheek.


    Chang Zhiyuan looked on enviously, wishing he could kiss those cheeks too.


    "Jing Rui hasn''t arrived yet?" Xu Xiuhe asked.

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    "I''m here," Xue Jingrui said as he pushed open the door to the private room.


    The eyes of the four people inside were drawn toward him. Xue Jingrui held the door open but didn''t enter. Instead, he turned and spoke to someone outside, "Youe in first."


    A young woman entered the room. She had fair skin, a cute and adorable doll-like face, and a petite figure of about 160 cm tall. Her sweet and lovely appearance made her look like a quintessential "sweet girl."


    "Hello everyone, I''m Qi Ji," she introduced herself.


    As Chang Zhiyuan heard her voice, he realized that Xue Jingrui was right¡ªthis youngdy did indeed have a doll-like, sweet voice.


    Xue Jingrui walked over and stood next to Qi Ji, announcing, "Qi Ji, my wife."


    Shen Yin and Shu Yi exchanged nces, with Shu Yi looking particrly shocked. In her eyes, Xue Jingrui had already hit rock bottom, yet he was married. Why did he act so attentive toward that waitress they had encountered twice before? What a dog of a man. Indeed, there was no good man to be found, and she started feeling disdain even toward Chang Zhiyuan, who was standing nearby.


    This introduction stunned not only Shen Yin and Shu Yi but also Chang Zhiyuan, who asked in disbelief, "Wife?"


    Xue Jingrui rubbed his nose and said, "Yes, we just got our marriage certificate this morning, on Monday."


    Chang Zhiyuan thought to himself, "Good heavens." He had forgotten that Xue Jingrui had mentioned getting married on Monday, so the gathering Xue Jingrui had organized today was to introduce his new wife to them. The two brothers next to him were both married men.


    "Come and sit down," Xu Xiuhe said, arranging the chairs around the table.


    "Beautiful sister, may I sit here?" Qi Ji stood next to Shu Yi and politely asked, her eyes blinking sweetly.


    At first, Shu Yi didn''t want her to, as she had intended for Shen Yin to sit next to her. However, she couldn''t resist Qi Ji''s soft, sweet voice that sounded like a natural, unaffected plea. More importantly, Qi Ji had called her "beautiful sister." In contrast, the waitress Qi Yan seemed even more uncouth.


    Shu Yi pulled a chair over for Qi Ji. "Sure, sure," she said, noticing Qi Ji looking at her. She immediately averted her gaze, thinking to herself that she had been rude to stare at someone like that.


    The six of them sat down, with little Zhengzheng also seated in a baby chair.


    "Qi Ji, let me introduce you," Xue Jingrui said, pointing to Chang Zhiyuan and Xu Xiuhe. "These are my two brothers. We''ve been friends since childhood¡ªChang Zhiyuan and Xu Xiuhe."


    He then looked toward Shen Yin and Zhengzheng. "This is Xiuhe''s lover and their child."


    "Hello, beautiful sister. Hi there, little one," Qi Ji greeted them with a smile.


    Shen Yin smiled slightly and replied, "Hello."


    Next to her, little Zhengzheng shyly said, "Hello, big sister."


    "Big sister"¡ªwhat a unique way to address her! Qi Ji blushed. Although people hadmented on her youthful appearance before, even likening her to a minor, this was the first time a child had called her "big sister."


    Xue Jingrui continued with the introductions, but when he looked at Shu Yi, he hesitated, unsure how to introduce her role. "This is the famous superstar Shu Yi, she is..." He suddenly realized he didn''t know how to describe Shu Yi''s rtionship.


    Seeing Xue Jingrui stumbling over his words, Chang Zhiyuan turned to Shu Yi with a deep, affectionate gaze and said, "She''s my future girlfriend."


    Shu Yi didn''t dare look at Chang Zhiyuan. What was with that deep, affectionate gaze of his? When had she agreed to be his girlfriend?


    Qi Ji nced between Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan, her expression suggesting she had encountered something puzzling.


    "Let me introduce myself," Qi Ji said. "I was born extremely small, so small that when I cried as a newborn, my father found it miraculous and named me ''Qi Ji,'' which means ''miracle.'' I''m 22 years old now, already an adult. I just graduated from university this year, and I''m currently an illustrator. Normally, I''m quite reclusive and rarely go out. It''s a pleasure to meet all of you."


    Qi Ji spoke at length. As a child, she was physically frail, so she received homeschooling through elementary and middle school, with private tutors hired by her parents. It wasn''t until high school that she entered a regr school, and she had difficulty adjusting at first, suffering from social anxiety. In university, she lived alone off-campus, making very few friends, and she eventually learned to converse with herself.


    Shortly after graduating, Qi Ji''s family arranged for her to marry, which she initially didn''t want. However, her parents said that Jingrui was a good man and that a marriage between their powerful families would be beneficial for bothpanies'' development. She relented, as her parents had treated her well over the years, and she felt she should do something for them.


    When she met Xue Jingrui, Qi Ji found him to be a decent person, just as her parents had said. He was tall, fair-skinned, with a sunny disposition and pleasant appearance. He was also very gentlemanly and didn''t make her feel ufortable. She felt satisfied. One shouldn''t be greedy, she had thought. If she couldn''t find a suitable partner, she would remain single for life. As for marriage, as long as the two people could get along without difort, that would be enough. Her expectations weren''t high, but now her mindset seemed to be changing, as if the heart that had been sealed for over 20 years was stirring again.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you," Shu Yi said first.


    "Let''s eat first and chat while we''re at it," Chang Zhiyuan suggested.


    A waitress knocked on the door of the private room and entered, carrying arge bottle of chilled watermelon juice. She poured it into sses and passed them around the table.


    "Thank you," everyone said.


    Shu Yi picked up her ss, about to drink, when Shen Yin coughed loudly, "Ahem, ahem, ahem."


    Shu Yi put down the ss with an embarrassed smile.


    The others didn''t understand the reason. "What''s wrong? Doesn''t it taste good?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    Shu Yi shook her head. She couldn''t very well say that she couldn''t drink anything cold because she was about to get her period.


    Shu Yi gave Shen Yin a knowing look, and only then did Shen Yin feel reassured.


    "Have some meat. Look, you''re too thin," Chang Zhiyuan said, using the shared chopsticks to ce a slice of beef on Shu Yi''s te.


    Shu Yi thought to herself, "..." She needed to control her figure for her on-screen appearances.


    "What''s wrong? You''re not eating what I served you?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    Shu Yi shook her head again. "I need to watch my figure."


    "Health is most important. Even if you gain weight, it''s no big deal. I''ll take care of you."


    "You..." Shu Yi didn''t want to continue the conversation.


    "Zhiyuan, I saw Sister Ning Jing downstairs earlier," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "Yeah, she probably has some business to attend to here," Chang Zhiyuan replied.


    "Haven''t you been home in a while?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "No, if I go home, my mom will nag me about getting married. My sister is older than me, yet she''s pressuring me first." As he spoke, he looked directly at Shu Yi, making his intentions clear to everyone present.


    Shu Yi turned her head away, pretending not to have heard him. She couldn''t afford to take that gamble, nor did she dare.


    "You really can''t bear to let Sister Ning Jing handle such argepany all by herself?" Xue Jingrui asked again.


    "What else can I do?" Chang Zhiyuan replied. He didn''t want his sister to work so hard, but secretly, he had been helping Ning Jing a lot behind the scenes.

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


    "Let''s not discuss this topic any further," Chang Zhiyuan said.


    The others heard it too and naturally didn''t pursue their curiosity further.


    "Jingrui, how are the wedding preparations going? Let me know if you need anything," Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    "It''s going quite smoothly. About 10 days left now, and everything looks good so far. We''re just short two bridesmaids," Qi Ji said a bit sheepishly. "Sorry, I don''t have many friends."


    Her words made Shu Yi''s heart ache for the girl. Why was she like Shu Yi herself, with no friends? Such a sweet, pretty girl shouldn''t be friendless.


    "Qi Ji, I can be one of your bridesmaids," Shu Yi offered.


    "Really, beautiful sister?" The girl''s eyes lit up at the prospect of having friends to usher her into marriage, like a princess.


    "Really."


    "That''s wonderful. We still need one more. We can hire someone then."


    "Mm hmm." Qi Ji nodded obediently.


    "Let Yan Yan and Shu Yi be the bridesmaids. It''ll be safer that way, and it''ll be easier if anythinges up," Chang Zhiyuan suggested. He still didn''t feelpletely at ease with Shu Yi being a bridesmaid alone.


    "Need a groomsman? I can do it!" Chang Zhiyuan added.


    "Ha ha ha ha ha ha, sure!"


    The meal finished quite quickly. Worried that Qi Ji might be too tired, Xue Jingrui said, "Qi Ji and I should head back first. We need to return to the familypound early today."


    Qi Ji smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Goodbye, pretty sisters and little friend," she waved.


    Shen Yin and Shu Yi waved back with smiles.


    "Full?" Xu Xiuhe asked, tilting his head towards Shen Yin.


    "Full, Dad." Little Zhengzheng was still struggling with the chicken on his te, small fork in hand.


    "I didn''t ask you. If you''re full, why are you still eating?" Xu Xiuhe asked his son.


    Xu Yunzheng blinked at his father, then lowered his head and continued eating.


    "Wife, are you full?" Xu Xiuhe turned to Shen Yin.


    "I''m full."


    "It''s gettingte, and this meal took a while. Let''s head back too." Xu Xiuhe''s voice was louder so that Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan could hear him too.


    "Let''s go. I''ll drive you," Chang Zhiyuan said, picking up Shu Yi''s bag.


    "I can carry it myself." Shu Yi tried to take the bag from Chang Zhiyuan, but he pulled it back. Their hands brushed, and Shu Yi quickly withdrew hers.


    "Let''s go." Xu Xiuhe picked up Zhengzheng, grabbed their bags, and walked behind Chang Zhiyuan and Shen Yin.


    Chang Zhiyuan led the way, with Shu Yi in the middle and Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin side by side behind her. But as soon as they left the private room, their positions changed.


    Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi walked side by side.


    "Zhiyuan?"


    They turned to see a ck-haired woman in herte twenties, dressed in a ck business suit, standing behind them.


    "Sister, you''re done?" Chang Zhiyuan spoke first.


    "Mm, you came out for a meal too?" Chang Ningjing noticed the bag in Chang Zhiyuan''s hand, then looked at Shu Yi.


    Chang Ningjing''s gaze was an unabashed appraisal, without a shred of tact. "Got a new girlfriend?"


    Shu Yi felt awkward and wanted to rify that she wasn''t his girlfriend.


    "Sister, she''s not my girlfriend. I''m still pursuing her," Chang Zhiyuan replied nonchntly.


    Chang Ningjing''s gaze intensified. "I don''t care about your romantic affairs. Just go home so Mom and Dad don''t worry. Learn from Xiuhe."


    Chang Zhiyuan didn''t take it seriously. These were just typical remarks. Whenever he went home, they''d nag him to get married, so he tried to avoid going back as much as possible.


    "Xiuhe, this must be your wife," Chang Ningjing turned to Shen Yin and extended her hand.


    Shen Yin hesitated for a moment before realizing Chang Ningjing wanted to shake hands. "Hello, I''m Shen Yin," she said, reaching out.


    "Hello. I''m older than you, so just call me Sister Ningjing."


    "I need to hurry back to the office now. I''ll get going first." With that, Chang Ningjing turned and left briskly.


    Shu Yi retrieved her bag from Chang Zhiyuan''s hands and walked ahead.


    Seeing Shu Yi''s dampened mood, Chang Zhiyuan quickly went after her.


    "Will there be any trouble?" Shen Yin asked with concern.


    "No, Zhiyuan''s quite reliable. Let''s head back too." Xu Xiuhe shook his head.


    Shen Yin nodded, but her thoughts lingered on Chang Ningjing. That woman gave off a cool, powerful vibe.


    After dinner, Xu Xiuhe drove, with Shen Yin in the backseat and a sleeping Zhengzheng. The wide road was asionally dotted with pedestrians on the side paths.


    Now and then, they passed young couples strolling hand-in-hand. Envious, Xu Xiuhe slowed the car to a crawl under the warm orange glow of the streetmps, savoring the gentle summer night.


    "Are they siblings?" Shen Yin asked, sensing an odd dynamic between Chang Ningjing and Chang Zhiyuan.


    "Yes, biological siblings. Zhiyuan has always refused to take over the family business to bolster Ningjing''s standing at home."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Their family values sons over daughters. Ningjing was treated differently from Zhiyuan growing up, despite being very good to him. But Zhiyuan couldn''t do much. A few years ago, the family wanted to force Ningjing into an arranged marriage, but she refused. Zhiyuan felt bad, so he started cking off and not managing thepany, generating all sorts of scandals. Ningjing is capable herself and gradually established a firm foothold at thepany, earning respect at home through sheer grit and perseverance."


    Shen Yin considered Chang Ningjing in a new light after hearing her past struggles.


    Xu Xiuhe watched the young couple outside, holding hands and strolling under the streetlights. The girl was smiling happily, saying something to the boy, who affectionately patted her head and led her onwards.


    This, Xu Xiuhe realized, was romance¡ªsimple, filled withughter and chatter, their eyes only for each other.


    He hadn''t had that with Shen Yin. He hadn''t given her much at all. This girl had been busy taking care of the child since she arrived. Working so hard every day. A pang of guilt overcame him. "Wife, let''s date."


    "Huh?" Shen Yin didn''t understand what was going through Xu Xiuhe''s mind. They were already married with a two-year-old son. How could they date now? Who dated after marriage?


    "Focus on driving," was all she said.


    Xu Xiuhe took that as tacit agreement and sped up. If Shen Yin didn''t object, then he would start dating her tomorrow night.


    Xu Xiuhe parked the car, got out, opened the rear door for Shen Yin, and carried a still-sleeping Zhengzheng out after she exited.


    "Wasn''t today tiring?" he asked solicitously.


    "Do you really need to ask?"


    "Then we''ll start dating tomorrow night."

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    Xu Xiuhe had Shen Yin go take a shower first, while he took little Xu Yunzheng to another bathroom.


    It wasn''t Xu Xiuhe''s first time bathing the sleeping Xu Yunzheng, so he was more at ease this time around. He was feeling a bit proud of himself when suddenly, Xu Yunzheng opened his eyes in the tub.


    "Papa, find Mama," Xu Yunzheng said sleepily.


    "Good boy, Mama is also taking a shower. You can find her after she''s done," Xu Xiuhe reassured him.


    Xu Yunzheng closed his eyes again and dozed off in the tub. Xu Xiuhe quickly steadied him, worried that he might fall into the water if he slept too deeply.


    After Shen Yin had showered and dried her hair in the bedroom, Xu Xiuhe finally brought Xu Yunzheng out of the bathroom.


    "You two go to sleep first. I''ll take a shower now," he said.


    After Xu Xiuhe went in, Shen Yin tucked Xu Yunzheng in with a light nket andy down beside him.


    Perhaps from exhaustion, before Xu Xiuhe even came out, the mother and son were sound asleep on the bed.


    It was a tranquil night, with no moon outside, only twinkling stars visible through the window. After closing it, Xu Xiuhe quietlyy down beside Xu Yunzheng.


    How fortunate he was, this cold and aloof man, to have such warmth around him. How fortunate he was to have found such a good wife.


    They slept well through the night, and surprisingly, little Xu Yunzheng was the first to wake up in the morning.


    "Flower, flower," he said, lying in bed and looking left and right, his big eyes ying with his own fingers.


    Suddenly, his hand smacked Xu Xiuhe''s face with a pat.


    Xu Xiuhe opened his eyes, dazed and confused as to why he had been pped first thing in the morning.


    "Flower, Xu Yunzheng wants flower," the little one dered.


    Understanding, Xu Xiuhe got up, changed his clothes in the closet, then came back and grabbed Xu Yunzheng to take him in too.


    "Xu Yunzheng, you can''t just hit people, you know," he scolded, holding the boy under his armpits with both hands, Xu Yunzheng''s body dangling ufortably as he kicked his legs.


    "What clothes do you want to wear?" Xu Xiuhe asked, freeing one hand to point at Xu Yunzheng''s little wardrobe.


    "Wah wah wah, want Mama," Xu Yunzheng cried.


    "A little man doesn''t cry. Mama is sleeping, we can''t bother her now," Xu Xiuhe said firmly.


    Xu Yunzheng stopped crying. "Papa, want flower."


    "Alright, Papa will get the flower first, but before that, you need to get dressed."


    Not waiting for Xu Yunzheng''s preference, Xu Xiuhe grabbed a white t-shirt and ck cargo pants from the wardrobe and put them on the boy.


    After getting dressed, Xu Xiuhe carried Xu Yunzheng out, tiptoed to the living room, took out his phone and called Liu Bo.


    "Liu Bo, bring Xu Yunzheng''s flower to Qinghe Vi."


    Hanging up, Xu Xiuhe took Xu Yunzheng downstairs. There were many breakfast stalls on this street, so he bought some food.


    On the way back, they ran into Mrs. Su.


    "Xu Yunzheng, say good morning to Grandma," Xu Xiuhe instructed.


    "Good morning, Grandma," Xu Yunzheng said sweetly.


    "Good morning. Out buying breakfast?" Mrs. Su asked.


    "Yes, just bought some, heading back now," Xu Xiuhe replied coolly, as he did with unfamiliar people.


    "What about your wife?" Mrs. Su inquired further.


    "Still sleeping," Xu Xiuhe answered shortly.


    "Oh, a youngdy came looking for your wifest night. She seemed familiar, like that Zhou Man from before," Mrs. Su recounted with a smile.


    Zhou Man? Xu Xiuhe vaguely recalled Shen Yin mentioning her before but wasn''t clear on who she was or why she would be looking for his wife now. He grew concerned that Shen Yin might not be able to handle it alone.


    When they arrived at Qinghe Vi, the studio staff were already there. Xu Xiuhe carried Xu Yunzheng upstairs to find Shen Yining out of the bedroom.


    "Why didn''t you wake me up?" she asked groggily.


    "Didn''t want you to be tired. Sleep in a bit more," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "I''m awake now."


    "Alright,e eat first then."


    After breakfast, Liu Bo called to say he had delivered the flower and tied it to the door handle before leaving.


    "Aren''t you going to work today?" Shen Yin asked, as Xu Xiuhe would normally be at thepany by now.


    "I said we''re dating today," he answered yfully, making Shen Yin blush.


    "What''s dating? Xu Yunzheng wants to date too," the little one chimed in.


    "Xu Yunzheng, you''re too young for dating. Dating is being together with someone you like. You can only date when you''re 18," Xu Xiuhe exined patiently.


    "Xu Yunzheng likes Mama, Xu Yunzheng wants to date Mama," the boy dered innocently.


    Xu Xiuhe''s face darkened. "Xu Yunzheng, dating is not for children. And you can''t date Mama - Mama can only date Papa, understand?"


    Shen Yin gave Xu Xiuhe a kick under the table, but he just smiled at her in response.


    After the meal, Shen Yin started painting while Xu Xiuhe watched over Xu Yunzheng beside her.


    "Don''t you have work to do? You''re the CEO, shouldn''t you be busy?" Shen Yin asked, feeling self-conscious being watched.


    "Not busy, I have Assistant Liu," Xu Xiuhe brushed it off nonchntly.


    The phone on the table rang, and Shen Yin answered it.


    "Boss, there''s a dog outside our door that keeps barking. Whose dog is this?" the person on the other end questioned.


    Shen Yin looked puzzled. "A dog?" Then her gaze turned to Xu Xiuhe.


    "Xu Yunzheng wanted his flower, so I had Assistant Liu bring it over," he exined.


    Shen Yin spoke into the phone, "It''s the dog I''m raising. Why is it barking so much? I''ll go down and check."


    Hanging up, she told Xu Xiuhe, "Li Huanhuan said the flower keeps barking. I''ll go take a look."


    Shen Yin put on shoes to head downstairs, but the cautious Xu Xiuhe followed with Xu Yunzheng in his arms.


    Downstairs, Li Huanhuan stood by the door. "This doggy won''t stop barking. I didn''t dare go out since it''s tied to the door handle."


    Xu Xiuhe carried Xu Yunzheng out and looked around. To the right of the vi, a woman was peeking out from behind the wall.


    "Come out," Xu Xiuhe ordered coldly.


    The woman cautiously emerged from behind the wall.


    "What''s your business here?" he asked bluntly, guessing this sneaky woman could be Zhou Man, which made his tone unfriendly.


    Intimidated by therge dog, Zhou Man slowly approached.


    The flower started barking more aggressively and louder than before, sounding quite fierce now.


    The woman, in a tight ck dress, came closer. "Hello, this is my friend''s shop. I want to know if she''s here," she said tentatively, clearly afraid to get closer because of the dog. It was quite aical sight.


    Shen Yin also came out and saw Zhou Man, unsurprised since she had anticipated Zhou Man mighte looking for her after the callst night.

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    "Yin, it''s me, Manman." Zhou Man ran up, no longer afraid of the dog biting her.


    Shen Yin still pretended not to recognize her, "Who are you looking for?"


    Zhou Man suddenly pounced on her, trying to grab Shen Yin''s arm. Xu Xiuhe was quick to react, untying the rope that secured Huahua to the door.


    Huahua was no ordinary pet dog. It wasrge in stature, with a fierce appearance. Gentle and kind towards its owner, but extremely vicious towards strangers who behaved suspiciously.


    Xu Xiuhe closed the main door. Now free, the energetic Huahua dashed around joyfully.


    "Woof, woof, woof woof." Huahua barked chaotically, charging towards Zhou Man.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe stood by the window of the small building, watching the chase unfold outside between the woman and the dog.


    Huahua seemed to be catching up, but then slowed its pace, stepping forward and closing in on Zhou Man.


    "Woof woof woof."


    At first, Zhou Man backed away, but after a few steps, realizing retreating was too slow, she turned and ran towards the end of Qinghe Street. Her posture was awkward, drawing the attention of people from the small houses lining the street.


    "Mom, Huahua, Huahua." Zhengzheng watched from the window, pointing at Huahua as he spoke to Shen Yin.


    Zhengzheng pped his hands, slightly excited by the sight of Huahua chasing and barking at Zhou Man. Since moving to this small building, he hadn''t seen Huahua, and today, the dog was far more lively than he had ever seen at Ziyue Manor.


    Xu Xiuhe was also surprised, not expecting the usually gentlerge dog to be so energetic today. If he hadn''t witnessed this wild behavior, he would have thought they had turned the Tibetan mastiff into a little white rabbit.


    Only when Zhou Man had fled far enough did Huahua saunter back, sitting obediently at the entrance, as if it weren''t the same dog from moments ago.


    Huahua''s leash was still on, and it sat calmly at the door, panting but well-behaved. Shen Yin was worried that Huahua might be thirsty after all that barking.


    "Xiuhe, why don''t we bring Huahua upstairs and give it some water?"


    No sooner had she said that than Zhengzheng went over, patted Huahua''s head, and said, "Huahua is cool!"


    Neither Shen Yin nor Xu Xiuhe had expected those words.


    Zhengzheng then approached and hugged Huahua, saying, "Huahua barked today."


    Xu Xiuhe put his hand to his forehead, realizing the child had thought Huahua was a little white rabbit all along, rarely hearing it bark.


    Xu Xiuhe took hold of the leash around Huahua''s neck and led it upstairs to the third floor.


    Shen Yin found a bowl, poured some water into it, and set it down in front of Huahua.


    Huahuapped up the water, making slurping noises as it drank a few gulps. It then looked up, and Zhengzheng approached, asking, "Huahua, want some meat?"


    Huahua blinked its eyes, gazing at Zhengzheng with a gentle expression.


    Xu Xiuhe went into the kitchen, found a steak, put it on a te, and set it down next to Huahua''s water bowl.


    Seeing Huahua happily eating, Zhengzheng was delighted, bouncing around the dog.


    Xu Xiuhe turned to Shen Yin and said, "This morning when I bought groceries, Granny Su said she came herest night."


    Shen Yin replied, "She called me yesterday. My understanding of her is limited to the original Shen Yin''s memories ¨C that she was very dependent on Shen Yin, extremely kind and caring towards her, always looking out for her and acting spoiled to get Shen Yin''s attention. That''s why Shen Yin liked her a lot."


    Xu Xiuhe sighed, "Sometimes, liking someone can be very simple and have nothing to do with gender."


    "So, the original host might not have been exclusively attracted to the same gender, but just happened to develop feelings for someone who shared her gender?" Shen Yin was always a bit slow on the uptake when it came to emotions.


    "Perhaps because Zhou Man was so good to Shen Yin, Shen Yin fell for her. But she didn''t realize that all that kindness was deception. No one is good to someone for no reason ¨C they either want affection or personal gain. It''s clear that Zhou Man was after personal gain, while I want your affection." Xu Xiuhe''s voice took on a suave, flirtatious tone towards the end.


    Shen Yin felt that Xu Xiuhe now was like apletely different person from when she had first transmigrated here. Back then, he was cold, heartless, devoid of human warmth. She could still remember his harsh tone and stern warnings, delivered with as few words as possible. Now, Xu Xiuhe shamelessly flirted every day, frequently throwing out lines and never missing a chance to call her "wife."


    "Is that so? I don''t recall who had a grim look and told me I wouldn''t have an easy time." Shen Yin said nonchntly.


    A hint of embarrassment shed across Xu Xiuhe''s eyes as he quickly apologized, "Sorry about that. I didn''t know it was you back then, and I did do a lot of things that harmed Zhengzheng."


    "The original host probably didn''t want to do those things because of her mental issues, but she couldn''t control herself. It''s good that she''s in another world now, without those memories and still young." Shen Yin sighed.


    "Yeah, I hope she meets someone in that other world who truly loves her, spoils her, whether male or female." Xu Xiuhe then remembered Zhou Man and asked, "What''s the deal with Zhou Man? I only know she deceived Shen Yin."


    It was only then that Shen Yin recalled she had only briefly mentioned to Xu Xiuhe that Zhou Man had lied to and stolen money from Shen Yin. She hadn''t told him the specifics.


    Well, she didn''t know the details either. She had learned about it from Shen''s Father, Shen''s Mother, and Shen Lv.


    Shen Yin ryed the information she had obtained from Shen''s Father, Shen''s Mother, and Shen Lv to Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe fell silent for a few seconds. "You mean she married Guo Wei from Pei City?"


    "Yes, that''s what Father said. He said Guo Wei might even be older than him."


    "Guo Wei is no ordinary man. He has a shady background and a harem of women." Xu Xiuhemented, realizing he might be difficult to deal with down the line.


    "Then why did she suddenlye looking for me? She already scammed 2 million from Shen Yin. With her current status, she shouldn''t be short on money, right? Why do you think she came looking for Shen Yin?"


    "It''s never enough for the greedy. Even though you know martial arts, you should still be careful. I''ll buy a few more Tibetan mastiffs." Xu Xiuhe felt the mastiffs were really impressive ¨C gentle asmbs towards their owners, but vicious as wolves towards bad people.


    "Ah?" After some thought, Shen Yin agreed. Since Zhengzheng liked them, and they could protect him, it was fine.


    "What kind of person do you think Shen Lv is?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t know why she was asking, but after considering, he answered, "He seems like a yboy, but he''s alright to deal with. Not a bad person. He has some capability and is quite decisive in handling matters, though his w is not really considering the consequences of his actions. Like when he drugged Shen Yin and got me drunk ¨C his intentions were good, for Shen Yin''s sake, but it ended up causing her a lot of pain." As he spoke, Xu Xiuhe felt a twinge of envy for Shen Lv, who had a loving family and a carefree life.


    "Yes, we often hurt others under the pretext of doing things for their own good."

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91


    "Why suddenly ask about Shen Lv? You must have some impression of him in your memory," Shen Yin pondered and said.


    "Father''s health is not good now, and Shen Lv may have to take over thepany in the future. He seems to treat Shen Yin quite well, always doting on her. But sometimes he bullies her. There''s not much age difference between them, so Shen Yin often gets bullied by him and then runs to our parents in tears," Shen Yin searched her memory and suddenly remembered that Shen Lv had a close friend who confessed to the original owner. However, the original owner, afraid that Shen Lv would manipte her if he found out, rejected him. Then that friend went abroad. Shen Lv still doesn''t know about this incident."


    "Oh, I see," Xu Xiuhe nodded in understanding.


    "Your brother is so old, and he still doesn''t have a girlfriend?" Xu Xiuhe became curious. Now that he has a wife, he finds it strange and iprehensible that others don''t have girlfriends or aren''t married, even feeling anxious for them.


    "Huahua is full!" Zhengzheng shouted from the living room.


    Xu Xiuhe walked over, tidied up the bowls and tes, and put them at the bottom of the stairs on the third floor.


    Turning around, he saw Zhengzheng standing beside Huahua, pouting, one hand clutching the other, looking at Xu Xiuhe with a particrly innocent expression, saying, "Daddy, Zhengzheng is hungry too, Zhengzheng wants to eat meat."


    Seeing him like this, Xu Xiuhe found him too cute and couldn''t help teasing him, "All the meat has been eaten by Huahua, there''s none left."


    Upon hearing this, Zhengzheng looked at Zhengzheng, his pout turning into a frown, his expression even more innocent than before, as if saying, "Bad Huahua, stealing my meat."


    Huahua, looking at the little master''s expression, felt helpless, sitting on the ground, blinking, and yawning, as if saying, "It''s none of my business."


    "Don''t tease him," Shen Yin entered the kitchen, poured a pot of milk, and handed it to Zhengzheng.


    "Meat." Although Zhengzheng said it with his mouth, his hands were honest, taking the milk bottle and holding it with both hands, gulping it down.


    Afraid that Zhengzheng would me her for not giving him meat, Shen Yin exined, "It''s almost lunchtime. If you eat meat now, you won''t be able to eat lunchter."


    Hearing that there would be meat for lunch, Zhengzheng nodded happily, holding the milk bottle and drinking it, his feet not idle, taking small steps, swaying back and forth, swaying to the side of the sofa, looking at Xu Xiuhe, holding the milk bottle, and showing it to Xu Xiuhe.


    Shen Yin really feared that Zhengzheng would stumble and fall again.


    "Aren''t you going to thepany?" Shen Yin asked again.


    Xu Xiuhe replied, "Just thinking about chasing your husband away, huh?"


    Here ites again. Every time he said something like this, Shen Yin didn''t know how to respond.


    Originally, Xu Xiuhe didn''t go to work because he heard from Su Jin that Zhou Man hade over and he was worried. He had just thought that Zhou Man had been scared by Huahua and probably wouldn''t dare toe over again for a while. He had decided to go to thepany. After all, he couldn''t always rely on Liu Tezhu.


    But when Shen Yin asked, he suddenly didn''t want to leave. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and now he feels that Shen Yin looks good all the time, even her unwillingness to talk to him is charming.


    Xu Xiuhe stood up and walked to Shen Yin''s side, saying, "When you''re in love, the first thing to do is to go to the supermarket with your lover."


    "Let''s go," Shen Yin hadn''t reacted yet, but when Xu Xiuhe picked up the baby bag and lifted Zhengzheng, who was standing at the stairwell, Shen Yin followed suit.


    "Mommy, let''s go," Zhengzheng said.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin changed her shoes and joined them at the stairwell.


    "Flower wants toe too," Zhengzheng said.


    "Flower doesn''t want toe. Darling, you hold Flower for a while and leave it on the first floor," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Shen Yin carefully picked up the leash. It was the first time she had held Flower like this. Before, she would have been afraid of such a big dog, but her perspective changed when Flower chased after Zhou Man and bit her earlier.


    She felt that Flower always treated her as one of its own, never barking at her. This was the first time she had seen Flower being so fierce.


    The three of them and the dog went downstairs.


    Before leaving, Shen Yin exined to Li Huanhuan again, asking her to tell the woman she had just seen at the door not to let her in.


    Li Huanhuan nodded.


    After Xu Xiuhe put down Zhengzheng, took the leash from Shen Yin, and reattached it to the door, he went to the back of the building to get the car.


    In the car, Shen Yin asked, "Which supermarket are we going to?"


    "Ziyue Manor''s," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Shen Yin had a thousand question marks in her mind. Did they have to go so far just to shop at a supermarket?


    Seeing Shen Yin''s confusion, Xu Xiuhe exined, "Ziyue Manor''s supermarket is not small. Most importantly, this supermarket only provides offline services for Ziyue Manor residents. For other ces, they deliver to your door."


    "Are you saying outsiders can''t enter Ziyue Manor''s supermarket?" Shen Yin asked.


    Shen Yin hadn''t lived in Ziyue Manor for long, so she had no idea.


    "Ziyue Manor is a project of Heyuan Group, and the supermarket also belongs to Heyuan. What''s wrong? Can''t I build a supermarket for myself?"


    Shen Yin was speechless for a moment. It was really ridiculous. Last time she went to the supermarket, she indeed noticed that there were more sellers than buyers.


    "Zhengzheng is a little celebrity now, so it''s safer to go to Ziyue Manor," Xu Xiuhe added.


    Actually, Xu Xiuhe wanted to suggest moving back to Ziyue Manor sometime, but he was afraid. There were more beds in Ziyue Manor, but he couldn''t sleep in the same bed as Shen Yin.


    When they arrived at the supermarket, the person in charge had already recognized Xu Xiuhe. It wasn''t surprising that it took him a while to recognize him. After all, it had been so long since this top boss hade to the supermarket.


    "Yinyin?"


    Shen Yin heard a familiar voice and suddenly turned her head.


    "Yinyin, you moved back to Ziyue Manor?" Shu Yi seemed a bit surprised.


    "No, I just came to shop at the supermarket. When will your next drama start filming?" Shen Yin asked, curious.


    "I was originally nning to join the crew the day after tomorrow, but now that they''re saying they''ve changed the male lead actor, it''s postponed until 10 dayster. It just so happens that I can be Qi Ji''s bridesmaid," Shu Yi said, rambling on. "Having more vacation time isn''t a bad thing, right? I was still thinking of going on a trip with my parents these days."


    "Yeah, sounds good," Shen Yin wanted to say more, but Shu Yi noticed Xu Xiuhe''s expression and didn''t dare to take up more of Shen Yin''s time.


    "Okay, let''s talk about itter. Qi Ji heard that you design dresses, and he wants to ask for your help in designing the toast gown," Shu Yi almost finished her shopping, busy bidding farewell.


    Xu Xiuhe pushed a shopping cart over and put Zhengzheng in it, pushing it himself while Shen Yin followed beside.


    Suddenly, Xu Xiuhe said, "Darling, you should push too."


    Xu Xiuhe had done his homework, read the dating manual, and knew that shopping with his girlfriend, pushing the cart together, could bring them closer.


    Seeing Shen Yin not moving, Xu Xiuhe pushed the cart with one hand, moved closer to Shen Yin, and with the other hand, he took Shen Yin''s hand and ced it on the other handle of the shopping cart.

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe walked side by side, their arms touching. Xu Xiuhe even wanted to pull Shen Yin into his embrace.


    Shen Yin appeared calm on the surface, but her heart was already turbulent.


    "Shu Yi just said that Qi Ji wants tomission me for her wedding attire. Let''s head back soon after we''re done shopping."


    "We''ve just started, no rush. Their wedding is still nine days away, they probably won''t have time to find you today," said Xu Xiuhe.


    "Why?"


    "Qi Ji and Xue Jingrui got their marriage certificate yesterday, you know?"


    Shen Yin blushed.


    "I want chocte! I want cheese sticks!" little Zhengzheng murmured from the shopping cart.


    Although Xu Xiuhe didn''t approve of Zhengzheng eating too many snacks, he still grabbed some choctes and cheese sticks from the snack aisle.


    "Honey, do you want anything?" Xu Xiuhe turned and asked.


    Shen Yin shook her head. She really didn''t have any cravings.


    Xu Xiuhe added a few more snacks to the cart. When they reached the vegetable section, Shen Yin finally started picking items.


    Shen Yin ced her selections in the cart, and Xu Xiuhe followed closely behind, staying near Shen Yin to ensure she could easily put items in the cart when she turned around.


    As the cart was almost full, little Zhengzheng sitting inside wore a disdainful expression, prompting Shen Yin to stop.


    "Let''s go, we''re done. Time to check out."


    Xu Xiuhe pushed the cart to the cashier, where the store manager hurried over to greet them and arranged for employees to load the groceries into Xu Xiuhe''s car outside.


    As Xu Xiuhe paid with WeChat, he noticed an unread message in their group chat with three people. Opening it, he saw a message from Chang Zhiyuan.


    [Jingrui, how was the wedding night? ;)]


    [Ahem, nothing happened. She fell asleep.] Xue Jingrui replied. Indeed, as he had never had a girlfriend before, he wasn''t prepared and worried about disappointing her on their first time. Butst night, after Qi Ji came home and took a shower, she fell asleep in the bedroom.


    She was still at home drawing illustrations now.


    [Be good to the littledy.] Chang Zhiyuan advised, fearing that Xue Jingrui might still be hung up on that other woman.


    [I''m treating her well.] Xue Jingrui replied before calling Qi Ji.


    "Hey, brother Jingrui," the sweet voice of the youngdy greeted him.


    Xue Jingrui''s heart fluttered at being called ''brother.'' He doted on her, "I''ll pick you up for lunch."


    "Okay."


    The youngdy''s voice remained sweet, betraying no particr emotion.


    When Xue Jingrui first met Qi Ji, she struck him as obedient, younger, and he still felt that way. The youngdy waspliant with him, her voice forever sweet, agreeing to whatever he said.


    At noon, when Xue Jingrui returned to the residentialpound, Xue''s Father and Xue''s Mother were already seated in the living room.


    "Mom, Dad, you''re home early today. Usually, youe backter than me," Xue Jingrui remarked.


    Xue''s Father lowered his newspaper. "Didn''t you take the day off?"


    "Take off for what?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    Ye Rong chided, "Jingrui, you just got your marriage certificate yesterday. Shouldn''t you be taking Qi Ji out today, going ces, nurturing your rtionship?"


    Xue Jingrui was taken aback, scratching his head.


    Ye Rong continued, "Qi Ji has been pampered at home too. She''s so much younger than you; you need to learn to be considerate. I didn''t say anything before when you liked Qi Yan, but now it''s clear you and her aren''t meant to be together. Cut ties cleanly for both your sakes. Most importantly, remember that you''re a married man now. You''ve started a family. After the wedding, you and Qi Ji will move out. I''m afraid she might not get used to living with us."


    "Got it, Mom. I''ll take Qi Ji out for lunch."


    Ye Rong was delighted, relieved that her son and daughter-inw would get along well.


    Upstairs, Xue Jingrui entered the bedroom first, finding the bed neatly made and Qi Ji nowhere in sight. Puzzled, he searched around until spotting her at the study desk.


    Sensing his presence, Qi Ji looked up from her tablet. "Brother Jingrui, I used your desk for a bit."


    "No problem, you can use anything in the house."


    "Let''s go." Xue Jingrui stood by the study door, waiting for Qi Ji to close her tablet ande over before leading her out and closing the door behind them.


    "Anything you need to take with you?"


    Qi Ji shook her head.


    "Then let''s go."


    As Qi Ji and Xue Jingrui descended, Xue''s parents were still on the sofa. Ye Rong advised, "Qi Ji, let me know if you''re adjusting okay. Jingrui has never dated before, so he may not know how to be gentle with ady. He went to work this morning, but you mustn''t follow his example."


    Qi Ji shook her head hurriedly with a smile. "Mom, brother Jingrui has been great."


    Ye Rong smiled and nodded. "Good, good. If he mistreats you, tell us, and we''ll stand up for you."


    Xue Kai chimed in, "Yes, we''ll stand up for you."


    "Thank you, Dad and Mom. Brother Jingrui hasn''t mistreated me."


    "No need for thanks among family. You two go on now, before you get hungry."


    As Xue Jingrui drove, Qi Ji sat in the passenger seat. He felt a bit unustomed and struggled to find a topic.


    "Qi Ji, what would you like to eat?"


    "Anything is fine with me."


    Xue Jingrui didn''t press further, driving them to an upscale Western restaurant.


    "Is Western food okay?"


    The youngdy nodded again.


    At noon, the restaurant wasn''t crowded, with only a few upied booths. Xue Jingrui chose one near the window and let Qi Ji take a seat.


    "Take a look and order," he handed her the menu.


    After perusing it, Qi Ji ordered a steak, a fruit sd, a pizza, then asked, "Brother Jingrui, what would you like?"


    "Same as you is fine."


    Qi Ji then added another steak order.


    As they waited, Xue Jingrui broached a topic, "Were you bored at home this morning?"


    Qi Ji shook her head. "No, I''m used to being alone. My work involves drawing illustrations, so I have flexibility with time and location."


    "Mom said after our wedding, we''ll move out. I have a ce near the court with a good environment and security. I''ll take you to see it this afternoon. If it''s not suitable, we can find another."


    "Okay, sounds good."


    Qi Ji was so obedient that Xue Jingrui felt she would agree to anything he said, either nodding or replying with "okay."


    "Which university did you attend?"


    "In Rong City, Rong City Art Institute."

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93


    "The Rong City Art Institute?"


    Qi Ji nodded again, and Xue Jingrui didn''t ask further.


    The waiter brought over the red wine and the dishes they ordered.


    "Can you drink wine?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "I''m of age, so I can have a little bit."


    Qi Ji picked up the wine ss and took a small sip. Xue Jingrui cut the steak on his te into pieces.


    After cutting it, Xue Jingrui switched their tes. Qi Ji was a bit surprised, realizing the steak was cut for her.


    "Thank you, Brother Jingrui." Just as her parents said, Brother Jingrui was indeed a good person.


    "Jingrui, you''re here too?"


    Xue Jingrui and Qi Ji both looked up upon hearing the voice.


    Xue Jingrui''s expression suddenly changed, sounding unsettled, "You''re here for dinner too."


    "Yeah, I''m here with Mengmeng for dinner."


    It was only then that Xue Jingrui noticed the person standing beside Qi Yan.


    Qi Ji was already socially anxious, and encountering strangers while eating made her even more anxious. She lowered her head and ate the steak that Xue Jingrui had cut for her.


    Gu Mengmeng saw someone disregarding her status again, naturally feeling displeased. Her expression changed as she stood beside Qi Yan with her arms crossed.


    "Jingrui, is this your younger sister? She''s so young," Qi Yan asked.


    Qi Ji looked up and smiled faintly at Qi Yan when she saw the woman asking about her.


    "She''s not my sister, she''s my wife."


    "What!" Qi Yan was directly stunned into silence, standing still.


    "Wife?" Qi Yan still couldn''t believe it, wondering why she had no information about this.


    "Is she an adult? Little girl, are you eighteen yet?" Gu Mengmeng also couldn''t believe it from the side.


    "Hello, I''m 22," Qi Ji said before lowering her head again.


    Why? Just a while ago, Xue Jingrui was still obedient to her, following her around. But now, just a few dayster, he''s married. One after another, why are they treating her like this?


    Qi Yan was unwilling to ept it, her expression extremely unsightly. "When did you get married?"


    A woman''s sixth sense is keen, and Qi Ji was no exception. Although young and inexperienced in romance, she wasn''t stupid. She clearly sensed something off between Xue Jingrui and this woman. Could they be a couple?


    If so, did that make her the third party? Qi Ji felt a bit guilty. She didn''t mean it. If she had known Xue Jingrui had a girlfriend, she definitely wouldn''t have agreed to the arranged marriage.


    "Sister, I''m sorry," Qi Ji apologized sincerely.


    But to Qi Yan, her expression and words could only be seen as unting and provoking her.


    "Don''t apologize with that fake demeanor," Qi Yan said displeasedly.


    Qi Ji felt a bit wronged. She really didn''t know.


    Suddenly, Xue Jingrui stood up and said to Qi Ji in a rtively gentle tone, "Why are you apologizing?"


    "She didn''t do anything wrong, there''s no need to apologize. It''s you, what''s with that expression?" Xue Jingrui said to Qi Yan in apletely different tone from how he spoke to Qi Ji.


    This was a tone Qi Yan never expected from him, as he had never been so harsh with her before. Just a few days apart, and he had changed so much towards her.


    "It''s nothing, you should leave first. My wife and I still have to finish our meal," Xue Jingrui sat back down.


    Qi Yan was so angry that she cried, pulling Gu Mengmeng to leave.


    The atmosphere at the table was awkward.


    "You don''t need to apologize, this is my issue," Xue Jingrui spoke first, breaking the eerie silence.


    Qi Ji took a bite of the small piece of steak, not saying a word, thinking about how to handle this situation.


    "I''m sorry." Xue Jingrui apologized again. It was all his fault. This time, he truly saw Qi Yan''s true colors, even more deeply than before.


    He never made any promises to Qi Yan. He had only been silently protecting her before. What right did she have to use him and Qi Ji like a victim now? Chang Chiyuan was right, this kind of woman is truly too full of herself and terrifying.


    Qi Ji still felt guilty. On the way back, she took the initiative to sit in the back seat.


    Seeing this, Xue Jingrui said, "Come sit in the front." He opened the passenger door and waited for Qi Ji to get in.


    After a while, Qi Ji still didn''t move. She was so obedient before, but now she was being so stubborn.


    Xue Jingrui didn''t force Qi Ji. He closed the car door and started the car.


    "Just drop me off first. I still have work left to do."


    Upon hearing this, Xue Jingrui could only head back.


    When they arrived home, Xue Jingrui''s parents were a bit surprised that the two had returned so quickly from just going out for a meal.


    Qi Ji was in low spirits and went straight upstairs to her room, locking herself in. She really didn''t expect this oue. If she had known about their rtionship, she definitely wouldn''t have agreed to the marriage yesterday, no matter what.


    She wanted to confide in someone, but it seemed like she didn''t have any friends.


    Downstairs, Xue Jingrui''s parents stopped him. His mother asked, "What happened? Qi Ji seems a bit off. Did you two have a fight?"


    "We ran into Qi Yan while eating," Xue Jingrui told the truth.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Rong was furious and smacked Xue Jingrui''s head. "Did you rpse into your old habits again? What did I tell you before going out to eat?"


    Xue Kai was there too, disappointed and stamping his feet.


    "Mom, Dad, I''m going out for a bit. I have something to take care of," Qi Ji said as she came downstairs.


    "Okay, there''s a driver at the entrance. Go slowly and be careful," Ye Rong reminded her.


    "Mm."


    As soon as Qi Ji left, Xue Kai immediately told Xue Jingrui, "Hurry up and go after her!"


    Xue Jingrui rushed out and grabbed Qi Ji''s arm. "I''m sorry."


    "It''s me who should apologize. I want to go for a walk. Don''t follow me."


    Qi Ji hailed a cab. "Where to, Miss?"


    "Ziyue Manor."


    Qi Ji suddenly thought of Shu Yi. She wanted to confide in someone, and just saw Shu Yi message her asking when she wanted to have her wedding dress tailored.


    So Qi Ji casually asked about Xue Jingrui''s and her situation.


    Upon hearing it, Shu Yi realized this wasn''t good. The poor, innocent girl, how could she possibly handle that dramatic woman? After reading the message, Shu Yi wanted toe over and teach Qi Ji how to confront the dramatic woman.


    But Qi Ji said she would go to Shu Yi instead.


    Xue Jingrui followed behind until the car reached Ziyue Manor, only then feeling reassured, truly worried that the youngdy might do something rash if she felt too disheartened. He wanted to exin, but it seemed like this was just the reality - he used to like Qi Yan. Exining would just be an excuse, wouldn''t it?


    When Qi Ji arrived at Shu Yi''s ce, Shu Yi felt a bit heartbroken seeing the wronged look on the youngdy''s face, wishing she could scold Xue Jingrui and kick Qi Yan a few times to vent.


    "Beautiful sister, I feel like I''m the third party," were Qi Ji''s first words upon entering, shocking Shu Yi.

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94


    "What do you mean by that? Did Xue Jingrui say something?" Shu Yi sounded a bit indignant.


    Qi Ji shook her head, "At lunchtime, I met a woman named Qi Yan. She didn''t look at me in a very friendly way, and I felt that Jingrui looked at her in an odd manner too. Were they in a rtionship before?" Qi Ji said as tears fell from her eyes.


    Shu Yi pulled Qi Ji to sit on the sofa, took some tissue from the table to wipe Qi Ji''s tears, and poured her a ss of water. "Don''t cry now, have some water. You didn''t do anything wrong in this."


    Qi Ji took the ss of water, drank a few sips, and her tears were wiped away as she obediently sat on the sofa.


    "Beautiful sister, you know about their history, right?" Qi Ji''s eyes were already big, and with the tears she had just shed, her eyes glistened like a doll''s. If the situation wasn''t so serious, Shu Yi would have wanted to pinch Qi Ji''s cute little cheeks.


    "I don''t know much, but it''s enough. That Qi Yan was Xu Xiuhe''s ex-girlfriend, who is the husband of one of the sisters from yesterday."


    Qi Ji was stunned, clearly not expecting such a situation, wondering how things had be soplicated, even involving another sister.


    "It''s like this, Qi Yan and Xue Jingrui were childhood friends. They met Xu Xiuhe in high school, and Qi Yan stubbornly pursued Xu Xiuhe for a long time until she finally got him. But in college, she became materialistic and dumped the poor Xu Xiuhe, going abroad. When she came back, Xu Xiuhe had lost interest in her. She couldn''t ept it, oftening to show her presence, but Xue Jingrui liked her. She always knew but pretended not to notice and never responded to him. So, you see what''s wrong, what did that b*tch say to you?"


    This information Shu Yi got from Chang Zhiyuan, while the more detailed parts were from her own observations.


    Upon hearing this, Qi Ji thought for a moment and said, "She red at me. I thought she and Jingrui had been together, so I apologized to her. But she told me not to pretend to apologize."


    "That green tea b*tch, who is she pretending for? You should have pped her. How dare she speak to you like that?" Shu Yi felt angrier the more she thought about it, even wanting to confront that b*tch herself.


    "What about Xue Jingrui, what did he say?" Shu Yi asked further.


    "He told Qi Yan to leave, then said sorry to me," Qi Ji replied.


    "Didn''t he say anything else?"


    Qi Ji shook her head.


    Shu Yi fell silent for a while, unsure of how to exin to Qi Ji that things between her and Xue Jingrui had progressed too quickly before she could fullyprehend the situation.


    "Look, don''t take that b*tch seriously. If she bothers you again, let me know and I''ll deal with her for you."


    Xue Jingrui had been waiting outside for Qi Ji toe out.


    "Jingrui, what are you doing here?" It turned out to be Chang Zhiyuan.


    "What about you? I''m waiting for my wife," Xue Jingrui answered.


    Chang Zhiyuan didn''t immediately realize Xue Jingrui was married, so he said, "Why are you waiting for your wife at my future girlfriend''s ce?"


    Xue Jingrui looked puzzled.


    That''s when Chang Zhiyuan realized, "Oh, Qi Ji."


    "What''s going on? You just got your marriage license yesterday, how does it feel? Why aren''t you going in if Qi Ji is inside? Don''t tell me you''ve already been rejected on your first day as a newlywed, or did you not perform wellst night and Qi Ji is unsatisfied?" Chang Zhiyuan spoke bluntly without restraint as usual.


    Xue Jingrui was used to Chang Zhiyuan''s habit of teasing him.


    "Qi Ji and I had lunch together and ran into Qi Yan," Xue Jingrui exined truthfully.


    "Damn, that''s juicy! What happened? Fill me in on the details!"


    Xue Jingrui gave Chang Zhiyuan a nk look. "You just want to watch the drama unfold, don''t you?"


    "So did something really happen?" Chang Zhiyuan couldn''t wait to go inside and join the discussion.


    When Shu Yi opened the door, she saw the two men standing motionless like pirs.


    "CEO Chang? What brings you here?"


    Chang Zhiyuan pushed Xue Jingrui forward, saying, "Isn''t he here to apologize?"


    Xue Jingrui peeked inside and saw Qi Ji sitting on the sofa, peeling a tangerine one by one.


    "Come in."


    The two men''s entrance made some noise, causing Qi Ji to pause peeling the tangerine and turn to see Xue Jingrui.


    "Qi Ji, it''s my fault for not exining things clearly to you. I was blind before and liked her," Xue Jingrui said.


    Qi Ji didn''t demand much. As long as they were married, she wouldn''t interfere with other rtionships out of principle. Now that she understood the situation, she was fine as long as she didn''t intrude. With this thought, she felt relieved, "It''s okay, I was just angry at myself earlier for not figuring things out. I''m sorry for making youe all this way to find me."


    Upon hearing this, Chang Zhiyuan was confused. What was going on? How did everything get resolved as soon as he arrived without him knowing the details?


    "Beautiful sister, I disturbed you when you had a guest over. I''ll head back now. I was rude to my parents earlier when I left, so I''ll go apologize to them." Qi Ji looked at Shu Yi, sweet and obedient like a doll. If the current issue wasn''t so serious, Shu Yi would have wanted to pinch Qi Ji''s cute little cheeks.


    But was Chang Zhiyuan really her guest? If they left, it would just be her and Chang Zhiyuan, which felt too awkward.


    Xue Jingrui was relieved to see Qi Ji return to her usual self, fortunately not staying angry. Otherwise, he might have been kicked out by his parents.


    In the car, Qi Ji still chose to sit in the back seat. She had a strong sense of boundaries. Since Xue Jingrui had someone he liked, even if his taste was poor and she was a b*tch, Qi Ji had to respect Xue Jingrui and maintain a distance from him.


    Xue Jingrui looked at Qi Ji through the rearview mirror several times. Didn''t she just calm down? Why was she still sitting in the back seat?


    "Jingrui, I know marrying me was inevitable, but this involves two families, so divorce is not an option now. So don''t worry, I absolutely won''t interfere with anything you do. There''s also a significant age gap between us, which isn''t very appropriate. From now on, just treat me like a younger sister. I promise I won''t hinder you." Qi Ji''s voice was sweet.


    Xue Jingrui''s first reaction upon hearing this was: Does Qi Ji think he''s old? He''s not that old, is he? It''s just a six or seven-year age gap.


    "Am I that old?" Xue Jingrui couldn''t help but ask as he turned his head.


    "No, no, Jingrui, focus on driving," Qi Ji was truly afraid of an ident happening.


    Xue Jingrui was quite puzzled. So ording to Qi Ji''s words, he had married a younger sister?


    "It''s my fault for not exining things clearly to you. If you don''t understand something in the future, just ask me directly, and I''ll answer you. And as for Qi Yan, there''s absolutely no possibility between us. You don''t need to worry."


    "I''m not worried. At lunch, I just thought I had interfered with your rtionship."

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95


    At Qinghe Vi, Shen Yin apanied Zhengzheng as they read a book together. Recently, she had handed over most of her work to Wang Nannan, who was skilled and eager to learn. Wang Nannan understood things quickly after Shen Yin exined them.


    Shen Yin had drawn several designs for furniture and was just waiting to contact a woodworking factory. After registering a trademark, she would be able to sell her designs.


    "Mommy, moon," said Zhengzheng, pointing at an illustration in the book depicting a bright, crescent moon in the blue night sky.


    "Yes, it''s the moon. Zhengzheng, tell me if the moon is round or curved."


    Zhengzheng studied the illustration and said, "The moon is curved like a little boat."


    Shen Yin was impressed that Zhengzheng could use such vivid descriptions at his age. "And what does a round moon look like?"


    Zhengzheng thought for a moment, his eyes darting around, until he spotted a ball under the TV cab. "A round moon is like a ball," he eximed, scampering over to grab the ball.


    "Mommy, I''m giving you the moon," Zhengzheng said, presenting the ball to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin epted the ball with a smile. "Thank you, Zhengzheng."


    Delighted, Zhengzheng raised one foot and swayed like a penguin as he waddled over to Shen Yin and nted a kiss on her cheek.


    "Since Zhengzheng is being so good, should Mommy give you a little reward?"


    Zhengzheng''s eyes lit up at the prospect of a reward. "Yes!"


    "Then how about learning this poem as your reward?"


    Not understanding what "learning a poem" meant, Zhengzheng assumed it was a game and grinned eagerly.


    "I''ll recite one line, and you repeat after me, okay?"


    "Okay."


    Shen Yin held Zhengzheng close and opened the book. "The bright moonlight before the bed," she said, pointing to each character.


    "The bright moonlight before the bed," Zhengzheng repeated.


    "Resembles frost upon the ground."


    "One-four frost upon the ground."


    "Zhengzheng, it''s not ''one-four,'' it''s ''resembles.'' Why don''t you say ''resembles'' instead of ''one-four''?" Shen Yin gently corrected his pronunciation.


    "Mommy, why don''t I say ''one-four''? What does ''one-four'' mean?" Zhengzheng asked, tilting his head.


    "Well, ''resembles frost upon the ground'' means that the moonlight looks like frost on the ground. The moonlight by the bed seems like frost. Do you understand?" Shen Yin tried to exin, unsure if Zhengzheng could fullyprehend the metaphor.


    Zhengzheng nodded, looking somewhat puzzled. "I understand. Zhengzheng wants to see frost."


    Shen Yin was pleased by Zhengzheng''s curiosity but pointed out, "Zhengzheng, it''s summer now, so there''s no frost. We''ll have to wait untilte autumn. But we can see the moon tonight if you''d like."


    "Okay, bright moonlight before the bed."


    "It''s ''The bright moonlight before the bed, resembles frost upon the ground. Raising my head to gaze at the bright moon, I lower it, thinking of my hometown.''"


    Shen Yin recited each line, and Zhengzheng repeated after her. Their peaceful moment was soon interrupted by Shen Yin''s ringing phone.


    "Hello, Huan Huan, what''s up?"


    "Boss, there are suddenly a lot of dogs at the entrance."


    "Okay, I''ll be right down."


    Xu Xiuhe really did as he said - he had bought dogs, just like that.


    Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng downstairs, and they could hear the barking as they approached the entrance. When she peeked outside, she saw a row ofrge dogs standing beside Huahua, their imposing presence quite intimidating.


    "Mommy, Huahua," Zhengzheng pointed at the group of dogs.


    Shen Yin felt a little afraid. Huahua was obedient and gentle because they had raised him for so long, but the other four were unfamiliar. What if they hurt someone?


    Shen Yin called Xu Xiuhe.


    He answered immediately, "Hello, wife, is something wrong?"


    "No, but you really bought four more dogs?"


    "Yes, like we agreed. We need more dogs to protect you and Zhengzheng."


    "I don''t think that''s necessary." Shen Yin felt confident in her ability to defend herself.


    "Consider them for Zhengzheng then, to keep himpany."


    "But they haven''t been around children before. What if they hurt Zhengzheng?"


    "I carefully selected these four. They won''t harm Zhengzheng. Just feed them for a few days, and they''ll be as gentle as Huahua. Oh, and they don''t have names yet. Why don''t you name them?"


    "Okay, then."


    Shen Yin hung up and looked at the dogs, worried about how much food they would need to eat.


    Seeing their eager expressions, she carried Zhengzheng upstairs. "Huan Huan,e up and help me bring some things down."


    Li Huanhuan remained on the third-floornding, not entering but taking a peek at the cozy interior decoration of the CEO''s home.


    Shen Yin put Zhengzheng down and went to the kitchen, gathering some beef and pork before handing it to Li Huanhuan. She also brought bowls and tes from thending.


    "Huan Huan, you go downstairs first. I''ll be right there."


    Holding the food in one hand and Zhengzheng''s hand in the other, Shen Yin asked, "Zhengzheng, can you go down the stairs?"


    "Yes."


    Although they moved slowly, Zhengzheng managed to navigate the stairs without being carried.


    Shen Yin ced the bowls and tes at the entrance and had Li Huanhuan fill some bowls with water while she put the meat on the tes.


    Soon, the dogs gathered around, happily devouring the meat.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s name the four new dogs."


    Zhengzheng stood at the entrance, one hand on his mouth as he pondered. "Moon... Ball."


    Shen Yin smiled. "You have such a good memory. Can you recite the poem we just learned?"


    "The bright moonlight before the bed, resembles frost upon the ground. Raising my head to gaze at the bright moon, I lower it, thinking of my hometown." Zhengzheng wlessly recited the lines, only stumbling slightly on the pronunciation of "resembles," but Shen Yin was impressed nheless.


    "Zhengzheng is so smart. Let''s name the dog drinking water ''Moon,'' and the one yawning can be ''Ball.'' How''s that?"


    "Okay."


    "And for the other two, how about ''Zai Zai'' and ''Shuang Shuang''?"


    "Okay."


    Zhengzheng was overjoyed to see so many dogs for the first time. He reached out to pet Moon, but Shen Yin was worried the unfamiliar dog might hurt him.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s wait a few days before petting them. For now, you can only pet Huahua. Huahua,e here!"


    Obediently, Huahua trotted over and sat beside them, roughly at Zhengzheng''s eye level. Zhengzheng stroked Huahua''s head, then turned and beamed at Shen Yin.

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96


    That evening, when Xu Xiuhe arrived at Qinghe Vi, he felt relieved to see a dog sitting at the entrance.


    Shen Yin was in the kitchen, and when Xu Xiuhe went upstairs to the third floor, Shen Yin was just setting the dinner on the table.


    "I''m sorry I couldn''te back earlier to help you with the cooking, there was some business at the office that held me up."


    "It''s fine, work is important, let''s eat first," Shen Yin said.


    "Aren''t you going to ask what the matter was?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Huh? Shen Yin didn''t understand, she didn''t know anything about hispany''s affairs, so what was the point of asking?


    Xu Xiuhe walked to the living room and picked up Zhengzheng, heading to the washroom. "Did Zhengzheng behave well this afternoon?"


    "Yes, Zhengzheng fed Huahua, the moon, and the ball," Xu Yunzheng suddenly forgot the names of the other two dogs.


    "What else?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Xu Yunzheng thought for a while and said, "And Zai Zai and Shuang Shuang."


    "Who named them?"


    "Me and mom, mom even yed a game with me and made me recite a poem."


    "Oh? What poem?"


    Xu Xiuhe nced at Shen Yin outside, who didn''t seem to notice the father-son conversation in the washroom.


    "The bright moon before my bed, its brightness seems like frost on the ground. Lifting my head, I see the bright moon; Lowering my head, I think of my home," Zhengzheng''s voice was soft and sweet.


    "Zhengzheng is so great, he can already recite poems, tonight I''ll reward Zhengzheng with some meat."


    "Mom said she''s going to take Zhengzheng to see the moon tonight."


    Xu Xiuhe carried Xu Yunzheng out of the washroom and ced him in the baby chair at the dining table.


    Then he walked up to Shen Yin and said, "You''re taking Zhengzheng to see the moon tonight, but not your husband?"


    Xu Xiuhe''s voice was soft and a little teasing as he leaned in close to Shen Yin. Shen Yin took a step back and said, "Let''s eat."


    On the dining table were four dishes and one soup.


    "Really, you''re not going to ask what the matter was?"


    Shen Yin shook her head. "Our work is fundamentally different, I don''t understand your work, so I don''t ask. So I''m going to open another studio next, is that okay? Don''t try to stop me."


    "Okay, but you have to make sure to rest and not overwork yourself."


    "Let''s see the moon!" Zhengzheng said, having finished most of his meal and looking up.


    "Okay, after you finish eating, the moon isn''t out yet."


    Zhengzheng looked out the window, blinked his eyes, and then turned back to ask, "Why hasn''t the moone out yet?"


    "Because the moon sleeps during the day, it onlyes out to work after the sun sets."


    "But why does Zhengzheng only sleep at night?"


    This was a question Shen Yin really couldn''t answer, so she turned to Xu Xiuhe, signaling him to respond.


    "Because you get sleepy at night, and the moon sleeps during the day when it''s had enough sleep, understand?"


    "Pfft." Shen Yin couldn''t help butugh, Xu Xiuhe sounded so serious in his exnation.


    "Then I want to sleep with the moon," Zhengzheng responded just as seriously.


    "No no, Zhengzheng has to go to bed early and wake up early to grow big and strong," Shen Yin definitely couldn''t let Zhengzheng stay upte with the moon.


    After dinner, Xu Xiuhe cleared the table as usual, and Shen Yin picked up Xu Yunzheng and wiped his mouth.


    Holding Zhengzheng''s hand, they went downstairs.


    "Aren''t you waiting for me?" Xu Xiuhe had just finished cleaning up and followed them downstairs.


    The wind was gentle, and the night was clear. The streets of Qing River were full of lively atmosphere, with some elderly people on the benches fanning themselves.


    On the street, there were many people taking an evening stroll, the pace of life here was already slow, and it was even more leisurely at night. The sound of flowing water was melodious and pleasant. Zhengzheng held Shen Yin''s left hand and Xu Xiuhe''s right hand, walking with a cheerful pace, attracting praises from the grandparents on the benches.


    Zhengzheng was a bit proud of the praises, his mouth bing sweetly smiley, making the grandparents on the benches burst intoughter. Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe felt a bit awkward, they didn''t know these people, and their child was so familiar with strangers.


    "A family of three out for a stroll!" an older auntie asked.


    "Yes, out for a stroll."


    "This child is so handsome, just like the little star I saw on TV the other day," another auntie said.


    "You know, he really does look like him, big eyes, so handsome, I''ve never seen such a handsome child before."


    "Of course, just look at the child''s parents." As one of the aunties'' gaze turned to Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe, the other grandparents sitting on the benches by the stream also looked over.


    Xu Xiuhe was tall, and from their seated position they had to tilt their heads up to look at the couple. Xu Xiuhe had a refined and angr appearance, giving an impression of being no ordinary person.


    "Young man, do you have a younger brother? I have a daughter who just graduated."


    Shen Yin lowered her head, trying to hold back herughter.


    Xu Xiuhe inadvertently noticed Shen Yin''s struggle to keep herself fromughing, finding it quite adorable. He couldn''t help but curve his lips slightly.


    "Auntie, my mom only had me."


    "My mom only had me too," Zhengzheng echoed.


    "Hahaha, child, you shouldn''t call me auntie, you should call me grandma."


    "Hahaha" The others couldn''t help butugh as well, this chubby child was too amusing.


    "With such good genes, you shouldn''t waste them, child, have your parents ever talked about giving you a younger brother or sister?"


    Xu Yunzheng looked up, nced at Shen Yin, then turned to look at Xu Xiuhe and asked, "Dad, are you going to give me a younger brother or sister?"


    Xu Xiuhe squatted down: "Zhengzheng is still too young, in a few years you can have a younger brother or sister. Say goodbye to grandma and grandpa, we should go now."


    "Bye bye grandma and grandpa!" Zhengzheng waved his little hand.


    "Bye!"


    After the family of three left, the grandparents were still discussing animatedly.


    "Zhengzheng, look, the moon is out," Shen Yin pointed to the moon in the west.


    Xu Yunzheng immediately looked up, seeing the full moon suspended in the sky.


    "The moon is round, like a ball," Zhengzheng pointed at the moon, his voice sweet and soft.


    "Yes, like a ball."


    "Are you tired from walking?" Xu Xiuhe asked, since Zhengzheng had been walking for a long time and had just been ying a bit, he was probably tired.


    Zhengzheng nodded.


    Xu Xiuhe picked up Zhengzheng, and despite Zhengzheng''s restlessness, twisting and turning in his arms, Xu Xiuhe''s strong physique was able to hold him securely.


    It wasn''t long before Zhengzheng fell asleep.


    Walking beside Xu Xiuhe, Shen Yin saw that Zhengzheng had fallen asleep, and suggested, "Let''s head back, carrying him like this while walking will tire you out."


    "I won''t get tired, you know how strong I am," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Shen Yin thought of that night, blushed, and didn''t want to talk to Xu Xiuhe anymore, turning to walk back without waiting for him.


    "Slow down, I''m still carrying the child, wait for me," Xu Xiuhe called out softly from behind.


    But Shen Yin could still hear him, and slowed her pace, saying, "Didn''t you just say you were strong? Now you can''t even keep up?"


    Xu Xiuhe caught up and said, "Hmm? Want to try again tonight to see how good it is?"

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97


    Shen Yin still had her head down.


    "Today is our second date. Let''s watch the moon together."


    Shen Yin''s heart raced again. During the Dasheng Dynasty, the moon represented purity,pleteness, and fidelity in love. Generally, when a man and a woman watch the moon together, it carries the meaning of being together for life. Because in Dasheng, women''s status was not like today, and love could often not be expressed directly. Personal feelings were only conveyed through music, poetry, and the moon. So the moon became a symbol of lovers, a witness to love. It was deeply meaningful and thought-provoking.


    So did Xu Xiuhe know what it meant for a man and a woman to watch the moon together?


    "The moonlight is beautiful tonight," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Shen Yin nodded in agreement.


    "Now you say it too."


    "Say what?" Shen Yin did not understand. Were they supposed topose a poem about the moon on the spot?


    "Say the moonlight is beautiful tonight."


    "The moonlight is beautiful tonight," Shen Yin said.


    "The breeze is gentle too," Xu Xiuhe replied, thenughed. This was the first time Shen Yin had seen Xu Xiuheugh like this.


    Xu Xiuhe''sughter was youthful, like that of an 18- or 19-year-old boy. There was no trace of his usual coldness, only a pure, heartfelt joy.


    Shen Yin was a bit puzzled. She had just said the moonlight was beautiful, so why was he so delighted, acting like a carefree youth?


    After hearing the satisfactory answer, Xu Xiuhe walked forward, and this time it was Shen Yin who followed behind, baffled.


    Shen Yin took out her phone and searched, "the moonlight is beautiful tonight." The screen disyed a lot of information about this popr phrase: it was a romantic expression, a trantion from a Japanese love phrase, and a literary way of saying "I love you," originating from Natsume Soseki''s work.


    So just now, Xu Xiuhe was so happy because Shen Yin had said the equivalent of "I love you" in a gentle, subtle way?


    "What''s wrong? Are you tired too?" Xu Xiuhe noticed that Shen Yin was walking slower and turned around to ask.


    Shen Yin caught up to him. "That just now didn''t count, I didn''t know what it meant."


    "You don''t need to know, as long as I understand," Xu Xiuhe replied, still very happy, as if all the gloom had dissipated.


    Shen Yin thought to herself: She didn''t say it, she didn''t know. Even now, she still didn''t understand how this workaholic, straightforward man could say such romantic words so naturally and know all these inte terms.


    "How do you know these, these phrases?" Shen Yin asked in a more tactful way.


    "I''m just naturally gifted." Xu Xiuhe would never admit that since hearing Xiao Li''er''s advice, he had read several romance novels and boss novels. Now he dared to say that he was better than Chang Zhiyuan, no, he had already surpassed Chang Zhiyuan. Chang Zhiyuan still hadn''t made a move.


    "That just now didn''t count," Shen Yin said, walking beside him, her voice soft and hesitant.


    But Xu Xiuhe still heard it.


    When they got home, Xu Xiuhe bathed Jingjing, and Shen Yin went downstairs, closed the door, and checked the first floor before going up to the third floor.


    Xu Xiuhe was bathing Jingjing, and Shen Yin consciously went to another bathroom to take a shower. When she returned to the room, she found Jingjing was not there.


    She suddenly realized that the bed in the next room had been made by Xu Xiuhe the day before, and sure enough, Jingjing was sleeping soundly on the small bed.


    "Darling, are you done with your shower?"


    Shen Yin turned around and saw Xu Xiuhe standing behind her, shirtless, with water dripping from his head.


    Shen Yin took a step back.


    "Your hair is still dripping wet. Come to the bedroom, I''ll dry it for you," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Shen Yin found that the freshly bathed Xu Xiuhe looked especially handsome, and his voice was more maic than during the day. Inexplicably, Shen Yin obediently followed him into the bedroom.


    Xu Xiuhe held a towel, "Sit down first."


    Shen Yin sat on the sofa by the bed, and Xu Xiuhe walked up to her, wrapped the dry towel around her hair, and said, "Wait a moment, I''ll get the hair dryer."


    Xu Xiuhe retrieved the hair dryer from the cab under the bathroom vanity and returned to the bedroom, approaching Shen Yin again.


    "I''ll do it myself." Shen Yin had never had anyone else dry her hair before, and in Dasheng, people usually let their hair air dry.


    "Your hair is long, it''s inconvenient for you to do it yourself. From now on, I''ll always dry your hair for you."


    Xu Xiuhe turned on the hair dryer, tested the temperature with his hand to ensure it was suitable, and then started blowing Shen Yin''s hair.


    His movements were gentle, and Shen Yin could feel his fingers caressing her hair.


    Xu Xiuhe was not wearing a shirt, and Shen Yin couldn''t help but steal nces at his physique, which was truly impressive.


    To divert her attention, Shen Yin said, "Xu Xiuhe, I feel like you''ve changed a lot."


    "In what way?"


    "You used to always have a cold, serious expression, never smiled, and were kind of scary. But now you seem different."


    Xu Xiuhe smiled, "When you like someone, it shows. The coldness was for the others, but for you, it''s different."


    "So your changes towards me are also quite significant."


    "Well, I didn''t like you before."


    Shen Yin didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe to be so direct.


    "I''m done." Xu Xiuhe ran his fingers through Shen Yin''s hair, feeling its smoothness, and was reluctant to leave.


    Shen Yin''s hair quality had improved significantly since she arrived in this world. She had been living a regr life and taking various supplements, even adding some medicinal ingredients to her shampoo.


    "Actually, you shouldn''t have washed your hair just now," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "Why?"


    "Because you''ll need to wash it againter."


    Xu Xiuhe put down the hair dryer, picked up Shen Yin, andid her on the bed, theny down beside her.


    This time, Shen Yin did not resist, as she had quite enjoyed the previous experience. But she also didn''t take the initiative, as the lead was still in Xu Xiuhe''s hands.


    Xu Xiuhe kissed Shen Yin''s lips, and this kiss was particrly gentle.


    Xu Xiuhe''s lips gradually moved downward, and with both of them freshly bathed and lightly dressed, the atmosphere became...


    Amid Shen Yin''s trembling, Xu Xiuhe asked, "Darling, is the moonlight beautiful tonight?"


    "It''s... beautiful," Shen Yin replied in a slightly shaky voice.


    "Then does that thing you said earlier count?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "It... counts," Shen Yin said, a bit ufortable.


    Xu Xiuhe got the answer he wanted and said, "Wait a moment, after all, it''s you who doesn''t want to have a child too early."


    Xu Xiuhe''s voice was also a bit unsteady. After putting on protection, Shen Yin could no longer hold back and let out several soft moans.


    "Okay, let me in," Xu Xiuhe soothed.


    Hearing this, Shen Yin tried to rx.


    "Can I?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    At this moment, Shen Yin suddenly realized the meaning of Xu Xiuhe''s words. Earlier, he had said on the street that he would let her try it tonight.

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98


    "Hold me tight."


    Shen Yin did as she was told, tightly embracing Xu Xiuhe''s upper body, but she had no strength left.


    Throughout, it was Xu Xiuhe who was in control.


    "I can''t anymore, I''m tired," Shen Yin said in a still broken voice.


    To Xu Xiuhe, Shen Yin''s words now sounded coy, and he not only didn''t slow down, but instead increased his pace.


    "It''s over." Xu Xiuhe took a deep breath, his panting a bit loud.


    Moonlight streamed in through the window, making the bed, the nket, and the sheets look so gentle. A pool of moonlight, ake of spring water.


    After a few positions, Shen Yiny on the bed.


    "I''m sorry, my dear wife, I really didn''t mean to." Xu Xiuhe coaxed her.


    Shen Yin turned her head to the side.


    Xu Xiuhe scooped up Shen Yin and carried her into the bathroom.


    Afterwards, the twoy on the bed.


    Shen Yin was truly too tired, and fell asleep in Xu Xiuhe''s embrace.


    Early the next morning, Shen Yin came out of the bedroom, and Xu Xiuhe had already prepared breakfast.


    "Aren''t you going to ask me why I came backte yesterday?"


    "Why?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Have you ever seen the lively young assistant in the executive assistant department?"


    Shen Yin thought for a while, and there was indeed one. But why would Xu Xiuhe tell her, could it be that this youngdy liked Xu Xiuhe, and Xu Xiuhe was showing off in front of her?


    "Mm, I remember, a pretty cute youngdy."


    "This weekend, I n to hold a matchmaking event at Qingfeng Mingyue, and all the single employees under Remote g can sign up, so I signed up all the youngdies from the assistant team."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin was shocked, she never would have thought Xu Xiuhe was this kind of person.


    "Then what?" Shen Yin started to get curious, because she didn''t know what other outrageous things Xu Xiuhe might do.


    "Then this one called Yang Mo, after getting off work, came to my office to see me." Xu Xiuhe paused for a bit.


    "She asked me to cancel her registration. She told me she has a boyfriend."


    "You just signed them up without asking?" Shen Yin said incredulously.


    "I had Liu Assistantpile the registration, and the personal information of the assistant department members was already listed that way in his records."


    "Maybe she just got a boyfriend recently." Shen Yin replied.


    "Later, another assistant came in, one I''m more familiar with, who I''ve often gone out with for various asions, I think her name was Zhen Zhen, and she also told me she has a boyfriend."


    Shen Yin really felt that Xu Xiuhe was a bit abnormal now, what CEO cares about his assistants'' love lives every day.


    "So then what?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I asked to see their boyfriends'' photos." Shen Yin was at a loss for words, "Why are you always so concerned about other people''s love lives?"


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t answer, "They said they didn''t have any, so I told them to get their boyfriends to provide the photos."


    Shen Yin facepalmed, she felt that Xu Xiuhe would be better suited to opening a marriage introduction agency, just with this spirit of asking employees for their partners'' photos, he could make the marriage introduction business thrive.


    "Later they brought the photos, guess who it was?"


    Shen Yin really didn''t know, she wasn''t part of theirpany.


    "Who was it?"


    "It was each other."


    Wait, Shen Yin digested this information for a bit. Another couple.


    "What happened next?" Shen Yin was still quite interested in the subsequent developments.


    "I then canceled their registrations, and promised to keep it confidential for them."


    "Mm, that''s good." Shen Yin replied.


    While they were chatting, they had already finished breakfast, "Go to work first, and when Zhengzheng wakes up, I''ll prepare something for her to eat. This morning I''ll go to the hospital to see my dad, and this afternoon I''ll go to register the trademark for the furniture studio."


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe said, "Have Liu Assistant apany you this afternoon. I''m afraid it will be inconvenient for you to take Zhengzheng by yourself."


    "Okay."


    At the hospital, Shen''s father was already able to get out of bed. When Shen Yin arrived with Zhengzheng, Fang Yue started again: "Didn''t I say you shouldn''te? The hospital is not a good ce."


    "We''re justing to check on you, how have you two been doing recently?"


    Fang Yue had been pampered by Shen Tianzheng all her life, and in this period of caring for Shen Tianzheng, she could clearly be seen to have more fatigue on her face, and more white hair on her head.


    "About the same, I had a checkup yesterday, the doctor said I can be discharged in a couple more days."


    Seeing that Shen Yin had brought Zhengzheng, Shen Tianzheng smiled at them, then returned to his own hospital bed.


    Shen Yin sat on the sofa outside, and Fang Yue sat down as well, Zhengzheng was running around on the floor. "Grandma, look at the sunflowers."


    Zhengzheng took out a bunch of sunflowers that Shen Yin had just bought. Fang Yue smiled, "Although you''ve changed a lot, one thing hasn''t changed, which is that you still like sunflowers."


    This was quite a coincidence, Shen Yin didn''t know why the original host liked sunflowers, but she liked sunflowers purely because not only do they bloomrge and brilliantly, making people feel good, but they are also edible. She nned to nt the whole courtyard of Ziyue Manor full of sunflowers when she got back.


    "Yinyin, actually your father has always been worried about you and your brother. Now that he sees you living well, he has fulfilled one of his wishes. Next it''s your brother''s turn. The check-up shows his body has recovered, but who knows about cancer, if the cancer cells rpse and spread again one day, he really can''t have surgery again. These few days, he hasn''t said much, but I understand him, he''s been thinking about arranging his will after he''s gone." Fang Yue''s voice was very soft, and her eyes started to shed tears again.


    "Mom, don''t worry, it''ll be fine, listen to the doctor, he can recover."


    "Mm mm, let''s not talk about this anymore, let''s talk about something happy. I''m nning to arrange a blind date for your brother after your father is discharged, so your father can rest assured."


    "Okay." Shen Yin responded. In fact, her memories of Shen Lv were not bad, although he would sometimes bully Shen Yin, but he was still very fond of her.


    "You''ve been here for a while, take Zhengzheng and go back." Fang Yue said.


    Shen Yin realized that every time she came, she was chased away by Fang Yue, who didn''t want her to stay in the hospital too long. If possible, no one wants to go to the hospital.


    Shen Yin naturally agreed, she wasn''t afraid, but Zhengzheng was still young, with weaker resistance than adults.


    When Shen Yin took out her phone to check the time, she happened to see the message Shu Yi had sent her.


    [Yinyin, something bad has happened, I''m on the hot search, or rather, we''re on the hot search.]


    Shen Yin didn''t reply, but directly opened Weibo, the hot search was "Top Actress''s Horse Riding Outfit".


    Shen Yin returned to WeChat and replied, [What''s wrong, this hot search doesn''t have any bad effect.]


    [But this isn''t me, it''s you, I always feel this praise should belong to you, but now it''s arranged on my head, which isn''t quite right.]


    [It''s fine, I''m not in the entertainment industry anyway, I don''t need this kind of praise. By the way, have you practiced the martial arts I taught youst time?]

 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99


    ["I''ve practiced enough, I think I can now take on a woman single-handedly."]


    Shen Yin was speechless.


    ["Then do you want to challenge me?"]


    Shu Yi didn''t dare, as she knew Shen Yin''s abilities.


    When Shen Yin returned to Qinghe Vi, she yed with Xu Yunzheng for a while before preparing lunch. At the Yuangroup, Xu Xiuhe summoned Liu Bo to his office again and asked him about the progress of the marriage banquet preparations and whether the detailed n was ready.


    Liu Bo was truly surprised that the president was serious and asked him for the n. Fortunately, he was diligent in his work and efficient in handling matters, so the n was already finalized.


    After receiving a satisfactory answer, Xu Xiuhe told Liu Bo to send him the nter.


    Liu Bo readily agreed.


    "This afternoon, go to Qinghe Vi and take my wife and child to the industrial andmercial bureau." Then, as if Xu Xiuhe had thought of something, he said, "Never mind, just handle the remaining documents, I''ll go back myself."


    Liu Bo looked at the pile of documents on the desk, feeling a bit panicked. The president was bing more and more unreasonable, having just arrived and his butt was still warm, and he was already leaving.


    It must be said that Xu Xiuhe timed his arrival at Qinghe Vi perfectly. When he got home, Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng were having their meal.


    "Mommy, Yunzheng got up this morning and slept in his own room," Xu Yunzheng said, pointing to the bedroom next to theirs.


    "That''s because Yunzheng wanted to sleep in the small bedst night, and your father carried you to that room," Xu Xiuhe said, changing his shoes in the stairwell.


    Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng both turned their heads: "Daddy."


    "Have you missed me?" Xu Xiuhe said the words to Xu Yunzheng, but his eyes were on Shen Yin.


    "Yes."


    Shen Yin: "Why are you back?"


    "Thepany isn''t busy." Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Shen Yin was now a bit suspicious. The news online about him being a workaholic and a young outstanding talent in Rong City seemed to be false. She didn''t see any of that. Just based on the fact that he went to inquire about his employees'' personal rtionships, Shen Yin felt that Xu Xiuhe did not match the image of a president.


    Shen Yin half-jokingly, half-seriously said, "Yourpany, the employees earn money to support you, right?"


    After washing his hands, Xu Xiuhe went to the kitchen to serve the food and sat down at the table, saying, "I suppose so, but my wife is very capable, she can support me."


    "Alright, let''s just eat."


    Xu Yunzheng thought for a while, but still couldn''t remember when he had said he wanted to sleep in the small bedst night. His little face was full of confusion. "Yunzheng can''t remember saying he wanted to sleep in the small bedst night. Yunzheng wants to sleep in the big bed with Daddy and Mommy tonight."


    Xu Yunzheng said this in one breath three times, and Shen Yin was afraid the child would get mad at himself. She nced at Xu Xiuhe: "You''re already a grown-up, why are you still bullying your son?" Shen Yin picked up a piece of green vegetable and put it in Xu Yunzheng''s bowl.


    Xu Yunzheng''s eyes were still on the meat in the te, reluctantly eating the green vegetable.


    "Are you saying I''m old?" Xu Xiuhe asked seriously.


    Shen Yin didn''t say anything.


    "I''m only four years older than you. Xue Jingrui is six years older than Qi Ji, and Qi Ji doesn''t think Xue Jingrui is old," Xu Xiuhe replied, not knowing that Qi Ji now treats Xue Jingrui like a sister.


    "How are they doing? They said they''de to me to have their wedding attire custom-made, but they still haven''te. Is Xue Jingrui still interested in Qi Yan?" Shen Yin didn''t finish the question, but was observing Xu Xiuhe''s expression, after all, Qi Yan was his ex-girlfriend.


    "He probably doesn''t like her anymore. Of course, I lost interest in her a long time ago. I was young back then, so I might not have been able to tell if it was real love." Xu Xiuhe looked very serious, almost as if he was taking an oath.


    "I didn''t ask you," Shen Yin''s expression was a bit ufortable. Xu Xiuhe''s response made her seem overly concerned.


    "But I still have to answer you. I heard from Zhi Yuan that Jingrui and Qi Ji went out to eat and ran into Qi Yan, and Qi Yan acted like Jingrui''s girlfriend, and Qi Ji even suspected that he had interfered in someone else''s rtionship."


    Shen Yin also knew about this. Shu Yi had told her, and she had told her a lot, so she probably knew more details than Xu Xiuhe, especially Shu Yi''s criticism of Qi Yan, which she felt could be made into a book.


    When Xu Xiuhe drove Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng to the industrial andmercial bureau, it was the hottest time of the day. Xu Xiuhe took out arge umbre from the car and stood next to Shen Yin.


    Worried about Shen Yin''s health, Xu Xiuhe picked up Xu Yunzheng, holding the child with one hand and holding the umbre with the other. In fact, he could have simply asked someone else to help handle the production license, but Shen Yin didn''t want to bother others and didn''t trust anyone else, so he just apanied her.


    Xu Xiuhe apanied her the entire time. In the end, the documents were submitted to the staff for stamping. After waiting for a long time, they still hadn''t gotten the documents back.


    Just as Xu Xiuhe was about to call the head of the industrial andmercial bureau, the person came out and said that the furniture factory did not qualify for the production license, the reason being that the provided information was iplete.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t know when getting a certificate had be so strict.


    Xu Xiuhe made a phone call. Shen Yin didn''t know who he called, but soon the person responsible for stamping the documents hurriedly came out, apologizing profusely, serving tea and water. They also stamped the documents.


    Xu Xiuhe''s tone was not very good, and now everyone in the office recognized Xu Xiuhe, and no one dared to speak.


    On the way back, Shen Yin thanked Xu Xiuhe. Shen Yin didn''t understand, thinking it was because her documents were iplete that the industrial andmercial bureau didn''t issue the license, but Xu Xiuhe knew that with the materials they had, they should have been able to get the license easily, unless someone had interfered.


    "Hey, look up the details of the person in charge of the industrial andmercial bureau and the staff on duty today."


    A few minutester, a bunch of messages were sent to Xu Xiuhe''s phone. He looked at them, and his expression became even worse.


    "Make it so that her studio can''t get any business." Xu Xiuhe said on the phone.


    Shen Yin didn''t know what was going on, only hearing the studio asking, "Did something happen?"


    "No, don''t worry about it." Xu Xiuhe replied, but in his heart he was thinking that this might still be too light, as he still had a lot of leverage.


    "Xiuhe, can I discuss another thing with you?" Shen Yin said cautiously.


    "Go ahead."


    "I''m going to Yang City tomorrow. I found a furniture craftsman whose family has been woodworkers for generations, and his skills are quite exquisite. I want to invite him to do the work, but he''s usually not easy to get and has a very peculiar personality, so I want to go there in person to invite him."


    "How long will you be gone?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin was still unsure if one day would be enough, so she replied, "I''m not sure yet, maybe one day."

 Chapter 100

    Chapter 100


    "I''lle with you," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    "Thepany still needs you, and it''s not convenient for you to leave. Yang City is not far, it''s only a three-hour drive. Why don''t you take Zhengzheng, and I''ll try toe back in the afternoon," Shen Yin replied.


    Xu Xiuhe considered for a few seconds and agreed. He now had a slight understanding of Shen Yin, and once she decided on something, he couldn''t change it.


    On the way back, Shen Yin keptforting Zhengzheng.


    "Zhengzheng, would you like to go with your father tomorrow? Mommy has something to do and needs to go out for a day." Shen Yin patiently coaxed. She had originally wanted to take Zhengzheng with her, but Zhengzheng was too young, and she was worried it would be inconvenient to bring him to Yang City, where he had never been.


    Zhengzheng was happily ying with his own fingers, but when he heard what Shen Yin said, he looked up and said, "Wherever Mommy goes, Zhengzheng goes too."


    Shen Yin''s heart softened, and she almost agreed to take Zhengzheng with her, but Xu Xiuhe spoke up first.


    "Zhengzheng, Mommy has to go to work, and she won''t be back until the afternoon. Don''t you like your father? Why don''t you want to go with him?"


    This worked well on Xu Yunzheng, who immediately said, "I like Daddy. Mommy, pleasee back soon."


    "Okay, Mommy promises Zhengzheng that I''lle back early tomorrow."


    Early the next morning, Shen Yin got up andid out the clothes Zhengzheng was going to wear today, so that Xu Xiuhe could dress him as soon as he woke up.


    "Maybe I should go with you after all. I''m still a little worried about you going alone." Xu Xiuhe suggested again, but was ultimately rejected by Shen Yin.


    "You take care of Zhengzheng. Zhengzheng hasn''t woken up yet, and there''s nothing to worry about. I have navigation, money, and I can even fight off any intruders if needed. I''m leaving now. If anything happens to Zhengzheng, give me a call."


    Shen Yin had already found the address of the carpenter online, but she wasn''t sure if she could actually find him or convince him to help her with the furniture.


    On the way, Shen Yin kept thinking about what she would say. The online information said this Master Kang was over 50 years old, had an entric personality, and generally didn''t take on new projects, as he only focused on teaching his two apprentices.


    This was exactly what Shen Yin was counting on, as the rarity of his services made him highly sought after. She had already prepared several draft contracts, in case she couldn''t hire him, she could try to coborate with him instead.


    Shen Yin drove slowly, following the navigation. By around noon, she arrived in Yang City.


    Yang City was a bit different from Rong City. Shen Yin''s impression of Yang City was that it was hotter, even hotter than Rong City. The scorching sun beat down as she followed the navigation and drove through the entire city to the outskirts.


    After several more turns ording to the navigation, she parked in front of a courtyard.


    By this point, Shen Yin could clearly feel that the location was quite remote, already starting to have a more rural feel.


    Shen Yin got out of the car, opened her umbre, and walked into the courtyard.


    There was a well in the courtyard, half of it was filled with vegetables, and the other half had a shed, with a lot of wood materials and various tools Shen Yin didn''t recognize.


    "Auntie, hello, is this Master Kang''s ce?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Master Kang?" An older woman who was picking vegetables in the courtyard looked up.


    Shen Yin just realized that "Master Kang" might not be the right way to address him.


    "Auntie, is this Kang Guopeng''s home?" In fact, Shen Yin was already certain she had the right ce after seeing the wood materials in the courtyard, but she still chose to ask politely.


    The older woman stopped her work and stood up, looking at Shen Yin and asking, "Miss, do you have something to discuss with our family?"


    Shen Yin approached, and since she was taller than the woman, the umbre also shielded the woman from the sun.


    The older woman''s eyes were full of confusion as she carefully examined Shen Yin, who clearly wasn''t an ordinary person, and she didn''t recognize this kind of person.


    "Auntie, I''m here to discuss some business with Mr. Kang Guopeng," Shen Yin answered.


    "Okay,e in with me," the woman led Shen Yin into the bungalow.


    The house was very clean, and all the furniture was made of solid wood. Out of politeness, Shen Yin only took a brief look around without exploring further.


    "Dad, someone is here to see you," the woman shouted loudly.


    "Who is it? Didn''t I say not to let them in? I''m not taking on any more furniture work now," a man''s voice came from inside the house.


    Soon, a man came out holding a cup of tea.


    When Shen Yin saw Kang Guopenge out, she was momentarily stunned. He looked so much like herte grandfather, as if he were ten years younger. Shen Yin''s mind immediately shed to the scenes of her grandfather teaching her martial arts, and her eyes became a little moist, almost letting out a cry.


    "Dad, there''s a youngdy here who wants to discuss business with you, not about taking on any furniture work," the older woman said.


    "Miss, what can I do for you?" Kang Guopeng asked.


    Shen Yinposed herself and said, "I''m from Rong City, and I''d like to invite you to be an operations consultant for our furniture workshop."


    Kang Guopeng didn''t answer the question, but instead took a sip of his tea and said, "How did you know about me?"


    "I saw a post online that said you have exceptional craftsmanship and unique artistry in your furniture," Shen Yin answered honestly.


    "I haven''t done furniture work for a long time. You should go back," Kang Guopeng replied.


    Shen Yin didn''t expect Kang Guopeng to refuse so directly, and without even giving a reason. The man was clearly entric.


    "Mr. Kang, would you at least take a look at some information about the furniture workshop?" Shen Yin took out the materials she had prepared.


    Kang Guopeng shook his head and went back inside.


    Shen Yin was stunned. There was no room for negotiation at all? She had prepared several proposals, but it seemed like she would have to leave just like that.


    Shen Yin felt frustrated. This man not only looked like herte grandfather, but his temperament was also the same - he would turn and leave at the slightest disagreement.


    Shen Yin sighed, picked up the umbre on the ground, and walked out of the bungalow.


    In the courtyard, the older woman was squatting in the shade, processing the vegetables she had just picked. Seeing Shen Yin leave, she stood up and said a little embarrassedly, "Miss, would you like to stay for lunch? It''s noon, and you''vee all this way. Our family has an entric personality, please don''t take it personally."


    Shen Yin felt a little awkward. This was the countryside, and she didn''t know where she would have her lunch.


    "Okay, Auntie, if it''s not too much trouble," Shen Yin agreed.

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101


    "Thank you, auntie." Shen Yin suddenly felt that there might still be an opportunity to approach the auntie.


    "Alright, thank you auntie. I''ll put the things in the car." Shen Yin hadn''t had water for a while and was a bit thirsty.


    When she returned to the car and opened the trunk, she suddenly noticed that there were some tea leaves, a bottle of wine, and boxes of milk in the trunk. When had she put these things in the car? It wasn''t there yesterday morning when she drove to the hospital. Suddenly she remembered something and smiled faintly, taking these items out.


    After drinking some water, Shen Yin carried a box of milk in one hand and the tea leaves and wine in the other, entering the courtyard again.


    "Miss, why are you bringing these things over?" asked the elder woman.


    "I just noticed that my uncle seems to enjoy drinking tea." Shen Yin walked to the door of the cottage and put down the items.


    "Take them with you when you leave. Your uncle probably won''t want them," the woman said.


    "Then I''ll give them to you. I can''t just have a meal for free," Shen Yin smiled.


    Shen Yin was of the cool and reserved type, but she looked exceptionally beautiful when she smiled. Seeing how sincere and pretty Shen Yin was, the woman asked, "Miss, you look so young, you don''t have a partner yet, do you? Let auntie introduce someone to you."


    Shen Yin smiled again, "Auntie, I already have a child."


    The woman was surprised and didn''t quite believe it.


    "Auntie, let me help you cook," Shen Yin had already decided to approach this auntie, so now she needed to extract information from her about why Kang Guopeng was unwilling to take on furniture projects.


    "You know how to cook? There aren''t many youngdies who can cook these days."


    Shen Yin followed the woman into the kitchen, which was clearly kept tidy and organized by someone who knew how to manage a household.


    There were already some chopped vegetables on the cutting board. Shen Yin volunteered to do the stir-frying, and the woman didn''t stop her.


    Everyone has their own cooking style, and Shen Yin had a talent for making simple ingredients appetizing.


    "Miss, are you a chef? Not only does this meat dish look good, but it smells so fragrant too," the woman asked.


    Shen Yin was reminded of her great-grandfather, who had spoiled her and cultivated her taste buds, allowing her to develop this skill.


    "No, it''s just because I''m a picky eater that I learned how to cook," Shen Yin replied.


    The auntie burst intoughter. Shen Yin felt that she could proceed and asked, "Auntie, why doesn''t Uncle Kang take on furniture projects anymore?"


    The woman sighed and said, "Your Uncle Kang''s family has a hereditary talent for woodworking. In the early years, he took on projects and earned quite a bit of money. But once he made a lot of money, someone grew jealous and used him of giarism. They produced design drawings that were indeed very simr to your Uncle Kang''s designs. After that incident, your Uncle Kang stopped taking on projects, saying he couldn''t tarnish his reputation or lose face. But he also didn''t want the family''s skills to be lost, since there are few craftsmen nowadays, so he took on two apprentices."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin felt a sense of pity, as it''s hard to fathom people''s hearts sometimes. She then changed the subject, chatting with the woman as the dishes were being prepared.


    The woman brought the dishes to the living room. "Husband, it''s time to eat."


    Kang Guopeng came out and saw Shen Yin walking out of the kitchen. She turned on the air conditioning.


    "Well, well, you''re finally willing to use the air conditioning today," the woman remarked.


    Kang Guopeng sat down.


    "Miss, youe sit down too."


    There weren''t many dishes - two vegetable dishes and a te of stir-fried chicken, all cooked by Shen Yin. The auntie had helped her in the kitchen. To be honest, Shen Yin was quite hot in the kitchen, but she persisted, thinking that all endeavors have difficult beginnings and that one shouldn''t lose enthusiasm after just three minutes.


    "These dishes weren''t cooked by you?" Kang Guopeng turned and asked.


    "They were all cooked by this youngdy. See, I told you she''s a great cook," the woman said, looking at Shen Yin.


    After the woman sat down, the man started eating. Shen Yin was still confident in her cooking skills.


    Sure enough, a few minutester, Kang Guopeng spoke up, "Is the furniture workshop yours?"


    "Yes, Uncle Kang," Shen Yin felt that there was now an opportunity to negotiate.


    But after saying that, Kang Guopeng fell silent.


    "Miss, start eating. There are only three dishes, don''t mind it," the woman said.


    Shen Yin started eating too, but her mind was focused on Kang Guopeng, who did resemble her great-grandfather.


    "Liang will be back on vacation soon," the woman said to Kang Guopeng.


    "When?"


    "This weekend. He told me that it''s hard to buy tickets now because of the crowds, so he''s not sure exactly which day he''ll be able toe back."


    From their conversation, Shen Yin guessed that this couple probably had a son who was studying at university.


    After the meal, the woman cleared the table. Kang Guopeng sat on a wooden sofa with a small table next to it. Shen Yin felt there was still a chance, so she walked over and said, "Uncle Kang, I think we can continue to discuss this."


    After some thought, Kang Guopeng said, "Tell me about your workshop."


    Shen Yin felt there was still an opportunity, "The workshop has just been registered. I want to make high-end Chinese furniture. From my market research, I''ve found that Chinese furniture is either very expensive or low-quality. I have the designs, but I need funding and skilled technicians, so I want to hire you to make the furniture. I''ve also looked into this, which is why I think you''re suitable since you have the skills."


    "You mean I just need to follow the designs?" Kang Guopeng asked.


    "That''s right. And you can rest assured that my designs are original. The final profit will be split, 70% for me and 30% for you. You can also be assured that the furniture will definitely sell. I''m confident about that," Shen Yin said confidently. In this day and age, there was no shortage of wealthy people willing to pay hundreds of thousands for a set of Chinese furniture. With her designs and his exquisite craftsmanship, sales wouldn''t be a problem.


    Kang Guopeng could hardly believe it. A 70-30 split was like a partnership, and he wouldn''t even need to do the designs, just the craftsmanship.


    "Why me?" Kang Guopeng asked.


    "Your exquisite skills and dedication to craftsmanship are valuable assets," Shen Yin replied.


    "But I was used of giarism before."


    "I''m looking at your skills, and that doesn''t concern me," Shen Yin said.


    Kang Guopeng felt that this youngdy spoke with a maturity beyond her years, with confidence and poise.


    Seeing Kang Guopeng deep in thought, Shen Yin already felt she had seeded. "I noticed the university admission letter for your son, Liang, to Rong City University over there. If you agree, I''ll bring a formal contract in a few days, and we can discuss your work location then. I can also give your son a ride back."


    Kang Guopeng was swayed. He hadn''t had an ie for years, and his son''s tuition, living expenses, and housing fees still needed to be paid. He had been scrimping, even avoiding using the air conditioning unless there were guests, like today.


    "Okay, I agree," Kang Guopeng said.

 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102


    Shen Yin felt better after hearing those words, feeling that her sweat had not been wasted in vain.


    "Alright then, this weekend I''lle over. Can you give me your son''s phone number so I can contact him when I get there?" Shen Yin said.


    Kang Guopeng''s wife, who was in the kitchen, heard this and hurried out. "That would be troubling you, Miss." She then gave Shen Yin her son''s phone number.


    Shen Yin took out her phone and noted down the number.


    "Well, I should get going now." Shen Yin picked up her bag and bid them farewell.


    As she got into the passenger seat, Shen Yin took out her phone and called Xu Xiuhe back.


    Earlier, when she was noting down the phone number, she had seen that Xu Xiuhe had sent her several messages asking if she had eaten and how things went, and had also called, but she had beening out of the house and missed the call.


    It was a video call, and Xu Xiuhe answered instantly.


    "Hey, wife, why wasn''t your brother answering the phone?"


    Shen Yin pointed the camera at herself, and Xu Yunzheng''s fair little face appeared in the video.


    "Mommy, when are youing back? Zheng Zheng misses you."


    Shen Yin was warmed by Zheng Zheng''s words and imitated his tone, "Mommy misses Zheng Zheng too. Mommy will be back soon, can Zheng Zheng wait for Mommy?"


    When Shen Yin imitated Zheng Zheng''s way of speaking, her voice sounded a little childish and whiny. Xu Xiuhe, listening on the other end, wanted to see his wife on the screen, but Xu Yunzheng had monopolized the phone, taking up the entire frame, leaving Xu Xiuhe no chance.


    "Zheng Zheng, can you let Daddy see for a bit?" he asked meekly from the side.


    Zheng Zheng shook his head. "Zheng Zheng hasn''t seen enough of Mommy yet."


    "Honey, can you persuade him?" Xu Xiuhe''s tone dragged a little, with a hint of whining, something Shen Yin had never heard from him before.


    "Zheng Zheng, give the phone to Daddy for a bit. Mommy needs to tell Daddy something," Shen Yin coaxed.


    Though reluctant, since Mommy had spoken, Zheng Zheng had to obey.


    "Here, Daddy."


    Xu Xiuhe took the phone, and his mouth widened into a grin when he saw Shen Yin. "Honey, are youing back now?"


    "Yeah, were the wine and tea in the car put there by youst night?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I forgot to tell you. So how was it? Did the carpenter agree?"


    "He agreed. I''m about to head back now. Zheng Zheng should take his afternoon nap. Can you get him to sleep for a bit? I''ll be back soon." Shen Yin replied.


    Shen Yin drove slowly, estimating that it would take her quite some time to return.


    "Alright, be careful. Let me know if anythinges up."


    After Shen Yin agreed, she hung up and drove back. The sun was still ring, and apart from cars, there were hardly any pedestrians on the road. As she passed by a courtyard, Shen Yin noticed that the dog at the gate had its tongue lolling out.


    When Shen Yin reached Yang City, the weather suddenly changed. Fierce winds picked up, swallows flew low, and the faint rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. Shen Yin felt a pang of worry, wondering if she would encounter severe weather. The morning weather forecast had been fine, but now it had changed so rapidly.


    Her phone kept ringing, and when Shen Yin answered, it was Xu Xiuhe''s voice on the other end.


    "Hey, wife, it''s raining heavily in Rong City. I just checked the weather forecast for Yang City, and there''s a storm warning. You should find a hotel to take shelter from the rain first."


    "Okay." Shen Yin had originally nned to keep driving until it rained and then stop, but now that didn''t seem feasible. The wind was too strong, with leaves, stic bags, and other debris flying through the air. The thunder was growing louder, and the sky had darkened, as if the earlier sunny and bright weather had been just a day ago.


    She had no choice but to heed Xu Xiuhe''s advice and found a decent-looking hotel, driving straight into the underground parking garage.


    When Shen Yin approached the front desk, the receptionist spoke first, "Hello, Ma''am. Would you like to book a room?"


    "Yes."


    "What kind of room would you like? The regr rooms are almost fully booked. These are the remaining options." The receptionist pointed to a few room types in the brochure.


    "This one," Shen Yin said, pointing to the loft room type. She had never been one to deprive herself, whether in the Dasheng Dynasty or here.


    Few people booked the loft rooms, and the receptionist was observant. This woman booking a room was clearly out of the ordinary. The receptionist immediately made a call, and someone soon came to lead Shen Yin upstairs.


    Outside, the sky grew darker and darker. As Shen Yin opened the curtains upon entering, a bolt of lightning suddenly struck.


    "Boom, boom, boom!"


    Shen Yin could feel the thunder right above her. Soon after, rain droplets the size of beans began pelting down.


    With the rain preventing her from leaving, Shen Yin took a shower in the bathroom, as she had sweated profusely earlier and found herself unpleasant.


    Shen Yin''s phone kept ringing outside, but the sound of the shower drowned it out. It wasn''t until she came out of the bathroom that she heard it.


    Seven missed calls. Just as Shen Yin was about to call back, Xu Xiuhe called again.


    "Wife, why weren''t you answering your phone?" Xu Xiuhe sounded anxious.


    "Mommy, Mommy," came Zheng Zheng''s little voice through the phone.


    "The wind and rain were too heavy. I found a hotel and just took a shower, so I didn''t hear it," Shen Yin exined.


    Only then did Xu Xiuhe feel relieved. Earlier, he had been so worried that he had picked up Zheng Zheng, gone downstairs, and was now sitting in the car, preparing to head to Yang City.


    "Stay safe in the hotel. I''ming to get you now."


    "Don''te. The wind and rain are fierce here. It''s too dangerous to drive. I''ll drive back once the rain stops. Zheng Zheng, be a good boy and listen to Daddy. Mommy will hurry back," Shen Yin patiently consoled. She had checked the weather forecast too, and didn''t know if she could return tonight, as it showed continued rain.


    "Mommy, be safe. Zheng Zheng will be good. Mommy, pleasee back quickly. Zheng Zheng wants Mommy to hug him."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin felt that Zheng Zheng was so well-behaved. How she wished she could fly to his side and hug him right now.


    "Okay, Mommy knows."


    After hanging up, Shen Yin stood by the window. Outside, the rain only grew heavier, with no sign of stopping.


    "Knock, knock, knock."


    Shen Yin opened the door.


    A server stood outside, holding a fruit tter and some snacks.


    "Ma''am, hello. This is the afternoon tea provided with the suite."


    Shen Yin thanked him and epted the fruit.


    The server seemed to have received some notification through his earpiece and hurried away.


    Shen Yin sat by the window, eating the fruit, when suddenly she heard somemotion outside. Shen Yin went to the door and opened it, seeing several servers rushing in the same direction.

 Chapter 103

    Chapter 103


    Shen Yin''s imagination was quite expansive. She thought some kind of ident had happened and they were running somewhere to take shelter.


    "Hello, may I ask if something happened?" Shen Yin stopped someone and asked.


    "Yes, in one of the rooms ahead, a pregnant woman''s water broke, but the ambnce can''t get through. There''s a life-threatening situation now, and we''re rushing over to help," the server said, gasping for air.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin didn''t know why, but she felt she couldn''t just stand idly by. She grabbed her room key and followed them.


    It was also a loft room. When Shen Yin entered, she heard an older hotel staff member asking, "Is everyone here? Who has experience with childbirth? Quick,e and help."


    "Ma''am, you must hold on." Xiao Wang said, "The ambnce hasn''t arrived yet."


    A young girl answered, "I called them, they were on their way, but the wind was too strong. A big tree fell onto the road and a car was hit. The ambnce was driving fast and couldn''t stop in time, crashing into the scene. Now they''re trying to rescue themselves."


    "What about other ambnces, are anying?"


    "The road is blocked, the ident scene is quite serious."


    "Is there anyone who knows how to deliver a baby? The pregnant woman''s life is in danger now," the older person shouted, their voice trembling. If anything happened, it would be the hotel''s responsibility. Those staying in these types of rooms are not ordinary people. If a life was truly lost, or even two, the hotel couldn''t afford it.


    Seeing the pregnant woman''s pained expression, Shen Yin''s heart stirred for some unknown reason. Without thinking too much, she said, "I''ll do it."


    Although she had never delivered a baby before, she had read simr books. Plus, with her skills amplified, she thought she could manage.


    "Prepare some hot water, alcohol, and scissors," Shen Yin instructed.


    The other staff members gradually prepared the items.


    The pregnant woman was now slumped on the sofa. Shen Yin felt this position was unsuitable for delivery, so she instructed, "Help me, let''s move the pregnant woman onto the bed inside."


    With difficulty, several people helped move the pregnant woman onto the bed.


    "Take off the pregnant woman''s pants," Shen Yin said, then went to the bathroom to wash her hands and disinfect.


    Upon returning, Shen Yin observed the pregnant woman''s contractions and helped her adjust her position, lying on her back with her legs bent. Then, noticing the pregnant woman''s pained expression, Shen Yin ced some pillows behind her back to ease the pain.


    "Stay calm, breathe with me deeply," Shen Yin held the pregnant woman''s hand, and the staff behind them dared not make a sound to disturb.


    "Everything is ready," a staff member said.


    Shen Yin didn''t respond, continuing to guide the pregnant woman. During stronger contractions, Shen Yin had her exhale, and when the contractions eased, she had her push. Fortunately, the pregnant woman was very strong, following Shen Yin''s rhythm throughout, until finally the baby''s head emerged.


    Shen Yin gently supported the baby''s head, following the knowledge in her mind step by step. When the baby cried loudly, everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief, including Shen Yin.


    But Shen Yin knew it wasn''t over yet. She still needed to handle the centa, slow the blood flow, and cut the umbilical cord.


    After carrying out each step, both the pregnant woman and baby were safe, and outside, night had truly fallen. After ensuring their safety, Shen Yin exhaled deeply. She had seeded.


    The hotel staff could handle the remaining tasks. Shen Yin was exhausted and unwell. "I''ll head back first. If anythinges up, find me in my room."


    After returning to her room, Shen Yin took another shower. She was grateful that she had read many books and could store the knowledge in her mind. Otherwise, she truly wouldn''t have known what to do.


    After showering, the rain still hadn''t stopped. She wouldn''t be able to return today. Shen Yin decided to call Xu Xiuhe to report in.


    "What were you doing just now? You didn''t answer my calls, and now you look utterly exhausted," Xu Xiuhe said with concern.


    "I just delivered a baby for a pregnant woman," Shen Yin replied.


    Xu Xiuhe: "!!" He didn''t understand. Wasn''t his wife a designer? How did she also know childbirth?


    "That''s so dangerous. Wasn''t there a doctor? Did you consider what would happen if something went wrong?" Xu Xiuhe felt his wife was too daring.


    "No, look at the rain outside, it''s extremely heavy," Shen Yin pointed the camera outside.


    "The ambnce was in an ident on the way. When I saw the pregnant woman in pain, I didn''t think too much about it," Shen Yin said. Now that she thought about it, she probably couldn''t stand seeing such suffering, or perhaps it was instinct, thinking of how Yue had a difficultbor and faced a simr predicament. Or maybe it was how her grandfather had raised her well since childhood.


    "You haven''t eaten yet, right? Go eat first. When you''re back, Zhengzheng wants to video call you. He''s chatting with Huahua now," Xu Xiuhe switched the camera, and Shen Yin saw Huahua and Zhengzheng in the living room.


    She vaguely heard Zhengzheng say, "Huahua, Zhengzheng misses mommy. Do you miss mommy too?"


    Huahua nodded.


    "Then when Zhengzheng''s mommyes back, let''s ask mommy to help you find your mommy," Xu Yun Zheng patted Huahua''s head.


    Shen Yin nearly cried. How could she help Huahua find her mother? Shouldn''t that be Xu Xiuhe''s responsibility?


    Xu Xiuhe joked, "When you''re back, help Huahua find her mother."


    Shen Yin: "I can''t find her. I''ll go eat first. I''ll call you back tonight."


    Zhengzheng suddenly turned and walked over to Xu Xiuhe, asking, "Daddy, who were you talking to on the phone just now? Was it mommy? Zhengzheng wants to find mommy. Why hasn''t mommye back yet?"


    "Zhengzheng, mommy just did something very great, so she needs to go eat now," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "What did she do? Zhengzheng wants to do it too."


    "Earlier, mommy weed a new life into this world."


    "A new life?"


    "Yes, Zhengzheng, you were once a new life too. So we should be very proud, because mommy is extraordinary," Xu Xiuhe exined bit by bit.


    "Will mommye back tonight?"


    "No, mommy is tired, so she needs to rest. Tomorrow morning, daddy will take Zhengzheng to find mommy, okay?"


    Hearing that mommy wouldn''te back, Zhengzheng felt a little sad. But then hearing they would find mommy in the morning, he became happy again.


    Xu Xiuhe called for a car at 3 AM.


    After helping Zhengzheng wash up, the obedient child didn''t cry or fuss, and obediently fell asleep in bed.


    At 3 AM, Xu Xiuhe got up, changed Zhengzheng''s clothes, picked him up, and went to the entrance, where the driver was already waiting.


    "Hey man, you look a bit familiar. Have we met somewhere before?" the driver asked.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t answer, only saying, "Drive slowly, my son is asleep."


    "Up so early and bringing a child... headed to Yang City?"


    The driver was curious.

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104


    "It was raining in Yang City yesterday, and my wife got stuck there."


    The driver was a talkative person: "I see, picking up your wife. I see you have a car in the back, why are you taking a taxi?"


    "My wife doesn''t have a car."


    "I see, then I won''t disturb you. You just hold the baby and sleep a bit, it''ll be dark, and I''ll drive slowly and carefully."


    The big brother driver was very enthusiastic.


    Xu Xiuhe was holding Zhengzheng in the backseat, and Zhengzheng was sleeping soundly. Xu Xiuhe tried to rx himself as much as possible to let Xu Yunzheng sleepfortably.


    As the clock struck, the east gradually brightened, Xu Xiuhe opened his eyes, looked at his watch, and out the window.


    "You''re awake, you know, the rain in Yang City is really heavier than in Rong City," the driver said as he saw Xu Xiuhe wake up.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t say anything, just quietly looking out the window. In fact, he wanted to say that of course he knew the rain in Yang City was heavy, his wife had told him yesterday.


    There was still water on the road, and branches, leaves, and various trash bags were scattered on the ground, a typical scene after a heavy rain.


    "The rain now is a good thing, it''s just too heavy. The corn has just been nted, and it might need to be rented in a few days," the big brother driver sighed.


    This was the first time Xu Xiuhe had heard about crop-rted topics, and he found it interesting. He didn''t interrupt the driver and just listened. After all, he didn''t have many opportunities to hear such things. Since he started his business, he had even taken fewer taxis, usually driving himself. Liu, his assistant, would sometimes drive for him, and there were drivers at the Ziyue Manor, buttely, he and Shen Yin had been driving themselves, forgetting about the drivers.


    "Sir, your child is so young, why did your wife go to Yang City?" the driver was still curious.


    "On a business trip."


    Instantly, the driver''s gaze in the rearview mirror changed. His wife went on a business trip, and the man was at home taking care of the child? Could it be that this man was a "kept man," a house-husband.


    The driver didn''t say anything else, pondering in his heart. These days, there are all kinds of people. The man in the back looked well-dressed and well-off, but who would have thought he was a "pretty boy," relying on his wife to support him.


    The driver thought more and more about it, and he hated men who spent women''s money the most.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t know what happened, but he could feel the driver''s attitude towards him had changed. Could it be that the driver had recognized him just now? That''s why he didn''t dare to speak.


    It was getting brighter, and the driver kept looking at Xu Xiuhe through the rearview mirror, not for any other reason, just disdain. But the more he looked, the more familiar the man seemed. Now that it was bright, he might have said the wrong thing just now.


    "Are you the president of the Yuhuan Group?" the driver asked cautiously.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t admit it, but he didn''t deny it either.


    The driver confirmed it. He didn''t know if the president in the back had noticed his disdain, but he really knew he was wrong. Who would have thought that he, a Didi driver, would pick up the president of a major group? And who would have thought that the president''s wife would be on a business trip?


    "I apologize for my disrespect just now," the driver suddenly became serious.


    "I see you are a good driver. Would you be interested in working for me? The sry will definitely be higher than driving for Didi," Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Ah!" The driver didn''t respond immediately. He just took a single ride, and now he had found a stable job, and it was at a bigpany. He couldn''t quite believe it. Could it be that he had just done a good deed.


    "Of course."


    "To be precise, you''ll be driving for my wife. My wife has just opened a few studios and may need to travel back and forth. You''ll be her exclusive driver from now on."


    The big brother driver still couldn''t believe such good luck had befallen him, and hurriedly replied, "Okay."


    "Daddy, where are we going?" the sleepy Zhengzheng in Xu Xiuhe''s arms asked.


    "We''re going to get Mommy," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    At the mention of finding Mommy, Zhengzheng suddenly became alert, sitting up from Xu Xiuhe''s arms, with an excited little expression, which was clearly visible.


    "Find Mommy, want Mommy to hug me," Zhengzheng pped his little hands.


    "Sit tight, we''ll be there soon," Xu Xiuhe said.


    It was just past six o''clock, and it was already bright.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t tell Shen Yin that he had brought Zhengzheng with him. From the video Shen Yin sent yesterday, Xu Xiuhe had a rough idea of which hotel she was in.


    After the car was parked, the big brother driver got out and opened the door.


    "You can go back now. Report to Qinghe Vi tomorrow morning."


    "Okay, thank you, sir."


    Xu Xiuhe carried Zhengzheng and walked up to the front desk, asking for Shen Yin''s room. The front desk girl looked at him, and ording to the rules, she couldn''t casually give out the guest''s privacy. But Shen Yin was a VIP guest, and the girl had also heard yesterday that this gentleman had helped the pregnant woman give birth smoothly.


    "Hello, sir, may I ask what is your rtionship with Ms. Shen Yin?"


    Zhengzheng answered first, "Shen Yin is Zhengzheng''s mommy, Zhengzheng is Shen Yin''s little baby." Zhengzheng emphasized this twice.


    The front desk girl, seeing Zhengzheng''s expectant little expression, his eyes wide open so cutely, couldn''t help but give the room number.


    Xu Xiuhe turned and took Zhengzheng to the elevator. The front desk girl then regretted it, what if something happened? She wouldn''t be able to take responsibility. Tsk tsk tsk, it''s all because of that pretty face, she was bewitched by an adult''s charm.


    "Knock, knock, knock," Xu Xiuhe knocked on the door.


    "Mommy, open the door, Mommy, open the door for Zhengzheng."


    After just a few knocks, the door opened. Shen Yin was a little surprised when she opened the door, thinking it was a hotel staff member.


    "Howe you''re here so early?" Shen Yin asked. She knew from yesterday''s drive from Rong City how long the trip was, and they arrived here just after 6 a.m. Could it be that they came over in the middle of the night?


    "Mommy, hug," Zhengzheng, who hadn''t seen Shen Yin for a day, couldn''t help but cozy up to her.


    Shen Yin took Zhengzheng in her arms and asked, "Why did Zhengzheng wake up so early today?"


    "He didn''t wake up early, I just carried him into the car while he was still sleeping," Xu Xiuhe quickly exined, worried that Shen Yin would me him for not taking good care of Zhengzheng.


    "Come in first," Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng into the room.


    "I''ve already washed up and was just about to go back. Howe you''re here too? What about work?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe just realized he hadn''t told Liu Bo that he wouldn''t be going to the office in the morning, and that Liu Bo would need to preside over the meeting.


    "Let me make a call." Xu Xiuhe took out his phone and went into the bathroom.


    "Hello, President, any instructions?"


    "Assistant Liu, I''m in Yang City now. You preside over the morning meeting. I''ll give you a raise and introduce you to a date in return."


    Xu Xiuhe said, and without waiting for Liu Bo''s response, he hung up.


    Liu Bo was almost at the office, and the president told him that he was in Yang City. Could it be that he went therest night? The president is awesome! With such heavy rain, he went there overnight.

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105


    The CEO''s pie that he drew could choke Liu Bo to death, the sry pie was already baked, and the girl''s pie just kept getting bigger.


    As Liu Bo stepped into the elevator, just as the door was about to close, a girl in a white shirt and ck skirt with a high ponytail rushed in.


    Along with her rushed-in, was the coffee in the girl''s hand.


    "Fuck!"


    The scene froze, and Liu Bo almost jumped up from being scalded, luckily it wasn''t on his chest, but on the upper left side, otherwise, he could have been scalded down to the skin.


    "Xiao Li''er! Weren''t you watching where you were going?"


    "Sorry, sorry." Xiao Li''er quickly apologized. This was indeed her fault.


    Liu Bo looked at the suit he had just worn, it was all dirty, and when he took it off, the white shirt underneath had a huge coffee stain.


    Liu Bo nced at Xiao Li''er: "You little girl, you''re an assistant, how can you be so careless."


    Xiao Li''er looked at the scene in front of her, knowing it was her fault, and admitted it, but she really wasn''t being careless, she just stumbled for a second, and Liu Bo was using her unfairly.


    "What''s wrong with you? You can''t even stand properly, did you sprain your ankle?" Liu Bo asked.


    Xiao Li''er shook her head, she did sprain her ankle, but the reason for the sprain as well as the reason she stumbled just now was because the heel of her high heels had broken.


    "The heel of my high heels broke."


    Liu Bo looked at Xiao Li''er''s shoes, and sure enough, the heel was broken: "Are you poor recently?"


    "Huh, what do you mean?"


    "Poor to the point of not having money to buy shoes, the quality of these shoes is so bad." Liu Bo replied.


    Xiao Li''er was just about to retort when Liu Bo gestured for her to be quiet.


    "Mr. Xu, the meeting this morning is at 10:30, right?"


    Xu Xiuhe, who was eating breakfast, replied: "Yes, what''s up?"


    "I need to go back and change my clothes first, the clothes got coffee spilled on them."


    "Who spilled it, what did you do wrong?"


    "Xiao Li''er!" Liu Bo''s eyes turned to Xiao Li''er.


    Xiao Li''er looked apologetic, and seeing that she was again the focus, she immediately lowered her head, it was really the fault of the high heels.


    "Oh, that''s fine, just handle it yourself, you don''t need to ask me." Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Xu Xiuhe hung up the phone and peeled a boiled egg, handing it to Shen Yin.


    "Thank you."


    "Don''t say thank you to me." Xu Xiuhe said seriously.


    "Hmm, let''s go back after we finish eating, you''re letting Liu the assistant do everything, it might not be a good idea."


    "Where''s the problem? I promised him I''d introduce him to a girlfriend." Xu Xiuhe sipped his porridge.


    "Cough cough, cough cough." Shen Yin was also drinking, and upon hearing this, couldn''t help but choke. She was really exasperated.


    "Have you considered starting a marriage introduction agency?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe was actually considering it: "It''s not impossible."


    "Cough cough, I was just joking, by the way, why are you so concerned about their love life?" Shen Yin asked again.


    "Without getting married, no one will love them, it''s really pitiful." Xu Xiuhe sighed.


    "Well, maybe they don''t want to get married, don''t you modern people advocate being single?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Most people don''t not want to get married, but because they haven''t met the person they love, haven''t met someone worth devoting their whole life to." Xu Xiuhe said seriously.


    Xu Xiuhe''s current insight into love has gone beyond Shen Yin''s understanding, she is no longer surprised at all, after all, since he moved into the vi, he has changed from the original Xu Xiuhe, as if some seal has been broken.


    "Xu Xiuhe, be honest with me, did youe from somewhere else? You''re no longer the Xu Xiuhe who used to always have a gloomy face." Shen Yin looked inquisitive.


    "Haha, you can''t suspect that I''m not the real me just because my emotional intelligence has improved." Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Oh, you''re bing more and more free-spirited." Shen Yin responded.


    "That''s because I''m facing you."


    Shen Yin blushed a little at his words, and said a little shyly, "I''ll go see if Jingxing is awake."


    In the underground garage of the Heyuan Group, Xiao Li''er was limping along, and Liu Bo, walking in front of her, couldn''t bear it anymore and turned back.


    Xiao Li''er thought he might be a gentleman and help support her, but instead Liu Bo walked up to her and said, "Just take off those shoes and throw them away."


    Xiao Li''er was like "???", she couldn''t just walk around barefoot, could she?


    But Liu Bo really squatted down and took off Xiao Li''er''s broken high heels, "Throw this one away too."


    Liu Bo took the two shoes and threw them in the trash can. Then he walked over to the car, got in the driver''s seat.


    "Can you hurry up, you''re walking so slowly without high heels." Liu Boined.


    "You''ve already got in the car, can''t you drive it over here?"


    Liu Bo thought about it, oh right, start the car.


    Xiao Li''er finally got in the car.


    "We don''t have time to go home before the meeting, so we''ll buy shoes and clothes at the mall nearby."


    Liu Bo felt he was quite a gentleman, letting thedy go first, so he parked at the shoe store.


    "Get out, we''re here."


    Xiao Li''er felt a bit embarrassed, with all these people around, she was barefoot, it was so embarrassing.


    "What''s wrong, hurry up."


    "I don''t have any shoes."


    Liu Bo looked down at the ground, and realized that going barefoot might get her feet hurt by something, so he went to the passenger seat and picked Xiao Li''er up in a princess carry.


    Liu Bo specifically emphasized it was a princess carry, he wasn''t trying to take advantage of her, his hands were tightly clenched in a gentlemanly manner.


    "Hello, is thisdy here to buy shoes?" the sales clerk asked.


    "Yes." Liu Bo put Xiao Li''er down on a bench.


    Then he just stood there watching.


    "Sir, don''t you want to help your girlfriend pick out some shoes?" the sales clerk asked, standing next to them.


    "She''s not my girlfriend."


    "I''m not his girlfriend."


    The two spoke at the same speed.


    The sales clerk immediately understood, "I see, not yet."


    "Miss, what kind of shoes would you like?"


    "High heels, size 37, something sturdy that won''t break the heel."


    "Miss, don''t worry, we only have shoes that people are unwilling to wear, not ones that will break the heel."


    Xiao Li''er spotted a pair, pure ck.


    "I''d like to see that one." Xiao Li''er pointed to the ck high heels on the counter.


    "Miss, you have good taste."


    Xiao Li''er took the shoes, checked the heel, and it felt pretty sturdy, so she started trying them on.


    The size was perfect, Xiao Li''er walked around the fitting area for a few steps, very satisfied.


    "I''ll just wear these, how do I pay?"


    Under the guidance of the sales clerk, Xiao Li''er scanned the QR code and the payment was sessful. But when she saw the amount, 1099 yuan, she was shocked. She had never bought such an expensive pair of shoes before.


    "Let''s go." Liu Bo called out, he still needed to buy a suit and shirt.


    Xiao Li''er thought about the money she had just spent, feeling a little heartbroken, and her enthusiasm wasn''t high.


    "What''s wrong, didn''t you just buy the shoes?"

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106


    "It''s fine, let''s go." Xiao Li''er held back her pain, "It''s only 1099, no big deal, I''ll just not buy clothes next month."


    When Liu Bo was trying on clothes, Xiao Li''er sat next to him, ying with her phone.


    "Miss, your boyfriend is trying on clothes in there, aren''t you going to take a look?" the salesperson asked.


    Xiao Li''er didn''t respond at first, but when she realized there was no one else around, she realized the salesperson was talking to her.


    "Oh, he''s my boss, not my boyfriend." Xiao Li''er hurriedly exined, not wanting to be misunderstood.


    "I see." the salesperson said, a tinge of disappointment in her voice.


    "Let''s go." Liu Bo came out, already wearing the new clothes, the bag in his hand containing the old ones.


    Looking at Liu Bo, Xiao Li''er couldn''t help but admit that he had a good figure and didn''t really need to try on clothes.


    Xiao Li''er followed behind him, thinking that since it was her fault, she spoke up: "Assistant Liu, let me take these clothes back and wash them."


    "Okay, you take them back and wash them." Liu Bo handed the bag to Xiao Li''er, and she took it.


    "Don''t think that just by washing the clothes, that''s it. The President won''t being this morning, so I''ll be presiding over the meeting, and you''ll be taking the meeting minutes." Liu Bo said again.


    Hearing this, Xiao Li''er obediently epted her fate.


    At this time, Xu Xiuhe was driving Shen Yin''s car, with Shen Yin and Zhengzheng in the backseat.


    "I may have toe to Yang City again in a few days," Shen Yin said.


    "Hm? Didn''t you agree already?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Yes, I agreed, but the specific details haven''t been worked out yet, like the job location and the sry and such, I still need to go back and draft those out," Shen Yin replied.


    "Mm, that''s good, I''ve arranged a driver for you, so you don''t have to drive yourself in the future, it''s too tiring," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Shen Yin thought this was quite good, "Thank you." She didn''t put on airs, she would just use whatever he arranged for her.


    "I''ve told you not to say ''thank you'' to me, there''s no need for that between us. But Xu Yunzheng, you should say ''thank you'' when someone helps you or is good to you, we need to have manners," Xu Xiuhe originally said this to Shen Yin, but then the topic shifted to Xu Yunzheng.


    Xu Yunzheng was a bit bewildered, his eyes wide open, a look of confusion on his face, "Why does Mommy not need to say ''thank you'', but Zhengzheng has to say ''thank you''?"


    "Because Daddy and Mommy are husband and wife, husband and wife are one, there''s no need to say it. But Zhengzheng is different, Zhengzheng needs to be an obedient, polite child," Xu Xiuhe exined.


    "Ahem." Shen Yin pretended to cough. Zhengzheng is still young, she just said ''thank you'' once, and Xu Xiuhe was able to say so much.


    "When exactly are youing over? I want to have you join the weekend social event."


    "Haha, do you know that it''s super funny for a big CEO like you to hold employee social events," Shen Yinughed, her sense of humor suddenly tickled.


    "Funny?"


    Shen Yin nodded.


    Shen Yin thought it over, "I''ll be able toe back in the afternoon on Saturday."


    The days flew by quickly, and in the past few days, Shen Yin had rented a small building on the other side of this street, without much decoration, as it was just a ce to put the furniture. Once the Chinese-style furniture was ced inside, the whole building would look different.


    She had also drafted out the specifics, Kang Guopeng had wood resources, and he would also select high-quality wood, so she didn''t need to worry about that. She would provide the blueprints, and since Kang Guopeng''s family lives in Yang City, it would be inconvenient for him toe over, so the furniture would be delivered to Rong City after it was finished.


    It would take a long time to make a set of furniture, which worried Shen Yin a bit.


    But she had long-term ns, and starting a business would definitely require capital investment, so she would do it this way first, and then sell the finished furniture.


    On Saturday morning, Shen Yin nned to go to Yang City, the driver that Xu Xiuhe had arranged for her was already waiting at the bottom of the small building.


    Shen Yin had already contacted Kang Liang, Kang Guopeng''s son, the night before.


    "Ma''am, shall we go straight to Yang City?" the driver asked.


    "Go to Rong City University first."


    Hearing this, the driver started the car. He never dreamed that one day he would be able to drive a luxury car worth hundreds of millions. On his first day of work, Xu Xiuhe had him go to the garage at Ziyue Manor and take out a car.


    As the car was approaching Rong City University, Shen Yin made a phone call to Kang Liang.


    "I''m almost there, just wait for me at the university entrance," Shen Yin said, then hung up.


    "Mommy, who were you calling?" Zhengzheng asked.


    Shen Yin wanted to say it was a big brother, but she always felt the rtionship was a bit off, she calls Kang''s parents as aunt and uncle, so Zhengzheng calling Kang Liang as "big brother" might not be right.


    "Someone Zhengzheng doesn''t know," Shen Yin replied.


    When the car arrived at the entrance of Rong City University, Shen Yin called again to tell Kang Liang the license te number.


    When Kang Liang pulled up with his suitcase andptop bag, the driver helped put the luggage in the trunk.


    "Young man, you sit in the front," the driver said.


    Throughout the journey, there was only the conversation between Shen Yin and Zhengzheng in the car.


    Kang Liang felt a bit at a loss, this was the first time he had ridden in a luxury car, and the driver was also being very careful, as this was his first time driving a luxury car out of town.


    Kang Liang kept feeling that the woman and child in the back looked familiar. He then took out his phone and checked his previous Weibo posts, only to find that the woman in the back was actually the wife of the president of the Heyuan Group.


    How did his parents know such an influential person? After all, the Heyuan Group was a bigpany, rising to the top in Rong City in just a few years, it was even known nationwide. Kang Liang had been dreaming of working for thispany.


    Kang Liang calmed down and opened the drama he had been following recently, "Yan Xi''s Legend", and suddenly realized that the child in the back looked very simr to the child in the drama.


    Kang Liang couldn''t quite believe it, was the CEO''s son acting in a drama?


    Kang Liang secretly nced at the rearview mirror, the more he looked, the more simr they seemed.


    "Hello, stranger." Xu Yunzheng smiled and greeted him.


    Kang Liang was a bit taken aback by this unique form of address.


    Shen Yin also didn''t expect Xu Yunzheng to be so lively and polite now, knowing to greet and say hello, although this form of address wasn''t really necessary.


    Kang Liang turned his head and smiled back, "Hello."


    Xu Yunzheng was very excited that the person in front had responded to his greeting, pping his hands.


    "Is this you?" Kang Liang pointed to the screen, where Jiang Yu was disyed.


    "Yes, Mommy, look, there''s also Zhengzheng on the phone," Xu Yunzheng said excitedly, as he had only seen himself on TV, and this was the first time he saw himself on a phone.


    "Good, that''s Zhengzheng, Zhengzheng is great," Shen Yin said affectionately.


    Kang Liang didn''t usually watch dramas, but this drama starred Shu Yi, the campus goddess, and his whole dorm had be fans of the adorable child in the drama, his roommate dreaming of having a child like that. They had been searching online for information about this young actor, but couldn''t find anything. Now he was seeing the real person, the young master of the Heyuan Group, this would exin why there was no information avable online.

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


    Kang Liang heard this and felt a bit excited, as he had actually met the real person.


    When the car arrived at Kang Guopeng''s house, Kang''s mother had alreadye out to wee them. Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng out of the car, while Kang Guopeng was sitting in the living room, dressed very formally, looking visibly nervous.


    Kang Liang dragged his suitcase and walked to Kang''s mother, asking cautiously, "Mom, how did you get to know them?"


    Kang''s mother was startled by the way Kang Liang spoke and wondered if this woman was a swindler.


    "What''s wrong, Liang? Is there something wrong with her?"


    Shen Yin was about to enter the house while carrying Zhengzheng, and Kang Liang remained silent when he saw theming.


    "Auntie," Shen Yin called out.


    "Who is this?" Kang''s mother looked at the child in Shen Yin''s arms and asked.


    "This is my child," Shen Yin answered.


    Kang''s mother was stunned. She thought this youngdy had told her about getting marriedst time, but it seemed like she was rejected. Yet this time, she brought a child with her.


    "You look so young, not at all like someone who has been married before."


    "Mommy is young," Zhengzheng chimed in.


    "Oh, this child is so well-behaved and handsome. Come in, everyone."


    Shen Yin put Zhengzheng down and noticed that the air conditioning was already turned on as they entered the house.


    Kang Guopeng stood up, looking visibly ufortable.


    Shen Yin whispered a few words to Zhengzheng, telling him to behave and not to speak unless asked.


    "I have listed all the details here for you to take a look," Shen Yin handed him a document.


    Kang Guopeng took it and started reading it.


    Kang Liang pulled Kang''s mother into the inner room and closed the door, asking, "Mom, how did you get to know them?"


    Kang''s mother looked puzzled. "Liang, do you mean she''s a swindler? I''ll go tell your father right away."


    Kang''s mother was about to go out, but Kang Liang grabbed her arm and said, "She''s not a swindler. Her family has assets worth billions. What would they swindle from us?"


    "Billions of assets?" Kang''s mother couldn''t believe it.


    "Yes."


    "She took the initiative to find your father and said she wanted to do business with him, to have him make furniture. What does her family do?"


    "Her husband is the boss of a famous group in Rong City. Her family is in real estate, hotels, and some equipment businesses."


    "That''s impressive. When she camest time, I even asked her to cook. What should I do now?" Kang''s mother realized her mistake.


    Kang Liang also found it unbelievable. "Mom, do you know that child? The TV series he''s acting in is currently popr."


    Kang''s mother felt she hadn''t properly entertained themst time and needed to cook more dishes this time.


    "Liang, let''s not talk about it anymore. I''ll go cook." Kang''s mother hurried out, and Kang Liang followed her.


    Zhengzheng heard the sound of the door opening, turned around, tugged at his pant leg, put his hands beside his head, and smiled. Then he walked over. Kang Liang felt excited, thinking how adorable this little doll was standing in front of him. If he told his roommates about this, they would be so jealous.


    "You mean I can work on furniture at home?" Kang Guopeng could hardly believe it. He had already prepared to go out, and just a while ago, Kang''s mother had told him to take care of himself when living alone and not to miss home. But now he could work at home.


    "Yes, this kind of woodworking cannot be rushed. It requires patience and the ability to endure loneliness, so there aren''t many craftsmen like you left. I also know that a set of furniture may take more than half a year to make, so it''s not a solution for you and your wife to live apart."


    "Miss, why are you so devoted to this kind of furniture? Although one set can sell for hundreds of thousands, it''s time-consuming andborious, not very profitable."


    "Not just tens of thousands, at least hundreds of thousands. I also know that although it makes money, when you calcte the time spent, the profit is not that high. But I feel it''s a culture that needs to be passed down. You can take a look at the design drawings first."


    Kang Guopeng took the drawings and examined them carefully. To his surprise,pared to his previous designs, they were not even worth mentioning.


    "Did you draw these?" Kang Guopeng asked.


    "Yes, they are my original creations. You don''t need to worry about giarism," Shen Yin said.


    Kang Guopeng naturally knew that he had never seen such exquisite and ancient furniture designs before. If he could make them, they would definitely find buyers and might even start a trend.


    Outstanding culture always needs to be passed down. In museums across the country, there are not many well-preserved ancient furniture pieces made using traditional methods, and almost none of them are exquisite.


    Shen Yin based her designs on the furniture she remembered from the mansions of high-ranking officials and the general''s mansion, which could be considered elegant.


    She approached Kang Guopeng because his craftsmanship was inherited from his ancestors, so he should know many traditional manufacturing methods.


    In this fast-paced era, skills and craftsmanship have be increasingly precious.


    "Alright, Miss, you not only have money in mind but also sentiment and a sense of responsibility as a youth of this era. Rest assured, I will follow the drawings and make the furniture with utmost care."


    Kang Guopeng agreed. It was the first time he had seen such stunning designs. If he could make such exquisite furniture, he would feel a sense of aplishment. He also understood that the furniture carried a handicraft that was on the verge of being lost.


    Meanwhile, Kang Liang had started ying with Zhengzheng. He even thought of taking a photo to show off to his roommates but dismissed the idea, considering it might invade their privacy.


    "What''s your name?" Kang Liang asked.


    "Zhengzheng, Xu Yunzheng."


    "And you?"


    Zhengzheng wasn''t shy anymore and asked boldly.


    "I''m Kang Liang."


    "Like the moon''s light?" Zhengzheng asked.


    "Yes." Kang Liang didn''t expect such a young child to ask that.


    "Kang Moonlight," Zhengzheng said again.


    Shen Yin turned around, not quite catching it, and thought Zhengzheng wanted to see the moon.


    "Zhengzheng, there''s no moon during the day. We''ll look at it tonight."


    "Mom, he''s called Kang Moonlight."


    "Zhengzheng, you should be polite and call him uncle," Shen Yin reminded him. She actually wanted Zhengzheng to call Kang Liang "older brother," but with Kang''s parents around, it would be confusing the generation order.


    If it were before, Kang Liang would be annoyed if someone called him "uncle," but now he was delighted. The adorable little baby in front of him was calling him "uncle."


    "Miss, why don''t you have lunch here?" Kang Guopeng suggested.


    Shen Yin actually wanted to go back since the driver was still outside, but after Kang Guopeng, who looked like her great-grandfather, said that, she didn''t want to refuse.


    "Okay."


    After settling the matter, Zhengzheng wanted to go out and y. He had never experienced this kind of house with a small courtyard garden where various vegetables were grown, and he was very curious.


    "Mom, I want to go out and y."


    "It''s too hot, Zhengzheng. You''ll get tanned," Shen Yin thought it was too hot outside.


    "I have an umbre," Zhengzheng pointed to the umbre near the door.

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108


    Shen Yin picked up the umbre, holding it over Zhengzheng as they entered the vegetable garden. Zhengzheng was delighted to see the tomatoes, cucumbers, and string beans hanging from the vines.


    "Mom, look," Zhengzheng eximed, jumping up and down.


    Shen Yin followed closely behind, worried that Zhengzheng might get sunburned in the scorching midday heat. Yet the child seemed unfazed by the zing sun.


    "Mom, pick them," Zhengzheng said, pointing at the cucumbers.


    "Zhengzheng, we can''t pick them. They don''t belong to us. But when we get home, Mom will nt some for you, okay?" Shen Yin patiently coaxed.


    "Okay." Zhengzheng reached out to touch the small cucumbers, then turned to caress the little tomatoes. Perhaps feeling the heat, they decided to head back.


    Kang''s mother watched from the kitchen window, making a mental note of the vegetable garden.


    As Shen Yin was leaving, Kang''s mother picked some cucumbers and tomatoes and handed them to her. "Miss, these aren''t expensive, but they''re homegrown and fresh."


    "Thank you," Shen Yin replied.


    "Thank you, Grandma," Zhengzheng echoed.


    By the time they arrived in Yang City that afternoon, it was alreadyte. Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng upstairs, and after bathing, she received a call from Xu Xiuhe.


    "I''m almost home. Get ready."


    Shen Yin dressed Xu Yunzheng in a white shirt with a small tie and ck shorts, creating a cute schrly look. She herself wore a white long dress and low heels, quickly applying only a touch of lipstick before hurrying downstairs with Zhengzheng.


    "I have something to take care of. You can leave once you''re done," she told Li Huanhuan, who nodded.


    Xu Xiuhe''s car was parked outside. Shen Yin opened the rear door and got in.


    "Dad, look at the cucumber," Xu Yunzheng said, showing Xu Xiuhe the cucumber Shen Yin enjoyed.


    "Is it for Dad to eat?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Xu Yunzheng didn''t answer. Instead, he broke the cucumber into three pieces, handing one to Xu Xiuhe and another to Shen Yin.


    "Thank you, Zhengzheng," Xu Xiuhe said with a smile.


    "Dad, you don''t need to thank Zhengzheng," the child replied.


    Xu Xiuhe fell silent, while Shen Yin suppressed augh, and the corner of Xu Xiuhe''s mouth curved upward.


    By the time they arrived at Qingfeng Mingyue, several employees had already gathered. Upon seeing Xu Xiuhe, Liu Bo immediately went to greet him. The CEO truly kept his word¡ªhe said he would hold a mixer, and here he was, attending hispany''s employee mixer. What other CEO would do such a thing?


    "CEO, you''re here," Liu Bo said as he approached.


    The family of three, each strikingly attractive, drew a wave of attention.


    "Have you spotted any suitable candidates?" Xu Xiuhe asked with interest. He had said he wanted to find a partner for Liu Bo.


    "CEO, you''re just joking with me," Liu Bo responded.


    "I''m serious," Xu Xiuhe said matter-of-factly, not sounding like he was joking at all. "You go ahead and host, then look around. If you see someone suitable, don''t miss the chance."


    Xu Xiuhe''s tone was so serious that Shen Yin could no longer hold back herughter¡ªshe had been suppressing it all day.


    "If you want tough, thenugh. Don''t hold it in; I''ll feel bad if you make yourself sick," Xu Xiuhe said in a low voice, leaning close to Shen Yin''s ear.


    Shen Yin felt a flush of heat near her ear and shifted away slightly.


    "Mom, what''s wrong?" Zhengzheng asked, standing nearby.


    "Nothing, Mom''s fine," Shen Yin replied, smoothing her dress before crouching down to pick up Zhengzheng.


    "Why are you carrying him? That must be tiring," Xu Xiuhemented.


    Zhengzheng smiled at Xu Xiuhe, his eyes shining with mischief. "Dad, Mom is carrying me, not you. Aren''t you upset?"


    "If Dad is upset, what will you do?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Zhengzheng reached out his arms. "Then since Mom isn''t carrying you, I''ll carry you instead."


    Xu Xiuhe took Zhengzheng, thinking to himself, "Your mom has carried me more times than she''s carried you."


    At the mixer, someone had discreetly taken a photo. The Gxy Couple''s fans had never expected to witness such a sweet moment at a mere mixer.


    Worried that his presence might make the employees feel ufortable, Xu Xiuhe took his wife and child to a less crowded area.


    The venue was full of people, and since it was a mixer, the single men and women weren''t idling either. They chatted, observed, and searched for suitable partners.


    "Those two youngdies didn''te?" Shen Yin asked.


    It took Xu Xiuhe a moment to realize she was referring to the two young women who had visited his office. "What do you think? They''re probably out on dates now."


    "What''s the deal with this Assistant Liu? I think he should be quite popr with the youngdies, but why is he just sitting there eating by himself?"


    Xu Xiuhe looked over and indeed, Liu Bo was sitting alone, eating. The man really didn''t know how to seize opportunities. Xu Xiuhe had organized this mixer partly for Liu Bo''s sake, yet there he was, missing out.


    Xu Xiuhe walked over, naturally drawing a wave of attention as the center of focus.


    "Look, the CEO is actually going to talk to Assistant Liu."


    "Speaking of which, Assistant Liu is no spring chicken. Why hasn''t anyone from ourpany pursued him?"


    "You must not know¡ªthe youngdies in ourpany have always thought Assistant Liu might have an unconventional sexual orientation."


    "Liu Bo, what are you doing? I organized this mixer to help you find a partner, and you''re just sitting here," Xu Xiuhe said as he sat down in a rxed pose.


    "CEO, I don''t think this is really my thing," Liu Bo replied.


    "Then what is your thing? Should I start setting you up for blind dates every day after work starting tomorrow?"


    "..."


    "Look at Xiao Li''er¡ªtake a page from her book." Xu Xiuhe felt exasperated. With that, he turned and left. He had done all he could; he couldn''t very well force the youngdies to approach Liu Bo for a chat.


    Liu Bo looked toward Xiao Li''er in the crowd. Indeed, she seemed to have a thorough understanding of the term "mixer."


    Xiao Li''er wore a ck minidress and shoes that Liu Bo recognized as a recent purchase.


    After Xu Xiuhe left, the atmosphere in the venue noticeably livened uppared to before.


    Several men surrounded Xiao Li''er. Liu Bo didn''t quite understand¡ªXiao Li''er was just an ordinary woman. Why were so many men gathered around her?


    Oh well, to each their own. Liu Bo raised his ss and took a sip of alcohol.


    "You''re the CEO''s assistant, right? I''m a manager at a hotel in Rong City Film Town. Can I join you for a drink?" A woman sat down next to Liu Bo.


    "No, I don''t like drinking alcohol," Liu Bo replied, his ss still in hand.


    "But you just drank some, didn''t you?" The woman felt a little embarrassed and reluctant to give up.


    "That was then, and this is now. Just because I drank then doesn''t mean I want to drink now. Understand?" Liu Bo raised the ss and took another sip.


    The woman spoke up, "At first, when they said your sexual orientation was unconventional, I didn''t believe it. But now I do. Sorry for the disturbance." With that, she turned and left.

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109


    Liu Bo was still standing in the same spot. Just because he didn''t drink, that didn''t mean there was anything abnormal about his sexual orientation. He was perfectly normal.


    "Miss, are you an employee at the headquarters of the Yuandan Group?"


    "Yes, that''s right. What about it?" Xiao Li''er asked.


    "So, do you guys get paid pretty well there?" The gentleman next to Xiao Li''er suddenly became curious.


    "It''s alright, I guess." Xiao Li''er replied nonchntly, clearly giving an evasive answer.


    She felt that these men all had impure intentions, and they were not as decent as the men she usually associated with. Inparison, Xiao Li''er lost interest.


    "Miss, why don''t we exchange WeChat IDs? I think we''d make a great match." The man extended his phone.


    Xiao Li''er didn''t know why, but she had a strange feeling about the way this man was looking at her, and she didn''t really want to add him. However, considering this was a social event, adding WeChat was normal, so she reached out and scanned the code.


    "Miss, what do you do at the Yuandan Group headquarters?" Another person asked.


    "I''m an assistant." The man looked a bit dejected, and his expression turned disdainful.


    "What''s wrong with being an assistant? Isn''t our assistant''s work just as valuable? Are assistants somehow inferior?" Xiao Li''er''s tone became a bit sharp. With that, she turned and left.


    "What are you doing here?" Liu Bo asked, sipping his drink.


    "What, is this your home? Am I not allowed to sit here just because you''re sitting here?" Xiao Li''er was irritated by thements from those men, and now she was even looking at Liu Bo with distaste.


    "No, no, it''s fine, you can sit. Please, have a seat." Liu Bo shifted over to make room for Xiao Li''er.


    Xiao Li''er sat down, took a couple sips of her drink, and looked at Liu Bo sitting quietly. She said, "Assistant Liu, why don''t you go find a girlfriend? You''re almost thirty, don''t your family members nag you about it?"


    Liu Bo didn''t say anything. He had never known what it was like to have a family. Ever since he could remember, he had been in an orphanage. In college, he refused to ept financial support, working and studying hard instead. After graduation, he just happened to join Xu Xiuhe''spany, and that''s how he ended up where he was today. But no one had ever pressured him to get married, except for Xu Xiuhe asionally dangling that carrot.


    "Hmm, what are you thinking about? Don''t tell me you''re actually...gay? Or are you in love with the CEO?" Xiao Li''er said jokingly.


    Liu Bo shot her a look that could kill.


    Xiao Li''er, unafraid, continued, "Sister, liking men isn''t your fault, but you can''t go after a married man. The CEO and his wife have such a great rtionship, you can''t interfere with that."


    Xiao Li''er was getting increasingly ridiculous, and Liu Bo couldn''t take it anymore. "Xiao Li, shut up."


    Xiao Li''er closed her mouth.


    Liu Bo kept drinking, and Xiao Li''er could see that he was in a bad mood, so she apologized, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean anything by it earlier. Don''t take it too seriously."


    Liu Bo didn''t say anything, he just kept drinking, downing more and more.


    At a amusement park in Rongcheng, Shen Yin was holding Zhengzheng''s hand as Xu Xiuhe came over with some yogurt and snacks.


    It was Zhengzheng''s first time at an amusement park, and coincidentally, it was also Shen Yin''s first time. As for Xu Xiuhe, thest time he had been to an amusement park was over a decade ago, when he went with his mother.


    "It''s so beautiful." Zhengzheng gazed at the Ferris wheel spinning round and round.


    Shen Yin agreed, marveling at how clever people nowadays were, inventing all these high-tech things.


    Seeing the mother and child''s excitement, Xu Xiuhe said, "Do you want to ride the Ferris wheel? Come on, let''s all go together."


    As they were about to board the Ferris wheel, Xu Xiuhe caught sight of a familiar back. The closer he looked, the more familiar it seemed.


    Upon closer inspection, sure enough, it was Xue Jingrui. Xue Jingrui also spotted them and turned to greet them.


    Walking in front of him was Qi Ji.


    "Pretty sister, little friend." Qi Ji greeted them.


    "Qi Ji." Shen Yin was pleasantly surprised, not expecting to run into them in the vast city of Rongcheng.


    "Sister, do you have time tomorrow? I''ve been wanting to have you custom-design a wedding dress for me, but I haven''t had a chance toe by yet."


    "Sure, juste find me tomorrow."


    "Alright, let''s go get on the Ferris wheel first."


    The Ferris wheel was quiterge, with enough room for five or six people in each cabin. It worked out perfectly that they could all ride together.


    Halfway through the ride, a fireworks show began at the amusement park. Suspended in the air, they had a front-row view of the fireworks blooming and fading in the sky. The fireworks were beautiful, mesmerizing them. Before they knew it, they had reached the highest point, with the nightscape of Rongcheng spread out below.


    The fireworks had ended, and Xu Xiuhe was only concerned about his wife and child. But Shen Yin was different - as a woman, her observations and intuitions were more acute. She could sense that the couple in front of them had a different dynamic, not quite like a newly married pair. In fact, their rtionship seemed less intimate than her own with Xu Xiuhe. But with them there, she didn''t feelfortable asking outright.


    By the time the Ferris wheel brought them back down, Zhengzheng had fallen asleep. Xu Xiuhe didn''t linger, quickly saying goodbye to Xue Jingrui and Qi Ji.


    "Goodbye, pretty sister."


    "See you tomorrow, Qi Ji."


    On the way back, Shen Yin asked Xu Xiuhe about the current rtionship between Qi Ji and Xue Jingrui.


    Xu Xiuhe replied, "They''re married, a husband and wife."


    Shen Yin...


    She would just have to ask them directly tomorrow.


    Outside Qingfeng Mingyue, one car after another was leaving, but Xiao Li''er was still sitting on the sofa, watching Liu Bo drink.


    Liu Bo had been drinking all night, one ss after another, not quite drunk, but no longer entirely sober either.


    "I''m really sorry, I didn''t mean to say those things about you. You''re a real man, a gentleman. You don''t have to be so petty as to drink yourself silly just because I said a few things."


    "No one''s been pushing me to get married." Liu Bo said listlessly.


    Xiao Li''er could hear a hint of sadness in his tone.


    "What, your parents don''t nag you about it? You''re almost thirty."


    "I don''t have parents. I''m an orphan."


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t know." Xiao Li''er apologized. She had never coddled a man before, and if she had known the situation earlier, she wouldn''t have sat here. Dealing with something like this was better than facing a bunch of distasteful men.


    Xiao Li''er suddenly felt pity for Liu Bo. As a woman, her heart had softened. She helped Liu Bo up. "Let me call you a driver."


    "My sexual orientation is normal, I''m not attracted to men. I''m straight. Why does everyone say I''m gay? I''m not gay, I''m straight." Liu Bo''s words were slurred.


    The manager of Qingfeng Mingyue, of course, recognized Liu Bo. Seeing that Liu Bo was drunk, he went over to arrange for someone to take Liu Bo home, but Liu Bo refused.

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110


    Liu Bo was still conscious, and the manager of Qingfeng Mingyue, seeing that Liu Bo hadpany, tactfully withdrew.


    "Assistant Liu, shall I call you a driver?" Xiao Li''er asked.


    Liu Bo shook his head and staggered over to a car. Xiao Li''er had no choice but to follow him. "Assistant Liu, that''s not your car."


    Xiao Li''er had seen Liu Bo''s car before, and even though she hadn''t drunk, she remembered it clearly - Assistant Liu''s car was quite a luxury vehicle, but the one he was now leaning against was nothing like it, apart from the color.


    "Assistant Liu? Assistant Liu?" Xiao Li''er called out several times, but Liu Bo didn''t respond.


    Xiao Li''er walked up and found that Liu Bo had fallen asleep on the front of the car.


    "Oh, good heavens," Xiao Li''er sighed inwardly, wondering why she had to deal with this.


    She had no choice but to reach into Liu Bo''s pockets, find his car keys, and drive his car. As an assistant, being able to drive was a basic requirement.


    Xiao Li''er mustered all her strength and managed to drag Liu Bo into the backseat. She had no idea where Liu Bo lived.


    She regretted her earlier suggestion to get him a driver - it would have been better to just leave him at Qingfeng Mingyue instead of having to drive a grown man home in the middle of the night.


    Since she couldn''t get the information, Xiao Li''er had no choice but to take him back to her own home.


    Fortunately, by the time Xiao Li''er reached her apartment, Liu Bo had regained some lucidity and could walk shakily, otherwise she as a woman would have had no way to get this 1.8-meter-tall man inside.


    In the Qinghe Residence, Zhengzheng was in her own room, while Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin had gone to bed after some amorous activities, the man not daring to demand more, though somewhat unsatisfied, out of consideration for his wife.


    Sunday was a rest day for the studio, with no employeesing in. Xu Xiuhe used to have no weekends, buttely he had been cking off more and more, asionally skipping work and passing things on to Liu Bo.


    This morning, he had originally nned to have Liu Bo handle some documents, but then he suddenly remembered that Liu Bo had attended a matchmaking eventst night, and might need time for a date today, so he abandoned that idea.


    Xu Xiuhe arrived at the office muchter than usual.


    The Heyuan Group had a weekend shift system, with each department having a rotating schedule, and overtime pay being double the normal rate, so many people were willing to work overtime.


    When Xu Xiuhe reached the top floor, in the assistant''s office area, there were a few assistant staff - Yang Mo, Qin Zhenzhen, and Xiao Li''er.


    "Xiao Li''er,e into my office for a moment."


    Xiao Li''er instantly became nervous again. Whenever she was called into the boss''s office, it was just like being called to the principal''s office back in school days, when she hadn''t been paying attention in ss and done poorly on a test.


    "Chairman, you''ve summoned me."


    "How was the matchmaking event yesterday? Did you make any progress?"


    Xiao Li''er shook her head. The previous participants weren''t really suitable, and she hadn''t feltfortable with them. As for thest one, she had just seen Assistant Liu drinking. Speaking of Assistant Liu, she had almost gone crazyst night - it would have been better if he had just stayed asleep the whole time.


    "Alright, then we''ll hold more of these events in the future. Make sure to participate actively, you''ll find someone eventually."


    Xiao Li''er: "..." If it were up to her, she would never participate in these events again. But the entire assistant team had been registered, so she wondered why she hadn''t seen Yang Mo therest night.


    "That''s all, you can go now." Xu Xiuhe didn''t stop her, and Xiao Li''er walked out of the office. When she reached the assistant area, she was just about to ask Yang Mo why she hadn''t attended the matchmaking event, when Yang Mo spoke first:


    "Xiao Li''er, your phone has been ringing for a while, is there an emergency?"


    Xiao Li''er quickly grabbed her phone and went to the restroom. She didn''t need to check to know who was calling.


    "Hello."


    "Come back, immediately, right now."


    Xiao Li''er looked at the disconnected call and suddenly remembered something - she felt she might not have a good day ahead of her, but this really wasn''t her fault.


    "Momo, there''s a family matter I need to attend to, I''m going home first."


    "Go ahead, go ahead. Assistant Liu isn''t here today anyway, so you won''t be caught."


    Xiao Li''er...


    She felt she had never rushed home so quickly before. If only she had gotten up earlier, she wouldn''t have to be in such a hurry, she could have just washed up and clocked in on time. She had forgotten thatst night, she had tied Liu Bo up, and didn''t release him this morning. Unfortunately, there were no "ifs" - what she was about to face, she didn''t even dare imagine.


    Xiao Li''er''s apartment was small, a one-bedroom one-living room one-bathroom single-person unit, paid for by her parents when she first started working. Now she was still paying the mortgage every month.


    Xiao Li''er felt a bit anxious. How could she have forgotten about this in the morning? She had just been thinking that the drunk person might sleep in a bit longer, and never thought about untying Liu Bo.


    In the bedroom, Liu Bo was lying on Xiao Li''er''s bed, wrapped in what seemed to be a sheet or nket, and bound with several ropes. He waspletely immobilized, and could only use voicemands on his smart device to make a call. To be honest, when he woke up, he waspletely bewildered, not knowing how he had ended up in this strange room. If it weren''t for the photo of Xiao Li''er on the bedside table, he would have thought he had been kidnapped.


    But now, this was no different from being kidnapped - he was wrapped up andpletely unable to move.


    Xiao Li''er cautiously pushed open the door and saw the angry look in Liu Bo''s eyes, feeling a bit too timid to approach.


    "Stop standing there, hurry up and untie me," Liu Bo said, looking at Xiao Li''er.


    Xiao Li''er walked to the bed and untied the ropes around his upper body, allowing Liu Bo to move a bit, though he was still wrapped in the sheet.


    Xiao Li''er then quickly untied the ropes on his thighs and calves, then immediately ran back to the door, keeping a safe distance.


    "Is that it?" Liu Bo was still struggling, as the sheet was wrapped around him in multipleyers, and he felt utterly humiliated.


    Xiao Li''er hurriedly went back to help Liu Bo unwrap the sheet.


    "What did I do to deserve being tied up with three ropes?" Liu Bo asked.


    Xiao Li''er didn''t dare say a word. He hadn''t really done anything, he had just had a drunken outburst, sitting on the table in the living room crying, clinging to her arm like a child, going to the bathroom without closing the door, and even taking off his shirt,ining that it smelled bad.


    Last night, she had beenpletely at a loss - this was the first time she had seen someone have such a drunken fit, and as a proper youngdy, she couldn''t tolerate him being undressed, so she had coaxed him into wrapping up in the sheet.

 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111


    At the Qinghe Vi, Shen Yin brought Zhengzheng upstairs to check on the ready-to-wear dresses, waiting for customers toe pick them up.


    Shen Yin was not busy at the moment. Under her management, the clothing studio was running smoothly, taking orders regrly. She would sometimes give Wang Nannan some suggestions, and she would also take a look at the fabric selection. The customers were quite satisfied.


    The furniture studio was temporarily paused. Master Kang was slowly working on it, and Shen Yin couldn''t help much now. She couldn''t just spend every day taking care of Zhengzheng without anything else to do.


    There was no one else in the store, so Shen Yin thought that if any customers came to pick up dresses, and she was not downstairs, they might be confused. So she brought Zhengzheng downstairs to y.


    The five Tibetan mastiffs at the entrance were lined up. Shen Yin was really afraid that the customers would be scared off by the dogs.


    And they did scare someone - Qi Ji, who stood far away at the entrance, didn''t dare toe in. But Xue Jingrui walked in front, and Qi Ji followed behind him step by step.


    Seeing the little girl so frightened, Shen Yin asked the dogs to scatter a bit, not blocking the entrance.


    Except for Huahua, the other four dogs understood, and Qi Ji felt a bit more at ease.


    "Pretty sister," Qi Ji called out.


    "Qi Ji is here," Shen Yin responded.


    Xue Jingrui and Shen Yin weren''t very familiar, so he said a bit stiffly, "Sister-inw, please bring her upstairs to get a wedding toast dress. Will it be ready by next Friday''s wedding?"


    "It will be ready. Qi Ji,e up with me, let me take your measurements."


    Shen Yin led Zhengzheng, who was a bit slow climbing the stairs, but Zhengzheng just kept smiling at Qi Ji.


    Qi Ji couldn''t resist, and reached out his hand. Zhengzheng actually held Qi Ji''s hand. With one hand holding his mother and the other holding Qi Ji, climbing the stairs became much easier for him - he''s so smart.


    The stairs were wide enough, and Qi Ji, who normally liked children, was a bit excited to be in such close contact with the well-behaved child.


    "Zhengzheng, please sit here, while Mommy takes the measurements for the aunt, okay?"


    Zhengzheng nodded and climbed onto the sofa, the movement a bit difficult, with his right leg first, then the left, finally sitting up.


    Shen Yin went to get the tape measure, but Qi Ji was entranced by Zhengzheng''s every movement, like a little adult, trying to lean on the sofa but unable to, his legs just dangling.


    The cute baby tried several times before giving up, his legs swinging back and forth. He was only sitting on the very edge of the sofa.


    So adorable, Qi Ji realized for the first time how thoughtful children could be. When she drew babies before, she oftencked inspiration, but now she felt like she knew how to draw them.


    "Do you like children?" Shen Yin noticed Qi Ji''s eyes never leaving Zhengzheng.


    Qi Ji shyly nodded.


    "If you like them, have one. Sometimes taking care of them can be tiring, but often they can also heal me."


    Qi Ji''s smile faded. She really wanted a baby, but she and Xue Jingrui''s marriage was arranged, without love, so they couldn''t have a child. This wish seemed so distant, maybe in the future.


    "What''s wrong, don''t want one?" Shen Yin asked.


    Qi Ji felt that Sister Shuyi and this sister in front of her were both very warm and understanding, even though she had only met them a couple of times, there was a certain charm that drew her in without hurting her.


    "I feel now is not the time. Jingrui and I had an arranged marriage, no love, he still has someone he likes. So I treat him as a brother for now. When the family business is stable, we''ll get a peaceful divorce."


    Shen Yin wanted to say something, but each person''s situation is different, she didn''t know how to advise this youngdy about arranged marriages and marriage issues as an experienced person.


    In fact, Qi Ji understood that arranged marriages rarely have good oues. Her parents had an arranged marriage, polite and distant, with no love, just a familial affection.


    Since that''s the case, it''s better for her to treat Jingrui as a brother from the start, so there won''t be any awkwardness after the divorce.


    "Matters of the heart should be natural. You''re still young, don''t think too much. If you''re bored, you cane y with Zhengzheng anytime."


    "Really, sister?" Qi Ji smiled.


    Shen Yin nodded.


    "What style of wedding toast dress do you like?"


    "A nice one," Qi Ji said with a smile. She hadn''t been married before, so she didn''t really know.


    "Should we ask Xue Jingrui?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xue Jingrui was sitting downstairs, looking at the decor, feeling it was quite nice. When he turned around, he was attracted to a red wedding dress across the room.


    The wedding dress was beautiful, with a unique style. Especially the embroidery, so vivid, every stitch, every thread, outlining a kind of beauty.


    Xue Jingrui didn''t understand much, but he felt the embroidery stitches were fine and the colors were elegant. Against the red background, it was stunning. What was remarkable was that the embroidery was not just a little bit, but a lot,rge and small, decorating the wedding dress.


    [Xiuhe, the wedding dresses in this shop are so exquisite, where did they get them custom-made?]


    [Jingrui, are you stupid? Look at what kind of shop you''re in, and you''re asking where they got the custom-made?] Chang Zhiyuan replied.


    [Clothes are clothes, embroidery is embroidery. Look at this embroidery, it''s so beautiful, even I, who know nothing about it, can see it.] Xue Jingrui said, and even took a close-up photo of the embroidery and sent it to the group.


    [Zhiyuan is right, you don''t even look at what kind of shop you''re in, and you don''t look at whose wife runs the shop.] Xu Xiuhe said proudly, he hadn''t realized how beautiful the wedding dress was before, but thinking about it, his wife dide from ancient times, of course the embroidery would be extraordinary.


    [...]


    [...]


    [By the way, did you go order the wedding toast dress?] Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    [Yes, they went upstairs. By the way, Xiuhe, why do you have so many dogs at the entrance, and they''re all Tibetan mastiffs? I''m scared just looking at them, Qi Ji didn''t even dare toe in, won''t it affect the sister-inw''s business? People have to go around.]


    [Did you see it interfere? Did the mastiffs bite you?] Xu Xiuhe retorted.


    [Jingrui, this is where you don''t understand, you can never underestimate a woman''s love for beauty. For beauty, they''ll go through fire and brimstone, as long as the sister-inw''s work is good, even if there were ten dogs at the entrance instead of five, people would stille to ce orders.]


    This point Xu Xiuhe agreed with, he was now worried every day that his wife was working too hard. If it''s really necessary, should he buy a few more?

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112


    Shen Yin agreed to help Qi Ji with the wedding attire, so she wouldn''t pass this task to anyone else.


    From that afternoon, she started drawing designs. Since she had never worked on wedding attire before, she referred to a lot of materials for reference.


    On a summer afternoon, the sun was scorching hot, and it was just Shen Yin and Zhengzheng in the studio. While Zhengzheng was still taking a nap, Shen Yin looked through many design sketches and information about wedding attire.


    Since it wasn''t a traditional Chinese wedding, Shen Yin used bolder colors, breaking away from the traditional red. She chose a champagne color, which looked elegant and dignified.


    The first thing Zhengzheng said when he woke up was "I''m thirsty." Shen Yin had already prepared the afternoon tea, as it was easy to get dehydrated in the summer heat.


    Zhengzheng had been napping in the living room, and when he woke up, he saw Shen Yin sitting in front of theputer, so he got up and went to her side. Shen Yin stood up, picked up the fruit tea on the table, and handed it to Zhengzheng, who gulped it down.


    "Zhengzheng, after you finish your drink, would you like to read some books? Do you still remember the poem your mother asked you to recitest time?"


    Zhengzheng''s eyes rolled as he thought for a moment, then recited: "Bright moonlight before my bed, I wonder if it''s frost on the ground. Lifting my head, I see the bright moon, Lowering my head, I think of my distant home."


    He recited it smoothly, without any hesitation, and even his pronunciation of the ambiguous parts was urate. Shen Yin was very satisfied. The little baby was small, but his memory was excellent. Whether it was from Xu Xiuhe or the original host, he seemed to have inherited both.


    Shen Yin realized she needed to get to know this little baby better. He was smart, and his brain worked quickly, which she had overlooked. She decided she could asionally teach Zhengzheng to recite poems and recognize characters in the future.


    "Zhengzheng, do you enjoy reciting poems?"


    "Yes, it''s fun."


    "Then let''s do more of it in the future, okay?"


    "Okay."


    Seeing Zhengzheng''s quick agreement, Shen Yin brought several books from the bottom of the TV cab to the carpet.


    Xu Yunzheng was also happy to join. After finishing his drink, he put down the cup, walked to the carpet, sat down, and started reading the books.


    Shen Yin felt relieved. "Zhengzheng, Mommy will learn with you."


    Shen Yin had looked at many styles of wedding attire and had her own inspiration. The wedding attire should be convenient and easy to move in, as it would be worn during the toast ceremony. It couldn''t be too revealing when facing the elders.


    After thinking for a while, she finally put pen to paper.


    In just over two hours, Shen Yin''s design sketch wasplete, and she could start sewing tomorrow. Zhengzheng had stopped looking at the books and was ying with the toys on the carpet. Shen Yin looked over and just watched him quietly.


    The sun outside was setting, and the golden evening glow from the window shone on Zhengzheng. The warm and beautiful scene captivated Shen Yin, and she picked up her pencil and started sketching a few strokes on an A4 paper.


    Shen Yin had never drawn this kind of pencil portrait before, but she felt something guiding her, stroke by stroke. The Zhengzheng she drew turned out surprisingly beautiful.


    Suddenly, a thought urred to her. She could use her pencil to record Zhengzheng''s growth. In this high-tech era, a series of drawings might be more precious than photos.


    "Zhengzheng, look, who is this?" Shen Yin held up the A4 paper and walked over to Zhengzheng, pointing at the drawing.


    Zhengzheng immediately smiled and pointed at the drawing, saying, "It''s me, Zhengzheng! Zhengzheng looks so good!"


    Xu Yunzheng stood up and swayed back and forth, his little bottom wiggling.


    "Yes, our Zhengzheng looks so good," Shen Yin said.


    Xu Yunzheng became even happier after the praise, giggling with delight.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng is hungry," the little child''s mood changed quickly, and he now pouted his lips.


    "Then Mommy will go make dinner. Zhengzheng, be good."


    Just as Shen Yin was about to go to the kitchen, Xu Xiuhe came in.


    "You''re home so early today?"


    "It''s the weekend, so I came back early to spend time with you," Xu Xiuhe said as he entered the kitchen.


    "I can handle this. You go keep Zhengzhengpany in the living room for a while. I''m a bit worried about him being out there alone."


    Xu Xiuheplied, hugging Shen Yin from behind for a few seconds before going to the living room.


    "Has Zhengzheng been missing his dad?"


    "Yes."


    Xu Xiuhe sat down and watched Zhengzheng ying with the toy cars on the carpet, unable to move them on the rug.


    "Zhengzheng, the cars can''t move well on the carpet."


    Xu Xiuhe took the car and ced it on the wooden floor next to the carpet.


    "Zhengzheng knows, but Zhengzheng just wants the car to run on the carpet," Xu Yunzheng said, putting the car back on the carpet.


    "Is this you, Zhengzheng?" Xu Xiuhe asked, picking up the drawing, pretending not to know.


    Xu Xiuhe looked at the A4 paper in his hand. The drawing was simple, just Zhengzheng sitting on the carpet, but the details were exquisite and delicate. He was the only one at home other than Shen Yin, so he knew his wife was truly a master of all trades, capable both intellectually and domestically. Xu Xiuhe felt fortunate to have married Shen Yin, but also worried that he wasn''t worthy of her.


    For the first time in twenty-seven years, he felt a sense of inferiority.


    With this realization, Xu Xiuhe went back to the kitchen.


    "Why are you here again? Shouldn''t you be keeping Zhengzhengpany?"


    "My dear wife, do you dislike me? Do you not want to see me?"


    Shen Yin was perplexed. She wiped her hands and ced her palm on Xu Xiuhe''s forehead, asking, "You don''t have a fever. What are you saying?"


    "Nonsense!" Xu Xiuhe emphasized the word, always quick to seize the key point.


    Upon hearing this, the corners of Xu Xiuhe''s mouth involuntarily curved upwards.


    "My dear, let me help you."


    This time, Shen Yin didn''t refuse.


    "That drawing was really beautiful."


    "Hmm?"


    "The Zhengzheng in the drawing is so lifelike."


    "I want to learn oil painting and use Zhengzheng as my model, giving him a new painting every month."


    "Great, I''ll buy you an easel and art supplies tomorrow."


    "I can buy them myself."


    "What''s mine is yours. It''s only natural for me to buy them for you."


    Shen Yin''s heart was filled with sweetness. Although she hadn''t expressed it out loud, she had fallenpletely for Xu Xiuhe. This man was too good to her, pampering her, buying her all kinds of clothes and bags, surprising her from time to time, caring for her every day, and considering her needs.


    Perhaps such a husband''s actions towards his wife were ordinary andmon, but for Shen Yin, she was already extremely contented. She didn''t ask for anything else, only wishing that the people she cared about could live safely and peacefully.

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113


    The faint morning light painted the sky with rosy hues. Shen Yin and Zhengzheng looked fresh and neat, dressed in matching parent-child outfits.


    Xu Xiuhe nced at their attire and chose a coordinating color himself. As it was Friday, he had taken the day off to attend his good friend''s wedding.


    The family of three arrived early at the Qingfeng Mingyue Hotel. Xue Jingrui''s social status in Rong City ensured that his wedding would be grand. With a mother who was an entrepreneur and a father who held a prominent position in the city government, the wedding guest list included not only business and government figures but also members of the media.


    "You go find Shu Yi and Qi Ji first. I''ll take Zhengzheng to see Jingrui," Shen Yin said.


    "Okay."


    Shen Yin obtained Qi Ji''s room number from Shu Yi. Since Qi Ji''s family lived in Yang City, they didn''t have time to travel from home to the wedding venue. Moreover, they had already registered their marriage, so the wedding ceremony was held directly at the hotel.


    When Shen Yin reached Qi Ji''s room and knocked on the door, Yan Yan answered.


    Yan Yan was slightly excited to see Shen Yin; it had been a long time since theyst met. She was genuinely grateful to Shen Yin for helping her secure her current job.


    Before Yan Yan could speak, Shen Yin said, "I''vee to see them."


    Qi Ji was having his makeup done by a top makeup artist in the industry. The bridal makeup had to be perfect, tailored to suit Qi Ji''s unique style. It wasn''t the typical bridal makeup temte; at first nce, it seemed almost like a transformation.


    "All done. Next, I''ll help you into the wedding dress," the makeup artist said.


    The wedding dress was also custom-made, designed by a renowned foreign designer. Each gown cost millions, and the veil was a bit long, making it difficult for the makeup artist to handle alone. Seeing this, Shu Yi stepped in to help.


    "It looks gorgeous. Today, our darling Qi Ji is the most beautiful in the world," Shu Yi praised.


    The pure white wedding dress was truly stunning, and Shu Yi couldn''t help but feel a twinge of envy, though Qi Ji seemed indifferent; this was merely a formality for her.


    "Thank you, Sister Shu Yi," Qi Ji thanked.


    Shu Yi chose the bridesmaids'' dresses, opting for the most basic style so as not to outshine the bride.


    "It''s almost time. Is the bride ready?" someone outside called.


    "Yes, I''m ready."


    Qi Ji held a bouquet of flowers, with Shu Yi and Yan Yan trailing behind her.


    Shen Yin followed beside them, and Shu Yi handed the wedding ring to her. Everything proceeded ording to the schedule.


    At 10:38, the doors of the venue were tightly shut, but they could still hear the voice of the host, a famous presenter from Rong City Television, conducting the wedding ceremony.


    "In the apaniment of this beautiful and romantic wedding march, at this moment of happiness, we will witness this love. With a nce, we are all waiting for someone, the person loved by the groom Xue Jingrui, she is called Qi Ji. I think at this moment, we are all witnessing a miracle, two people in love, with outstanding talents and beauty, will step into the hall of marriage. Just like when I first saw you in the crowd, you were alone and beautiful, and from then on, the beautiful bride walked into the groom''s heart, and love became the only thing. Next, please wee the bride."


    The door opened, and the spotlight shone on Qi Ji. Blue light, white wedding dress. Qi Ji appeared in the sight of the public like a princess.


    Stunning everyone, including the groom. Qi Ji wore a crown, and the diamonds on the crown, under the light, reflected dazzling brilliance. The pearls and diamonds on the wedding dress echoed each other, and Qi Ji exuded light all over.


    The wedding dress was heavy, the crown not light. Qi Ji''s steps were small but steady, considering Shu Yi and Shen Yin dragging the train behind her, she walked slowly, but even more dignified.


    When Qi Ji was close to a circr stage, the host said, "Please bride, take your father''s arm."


    Upon hearing this, Qi Ji freed her left hand, holding flowers in her right hand, and linked her left arm with her father''s.


    The music style in the venue suddenly changed, from romantic to warm now, the music was very healing. Qi Ji was a sensitive person, she didn''t feel much when she got the marriage certificate, but now listening to the music, linking her father''s arm, her heart was unexpectedly filled with reluctance. From today on, she would have a different identity, leaving the Qi family, having her own life. She knew all this when she got the certificate, but the sense of ceremony turned out to be so important. At this moment, she felt that she was getting married. Tears slowly gathered in her eyes, just on the verge of flowing down.


    Qi Ji walked slowly with her father, the wedding dress trailing on the stage, needing no one to care for it.


    Shen Yin, Shu Yi, and Shen Yan walked to the front of the groom''s stage from the other side of the stage, the venue wasrge, amodating nearly a thousand people.


    From the moment Qi Ji opened the door, it was extremely quiet, and now it was even quieter.


    "Next, please let the father hand over the bride''s hand to the groom."


    Qi''s father did as instructed, Xue Jingrui took Qi Ji''s hand from Qi''s father, Qi Ji turned around, facing the guests.


    Qi''s father walked down and sat on a chair.


    Shu Yi and Shen Yan immediately pulled their skirts to the back.


    The cameras clicked, recording this scene.


    "The bride and groom exchange rings."


    Shu Yi handed over the rings.


    Xue Jingrui put the ring on Qi Ji''s finger, and Qi Ji also put the ring on Xue Jingrui''s finger.


    "Next, please let the groom kiss the bride."


    Both Xue Jingrui and Qi Ji''s hearts skipped a beat, they both forgot about this part. They hadn''t even held hands yet, and now they had to kiss in front of so many people.


    As time passed, the host felt a bit embarrassed, still wondering why they hadn''t kissed yet and how he could salvage the situation. Suddenly, Xue Jingrui lowered his head and whispered, "Is it okay?"


    Qi Ji didn''t respond.


    Xue Jingrui gently held the back of Qi Ji''s head and softly kissed her lips.


    Qi Ji was bewildered; this was unexpected for her.


    Then the host spoke for a long time, and suddenly it was the bridesmaid''s turn. He could see it now, the bridesmaid of the bride was actually the currently popr female celebrity.


    It was unexpected that such a popr female celebrity would attend the wedding and act as a bridesmaid.


    But upon closer thought, it was quite normal. This wedding was unusual, a power couple joining forces. With Shu Yi''s appearance, her poprity would rise again, and people in the circle would also know that there was really someone behind Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi stepped onto the stage, she had chosen the most ordinary bridesmaid dress, but still couldn''t hide her temperament.


    "Hello, everyone, I''m very happy to be Qi Ji''s bridesmaid at this wedding today. Although I haven''t known Qi Ji for long, in my heart, she''s like a little princess. She''s simple, kind, always thinking of others. She''s shy, adorable, always wanting to take responsibility. Today, sending her off, my greatest wish is that in the days toe, there will be someone to love her, cherish her, not let her down, and still treat her like a little princess, making her the only one, being the most carefree little girl."


    Qi Ji was very moved because she knew that what Shu Yi said was all true. Shu Yi didn''t mention Xue Jingrui throughout, but everywhere she reminded Xue Jingrui to treat her well. Shu Yi knew their rtionship with Xue Jingrui, naturally understood that there was no love between them, so the best wishes were all expressed.

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114


    The groomsman delivered a speech, followed by the groom''s vow, and the host omitted no step.


    The wedding proceeded smoothly, with most of the guests below offering their blessings, except for a few.


    Qi Yan was among those few. She didn''t want toe, did she have to witness in person the man who once adored her marrying someone else?


    The more morous the wedding, the angrier Qi Yan became. Qi''s father Qi Shengwu, seated on the other side, also looked displeased. He had intended for his daughter to marry Xue Jingrui, which would help advance his own official career. If possible, he could even scheme a little to push Xue Kai aside.


    But unexpectedly, Xue Kai had his son get married, and the bride was from the Qi family of Yang City, sharing the same surname "Qi". Why couldn''t he marry his own daughter Qi Yan? Didn''t Qi Yan say that Xue Jingrui liked her?


    The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. When he received the Xue family''s wedding invitation and learned that Xue Jingrui was marrying into the Qi family of Yang City, he smashed the cup in his hand onto the floor. When he asked Qi Yan, she already knew about this news.


    He was even angrier.


    He was thest to know, so how could he stop it?


    When attending the wedding, Qi Shengwu brought Qi Yan along, dressing her up prettily. During the final segment when the bride was supposed to call out "change of vows," he wanted Qi Yan to act frail, make an appearance, and incidentally make this wedding a hot topic. Since they were already married, and the situation couldn''t be changed, he might as well let the Xue family''s reputation hit rock bottom and give Xue Jingrui the persona of a heartbreaker.


    "Please have the groom escort the bride towards the front."


    Qi Yan stood up. What her father asked her to do was also what she wanted. Why? Why did they treat her like this? If she was alive, no one would have an easy life.


    From the beginning, Shen Yin had noticed Qi Yan, the youngdy dressed particrly beautifully. Earlier, Shen Yin had intentionally stood in front of the youngdy, blocking her view.


    It wasn''t until the wedding ceremony was about to end that she sat in the back row of guest seats. As soon as she sat down, Qi Yan stood up, so it seemed Qi Yan had deliberately avoided her.


    Shen Yin wanted to see what Qi Yan intended to do, but two secondster, she realized she couldn''t just sit still.


    Qi Yan was brewing with emotions, her face contorted, looking as if she was about to cry, as she took small steps towards the stage.


    Shen Yin quickly went forward. Shu Yi, standing on the stage, had just noticed Qi Yan and felt a pang in her heart, wondering if she should go down and stop her. But given her own special status, and as a bridesmaid, going down would certainly draw attention. It wouldn''t be good if this turned into another hot topic by ident.


    Fortunately, Shen Yin had gone over. Shu Yi finally breathed a sigh of relief, otherwise the consequences of Qi Yan, that woman, making a scene would be unimaginable.


    Damn, how could there be such a shameless woman? Shu Yi was furious. Earlier, Qi Yan had that pitiful look on her face as she walked over, as if someone had snatched her boyfriend.


    No wonder Qi Ji, the young bride, felt guilty when they first met, thinking she had intruded on someone else''s rtionship.


    Shu Yi felt a bit ashamed of herself. If her acting skills were as good as Qi Yan''s, an Oscar would be hers sooner orter. No, she should say, not giving Qi Yan an Oscar for her superb acting skills would be an injustice.


    "Are you feeling unwell?" Shen Yin approached and held Qi Yan''s arm, asking with apparent sincerity. Qi Yan could act, and she could too.


    Qi Yan turned her head, snapping back to reality, trying to break free from her grip. But her strength was no match for Shen Yin''s. After all, even though this body of Shen Yin''s was weaker, she could still easily handle this frail woman before her.


    The expression on Qi Yan''s face was no longer the pitiful, dejected look from before, but rather anger and unwillingness to ept.


    Shen Yin didn''t care what Qi Yan was thinking and continued, "There''s a tea room outside. Let me apany you to have some hot water. I''m thirsty too."


    Qi Yan red at Shen Yin, her eyes filled with murderous intent. "I''m not thirsty, you can go by yourself."


    Shen Yin''s expression had already turned indifferent, showing no emotion as she said slowly, "I''m thirsty, so juste with me."


    Deep down, Shen Yin was also afraid, afraid that Qi Yan would lose her temper and make a scene. So she stayed close to Qi Yan, gripping her arm tightly. If Qi Yan dared to speak up, she could knock her out with a punch from behind.


    Qi Yan couldn''t break free. She hadn''t had much contact with Shen Yin before, but she hated Shen Yin intensely. She thought this woman, being younger than her, had a carefree attitude and wouldn''t meddle in anything.


    At this moment, although Shen Yin showed no expression, Qi Yan felt a sense of oppression.


    She admitted she was afraid. Her arm waspletely immobilized.


    Qi Shengwu had been watching for a while, and when he saw that Qi Yan still hadn''t made any move, he became a bit anxious and looked around.


    He saw his daughter and another woman standing together, appearing quite intimate, and assumed they were plotting something, so he felt relieved.


    Just as Qi Shengwu sat down, ready to watch the show, Shen Yin took Qi Yan out of the venue and into the tea room outside.


    "What do you want to do? Why did you have to drag me here?" Qi Yan''s anger had reached its peak. Her own matter wasn''t settled yet, and she was interrupted. Earlier in the hall, she held back out of concern for appearances, but now, with only the two of them, she had to get an exnation.


    "Shouldn''t I be asking you that question, Miss Qi? What did you intend to do?" Shen Yin remained calm andposed, still appearing indifferent, leaning against the bar counter.


    Qi Yan felt a little guilty but tried to remainposed. "I didn''t intend to do anything. It''s you who insisted on dragging me here. I''ll let it go since you''re Xiu He''s mother."


    Shen Yin was amused by her shamelessness.


    "You call him Xiu He? So you know I''m his son''s mother too." Shen Yin curved her lips, folding her arms.


    "I knew Xiu He before you did. He still has me in his heart, it''s you who snatched him from me." Qi Yan argued.


    "Oh? I snatched him from you? He has you in his heart?" Shen Yin raised her eyebrows.


    "Yes, you snatched him. He even went abroad to pursue me back then. He definitely has me in his heart." Qi Yan defended herself.


    "Hahahahahahaha, so I snatched him. What can you do about it? He''s my husband now, the father of my child. What, do you regret it?" Shen Yin stood up and walked towards Qi Yan, looking at her as she spoke.


    "Xiu He must have been deceived by you."


    "How did I deceive him? Tell me."


    "You must have seduced him."


    "Sister, are you sure he has you in his heart? If he really did, why would he marry me? If he was truly infatuated with you, why would he only pursue you once? He pursued you to save face. You rejected him, so I should be thanking you."

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115


    "You..." Qi Yan was at a loss for words, realizing she had underestimated this woman. Qi Yan felt a twinge of regret.


    "Me? What about me? I know I''m pretty, but thanks for the reminder. Thank you for thepliment," Shen Yin flicked her hair coquettishly, saying.


    "You shameless!"


    Shen Yin pretended to ponder for a few seconds before saying, "My face is so beautiful, why would I need another one? Or perhaps you have multiple faces, each different."


    Unable to retort, Qi Yan grew genuinely angry, staring at Shen Yin''s face before her, so strikingly attractive. She felt jealousy creeping in, even entertaining the thought of ruining that face, raising her hand as if to strike.


    Shen Yin grabbed Qi Yan''s hand, applying some force, causing Qi Yan to grimace in pain.


    "See, now this face has changed again. Where did that pitiful face from the wedding venue go?" Shen Yin leaned in close to Qi Yan, lifting her other hand.


    Shen Yin grasped it again.


    "What were you trying to do at the wedding venue? A woman should not be so wicked, meddling in others'' marriages. In ancient times, one would be punished with a pig basket."


    "Jing Rui likes me, not that woman outside who stole him," Qi Yan yelled hoarsely.


    "Oh, I see. Xiu He also likes you, Jing Rui also likes you. Does every man in the world like you? Men''s eyes may be blind for a moment, but not forever. If Jing Rui liked you, where were you earlier? Now, I still have to thank you, on behalf of Qi Ji."


    Shen Yin released Qi Yan''s hand, lowered her head, and toyed with her fingers, taking a step back and leaningzily on the bar as if the recent events had nothing to do with her.


    Qi Yan grew impatient; she had to leave. Failing to aplish what her father had entrusted her with meant her allowance would likely be reduced again.


    As Qi Yan turned to leave, Shen Yin pulled her back. Qi Yan lowered her head, biting Shen Yin''s arm.


    Shen Yin winced, using her other arm to forcefully lift Qi Yan''s mouth off. Losing her bnce, Qi Yan sat down.


    The door to the tea room opened, and Xiu He stood at the doorway, holding Zhengzheng.


    Qi Yan seemed to see a savior, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Xiu He pitifully, "Xiu He, look at her, she bullied me, she pushed me to the ground."


    Shen Yin sighed, ran her hand through her hair, and hugged her arm, curious to see Xiu He''s reaction. If he even slightly showed concern or med her, she would dare to file for divorce immediately.


    Xiu He''s initial reaction was to ask Shen Yin, "Are you hurt?"


    Then, Xiu He noticed the bite mark on Shen Yin''s arm, feeling a pang of heartache. He was afraid she would be in pain; every time they were intimate, he restrained himself from biting, but now, such a deep bite mark.


    "Does it hurt?" Xiu He didn''t dare to put Zhengzheng down, so he could only hold Zhengzheng with one hand while reaching for Shen Yin''s arm with the other, examining the wound. The bite mark was quite deep, with faint traces of blood.


    "Mom, it hurts," Xu Yunzheng grimaced, then turned to look at Qi Yan on the ground and muttered, "Bad woman."


    Xiu He cast a sharp nce over.


    "Xiu He, you have to believe me, I didn''t mean it, it''s all my fault. I''m sorry to your sister," the woman sat on the ground, teary-eyed, continuing to feign fragility.


    "Nonsense, of course it''s your fault. Even if she pped you, you can''t retaliate. Moreover, she is my wife, not your sister. You''d better behave yourself, biting people, you''re more like a dog than a dog," Xiu He''s tone was cold.


    Qi Yan knew he was angry. But she still couldn''t ept it: "Xiu He, do you really not have me in your heart anymore? It was all my fault before. I shouldn''t have left you alone to go abroad. I''m back now, we can start over."


    Xiu He: "Are you crazy?"


    Shen Yin was quite satisfied with Xiu He''s reaction. At least, this man now was still worth her trust.


    Shen Yin squatted down halfway: "What doesn''t belong to you, don''t yearn for it every day. What isn''t yours, you''ll never get in the end. If Qi Ji is unhappy, you won''t have it easy either."


    After saying that, Shen Yin stood up. Qi Yan sat nkly on the ground, pondering what "doesn''t belong to her" meant. As long as she wanted it, she must obtain it.


    Qi Yan gritted her teeth, clenched her fists, and stood up.


    Shen Yin walked out, Xiu He carried Xu Yunzheng and followed Shen Yin out.


    "Wife, does it hurt? I''ll ask the waiter to bring some alcohol," Xiu He knew this was his responsibility, he camete and didn''t protect Shen Yin well.


    "It''s okay," Shen Yin said so, but in fact, she always repaid every grievance. She wouldn''t let herself suffer a bit. Just now, she hit Qi Yan''s chin with her elbow, and most likely, Qi Yan''s mouth wouldn''t open tomorrow morning.


    Shen Yin rubbed her elbow. She had used some force just now, and her elbow was a bit sore.


    "What''s wrong? Did she hit you elsewhere?" Xiu He asked worriedly.


    "No, when I hit her just now, I used some force," Shen Yin turned her head to look at Xiu He''s expression. She was testing, testing Xiu He''s feelings for her, and the extent of his indulgence towards her.


    Xiu He: "!!!"


    "Next time, when I strike, you tell me beforehand, I''ll do it," Xiu He answered seriously.


    "Phew," Shen Yin felt she had won the gamble. He would feel sorry for her, not me her.


    "Mom, I''ll help you," Xu Yunzheng interjected.


    Both of them had forgotten there was a baby in their arms.


    "Zhengzheng, we can''t easily resort to violence," Shen Yin said.


    "But she''s a bad woman, she bit Mom," Xu Yunzheng looked at the teeth marks on Shen Yin''s arm.


    "If a dog bites us, should we bite back? We don''t stoop to the level of bad people. We only resort to violence for self-defense, when it''s absolutely necessary. Normally, when encountering bad people, we can find the police," Shen Yin''s voice was warm and gentle, very different from her tone in the tea room just now.


    In fact, she had several faces. Depending on who she was facing, if someone hurt someone she cared about, don''t me her for not showing mercy.


    "Dog? Dogs bite me, dogs have fur, I can''t bite back. Mom, next time let Hua Hua bite back. Dad, bring Hua Hua next time. Let Hua Hua bite the woman badly." Xu Yunzheng nced at Shen Yin, then at Xu Xiu He.


    Shen Yin finally understood that Zhengzheng could also seize on words. He didn''t hear anything about calling the police; his focus was solely on the dog biting incident. This point, probably, was influenced by Xu Xiu He.


    "What just happened? Why did you two go into the tea room?" Xu Xiu He asked.


    "Did you see her outfit? Leaving aside the white dress, her outfit was full of schemes, obviously trying to steal the limelight from the bride. When the bride changed her mind, preparing to go on stage, I was afraid she would cause a scene at the wedding, so I pulled her into the tea room."


    At this moment, Xu Xiu He''s thought was that he must have been out of his mind to agree to be Qi Yan''s partner.


    This woman was too dreadful, ''shameless'' would be an understatement. Luckily, he met Shen Yin.


    "How far along is the wedding?" Shen Yin asked.

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116


    "Wait for the toast. Qi Ji went to change clothes." Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Shen Yin still wanted to go see her own work, to see how it looked when worn, perhaps this is a upational disease for a fashion designer?


    In the room, the makeup artist changed Qi Ji''s hairstyle.


    "This toast dress is really beautiful. I''ve never seen a toast dress designed so ingeniously, like a small evening gown, elegant and generous," the makeup artist said as she helped Qi Ji zip up the back.


    Shu Yi saw Shen Yine in and quickly pulled her to the side.


    "What did that woman just want to do? I was afraid she would rush up on stage." Shu Yi was curious, she really admired it, how could there be such a bizarre woman in the world.


    Shen Yin''s voice was very low, so low that only the two of them could hear: "She won''t be able to open her mouth tomorrow morning."


    Shu Yi looked admiringly at Shen Yin, "Yinyin, you''re so awesome, you''re not going to smack her mouth to pieces, are you?"


    The two leaned on the sofa, and when Qi Ji turned around in her toast dress, they immediately made eye contact, stopping their discussion. It''s a happy day, can''t affect the bride''s mood.


    "Wow, Qi Ji, you look so beautiful today," Shu Yi praised.


    Which girl doesn''t likepliments, especially a simple girl like Qi Ji, who was particrly happy at the moment, even if she didn''t marry for love, she could still be considered grand and beautiful, the most beautiful bride.


    "Yinyin sister, this toast dress is so beautiful." Qi Ji ran up to Shen Yin and Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi looked at Qi Ji, dressed so beautifully, envied or not, she couldn''t help but envy.


    Probably every girl''s wish is to wear a beautiful wedding dress and marry her beloved, wedding dresses are easy to wear, but beloved ones are not easy to find.


    "So beautiful," Shu Yi sighed again.


    "Are you envious? If you get married, I''ll design for you too," Shen Yin said with a smile.


    "Um, let''s forget about that." Since entering the entertainment industry, Shu Yi had never thought about getting married in the future.


    At noon, Xue Jingrui entered the room and said it was time for the toasts.


    There were dozens of tables outside with only a few tables needing toasts, all elders, as well as some leaders from Rong City.


    "Wait, when you toast, just take a sip. You don''t have to really drink it," Xue Jingrui reminded, afraid that this little girl was too sincere, she would drink as much as was in the cup.


    "We''ll go out first. There''s a table of food in the small room over there, you can eat if you''re hungry, no need to wait for me," Qi Ji turned to Shu Yi, Shen Yin, and Yan Yan, and said.


    After the two left, Shu Yi became curious again, about the unfinished topic from earlier, why Qi Yan wouldn''t be able to open her mouth tomorrow morning.


    Shen Yin tousled her hair, and suddenly Shu Yi saw the bite marks on Shen Yin''s arm.


    "What''s going on, it''s not that crazy woman who bit you, is it?"


    Shen Yin didn''t say anything, indicating confirmation, Shu Yi''s temper red up, she got up and walked out.


    "Shu Yi, where are you going?"


    "I''m going to knock out that crazy woman''s teeth."


    Yan Yan: "..." Is this still the female celebrity she knows? After following Shu Yi for so long, it''s the first time she''s seen her curse.


    Even the makeup artist was taken aback by Shu Yi''s momentum. She usually interacts with people in the entertainment industry and knows that the image they present to the public is carefully crafted. But this young girl''s image is too different. She must be mistaken. She''s too aggressive.


    "Come back, we need to maintain our image." Shen Yin said with a smile, although she didn''t want to. But Shu Yi was just too cute. Shen Yin walked over, pulled Shu Yi back, poured a ss of water, and handed it to Shu Yi, saying, "Calm down, it''s not worth it."


    "Shameless, despicable, and mean." Shu Yi used all the ugly words she could think of to describe the person, still feeling unsatisfied.


    After taking a sip of water, she still wanted to continue cursing.


    Shen Yin spoke up, "She''s not that beautiful, but she thinks she''s so gorgeous every day. Now, she''s even angrier than us. When I told her to rx, I used some force and hit her chin directly. It''s probably going to hurt for a few days, she won''t be able to eat tomorrow."


    This finally calmed Shu Yi down a bit.


    "She''s like a dog, she bites people. If there''s a next time, I''ll break her teeth." Shu Yi was still not satisfied.


    "Hahaha, why are you just like Zhengzheng? Zhengzheng said next time, she''ll let Huahua bite back."


    "Zhengzheng is here too?" Shu Yi asked.


    "Xu Xiuhe andter brought Zhengzheng into the tea room."


    "Did that woman pretend to be weak? Apologize and cry with tears?"


    Shen Yin widened her eyes. "How did you know? You weren''t there just now."


    "Vicious supporting female characters in novels are like this, white lotus, green tea, using the act of being wronged to gain a man''s sympathy, to make the man feel soft-hearted. She''s quite good at this trick. By the way, how did your husband react?" Shu Yi still didn''t trust men.


    Shen Yin recalled and said, "He said I''m his wife, even if Qi Yan hit me, she can''t fight back. He also said Qi Yan is more like a dog than a dog."


    Shu Yi just wanted to say, Xu Xiuhe handled it well. Knowing Xu Xiuhe''s words, Shu Yi was very happy, even happier than if she had broken that green tea''s teeth.


    Women, they understand what is the most deadly harm. Xu Xiuhe''s words were like stabbing Qi Yan''s heart with a knife. It hurts in the heart, which is more painful than physical pain.


    At the venue, Xue Jingrui went table by table to toast with Qi Ji. Qi Ji couldn''t drink, so when he sipped the wine, his expression was very painful. Xue Jingrui noticed and directly told the elders that he would drink on his behalf.


    When it was Qi Shengwu''s table''s turn, Xue Jingrui said, "Uncles and aunties, I toast to you. She just drank too much, so I''ll drink for her."


    Xue Jingrui drank two sses in one go.


    Qi Yan stood next to Qi Shengwu, and Xue Jingrui acted like he didn''t see her.


    The n just failed, Qi Shengwu pretended to be happy: "Nephew, you didn''t be my son-inw after all. Let''s have a few more drinks, not only you, but the bride also needs to drink."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Qi Ji''s expression changed. She had seen Qi Yan since she arrived at this table, looking pitiful, with her eyes fixed on Jingrui. Although she didn''t care, on her joyful day, this person''s attitude towards her seemed unpleasant, as if she had stolen her husband. Not very nice.


    "Uncle Qi is joking. Miss Qi is so outstanding, she won''t have trouble finding a husband." Xue Jingrui retorted.


    Qi Shengwu''s face didn''t look good, but he continued, "Thank you for thepliment, nephew. Let''s have a few more drinks."


    Qi Yan''s expression had slowly turned fierce, "Miss Qi." Jingrui called her "Miss Qi."

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117


    "Miss Qi is so outstanding, she must have many suitors. I hope Miss Qi can find her other half soon and get married," Jing Rui said.


    Shu Yi and Sister Shen Yin both say she is innocent, and she is, but she is not foolish. She now knows that the woman in front of her is a bad woman, not only stringing along Brother Jing Rui but also trying to ruin Sister Shen Yin''s marriage. She now dislikes this woman very much.


    Qi Yan looked at the woman in champagne dress with jealousy and hatred, all because of her, she took away everything from her. If it weren''t for this woman, she would have been the center of attention at this wedding, and this beautiful toast dress would have belonged to her.


    Qi Yan held a wine ss in her hand, uncontrobly wanting to ruin the woman in front of her. With high heels on her feet, she tried to twist her ankle a bit, causing the wine in the ss to spill out. Jing Rui''s eyes were quick, and he blocked it in front of Qi Ji.


    The red wine spilled all over Xue Jingrui''s back.


    "Sorry, Jing Rui, I didn''t mean to," Qi Yan said, giving a provocative look to Jing Rui.


    Xue Jingrui didn''t see it, but Qi Ji did. Qi Ji was tired. Getting married requires getting up early, tiring. The wedding dress is too heavy, exhausting. The woman in front of her is too disgusting, annoying.


    She was already socially anxious, and now she was trembling all over. Xue Jingrui hugged Qi Ji, clearly feeling Qi Ji''s body trembling. He ignored everything else and said, "Sorry for leaving, my wife is feeling unwell," then picked up Qi Ji.


    This was the first time Xue Jingrui had physical contact with her. The woman, like a little cat,y in his arms, soft, not moving.


    "Brother Jing Rui, I want to go home," Qi Ji''s voice was also like a little cat.


    Xue Jingrui listened, feeling a pang of heartache, "Okay, I''ll take you home."


    And so the wedding ended.


    Xue Jingrui first took Qi Ji back to the room. Shu Yi, Shen Yin, Yan Yan, they all hadn''t eaten, waiting for Qi Ji to join them, but she was brought back instead.


    Shu Yi and Shen Yin knew without thinking that the little girl must have suffered some grievance.


    "Qi Ji, have something to eat first, then go home. From early morning till now, you haven''t eaten anything," Shu Yi said.


    Shu Yi had been staying at the hotel with the little girl sincest night. This morning, the little girl got up so early, barely opening her eyes before being dragged up for makeup, likely starving.


    Chang Zhiyuan and Xu Xiuhe were still at the venue, waiting to toast, but the groom just carried the bride away, so they had to follow to see what happened.


    "Mom, Yunzheng misses you," Xu Yunzheng pouted as soon as he entered the room, looking for Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin took Yunzheng''s hand, asking if he had eaten, to which Yunzheng replied, asking if he had eaten enough. Then he looked at the dining table in the room.


    Xue Jingrui ced Qi Ji on a chair, sitting next to her.


    The group sat down, including the makeup artist and Yan Yan. The meal was eaten in unusual silence, with no one mentioning what had just happened outside.


    Only Yunzheng spoke asionally.


    After dinner, there were not many people left in the venue. Qi Ji, after finishing his meal, rxed and apologized, "I''m sorry, everyone."


    "No need to apologize, you haven''t done anything wrong," Shu Yi said.


    Qi Ji felt a bitforted and finally smiled.


    "Really, Qi Ji, you''re too tired today. Rest well when we get backter," Shu Yi advised.


    Xue Jingrui drove Qi Ji back home. Their new house, a loft, had been cleaned a few days ago, and everything that needed to be prepared was done.


    Cars left one after another at the entrance of Qingfeng Mingyue, and Xue Kai and Ye Rong secretly noted this down to settle the billter.


    "Zheng Zheng, say goodbye to Auntie."


    "Goodbye, Auntie," Xu Yunzheng smiled, waving his hand, his big eyes spinning.


    "Auntie is going to start filming tomorrow, and it will be a while before we see Zheng Zheng again. What should we do?" Shu Yi asked.


    "Zheng Zheng wille to see Auntie," Xu Yunzheng replied.


    Shu Yi was touched by this, leaned forward, squatted down, held Zheng Zheng''s face, and nted a big kiss, "It would be great if Auntie never aged, then I''ll wait for my godson to marry me."


    Shu Yi turned her face to the side, pointed to her cheek, and Xu Yunzheng nted a kiss.


    The three adults present were shocked, "Why are you eyeing your godson like that?" Shen Yin joked.


    Chang Zhiyuan: "..............."


    "Zheng Zheng, do you want to kiss Uncle goodbye before he starts filming tomorrow?"


    "Uncle is going to act in a drama. Does Zheng Zheng want to kiss Uncle goodbye?" Xu Yunzheng asked.


    The others were also curious about this question.


    "Yes, Uncle is going to act in a drama, and your Auntie is in the same crew. If Zheng Zheng misses us, just tell me, I''lle pick you up," Chang Zhiyuan said, looking at Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi was already cursing in her heart. The new drama had changed its male lead, and she still didn''t know who the male lead was, especially since there were kissing scenes, she cared about the other person''s looks.


    Now she was told that Chang Zhiyuan was going to join the crew. Thinking carefully, she wasn''t stupid, she knew Chang Zhiyuan must have pulled some strings.


    "Mom, what does it mean to marry Auntie?" Xu Yunzheng''s questions were always unexpected, breaking their original topic.


    "Zheng Zheng can''t marry Auntie. Marrying means getting married, living together with the person you love. Just like what Uncle Jingrui and Aunt Qi Ji just did, holding a wedding," Shen Yin exined strange questions every day.


    "Then Zheng Zheng loves Mom, Zheng Zheng wants to marry Mom, Zheng Zheng wants to marry Mom," Xu Yunzheng stomped his feet, pped his hands, a little excited.


    Shen Yin...


    Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi burst intoughter.


    Xu Xiuhe lifted Xu Yunzheng with one hand and walked towards the car. He felt it was necessary to educate his son on what marriage really meant.


    "Dad, Zheng Zheng doesn''t feel well," Xu Yunzheng was carried by Xu Xiuhe with no sense of security, calling out for his dad.


    Shen Yin also got into the car.


    Thest ones to leave the wedding were surprisingly Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi.


    "Where''s your bouquet?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    "Take it, by the way, you love children so much, do you want to have one with me?" Chang Zhiyuan approached Shu Yi and whispered.


    "You rascal!"


    "Is that being a rascal? What about when we were filming, uh, what should we do?" Chang Zhiyuan''s tone was teasing.


    Shu Yi really wanted to punch him.


    At night, Chang Zhiyuan sent a message in the group, asking if Xue Jingrui was happy on his wedding night.


    Xue Jingrui was not happy, and didn''t even want to reply to that message.


    Since arriving home, Qi Ji took a shower, went into the bedroom, and slept until now without getting up. He still couldn''t figure out what his rtionship with Qi Ji was.


    "[You lonely single dog, are you bored? Jing Rui doesn''t have time to deal with you.]" Xu Xiuhe sent a message.


    "[Don''t you have me? Aren''t you still chatting with me?]"


    "Oh? I''m also busy now, you can have fun by yourself."


    After sending the message, Xu Xiuhe waited for Shen Yin to finish showering.


    "Zheng Zheng is already asleep, why aren''t you sleeping?" Shen Yin walked out of the bathroom, drying his hair.


    "I don''t want to sleep yet."


    Before Shen Yin could react, Xu Xiuhe picked up Zheng Zheng, went into the next room, and then returned.


    "Wife, your hair isn''t dry yet, why did you lie down?"


    "I''m tired, I want to sleep."


    "I''m not tired, wife, do you miss me?"


    Shen Yin pretended to be asleep.


    Xu Xiuhe picked up the hairdryer, walked to the bedside, took strands of hair in his hand, and slowly blow-dried them.


    Xu Xiuhe asionally massaged Shen Yin''s scalp.


    "Wife, stop pretending to sleep, your eyelids are still moving." Xu Xiuhe''s hands were not honest, originally stroking the hair, but after it dried, it slowly moved downwards.

 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118


    Shen Yin opened her eyes, and Xu Xiuhe suddenly got up, taking his hands off her body.


    Shen Yin thought that Xu Xiuhe would let her off tonight, so she sat up, but she was mistaken. He had only grabbed a hair dryer to blow-dry his hair.


    Later, Xu Xiuhe escted his actions.


    She was grateful that she had learned martial arts, and the original owner had practiced dance, otherwise, she would not have been able to endure it.


    ...


    "Wife, let me put a ring on your finger."


    Xu Xiuhe took out a ring from the bedside cab and slid it onto Shen Yin''s ring finger.


    Exhausted, Shen Yin let Xu Xiuhe hold her hand and put on the ring. After he did so, she raised her arm, bringing her hand close to her face. "When did you buy this ring?" she asked.


    The ring fit her perfectly, not too big or small, just right. It was exquisite, with a small but stunning pink diamond that sparkled beautifully under the light.


    Shen Yin touched the diamond with her other hand.


    "About a month ago, custom-made from overseas," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Not long after he confirmed his feelings, he had someone purchase the pink diamond. Although not overlyrge, considering Shen Yin''s career, an overlyrge diamond ring would be impractical for daily wear. So he specifically asked the designer to make the ring a bit smaller, and the remaining diamonds were made into a ne.


    "It must have been expensive," Shen Yin said.


    It was her first time seeing a pink diamond. Her knowledge was indeed limited. The Dasheng Dynasty also had such stones, called "Vajra," but they were not as bright as this one.


    "Not expensive," Xu Xiuhe responded. For him, it was not expensive at all. The diamonds, plus thebor cost, had barely exceeded a hundred million. A ring and a ne, especially as a gift for his wife, was certainly not expensive.


    "Thank you," Shen Yin said, pleased with the gift.


    "Don''t thank me, I''m your husband. Giving you a ring is what I should do. You must wear it from now on, so others will know you are a married woman."


    Xu Xiuhe then took out the ne, which was stored in an exquisite little box. The diamonds on the ne wererge and pink, sparkling brightly under the light.


    "This is for you as well. Originally, it was a singlerge diamond, but the diamond for the ring would have been too big and inconvenient, so I had the remaining diamond made into a ne."


    Only he knew about this. If Chang Zhiyuan found out that he had cut such arge pink diamond, he would probably call him insane. Diamonds were more valuable therger they were, especially a pink diamond of such fine quality.


    Shen Yin opened her mouth to speak.


    "Don''t say thank you. I''ll leave this here," Xu Xiuhe said, putting the diamond box back in the bedside cab drawer.


    "Let me carry you to the bathroom."


    Shen Yin felt a bit tired and did not want to move, having just bathed earlier.


    "Husband, I don''t really want to bathe," she said, herrge eyes looking pleadingly at Xu Xiuhe. His heart softened.


    "Okay."


    Xu Xiuhe lifted Shen Yin slightly, took out a bedsheet, andid her back down.


    In this room, Shen Yin had always used two bedsheets, which Xu Xiuhe had discovered at some point.


    When Xu Xiuhe returned to the bedroom, he brought a basin and a towel and walked over to the bed.


    Shen Yin had fallen asleep, looking peaceful and deep in slumber. Xu Xiuhe wrung out the towel.


    The bite marks left by Zhi Yuan on Shen Yin''s arm had not faded, and Xu Xiuhe felt a pang of sadness. He wiped her arm gently with the towel, again and again, his expression growing increasingly grim.


    After bathing himself, Xu Xiuhe changed Shen Yin''s clothes and felt reassured.


    Havingpleted these tasks, Xu Xiuhey down beside Shen Yin, adjusting the air conditioning temperature, and pulled her into his embrace.


    In the distance, a few cicadas chirped. On this moonlit summer night, with his beloved by his side, lying quietly and sleeping peacefully, it was a beautiful moment.

 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119


    In the morning, the first one to wake up was unexpectedly Xu Yunzheng. Xu Yunzheng looked at his small bed and couldn''t help but pout. How did he end up in this room again?


    Xu Yunzhengy on the bed, moved back towards the edge, the small bed was not high, his baby feet could easily touch the floor.


    The floor in this bedroom was covered with nkets.


    After getting out of bed, Xu Yunzheng first looked for his slippers, but after searching all around, he couldn''t find them. His little pig slippers were under the bed.


    A look of grievance appeared on his face again. He had been sleeping in this small bed recently, for some unknown reason. In the past, his dad woulde into this room, change his clothes and shoes for him, but this time he woke up alone.


    Barefoot, Xu Yunzheng walked to the door and found that it wasn''t closed properly. Being short, he couldn''t reach the doorknob, so he had to use his fingers to open the door.


    There was no one in the living room. Barefoot, Xu Yunzheng walked back to the bedroom, but couldn''t push the door open. This door was different from the previous one, it didn''t open with just a push.


    "Mom, mom, open the door, Zhenzhen has no shoes." Xu Yunzheng pped the door with his small hand and shouted loudly.


    Shen Yin was suddenly awakened in the bedroom, sitting up. Xu Xiuhe was also disturbed.


    "What''s wrong, did you have a nightmare? It''s only six o''clock," Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin shook her head, "It''s even scarier than a nightmare."


    The knocking on the door sounded again, and Shen Yin faintly heard Zhenzhen calling for his mom.


    She rushed out of bed and opened the door.


    The little one stood at the door, rubbing his eyes and said, "Mom, there''s a bad person."


    "Zhenzhen, did you have a bad dream? There are no bad people in the house."


    Shen Yin looked at the baby, barefoot, standing on the floor, and asked, "Why isn''t Zhenzhen wearing shoes?"


    "Zhenzhen can''t find his little pig shoes. Zhenzhen didn''t have a dream, Zhenzhen met a bad person," the baby said more and more aggrieved.


    Shen Yin picked up Zhenzhen and carried him to the bed inside, Xu Xiuhe was very considerate and made room for his son.


    "How did Zhenzhen meet a bad person? Tell mom," Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Yunzhengy down, turned his head to look at Xu Xiuhe, then turned back to Shen Yin and said, "Zhenzhen always sleeps in that room, the bed in that room is small, Zhenzhen wakes up and is in that room." He even pointed to the room next door.


    Shen Yin "..."


    "It must be a bad person, not letting Zhenzhen sleep with mom, so he used magic to put Zhenzhen on that small bed."


    Shen Yin sat down, nced at Xu Xiuhe, and Xu Xiuhe pretended nothing happened, saying, "It could also be a good person, a good person wants Zhenzhen to grow up to be a man, so he let Zhenzhen sleep in a separate room. Zhenzhen used to sleep alone too."


    Xu Yunzheng thought for a while, it was too long ago, did he used to sleep alone?


    Xu Xiuhe felt it wasn''t enough, "Zhenzhen, you''re growing up, you''re a man now, you can''t sleep with mom anymore."


    "It''s a bad person, a bad person won''t let me sleep with mom. Zhenzhen is not big, Zhenzhen is only two years old, Zhenzhen hasn''t started school yet." Xu Yunzheng held up two fingers.


    "Zheng Zheng is amazing, next time Mom will definitely stop the bad guys, not let the bad guys, not let Zheng Zheng sleep alone in the small room."


    Xu Xiuhe was a little anxious when he heard this. How could she still stop it? Shouldn''t his wife be on the same front with him?


    "Mom, where are the bad guys, why didn''t Zheng Zheng see them?" Xu Yunzheng looked curious.


    "The bad guys wouldn''t let Zheng Zheng see them. They are afraid of Zheng Zheng, so as soon as it gets light, they hide." Shen Yin didn''t know if the little one in front of her would believe her exnation. Should she say to Zheng Zheng, "Son, the bad guy is your father."


    When Xu Yunzheng heard that the bad guys were afraid of him, he suddenly became happy and chuckled. "Mom, Zheng Zheng wants to catch the bad guys tonight, will Mom and Dad help Zheng Zheng, okay?"


    Shen Yin looked at Xu Xiuhe and said, "Okay."


    Xu Xiuhe felt helpless. What could he do? He was the bad guy now, and he had to catch himself at night.


    "Zheng Zheng, are you still sleeping?" Shen Yin asked. Usually, the family of three woke up almost at seven o''clock.


    "Zheng Zheng is full, Zheng Zheng is hungry, Zheng Zheng wants to bring Huahua up at night."


    "Why bring Huahua up?"


    "To bite the bad guys."


    Xu Xiuhe stood up, turned his back to the mother and son, trying hard to hold back hisughter.


    He fed Huahua every day. Could Huahua bite him?


    "Are you up?" Shen Yin asked. The family of three usually woke up almost at seven o''clock.


    Xu Xiuhe felt refreshed and said, "I''m going to feed Huahua, what do you want to eat for breakfast?"


    "I''m fine with anything."


    After breakfast, Xu Xiuhe went to thepany, and all the studio employees had arrived.


    Shen Yin took Zheng Zheng downstairs and held a brief meeting with the employees, discussing some tasks.


    "Boss, there''s an order this morning," Li Huanhuan said.


    "What order?"


    "The photos of the toasting service at yesterday''s wedding went viral, and many people are asking where the outfits were customized. So I used the official ount to post a message, and we received a lot of orders."


    Shen Yin thought for a while and said, "Scarce items are valuable. The toasting outfit was made for a friend of mine, and we don''t have that style anymore. You can tell the customers that we can make something else, but the custom price for our toasting outfit may be higher than regr outfits."


    "Okay, Boss, I got it."


    "You''ve all been working hard recently, so I''m going to raise your sries this month."


    Shen Yin finished speaking and took Zheng Zheng to the third floor.


    The five employees couldn''t believe their ears. They must have saved the world in their past lives to have such a good boss in this life. Come on, their sries were already high before, with different sries for several people, they understood, after all, the work they did was different, but it was already higher than others in the same industry, and now they were getting a raise again. Emmm, happiness came too suddenly.


    Shen Yin was satisfied with her current life, but now she had handed everything over, she was a bit bored.


    Wanting to paint, wanting to cultivate her sentiment. In Chinese painting,ndscapes and figure paintings are very popr, with many outstanding works. She has also copied many of them, and she understands the techniques ofndscape painting.


    Emphasizing "truth" and "reality," advocating a realistic style forndscape painting. Using silk more often, not only outlining meticulously and depicting rigorously, but also using ink to render the pictureyer byyer, disying a profound and serene beauty. It shows an unprecedented delicate, rich, and realistic painting style. There are several types of brush techniques alone, but this feeling is not what Shen Yin wants.


    Shen Yin wants to learn modern Western oil painting techniques so that she can better record Zeng Zeng''s growth. Oil painting is colorful, and Zeng Zeng will definitely like it.


    In the small warehouse on the second floor, Xu Xiuhe bought a lot of painting supplies. Shen Yin searched online for tutorials but still felt a bit confused.


    Suddenly remembered something.

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120


    It seemed that Qi Ji was an illustrator.


    Shen Yin had Qi Ji''s WeChat contact, and the three of them - Shu Yi, Qi Ji, and herself - were in a WeChat group.


    Shu Yi was the group admin, and she had posted a message in the morning saying that she had joined a TV crew and telling the other two not to miss her.


    Qi Ji, being an early riser, immediately replied: "Beautiful sister, is acting fun? Will you really kiss the male actor?"


    Shu Yi: Uh...


    She didn''t care whether it was fun or not, as long as she could make money, she was satisfied. As for kissing, that dog man Chang Zhiyuan, instead of being a good entertainmentpany CEO, went to act in a TV drama. What the hell, just thinking about acting opposite Chang Zhiyuan made Shu Yi start to feel emo.


    [Qi Ji, are you feeling better?] Shen Yin asked. The little girl must have been tired from getting married yesterday.


    [No problem, sister. It feels like nothing has changed after getting married, except that there''s one more person in the room. Other than that, it''s the same as before - I just draw illustrations and sleep every day.] Qi Ji replied.


    Shu Yi sent an envious emoji.


    Shen Yin sent a smiling emoji.


    Shu Yi...


    [Yin Yin, you can''t just send this emoji carelessly now.]


    [Doesn''t it express agreement and happiness?] Shen Yin asked, confused as to why she couldn''t send such a cute emoji.


    [Originally, the smiling emoji on WeChat was just used to represent a smile, a simple expression of a smiling face. But as time passed, this emoji has been given many other meanings. From a more unconventional perspective, the lower half of the ''smiling'' emoji on WeChat represents a suppressed normal smile, conforming to the mouth expression of a smile. However, the upper halfcks contraction of the orbicris oculi muscle, and the gaze is shifted downward, indicating that this smile is not only fake, but also reflects a negative attitude - a condescending, dismissive, and mocking expression of not wanting to pay attention or care about the other person. So this emoji doesn''t have a good meaning now.] Shu Yi exined her understanding of the emoji to Shen Yin.


    In her room, Shen Yin found it amazing that a simple emoji could have so many meanings. After this, she would have to study and keep up with the times - she was already a few hundred years behind, she couldn''t fall further behind.


    Shen Yin asked: [How did you learn all this?]


    [Surfing the inte,] Shu Yi replied.


    [Surfing?]


    [Yin Yin, you must not go online much,] said Shu Yi. Her public persona was that of a cool, pure girl who was uninterested in and ignorant of the entertainment industry - she would act if she had a role, and travel if she didn''t.


    In reality, only thest two sentences were true. She was cool towards strangers, and she didn''t want to get involved in gossip, but she was an avid gossip consumer.


    She was online every day on her alt ount, and being in the industry herself, Shu Yi felt like she was a skilled gossip specialist. However, she had managed to fool many people. Since entering university and the entertainment industry, she had emerged from her insecurity, and after meeting Shen Yin, her true nature seemed to have been exposed - she felt like she had the potential to be a funny girl.


    Often, we fail to notice how encountering certain people and events can unconsciously change us - our personality, temper, and interests.


    Shen Yin looked at the messages, feeling that there was a long way to go and she still had much to learn.


    [Qi Ji, do you know anything about oil painting?] Shen Yin asked.


    [I studied it in college,] Qi Ji replied.


    Qi Ji had majored in design in college, so of course she had experience with oil painting and had spent a long time on it.


    [Can you teach me?]


    [Of course, beautiful sister. I''lle find you when you''re free.]


    [Okay, thank you Qi Ji.]


    The chat ended there because Li Huanhuan had told Shen Yin that there was someone looking for her downstairs.


    Shen Yin went downstairs with Zhengzheng, but didn''t see anyone else - only Granny Su sitting on the couch.


    "Boss, this granny is looking for you," said Zhengzheng politely, before leaning against the couch and hoisting himself up onto it like a little adult.


    "Long time no see, Zhengzheng has grown taller," Granny Su said with a smile.


    Shen Yin brewed some tea and handed it to Su Jin, then sat down as well.


    "Miss, the granny has something to ask you about," said Su Jin.


    "Yes, granny, please go ahead."


    "It''s like this - our district is having an embroiderypetition. Whichever city ranks highest will represent the district in the nationalpetition. Rong City has quite a few participants this year, but I think your embroidery skills could easily win the national championship. Have you considered participating?"


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin pondered for a moment. Seeing her hesitation, Su Jin continued:


    "Embroidery, as one of our intangible cultural heritages, has always been passed down. But embroidery is not simple - it requires technique and the patience to sit for long periods of time. In recent years, as traditional culture has been promoted, embroidery has also gained international recognition. The exquisite patterns and intricate needlework have made this art form precious. Many foreigners are eager to purchase our embroidery for collection. That''s why I saidst time that the value of your wedding dress is in the seven or eight figures."


    Su Jin looked towards the wedding dress.


    "Outstanding culture needs to be passed on, and exceptional skills should not be buried. I think you should participate - not only will you bring glory to Rong City, but you''ll also achieve personal sess. The national champion''s work will be collected by museums, and the champion herself will gain renown. If you do participate, your future works will reach the world stage. And since you''re in fashion design, thebination of embroidery and clothing will increase the value even further. Why not give it a try?"


    Su Jin had said a lot. Shen Yin admitted that she was tempted - this was indeed a great opportunity for her to go beyond Rong City and reach the world. How wonderful would that be?


    "Granny, why do you think I would stand out in the districtpetition?" Shen Yin believed her embroidery skills could crush thepetition, but she was still curious as to why Su Jin had specifically sought her out.


    "Miss, I''ve lived for over half a century, but this is the first time I''ve seen such a youngdy with such proficient and deft embroidery skills. Anyway, the granny has high hopes for you," Su Jin said slowly.


    Shen Yin knew that Su Jin truly wanted her to participate.


    "Granny Su, when is thepetition? And what is the format?"


    "Late July, thepetition will be held in Rong City. The national finals are inte August. The format is on-site embroidery with a given theme and required techniques."


    "And registration?"


    "Online registration, deadline is mid-July. You can just search for ''embroiderypetition'' and you''ll find it. The granny believes in you - the national championship belongs to no one but you."


    Su Jin said, taking a sip from the water cup on the table, and eximing, "This tea is truly remarkable, fragrant and rich in vor. It''s delicious, youngdy. If you were to open a tea house, I reckon people would queue up."


    "You tter me, Granny," Shen Yin smiled.

 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121


    Shen Yin dared not open a tea house, as it would be too tiring. It was better to apany Zhengzheng, who was obedient and handsome.


    After Su Jin left, Zhengzheng sat on the sofa, opened his big eyes, and asked, "Mom, what is embroidery?"


    Shen Yin hadn''t embroidered for a month or two, and thepetition was less than a month away, so she decided to practice first.


    "Zhengzheng, shall Mom make tiger-head shoes for you?"


    "Tiger''s shoes?"


    "Shoes that look like a tiger."


    Shen Yin held Xu Yunzheng''s hand and climbed the stairs. When they reached the second floor, Shen Yin stopped and didn''t go in, as everyone had their own workroom, and she didn''t want to disturb them. Instead, she found some thread, chose suitable fabric, took needles, and went up to the third floor.


    On the sofa, Shen Yin tilted her head, threaded the needle skillfully, cut the fabric, and sewed, giving the shoes a rough outline.


    "Mom, Zhengzheng misses Dad," Xu Yunzheng suddenly said.


    Shen Yin thought she had been too busy and neglected Zhengzheng, making him sad.


    "Sweetheart, I''m sorry. Mom was too busy earlier. Shall Mom take you to find Dad now?"


    "Yes."


    Shen Yin felt guilty and hugged Xu Yunzheng.


    "Mom is not sad or upset. Zhengzheng just wants to see Dad," Xu Yunzheng said, gently patting Shen Yin''s back in her arms.


    "Then Mom will take Zhengzheng to find Dad now, okay?"


    "Cook dinner first. Bring food for Dad," Xu Yunzheng said.


    Shen Yin: "?"


    Isn''t the n to find Dad? Why bring food now?


    Shen Yin checked her phone and saw that it was almost time, so she could make it if she cooked quickly.


    "So, will Zhengzheng help Mom in the kitchen?"


    "Zhengzheng will help Mom cook."


    At 11:30 AM, the driver was waiting for Shen Yin downstairs.


    Shen Yin carried the lunch boxes, as she and Xu Yunzheng hadn''t eaten yet, and had put all the food in the boxes.


    The driver parked the car in the underground garage, and Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng took the elevator straight to the top floor.


    The office assistants eagerly took out their phones to record the moment, as they couldn''t see such a cute child every day.


    Shen Yin smiled at them as she passed by.


    "She''s so beautiful."


    "Her aura is amazing."


    "I envy the President."


    Xiao Li''er: "..."


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t seem surprised that Shen Yin woulde, as if he knew, and hurried to wee them.


    "Wife, you must miss me," Xu Xiuhe said, not avoiding Zhengzheng.


    "No, it was Zhengzheng who wanted toe."


    Xu Xiuhe and Xu Yunzheng looked at each other, thinking that his efforts were not in vain, as the child was still obedient.


    Xu Xiuhe picked up Zhengzheng and whispered, "Zhengzheng is so good. Dad will keep his promise and help you tonight, so the bad guys can''t take you away."


    Xu Yunzheng pped happily.


    "Come and eat."


    Xu Xiuhe had been eating Shen Yin''s cooking oftentely, and found other food less tasty, so he had arranged for Zhengzheng to bring lunch and see him, while he would help Zhengzheng catch the bad guys in the evening.


    "Wife, your cooking is delicious."


    "Mom, your cooking is delicious."


    Father and son both praised Shen Yin, making her happy.


    "Do you know what Mrs. Su does?"


    "Why ask that?"


    "She has an embroiderypetition and rmended that I participate. I agreed," Shen Yin replied truthfully.


    Xu Xiuhe thought for a moment and said, "It''s good to participate. She''s probably not from Rong City, but the capital, and her status is likely not simple."


    Shen Yin pondered and asked, "Is Rong City considered very powerful nationally?"


    "Pretty good, it''s an economic hub."


    "Are you still tired?" Xu Xiuhe suddenly changed the subject.


    "?"


    Shen Yin took two seconds to understand and signaled Xu Xiuhe not to say anything inappropriate with Zhengzheng present.


    "I want to learn oil painting, and Qi Ji happens to know how. She said she could teach me. What about Xue Jingrui and Qi Yan?" Shen Yin asked tentatively.


    "Even without Qi Ji, they would never be together, as it involves family interests and status. Uncle Xue considers things moreprehensively, and he and Qi Yan''s father will eventually be on opposing sides. So even if Xue Jingrui likes Qi Yan, it''s impossible. Moreover, he doesn''t like the current Qi Yan anymore."


    "Does he like Qi Ji then?"


    "He probably does, or at least has a good impression of her. He seemed quite concerned about her yesterday. He just reacts slowly, but once he realizes his feelings, he''ll be fine. I react quickly and immediately put my ns into action. Aren''t I great?" Xu Xiuhe started praising himself again.


    Here we go again, Shen Yin thought. This man keeps finding ways to praise himself every day. Does Chang Zhiyuan know about Xue Jingrui?


    "Eat, don''t talk. Look at Zhengzheng, he''s eating so attentively."


    "Dad, don''t talk while eating. You should learn from Zhengzheng."


    Xue Jingrui sneezed from the kitchen as he brought out the dishes.


    After moving here, they found a cook, but she fell ill on the first day. Qi Ji felt that since she was already married, she should learn to cook, so she went into the kitchen in thete morning even though breakfast was Xue Jingrui''s responsibility. As housemates, she couldn''t just let her brother-inw do all the cooking.


    Qi Ji had been spoiled since childhood and never cooked, even when living alone in college as her family had a dedicated maid.


    This was her first time in a kitchen.


    She looked up recipes on her phone, then there was a tter of pots and pans.


    Xue Jingrui rushed into the kitchen.


    "Qi Ji, don''t go into the kitchen again."


    Qi Ji thought Xue Jingrui was criticizing her for making a mess and immediately apologized, saying she would clean it up.


    "Qi Ji, your hands are meant for painting, not cooking. I''ll do the cooking from now on," Xue Jingrui said, taking Qi Ji''s hand and rinsing it under the tap before drying it with a paper towel.


    "Go out, I''ll cook. There are snacks in the living room cab," Xue Jingrui instructed.


    "Thank you, Brother Jingrui," Qi Ji said sweetly.


    Qi Ji returned to her room and continued working on her unfinished illustration on her iPad. Her family had spoiled her too much since childhood, providing her with everything she needed. She lived carefree until college when she started taking illustration jobs due to her talent and could now support herselffortably every month.


    On the dining table were two dishes and a soup, all cooked by Xue Jingrui.


    They looked quite appealing, and Qi Ji praised him, "Brother Jingrui, you really can cook."


    Xue Jingrui asked, "Really?"


    "I thought you''d never been in a kitchen like me."


    Before getting married, Xue Jingrui had never set foot in the kitchen. Prior to their marriage, Ye Rong told him that he wouldn''t allow his wife to work in the kitchen in the future. He thought his mother was just saying that, but in reality, she hired a chef to teach him. He learned for nearly a week and became proficient in preparing basic homestyle dishes.

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122


    Qi Ji sat down at the dining table, and Xue Jingrui went back into the kitchen again. When he came out again, he was holding a te of watermelon in his left hand and a te of peaches in his right.


    "Seasonal fruits, just picked," Xue Jingrui said as he ced the fruits on the table.


    The watermelon was pre-sliced into fresh, vibrant red pieces, seedless, and appeared juicy and tender, fit to be called the dream melon.


    The young girl wore a white Peter Pan cor dress with pink overalls and had her hair tied up in buns. Her face was full of cogen, making her look like a middle school student.


    Even while eating, she was graceful and deliberate in her movements.


    "Are you feeling better?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    This loft had two floors and a decent amount of space. It had three bedrooms alone, and Xue Jingrui hadn''t entered the new roomst night out of self-awareness.


    After all, in the old house, although they stayed in separate rooms, he had been sleeping on the floor for almost half a month.


    "I''m fine now, it was my fault yesterday," Qi Ji said, putting down her chopsticks with a regretful expression. Her eyes were big and round like bronze bells, her mouth was small and plump, her nose bridge was high, and her cheeks were slightly chubby.


    Xue Jingrui began to doubt himself, wondering if he had really married an underage girl.


    "It wasn''t your fault, you''re wonderful," he said.


    As soon as the words left Xue Jingrui''s lips, Qi Ji''s mood instantly brightened, and she beamed with joy.


    Sweet girls were just sweet girls. When she smiled, Xue Jingrui had no resistance. He lowered his head shyly, unable to look directly into Qi Ji''s eyes.


    In contrast, the young girl''s smile was open and carefree. She even asked, "Brother Jingrui, what''s wrong? Have your meal."


    "Okay, let''s eat, eat," Xue Jingrui said, feeling awkward as he picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of rice.


    In Hai City, at a film and television production base, Shu Yi had just finished her meal and returned to her room for an afternoon nap.


    Yan Yan poured her a ss of water.


    After taking a sip, Shu Yi made a video call to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin was in the car, with the driver taking her and Xu Yunzheng back to their little house. When her phone vibrated, the first voice she heard was Xu Yunzheng''s.


    "Mom, your phone''s ringing," he said.


    Shen Yin took her phone out of her bag and answered the call.


    "Yin Yin," Shu Yi said, pointing the camera at herself.


    Xu Yunzheng couldn''t see the video, but he recognized the voice and shouted, "Auntie Mom!"


    "Hey, do you miss Auntie Mom? Auntie Mom will bring you toys when she gets back," Shu Yi replied.


    "Thank you, Auntie Mom," Xu Yunzheng said contentedly, ying by himself.


    "Shu Yi, how was your first day there?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I flew here by myself. The filming doesn''t officially start until this afternoon, but the environment here is quite nice. It''s Hai City, right next to the ocean, so there''s plenty of seafood," Shu Yi said.


    "So, is Chang Zhiyuan really the male lead?" Shen Yin inquired.


    Shu Yi''s expression immediately turned distressed. "Yin Yin, you don''t know, this drama might be ruined."


    "Oh? Why do you say that?" Shen Yin remembered Shu Yi had previously told her that this drama had good quality and a great urban-themed script, and might achieve high ratings.


    Shen Yin had been keeping up with Shu Yi''s previous drama ''Xian Xi Zhuan'' as it neared its conclusion. She felt that Shu Yi was attractive, popr, and even had decent acting skills, so this new drama should be good too.


    "He''s a young master, the CEO of a mediapany. How can he take directions from others when he''s never acted before and has no acting skills? I just ran into him on my way here, walking with the director, who waspletely deferential to him. Ah, it''s over, it''s ruined," Shu Yimented.


    "Hahaha, Shu Yi, don''t think like that. With your great acting skills, you can overshadow the male lead. When it airs, the audience will criticize him instead, and then they''ll feel sorry for you, which is great," Shen Yin encouraged her.


    "You''re right, Yin Yin, you''re so smart. I''ll continue studying the script and memorizing my lines," Shu Yi said, feeling better.


    "Good, I''m looking forward to your new drama. Can you give me a spoiler for the ending of ''Xian Xi Zhuan''? I''ve been following it for so long, but it''s not finished yet," Shen Yin requested.


    ''Xian Xi Zhuan'' had be hugely popr, a major female-centric drama with daily Weibo trending topics. The epic life story of a woman, it should have attracted mostly female viewers, but since the lead was Shu Yi, the campus goddess, there were many male viewers too. Every day on Weibo, there werements begging for more episodes, and some people were even willing to pay to watch the ending in advance.


    However, Director Wang Ming refused to allow it, believing that a good drama should be savored slowly, and that there was joy in the anticipation of following a drama week by week. Releasing the ending all at once would change the nature of the viewing experience. He also didn''t want to exploit the audience or profit from their impatience.


    If the viewers knew this reasoning, they would undoubtedly bombard Wang Ming''s Weibo, because the drama was too good, and they were willing to pay.


    "Yin Yin, the ending is a happy one. I don''t have any insider resources, but your husband can probably get it," Shu Yi said, leaving it at that.


    After hanging up, the driver spoke up, "Madam, are you watching ''Xian Xi Zhuan'' too?"


    "Yes, I am," Shen Yin replied.


    The driver usually didn''t watch TV, but recently, his daughter and wife had been hooked on the drama, leaving him with no choice but to watch it too, and he had be engrossed in it himself.


    "Isn''t the kid in the show Xu Yunzheng?" the driver suddenly realized, remarking that the child looked familiar.


    Shen Yin smiled and nodded in confirmation.


    "My daughter is totally obsessed with Xu Yunzheng now. I never thought I''d end up watching him every day too," the driver said with a proud expression.


    "We''re not going back to Qinghe Street," Shen Yin instructed.


    "Then where to?" the driver asked.


    Shen Yin gave him the address of the Shen family vi.


    The driver made a U-turn upon hearing the new destination.


    Shen Yin hadn''t been to the hospital for a while. Yesterday afternoon, she had nned to go, but Fang Yue told her that Shen Tianzheng had recovered well and had been discharged.


    On the way, Shen Yin bought some nutritional supplements. She had dreamed of the original owner''s memories a few times and had already made up her mind - Fang Yue and Shen Tianzheng were now her parents, and as their daughter, she needed to do her part.


    When Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng arrived at the Shen family vi and knocked on the door, Fang Yue opened it, her face lighting up with surprise and delight. "Yin Yin, Xu Yunzheng, what are you two doing here?"


    The woman''s expression was gentle and warm, unable to hide her joy.


    "We''re here to see how you and Dad are doing," Shen Yin said.


    "Your father has recovered very well, don''t worry. Didn''t you have work today?" Fang Yue asked.


    "Grandma," Xu Yunzheng said, looking up at Fang Yue.


    "Grandma!" called out Fang Yue, feeling dizzy and disoriented, unable to recall that she was supposed to pour water for Shen Tianzheng. She hugged and kissed Xu Yunzheng.


    Seeing this, Shen Yin felt greatly relieved. Thest time she saw Fang Yue, she had been in such a terrible state, her face weary and devoid of any will to live, as if the sky had fallen.


    And wasn''t that true? Shen Tianzheng was Fang Yue''s entire world. Now that Shen Tianzheng had recovered, Fang Yue had also regained her spirits.

 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123


    Fang Yue held Zhengzheng and walked over to Shen Tianzheng''s side. Shen Tianzheng also wanted to carry him, but considering that he had been ill and just discharged from the hospital, he was worried it might not be good for the child, so he gave up.


    Fang Yue looked at Shen Tianzheng with envy, feeling heartbroken, she said, "Zhengzheng, look, grandpa misses you too."


    "Mom, why don''t you put Zhengzheng down? He''s quite heavy, don''t tire yourself out."


    Fang Yue felt happy in her heart and didn''t feel that Zhengzheng was heavy at all.


    Instead, Zhengzheng, having heard Shen Yin''s words, was afraid his grandma would get tired, so he said, "Grandma, let Zhengzheng down. Dad often doesn''t let mom carry Zhengzheng because he''s afraid mom will get tired."


    Zhengzheng''s words sounded sensible, but his expression looked aggrieved, especially when he mentioned his dad not letting his mom carry him, it was as if he had been wronged.


    Zhengzheng wanted to get down, and Fang Yue felt the baby''s movement, so she put the little one down on the ground.


    Once on the ground, Xu Yunzheng''s little expression changed, smiling brightly. He walked over to Shen Tianzheng, held onto his knee and said, "Grandpa, you''re well now."


    The little one''s tone was sweet and endearing, and his words wereforting.


    "Zhengzheng, grandpa is well now, so we can swing together again."


    "No swinging, grandpa, the sun outside is too big and hot, Zhengzheng will get tanned."


    Xu Yunzheng shook his head, his tone serious, his expression grave, as if he would turn into a little ck person just by going outside.


    "Okay, no swinging." Shen Tianzheng went along with Zhengzheng''s wish.


    "Grandpa, rest, you''ll get well faster," Zhengzheng said again.


    "Did you hear that? I just told you to go lie down, but you wouldn''t listen. Even Zhengzheng knows that resting more will help you recover faster. Go to the bedroom now!" Fang Yue turned and said.


    Shen Tianzheng was reluctant. He had finally seen his daughter and great-grandson, and now they were telling him to go back to his room. What was that all about?


    "Grandpa, Zhengzheng will help you." The little one pulled Shen Tianzheng''s hand.


    Shen Tianzheng stood up, letting Xu Yunzheng hold his finger and lead him.


    Xu Yunzheng didn''t know where Shen Tianzheng''s room was, so when Shen Tianzheng stood up, he looked at Fang Yue for help.


    "Zhengzheng is so sensible," Fang Yue sighed.


    Shen Yin didn''t say anything, but she totally agreed with that statement. He was too sensible, too thoughtful, rarely causing her any worries, and always keeping herpany.


    If she didn''t have Zhengzheng when she first came to this world, she might not know what kind of person she would have be.


    "Next April, Zhengzheng will be three years old," Fang Yue asked.


    Shen Yin really didn''t know, and suddenly felt apologetic that she hadn''t paid much attention to Zhengzheng''s birthday sinceing here.


    "Yes."


    Fang Yue continued, "When you gave birth to Zhengzheng, I was actually outside the whole time. It''s quite a coincidence that your birthday and Zhengzheng''s are just one day apart."


    One day apart, she remembered the original owner''s date of birth on her ID card, and the date she was in Dasheng was also just one day apart. Could it be that she and Zhengzheng were born on the same day? Is this fate?


    "Next year, I''ll make sure to celebrate your and Zhengzheng''s birthdays properly. It''s been years since I gave my precious daughter a birthday celebration. I know you may still resent what your father did to you, but it doesn''t matter. All I hope for now is that you and your family stay safe and healthy, and that you cane visit us often." Fang Yue looked at Shen Yin.


    In the journey of life, some things will never change.


    "Let''s have dinner here tonight." Mom then asked the maid to cook.


    "No need, mom. Xiuhe and I have to go back tonight. I still need to be back by 5 PM for some work at the studio."


    "I see. Then whenever you have time, you, Xiuhe and Zhengzheng should alle over. Let your brothere back too, and we''ll have a meal together."


    "Okay."


    After Shen Tianzheng took a nap in the afternoon, Fang Yue kept chatting with Shen Yin. It had been years since she had a heart-to-heart talk with Shen Yin. Previously, when she came to pick up Zhengzheng, she didn''t want to disturb Shen Yin''s work, so she didn''t say much.


    "Zhengzheng is just like you, not only in looks but also in personality, obedient and sensible. When you were in middle school, you would help me massage my shoulders every day. In high school, you never let me worry about your studies."


    When people get old, they tend to reminisce about the past. People always feel more fortunate when approaching happiness, but be anxious when happiness is ongoing.


    Fang Yue was like that.


    Shen Tianzheng had recovered, Shen Yin was back to normal, and she became her little cotton-padded jacket again.


    But she was afraid, afraid that Shen Yin might still harbor resentment towards her, afraid that the current situation would suddenly disappear.


    So, she took Shen Yin to her old bedroom and told her that no one had touched the room all these years.


    Shen Yin looked around the bedroom and could tell that when the original owner''s mental state was still fine, she was a kind, gentle, cheerful, and lovely young girl.


    Suddenly, she remembered the dream she hadst time, a girl with such a personality would probably have a good life in that other world.


    Fang Yue pointed to the certificates on the wall, trophies in the cab, and told Shen Yin about each one.


    Awards for calligraphypetitions, pianopetitions, dancepetitions. As Fang Yue recounted these things, she seemed nostalgic, speaking eloquently, and Shen Yin listened with relish.


    Before they knew it, time had passed through Fang Yue''s gentle and detailed narration.


    "Mom, it''s gettingte. Zhengzheng and I should head back."


    "Okay, let me see you off."


    The sun outside was not as scorching as it was in the afternoon.


    Shen Tianzheng had also gotten up and joined Fang Yue at the door to bid farewell to Shen Yin.


    As always, Zhengzheng blew a kiss goodbye.


    "Zhengzheng, meeting you is the greatest fortune of my life," Shen Yin said softly.


    Because of Zhengzheng, she felt warmth and learned what a mother''s love was. Because of Zhengzheng, she walked through an exceptionally difficult path.


    "Mom, Zhengzheng is also lucky."


    Life is long, looking back and looking forward. Shen Yin felt that everything was for the best, no matter what happened, there was always a purpose behind it. She was fortunate to have met Xu Xiuhe and Xu Yunzheng, to have encountered love.


    All things were luxuriantly growing in the summer, and she too must strive to grow.


    When they returned to the small building, the employees had just gotten off work. Her rtionship with them was not close, always maintaining a superior-subordinate rtionship. But the employees were not afraid of her at all.


    They greeted Shen Yin warmly, bidding her farewell. As they were leaving, Shen Yin, surprisingly, said, "Have a nice weekend."


    Have a nice weekend, how wonderful that sounded.


    The cool evening breeze blew in, soothing the fatigue of the day. Inside the little house, the lights were bright and delicious aromas wafted through the air.


    "My dear wife, you''ve worked hard," Xu Xiuhe said as he embraced Shen Yin from behind.


    "Let''s hire a maid to do the cooking."


    "Why is that?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I don''t want you to be burdened," Xu Xiuhe said softly. He had been negligent before, until today when he saw the photo Xue Jingrui posted in their group chat.


    [My mom says my wife shouldn''t be in the kitchen. Look, brothers, aren''t my cooking skills good?] Xue Jingrui had written, alongside a photo of the lunch he had made himself.


    Seeing that message filled Xu Xiuhe with remorse for half a day.

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124


    He felt that he was an unqualified husband.


    "A good man should never let his wife into the kitchen," Xu Xiuhe said seriously.


    "Haha." Shen Yinughed out loud. This man always came up with such ideas.


    "Do you think you''re a good man?" Shen Yin asked.


    This question stumped Xu Xiuhe.


    "You are good, a good father, a good husband. As for entering the kitchen, it''s not like you forced me to. I enjoy it myself, and I''m happy to cook for the one I love. It has nothing to do with whether you''re a good man or not." Shen Yin spoke at length.


    The one she loved, Xu Xiuhe caught the key point.


    Love is a gentle stream, love is constantpanionship, love is being happy just having you by my side.


    After dinner, Shen Yin saw that the moonlight was perfect outside, and the evening breeze was pleasant, so she thought of going for a walk.


    Xu Xiuhe naturally wanted to apany her.


    "Shall we go down Qinghe Street again?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    The bluestone pavement of Qinghe Street was suitable for walking, but Shen Yin wanted to try a different street.


    "We walked therest time. Let''s go a bit further this time and experience the pace of life in the surrounding area," Shen Yin replied.


    Near Qinghe Street, there were residential areas, shops, and roadside stalls, the bustling atmosphere of daily life that could soothe one''s heart.


    At the roadside stalls, there was barbecue and dine-and-dash eateries.


    A family of three walked hand in hand, a sight Xu Xiuhe hadn''t seen in many years.


    In the wind, there was the aroma of cumin and grilled meat.


    "Mom, it smells so good," Xu Yunzheng stood by the roadside, looking at the barbecue stall, unable to move.


    "Then Mom will take Zhengzheng out to eat next time, okay?" Shen Yin asked.


    Zhengzheng wasn''t hungry; he had eaten a lot for dinner. But this ce smelled so good, and it was the first time he had seen people casually setting up a table by the roadside to eat, so he couldn''t help but be curious.


    "Okay, let''s go, Mom."


    Xu Yunzheng turned back.


    "There''s an alley up ahead. Let''s take a detour through there and head home," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    "Okay."


    The alley they were taking back was dimly lit, with almost no one around, in stark contrast to the bustling and prosperous atmosphere they had just left.


    "This area probably has more tenants, so there aren''t many people out at this hour," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "Listen, what''s that sound up ahead?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe listened and picked up Zhengzheng. "It sounds like a fight, a brawl."


    "I''ll go take a look," Shen Yin said.


    Xu Xiuhe had actually thought it would be better to avoid trouble and just return the way they came, but seeing Shen Yin''s expression of curiosity, he didn''t stop her.


    Shen Yin walked ahead, and Xu Xiuhe carried Zhengzheng behind her. The sound grew louder and louder.


    Not far ahead.


    A young woman was being pinned down on the ground by two men, who were beating and even kicking her.


    There was another young woman standing behind the two men, hitting them hard with her handbag.


    "Keep yelling, and we''ll stuff your panties in your mouth."


    "What are you trying to pull, dressed like thatte at night in a spaghetti strap top? You obviously wanted someone to follow you, so why are you resisting now?" said the other man.


    "Let her go. I''m calling the police," said the woman with the bag, backing up and calmly taking out her phone.


    "Shut up, you dare call the police? I''d like to see you try." One of the men turned and grabbed the woman with the bag, lifted his foot and kicked her in the back of the knee. The woman cried out in pain and fell to her knees.


    "Minding other people''s business, asking for trouble. You''ll end up like her."


    The two burly men swore as they tore at the dress of the woman on the ground.


    This was the scene that Shen Yin witnessed upon arrival. The two men were like beasts, violently assaulting the two defenseless young women.


    "Stop it," Shen Yin spoke up.


    "Oh, look who''s minding other people''s business again. This one''s not bad, quite a catch."


    The other man turned his head upon hearing her, then revealed a lewd grin.


    "I advise you to leave and mind your own business. Otherwise, you''ll end up worse than them," the manughed lewdly, his voice dripping with grease.


    Shen Yin felt disgusted and wanted to vomit.


    Xu Xiuhe, who was behind her, heard this and his expression turned furious. He wanted to rush over and punch that filthy mouth.


    But then he remembered he was holding Zhengzheng, so he took out his phone to call the police.


    Xu Xiuhe was quite a distance away, but as he watched Shen Yin stretch, he suddenly didn''t want to call anymore.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s wait for Mommy together. Want to watch cartoons?" Xu Xiuhe carried Zhengzheng a little further away. He believed in Shen Yin.


    Xu Yunzheng was delighted.


    "What if I refuse to mind my own business?" Shen Yin calmly spoke, her tone cold. Truly, there were strange people everywhere, and all kinds of birds in a big forest.


    Beasts, animals, scum.


    "Then don''t me us for being impolite. There aren''t any surveince cameras in this alley."


    Shen Yin smiled. No surveince cameras? Even better. She had noticed earlier, and Xu Xiuhe had probably understood her meaning. After this, she would have no reservations.


    The two burly men approached. The two young women finally had a glimmer of hope and shrank back a little. They could run, but they didn''t. One woman tried to reach for her bag to get her phone.


    Shen Yin saw this and said, "Don''t bother calling the police."


    "Hehehehehehehehe." One of the big men turned and snatched the phone away, smashing it on the ground beside them.


    The other man looked at Shen Yin''s delicate frame and tried to use the same tactic, attempting to bring her down.


    But Shen Yin was too quick and dodged to the side, causing the man to miss.


    Enraged, he charged at Shen Yin with his fist raised.


    Shen Yin dodged again.


    "Not bad, you move pretty fast, little girl. If you behave now, we''ll let you enjoy it a bitter," said the man who had smashed the phone.


    "Screw off, you filthy dog. You think you can just grab anyone you want?" Shen Yin swore for the first time.


    Shen Yin was swift and nimble. This body had learned dance, so it wasn''t difficult at all. As the man charged, she lifted her leg high and kicked him in a sensitive area.


    The man cried out in pain, clutching himself down there and calling out, "Bitch!" before jumping back up.


    The other man continued to approach, and Shen Yin moved behind him. With all her might, she kicked the back of his knee joint, just like the woman had kneed the other man''s leg earlier.


    The man fell to one knee.


    Shen Yin kicked his other leg, and finally, this man was on both knees.


    Shen Yin swung her elbow towards the man''s neck, and then she stepped on his leg.


    "You two,e here," Shen Yin said, looking towards the two young girls crouched against the wall.


    Then, thinking of something else, she asked, "Are you able to stand up?"


    "Yes," the woman holding a bag replied, rising to her feet.


    The other woman, who had previously been pinned to the ground, also struggled to stand up, smoothing out her dress. Her face was swollen, her crying just having stopped.


    "What did they do to you just now? Why did youe back?" Shen Yin asked them.


    After saying this, she forcefully kicked one of the men, knocking him to the ground, while the other was still hopping around.

 Chapter 125

    Chapter 125


    Shen Yin walked behind the bouncing man and, taking advantage of the man''s jump, tripped him. The man stumbled forward, and Shen Yin followed through with another kick.


    Shen Yin wasn''t foolish. She was skilled in martial arts, but the disparity between men and women was still too great. She had to use clever techniques instead of brute force.


    After the man fell, Shen Yin stepped on his head and asked, "I''m meddling, so what can you do to me, call the police? Go ahead, I''ll wait." Shen Yin crossed her arms and said nonchntly.


    "Don''te back. They''re a bunch of social scum, looking human but acting dishonorably to their ancestors."


    Shen Yin turned to the two standing girls and said.


    The two girls were a bit afraid.


    "Don''t be afraid, you did nothing wrong. They''re the ones at fault. There are no cameras here, so fight back. You were stalked and sexually harassed, can''t you defend yourselves?"


    The two girls then walked forward.


    The woman carrying a bag vigorously hit the man''s face with her bag. The man tried to get up, but he didn''t know why that frail woman was so strong that he couldn''t get up at all.


    "Let me go, I was wrong," the man begged.


    "Yes, yes, I was wrong too."


    "You beast, if you knew it was wrong from the start, why did you still do it? What''s wrong with me wearing a skirt?" The girl with the swollen face cried.


    "Does me wearing a skirt justify you stalking me, molesting me, and using violence against me? Do women have to wear armor to go out?"


    "This is a civilized society. I didn''t expect to encounter such an incident. Don''t take advantage of being drunk to do whatever you want and expose your true nature," said the woman carrying the bag.


    "It''s you who''s meddling," the man lying on the ground still wanted to argue.


    "I''m a woman. When I see another woman in trouble, I naturally lend a hand. As for you, do you really understand that you were wrong? If we hadn''t met this sister, with your violence, would she and I still be alive?"


    "Even knowing there are no cameras here, was this premeditated or just a spur of the moment?" The woman carrying the bag had remained calm until now, but she was also in tears from the aftershock. No one wants to encounter such an incident, but when it really happens, who wouldn''t be afraid?


    If it weren''t for this sister''s help, would they have been killed by violence or assaulted?


    Before, she had only seen such things online ¨C girls being stalked for wearing skirts, girls being secretly photographed on the subway, girls being insulted for speaking up for themselves. At that time, it really did seem far removed from her own life.


    But when it actually happened to her, she realized that for a girl, luck sometimes isn''t about having the person you like liking you back, passing exams,pleting work, or getting paid.


    Rather, it''s about not being stalked when walking at night, not being secretly photographed for wearing a short skirt, not being ogled for wearing a tank top, going out and getting home safely without encountering bad people, and being able to speak up for women on social media without being insulted.


    With Shen Yin''s backing, the two girls were emboldened by their anger and pped the man repeatedly.


    "Scum, why don''t you just die? How can you even call yourself human?" The girl cursed as she hit him, but then had a thought - if they let him go today, wouldn''t these lowlifes stretch out their evil hands to other girls tomorrow?


    "Aren''t we really going to call the police?" the girl with the swollen face asked Shen Yin.


    "Let''s finish beating him first," Shen Yin replied.


    "Are you sure there are no cameras?" the girl asked again.


    The girl carrying the bag looked around. She had lived in this area for a while but had never noticed any cameras. There were few residents here, not even street lights. "No."


    The girl with the swollen face walked over to Shen Yin and asked, "Sister, can I hit him?"


    The man kept screaming, annoying Shen Yin. She looked at the girl carrying the bag and said, "Do you have any paper in your bag?"


    The girl nodded, and Shen Yin took the paper from her, crumpled it into two balls, and stuffed them into the man''s mouth.


    The girl with the swollen face, wearing high heels, kicked the man. The man curled up his body, and the excess flesh on his legs jiggled with his movements.


    The girl felt disgusted. Taking aim, she stomped down with her thin high heel.


    Shen Yin inwardly eximed, "Ouch!" That kick was much more painful than the ones she had delivered earlier. That stomp was probably more painful than castration during the Dasheng Dynasty.


    The other girl was also shocked but only for two seconds. They were the victims here. This was nothingpared to almost losing their lives earlier. She also imitated the other girl and stomped down.


    The man made a sound, but with his mouth stuffed, he could only mumble.


    Expressions of pain and shock upied their swollen, bruised faces.


    "Sister, thank you. Without you, we would have been done for," the two girls expressed their gratitude.


    Xu Xiuhe then came over, carrying Xu Yunzheng, and took out her phone to photograph the girls'' faces.


    "No need to thank me. Any woman wouldn''t turn a blind eye to such an incident."


    "What do we do next?" the girl asked.


    Shen Yin: "Leave. They brought this upon themselves."


    "They will face legal consequences next," Xu Xiuhe spoke up.


    "Sister, have you practiced martial arts?"


    "Yes, I''ve practiced a bit."


    "I want to learn too. I used to think this kind of thing wouldn''t happen to me, but now I don''t think that way anymore. I want to learn to protect myself."


    "Okay, then learn."


    "Where did you learn? You''re so formidable."


    "It''s a family tradition," Shen Yin replied, which was indeed the truth - her great-grandfather had taught her.


    "Could you teach me? I can pay tuition."


    "Me too."


    Shen Yin: "Write down my phone number. You can find me if you want to learn."


    The two girls expressed their gratitude again.


    "Go back and treat your injuries. Get some rest."


    After thanking her again, they left.


    "Wife, you weren''t hurt, were you?" Xu Xiuhe asked with concern.


    He had been extremely worried over there.


    "No, you forgot I could take on five men alone?"


    "Mommy, were they bad people?" Xu Yunzheng didn''t know what had happened, only seeing two people lying on the ground.


    "Yes, they were bad people who bullied girls, so Mommy beat them up just now."


    "Wow, Mommy is amazing!" Yunzheng apuded.


    "Yunzheng wants to beat up bad people too."


    "That has to wait until Yunzheng grows up and bes strong enough to defeat them. For now, Yunzheng needs to be kind to girls and not harm them. Mom is a girl, so Yunzheng must protect Mom," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "Okay, Yunzheng will protect Mom and protect girls from now on."


    "So there were such beasts even in that era," Shen Yin remarked.


    "You had them too in your time?"


    "Yes, bullies who abducted and raped women."


    Xu Xiuhe thought about it and realized she was right. Although Shen Yin came from a dynasty that never existed historically, it was still ancient times. Such things were quite normal back then.


    "My grandfather taught me martial arts from a young age, not to serve the country, but to defend myself from being bullied. I always thought there were no such incidents here. But today I encountered one."


    "Are these kinds of incidentsmon here?" Shen Yin asked further.

 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126


    This question stumped Xu Xiuhe. He knew the world didn''t seem so good, and in the past when he was busy with work, he never paid attention to these kinds of incidents.


    asionally, he would see trending topics pop up on his phone, but he would just scroll past them, letting the news pass by without leaving a trace.


    Looking back carefully, it seemed like these kinds of incidents were not umon - being molested on the bus, having clothes stripped off on the subway, being murdered while out for a morning jog, or even being beaten bloody just for rejecting someone''s advances.


    Afterward, there would only be a temporary buzz in the news, and then nothing.


    It would create a small ripple, but never a big wave no matter what.


    "The dark side is just too prevalent, and we are helpless," Xu Xiuhe reflected. He truly hadn''t paid attention to these things before.


    The two of them fell into a prolonged silence.


    Finally, it was Zhengzheng who broke the silence.


    "Mom, the bad people are so bad."


    "Yes, bad people can be heartless, and they deserve to be severely punished. You could even say they are not really human."


    "Bad people need to be punished. When Zhengzheng grows up, I''ll go catch the bad people."


    "Good, our Zhengzheng will grow up to be a real stand-up man."


    After returning home and coaxing Zhengzheng to sleep, Shen Yin asked Xu Xiuhe: "What should we do about tonight''s incident? Those two men are probably crippled."


    "Tomorrow I''ll have someone expose this incident. Jing Rui''s father is a high-ranking official in the city, so at that time, they should step up social security efforts."


    "What about those two men?"


    "They got what they deserved. Let them fend for themselves. I''ve already taken photos of them. Just now I sent the photos to Liu Bo and had him investigate them. They have criminal records."


    "Criminal records?"


    "Yes."


    "No wonder these kinds of incidents are somon nowadays. It seems the punishments have been too lenient. They pay too little of a price, so they act with impunity," Shen Yin said.


    "Let''s sleep for now."


    The next day, photos of the two perverted men appeared on the local social media.


    Indeed, Xu Xiuhe had paid to make the story a trending topic. Only by doing so could he draw people''s attention and make them aware of the issue. Problems need to be solved, not avoided.


    Soon, many people began voicing their opinions under the post.


    [I was the victim in this incident. I was just wearing a dress and trying to go home when these two men started following me. They threatened me to ''know my ce.'' Then we ran into another girl who tried to help, and they assaulted us both. Luckily, a good Samaritan came and helped us. I know not every victim girl is as lucky as me. Was I wrong for wearing a dress? Was I wrong for trying to go home? I know this incident has been exposed, and there will still be many people ming me, but I just want to say - the victim is not at fault.]


    Below this post was a selfie of the girl, her eyes ckened, her lip split, and her face badly swollen.


    More and morements poured in, with many girls sharing simr experiences they had faced.


    Soon, Shu Yi also reposted the story, and the Heyuan Group''s official ount also spoke up, even Chang Zhiyuan reposted it on his personal ount.


    [What exactly do they want girls to do?] became a trending topic again.


    In the small group chat of Heyuan Group executives, messages kept pouring in praising their CEO.


    Shu Yi inexplicably gained a wave of new female fans.


    There werements using her of riding the trend for publicity.


    But within seconds, the people who made thosements were bombarded with abuse.


    [Is she riding the trend? This is exactly the kind of trend that deserves to be ridden. We need people to speak up. Otherwise, the news will pass, and simr incidents will happen again.]


    [Well said, why should we let scum in society off the hook?]


    [I stand with those who speak up.]


    Finally,izens all wanted to find the ''good Samaritan'' the girl mentioned.


    After all, it was an incredibly brave act to rescue two girls. If he hadn''t been there, would the two young girls have met a terrible fate?


    Xu Xiuhe handled the information skillfully, revealing what was appropriate to reveal while keeping other details under wraps.


    Thew would punish those men, and many peoplemented that the punishment should be severe.


    But did it end there? No, it didn''t.


    Shu Yi posted again on social media.


    [I hope all girls can live safe and happy lives. Protect yourselves, and carry self-defense tools with you when going out. In case you can''t get help from those around you when in danger, you''ll be able to defend yourself.]


    Watching the various discussions online, Shen Yin fell into contemtion. At her studio, all her employees were young girls, each as beautiful as a flower. If she couldn''t protect others, she could at least protect those around her.


    Shen Yin went online and purchased several anti-wolf rms and small weapons, intending to give one set to each of her five employees.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t go to work since it was the weekend, so he could apany his wife. Seeing Shen Yin buy these self-defense items, he had the same idea.


    He messaged Liu Bo, asking him to procure these self-defense tools and rms for the female employees at Heyuan Group, one set for each.


    Liu Bo was efficient, immediately contacting nearby factories. Two hourster, arge truck pulled up at the Heyuan Group office building.


    Workers unloaded box after box, carrying them into the office tower.


    Heyuan Group was on a rotating weekend shift, with only one-third of employees present. But with such arge workforce, those who saw the boxesbeled ''self-defense weapons'' and ''rms'' immediately shared the news in the group chat, causing an uproar.


    Soon, ''Heyuan Group'' became a trending topic.


    [Let''s discuss how fortunate Heyuan Group employees are.] The post included photos of the self-defense items.


    More and morements flooded in.


    [I''m so envious]


    [How can I get a job at Heyuan Group?]


    [I wish I had a boss like this too]


    [The CEO''s wife must be super blessed]


    [I wish my boss could learn from this]


    At the Qinghe Vi, the family of three had just finished lunch and was about to take an afternoon nap when Shen Yin picked up her phone to see a message from Shu Yi.


    [Your husband is so awesome.]


    Shen Yin [?]


    What happened that she didn''t know about?


    [Check social media.]


    Shu Yi forwarded the trending topic to her.


    [Other people''s bosses]


    Shen Yin protested that Xu Xiuhe was just copying her. She was the one with an awesome boss, not the other way around.


    [Woo woo woo, I''m the boss of someone else''spany, he saw me buying these things to give to employees, so he bought them too, but he''s more efficient.]


    [Hahaha hahahaha, that made meugh, Shen Yin you''re so cool.]


    [I hope the girls can be treated well.]


    [Yeah.]


    [How''s your filming going?] Shen Yin asked.


    [It''s too hot today, the efficiency is a bit slow, you don''t know how ridiculous Chang Zhiyuan is, he wants to change the script.]


    [How does he want to change it?]


    [Never mind, I''ll tell you when I get back, I can''t exin it clearly in a few words now.]

 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127


    "Xiuhe, why are you so efficient?" Shen Yin spoke with a slightly spoiled tone.


    Xu Xiuhe rarely heard Shen Yin use such a tone, feeling a bit smug. What man wouldn''t be happy when the woman he loves acts spoiled with him?


    "Next time you have something to do, tell me, and I''ll definitely be faster than you."


    "Okay."


    "You''re really not going to thepany today?"


    "It''s Sunday today."


    Shen Yin...


    She knew it was Sunday, but wasn''t he thepany president? He used to work on Sundays too, but now he''s bing more and more indolent.


    "Do you have anything nned for the afternoon?"


    "Why?"


    "Today is my mother''s anniversary of passing. I want to go see her, and let her see you too."


    "I''m free."


    At the cemetery, Shen Yin stood beside Xu Xiuhe, who was holding Zhengzheng in his arms.


    "Grandma," Zhengzheng called out.


    Xu Xiuhe had brought him herest year too, but back then he couldn''t speak yet. Unexpectedly, this year, without any teaching, he called out on his own.


    "Mom, I''vee to see you. This time, your daughter-inw hase too," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Shen Yin looked at the photo on the tombstone, where the woman was smiling happily, with features resembling Xu Xiuhe''s.


    "Mom, I''vee to see you."


    Shen Yin had been without a mother since she was young, until she met Fang Yue and experienced a mother''s love, realizing the warmth of that word.


    Now, she was a mother too. Looking at the photo, she couldn''t help but be entranced.


    "Mom, you raised Xiuhe well. He''s been good to me and to Zhengzheng, and even to the employees at thepany. Thank you, Mom."


    Xu Xiuhe probably didn''t expect Shen Yin to say such words, and he turned to look at her.


    "Grandma, Dad is great, Zhengzheng is great too, and Mom is even better. Grandma must have been really great."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin smiled slightly.


    "Mommy, where is Grandma? Why has Zhengzheng never seen her?" Zhengzheng asked curiously, looking at the tombstone.


    "Grandma is in heaven. She came to this world for a while toplete her mission, and now she has returned to heaven."


    "Is heaven a good ce?"


    "Yes, heaven is a good ce."


    "Then Zhengzheng wants to go to heaven too!" Zhengzheng pped his hands excitedly.


    "Ahem, we shouldn''t be saying that. Zhengzheng, people only leave this world when they grow old and pass away," Shen Yin corrected him.


    "Dear, children speak without restraint. Don''t listen to your grandson''s nonsense," Xu Xiuhe said, looking at the photo.


    "Oh, I understand. Good people go to heaven, but where do the bad people go?" Children always have so many strange questions.


    "Bad people go to hell, where there are all kinds of punishments to make them understand that even after death, if they did wrong, they won''t be at peace."


    She didn''t know if hell really existed, but she knew that there would be cause and effect, that bad deeds would be repaid. After all, she had even experienced the strange phenomenon of transmigration, so she believed that evildoers would face retribution.


    "Then will the bad people from yesterday go to hell? They bullied the girl, so they''re bad people. Zhengzheng wants them to go to hell soon."


    "They will go to hell, it''s just not their time yet. But Zhengzheng, we must know that people can''t do bad things."


    "Mom, you must be doing well over there. Please bless Zhengzheng, Yin Yin, and I, to be safe, happy, and healthy. We''lle see you often. For now, we''ll leave first."


    "Goodbye, Grandma."


    "Mom, goodbye. I''ll definitely take good care of Zhengzheng and Xiuhe."


    On the way back, Xu Xiuhe joked, "Wife, you promised Mom you''d treat me well, so you can''t go back on your word."


    Shen Yin responded lightly, "Sure, I won''t go back on my word. Can you tell me about your mother? I don''t know anything about your past."


    "My mother had a good temperament, gentle and gracious. Initially, she and my father made vows of eternal love, and she brought quite a dowry when marrying him. But after just a few years, my father had an affair. I always knew, but I didn''t know if she knew. Until one day, she told me that if she wasn''t around anymore, I must protect myself and not confront that man. Shortly after she passed away from illness, my father remarried someone else - Yang Cui."


    "So your childhood must have been very miserable."


    "It was alright, but you had it worse than me. We''re a match made in heaven. I was a bit luckier, at least that woman didn''t force me to marry an old man."


    "..."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll never treat you the way that man treated you. I''ve said it before, the spouse spot in my life can only be you, and yours can only be me, unless I die. Understand?"


    Xu Xiuhe turned to look at Shen Yin in the passenger seat as he spoke.


    When she heard the word "die," Shen Yin suddenly covered Xu Xiuhe''s mouth with her hand. "Don''t say unlucky things. Say blessings instead, like we''ll both live long lives."


    "Okay, we''ll definitely live long lives and grow old together."


    "Zhengzheng will live a long life too and grow old with us!" The baby in the back suddenly piped up.


    "You''re awake, Zhengzheng?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Mommy, I''m thirsty."


    Shen Yin looked at Xu Xiuhe, signaling him to stop the car so she could go to the back seat.


    Shen Yin sat in the back, took out a water bottle from her bag, and held it to Xu Zhengzheng''s mouth.


    The little one gulped down a few mouthfuls.


    Then Shen Yin''s phone rang.


    "Hello?"


    "Are you the sister who rescued me yesterday?"


    Shen Yin immediately recognized the voice of the girl who had been in trouble yesterday.


    "Yes, what is it?"


    "I want toe learn some martial arts from you."


    "Sure, when are you free?"


    "I''m free on weekends."


    "Thene to Qinghe Street on the weekend. There''s a Yunyin Clothing Workshop here, I''ll be there."


    "Okay, thank you, sister."


    The phone was on speaker, so Xu Xiuhe clearly heard their conversation.


    "Will you be able to handle it?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Yes, do you see me busy every day? Actually, I don''t have much work on my hands right now. Teaching them some self-defense would be good. If I can help one person, that''s one person helped."


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t say more. Indeed, if you can help one person, that''s one person helped. No one knows what might happen tomorrow, or if misfortune could befall them in the next second.


    In the evening, Shen Yin continued embroidering the unfinished tiger head, and Xu Xiuhe was worried that Shen Yin would get tired, so he would asionally bring her a cup of tea or a piece of fruit.


    "Xiuhe, do you feel like I''m working slowly?" Shen Yin asked with a smile.


    "Not at all, it hasn''t been that long, and you''ve already embroidered so much."


    Shen Yin wanted to say that Xu Xiuhe was being too attentive and it was distracting her, but the man didn''t seem to notice, and he didn''t even pick up on the implied meaning in her words.


    "How''s the online situation going?"


    "It''s still brewing."


    "That''s good."


    "Indeed, I did buy a hot search trend."


    "Oh?"


    Shen Yin suddenly remembered that her clothing workshop had been trending for a while, and now it seemed that it was because of the man in front of her buying the trend.


    Shen Yin suddenly wanted to tease Xu Xiuhe a little, so she asked, "How many times have you bought it?"

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


    "Hmm? Maybe just one time." Xu Xiuhe scratched his nose slightly abashed.


    "The studio''s hot searchst time, did you buy that?" Shen Yin looked into Xu Xiuhe''s eyes and giggled coquettishly.


    "Yeah, I support my wife''s work. Is that not allowed?"


    "It''s allowed, but didn''t a certain someone say before that he didn''t want me to work?"


    "I didn''t, dear wife, you can''t nder me. I just said that because I was afraid you''d get tired. Besides, I can afford to support you. I''ll earn money to support the family, and you just need to look beautiful."


    "Your mouth is so sweet," Shen Yin smiled sweetly, her eyes seeming to sparkle like stars.


    Xu Xiuhe gazed at Shen Yin, entranced. How fortunate he was to have met her.


    "I know you can afford to support me, but I don''t want to bepletely dependent on you. Although I came from the Dasheng Dynasty, the status of women there was higherpared to previous dynasties. Of course, it can''t bepared to now, but it was verymon for women to do business in the Dasheng Dynasty. I also know that in love, money doesn''t matter, but from ancient times until now, having a good match has always been valued."


    Xu Xiuhe couldn''t help but stroke Shen Yin''s beautiful hair, twirling a lock in his fingers.


    Shen Yin continued, "When I first came here, I read a poem from your era called ''To the Oak Tree,'' which had a line: ''I will not be like the entwining climbing flowers that borrow your tall branches to show myself off; I must be the cotton tree standing close beside you, assuming my own true nature as a tree.'' This poem is quite interesting. I think this should be the ideal state of love."


    "Alright, then we''ll stand together, equal under Heaven and Earth," Xu Xiuhe said after hearing Shen Yin''s words, feeling that his wife''s thinking was even more progressive than modern people.


    "It''s gettingte, let''s go to sleep. Tomorrow is Monday," Shen Yin reminded him.


    As the myriad stars in the sky turned into a distant blue, Shen Yin realized that there was still a long journey ahead, but fortunately, she wasn''t alone.


    The next morning, when the studio girls arrived at Qinghe Vi, they were touched to see the items on the reception desk - today''s dose of warmth was from the boss.


    Recently, besides apanying Zhengzheng, Shen Yin had been studying delicious foods, asionally doing embroidery, keeping an eye on Kang Guopeng''s progress, and sometimes visiting her parents.


    Weekends came and went. At the counter, Li Huanhuan saw from afar five or six girls peeking in, too afraid to approach because of the five Tibetan mastiffs standing guard.


    Li Huanhuan figured they must be there to order dresses, so she went out and said, "Ladies, don''t be afraid. They don''t bite, they''re very obedient."


    At first, Li Huanhuan and Chen Nuan were also afraid of the massive dogs sitting in a row at the studio entrance. But over time, they found the dogs quite adorable. As long as you didn''t mean them any harm, they would be well-behaved, greeting the girls as they arrived for work and seeing them off when they went home.


    The girls outside saw that the dogs were indeed just sitting there peacefully, their expressions gentle. Reassured, they came inside.


    There were sofas on the first floor, and at Li Huanhuan''s invitation, the girls sat down.


    "Ladies, are you here to order dresses?" Li Huanhuan asked as she poured them water.


    "No, I''m here to find someone - a very beautifuldy," one of the girls replied.


    The girl had looked up Yunyin Studio online beforehand and, based on what she saw that night, guessed that the woman who had rescued her wasn''t an ordinary person. Sheter saw the woman''s husband and child, pieced everything together, and realized this woman was the wife of the Yuanchi Group''s CEO.


    The girl''s feelings were conflicted - she didn''t know what to do. Then another girl asked her when she had learned martial arts, so she decided toe here, although she hadn''t expected the other girl to bring three more along.


    Li Huanhuan caught the crucial point - a very beautifuldy must be referring to their boss - and called Shen Yin down.


    When Shen Yin came downstairs, the girls rushed over to her excitedly.


    Shen Yin immediately recognized two of the girls from the incidentst Saturday.


    The injuries on the girl''s face had healed significantly, though there were still faint marks.


    "You came."


    "Yes, and I''m still very grateful. This is a specialty from my hometown," the girl said, handing Shen Yin a bag.


    Shen Yin epted it.


    "My name is Shen Meng."


    "I''m Lin Yaqi. These are my friends. After finding out what happened to me, they also got scared and wanted to learn some self-defense skills."


    "We''re willing to pay tuition fees. Can you teach us?"


    Shen Yin... She had originally nned to teach these two girls whenever she practiced, without intending to charge fees. But now a whole group had shown up at once.


    "It''s a bit crowded, this studio is too small for five people to practice together," Shen Yin said apologetically.


    "Then could you open a women''s self-defense training center?" Shen Meng suggested.


    Shen Yin''s eyes lit up. That wasn''t a bad idea. Since she had to teach Zhengzheng and Shu Yi anyway, she might as well establish a dedicated venue that was more professional andfortable.


    "Okay, I have your contact information. I''ll notify you all when it opens."


    The girls left excitedly after expressing their gratitude once more.


    Shen Yin was a woman of action. She had been eyeing the vacant vi across the street for a long time and had been thinking about buying it.


    No sooner said than done, Shen Yin contacted the local neighborhood office to get the owner''s contact information for the vi at 47 Qinghe Vi.


    She made a call.


    "Hello, are you the owner of the property at 47 Qinghe Vi?"


    "Yes, that''s me."


    Shen Yin asked again, "This house has been vacant for a while. Do you have any ns to sell it?"


    "How much can you offer?" the man on the other end asked.


    The vi was nice and valuable, but its location was a bit remote, so the man had been wanting to sell it but hadn''t found a suitable price. That''s why it had remained vacant.


    "What price do you think is appropriate? For a vi like this, the normal price now should be around 10 million yuan. How about 12 million yuan?" Shen Yin proposed.


    "That''s a bit low. How about 13 million yuan?" the man countered.


    "Alright, deal," Shen Yin said. "Come over in the afternoon, and we''ll take care of the paperwork. Once it''s done, the money will be transferred to your ount."


    The man didn''t expect the woman to be so straightforward and efficient. He had merely mentioned it, and selling for 12 million was a win for him. What was there to be unhappy about?


    After finishing lunch, when Shen Yin came out again, the small building across the way had its doors open. Shen Yin crossed the stone bridge, leading Zhengzheng into Building No. 47.


    There was no furniture inside. As Shen Yin entered, a man around 30 years old approached her.


    "Would you like to take another look before deciding whether to buy?" the man suggested.


    "No need, let''s just go through with the paperwork," Shen Yin replied.

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129


    Shen Yin had researched all the procedures forpleting the paperwork earlier in the afternoon, so she went directly with the necessary documents to handle the formalities.


    Signing the contract, transferring ownership, and paying the money.


    The owner of building 47 had never seen anyone buy a house in this manner before. Fortunately, the money had already been transferred to his ount, otherwise he would have thought he was being scammed.


    As evening approached, Shen Yin walked around the small building across the street, looking at the property deed with her name on it, feeling very satisfied.


    When Xu Xiuhe returned, he found the door of the small building was open, but there was no one inside. The five Tibetan mastiffs greeted him, wagging their tails excitedly.


    Xu Xiuhe was a little worried, thinking they might have had an ident.


    Xu Xiuhe took out his phone and immediately dialed "520". Shen Yin''s phone rang from the counter behind him.


    The phone was there, but she wasn''t. The man picked up the phone, bing more and more anxious as he thought about it, his expression growing tenser.


    "Flower, where are my wife and son?" Xu Xiuhe was clueless and could only ask the dogs beside him.


    "Woof, woof, woof" the dogs barked simultaneously towards the small building across the street.


    Xu Xiuhe looked over and saw that the door of the small building, which had never been opened before, was now ajar.


    The man crossed the bridge and entered the building.


    "Wife, Zheng Zheng?"


    No one answered.


    Xu Xiuhe went upstairs, and halfway up, he finally heard Xu Yunzheng''s voice, and his worries subsided.


    "Mom, dad is here," Xu Yunzheng said to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin turned around, a little surprised, "Xiuhe, how did you know we were here?"


    "Next time, wherever you go, take your phone with you. I get scared when I can''t find you," Xu Xiuhe handed the phone to Shen Yin.


    "Look, what do you think of this small building?" Shen Yin asked.


    "It''s pretty good. Flower told me you were here."


    "Dad, did Flower talk to you?" Xu Yunzheng looked a little disappointed. Why did they never respond when he talked to Flower and the others every day, but they spoke to his dad?


    "Zheng Zheng, when they bark, that''s them talking. It''s just that they''re dogs, so Zheng Zheng can''t understand what they''re saying," Xu Xiuhe hugged Xu Yunzheng.


    But Xu Yunzheng still looked puzzled: "Why can Dad understand them? Is Dad a dog?"


    Shen Yin covered her mouth,ughing on the side. This child''s logic was always on point, focusing on details, and being a curious little one. Sometimes adults really didn''t know how to respond to him.


    "I bought this small building this afternoon. Look, the property deed has my name on it," Shen Yin opened the deed and handed it to Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe expressed that this was the first time he knew his wife could be so efficient. When she left in the morning, she didn''t mention a word, but by evening, she had bought a building.


    "Why didn''t you tell me?"


    "What, do I need to report to you when I buy a building?" Shen Yin was a little unhappy.


    "No, I mean, I should buy it for you. You don''t have that much money."


    "I do have money. I''ve made a few million myself recently, and my card bnce has been increasing. I don''t know why it''s increasing."


    "Company shares. Also, my money is all yours. I''ll hand over my entire sry to you tonight."


    "No, I don''t want that. Our money should be separate. I can make money myself. Do you know why I bought this building?"


    Xu Xiuhe really didn''t know.


    "I n to open a women''s self-defense martial arts academy," Shen Yin said with determination.


    Xu Xiuhe held his head in his hands. He felt like his wife could do anything - first clothing, then furniture, and now a martial arts academy. He didn''t know what else she might do in the future. Suddenly, he felt like his future wealth might not surpass his wife''s, and he might end up being a kept man.


    "So sudden?"


    "Those two girls came today, and I originally nned to teach them. But then they brought three more people, and our space wasn''t enough. Also, I want to teach Zheng Zheng in the future, not necessarily to a professional level, but enough for self-defense. I bought this building for Zheng Zheng, and opening the academy is just a side thing," Shen Yin exined.


    "What do you mean ''bought for Zheng Zheng'', Mom?" Xu Yunzheng asked.


    "This small building is for Zheng Zheng. Zheng Zheng will practice martial arts here in the future. Doesn''t that sound good?"


    "Good."


    "Tomorrow I''ll find someone to clean it up, and then do some basic renovations. We won''t register it for now," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "Okay, let''s go home and cook dinner."


    The family of three came out of the small building, crossed the stream, and the dogs at the front door wagged their tails, asionally making some wuffling sounds.


    "Dad, what are they saying?" Xu Yunzheng asked.


    "They said they''re hungry."


    "Wow, Dad, you''re so amazing. But Zheng Zheng is hungry too."


    Many yearster, Shen Yin recalled that evening again, feeling only warmth, healing, and romance.


    The sunset, cool breeze, stream, old town, and the happy family of three.


    In the mortal world, they climbed mountains and crossed valleys, traveled through time and space to find each other. Wasn''t that a kind of romance?


    "Next Wednesday, Zheng Zheng, will you go with Dad? Mom has apetition and can''t take care of you," Shen Yin coaxed Xu Yunzheng.


    "Then Mom, do your best. Zheng Zheng will cheer for you too."


    "Okay, thank you, dear son."


    Shen Yin was confident in her embroidery skills. With her enhanced abilities, she had nothing to fear.


    Xu Xiuhe, on the other hand, was nervous and wished he could go help Shen Yin in thepetition.


    Shen Yin was anticipating the finale of the drama "Yanxi Biography". She had been looking forward to it for a long time.


    In the drama, the elderly Yan Xi had be the First Lady, but sadly, Jiang Yuyang had died in battle long ago, though Yan Xi had been deceiving herself all along. Jiang Yu grew up to continue protecting the nation, while Yan Xi, after fulfilling her mission, retired to the mountains. Yan Xi''s tumultuous life was tragic yet magnificent. Despite only a few scenes with Jiang Yuyang, Shen Yin saw Yan Xi''s unwavering devotion to love.


    The ending wasn''t perfect, tinged with regret, making it more memorable.


    So Shu Yi became popr again.


    She portrayed a woman''s strength exceptionally well. From Yan Xi''s character, the audience saw the power of women again. Combined with Shu Yi''s Weibo postst week, she gained many new fans.


    Shen Yin was still savoring the plot while Xu Xiuhe looked up various information about embroidery for her.


    Shen Yin wanted tough when she saw this.


    "Do you really not believe in my embroidery skills?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I do, but I''m still nervous."


    "I''mpeting, why are you so nervous?" Shen Yin said with a smile.


    "Shall I go and bribe the judges?"


    "Huh? No way, thepetition must be fair and square. How could we cheat? You have to trust me, I can do it."


    "Okay, I trust you." Xu Xiuhe pulled Shen Yin into an embrace.


    Shen Yin''s heart was pounding rapidly, and she could even feel the thumping sound. "It''s a bit hot."


    "Then let''s go to the bedroom."

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130


    The two were very close.


    So close.


    Close to the point of no distance.


    They even became (plural) numbers.


    Shen Yiny on the bed, not wanting to get up. "Bring Zhengzheng back, or else tomorrow morning when he wakes up, he''ll go looking for trouble again."


    Xu Xiuheughed lightly: "Do I look like trouble to you?"


    The man''sugh was mischievous, with a hint of devilry. He bent down again and scooped Shen Yin into his arms.


    "Ah, I told you to carry Zhengzheng, not me," said Shen Yin. After the previous exertion, and having been vocal throughout, she didn''t dare speak loudly now, her tone carrying a hint of coyness.


    "Mm, good girl. Before carrying him, I need to give you a bath."


    "Okay." Shen Yin was exhausted, agreeing to whatever Xu Xiuhe said.


    "What''s that sound outside?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Whoosh..."


    "The wind," Xu Xiuhe answered.


    "Why did the wind pick up so suddenly? It sounds quite scary." Shen Yin was ced in the bathtub by Xu Xiuhe.


    The man then stepped in as well, the wind outside growing louder.


    "Is the window closed?"


    A bolt of lightning shed, followed by a deafening p of thunder.


    Startled, Shen Yin cowered into Xu Xiuhe''s embrace.


    "Zhengzheng," said Shen Yin, worried. She was afraid the child, being small, would be woken by the thunder if he fell asleep without them by his side.


    If the little one did cry, there would be no one to soothe him.


    They were nearly done with the bath, so Shen Yin grabbed a dry towel, quickly wiped herself, and before Xu Xiuhe could react, she had already donned her robe.


    Outside, bolts of lightning continued to strike, illuminating the pitch-ck night with brief shes of light.


    In the adjacent bedroom, Zhengzheng had not yet awakened, but his face showed signs of restless sleep, lips pursed, brows furrowed, asionally letting out soft whimpers.


    Xu Xiuhe entered as well. Shen Yin picked up Zhengzheng, saying, "You turn off the lights and close the door."


    But Xu Xiuhe didn''t listen to Shen Yin. Instead, he took Zhengzheng from her arms and headed for the bedroom.


    Shen Yin likely understood that Xu Xiuhe didn''t want her to strain herself, so she said nothing, turning off the lights, closing the door, and following the father and son into the bedroom.


    The sounds of wind, rain, and thunder created a cozy ambiance inside.


    Shen Yiny beside Zhengzheng, gently patting him to help him feel secure, his brows unfurrowing. Soon, Shen Yin sensed the little one had fallen back into a deep sleep, no longer whimpering.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng is awake."


    Shen Yin paused, her hand resting on Zhengzheng.


    "It''s still early, Zhengzheng should go back to sleep," Shen Yin said.


    "Mommy, are there monsters outside? Zhengzheng is scared." Xu Yunzheng snuggled closer to Shen Yin.


    "No monsters, it''s just raining and windy. Don''t be afraid, Zhengzheng. Daddy and Mommy are here."


    Hearing this, Xu Yunzheng turned and met Xu Xiuhe''s gaze, the two staring at each other wide-eyed.


    "Quick, back to sleep," said Xu Xiuhe, who was already feeling sleepy, as it was nearly midnight.


    The rain continued all night. The next morning, being a Sunday, when they usually woke around 5 AM to daylight, it was already past 8 AM before they opened their eyes.


    On a rainy day, one doesn''t feel like going out or getting up.


    "Not going to work again?"


    "Nope, I''m rewarding myself," the man replied.


    "Why do you need a reward?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Because through my own merit, I got to sleep beside my wife and son. Isn''t that great? Don''t I deserve a reward?"


    "Xu Xiuhe, don''t you think you''ve been quite idletely, barely going to work on Sundays?"


    "Really? I don''t think so. I work six days and rest one day to be with my wife. How is that idle?"


    Thinking about it, Shen Yin agreed. She no longer felt guilty, having worried that because of her, Xu Xiuhe''s career would suffer, making her an eternal sinner.


    "I feel like even if I''m idle now, it''s fine. My wife is capable enough to support me," the man joked.


    "My mommy is awesome. Mommy can support Zhengzheng," Xu Yunzheng chimed in.


    Shen Yin...


    "What would you like for breakfast?"


    Shen Yin turned to the father and son, both looking at her expectantly.


    "Meat!" Zhengzheng answered.


    "Meat," Xu Xiuhe echoed, though he had mouthed "you" instead.


    Shen Yin''s face reddened. So early in the morning, with Zhengzheng present, this lecherous man was thinking such thoughts.


    Shen Yin swiftly got up, went to the walk-in closet to change,pletely ignoring the father and son on the bed.


    In the kitchen, Shen Yin surveyed the ingredients and cooked a pot of hot and sour soup, frying a few sesame tbreads.


    Likely lured by the aroma, the two emerged, freshly washed and dressed, just as the food was ready and ced on the table.


    "Mommy, is Zhengzheng handsome today?" Xu Yunzheng ran to Shen Yin''s side, twirling around.


    His clothes had been chosen by Xu Xiuhe, but Shen Yin wanted to facepalm. Though it was a rtively cool day, there was no need to dress the child in long sleeves and pants.


    "Zhengzheng is the most handsome baby," Shen Yin praised.


    Satisfied with the answer, the little one twirled some more, waving his arms about.


    "Time to eat, handsome Zhengzheng."


    "Is there meat?"


    "No," Xu Xiuhe replied solemnly.


    Hearing this, Xu Yunzheng''s face immediately fell.


    Shen Yin poured the soup into small bowls. Catching the aroma, Zhengzheng no longer cared about the meat and hurried to take a seat.


    "There are shrimp," Shen Yin said.


    "Yay!"


    Xu Yunzheng''s expression transformed in an instant, from disappointment to excitement and anticipation, the entire process taking mere seconds.


    Shen Yin marveled inwardly at how swiftly the child''s moods could change, faster than turning pages.


    The rain continued pouring, the wind howling.


    Shen Yin didn''t even close the door to the small building today, staying busy with her handicrafts - tiger-head shoes.


    Finally, after a day''s work, her efforts bore fruit.


    Xu Yunzheng donned the new shoes, showing them off to Xu Xiuhe.


    "Zhengzheng, these shoes were meticulously made by Mommy, stitch by stitch. Take good care of them," Xu Xiuhe reminded him.


    Tiger-head shoes are extremely intricate, with the tiger head requiring embroidery, flower picking, and seed-beating techniques. The shoe''s fabric also uses various colors - red, yellow, white, and more. The tiger''s nose, eyebrows, and eyes are outlined with thick stitches, while the whiskers are sewn with thick ck thread. Cute yet maintaining the tiger''s fierceness.


    For Shen Yin toplete them so quickly is a testament to her skilled embroidery and deft hands.


    "What made you think of making tiger-head shoes?" Xu Xiuhe asked, recalling that these shoes were a thing of thest century.


    "When a child is one or two years old, adults often dress them in tiger-head shoes, believing that the tiger is the king of the forest and wearing such shoes will bless the child with health and growth. Although Zhengzheng is already two weeks old, this symbolism still holds true. Besides, these handmade shoes arefortable to wear, so consider it a bted first birthday gift from me for the little one." Shen Yin exined.


    The tiger-head shoes were indeed adorable. Shen Yin had crafted them realistically, with a cute cartoon tiger head.


    The embroidery in various colors made it evident at first nce that a great deal of effort had gone into making these shoes.

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


    For those skilled in embroidery, they could tell at a nce that the person who made these tiger head shoes had superb embroidery skills.


    Xu Xiuhe looked at the shoes with envy in his heart. His wife had never embroidered anything for him. Thest time she made clothes for him, they were so exquisite and beautiful that he didn''t even dare to wear them.


    "So beautiful, I''m envious."


    "Envious of what?"


    "Dad is envious that Yunzheng has shoes, but he doesn''t." Xu Yunzheng said while deliberately walking towards Xu Xiuhe and lifting his feet.


    "Yeah, the shoes are really nice. Wife, you''re so talented."


    "Do you like them?"


    Xu Xiuhe nodded.


    "Then you can stop worrying about thepetition the day after tomorrow. I can do it, you don''t need to be anxious. I''ll guarantee I''ll bring you a championship."


    "Okay."


    "Yay, Mom is a champion."


    Rong City''spetition was being held at the Rong City Museum. The venue was spacious, with a rich cultural heritage.


    Rong City also had a long history and culture, with the museum housing many antiques and artifacts. On the day of thepetition, the driver dropped Shen Yin off at the entrance of the museum.


    Since arriving in this world, Shen Yin had never visited a museum, let alone seen any exhibits.


    The museum was huge, and Shen Yin didn''t know exactly which hall thepetition venue was in.


    "Littledy, are you here to watch thepetition?" the security guard asked.


    "No, I''m participating in thepetition," Shen Yin replied.


    "Ah?" The security guard didn''t react immediately. He had been working at this museum for many years, and the embroiderypetition had been held for several years, but he had never seen such a youngdy participate.


    "Well, it''s finally good to see a young person willing to engage with this embroidery culture. Good luck, littledy. The main thing is to participate and promote the culture."


    Shen Yin followed the security guard into the museum.


    "Go in, turn left at the second hall, and that''s thepetition venue. It''s still early, and not many people have arrived yet. Go in and rest for a bit, youngdy."


    "Okay, thank you, grandpa."


    Shen Yin entered the hall, where there were about 30 tables with a main stage, and a long table on the stage with five chairs behind it.


    The audience seating was on either side of the hall, so the stage must be for the judges.


    There were a few people in the audience seating and a fewpetitors in the designated area.


    Shen Yin found her table based on the information provided and sat down.


    On each table were various needles, threads, and a piece of white cloth.


    Every table had the same setup. Shen Yin just nced at it but didn''t touch anything. People gradually started to arrive, and the hall became more crowded.


    Later, two men and three women, all quite elderly, appeared on the judges'' seats.


    Most of thepetitors were also not young, mostly around 40 years old. Shen Yin, who looked around 20, stood out starkly in this group.


    "Allpetitors, please take your seats."


    Initially, the people in the audience seating were whispering among themselves.


    After the host said those words, the hall fellpletely silent.


    "Wee, everyone, to this embroiderypetition. Thispetition has been held for five years now, and we see new faces every year. Among thepetitors seated here, I''m sure there are those participating for the first time, as well as those who have participated several times before. But that''s not important. What''s important is that we will be evaluating your embroidery skills, techniques, and speed."


    Next, the President of the Literary Federation will give an address.


    The man in his 50s on the main stage took the microphone.


    "Hello,petitors. Embroidery, or ''needle embroidery'' as it was called in ancient China, is the art of using an embroidery needle to stitch colored threads onto textile fabrics, creating flower patterns and designs. Embroidery is one of China''s ancient handicrafts, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. However, the truly legendary aspect of embroidery is not just its important role in Chinese clothing art, but also how, with the opening of trade routes like the Silk Road, the rich and exquisite Oriental style of silk and embroidery products gradually made their way into Europe, instantly bing a favorite among wealthy merchants, nobles, and royal families. Now, embroidery has even taken the international stage, ying a significant role in the fashion world. All of you seated here are inheritors of this intangible cultural heritage, representing various cities. The top three winners of thispetition will represent our region in the finals. So, I urge all of you to give your best performance, represent our region, and contribute to the preservation of this intangible cultural heritage. Of course, you will also be achieving personal sess."


    After the President of the Literary Federation finished speaking, the others on stage started apuding.


    "Okay, next I''ll exin thepetition rules," said the host.


    "Thepetition willst a total of five hours, from 10 AM to 12 PM, and then from 2 PM to 5 PM, with a two-hour break in between. During the break, nopetitors are allowed to enter the venue."


    "There are no restrictions on embroidery techniques, but there will be a theme. Competitors can freely interpret the theme. The materials on each table are the same. Please look at the big screen now." The host pressed a remote control, and the big screen behind the judges'' seats lit up.


    However, the big screen only disyed two words: "Summer."


    "Please take ''summer'' as the theme and choose what you want to embroider. Of course, the subject matter is not limited. Thepetition will start promptly at 10 AM."


    All 30petitors, including Shen Yin, began to ponder. Although the judging criteria were embroidery skills, techniques, and speed, not the subject matter, a harmonious overall embroidered image required careful consideration of the theme andposition.


    It''s like painting a picture - in addition to painting skills, the content of the painting also needs to be considered. In the "Six Principles" of Chinese painting theory, one principle is "Appropriate Positioning." The arrangement of elements in theposition is crucial, and this principle applies equally to embroidery designs.


    Shen Yin wouldn''t im to be better than others, but she knew one thing - she had an advantage at the starting line when it came to the overallyout of the embroidered image. Having copied many paintings by literary schrs, she had a firm grasp on the proper positioning of elements.


    So next, all she had to do was create a "painting" around the theme of "summer," except instead of using a brush, she would use a needle and thread.


    "Thepetition has begun. Competitors, you may now pick up your materials and start," the host announced precisely at 10 AM.


    Shen Yin picked up the white cloth and mounted it onto the embroidery frame.


    Her mind, however, was pondering what theme to choose. "Summer" seemed a bit clich¨¦; it was the same topic she had given when hiring staff.


    In the sweltering summer heat, how could a painting convey the season while also offering a sense of coolness, and even beauty?


    Shen Yin mused, until suddenly a brilliant idea shed in her mind.


    As Shen Yin threaded her needle, ncing sideways, she caught sight of the audience seats.

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132


    She unexpectedly spotted Xu Xiuhe and Zhengzheng in the audience.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe made eye contact, and Xu Xiuhe gave Shen Yin an encouraging look.


    Suddenly, Shen Yin felt a surge of strength. Although she was confident and assured of winning the championship, feeling neither fear nor nervousness, seeing Xu Xiuhe and Zhengzheng at that moment made her realize that she was not alone¡ªsomeone was supporting her from behind.


    There was a clock in the venue, ticking away the seconds.


    Shen Yin''s movements quickened. After threading the needle and preparing the thread, Shen Yin began embroidering.


    With a clear image in her mind and the needle in her hand, the rough outline of the embroidery took shape in no time.


    There were two staff members patrolling the venue, walking back and forth, while the judges on the main stage asionally descended to observe.


    The director of the literary federation stopped beside Shen Yin and watched her work. To be honest, Shen Yin, who looked about twenty years old, was a rare sight in such apetition.


    Shen Yin''s movements revealed her deftness, like an embroiderer with decades of experience. Undoubtedly, her movements alone had caught the attention of several judges.


    While others rushed to perfect the details, only Shen Yin calmly and steadily outlined the contours, neither hurried nor arrogant.


    Several judges exchanged nces and walked onto the stage. Shen Yin checked the clock¡ªit was 11:30. By 12 o''clock, she could outline the overall contours and the smaller inner contours.


    At 12 o''clock, the host announced the end of the session on time, and the venue closed.


    All contestants stopped their work, and the audience members left first.


    "Please exit in an orderly manner. Thepetition will resume promptly at 2 PM."


    Shen Yin rose and walked briskly, leading the way out.


    Several contestants, noticing how young Shen Yin was to participate in thepetition, took a nce at her work as they left.


    "I told you, this craft demands experience and age."


    "Yes, she does seem a bit too young."


    "Exactly, you see, after two hours, she''s only outlined the contours. I can''t even tell what she''s embroidering. How can she possibly finish it this afternoon?"


    The contestants left, murmuring their discussions.


    The remaining host, patrol staff, and five judges on the main stage exchanged smiles and said, "Shall we go out for lunch?"


    The judges picked up their water cups and descended from the stage.


    The director of the literary federation asked, "What do you all think of this year''s Rong City Embroidery Competition?"


    One male judge beside him said, "It''s good to see fresh blood."


    "Yes, I agree with Teacher Xiao''s view. As an intangible cultural heritage, embroidery must have sessors."


    "So, what do you think of that young girl''s embroidery skills?" the director asked again.


    "In my personal opinion, for now, I''ve only seen the outlines she drew. I haven''t seen her embroidery work or the technique she uses. It seems different from others. As for her skills, we''ll have to wait and see the final piece."


    "Alright, then let''s wait until tonight."


    Shen Yin hurried outside early.


    Xu Xiuhe, holding Zhengzheng, had been waiting for a long time.


    "Why did youe out?" Shen Yin asked even before reaching them.


    "Of course, to cheer for you with my son," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Go, Mom! You''re the best," Zhengzheng said sweetly.


    "Such a sweet mouth. Give Mom a kiss," Shen Yin leaned her face toward Zhengzheng.


    As Xu Yunzheng turned his face to kiss Shen Yin''s cheek, Xu Xiuhe suddenly lowered his head and kissed her instead.


    "Daddy''s naughty," Zhengzheng pouted, displeased.


    Shen Yin didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe to suddenly kiss her in front of Zhengzheng either.


    Seeing Xu Yunzheng''s sullen expression, Shen Yin took him into her arms and gave him a loud kiss on the cheek.


    The baby brightened up and mumbled, "Let''s eat."


    "Let me carry him. He''s over two weeks old now and getting heavy," Xu Xiuhe said, taking Zhengzheng and leading the way to the parking lot.


    "Daddy, I can walk by myself," Zhengzheng protested, not understanding why his father insisted on carrying him.


    "Your legs are too short. By the time you reach the parking lot, your mom''s afternoonpetition will be over," Xu Xiuhe truly found Zhengzheng''s walking too slow.


    "I''m just young. My legs aren''t short," the baby objected, offended by the insinuation that his legs were short. Why not say he had eaten fewer years'' worth of food?


    Listening to the father and son''s conversation from behind, Shen Yin found it amusing, realizing for the first time that Xu Xiuhe had a humorous side.


    "You''ll grow taller as you get older," Shen Yin reassured Zhengzheng.


    "I want to grow up fast, grow long legs, and run faster than Daddy," the little one babbled, always having more to say than Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhebined.


    It was unclear whose traits he had inherited¡ªtheirs or the original owner''s.


    "The afternoon session starts at 2 PM, right?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Yes, it starts at 2 PM and ends at 5 PM. The results will be announced at 5:30 PM."


    "Then let''s not go elsewhere. We''ll find a restaurant in the mall near the museum."


    "Okay."


    In the afternoon, when Shen Yin returned to the museum, most of the contestants had arrived.


    This time, there were noticeably more audience members than in the morning.


    Unlike the morning, the contestants entered first this time. All contestants were in position just before 2 PM.


    Shen Yin strictly followed thepetition rules, keeping an eye on the time and only picking up the needle and thread when it was time.


    With the imageposition nned, she could now focus on embroidering the details. Under Shen Yin''s nimble hands, the colorful silk threads wove in and out.


    Each stitch seemed imbued with magic. Shen Yin worked quickly, while the other embroiderers were also immersed in their own embroidery worlds. When the judges came down again and saw Shen Yin''s work, they nodded in approval.


    Shen Yin''s piece depicted ady appreciating lotuses. The overallposition was neat and elegant, with fresh and graceful colors, intricate needlework, and delicate lines.


    The piece appeared lifelike, as if painted. Inside the pavilion, a gracefuldy stood holding a fan, looking expectantly toward the green lotus pond outside.


    The upright lotus flowers, like timid maidens, hid among the leaves, waiting for thedy to discover them.


    Shen Yin looked at the overall picture, put away the needle and thread. She took this piece of cloth off the frame.


    When looking around, she noticed that many other contestants had alsopleted their works.


    "Time''s up. Pleasey the fabric t on the table for the judges to score," a voice announced.


    The venue suddenly became lively, as the five-hourpetition came to an end. Some were joyful, others worried.


    "Contestants, please leave the venue. Come back in half an hour."


    All the contestants left the venue. The five judges came down from the stage and began scoring the first work, with a maximum of 10 points. After removing the highest and lowest scores, they calcted the average of the three remaining middle scores as the contestant''s final score.

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    "This work is decent, the needlework is quite delicate, but the ending threads could have been secured better."


    "This one is not bad either, quite an artistic effect."


    "This one won''t do, it''s not even finished."


    The five judgesmented on the contestants'' works while scoring them.


    When they reached Shen Yin''s piece, they were momentarily stunned.


    "This morning, did any of you figure out what this youngdy was embroidering?" asked the President of the Literary Federation.


    They all shook their heads. That morning, there were only outlines, with scattered thread fragments - it was impossible to tell what it was. But now, they could see the outlines from earlier.


    "Setting aside the embroidery technique, the pattern itself is already a work of art. And the needlework?"


    One judge suddenly eximed in shock, "The needlework is indeed exquisite."


    Shen Yin had indeed employed various needlework techniques - satin stitch, stem stitch, knot stitch - one could see them all at a nce.


    The requirements for embroidery craftsmanship are: smoothness, evenness, tness, consistency, and cleanliness. Smoothness means straight lines are straight, and curves are rounded. Evenness means the stitches are uniform, with no uneven edges. tness means the motion is precise, the embroidery lies t, and the threads are not skewed. Consistency means the stitches have a uniform distance, with no gaps or oveps. Cleanliness means the embroidery surface is spotless.


    Shen Yin''s work met all these criteria. In such a short time, this outstanding piece featured an elegant and ssic scene, with fine embroidery and lively needlework.


    The judges sang their praises, agreeing that this work was worthy ofpeting in the national embroiderypetition.


    "Teachers, if I say this youngdy deserves the championship, do you have any objections?" said the President of the Literary Federation.


    "No objections, no objections. More importantly, this youngdy is still young, and will likely achieve even greater mastery in the future."


    "Exactly, she''s so young. I can''t imagine this piece being embroidered by a girl in her twenties - it''s incredible! The new waves push the old waves on the Yangtze River. Our embroidery craft has no need to worry about finding sessors."


    The audience hadn''t left yet. Seeing the judgesvish so much praise on one work, they naturally became curious about what kind of piece could elicit such unanimous acim.


    "Let''s take a look at the other works first. There might be one even more stunning than this," said one female judge.


    Unfortunately, no other piece enraptured them like this one.


    The host wasn''t just busy controlling the time and exining the rules - now he had to tally the scores as well.


    The judges disyed the top three works, and the contestants re-entered the hall, taking their original seats.


    "Now the audience cane forward and appreciate the beauty of embroidery up close."


    Xu Xiuhe carried Xu Yunzheng over to Shen Yin''s "Lady Admiring Lotus" piece.


    "Mommy," little Xu Yunzheng pointed at thedy in Shen Yin''s piece.


    Xu Xiuhe took a closer look and indeed, thedy bore some resemnce to Shen Yin.


    "Light silken fan, white orchid flower, slender waist, jade belt, heavenly silk dance. Seems a fairy has descended, a smile outshining the stars."


    Thedy was beautiful, her green dress fluttering in the wind, making one wonder whether to envy her or admire the flower.


    "It is indeed lovely. The creator must have studied painting to embroider such a vivid, beautiful scene. The championship is well-deserved."


    Praises poured in one after another - Shen Yin''s championship was truly well-earned.


    The other contestants had no retort, especially those who hadmented on the youngdy''s age that morning - now they were rendered speechless.


    This embroidery was simply too exquisite, beyond their ability.


    Meanwhile, the Rong City Museum had a live broadcast capturing the awarding ceremony of the 5th Embroidery Competition.


    The museum director, present for this significant asion, was stunned upon seeing Shen Yin. After decades of studying fabrics and embroidery, he immediately recognized the exceptional talent - not only was the needlework lively, but the embroidery itself was imbued with spirit.


    Shen Yin didn''t want to be filmed, because she wasn''t wearing her studio''s uniform, missing another opportunity to promote her business in the public eye.


    "Youngdy, how long have you studied embroidery?" asked the President of the Literary Federation.


    "About five years, I suppose," Shen Yin replied offhandedly, not quite sure herself.


    This response left everyone present - contestants and judges alike - utterly astonished. To reach such a level in only five years far surpassed their decades of study.


    With a few more years of practice, her skill would be unimaginable.


    "Well, she''s a natural talent - we can''tpare," one contestant remarked.


    The top three had been chosen, but the other two weren''t pleased. If the champion were older, they might not have felt this way - but this girl was so young, robbing them of any sense of aplishment.


    The live broadcast''sments were filled with "wow" and "incredible."


    [Suddenly feel like I''ve been wasting my life all these years.]


    [This embroidery champion is so young! And she''s from our Rong City - suddenly I''m standing taller.]


    [The one above, I''m standing taller too. Not only beautiful, but a bit familiar.]


    [Oh yeah, she does look familiar.]


    [I remember now, she looks like the wife of Heyuan Group''s CEO.]


    After thisment, others went digging through old social media posts, then returned.


    [Case solved, folks - it''s her! So incredible, no wonder as the elite wife, she''s a master of all trades - running her own studio and skilled in embroidery.]


    [To Heyuan Group''s CEO: Husband, is there anything your wife can''t do?]


    Xu Xiuhe wasn''t watching the broadcast at the time, or he would have echoed that very question.


    The onlinements ran the gamut, with some saying they wouldn''t even dare dream of a CEO falling for them, because the current CEO wives were too aplished in various skills. They couldn''t measure up.


    Shen Yin remainedpletely unaware of being dissected online once again.


    She was exhausted and longed to sleep. Facing the cameras, she didn''t have a hint of a smile.


    [Doesn''t she seem rather aloof? But beautiful sister, I love you so much.]


    [Cool, reserved sister - beautiful but not talkative.]


    [Sob, I wish Heaven would grant me a wife like her.]


    [Folks, did you see? The camera panned over to that man holding a child - doesn''t he look like Heyuan Group''s CEO?]


    [6666, fairy tale romance where the wifepetes while the husband cheers her on!]


    A post on local social media about an embroiderypetition drew clicks from many people, including Xiao Li''er.


    Xiao Li''er was sitting in Liu Bo''s office, helping him organize files. They had been working all day. Liu Bo had just stepped out, so she took the opportunity to check her phone, only to stumble upon some juicy gossip - a sweet piece of melon.


    "Finished already? You''re just checking your phone," Liu Bo said as he walked back into the office, catching Xiao Li''er grinning at her screen.

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134


    "I just saw the CEO!" eximed Xiao Li''er with excitement,pletely forgetting that Liu Bo was her supervisor.


    "What''s so exciting about seeing the CEO? He has a wife and kids, keep it modest. Wait, the CEO hasn''t been at thepany today, where did you see him?"


    Xiao Li''er waved her phone and said, "Here."


    "Let me see too!"


    Liu Bo quickly ran over to Xiao Li''er''s side.


    Xiao Li''er was watching a live stream on Weibo.


    "Where''s the CEO?"


    "At the Rong City Museum."


    Liu Bo covered his face. Oh heavens and earth, why treat him like this? He was just an assistant, yettely he felt like thepany was his.


    The CEO now had time to visit museums but no time to care about his lifelong matter? Indeed, when it came to making grandiose promises, the CEO took the cake.


    "He has time to visit exhibitions but no time to bake me a pie."


    "The CEO wasn''t visiting an exhibition. What do you mean by baking a pie?" Xiao Li''er asked, looking up.


    "If he''s not visiting an exhibition, why go to the museum?"


    "His wife is participating in an embroiderypetition at the museum. She even won the championship for this district and is now representing Rong City in the national finals."


    "The CEO''s wife?" Liu Bo eximed inwardly. Embroidery, isn''t that a high-ss and sophisticated art?


    "Is it over? I want to see it too." Liu Bo leaned over to Xiao Li''er''s side, stretching his neck to look at her phone.


    Xiao Li''er turned her head, intending to say it had just ended, but before she could speak, an awkward moment arose. Their noses were almost touching, and a slight misstep could have led to a kiss.


    "Ahem." Xiao Li''er immediately turned her head away and stood up.


    There was a strange, awkward atmosphere between them.


    Ever since thest time when Liu Bo got drunk and Xiao Li''er tied him to the bed, things had been strange between them.


    To break the awkward silence, Xiao Li''er tried to change the subject. "What kind of pie was the CEO going to bake for you? Is it edible? Can the CEO even cook?"


    "How do you know it''s edible? Do you think the CEO looks like someone who can cook?"


    Xu Xiuhe, who was driving, suddenly sneezed for no apparent reason.


    "Then what kind of pie was it?"


    "The CEO made me a big promise, and the pie just kept getting bigger and rounder."


    "What did he promise you?" Xiao Li''er asked.


    "He promised me a lot. He said he''d give me time to deal with personal issues and introduce me to potential partners," Liu Bo replied honestly.


    "Oh, well he didn''t just make empty promises. Aside from not giving you time, he did introduce you to people, didn''t he? At thest mixer, there were so many women there. Isn''t that introducing potential partners?"


    "I guess you could say that."


    As soon as it was mentioned, Liu Bo became even more agitated. That day must have been one of the most frustrating days of his nearly 30-year life.


    Not only was he called gay, but he was also tied up, for crying out loud.


    "Exactly, how could you not consider that as introductions? It''s just that you didn''t seize the opportunity," Xiao Li''er retorted.


    "Xiao Li''er, you have the nerve to say that when you also met your dream guy at the mixer. And by the way, don''t you remember who tied me up?" Liu Bo snapped back.


    "I remember, of course I remember. But you should know why I tied you up," Xiao Li''er replied cautiously.


    "I''d love to know why you tied me up. Was it because you couldn''t trust me and were afraid that I''d lose control after getting drunk and take advantage of you?"


    Xiao Li''er''s face turned red. This man was really something, able to say anything. She wasn''t afraid he''d lose control after getting drunk - who would take advantage of whom was still undetermined.


    "Do you really want to know why I tied you up?" Xiao Li''er asked.


    "Yes, tell me."


    "No regrets, a real man isn''t afraid to own up to his actions. What''s there to regret?" Liu Bo''s tone was as firm as his words, resolute and decisive.


    "You got drunk and started behaving crazily. You even ran to my dining table and sat on it. And you--"


    Before Xiao Li''er could finish, Liu Bo covered her mouth with his hand.


    Reminded by Xiao Li''er, he vaguely recalled something.


    "Shut up. This incident stays buried forever. If a third person finds out about it, Xiao Li''er, you''re done for. Get ready to be fired."


    "Mmm mmm, Liu Bo, how could you do this?" Xiao Li''er mumbled through Liu Bo''s hand over her mouth.


    It was so unfair. Why was he treating her like this? Just a moment ago, he was the one saying a real man owns up to his actions, but within two seconds, he flipped and was threatening her with termination.


    What had she done wrong to deserve this? At this workce, she was being threatened left and right.


    "Wah wah, I might as well quit this job." Xiao Li''er started crying out of frustration.


    Upon hearing this, Liu Bo realized he had gone too far. This little girl was actually crying.


    The thing he dreaded most was a girl crying.


    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean it. It''s just that, as a man, crying while sitting on a dining table is so embarrassing, that''s why I overreacted."


    Liu Bo released his hand and pulled Xiao Li''er towards him, using his fingers to wipe away her tears.


    "Don''t cry anymore, okay? I won''t threaten you, and you don''t have to quit."


    "But you were the one who said you had no regrets. I only spoke up because of that. Last time, out of consideration for your dignity, I didn''t dare tell you the reason why I tied you up," the girl said through her tears.


    Liu Bo couldn''t stand seeing a girl cry.


    With her tear-stained face, it was fortunate that the office was soundproof, or others might have thought he had done something to this little girl.


    "I was wrong. Don''t cry anymore," he said, wiping away her tears and finding tissues for her to blow her nose.


    "I didn''t... didn''t hear..." Xiao Li''er said between sobs, her words broken and interrupted.


    "Didn''t hear what?"


    "Didn''t hear you apologize."


    ...


    "I''m sorry. I was wrong, I shouldn''t have threatened you. I promise that as long as I''m at thispany, you''ll never have to leave your job."


    This time, Xiao Li''er heard it clearly and suddenly burst intoughter.


    "How quickly you change your tune, faster than turning pages. It''s gettingte, let me treat you to dinner. You worked hard stayingte with me today."


    "I want hotpot and barbecue."


    Liu Bo nced at Xiao Li''er''s slender figure, privately doubting whether she could finish all that food.


    At Qinghe Vi, Shen Yin sat on the sofa, eating the fruit prepared for her by Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe said he wanted to reward her today, so he went to the kitchen to cook, while Shen Yin and Zhengzheng obediently waited to enjoy the meal.


    Shen Yin was indeed tired, so she let Xu Xiuhe cook while she and Zhengzheng enjoyed the fruit.


    [Audio Audio, Niu Niu]


    In their group chat, Shu Yi shared today''s Weibo post.


    "Embroidery Competition Champion"


    [Audio Audio, you were amazing! I saw your work, it''s so beautiful, even more beautiful than a painting.]


    [@Miracle, if you can talk, say more.]


    [@Audio Audio, what don''t I know about women?]


    Shu Yi tagged each of them one by one.


    ["What else can Sister Yin do?"]


    ["She can cook, brew wine, fight, even cured my dysmenorrhea, and now she can do embroidery too."]


    ["Wow, wow. Is Sister Yin''s day 48 hours long?"] Qi Ji eximed in amazement.


    ["Your Sister Yin is so versatile, fights super coolly, able to take on five at once. Being with her must make you feel extremely safe, right?"]


    ["I envy you, I want to learn how to fight too,"] Qi Ji replied.

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135


    [Okay, let me teach you]


    [Shu Yi, I''ve opened a martial arts studio. You shoulde learn when you''re free.]


    [Great work, where did you open it? Shen Yin, I''ve noticed you''re a woman of action.]


    Shen Yin replied, The building across from the small building.


    [Ah, that''s so convenient. I feel like you could just buy out the entire Qinghe Street.]


    [That would cost a lot of money, right?] Shen Yin felt a bit heartbroken.


    When Shu Yi heard this, she thought this woman must really have such intentions. [Sister, I was just kidding.]


    [Qi Ji cane this Saturday. The small building is already being renovated.]


    [Wow, such speed, Sister Shen Yin really lives up to her reputation as a woman of action.]


    Shen Yin looked at the message and smiled, replying [I''m going to eat.]


    Then she put down her phone, took Xu Yunzheng''s hand, and walked to the dining table, where Xu Xiuhe had prepared a te of shredded potatoes, a te of stir-fried shredded pork with green peppers, and a te of scrambled eggs with tomatoes.


    They were all homemade dishes, and Xu Xiuhe was quite pleased with himself, as he knew how to cook. He couldn''t help but take out his phone and snap a photo, also taking a side view photo of Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng.


    It was the first post he''d made on his friends circle in a long time.


    There was no caption, only the side view photo of Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng, and the three tes of food on the table.


    Chang Zhiyuan: The scene looks beautiful, but the dishes don''t look like they''re up to your wife''s standard.


    To rify, Xu Xiuhemented below: The dishes were cooked by me, of course they can''tpare to my wife''s.


    Chang Zhiyuan: Wow, you all secretly learned cooking skills behind my back, are you still my good friend?


    Xue Jingrui: The first criterion for a good man is knowing how to cook.


    Chen Siming: Brother Xu, why don''t you considering to work as a chef at my restaurant?


    Xu Xiuhe''s WeChat was his personal ount with not many friends, only those he could talk to.


    Xiao Li''er happened to see it and took a screenshot of Xu Xiuhe''s friends circle post and sent it to Liu Bo.


    [Ahem, who said the CEO can''t cook? What''s on that table?]


    Liu Bo was cooking, and his phone in his pocket buzzed. He took it out and saw it was the CEO''s friends circle post.


    [Look, our CEO is truly a man among men. He knows how to cook.]


    [Does that mean I''m not a good man? I know how to cook too.]


    Liu Bo wasn''t convinced and casually snapped a photo of the freshly cooked crayfish and cold cucumber sd he''d made, sending it to Xiao Li''er.


    [I was going to invite you over for a meal, but who told you to suddenly be unavable and leave?]


    Xiao Li''er was also disappointed, as she could have had a good meal, but just as she was about to arrive at the restaurant, her mother had an urgent matter and summoned her back with a phone call.


    Now, she was at the restaurant, but for a different reason - she was on a blind date.


    If she had known it was this setup, she would never have listened to her mother, even if she was beaten to death.


    At the table now, there were seven people, and she was the most awkward one.


    "Xiao Jun, why didn''t you tell me in advance that this was a blind date?"


    Xiao Li''er leaned over and asked Xiao Jun in a low voice.


    "Sis, if I had known, how could I not tell you? I only knew that Mom and Dad said they were going to have a meal with friends, so I just came along. I only found out it was a blind date a few minutes before you did."


    The siblings whispered to each other.


    "Li''er, Jun, this is Auntie Qin and Uncle Xu."


    "Hello, Auntie Qin, Uncle Xu," the siblings said in unison.


    "Ah, these two kids are so well-behaved. Thest time I saw them was when they were little, now they''ve grown up so much. Li''er has really blossomed into a beauty at eighteen."


    Xiao Li''er: "Thank you, Auntie. Auntie Qin looks younger and younger."


    The womanughed heartily, her sweet little mouth did tter. The more she looked at Xiao Li''er, the more satisfied she was.


    "Sis, were you really, really ugly when you were little?" Xiao Jun said in a low voice.


    "Shut up!" Xiao Li''er lowered her voice.


    "Li''er, you''re 26 this year, old enough to get married, right? Your mom said you don''t have a boyfriend yet," the woman across from them said.


    Xiao Li''er smiled awkwardly.


    The man called Uncle Xu continued, "Our Zheyang is two years older than you, it would be perfect for you two to get to know each other. If it works out, you could get married by the end of the year."


    Xiao Jun was drinking water and nearly choked.


    Xiao Li''er held her water ss, her movements clearly pausing for a moment, as she finally looked towards Xu Zheyang.


    The man seemed a bit old, and before she knew it, Xiao Li''er found herselfparing him to Liu Bo.


    She felt he was older than Liu Bo, not as handsome as Liu Bo.


    Xiao Li''er calmly drank her water, as if she wasn''t the one being set up on this blind date.


    "Li''er, don''t you remember? When you were little, you used to y with Brother Zheyang, he even carried you before."


    Xiao Li''er shook her head, she really didn''t remember.


    "Hello, my name is Xu Zheyang. I just returned from studying abroad and I''m now a professor at Rong City University of Science and Technology."


    "I''m Xiao Li''er, an assistant at the Heyuan Group."


    "I think we''re quite suited for each other. What do you think of me? I believe my sry can support you, so after we get married, you won''t need to work anymore."


    Xu Zheyang spoke, taking Xiao Li''er by surprise with this question.


    Was he being so direct? Although they did know each other as children, this was really the first time they''d met as adults, and he was progressing so quickly? And they were already talking about marriage? How could she not need to work anymore? Her monthly sry was nearly 30,000 yuan.


    Xiao Jun couldn''t help butugh out loud next to her, leaning in to whisper gleefully, "You''re this old and still haven''t had a boyfriend, now you''re at a blind date, encountering all these weirdos."


    "Shut up, who said I don''t have a boyfriend?" Xiao Li''er wasn''t willing to be mocked by her younger brother, stubbornly insisting she did have one.


    "If you have a boyfriend, go ahead and have him call you then," Xiao Jun didn''t believe her sister could have a boyfriend.


    Xiao Li''er had already said it, and if no one called her, she would lose face.


    She unlocked her phone, the screen still disying her conversation with Liu Bo, with an unread message from him.


    [What was your rush earlier, leaving so abruptly?]


    Xiao Li''er suddenly had an idea.


    [Can you do me a favor? You don''t need to treat me to a meal, and I''ll forgive you for threatening me before.]


    Xiao Li''er didn''t have high hopes originally.


    But to her surprise, Liu Bo replied instantly.


    [Say it]


    [I''m at a blind date, it''s an awkward situation. Can you call me and pretend to be my boyfriend?]


    [...]


    Xiao Li''er took her phone off silent mode.


    One minuteter.


    "Come on, enjoy the moment, after all we have plenty of time~~" The ringtone red, causing Xiao Li''er to die of embarrassment. She usually kept her phone on silent mode, having no idea when she had set this particr ringtone.


    The others also felt quite awkward, except for Xiao Jun, who was about to burst outughing. His sister was just too much, with such a unique ringtone for her phone.


    Xiao Li''er''s face flushed red as she quickly answered the call and put it on speakerphone.


    "Babe, why didn''t you reply to my messages?" Liu Bo''s voice was gentle.


    That single "babe" made Xiao Li''er''s heart skip a beat. She had never heard him speak in such a tender tone before, even more gentle than when he hadforted her after she cried earlier in the afternoon.

 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136


    At the dining table, the other six people were all stunned, pricking up their ears, all wanting to hear the man''s words clearly.


    "I''m eating, I didn''t see my phone."


    "I see, where are you eating? I''lle pick you up."


    "No need toe over."


    "No way, I won''t feel at ease. Send me the address."


    Xiao Li''er gave him the address. Then she hung up the phone.


    The people around the round table looked at each other, and Xiao Jun gave a thumbs up under the table.


    His elder sister is really awesome. This way, Xu Zheyang probably wouldn''t feelfortable continuing what he was saying.


    Xiao Jun just didn''t understand. This Xu Zheyang had also returned from studying abroad, so he should have a more open mindset and be more gentlemanly. But he started by saying that after Xiao Li''er got married, she wouldn''t need to work. If it were Xu Zheyang bing his brother-inw, he would be the first one to object.


    "Sis, is your husbanding to pick you up?" Xiao Jun asked.


    Xiao''s Father and Xiao''s Mother looked doubtful, as they didn''t know when Xiao Li''er had started dating someone.


    The family of three sitting across from them also suddenly looked unhappy. It was an extremely awkward meal, and it ended abruptly.


    Xiao Li''er remained absentminded until she went out of the restaurant entrance. She saw Liu Bo standing in front of a car, looking at her.


    The six people who came along also looked over. So there really was a boyfriend after all.


    "Brother-inw!" Xiao Jun shouted excitedly.


    Liu Bo walked over from beside the car. He was a bit confused too, as he thought Xiao Li''er was going on a blind date by herself, but looking at it now, there were almost enough people for two tables of mahjong.


    "Is it over?"


    Liu Bo walked up beside Xiao Li''er.


    He also felt quite awkward. So this was directly meeting the parents? If Xiao Li''er had told him, he definitely wouldn''t havee.


    "You really came?"


    Liu Bo leaned close to Xiao Li''er, speaking in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Why didn''t you tell me your parents were here?"


    "You didn''t ask either. What do we do next?"


    "Brother-inw, have you eaten?" Xiao Jun asked with a smile, not caring about Xu Zheyang''s feelings behind him.


    Xiao''s Father tugged at Xiao Jun''s clothes. This kid really didn''t mince his words.


    "Who is this?" Xiao''s Father asked, looking at Liu Bo.


    "Dad, this is¡ª" Xiao Li''er paused, unable to say it in front of Liu Bo that he was her boyfriend.


    "Uncle, auntie, hello. I''m Li''er''s boyfriend." Liu Bo said.


    Hearing this, Xiao Li''er really wanted to praise Liu Bo for being a capable senior assistant, able to handle any situation with ease.


    "Oh, oh." Xiao''s Father and Xiao''s Mother looked Liu Bo over.


    The young man looked upright and talented, with a nice tall figure.


    "It''s gettingte. Let me drive you all back," Liu Bo said.


    "No need, no need. Your uncle is driving. You can take Li''er back. Come over to our ce another time when you''re free." Xiao''s Mother said.


    Liu Bo and Xiao Li''er left first. Xiao''s Mother kept apologizing to Xu''s Mother, as she really didn''t know that her daughter had been dating someone in secret.


    Although the Xu family wasn''t happy, there was nothing they could do. The girl already had a boyfriend, so even if they liked her, it was useless.


    In the car, Xiao Li''er covered her face, feeling troubled. She had only wanted him to help her out of that situation, but now he had even met her parents.


    "Sorry, I made you go through the trouble ofing over," Xiao Li''er said guiltily.


    Liu Bo didn''t say anything. When he heard she was going on a blind date, his heart had suddenly felt unsettled.


    He wasn''t sure what his feelings for Xiao Li''er were. At first, he had just seen her as his subordinate, but after the resignation incident, the drunken episode, and now this, it seemed like something had slowly changed.


    "It''s okay."


    "You don''t need to worry about that. After some time, I''ll tell my parents that I broke up with you, so you won''t have toe over to their ce."


    "Huh? You broke up with me? Why can''t I be the one breaking up with you?"


    "You''re older."


    "Come on, do you have to put me down like that? I''m only three years older than you. Weren''t you being pressured by your family to go on blind dates? At least no one is forcing me to get married."


    Liu Bo said thest part casually.


    Xiao Li''er suddenly remembered Liu Bo''s background and didn''t continue speaking.


    After a few days of renovation, Shen Yin''s small building had taken on the appearance of a martial arts school.


    On Saturday, Qi Ji arrived early at Shen Yin''s small building.


    The five dogs sitting at the entrance were sent by Xue Jingrui. When Qi Ji arrived, she called Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe hadn''t gone to work yet and was just about to head out. After answering the call, he saw Xue Jingrui and Qi Ji at the entrance.


    He then hung up and asked, "You guys?"


    "Qi Ji came to find sister-inw."


    "Yeah, they won''t bite people for no reason. Just go on up."


    "You go up first. I''lle pick you up in the afternoon, so rest at noon and don''t eat anything cold."


    "Okay, then I''ll go up. Drive safely on your way back."


    The little girl waved and ran upstairs.


    "How''s it going? It''s been almost a month since you got your marriage certificate. What''s it like being a married person?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "She really doesn''t treat me like her husband. She calls me ''Brother Jingrui'' every day, without any sense of being in a romantic rtionship."


    "What about you? How do you feel?"


    "I feel like her father."


    "She lives every day like a child, carefree and untroubled. Now, every day for me is like raising a daughter."


    The little girl was too delicate, and Xue Jingrui worried every day about whether she was eating enough or sleeping well. He made sure she had fresh fruit every day, afraid that she might not befortable.


    Inside the small building, Shen Yin was teaching Zhengzheng arithmetic. The little doll could usually count from one to twenty, and he knew addition and subtraction within ten, but no more than that because he didn''t have enough fingers.


    "Zhengzheng, what''s five plus seven?" Shen Yin sat on the carpet with Zhengzheng.


    The little one heard his mother''s question and started counting on his fingers, one by one. Five fingers, plus seven more fingers. He stopped when he reached ten.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng doesn''t have enough fingers."


    Zhengzheng looked up at Shen Yin, a bit troubled. Why did he only have ten fingers?


    "Mommy, can you lend your fingers to Zhengzheng?"


    "How about borrowing auntie''s hands?" Qi Ji said, walking in from the entrance.


    Shen Yin and Zhengzheng looked up at Qi Ji when they heard her voice.


    Qi Ji hadn''t seen Zhengzheng for almost half a month, and she felt that the little doll had be even more handsome.


    "Auntie."


    "You''re not calling me a stranger anymore."


    Qi Ji squatted down and stretched out her hand. "Let''s do the math."


    Xu Yunzheng took Qi Ji''s hand and continued counting as he had before, adding two more of Qi Ji''s fingers.


    "Mom, five plus seven equals twelve."


    "Excellent, what about five plus eight?"


    This time, Xu Yunzheng did not count on his fingers. Instead, he pondered for a few seconds before saying, "Thirteen."


    "Six plus seven?"


    "Thirteen."


    "Zhengzheng is so smart."


    "He''s very intelligent and has strong logical thinking. His little mind works quickly. It''s all my fault for not taking better care of him before. Otherwise, he would have already mastered addition and subtraction within fifty by now."

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137


    "Auntie Qi Ji, shall we do some math together?"


    "Sure."


    "Sister Yin Yin, will you be workingter?"


    "I don''t have any work to do. I''ll take you to visit the martial arts school across the streetter."


    "Great."


    Zhengzheng, with his childlike innocence, was having a super fun time with Qi Ji. Shen Yin felt like she was a bit out of ce in their conversation.


    "Auntie, I can sing ''Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,'' you know?"


    "Can you sing it for Auntie?"


    "Yes, but Zhengzheng hasn''t sung it for Mommy yet. Zhengzheng will sing it for Mommy first, and then for Auntie, okay?"


    Upon hearing this, Qi Ji felt a pang of envy. Zhengzheng was truly Shen Yin''s protective jacket.


    Not only did it shield her from the wind, but it also provided her with immense warmth.


    Shen Yin was incredibly touched by Zhengzheng''s words. Even though he was having a st with his new friend, he didn''t forget to share his good times with her first.


    "Mommy''s here, Zhengzheng. You can sing now." Shen Yin approached Zhengzheng and Qi Ji.


    Zhengzheng cleared his throat like a little adult, "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are."


    As Zhengzheng sang, his small body started to move, standing up from the carpet.


    "Well done, Zhengzheng! Nice!" Qi Ji pped her hands.


    Shen Yin had never taught Zhengzheng to sing, so she had no idea why he could.


    "Zhengzheng, your song is so beautiful. Mommy wants to learn it too." Shen Yin spoke up.


    Zhengzheng looked a little troubled: "Mommy, that''s all Zhengzheng knows."


    Qi Ji was almost dying ofughter on the side. She thought Zhengzheng could sing the whole song, but he only knew these three lines.


    "Zhengzheng, who taught you this?" Qi Ji asked.


    "It was the TV." Zhengzheng pointed at the television.


    "There were babies like Zhengzheng on the TV, asking their daddy, ''Can you sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star?'' And Zhengzheng heard it."


    "What a smart baby! You remembered it after just one listen, Zhengzheng. You''re definitely going to be a top student."


    "Auntie, what''s a top student?"


    Qi Ji realized that the Zhengzheng in front of her was still a baby.


    "Well, a top student is when Zhengzheng goes to school, takes exams, and then bes the best, the number one, that''s a top student. Do you understand?"


    Zhengzheng seemed to understand a little as he nodded and turned to Shen Yin: "Mommy, Zhengzheng wants to go to school."


    "Alright, Zhengzheng, when you''re a little older, you can go to school."


    "Yay, Zhengzheng will go to school and be a top student."


    Qi Ji looked at Zhengzheng with admiration and a smile on her face.


    "Do you feel envious? Are you nning on having one yourself? Having a little girl, being a ''little cotton-padded jacket'' is quite nice."


    Qi Ji blushed, shaking her head with a smile.


    "Zhengzheng, shall Auntie teach you ''Twinkle Twinkle Little Star?''"


    "Sure."


    "Auntie will sing it once first, and you just listen."


    The little one nodded his head again.


    "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are, up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky. When the zing sun is gone, when he nothing shines upon, then you show your little light, twinkle, twinkle, all the night."


    Qi Ji, who naturally had a childlike voice, sang the nursery rhyme as if she was a little kid herself.


    Zhengzheng listened attentively and then started to imitate her.


    "Mom, does Zhengzheng''s rendition of ''Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'' sound nice?"


    "It sounds lovely!"


    "Then Zhengzheng will sing it for Dad tonight."


    "Good, let''s go across to the little building and have a look."


    Shen Yin and Qi Ji, hand in hand with Zhengzheng, entered the building across the street.


    "Sister Yin Yin, the space inside here is vast."


    "That''s necessary for our martial arts training."


    Not only did Xu Xiuhe decorate the little building beautifully, but he also arranged all the equipment.


    "Your Sister Shuyi said she would be back tonight. Let here over tomorrow, and together with Zhengzheng, we will all strengthen our bodies." Shen Yin said.


    "Wow, that''s great! Can we all go out for a meal tonight?"


    "Sure, why not."


    Time flew quickly. The meal Qi Ji had at noon, prepared by Shen Yin, was so delicious that he couldn''t stop praising it.


    He kept ttering Shen Yin: "Sister, can Ie to see you often? The food you make is so delicious."


    "Is the food cooked by Xue Jingrui not tasty?"


    "Wow, Sister, you''re amazing. How do you know that Brother Jing Rui cooks every day?"


    Shen Yin chuckled, of course, she knew from Xu Xiuhe.


    "I calcted it. Do you believe me?"


    "I do!" Qi Ji admired Shen Yin even more. Indeed, Sister Yin Yin was as multifaceted as Sister Shuyi had described¡ªshe knew everything and could even tell fortunes.


    Seeing Qi Ji''s innocence and naivet¨¦, Shen Yin couldn''t help butugh: "You believe everything I say, don''t you?"


    "Because Sister is super amazing. Sister, can you predict when Brother Jing Rui and I will get divorced?"


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin could notugh. Why would this little girl think of divorce? Has Xue Jingrui been mistreating her and making her upset?


    "What happened? Did Xue Jingrui bully you?" Shen Yin was a bit worried. This little girl is so pure. If she is bullied and doesn''t dare to speak out, that would be troublesome.


    "He didn''t bully me. Brother Jing Rui treats me very well, just like a real brother. But he''s so nice to me that I''m afraid I''ll get addicted. I worry that I''ll have trouble adjusting after we divorce. So, I want to know when we can get divorced."


    Qi Ji sighed, and continued: "Actually, the sooner, the better. That way, I won''t feel so lost. I feel that I''m already a bit reluctant. He cooks for me every day, prepares snacks and fruits for me, and even covers me with a nket at night. I''m bing dependent on him."


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin realized that Xue Jingrui was like a father spoiling his daughter. Wait a moment, he goes to her room to cover her with a nket at night?


    "Don''t you two sleep in the same room now?" Shen Yin asked. This was very simr to when she first arrived here.


    Back then, she and Xu Xiuhe were not in the same room. Xu Xiuhe was also very kind to her. Well, not as kind as Xue Jingrui, but this little girl, like her, was thinking about divorce.


    Qi Ji seemed somewhat bewildered, shaking her head. They had previously shared a room where Brother Jing Rui had also slept on the floor.


    "Do you like him?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I don''t know, I think he is really great. When he is at home, I am very happy because I don''t have to do anything," Qi Ji replied.


    Recalling the conversation she had with Shu Yi, Shen Yin suspected that Qi Ji was also likely to have feelings for Xue Jingrui.


    However, what was Xue Jingrui thinking? Was it as Xu Xiuhe had said, that he no longer liked Qi Yan, and that his slow reaction andck of expression were just his way of dealing with the marriage?


    "So, Sister, can you figure out when he and I will divorce?" Qi Ji asked, her eyes wide open, her face serious.


    Shen Yin, who always had a low threshold for humor, found Qi Ji''s earnest response to her offhand joke rather amusing. She wasn''t a psychic; how could she possibly know when they would divorce?


    "Qi Ji, marriage and feelings aren''t something that can be calcted, they are nurtured by two people together," Shen Yin exined.


    "I see."


    But did Qi Ji really understand?

 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138


    She herself didn''t know how to operate it, how to operate it after all.


    "Sister Yin Yin, I heard from Sister Shu Yi that you and your husband were also in an arranged marriage?"


    "Yes, Zhengzheng and I were also in an arranged marriage. Our feelings for each other have only been cultivated in the past few months."


    "Wow!" Qi Ji eximed in disbelief. Zhengzheng was already two years old, and their feelings had only developed in the past few months.


    "Surprised, isn''t it? Actually, it was your Sister Shu Yi who opened my eyes, allowing me to face my own feelings. Let me tell you, I''m incredibly insensitive when ites to emotions."


    "Sister Shu Yi is amazing!"


    "She''s the most rational and clear-headed person. Tonight, when you see her, you can ask her for advice about your emotional issues."


    "Okay, what shall we do next?"


    "Zhengzheng is asleep, and I want to learn oil painting."


    "Great, Sister Yin Yin. After seeing your embroidery works, I think you have an excellent foundation in painting, so learning oil painting should be easy for you."


    Shen Yin led Qi Ji to a small storage room on the second floor. Inside was an easel, various oil paints, watercolors, acrylics, and ink.


    "Sister Yin Yin, is your family nning to open a painting studio? These supplies are soprehensive," Qi Ji eximed in surprise.


    She had a limited perspective; she never imagined there would be so many painting supplies in one room.


    These painting supplies were arranged by Xu Xiuhe himself, though she had not paid attention to this room before. Who would have thought there would be so many supplies¡ªit seemed like a new shipment had arrived.


    "Sister Yin Yin, let''s start!"


    Oil painting is neither easy nor difficult. Shen Yin had a foundation in painting, so she just needed to learn the techniques.


    Qi Ji first found the paints, oil painting brushes, palette knives, palettes, mediums, canvas boards, and other necessary items from the pile of supplies.


    "Goethe said, ''If you want to escape from this world, there is no more reliable way than art; if you want to connect with the world, there is also no more reliable way than art.'' I used to want to escape, but since meeting you and Sister Shu Yi, I feel like I''ve changed a lot," Qi Ji said as she organized the painting tools.


    "Throughout our lives, we encounter all kinds of people. They influence us¡ªsome make us stronger, some cause us to change, and some be lifelong regrets. You feel you''ve changed after meeting me and Shu Yi. What about after meeting Xue Jingrui?"


    Qi Ji pondered for a moment. "After meeting Brother Jingrui, I also feel like I''ve changed."


    "How did you change?"


    "I''ve bezier, which is not a good change," Qi Ji said with a serious expression.


    "Qi Ji, did you know you''re just a happy nut?" Shen Yin felt that Qi Ji could make herugh with every sentence.


    "If Sister Yin Yin feels happy being with me, then I''lle and keep youpany often."


    "Such a sweet talker."


    "Sister, you must be familiar withposition, so I''ll just introduce you to the tools used for sketching."


    "Mmhmm, okay."


    "Charcoal sticks, charcoal pencils, pastel and wax crayons, watercolors and acrylics."


    Qi Ji then introduced some specific uses and steps for using the tools. Her content was very detailed and informative. Shen Yin listened attentively.


    "For oil painting, color is the most crucial aspect. Through the development of oil painting, we can see that the beauty of coloryers is constantly being explored and created. Transparent and opaque colors, the dark effects on the canvas¡ªall have their techniques."


    As Qi Ji spoke, she demonstrated various techniques like dabbing, kneading, brushing, and scraping for Shen Yin.


    "So interesting," Shen Yin marveled. Indeed, it was a different style from Chinese painting, each with its own charms.


    "You give it a try. Do you have any photos of Zhengzheng on your phone? We can start by painting Zhengzheng."


    Shen Yin took out her phone and found a photo of Zhengzheng eating.


    She began sketching...


    With Shen Yin''s existing painting foundation, her intelligence, and Qi Ji''s guidance, she produced a delightful little portrait of Zhengzheng. The overallposition was aesthetically pleasing, to the point where it could be framed and sold as an artwork.


    During the painting process, Qi Ji went upstairs from time to time to check on Zhengzheng in case he woke up and couldn''t find them.


    Later, when Zhengzheng woke up, Shen Yin started painting directly from him as the model.


    "Sister Yin Yin, you''re truly an all-rounder. This first oil painting you''ve done is better than those painted by people who have done it a dozen times."


    "Mommy, this is Zhengzheng," Xu Yunzheng said, pointing at the painting.


    "Yes, it''s Zhengzheng," Shen Yin replied.


    "Zhengzheng looks so handsome, and Mommy''s painting is also beautiful," Xu Yunzhengplimented himself and Shen Yin.


    Qi Ji smiled on the side.


    Shen Yin sighed helplessly. He was already so narcissistic at such a young age, clearly inheriting the trait from Xu Xiuhe.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng is thirsty and hungry," Xu Yunzheng whined.


    Shen Yin checked the time, and it was indeedte, past five o''clock.


    "Okay, let''s go out for dinner."


    Shen Yin and Qi Ji took Xu Yunzheng and got in the car.


    Qi Ji had already told Xue Jingrui in the afternoon that she would be having dinner with Sister Yin Yin and Sister Shu Yi in the evening.


    Shen Yin had also informed Xu Xiuhe.


    The driver parked the car in front of the restaurant Shu Yi had booked.


    The three of them got out and entered the private room Shu Yi had reserved.


    As soon as they opened the door, Shu Yi ran over and hugged Xu Yunzheng.


    "Zhengzheng, did you miss Auntie?" Shu Yi had been away filming for almost half a month and really missed Yin Yin and the others.


    "I missed Auntie," Xu Yunzheng replied.


    Upon hearing this, Shu Yi couldn''t resist and hugged Xu Yunzheng tightly, nting kisses on his little face.


    "Auntie, Mommy said Zhengzheng can''t let girls kiss him randomly," Xu Yunzheng said as he touched the spot on his face where Shu Yi had just kissed him.


    "Oh no, does that mean Auntie has been rejected by Zhengzheng?" Shu Yi said dramatically, almost to the point of tears.


    Xu Yunzheng didn''t know what to do and turned to Shen Yin for help. He didn''t mean it; why was Auntie crying?


    "Auntie is just acting," Shen Yin exined.


    "Auntie, I''m sorry. Zhengzheng will give you a kiss," Xu Yunzheng said as he hugged Shu Yi''s neck and gently patted her shoulder.


    Shu Yi smiled through her tears.


    "Will Zhengzheng give Sister a kiss too?" Qi Ji thought it was amusing and joined in the fun.


    "Yes."


    "Alright, enough standing around. Let''s sit and chat," Shen Yin suggested.


    A few people sat down on the chairs. The restaurant was a high-end establishment, with elegant decor and a cozy atmosphere. Shu Yi had reserved a private family dining room, making it feel warm and intimate.


    After they were seated, Shu Yi asked Shen Yin and Qi Ji to order the food while she yed with little Zhengzheng.


    "Shu Yi, how long will you be staying this time?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Just two days, then I have to leave again. I likely won''t be back untilte September."


    "That must be so tiring for you, Sister Shu Yi."


    "It is, but I n on taking a vacation after I finish filming this movie!"


    "What about that matter you mentionedst time, when you said you''d tell me more details when you returned?" Shen Yin inquired.

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139


    If Shu Yi didn''t mention it, she''d be fine, but once she did, she just wanted to poke fun at it. A good urban romance drama turned into aedy by Chang Zhiyuan''s improvisation.


    He acted as he pleased, and the director not only dared not object but also had to keepughing along with him.


    "The more I talk about it, the more teary I get. I''m super afraid of Chang Zhiyuan getting close to me now," Shu Yi said, her expression turning impatient when mentioning Chang Zhiyuan.


    "What about the kissing scenes?" Shen Yin asked curiously.


    This drama was not only Shu Yi''s first on-screen kiss, but also her very first kiss in real life.


    Shu Yi''s face turned red as she said, "We''ve shot it twice now."


    "Ah! Sister Shu Yi has filmed a kissing scene!"


    Qi Ji''s exmation made Shu Yi even more embarrassed.


    So the kisses in TV dramas are real, huh? She had thought they were all post-production effects.


    "I''m seriously fed up with him now. He could have nailed the kissing scene in one take, but he kept messing up. I seriously suspect he''s doing it on purpose."


    "Does Chang Zhiyuan like Sister Shu Yi?" Qi Ji asked.


    This question left both Shen Yin and Shu Yi silent.


    Shen Yin didn''t know the answer, and Shu Yi, as the person involved, was even more puzzled. As the saying goes, "The bystander sees most of the game." This was true for Shu Yi.


    After some hesitation, Shu Yi said with an uncertain tone, "I don''t know. He''s a yboy, and sometimes I really get annoyed with him."


    Shen Yin didn''t know how to help Shu Yi with this kind of issue either.


    Shu Yi was sensitive and cautious when it came to matters of the heart.


    "So did Chang Zhiyuan deliberately want to film the kissing scene with Sister Shu Yi?" Qi Ji asked.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin felt likeughing. Not just deliberately¡ªhe had probably plotted it for a long time. Otherwise, why would the original actor have been reced for no reason? And this media tycoon just happened to take over the role.


    "He''s your boss, Sister Shu Yi, and he''s never acted before, has he?" Shen Yin asked Shu Yi.


    "Yeah, he''s never acted before. This is his debut performance."


    When Qi Ji heard this, her first reaction was that Chang Zhiyuan would be criticized for having no acting skills and ruining the drama with his terrible acting.


    Shen Yin also remembered Shu Yi''s previous worries and asked, "So how''s his acting? Can you continue working with him?"


    Shu Yi waved her hand dismissively. "I can''t keep working with him. If the penalty for breach of contract wasn''t so expensive, I''d have quit already."


    "Is Chang Zhiyuan''s acting that cringeworthy?" Shen Yin asked.


    "No, no, his acting is quite good. He''s just being himself¡ªshameless, constantly saying flirtatious lines. I can''t keep up with his improvisation. He''s turned a good drama into his own personal yground."


    Shu Yi was exhausted. If she could, she wouldin nonstop for three days and three nights.


    "I think if this drama actually airs, I''ll be the one getting criticized."


    "Let''s take it one step at a time. Let''s eat first. If anyone criticizes you when it airs, I''ll scold them back for you," Shen Yin said, thinking that eating was the only way to reduce Shu Yi''s suffering for now.


    "Don''t worry, Sister Shu Yi. I''ll also scold them back for you. If I can''t win the argument, I''ll hire inte trolls to support you," Qi Ji chimed in.


    "It''s so nice to have you two," Shu Yi said, almost forgetting that the few people in front of her were all young millionaires. She was so lucky to have two millionaire friends.


    "By the way, how have you both been while I was away? Little Qi Ji, are you enjoying your newlywed bliss?"


    Qi Ji blushed and nodded. She seemed to be happy every day, without a care in the world. Aside from drawing illustrations, she had nothing else to do but eat, watch shows, and readics.


    "Wow, I''m jealous. Being happy is the most important thing."


    "Yeah, Zheng Zheng is also very happy," Xu Yunzheng said as she gnawed on a pork rib.


    Upon hearing this, Shu Yi suddenly remembered something. "Little Qi Ji, have you considered having a cute little baby like Zheng Zheng?"


    "I''ve thought about it a little. Zheng Zheng is so adorable and warm," Qi Ji replied.


    "If you want one, go for it. I hope I can hold another godson by April next year," Shu Yi said excitedly, imagining herself holding a baby in each arm as she strolled around.


    Qi Ji fell silent. She did love babies and really wanted one.


    "She''s still a child, though. Xue Jingrui is treating her like a precious daughter right now," Shen Yin exined.


    "Whoa, that''s so cool! Is that what a ''dad husband'' is like? I''m envious," Shu Yi said, her mind filled with all sorts of imagined plotlines. She felt like she could write a book about it.


    "Sister Shu Yi, since Sister Shen Yin says you''re knowledgeable about matters of the heart, could you help me analyze something?"


    "You''vee to the right person."


    In the next room, Xue Jingrui, Xu Xiuhe, and Chang Zhiyuan sat together, sipping tea and sighing.


    "Why didn''t they invite us when the three of them are having a meal together?" Chang Zhiyuan asked indignantly.


    "Shut up. My son''s wife is there, and I haven''t evenined," Xu Xiuhe said calmly as he drank some water.


    "Exactly. My wife is there too. By the way, who do you have a connection with in there?" Xue Jingrui added.


    That stung. Chang Zhiyuan felt that the two men in front of him were inhumane. How could anyone say such things? Were they bullying him for not having a wife?


    "My godson is there, and so is my fianc¨¦e."


    "Enough, why did you decide to take on this acting role?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "Jingrui, you don''t understand. I don''t want to suffer on set either, but could I bear to watch that woman kiss another man? I couldn''t."


    "Couldn''t you have just changed the script?" Xue Jingrui suggested.


    "Xiuhe, can''t you see? He just wanted to kiss her, which is why he took on this role. By the way, can you even act?" Xue Jingrui questioned Chang Zhiyuan.


    "Of course I can act. Who knows, maybe after this drama, I''ll be an overnight sensation and switch careers to be a big star," Chang Zhiyuan said, starting to be self-absorbed. He felt he was simply a gifted natural, even praised by the director. He was born to be an actor.


    "We''ve strayed from the topic. When did those three be so close?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    He had always known that Shu Yi and Shen Yin had a good rtionship since they had known each other for a long time and had worked together on a set before. But when did his little wife be so close with them? They had only met a couple of times, right?


    "Women''s rtionships are mysterious. As long as they''re notpetitors, they treat each other like sisters," Chang Zhiyuan exined.


    "What do you think they''re talking about?" Xue Jingrui wondered.


    In Shen Yin''s room, Shu Yi was trying to analyze the situation.


    "Qi Ji, are you afraid that you''ll be too dependent on Xue Jingrui?"


    Qi Ji nodded.


    Shu Yi truly didn''t know how to advise Qi Ji. Qi Ji''s situation was different from Shen Yin''s ¨C she had no good feelings towards Xue Jingrui, and was beating around the bush without clearly exining things. Her judgment had been so poor before.


    "Qi Ji, I don''t really know how to advise you. I''ll reserve my opinion, but if he continues to treat you so well, it''s not impossible. Sometimes, girls need to be more clear-headed. Don''t think that love is everything, that you must possess it. If we never meet the one we love in this life, and there''s someone who treats us exceptionally well, even without romantic love, over time it could develop into a familial affection. So on this point, you need to think about what you want."

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140


    Qi Ji was perplexed, wondering if she would ever meet the person she loves.


    In the next private room, Xu Xiu and Shen Yin were questioning him.


    "Jingrui, what feelings do you have for Qi Ji?"


    Chang Zhiyuan also pricked up his ears, very curious about this question, as Xue Jingrui himself had said he understood.


    "I don''t know. I feel she''s too young to marry me, it would be a loss for her. I just want to treat her well and spoil her."


    "Brother, you''re doomed, you''re done for." Chang Zhiyuan mocked his misfortune.


    "What does she see you as?" Chang Zhiyuan brought up the topic again.


    "She calls me ''brother'' every day."


    Chang Zhiyuan felt envious, wondering when Shu Yi would sweetly call him ''brother'' too.


    "What, you mean you''ve been calling Xue Jingrui ''brother''?" Shu Yi couldn''t believe it.


    "Yes, I''ve always called him brother, from the day we got married until now, that''s what I call him." Qi Ji nodded, her eyes as big as copper bells, blinking repeatedly to affirm what she said.


    "So now he sees you as a younger sister, and you see him as a brother? Oh my, is there any romantic feelings between you two?" Even with all the novels Shu Yi had read over the years, she was at a loss regarding their rtionship.


    Qi Ji also wore a bewildered expression.


    "Sister Shu Yi, Sister Shen Yin said you awakened her. Can you now awaken me too? I don''t know what to do next." Qi Ji asked.


    Shu Yi wanted to say that the rtionship between Shen Yin and Xu Xiu was a bit different from that of Qi Ji and Xue Jingrui.


    "Your rtionships are different. Yin Yin and her husband do have Zhengzheng."


    Xu Yunzheng was enjoying his meal when he heard his nickname and chimed in, "Where''s Zhengzheng?"


    "Sister Shu Yi, do you mean that I need to have a child for my rtionship with Brother Jingrui to be like Sister Shen Yin''s?"


    Shu Yi was thrown into confusion. Oh dear, this was getting tooplicated.


    In the next private room.


    "Brother, let me tell you, since she calls you ''brother'', you have to make a move! You can''t be so wooden."


    "What move?"


    "She calls you brother, meaning she''s not resistant to you but trusts you instead. Now is the time to seize the opportunity. Look how fast Xiu and I were? I taught him." Chang Zhiyuan thumped his chest, boasting.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xiu looked puzzled. Really? He didn''t remember Chang Zhiyuan teaching him. If his memory served, it was always hispany''s little assistant Xiao Li''er who advised him. Of course, it was also because of his own quick wit and thick skin that he won over Shen Yin. What did Chang Zhiyuan have to do with it?


    "Ahem, you can take me as a sessful case study, but a certain someone shouldn''t tter himself, since among the three of us, only one is single."


    "What about me? When did I tter myself? Can you say I never gave you advice?"


    "If I have to say why my wife and I are so blissful today, the biggest contributor is Zhengzheng." Xu Xiu felt proud, his boastful tone making it obvious even to a fool.


    After saying that, Xu Xiu suddenly missed Zhengzheng, not having seen the little one for a day, wondering if he was missed too.


    "So, the key is that I need to have a child first for my rtionship with her to progress?"


    "Buddy, wake up. The question now is what you need to do to have a child."


    "You''re all wrong. My having Zhengzheng was an ident, an ident that others can''t imitate. Jingrui''s problem now is how to take his rtionship with Qi Ji one step further. Having a child, can he decide that by himself? He can''t give birth."


    After Xu Xiu finished speaking, the three fell silent.


    They started eating.


    "What do you think they''re discussing over there?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    "Clothes, bags, jewelry, lipstick?"


    In the other private room.


    "Qi Ji, did you ever like someone before?" Shu Yi asked.


    Qi Ji shook her head.


    "Actually, apart from Xue Jingrui''s poor eyesight before and being a bit wooden, he''s quite alright in other aspects." Shen Yin chimed in.


    "Do you like children?" Shu Yi asked again.


    Qi Ji nodded. Of course she did. Babies were adorable, chubby and innocent. Treat them well and they''ll treat you well too. Who didn''t like them?


    "If all else fails, have one." Shu Yi said solemnly.


    "With who?" Qi Ji asked sincerely, as she truly liked babies.


    "Xue Jingrui."


    ...


    "How do you have one?"


    Shu Yi held her head, feeling that Qi Ji was too naive.


    In the other private room.


    "Now, you should tell her you like her, not see her as a younger sister," Chang Zhiyuan spoke up.


    "You could learn from me, be a bit thick-skinned. The first step is to sleep in the same room."


    "On what pretext?"


    "Jingrui, on this matter, Xiu and I can''t help you anymore. Feelings are between you and her. We can only give you some strategies, but the actual implementation depends on you."


    "Obviously with you two." Shen Yin didn''t finish her sentence.


    Shu Yi continued, "Have a physical rtionship."


    Qi Ji blushed, feeling a bit shy, and took a tactical sip of water.


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the private room door.


    Shen Yin looked at Shu Yi and asked, "Did you order something else?"


    Shu Yi was also puzzled. She thought Shen Yin had ordered more dishes but Shen Yin was asking her, so she shook her head.


    "Then who could it be?"


    "Let me open the door." Qi Ji, who was closest to the door, stood up to open it.


    Qi Ji opened it a crack but quickly closed it again.


    Shu Yi: "Qi Ji, who is it? Why did you close the door again?"


    Qi Ji turned around, looked at Shen Yin and Shu Yi, patted her chest and said, "It''s Brother Jingrui and the others."


    Shen Yin and Shu Yi looked at each other, then asked together, "The others?"


    "Also Sister Shen Yin''s husband and Chang Zhiyuan." Qi Ji was a bit startled. The two sisters had just told her about ''having a physical rtionship'', and they came so soon.


    Outside, the three men didn''t understand what had just happened. Was it an illusion? Did they see wrong in that split second when the door opened?


    They knocked again.


    Qi Ji quickly opened the door, then hurried back to her seat.


    "How did they know we''re here?" Shu Yi asked.


    Shen Yin shook her head, "Not me, I didn''t say where."


    Qi Ji immediately shook her head, she hadn''t said anything.


    The three of them entered the private room one after another.


    Xu Yunzheng looked up: "Dad, Dad."


    Xu Xiu walked over to Xu Yunzheng and picked up Zhengzheng. "Dad, Zhengzheng hasn''t eaten enough yet." Zhengzheng was reluctant to put down the chopsticks in his hand, as he had just been eating and ying around, not really eating enough.


    Hearing this, Xu Xiu put Zhengzheng down and sat down next to him.

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141


    "How did you know we were at this restaurant?" Shen Yin asked.


    "If Shu Yi is somewhere, I''d certainly know as her boss," Chang Zhiyuan said without treating it as a question. If he wanted to know where someone was, it was too easy.


    Shu Yi was speechless.


    "Have you eaten?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    "No," said Shen Yin.


    "Yes," said Jing Rui.


    "Not finished," said Xiu He.


    Three people, three different answers. Now not only Shu Yi was speechless, but the other two didn''t know what to make of it either.


    Why didn''t they coordinate their lines?


    "It''s like this, I haven''t eaten, I met Jing Rui who was in the middle of eating, and then the two of us met Xiu He who had finished eating," Chang Zhiyuan made up a lie on the spot.


    "Jing Rui, where were you eating that you got pulled out halfway through?" Qi Ji asked.


    "Um..." Jing Rui scratched his head, not saying a word. If he said he was eating in the next private room, would they believe him?


    "It''s like this, we happened toe out to eat too, happened to be next door to you, happened that Chang Zhiyuan hadn''t eaten, Jing Rui ate halfway, and I just finished eating," Xiu He exined.


    ...


    "What a coincidence, three coincidences, very very very good," Shen Yin smiled, these three brothers were quite amusing.


    Chang Zhiyuan sat down next to Shu Yi, who had nearly finished eating, after all female celebrities still needed to maintain their figures.


    Chang Zhiyuan took Shu Yi''s chopsticks and started picking up dishes from the table.


    Not only Shu Yi, but also the people across from them were stunned.


    "What are you looking at? Keep eating. With so many people watching me eat, I''m not used to it. Jing Rui, you haven''t finished either, so you eat too. Xiu He..."


    Chang Zhiyuan''s words were cut off by Xu Xiuhe: "Just eat, there''s no point talking to a chatterbox like you."


    Chang Zhiyuan started eating. There were no spare chopsticks on the table, so Jing Rui, seeing that Qi Ji had stopped eating, took her chopsticks instead. He wasn''t hungry, but he just wanted to use Qi Ji''s chopsticks.


    Xu Xiuhe watched with an expression of "the student has surpassed the master."


    Qi Ji: "Jing Rui, there are chopsticks at the counter over there, let me get you a pair."


    "No need, using an extra pair is just wasteful," Jing Rui said.


    "Exactly, look at me using Shu Yi''s chopsticks. We need to save, not waste. Be frugal, everyone is responsible. Join the ''clean te'' campaign," Chang Zhiyuan said, then picked up Shu Yi''s bowl which still had some rice left.


    "Hey, that''s my bowl, I didn''t finish it," Shu Yi said anxiously.


    "I don''t mind," Chang Zhiyuan replied.


    Shu Yi was speechless.


    Shen Yin smiled inwardly, now she understood why Xu Xiuhe was so thick-skinned - there was an even thicker-skinned one.


    "Jing Rui, do you want more rice? If so, let the server refill it."


    "No need, I''ll just have a bit," Jing Rui said. He wasn''t hungry, he just wanted to see how Qi Ji would react to him.


    The little girl still cared about him, so his gifts of fruit and snacks weren''t for nothing.


    "It''s Saturday today, my parents want us to stay over at the old house for a night, is that okay?"


    "Of course, it''s been a while since we went back."


    After dinner, everyone went their separate ways.


    Xu Xiuhe carried Zhengzheng and held Shen Yin''s hand to the car.


    Shu Yi had her own car, so Chang Zhiyuan drove behind her.


    Jing Rui drove, with Qi Ji in the passenger seat.


    "Did you have fun today?" Jing Rui asked.


    Qi Ji hugged her plushie and nodded: "Yes, Shen Yin is really amazing, she knows everything, even fortune-telling. The Martial Arts Club she runs is great too, can Ie back tomorrow?"


    "Of course, I''ll drop you off in the morning," Jing Rui replied.


    But what was on his mind was Shen Yin''s fortune-telling talent. Fortune-telling, surely it was fake? Did people still do that nowadays? Shen Yin must have been joking, and this little girl just believed it.


    He had wanted to tell the little girl that Shen Yin might not actually be able to tell fortunes and not to believe everything she said. But seeing her so excited, he gave up.


    At the familypound, the Xue house had its gates closed.


    Jing Rui knocked on the door.


    It was opened by the family''s maid.


    "Auntie, are my parents asleep?" Jing Rui asked.


    "No, they just went upstairs," the maid replied.


    "Okay, then Qi Ji and I will head up too."


    "Sure, get some rest early. Fresh sheets in your rooms, sleep well."


    "Thank you auntie," Qi Ji said sweetly.


    The maid watched them go upstairs, smiling to herself: "How lovely, a handsome couple. When will I have such an obedient daughter-inw?"


    Upstairs, Xue Kai and Ye Rong were watching TV. Hearing the sounds from the staircase, they were surprised - the maid didn''t usuallye upstairs at night.


    When Jing Rui and Qi Ji appeared, Ye Rong stood up.


    "Jing Rui, Qi Ji?"


    Before she could say more, Jing Rui cut her off.


    "Mom, were you and dad waiting for us?"


    Having been in business for years, Ye Rong understood what her son meant.


    "Yes, yes, your mom hasn''t seen my daughter-inw for so long and missed her. Daughter-inw, how have you beentely? If Jing Rui bullies you, let me know and I''ll support you," Ye Rong said warmly, taking Qi Ji''s hands.


    "Mom, Jing Rui has been very good to me, he doesn''t bully me," Qi Ji replied.


    "That''s good, that''s good. It''s gettingte, you should rest up and try to give me a grandchild soon," Ye Rong smiled, as if she could hold her grandchild tomorrow.


    Hearing this, Qi Ji''s face reddened again, just like what Shu Yi had told her earlier that evening.


    Jing Rui, on the other hand, wasn''t embarrassed at all. He turned to look at Qi Ji and saw her blushing, secretly delighted - did this mean she wasn''tpletely indifferent to him?


    "Mom, I''ll go take a shower first," Qi Ji said, having been out all day, a shower would be refreshing.


    After Qi Ji entered the bedroom, only the three of them remained in the living room.


    "Jing Rui, out with it, what''s going on that you suddenly came back?" Xue Kai spoke from the sofa.


    "Nothing, I just wanted toe see you," Jing Rui replied.


    "That''s for the best; we can''t let this girl be wronged. I didn''t mention to you what happened at the weddingst time, that woman is no good. You should be cautious of her in the future."


    "I understand, Dad."


    "It''s good that you understand, it''s good that you understand. Jingrui, tell your mom, how are things going between you two now? Are you trying for a baby?"


    Ye Rong pulled Xue Jingrui''s arm again, with an inquisitive look on her face.


    "Mom... yes, we''re trying." Xue Jingrui said somewhat unnaturally.


    Ye Rong thought her son was just being shy, and she looked delighted. "Let me tell you, I''ve been through this myself. During your trying to conceive period, you must take it seriously."


    Xue Jingrui was afraid of Ye Rongunching into a long lecture, so he quickly cut her off.

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142


    In the bedroom, Qi Ji walked to the side of the bed after taking a shower.


    When Xue Jingrui came in, he hadid out a mattress on the floor, but his mind was already brainstorming.


    He thought of several ways to get to sleep on the bed, but one by one they were rejected. He originally thought of pretending to look pitiful, saying his back and waist were aching and ufortable sleeping on the floor.


    But then he thought, he was older than Qi Ji after all, so if he said his body wasn''t doing well, how would Qi Ji look at him in the future?


    Suddenly, Xue Jingrui''s eyes lit up when he saw a cup of water on the table nearby. Could he...?


    "Qi Ji, do you want some water?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "Big Brother Jingrui, I drank some earlier tonight, I''m not thirsty now," said Qi Ji, lying down and pulling the thin nket over herself, ready to sleep.


    If she wasn''t thirsty, then he was relieved.


    Xue Jingrui walked over to the table, picked up the cup and said, "I''m a little thirsty."


    Qi Ji was engrossed in reading aic on her phone at an exciting part and didn''t have time to pay attention to Xue Jingrui.


    Seeing that Qi Ji didn''t respond, Xue Jingrui carried the cup of water and walked toward his mattress. As he was about to reach it, he pretended to stumble, lurching his body forward and throwing the cup out of his hand.


    Not a single drop was left in the cup - all the water sshed onto the nket. Themotion was so loud that Qi Ji looked over.


    "Big Brother Jingrui, are you okay?" Qi Ji got out of bed.


    "I''m fine, but my nket isn''t."


    The cup hadnded on the nket, leaving arge wet patch around it that wouldn''t dry anytime soon.


    "How will you sleep now, Big Brother Jingrui?"


    Upon hearing this, Xue Jingrui felt like crying for a moment. How would he sleep? Of course he wanted to sleep on the bed. He was puzzled - shouldn''t the youngdy let him sleep on the bed?


    "It''s okay, I''m young and my body is sturdy. Sleeping in a damp nket for one night is no big deal." Xue Jingrui''s words sounded tough, but his expression made him seem pitiful.


    Qi Ji couldn''t bear it anymore.


    "If it really doesn''t work out, you can sleep on the bed."


    At Qinghe Vi, a family of threey on the bed.


    Xu Xiuhe nced at his phone, then turned to look at Shen Yin, who was coaxing their son Xu Yunzheng, and asked, "Hey? Wife, can you tell fortunes?"


    Shen Yin looked bewildered at first, then realized andughed, "Xue Jingrui asked you that? I was just joking with Qi Ji, but she took it seriously. Qi Ji is so adorable."


    Xu Xiuhe also smiled. What Shen Yin didn''t know was that in his eyes, she was the most adorable.


    "Mommy, isn''t Yunzheng adorable too?" Little Xu Yunzheng was almost asleep but had heard his mom praise Auntie Qi Ji for being adorable. He thought he was adorable too.


    "Yes, Yunzheng is the most adorable," said Shen Yin, gently patting Xu Yunzheng''s tummy. The little one soon grew sleepy.


    Shen Yin also fell asleep, but she didn''t sleep well that night. The nightmare attacked her again, and this time in the dream, a man had kidnapped her. She couldn''t see the man''s face.


    She was tied up in an abandoned, dirty factory full of garbage, with rats scurrying around asionally.


    She wanted to escape, but she wasn''t bound by ropes, but rather iron chains.


    She couldn''t see the man''s face, but she felt that he had wicked intentions toward her.


    "No one wille to save you. You already have a child, why resist so much? If you can give birth for other men, why not for me?"


    Shen Yin suddenly woke up, the dream too realistic. She realized this dream, like the previous two, was a premonition.


    The nightmare had left her drenched in cold sweat. After waking up, she couldn''t fall back asleep. She waspletely baffled, unable to figure out who had kidnapped her and how that person could have seeded in tying her up.


    She tossed and turned, struggling to sleep. Luckily she had woken up ¨C she dared not imagine what might have happened next, even though it hadn''t urred yet, the thought alone sickened her.


    Perhaps her movements were too much and disturbed the man beside her. Xu Xiuhe turned on the light and saw Shen Yin lying t, eyes wide open staring at the ceiling with a worried expression.


    "What''s wrong? Another nightmare?" Xu Xiuhe rubbed his eyes, his voice soft and gentle. For a moment, Shen Yin wanted to tell him about her dream, but she couldn''t - he would worry.


    "No, I was just a bit hungry and it woke me up," Shen Yin made up an excuse.


    "Just wait," said Xu Xiuhe, putting on his slippers and walking out of the bedroom.


    Shen Yin sat up, her mind still on the events of her dream. She had no clue who had kidnapped her or when this would happen. She had always thought herself vignt and smart, acting cautiously, but never imagined she could be so helpless in her dream.


    Luckily it hadn''t happened yet. Luckily there was still time.


    Shen Yin walked out of the bedroom toward the kitchen, where the man was chopping vegetables as the water boiled in the pot. She had never imagined there woulde a day when a man would cook for her in the middle of the night just because of something she said.


    The man was about to nch the chopped vegetables when Shen Yin entered the kitchen, hugging him from behind and pressing her face against his back. Xu Xiuhe paused for a moment - this was the first time Shen Yin had been so proactive with him.


    "What''s wrong?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin didn''t answer, just hugging him tightly, her face against his back. So she could be vulnerable and afraid too.


    "Easy now, what happened?" At this point, Xu Xiuhe couldn''t believe Shen Yin was just hungry.


    "Nothing happened, I just feel you''re so, so good and I want to..."


    Seeing Shen Yin''s actions, Xu Xiuhe naturally understood what she wanted.


    For the first time she was taking such initiative - how could he refuse?


    The man turned off the stove, and they stayed in the kitchen.


    Xu Xiuhe felt Shen Yin''s passion.


    "Don''t worry, no matter what happens, I''ll be by your side."


    "Okay."


    Outside, the sky was gradually brightening - the first light of summer at 4am.


    The two of them finished.


    "Am I really silly?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe kissed Shen Yin''s neck, his voice slightly hoarse but unbearably gentle, "How could my wife be silly? She''s the smartest, most capable woman in the world."


    Shen Yin looked at the half-cooked meal and asked, "Shall we continue making it?"


    "Of course, the water has cooled down. I''ll reboil it and make you some clear noodle soup. Eat it, then take a shower and get some rest."


    Shen Yin put on her clothes, folded her arms, and leaned against the wall, watching Xu Xiuhe''s every move.


    In 10 minutes, a bowl of fragrant clear noodle soup was ced on the table, and Shen Yin walked over.


    "The noodles smell so good."


    "My mom used to make them for me all the time, so I learned how to make them over time."


    Shen Yin took a sip, and it tasted delicious.


    "I can''t finish it all. Come and share it with me."

 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143


    Xu Xiuhe walked over, and the two finished a bowl of noodles.


    "Later we''ll take a shower, and then you can sleep some more. I have to go to work today."


    "Okay."


    After the shower, the twoid on the bed. It was only 5 a.m., but Shen Yin finally fell asleep in Xu Xiuhe''s embrace.


    When she woke up again, Xu Xiuhe was no longer by her side. Only Xu Yunzheng was lying next to her, motionless, watching her.


    "Mommy, you''re awake?" Zhengzheng asked.


    "Where''s Daddy?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Daddy told Zhengzheng not to disturb Mommy."


    Shen Yin nced at her phone. It was already past 8 o''clock.


    "Is Zhengzheng hungry?"


    The little doll nodded.


    Shen Yin got up.


    On Sunday, no one came to work at the studio. She had previously notified Shen Meng and her friends that they coulde over today, and she had also told Qi Ji and Shu Yi yesterday.


    While Shen Yin was preparing breakfast for Zhengzheng, Qi Ji and Shu Yi came upstairs.


    "Smells so good. I should''ve skipped breakfast and juste over to mooch off you," Shu Yi said.


    "I ate a lot this morning. Last night I went back to Brother Jing Rui''s ce, and Mom made me a lot of food. I''m stuffed," Qi Ji said.


    "You went back to the old housest night," Shu Yi said with interest.


    "Yes, Brother Jing Rui said Dad and Mom missed us. So we went back."


    "How did you two stay there?"


    Qi Ji looked very embarrassed and bashful. "We stayed in the same room."


    "And?" Shen Yin asked. From her experienced perspective, since they stayed in the same room, they were not far from sharing a bed.


    "We slept in the same bed," Qi Ji said.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin couldn''t be bothered with anything else, and Shu Yi also looked at Qi Ji in shock. Only Zhengzheng was eating the little pancakes Shen Yin made, oblivious to their conversation.


    "Damn, sis, you move that fast?" Shu Yi eximed.


    "Who suggested it?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I did," Qi Ji replied.


    "Qi Ji, you''re so brave!" Shu Yi said admiringly.


    "No, no, it''s not like that. Last night he was sleeping on the floor, and when he was holding a cup, he spilled water all over the bedding. It got really wet. I was afraid he''d get sick sleeping like that, so I let him get in the bed," Qi Ji hastily exined.


    "How did he react?"


    "He didn''t say anything. He slept very properly, and we just slept on our sides."


    "Not bad, not bad."


    "Do you really want to have a baby?"


    Qi Ji nodded.


    "What do you think about men? Do you care?"


    Qi Ji shook her head. But it seemed she understood what she needed to do next. As the saying goes, the one who falls in love first will suffer the most.


    So she couldn''t fall in love first. She had to stay lucid, but she wanted a child. Brother Jing Rui met all the criteria and would make a good father.


    As for her, she was financially independent, her parents loved her, and she had a small fortune saved up, which would be enough for her and the baby''s future. So why couldn''t she make the first move?


    "I want to have a baby," Qi Ji said seriously.


    "Have you really thought it through?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Mm-hmm."


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng''s done eating," Zhengzheng said after taking a sip of soup, looking at the three of them.


    "Then let''s go to the small building across the way. A few more people areing, and then we''ll practice some basic moves."


    "Okay! Zhengzheng wants to be a superhero and beat up the bad guys who bully girls," Zhengzheng said, raising his fist.


    "My future son-inw is awesome. I wonder which lucky little girl he''ll make his wife someday," Shu Yi mused.


    "Mine," Qi Ji said unexpectedly.


    "Whose little girl, Auntie?" Zhengzheng asked innocently.


    "Auntie is going to have a little girlfriend for you, Zhengzheng. Then you''ll be my son-inw," Qi Ji said lightly, skipping down the stairs.


    "She''s already decided on her future son-inw while he''s still a child," Shu Yiughed as she followed Qi Ji down.


    "She''s probably just joking with a childish mindset. Having a baby is not that easy. She''s still too young. She can wait a couple more years," Shen Yin said gently.


    "Yin Yin, don''t be a hypocrite. How old were you when you had Zhengzheng?" Shu Yi asked pointedly.


    Ah, Shen Yin calcted... It seemed she was about the same age as Qi Ji.


    "Alright, alright, Qi Ji isn''t that young," she conceded.


    In the small building across the way, a few girls greeted them as they entered.


    While Shen Yin was chatting with Shen Meng, Shen Meng asked about the cost of learning martial arts. Shen Yin never intended to make money from the martial arts studio, so the fees were not high, even lower than ordinary studios. As a result, more than five people showed up today.


    Shu Yi took one look and thought, "Well, well, we''ve got the Seven Fairies gathered here."


    Shen Yin was more casual about it. She had them line up inside and stretch their muscles.


    "Has anyone practiced martial arts before?" Shen Yin asked sternly.


    The girls shook their heads.


    Adding Zhengzheng, there were a total of 10 students.


    "Does practicing the Eight Brocade Qigong in college count?"


    "Does practicing Tai Chi with my grandfather count?"


    "Zhengzheng learned the horse stance when acting." The little guy had a good memory and even demonstrated the stance, using all his strength to squat down, sessfully making everyone thereugh.


    "Since none of you have any foundation, let''s start from the beginning. The most important things in martial arts are the flexibility, agility, and strength of the legs. So today we''ll start with the legs."


    "First, the front leg stretch."


    Shen Yin ced her left heel on the railing, toes hooked up, both legs straight, hands supporting her left knee, and leaned her upper body forward, trying to touch her head to her toes. She alternated between legs.


    "Keep your legs straight and lean your upper body forward," Shen Yin emphasized.


    The girls imitated Shen Yin, raising and straightening their legs.


    "Ow, that hurts."


    "It looks so easy, but it''s so hard to do."


    Shen Meng struggled to lift her leg onto the railing.


    Shen Yin went around correcting each person''s form.


    "This is just the beginning. This railing isn''t that high. Once you get used to it, we''ll move to a higher one," Shen Yin said.


    Zhengzheng was pouting nearby, thinking to himself that the railing was already too high for him, while the girls had lifted their legs onto it.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng can''t reach," Zhengzheng said, walking back and forth under the railing.


    Shen Yin...


    Oops, she hadn''t considered this little guy''s height.


    The other girls couldn''t help butugh, even as they tried to hold it in, straining with their legs raised.


    "Zhengzheng, be a good boy and do the horse stance over there, okay? Since you''re a boy, the training will be different from the girls''. Just squat in the horse stance and count to 60."


    "1, 2, 3, 4, 5...40, 41, 44."


    Qi Ji couldn''t help but interject, "What about 43?"


    Shen Yin looked towards Qi Ji and Shu Yi, who were standing at the very edge. The two of them hadn''t noticed the celebrity behind them yet.


    Qi Ji and Shu Yi were doing the exercises quite properly, holding the positions for a considerable amount of time, suggesting they likely had some dance training.


    When they reached sixty, Zhengzheng came running over, and Shen Yin instructed the girls to switch to the other leg.


    Zhengzheng looked around, left and right, and some more time passed.


    "Alright, let''s move on to the next exercise."

 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144


    In the afternoon, Shen Yin let them practice the moves again.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng''s tummy is itchy," Zhengzheng ran up to her, lifted up his shirt, and revealed his pale belly, which had a few scratch marks.


    "When did it start itching?" Shen Yin looked anxious.


    Zhengzheng pondered for a moment, rubbed his tummy, and said, "At noon."


    The little one scratched asionally, and the scratch marks grew more numerous. Shen Yin''s mind went nk; she had never faced such a situation before. Little Bao was too young, and although she had some medical skills, she did not know how to handle this.


    Shen Yin immediately called Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe also became anxious. Zhengzheng had been rtively healthy from a young age and had rarely fallen sick.


    "Okay, don''t panic for now. The driver is outside, and I''m also driving to the children''s dermatology hospital. Don''t worry."


    "Okay."


    Shen Yin hung up the phone and turned to her students, saying, "You guys keep practicing. We''ll have a group chatter. I have something to take care of, so I''ll be gone for a bit."


    Shen Yin held Zhengzheng and got into the car.


    "Zhengzheng, don''t scratch, or you''ll get scars."


    Zhengzheng nodded.


    Shen Yin held Zhengzheng with one hand and took out her phone with the other to search on Baidu.


    "Why does a baby''s tummy itch?"


    There were many answers, and Shen Yin read one of them.


    [A baby''s itchy tummy can have many reasons. It could be a bacterial infection, a skin condition, or even an allergic reaction.]


    Shen Yin recollected that Zhengzheng had not been exposed to anything abnormal recently, and even the pets were bathed daily.


    The driver sensed Shen Yin''s anxiety and drove rather quickly. When they arrived at the hospital, Xu Xiuhe was already there, having arranged for a doctor.


    Several doctors came out to greet them.


    Soon, the diagnosis was out: urticaria.


    The doctor exined the treatment while applying ointment to Zhengzheng''s rash.


    "Don''t let the baby scratch, as it will only make the itching worse. The main reason is that scratching raises the local temperature, causing the blood to release more histamine (allergen), which will further aggravate the condition."


    Shen Yin began to me herself, wondering if she had not taken good enough care of Zhengzheng, leading to this illness.


    Xu Xiuhe noticed Shen Yin''s distraction and gently patted her shoulder, reassuring her not to me herself too much.


    The doctor, perceptive as well, continued, "Urticaria in a two-year-old child is a swelling reaction caused by dtion and increased permeability of small blood vessels in the skin and mucous membranes. The main causes for a two-year-old child are infection, gic factors, and physical stimuli. Infections can include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, such as viruses causing upper respiratory infections or hepatitis viruses, which can alter the body''s reactivity and cause urticaria.


    Gic factors: If the baby''s family has a history of urticaria, the baby''s serum may contain a high concentration of a specific protein called IgE immunoglobulin, which is an intrinsic pathogenic factor for acute urticaria.


    Physical stimuli: These include cold, heat, light, water, and mechanical pressure, such as immediate and dyed dermographic urticaria and dyed pressure urticaria. About 4% of people have dermographism, where firm stroking of the skin causes wheals and erythematous res."


    After all that, the only thing Xu Xiuhe heard was "gic."


    If he remembered correctly, Xu Guimin, his biological father, had suffered from urticaria when Xu Xiuhe was young, and his mother had applied medication for Xu Guimin.


    The difference was that Xu Guimin''s urticaria had been on his back.


    At the thought of it being gic, Xu Xiuhe felt guilty, wondering why it wasn''t passed on to him instead of having this young child suffer.


    "Don''t worry too much. The baby''s condition is not severe, and it was caught early. A few days of applying the ointment, and it will be fine. During the illness, the baby should minimize outdoor activities, as wind, cold, sweating, or friction can worsen the condition."


    "Will it recur?" Shen Yin asked worriedly.


    "No, our chief is an authority in pediatric dermatology, and he personally developed this ointment," a younger doctor chimed in.


    "Does the baby need to follow a special diet?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "During the urticaria period, the baby should avoid spicy, stimting, and high-protein foods like fish, shrimp, milk, chicken, garlic sprouts, mangoes, etc. Cucumber, carrots, sesame, apples, and bananas are suitable," the doctor replied.


    Upon hearing the doctor''s words, Xu Yunzheng, lying on the bed with his tummy exposed, immediately sat up.


    "Daddy, Mommy, Zhengzheng is no longer itchy. Zhengzheng is better," Xu Yunzheng said anxiously, wondering why he couldn''t eat meat.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe naturally understood what the little one was thinking.


    "Zhengzheng, if you don''t listen to the doctor, you''ll get itchier," Shen Yin walked over and picked up Zhengzheng.


    Zhengzheng became unhappy, tightly hugging Shen Yin''s neck and burying his head in her shoulder.


    Shen Yin felt sorry for him, gently patting his back and saying softly, "In a few days, when you''re better, we can eat meat again. Zhengzheng is a smart, good boy. As soon as you felt ufortable, you told Mommy. It''s not severe, and you''ll get better soon."


    "Mommy," Zhengzheng whimpered.


    "Don''t worry, Mommy will make you something even more delicious than meat."


    "Okay."


    The doctors watched the family of three, not daring to speak. This man was frequently in the news as a wealthy person. They dared not be negligent, as a single word of displeasure from him could result in him buying the hospital and firing them.


    On the way back, it was gettingte. Xu Xiuhe drove, while Shen Yin and Zhengzheng sat in the back.


    Shen Yin had no time to think about the dream she had the previous night. Her mind was preupied with how to take care of Zhengzheng and prepare delicious meals for him.


    "Don''t worry, everything will be fine," Xu Xiuhe reassured.


    "Okay."


    "You don''t need to feel guilty. If anyone should feel guilty, it''s me. My biological father had this illness, so it''s not because you didn''t take good care of Zhengzheng."


    Shen Yin felt a little less guilty upon hearing this, but she still felt distressed, as what mother wouldn''t worry about her child?


    "You and your father?" Shen Yin asked cautiously.


    "He''s only my father in name," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Do you have any feelings for him?"


    "It''splicated. He used to treat me well, but ever since he brought his other son back..."


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t finish, but Shen Yin could empathize with his situation.


    They really do seem like it.


    "Yang Cui?"


    "She was my father''s former secretary."


    Shen Yin recalled the woman she saw at the cafe when she first arrived here.


    Indeed, she had a nice appearance and looked quite young, and seemed rather calcting.


    "She has ties with Zhou Man, or more precisely, Zhou Man and Xu Zhengyang have an unusual rtionship."


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin felt shocked. Indeed, the matter was not simple and was bing increasinglyplicated.

 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145


    Shu Yi and Qi Ji sat slumped on the sofa. They had practiced all day at the Martial Arts Club, which also had a bathroom. After taking a shower, they realized Shen Yin had left with the Baby.


    The other students said Shen Yin had taken Zhengzheng to the hospital, causing the two women to worry.


    With no response to their messages, they didn''t dare call Shen Yin, afraid of disturbing her, so they quietly waited.


    As the students left, they approached Shu Yi for autographs. After the previous Weibo incident, they had all be her die-hard fans. They never expected to be in the same room as their idol, learning together¡ªwhat a celestial experience!


    There was a frenzy of idol-worshipping, each more intense than thest, calling out "Wife!"


    Qi Ji was dumbfounded beside her. Well, Shu Yi was dumbfounded too. Previously, only her male fans called her "wife," while her younger female fans called her "daughter." But now, what was this about even the female fans calling her "wife"? What the heck?


    "You two haven''t left yet."


    Shen Yin entered the room, seeing the two looking dejected.


    Upon seeing the family of three back, the two women immediately perked up, standing and running over to Shen Yin.


    They gently pinched Zhengzheng''s chubby little cheeks.


    Zhengzheng showed no reaction.


    "What''s the matter? Zhengzheng isn''t happy?" Shu Yi asked.


    "He''s not happy. The doctor said he can''t have any meat in the afternoon, and he''s been unhappy since hearing that¡ªhasn''t said a word," Shen Yin exined.


    "What''s wrong with him?" Qi Ji looked concerned. The little guy was calling her "Auntie" yesterday and singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." How did he get sick today?


    "Hives. He can''t leave the room for a while. Luckily, the doctor said it''s not serious and he''ll be fine in a couple of days," Shen Yin said.


    Hearing this, Qi Ji and Shu Yi felt relieved. A child so young, it would be heartbreaking if he suffered.


    "Then we''ll head back," Shu Yi said.


    "Take it easy," Shen Yin advised.


    "Got it. Little Zhengzheng, get well soon. When you''re better, Auntie will take you for meat every day," Shu Yi said.


    "Qi Ji, let me give you a ride."


    Being taller than Qi Ji, Shu Yi put her arm around her.


    "Xue Jingrui is so lucky to have married a little wife like you. I envy him," Shu Yi joked.


    "Shu Yi, I envy your height so much. I dream of being tall," Qi Ji said.


    As they chatted, they reached the carport behind the small building.


    "Petite and dainty, how lovely."


    "Sis, I want a Baby. I n to climb into Xue Jingrui''s bed tonight," Qi Ji said.


    "Whoa, girl!" Shu Yi wanted to say she should think it over and not be so impulsive.


    "Qi Ji, time to go home." Xue Jingrui got out of the car and walked over.


    Qi Ji waved at Shu Yi. "Shu Yi, I''ll head out first."


    "Yeah, be careful."


    In the car, Qi Ji kept thinking about how to have a Baby.


    Having read manyics, she knew what to do. But first, she needed an excuse, not to appear too obvious.


    "Xue Jingrui, are we going to the Old Mansion today?" Qi Ji asked.


    If they were staying at the Old Mansion tonight, it would be so convenient. She regretted not acting on the good opportunityst night.


    "What''s on your mind? You seem so deep in thought," Xue Jingrui said.


    "Thinking of you," Qi Ji replied absentmindedly, without thinking.


    Those two wordspletely flustered Xue Jingrui, who mmed on the brakes.


    "What''s wrong, Xue Jingrui? There are cars behind us. Emergency braking like that isn''t safe driving," Qi Ji reminded him.


    "It''s nothing," he said, though his mind was racing. How could it be nothing when a sweet girl sitting beside him, her voice soft and sweet, said she was thinking of him?


    What man could resist that?


    Qi Ji didn''t realize what she had just said. After Xue Jingrui restarted the car, she was still thinking about her little scheme.


    When Shen Yin got home, she went to the kitchen. Zhengzheng couldn''t have any chicken, fish, meat, or eggs now.


    Recalling the doctor''s advice, Shen Yin thought of carrots and cucumbers, which were in season, fresh, and inexpensive.


    But Zhengzheng had never liked carrots, so Shen Yin came up with an idea. She took a fruit knife and carved for a while.


    Soon, a little rabbit emerged.


    Shen Yin boiled some carrot, taro, and red date porridge. The carved carrots were steamed and coated with desated coconut.


    Banana cakes, apple puree, carrot porridge, fried cucumbers, mushroom and Chinese cabbage, and broli¡ªthe table was filled with vegetarian dishes, not a single meat dish.


    When Zhengzheng sat at the table and saw no meat, he realized his mother wasn''t just saying it¡ªshe really wasn''t giving him any meat.


    "Ah!" The baby sighed, hisst glimmer of hope gone.


    "Zhengzheng, look at this. What is it?" Shen Yin brought over the steamed carrots.


    Little white rabbits in various poses were resting on the te, looking adorable.


    "Little white rabbits, so white and bouncy, so cute!" Zhengzheng pped, finally smiling.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Zhengzheng, have a taste and see if it''s good," Xu Xiuhe said, putting one of the rabbits on Xu Yunzheng''s te.


    Xu Yunzheng patted the rabbit''s head, then withdrew his hand. "The rabbit is so cute. Why should I eat it?"


    Shen Yin...


    "Zhengzheng, this isn''t a real rabbit. Your mom carved it from vegetables," Xu Xiuhe exined, not daring to say "carrots" directly.


    "What vegetable?"


    Shen Yin: "Carrots."


    "Wahh, rabbits love carrots. But the carrots turned into rabbits. How can the rabbits eat carrots if the carrots are rabbits and the rabbits are carrots?" Xu Yunzheng covered his face, staring at the te of rabbits, lost in thought.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe were also perplexed. Carrots are carrots, rabbits are rabbits. The carrots turned into rabbits, so they were eating the carrot-turned-rabbits.


    After figuring it out, Xu Xiuhe didn''t mind whether Xu Yunzheng ate it or not. He would eat them himself¡ªthey were too cute not to eat.


    Xu Xiuhe took one for himself.


    The carrots were steamed for a long time, making them slightly soft. The desated coconut coating melted in the mouth, while the unseasoned boiled carrots had a slightly sweet taste without being greasy.


    Xu Xiuhe was not fond of eating, but today he surprisingly ate, and ate quite a bit.


    Xu Yunzheng, watching his father eat so heartily, finally couldn''t resist. He lowered his head and took a bite off the carrot "bunny''s" head.


    Unexpectedly, it didn''t taste bad.


    The little one picked up the whole carrot and munched it down, bite by bite.


    "Mommy, the bunny carrot is kind of tasty."


    "How aboutpared to meat?"


    "Meat is better!" The toddler didn''t even think twice. Nothing couldpare to meat; meat was always the most delicious.


    ...


    In the end, Xue Jingrui didn''t take Qi Ji back to the Old Mansion, fearing his mother would constantly feed him nourishing soups, which would make him have nosebleeds that he couldn''t withstand.

 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146


    After dinner, Xue Jingrui cleaned up everything, prepared fruits for Qi Ji, and got the water ready that Qi Ji would drinkter that night. When he returned to his room, he reminded Qi Ji to go to bed early.


    "Okay, I got it, Brother Jingrui," Qi Ji said, but she was not paying much attention, as she was still thinking about her ns for the night.


    In the group chat with the three of them, only Shen Yin and Shu Yi were chatting enthusiastically.


    [Yin Yin, our little friend Qi Ji is going to take action tonight.]


    [What action?]


    [She said she wants to have a baby.]


    Upon seeing the message, Shen Yin''s first reaction was to @ Qi Ji.


    [@Little miracle,e online for a bit.]


    Two minutes passed, but there was still no reply.


    [Oh wow, this little rascal must have really taken action, not even looking at her phone now.]


    Shen Yin [.............]


    [What should we do, Yin Yin? Is Qi Ji being too impulsive?]


    Shen Yin thought Qi Ji was being a bit impulsive, but the choice was hers to make. Life''s path is one that each person chooses for themselves, and no one else can make that decision for them.


    [Qi Ji is a girl with her own thoughts, don''t worry about her.]


    After sending the message, Shen Yin went to apply medicine to Zhengzheng, to prevent the little one from scratching his belly with his hands.


    When they returned in the afternoon, as soon as they reached the third floor, Xu Xiuhe had trimmed Xu Yunzheng''s fingernails.


    In fact, both of them kept their eyes on the little one, taking turns watching him, afraid that he might scratch himself and make his condition worse.


    "Zhengzheng, bear with it a little longer. We''ll put the medicine on and then you can go to sleep and rest. You''ll be fine in a couple of days," Shen Yin said soothingly as she applied the ointment to Zhengzheng.


    At 11 PM, Qi Ji estimated that Xue Jingrui should be ready to sleep soon.


    She tiptoed from the living room to Xue Jingrui''s bedroom door, gently twisted the doorknob, and to her surprise, it wasn''t locked.


    In fact, she had already found the keys and considered various methods, afraid that her n might not seed.


    Qi Ji felt that after finally mustering up the courage, she couldn''t back down now. For the sake of the baby, she had to make some sacrifices and not hesitate.


    With a burst of determination, Qi Ji approached the bedside. By the moonlight from outside, she could see where Xue Jingrui was lying on the bed.


    She quietly climbed onto the bed, silently chanting to herself, "Don''t be nervous, you''ve done your homework, this is the only chance, just this one time, and you''ll have the baby."


    As Qi Ji motivated herself, she slowly inched closer to Xue Jingrui.


    The air conditioning was on in the room, and Xue Jingrui was covered with a nket. It wasn''t until Qi Ji pulled the nket that he sensed something.


    He was in a daze from sleep, only waking up a bit when someone tugged at his nket. Could it be Qi Ji''s cat wandering into his room at night?


    "Watermelon, don''t move, I want to sleep," the man said as he pulled the nket back, intending to go back to sleep.


    Qi Ji didn''t dare move, thinking that Brother Jingrui had woken up, but little did she know that he had mistaken her for the cat.


    After a few seconds, when Qi Ji felt that the man had fallen asleep again, she continued her actions, being even more careful than before.


    She had even deliberately worn a spaghetti strap dress, and wasn''t wearing any underwear, fully prepared for the endeavor, leaving nothing to chance.


    After covering herself with the nket, Qi Ji inched closer to Xue Jingrui, until she was right next to him.


    Xue Jingrui didn''t react, so she dared to move even closer, until their bodies were pressed together.


    Her fingers lightly brushed against the skin on Xue Jingrui''s waist.


    Perhaps feeling a bit ticklish, Xue Jingrui turned over, facing Qi Ji.


    What should she do next? Qi Ji wondered, as she had only nned up to this point, but hadn''t thought about how to proceed.


    Qi Ji curled up, like a little kitten, not daring to move.


    Thinking it was Watermelon the cat again, Xue Jingrui reached out his hand, intending to push the cat aside, but coincidentally, his handnded on Qi Ji''s head.


    At the same time, he seemed to realize that Watermelon''s fur had never felt like this before.


    "Watermelon, Watermelon," he called out.


    "Meow, meow," Qi Ji responded in a falsetto voice, imitating Watermelon''s usual meows.


    Xue Jingrui felt it again, lightly patting it, until he finally realized something was off.


    Opening his eyes, he said, "Qi Ji?"


    Qi Ji felt a bit embarrassed, having been recognized so quickly.


    "Brother, you''re not asleep yet? How did you know I wasn''t Watermelon?" Qi Ji''s voice was small and soft.


    Xue Jingrui replied, "I''m not stupid."


    A grown person like her, he should have realized it earlier. Moreover, he could still tell the difference between hair and a cat''s fur.


    "It''s sote, why did youe to my room?"


    "Um, Brother Jingrui, I, I..." Qi Ji stammered, unsure of how to exin herself.


    "What''s wrong with you? Is the air conditioning broken in your room? Why are you feeling so hot?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "No, no, the air conditioning is fine."


    "Did you have a nightmare then? Are you scared?"


    "Ah yes, yes, I had a nightmare, I was scared, Brother Jingrui, you''re so perceptive."


    Xue Jingrui felt pleased and aplished.


    But he felt that he might not be able to sleep tonight, with this little girl lying next to him, and after he had consumed so many nourishing soups during the day, his body was even hotter than Qi Ji''s.


    "Don''t be afraid, sleep peacefully. Dreams are the opposite of reality. I''m right here, no need to be scared," Xue Jingrui said as he shifted to the side. So that was Qi Ji''s hand on his waist earlier.


    He couldn''t think about it, or the more he thought, the worse it would be.


    "Brother Jingrui, why don''t you ask me what kind of dream I had?"


    "What kind of scary dream did Qi Ji have?"


    "I dreamed that I couldn''t have children, it was so terrifying. Wah wah wah, babies are so adorable, why can''t I have one?"


    Xue Jingrui''s heart sank. What the hell, that''s such a weird dream.


    "Dreams are the opposite of reality. Qi Ji is healthy, how could she not be able to have babies?"


    "Really?"


    "Really."


    "So when can I have a baby?"


    Xue Jingrui: "..........."


    "When does Qi Ji want to have one?"


    "Now."


    Upon hearing this, Xue Jingrui''s heart skipped a beat. Was she implying something?


    "Does Qi Ji really like babies that much?"


    "Yes, babies like Zhengzheng are so cute, calling me ''auntie'' and singing songs for me."


    Xue Jingrui...


    "Having a child is a decision between two people."


    "I know, that''s why I came to find you. What''s wrong, Brother Xue Jingrui? Don''t you want to have a child? I''m sorry, I was too selfish and didn''t consider your thoughts carefully." Qi Ji seemed a little lost. Well, this was her fault, she hadn''t asked Brother Xue Jingrui''s opinion.


    Qi Ji got up from the bed, preparing to return to her own room. It seemed that the dream she casually made up came true, and she really couldn''t have a child.


    Qi Ji knelt on one knee, stretching out one foot to find her slippers.


    The white figure showed a sense of loss.


    It took Xue Jingrui several seconds to react. He grabbed Qi Ji''s ankle, not meaning what she thought.


    "Qi Ji, you misunderstood me. I do want to have a child."

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147


    "Have you thought it over?"


    "Is it okay? If it''s a girl, we''ll bring Zhengzheng overter. Having such a daughter-inw would be great. Don''t let the good water flow outside."


    Xue Jingrui...


    He found himself struggling to keep up with Qi Ji''s thought process.


    "Are you ready?" Xue Jingrui still felt that Qi Ji was a bit too young, and if he really...


    wouldn''t it be a bit beastly?


    "Anything for the baby," Qi Ji said.


    Xue Jingrui hesitated for a moment. He originally wanted to know if Qi Ji was doing this solely for the sake of a child, but then he recalled the conversation from the previous day.


    He also thought about the example of Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin. Feelings can be cultivated slowly. For now, they could take it one step at a time, and figure out the restter.


    With a tug from Xue Jingrui, Qi Jinded back on the bed.


    "Brother Jingrui, I checked my dates on the Mei You app. It''s very suitable, with a high probability."


    "What dates?"


    "Ovtion period."


    "But what if it doesn''t work the first time?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    This question stumped Qi Ji, as she hadn''t considered this possibility before. She thought she should have no trouble getting pregnant. Is it really that difficult to conceive? She hadn''t looked into it.


    "I''m healthy, sleep and wake up early, and have a regr routine. There shouldn''t be any problems," Qi Ji exined.


    Xue Jingrui...


    So it woulde down to his own ability. If she couldn''t get pregnant, would it be his fault?


    If that''s the case, he would have to perform well. His body wasn''t bad, and he wasn''t too old. If it didn''t work the first time, they could try again.


    "Wait for me here, I''ll turn on a light."


    "Brother Jingrui, don''t turn it on!" Qi Ji eximed.


    Xue Jingrui...


    Could he say he wouldn''t be able to do it?


    "Okay, no lights. Wait for me, I''ll go drink some water."


    Qi Ji nodded.


    Xue Jingrui took his phone and stepped outside, frantically searching online. He regretted not acquiring more knowledge earlier.


    That way, he wouldn''t have to learn everything at thest minute.


    "Don''t rush, don''t be hasty, be gentle, be tender..." The answers flooded in.


    After a few minutes, when Xue Jingrui felt he had learned enough, he returned to the bedroom.


    Qi Ji had been waiting obediently.


    There was still a difference between theory and practice, but Xue Jingrui studied diligently.


    "I''ve never done this before, so I need to learn."


    Hearing this, Qi Ji felt inexplicably happy.


    "Brother Jingrui, where''s the watermelon?"


    "The watermelon is outside."


    Xue Jingrui took the opportunity to lower the air conditioning temperature.


    "It''s summer now, be mindful of the heat. Drink more water. Keep me at the top of your contacts list."


    Qi Ji understood immediately.


    She no longer felt ufortable.


    She wanted the baby herself, so no matter how difficult or tiring it became, she had to persevere. One shouldn''t abandon something halfway.


    "Can the baby''s father be anyone, or only me?" Xue Jingrui asked, clearly concerned about the answer.


    Qi Ji''sst trace of consciousness remained. She hadn''t considered this question before. Now that Xue Jingrui had asked, she pondered it. There was no one else, she hadn''t thought about anyone else.


    "Only you."


    Hearing this, Xue Jingrui...


    "You must be tired. That''s enough for today." Xue Jingrui didn''t continue. After several attempts, following the advice he had found online, it was more than enough.


    Instead of rushing Qi Ji to take a shower, he ced a pillow under her lower back.


    "Brother Jingrui, is it over?" Qi Ji''s voice was soft and gentle.


    In the moonlight, Xue Jingrui could see Qi Ji''s expression.


    He couldn''t bear to continue, the poor girl was so delicate.


    "You''re almost out of it, Qi Ji," he said softly.


    "We don''t need to finish everything in one night. We have a long way to go, let''s take it slow. Don''t rush." Xue Jingrui reassured her.


    Qi Ji nodded with difficulty, she was too tired.


    Xue Jingrui went to the bathroom, filled a basin with water, and brought a towel to wipe Qi Ji''s body.


    He still didn''t turn on the lights, afraid the brightness would disturb her sleep.


    The next morning, before Qi Ji woke up, she felt something on her body.


    Did Xue Jingrui''s words from the previous night turn out to be lies?


    "Reinforcing it will help with getting pregnant."


    Later, when the man went to work, Qi Ji sat on the couch for a long time. When she opened her phone, she saw 99+ notifications in the group chat.


    She scrolled through them one by one, finding that most were calling for her. Feeling ashamed, she replied immediately.


    [Sisters, I was a bit busyst night and didn''t have my phone. I think Zhengzheng is about to be my daughter-inw.]


    [Wow, Qi Ji, you move so fast?]


    [I''m a woman of action. Just wait, Zhengzheng will be my daughter-inw.]


    [Mother-inw @Shen Yin]


    [Qi Ji, have you considered that you might be carrying a baby boy right now?] Shu Yi remarked.


    [Sister Shu Yi, I think it''s probably a little girl.] Qi Ji replied.


    [......] Shen Yin sent a string of ellipses.


    [How many times?]


    Qi Ji looked at Shu Yi''s message and carefully recalledst night.


    And this morning too.


    [4 times]


    [6 times, that''s way too much.] Shu Yi eximed.


    Qi Ji blushed, hugging the watermelon, "Watermelon, you''re going to have a little sister."


    Shen Yin had been keeping Zhengzhengpany in the small building. Since winning the embroiderypetition, her studio had received arge influx of business.


    Shen Yin felt she couldn''t handle that many gown orders, so she imposed a limit. Now, appointments were booked until the Mid-Autumn Festival.


    With about 20 days left until the national embroidery finals, Shen Yin wasn''t in a hurry. Her skills were evident, and she wasn''t worried at all. The most important thing now was taking good care of Zhengzheng and helping her recover.


    There was also the matter of the dream she had the other night. She had no clue about it, so as a precaution, she decided not to go out for the time being.


    With five dogs guarding the entrance, the house was very safe.


    Wang Nannan sent a message, and Shen Yin, carrying Zhengzheng, went upstairs.


    "Boss, there''s a custom gown order with quite a few requirements. I''m not sure if the design I sketched meets the specifications. Could you please take a look?" Wang Nannan showed the design to Shen Yin, who also reviewed the customer''s requirements.


    "Modify the neckline a bit, no shallow V-neck, a deep V-neck would be better. Use embroidery for the skirt. I''ll embroider itter, then have them sew it on."


    "Got it, thank you, Boss."


    Wang Nannan had learned a lot working at the studio recently, and of course, her sry was high too.


    This boss, Shen Yin, was truly skilled. Wang Nannan eagerly anticipated the uing nationalpetition.


    As long as Shen Yin wins the nationalpetition, she and her studio will gain nationwide fame, and her customers will no longer be limited to just those from Rong City.


    Working with an excellent boss like this, Wang Nannan believes her prospects are promising. As long as she works hard, one day she too will be an excellent designer.


    Just like her boss''s embroidery, which is renowned nationwide.


    Shen Yin has applied more medication to Zhengzheng''s tummy. Today she examined Zhengzheng''s belly and found it looking a little better than yesterday. She believes in a few more days, Zhengzheng will have fully recovered.


    "Is Zhengzheng''s tummy still itchy today?"

 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148


    "Itchy, mommy, Zhengzheng''s tummy feels so itchy."


    "Then let''s cover Zhengzheng''s tummy with clothes, and it won''t be itchy anymore." Shen Yin adjusted Zhengzheng''s clothing properly.


    Zhengzheng was two weeks and three months old now, and Shen Yin decided that she couldn''t waste Zhengzheng''s intelligence. As the saying goes, parents are a child''s best teachers, so she thought she''d teach Zhengzheng some knowledge first.


    But then she reconsidered and decided on early education games instead.


    Shen Yin immediately went online and searched for some early education games for two-week-old babies, including games to train memory and physical abilities.


    Shen Yin recalled her own childhood, well, she had no memories before the age of four or five, except for going to pick pears from the tree in her uncle''s backyard with her cousin, and then falling off. Both of them were chased and beaten by her grandfather.


    A clearer memory was her grandfather teaching her martial arts.


    There were all sorts of early education games online, and Shen Yin found them quite interesting.


    "Zhengzheng, how about we y a game together?"


    "Okay."


    "This game is called ''Body Parts and Their Uses''. I''ll point to different parts of your body, and you tell me the name and what it''s used for, alright?"


    "If Zhengzheng answers correctly, will there be a reward?" Xu Yunzheng looked up expectantly for Shen Yin''s response.


    Shen Yin smiled. This little kid already knew how to bargain at such a young age? And he even knew to ask for rewards, just like his father Xu Xiuhe.


    "What kind of reward does Zhengzheng want?"


    "Mommy, will you promise Zhengzheng?"


    Shen Yin dared not agree rashly. Nine out of ten times, this kid would probably want meat for lunch as a reward. If she promised but couldn''t deliver at lunchtime, wouldn''t that be going back on her word in front of the child?


    "Let mommy guess what reward Zhengzheng wants, okay?"


    Zhengzheng nodded.


    "Does Zhengzheng want to have some meat for lunch?"


    Zhengzheng opened his eyes wide in disbelief. He hadn''t said anything, so how did his mommy know?


    "Mommy, how did you know? Mommy is so amazing."


    "Because Zhengzheng is mommy''s precious baby, and we share the same blood flowing through our veins, so mommy understands Zhengzheng and can immediately tell what Zhengzheng is thinking."


    "Then why can''t Zhengzheng know what mommy is thinking?"


    "That''s because Zhengzheng is still little. When Zhengzheng grows up, he''ll be able to know what mommy is thinking too."


    Zhengzheng nodded, half understanding and half not. "Mommy, can you promise Zhengzheng then?"


    Shen Yin shook her head and chuckled, "Baby, we can have it once your tummy isn''t itchy anymore."


    The little one looked a bit disappointed, but recovered a few secondster, saying, "Mommy, let''s y the game. If Zhengzheng wins, he gets rewarded with reciting a poem."


    Shen Yin: "Hmm?" What a treat that would be. It seemed her little treasure was eager to learn.


    "Let''s start the game." Shen Yin pointed at Xu Yunzheng''s nose.


    "Nose."


    "What''s the use of a nose?"


    "Zhengzheng''s nose can breathe."


    "Besides breathing, what else is it used for?"


    Xu Yunzheng sniffed his nose and said, "Besides breathing, I haven''t smelled any fragrance yet."


    Shen Yin then pointed at Zhengzheng''s eyes.


    "These are eyes. Eyes can see people. If I cover them, I can''t see mommy anymore." Xu Yunzheng covered his eyes with his hands.


    "Anything else?"


    "Eyes cry when they''re not happy."


    "Hahahahaha." The child''s description was so amusing that Shen Yinughed for a while before saying, "It''s not that the eyes are unhappy, but rather the heart is unhappy, and the eyes express that. The eyes, you see, are the windows to the soul. Eyes are extremely, extremely important for us, so Zhengzheng must protect his eyes well."


    "Windows to the soul?"

 Chapter 149

    Chapter 149


    "Mom, Zhengzheng understands." Zhengzheng nodded, his little hands moving with his nodding motion.


    Shen Yin didn''t know if Zhengzheng really understood, but looking at the baby doll''s little expression, Shen Yin suddenly felt very satisfied.


    As long as Zhengzheng was healthy and happy every day, she didn''t hope for anything else.


    "Mom, your phone is ringing," Zhengzheng said suddenly.


    Shen Yin listened carefully, and it was indeed ringing. Zhengzheng''s little ears were sharper.


    "Okay, Mom will take the call."


    Shen Yin picked up the phone and answered.


    On the video call, Fang Yue''splexion had improved significantlypared to before.


    Shen Yin hadn''t been to see them since herst visit, and Fang Yue probably missed her.


    "Yin, how have you been recently?" Fang Yue asked on the other end of the call.


    "Mom, I''ve been doing well. How about you? How''s Dad''s health?"


    After Shen Yin asked, another person suddenly appeared in the video.


    "Yin, don''t worry, Dad is fine. Dad''s health has mostly recovered," said Shen Tianzheng with a slightly excited tone.


    Zhengzheng ran over, pulled Shen Yin''s hand, gesturing for her to sit down. Shen Yin sat on the sofa, and Zhengzheng leaned in, his little face taking up the entire screen.


    "Grandma, do you miss Zhengzheng?"


    Hearing this, Fang Yue''s face lit up with joy. "Let me see, I miss my precious grandson."


    Fang Yue leaned towards the camera again, adjusting her position to look at Zhengzheng.


    "It''s Zhengzheng! Grandma misses Zhengzheng so much, so very much. Does Zhengzheng miss Grandma?"


    "Grandma, Zhengzheng misses Grandma too, and wants to eat the meat that Grandma cooks."


    Saying this, even Shen Yin, who was next to him, never expected that a child''s next words could be so unpredictable.


    "Is that so? Then Grandma wille and cook meat for you to eat tomorrow."


    "Okay. Thank you, Grandma." Zhengzheng was overjoyed, nodding vigorously.


    "Yin, have you been very busy recently? Your dad has mostly recovered, so I can go over and help take care of Zhengzheng."


    Shen Yin: "Mom, you just take care of Dad. I''m not too busy these days and can take care of Zhengzheng. Someone needs to be with Dad, you don''t need toe over."


    "What?" Fang Yue looked puzzled and turned to Shen Tianzheng.


    "Yin, I heard from your brother that you participated in an embroiderypetition and won an award. It must have been very strenuous, right?" Fang Yue felt a little sorry for her daughter.


    She knew that Shen Yin had never been exposed to embroidery since childhood, so if she could do embroidery now, she must have learned it only after going abroad.


    In just three or four years, she had already won an award. It must be because of her exceptional talent. Fang Yue knew her daughter was intelligent. However, embroidery is a technical and artistic craft. To achieve sess, one needs to practice diligently. She estimated that her daughter Yin must have endured many hardships, practicing every day to win the award.


    "It wasn''t too strenuous."


    "Your dad and I will go and see you and Zhengzheng. It''s been too long since west saw you."


    "Yes, we''ll go and see you," Shen Tianzheng chimed in.


    "Mom, no need. Dad''s health has just recovered, and he needs to rest. I''ll take Zhengzheng to visit you both after some time."


    "Mom, why do we have to wait some time before we can go?" Zhengzheng asked from beside her.


    Fang Yue and Shen Tianzheng also wanted to know, as they couldn''t wait to hold their grandson.


    "Zhengzheng forgot, you can''t go out for a few days," Shen Yin turned and told Zhengzheng.


    "What happened? Did something happen to Zhengzheng that he can''t go out?"


    Fang Yue looked worried in the video.


    "It''s nothing major, just a few rashes on his tummy. The doctor said it''s not serious, but it''s better not to go out."


    "I see. Well, let Zhengzheng rest properly then," Fang Yue said, though she had other ns in mind.


    After hanging up, Shen Yin pondered what to make for lunch.


    "Mom, Grandma said she''lle and cook meat for Zhengzheng tomorrow."


    "You little glutton, just hold on for a few more days. Once it''s better, Grandma has to take care of Grandpa, so she won''t have time toe over tomorrow."


    Zhengzheng''s little expression showed a momentary disappointment, but then he quickly recovered. If he hadn''t mentioned the rash, would the oue have been different?


    "Mom, the food you make for lunch will be even more delicious than meat. Does Zhengzheng believe it?"


    Zhengzheng nodded.


    Shen Yin decided to show off her cooking skills. She couldn''t let the little one down.


    Meanwhile, at thepany, Xu Xiuhe was thinking about his son and wife.


    There was a knock on the door.


    "Come in."


    "Sir, please sign these documents."


    Xu Xiuhe signed them without even looking.


    "Sir, aren''t you going to take a look?" Liu Bo asked.


    "You''ve been working with me for so many years. Can''t I trust you? You handle things well, and you even have a stake in thepany. What do I have to worry about?"


    Liu Bo realized, he was right. He did handle things reliably.


    "Sir, regarding our recent coboration with the Lin Group in Yang City, it was supposed to be a done deal, but right before we were about to sign the contract, the Lin Group suddenly said they need to reconsider."


    Xu Xiuhe: "We''ve been working on this coboration for a long time, and everything was going well. Why the sudden reconsideration right before signing the contract?"


    This was the main reason Liu Bo hade to see Xu Xiuhe. The coboration was indeed important, and it was understandable that the Lin Group wanted to reconsider, but if they reconsidered right before signing the contract, he had to be more cautious.


    "Sir, we''ve got a newpetitor all of a sudden."


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe twirled his pen, signaling Liu Bo to continue.


    The Xu Group had been developing well in Rong City. In just a few years, this enterprise had made a name for itself nationwide. However, there was one shoring ¨C the Xu Group''s industries were too concentrated in Rong City.


    For an enterprise to develop and prosper in the long run, it must expand and extend its industries to neighboring cities.


    The Xu Group, as a rising star, had already be quite strong. Xu Xiuhe had established a solid foundation in Rong City. The next step was to develop the industries in other cities, which required coboration.


    The Lin Group, as an old and well-established local enterprise in Yang City, had enjoyed remarkable development in recent years.


    Enterprises need innovation, and as times progress, enterprises must also advance. Many old-school enterprises had stagnated in their development.


    After extensive research, the Lin Group in Yang City has indeed proven to be the best choice for a partner with the Heyuan Group.


    "Thispetitor is none other than the Xu Group."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xiuhe paused briefly. Ah, so that''s what this was all about. He understood everything now.


    The Xu Group had been deliberately trying to undermine the Heyuan Group''s business for the past couple of years, sticking their nose into every deal. Whenever the Heyuan Group acquirednd or a project, the Xu Group would also bid on it.


    Although the Xu Group hadn''t won very often, their persistent meddling was like a stubborn rash that couldn''t be scratched away, utterly vexing.

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150


    "As always, do everything to the best of your ability, and make them admit defeat wholeheartedly," said Xu Xiuhe.


    "Got it, so the estimated time for signing the contract will likely be pushed back," Liu Bo replied.


    "No problem. Efficiency is important when doing things, but quality and stability are also crucial. Many things can''t be aplished with a single push. Including finding a partner for you - don''t rush it, I''m already searching for you. Take it slow."


    Liu Bo...he had nothing to say, only hoping that the CEO wouldn''t bring up this matter again. He was still pondering over it.


    Yesterday, while working overtime, he overheard Xiao Li''er answering a call. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Xiao, told Xiao Li''er to bring her boyfriend home this Friday evening.


    He thought Xiao Li''er woulde to find him, devise a way for him to pretend to be her boyfriend again. But he waited all day, and that woman acted as if nothing had happened, carrying on as usual.


    Why didn''t shee to him? Would he refuse? He was a kind-hearted, helpful young man. Moreover, Xiao Li''er was his subordinate employee. If she asked him for help, he would certainly oblige.


    Why did she even bother getting him involved in the first ce? Now her parents had already met him and knew he was her boyfriend. If he stood them up again, wouldn''t that be rude and leave a bad impression?


    Liu Bo left Xu Xiuhe''s office and walked to the assistant''s work area, saying, "Xiao Li,e to my office for a moment."


    Xiao Li''er watched Liu Bo''s retreating figure entering the office.


    The other assistants in the work area joked, "We''ve noticed that Special Assistant Liu always looks for our Li''er whenever he needs something. Our little Li''er has really been working hardtely."


    Yang Mo chimed in, "That''s right, our Li''er has been so busytely."


    As Xiao Li''er entered the office, Liu Bo was looking at hisputer, not raising his head.


    In reality, the moment Xiao Li''er walked in, he had nced at her from the corner of his eye.


    "Special Assistant Liu, you were looking for me?"


    "Yeah, there''s a table over there. Take a look at these documents and point out any unreasonable parts."


    Xiao Li''er went over and sat down, resigned to her task.


    In the office, Xu Xiuhe was on the phone, speaking respectfully.


    "Xiuhe, you''re not busy now, are you?"


    "No, Mother, I''m not busy."


    "I''m interrupting you - I just spoke with Yin this morning. There''s something I need your help with."


    "Mother, tell me. If I can help, I certainly will."


    Now that his rtionship with Shen Yin had changed, Fang Yue was truly kind to Shen Yin. Since his mother-inw was asking for his help, he had to agree.


    "It''s nothing major. Xiuhe, do you have any talented, aplished young friends around your age?" Fang Yue rified further.


    "It''s like this, you see. Yin has a cousin, my niece, who''s already 27 but has never dated before. I was thinking of arranging a blind date for her, but she has high standards. She''s met many potential matches so far, but none were suitable. So I wanted to ask you - as an outstanding individual yourself, you must have many men around you who are just as exceptional."


    Xu Xiuhe felt pleased as his mother-inw praised him.


    "Alright, let me ask around. I''ll get back to you tonight."


    "Okay, thank you for the trouble, Xiuhe."


    "Mother, it''s no trouble at all."


    Sometimes, what you think aboutes true. For instance, he had just told Liu Bo that he would find him a partner, and now an opportunity had presented itself.


    The issue was, he had never met the woman. What if she wasn''t very impressive? He couldn''t go and set Liu Bo up for disappointment.


    Adhering to the principle of not betraying those around him, Xu Xiuhe called Shen Yin.


    "Have you eaten?"


    "Just finished. What''s up?"


    "I miss you." Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Daddy, Zhengzheng misses you too. Zhengzheng has been a good boy and listened to Mommy. Zhengzheng ate vegetables for lunch and yed games with Mommy." The little one rattled off several sentences at once.


    Xu Xiuhe waited for the child to finish before praising Zhengzheng.


    "Wife, do you remember your cousin?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin thought for a few seconds before saying, "Fang Ningning? Why are you suddenly asking about her?"


    "Are you jealous?" Xu Xiuhe teased.


    Shen Yin''s face flushed. Who was jealous? She certainly wouldn''t be jealous.


    "No, don''t use me. How did you conclude that I''m jealous? I''m just normally curious."


    "Fine, my mistake. It''s because Mother called me and asked if I had any aplished young men around my age to introduce to your cousin. I thought Liu Bo would be a suitable match."


    Shen Yin searched her memory for her impression of Fang Ningning. She vaguely recalled something.


    "She''s quite attractive and capable, just a bit spoiled. Otherwise, she''s alright. When I was in high school and she was in college, she would often buy things ande to my school to see me."


    "Then why hasn''t she found a partner at 28 years old?"


    "I''m not too sure about that."


    "Well, as long as she''s not a bad person, that''s fine. I''ll tell Mother to introduce Liu Bo to her. Don''t underestimate Liu Bo just because he''s a special assistant. In fact, he''s been with me since I started thepany and even has shares."


    "I couldn''t tell," Shen Yin replied.


    Xu Xiuhe felt a sense of pride as he made a call to Liu Bo. He wanted to prove that he wasn''t just making empty promises earlier - he was taking action, and he had indeed found a potential match.


    "Boss."


    "Liu Bo, get ready for a blind date in theing days."


    This was the first time Liu Bo felt that Xu Xiuhe wasn''t just making empty promises.


    "A blind date?" Liu Bo purposely said out loud.


    At the desk nearby, Xiao Li''er perked up her ears.


    "My wife''s cousin, a year younger than you. She''s not bad. Find some time to meet her."


    "Your wife''s cousin?"


    Xu Xiuhe suddenly realized that if they ended up together, Liu Bo would be his cousin-inw. He would have to address Liu Bo using a lower honorific.


    "Yeah, find some time to meet her. I''m such a great boss that I''m even introducing my sister-inw to you."


    Liu Bo nced at Xiao Li''er, who happened to be looking at him as well. Their eyes met briefly before Xiao Li''er averted her gaze.


    "Thank you, Boss. As you know, I''ve been busy with the contract negotiationstely. Let''s discuss this in a couple of days."


    "You make time for it. You must go. If you don''t want to, give me a valid reason by tonight." Xu Xiuhe hung up abruptly.


    Liu Bo was taken aback by the abrupt end to the call, his expression showing disbelief.


    Xiao Li''er acted as if nothing had happened and continued reviewing the documents.


    "Ahem, ahem. Don''t you have anything to say?" Liu Bo asked.


    In response, Xiao Li''er shook her head.


    "You didn''t receive a call from your parents, asking you to bring me home? How did you respond to them?"


    Xiao Li''er said at the time that she was too busy with work and brushed it off.


    "I told them I was too busy with work and didn''t have time."


    "Nothing more?"


    Xiao Li''er nodded.


    "You heard the call just now. I need to find a suitable excuse. How about this - you pretend to be my girlfriend, and I''ll pretend to be your boyfriend. That way, we can both get by."

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151


    Xiao Li''er was pondering the feasibility of this n.


    "Okay, let''s do it this way. You keep looking at the files."


    Liu Bo left the office and knocked on Xu Xiuhe''s office door again.


    "Come in."


    "President."


    "You''re here. Have you found a good excuse or decided to go to the blind date?" Xu Xiuhe looked up and asked.


    "President, I have a partner now," Liu Bo said carefully.


    "Oh?" Xu Xiuhe didn''t quite believe it, his tone full of doubt.


    "Tell me, who is it?" Xu Xiuhe asked again.


    "Xiao Li''er."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xiuhe''s expression changed immediately, which waspletely different from what he had imagined.


    "Didn''t you tell mest time that you two could never be together? It''s only been a few days. Did I hear it wrong?"


    Liu Bo dared not make a sound. Sometimes things couldn''t be judged too early, and feelings couldn''t be foreseen.


    "Should I believe you?" Xu Xiuhe asked again.


    "Believe me."


    "Alright, you can go back."


    Xu Xiuhe''s tone was indifferent, and his emotion couldn''t be read. He didn''t want to talk anymore. The two of them had been arguing not long ago, and now they were together right under his nose.


    Was it because he hadn''t been paying attention to his employees'' lives recently, or had they hidden it too well from him?


    Xu Xiuhe couldn''t stop thinking about this matter even when he returned home that night.


    "What''s the matter? What are you thinking about? You seem absent-minded," Shen Yin asked.


    "I was going to introduce Liu Bo to your cousin for a blind date, but today he said he has a partner."


    "Who is it?" Shen Yin was also curious.


    "Xiao Li''er. They were arguing just a while ago, and now they''re together. Do you think it''s true or false?"


    Shen Yin...


    She knew that Xu Xiuhe was quite gossipy, but she didn''t expect him to be so gossipy at heart.


    "Did Liu Bo tell you himself?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Yes, yes. I suspect he''s just using Xiao Li''er as an excuse to avoid the blind date."


    The more Xu Xiuhe said it, the more he felt he was right. It must be like that.


    "No quarrel, no acquaintance. Maybe they are just a pair of fated lovers," Shen Yin said.


    "You make a good point."


    "Let''s eat."


    "Daddy, Xu Yunzheng yed a game with Mommy today."


    "What game was it? Can Xu Yunzheng tell Daddy about it so Daddy can learn and y with Xu Yunzheng next time?" Xu Xiuhe responded to Xu Yunzheng.


    "The use of the body."


    Xu Yunzheng ran to Xu Xiuhe''s side, pointed to Xu Xiuhe''s mouth, and asked, "Daddy, what is this?"


    "Mouth."


    "What can the mouth do?" The little one''s voice was soft and sweet, and his expression looked like he could speak.


    "The mouth can eat and talk."


    "Anything else?" Xu Yunzheng touched his own mouth.


    "It can also taste the vor of food and breathe fresh air."


    "Daddy is so great." The little one looked admiring and pped his hands.


    "What about the eyes?"


    "The eyes can see all kinds of beautiful things. Like Xu Yunzheng''s eyes are telling Daddy that Xu Yunzheng is hungry now."


    "Wow!" Xu Yunzheng eximed. He didn''t say he was hungry, but his eyes were talking, how amazing!


    "Mommy said the eyes are the windows to the soul. Mommy told Xu Yunzheng to protect his eyes."


    "Mommy is right. We should protect our eyes."


    Father and son chatted casually.


    Shen Yin didn''t want to interrupt and quietly brought the food to the dining table.


    "This Saturday, I need to go to Yang City."


    "On a business trip?"


    "Yeah, there''s a coboration with apany in Yang City that requires me to go there in person."


    "Xu Yunzheng should have recovered by then. I''ll go too and check on Master Kang''s furniture progress."


    "Okay, then we''ll go together."


    "Mommy, Xu Yunzheng wants to go too."


    "Sure, how could we leave you behind? We''ll definitely take you with us."


    At the dining table, Xu Yunzheng was happy and even ate a lot of vegetables. Xu Xiuhe''s tone was full of praise for Shen Yin''s delicious cooking, and even simple words could create a unique vor.


    "Then what about your cousin? I''ll have to reject her tonight since Liu Bo has a partner now."


    "What about Chen Siming?" Shen Yin suddenly asked.


    Xu Xiuhe shook his head.


    "No, no, Chen Siming is too young, only 25 years old. Your cousin definitely won''t agree."


    "You guys are quite into brother-sister rtionships these days, aren''t you? Who knows, maybe it will work out. But what kind of person is Chen Siming?"


    "He''s okay, I guess. I''ll ask himter and let your mom know tonight."


    "Okay."


    On Saturday.


    Shen Yin dressed Xu Yunzheng early. Without calling a driver, Xu Xiuhe drove the car, and the family of three headed to Yang City.


    "I''ll go with you to Master Kang''s house first. We''ll leave at noon, and then you can apany me to meet a client and discuss a contract in the evening."


    "Okay."


    Shen Yin didn''t inform Kang Guopeng in advance that she would visit. When she arrived at Kang Guopeng''s house, Kang Guopeng was working with two apprentices, sawing wood under a shed.


    Seeing Shen Yining, Kang Guopeng instructed the two apprentices to be careful when carving and then came over to talk to Shen Yin.


    "Who is this?" Kang Guopeng asked, looking at Xu Xiuhe.


    "My love," Shen Yin exined with a smile.


    "He''s my daddy."


    "Oh, I see. You''re here to check on the furniture progress, right? Come in and take a look."


    Shen Yin walked in front, with Xu Xiuhe carrying Xu Yunzheng behind her, entering the shed.


    The initial models of the bed and cabs had been made. Kang Guopeng pointed to the bed and said, "This one, I''m about to carve out the details and then apply the paint."


    Shen Yin didn''t understand the specific process but knew that doing this work required patience and meticulousness.


    "Uncle Kang, just follow the drawings. Since I''ve chosen you, I''ll trust you."


    "Okay, you guys have lunch here. I''ll ask your aunt to buy some groceries."


    "Uncle Kang, no need, no need. We have other things to do in Yang City, so we won''t eat here. It''s quite hot today. Be sure to take precautions against the heat when you''re working."


    "Got it."


    Shen Yin just wanted to check on the progress, and now that she had seen the concrete models, she felt reassured. She told Xu Xiuhe that they should leave.


    Xu Xiuhe naturally agreed, and the family of three went to a restaurant in the city.


    "Mommy, Xu Yunzheng is no longer itchy. Can he eat fish and meat now?"


    "Alright, little greedy cat, you can eat, but don''t eat too much, okay?"


    "Okay, thank you mommy."


    Xu Yunzheng excitedly nodded his head.


    "Where are we going in the afternoon?"


    "Why don''t we take Xu Yunzheng to see a movie? We haven''t gone to watch a movie together yet."


    "Yay, Xu Yunzheng wants to go watch a movie, Xu Yunzheng has never seen a movie before." Xu Yunzheng stopped eating, too excited to continue.


    In Yang City, not many people knew this family of three. Xu Xiuhe carried Xu Yunzheng, led Shen Yin to thergest cinema in this shopping mall.


    Shen Yin deliberately chose an animated film, finding the animated films of this era quite interesting. Although not real people, they could synthesize various movements and sounds. She couldn''t help but marvel at how advanced modern technology really was.

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152


    Cartoons are truly enjoyable for all ages. Not only did Xu Yunzheng understand them, but Shen Yin also found them novel and fascinating, like a shadow puppet show, with little characters moving around on the screen, making her feel engrossed.


    As a child, Xu Xiuhe was too busy with his studies to have any exposure to cartoons. Now that he watched them, he found them quite interesting too.


    In any case, Xu Xiuhe was quite proud of himself, as he was so wise.


    In the evening, they booked a private room at an upscale restaurant. When Xu Xiuhe arrived, the private room was empty.


    After the server led the family of three into the room, they left.


    "Mom, why is there no one here?" Xu Yunzheng asked, puzzled since he knew from the beginning that his father was going to meet someone, but no one else was there.


    "It''s because the clients haven''t arrived yet. We want to cooperate with them, so we must show sincerity by not making them wait. That''s why wee early, which is more polite," Xu Xiuhe exined.


    The little one nodded.


    "What kind of cooperation is it?" Shen Yin asked.


    "To extend our business to Yang City, but since we don''t have a foothold there, we need to cooperate with otherpanies."


    "I see," Shen Yin understood roughly.


    "This cooperation was almost settled, and we were about to sign the contract. But suddenly, apetitor emerged. I suspect that the peopleing soon are not only the Lin Group that Heyuan Group wants to cooperate with."


    As Xu Xiuhe finished speaking, a man walked into the private room.


    "What a coincidence, big brother is here too," the man said.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin looked up at the man.


    Their eyes met, and the man was smiling, but his eyes were as cold as a poisonous snake, showing ill intent despite the smile.


    "Big brother," Shen Yin immediately realized who this man was and understood who thepetitor Xu Xiuhe mentioned earlier.


    Shen Yin lowered her head, then nced at Xu Xiuhe again. Xu Xiuhe did not react at all, as if an irrelevant person had just walked in.


    The man didn''t seem to mind either and sat down casually.


    "Big brother, you''re here to discuss cooperation too, right? Mr. Lin hasn''t arrived yet."


    Xu Xiuhe acted as if he didn''t hear him.


    The man then looked at Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng and asked, "So these are my sister-inw and nephew. Big brother, you didn''t even introduce them to me."


    "Who are you?" Xu Yunzheng asked, looking at Xu Zhengyang.


    "Nephew, didn''t your father tell you? I''m your uncle."


    Then, Xu Zhengyang turned to Xu Xiuhe and said, "Big brother, you really didn''t introduce his uncle to your son. Look, he''s so grown up now and doesn''t even recognize his own uncle. It would be so awkward if he ran into me somewhere and couldn''t recognize me."


    Xu Xiuhe took a sip of water and ignored Xu Zhengyang.


    Xu Zhengyang didn''t find it awkward and kept talking to himself.


    "What''s your name?" Xu Zhengyang asked Xu Yunzheng.


    The smart kid, seeing that his parents didn''t engage with this person, didn''t respond either.


    "Uncle is asking you, what''s your name?"


    "Mom and Dad said I can''t talk to strangers," Xu Yunzheng yed with the chopsticks and bowl in his hands.


    "You''re all here. Sorry to keep you waiting." The door to the private room opened again.


    A young man walked in.


    "Mr. Lin is here. We just arrived, so you didn''t wait long," Xu Zhengyang stood up eagerly.


    Lin Zhe sat down.


    He picked up the menu, flipping through it and ordering dishes.


    However, his eyes kept ncing at Shen Yin from time to time.


    Xu Xiuhe was a bit displeased, wondering if this young Mr. Lin had ill intentions toward Shen Yin.


    Xu Xiuhe had a sour expression the whole time, which Lin Zhe naturally noticed.


    "How coincidental that you two gentlemen share the same surname, Xu. Could you be from the same family?" Lin Zhe asked pointedly.


    "Lin Zhe is so smart. This is my big brother. He left home to make a name for himself at a young age and hasn''t been back for a long time. Now hispany is one of the top ones in Rong City," Xu Zhengyang said.


    "I see," Lin Zhe roughly understood their rtionship. As a businessman, he knew that if a young man abandoned his family business, either he was indifferent to worldly affairs or had a falling out with his brothers from different fathers but the same mother.


    Clearly, from their demeanor, they belonged to thetter case. This made things more interesting.


    "So since you''re brothers, it doesn''t matter who you cooperate with, as you''re still family. Let''s eat first," Lin Zhe said deliberately.


    Throughout this, Lin Zhe kept ncing at Shen Yin with an inquisitive gaze. Shen Yin was also perplexed, as this was their first meeting, yet Mr. Lin kept looking at her.


    Xu Xiuhe was also observing Lin Zhe closely and even considered leaving the private room with Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng, forgetting about the cooperation.


    "Who is this?" Lin Zhe asked, looking at Shen Yin.


    "Mr. Lin, this is my love, and this is my son," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "So Mr. Xu had a son at such a young age," Lin Zhe remarked.


    Xu Zhengyang''s expression changed instantly.


    "Excuse me for asking, but has Madam Xu ever been to Yang City before?" Lin Zhe asked Shen Yin again.


    "Yes, I''ve been there twice before for work."


    "I thought you looked familiar," Lin Zhe said.


    "Really? But I don''t find you familiar, Mr. Lin."


    "Hahaha, well, let''s talk business then. Ourpany has limited capabilities, so we can only cooperate with onepany. I''ve reviewed the terms you both offered, and for my own benefit, I think choosing the Xu Group would be slightly better."


    Xu Zhengyang smiled, "Rest assured, Mr. Lin. Cooperation is a win-win situation, and choosing the Xu Group will definitely not disappoint the Lin Group."


    Xu Zhengyang deliberately nced at Xu Xiuhe, as if boasting.


    Xu Xiuhe smiled back.


    "Mr. Lin, I think mypany''s development is no worse than the Xu Group''s. Why don''t you consider us, Mr. Lin?" Xu Xiuhe tapped his fingers on the table lightly.


    "Mr. Xu, the Heyuan Group has indeed developed well in recent years, surpassing manypanies. But it was established too recently, so we can''t choose it carelessly. For the long-term, since the Lin Group itself is an old-establishedpany, we naturally prefer to choose the equally old-established Xu Group."


    Xu Xiuhe was about to say something else.


    The door to the private room opened again.


    Three people walked in, two adults carrying a very small child.


    "Let me introduce you, this is my lover, and my child," Lin Zhe said, his eyes looking towards the slightly younger woman.

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153


    Xu Xiuhe looked towards the woman and the infant in her arms, and let out a sigh of relief. With this, it seemed unlikely that Lin Zhe''s gaze towards Shen Yin had any ill intent.


    The woman who entered looked around, and her gaze finally settled on Shen Yin. Shen Yin also looked back at her, with her good memory instantly recognizing the woman.


    The woman walked towards Shen Yin with the baby in her arms and said, "Do you remember me? This baby, the first person he saw after being born was you." The woman seemed a little emotional.


    Shen Yin looked at the baby, who was a little over a month old, lying in the woman''s arms.


    The baby had grown quite a bit since birth, the grandmother''s baby''s features had also opened up a little, and it was evident that the baby was healthy. Shen Yin was happy, after all, she had weed this new life into the world.


    "The baby is getting more and more handsome," Shen Yin said as she reached out and touched the baby''s little face.


    This action and statement undoubtedly acknowledged that she was the one who had delivered the baby.


    "No wonder I couldn''t find you in Yang City, turns out you''re from Rong City, and you''re even Xu''s wife. What a coincidence," Lin Zhe spoke up.


    The woman was quite emotional. At that time, she felt like she had been through the gates of hell. Outside, the sky was pitch ck, the rain was pouring like thunder, and she felt like she was nearing the end of her life, hopeless and helpless, her abdomen aching and breathing difficult.


    And Shen Yin''s appearance was like a ray of light, or an angel, pulling her out of the darkness, rescuing her from the gates of hell.


    It was just that, after the delivery, she was too weak to even have the energy to thank her.


    And Lin Zhe was dyed by the heavy rain, only returning to the hotel the next morning. At that time, she had just woken up again, and when she tried to find Shen Yin again, she was told by the hotel staff that Shen Yin had checked out.


    "I''ve been wanting to thank you in person, but I couldn''t find you. My husband checked the surveince cameras in the hotel lobby and hallways, but the angles weren''t very good, and we couldn''t find you in Yang City," the woman exined.


    "I was in a hurry back then, so I left rather hastily."


    "I didn''t expect that justing here to sign a contract, I''d encounter you. Truly a fateful connection."


    The woman sat down next to Lin Zhe, holding the baby.


    Xu Zhengyang saw this and felt that the situation was unfavorable for him, so he immediately smiled and said, "Sister-inw is truly kind-hearted. I''m so envious of my brother now."


    Shen Yin smiled perfunctorily and did not respond.


    "Mom, is that a little baby?" Xu Yunzheng pointed at the baby in the woman''s arms and asked.


    The baby in the woman''s arms was so small, just a little over a month old, and didn''t recognize strangers yet. His little eyes rolled around before finally looking at the woman.


    "Oh, ah, oh," the infant babbled in a way that no one sitting there could understand.


    "Can Zheng understand what his little brother is saying?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Little brother?"


    "Yes, a little brother. The baby and Zheng are the same gender, both boys."


    "Lin is so young, yet has achieved sess in both family and career. I''m truly envious," Xu Zhengyang tried hard to assert his presence.


    "You tter me, Xu. Xu himself is quite aplished at such a young age, bing the general manager of the Xu Group."


    The two menplimented each other.


    Lin Zhe ordered some more light and nutritious dishes.


    "Lin, what about our cooperation deal?" Xu Zhengyang asked, sounding a little anxious, as if he had a premonition that he might not be able to secure this contract.


    "Let''s eat first, no business talk during meals. We''ll discuss after we finish eating," Lin Zhe said as he served dishes for his wife.


    Lin Zhe''s family of three and Xu Xiuhe''s family of three chatted among themselves, in a harmonious atmosphere.


    "Mom, can Zheng eat this shrimp?"


    "Yes," Shen Yin said, then picked up a shrimp and put it on Xu Yunzheng''s te.


    "Dear, have some of this soup," Lin Zhe said next.


    The dishes at the high-end restaurant were delicious, but Xu Zhengyang found this meal as tasteless as chewing wax, filled with anxiety and unease.


    Finally, all seven of them finished eating.


    Lin Zhe''s wife leaned in and whispered something in his ear, which the others couldn''t hear.


    A few minutester, the woman walked towards Shen Yin again with the baby and said, "The child is asleep, so I''ll take the baby home first. Now I know who you are, as the savior of my child and me, I will surely express my gratitude properly another day."


    "It''s nothing, it was only natural. Since I know how to deliver babies, I couldn''t just ignore a situation like that."


    After the woman left with the baby, the private room became quiet again, to the point where even the sound of a spoon hitting a ceramic bowl could be heard.


    Xu Zhengyang looked worried and gloomy. He had worked so hard to get this opportunity to sign the contract, and he couldn''t fail now, could he?


    "Mom, will the little brothere back?" Xu Yunzheng was the first to break the silence.


    "The little brother is still too small, he needs to rest more to grow taller. He went home with his mother," Shen Yin patiently exined, as if there were only her and Xu Yunzheng in the room.


    "Thank you again, Mrs. Xu, for saving my wife''s life. If it weren''t for you, she might not have made it. I can never repay such a great debt of gratitude. When my wife left earlier, she specifically reminded me not to neglect you."


    "Let''s sign the contract," Lin Zhe said abruptly.


    Not only was Xu Zhengyang caught off guard, but even Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe were surprised by Lin Zhe''s decisiveness.


    "Lin, didn''t you just say you were going to choose the Xu Group? Why the change of heart now?" Xu Zhengyang asked impatiently, clearly on the verge of sess.


    If he could secure this contract, his father would certainly look upon him more favorably, and might even trust him more than Xu Xiuhe due to his greater ability.


    "Wouldn''t Lin reconsider?" Xu Zhengyang continued to ask.


    "My apologies, Xu, although there''s an old saying that ''a gentleman''s word once given is as unchangeable as a galloping horse,'' there''s also another saying that ''a drop of kindness should be repaid like a gushing spring.'' And for the wife of the president of Heyuan Group, what she did for me was far more than a drop of kindness - she saved my life."


    "My wife and I are devoted partners, deeply in love with each other. To me, she is the most important person in my life. Therefore, I have made a new decision. Even if it means not being a ''gentleman,'' I must follow my wife''s wish. So I have decided to choose Heyuan Group."


    Xu Zhengyang''s eyes revealed a fierce determination, and he argued vehemently, "But Heyuan Group has only been established for a few years, and can''tpare to the Xu Group in any aspect."


    "No problem, I trust Heyuan Group, and Mr. Xu who leads it. I have also carefully considered, and the fact that Heyuan Group has developed to its present scale in such a short period of time shows that Mr. Xu''s leadership is effective, and that Heyuan Group has great potential. Moreover, with the group''s president having such a capable and kind-hearted wife like Xu Xiuhe, who is highly skilled in medicine and extremely capable, Mr. Xu''s career is bound to flourish. It''s a win-win situation, how could I not choose it?" Lin Zhe''s words were reasonable and well-structured.


    Xu Zhengyang could not refute him.


    However, Xu Xiuhe was delighted to hear this, not for any other reason, but simply because Lin Zhe had just praised his wife.

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154


    "It''s an immense honor for Heyuan Group to coborate with the Lin Group," [Xu Xiuhe] said.


    "Well then, let''s move to the next private room and sign the contract," Lin Zhe stood up and gestured for them to proceed.


    Xu Xiuhe picked up Xu Yunzheng, while Shen Yin carried her bag. Lin Zhe led the way as the group exited the room.


    Xu Zhengyang watched their retreating figures, his gaze growing increasingly malicious. He clenched the water ss in his hand so tightly, it seemed as if it would shatter any moment.


    Why, why did he lose again? He was so close, just one final step away from achieving his goal. Then he would no longer be looked down upon by thepany, he would have gained his father Xu Guimin''s approval, he would have inherited the Xu Group.


    Why the change? It was all because of that woman, damn Shen Yin. If not for her, Xu Xiuhe wouldn''t have had a son. If Xu Xiuhe didn''t have a son, Xu Guimin wouldn''t still be fixated on Xu Xiuhe.


    If this woman hadn''t saved Lin Zhe''s wife, he would have been the one signing the contract. None of this would have happened with Xu Xiuhe.


    "That''s right, it''s all because of this woman, ruining my ns," Xu Zhengyang became agitated and suddenly stood up, forcefully pushing the tes off the table. Unsatisfied, he hurled the ss in his hand with all his might.


    "One day, I''ll make sure this woman suffers a miserable death." The man''s eyes were red, his expression twisted like a demon''s.


    In the other private room, an air of harmony prevailed. After signing the contract, Xu Xiuhe and Lin Zhe exchanged pleasantries.


    "Mr. Xu, it''s gettingte. You''re not going back, are you?" Lin Zhe asked.


    Xu Xiuhe checked his watch. It was almost 9 PM, indeed toote. Little Zheng was already yawning non-stop, it was his usual bedtime.


    "No, I won''t go back," Xu Xiuhe nced at Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin nodded in agreement.


    "Perfect timing then, I assume you haven''t booked a hotel yet? The hotel where Mrs. Xu stayedst time, the same one where my wife gave birth, they handled things quite well. I ended up acquiring it. If you don''t mind, you can stay there."


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t hesitate and readily agreed.


    "Alright, I''ll take you there."


    "No need, I can find my way," Shen Yin spoke up.


    "It''s not a problem, I need to stop by the hotel anyway, it''s work-rted," Lin Zhe insisted.


    Upon arrival at the hotel, Lin Zhe took the lead as the owner, with the staff treating him with utmost respect.


    "Prepare the presidential suite for this gentleman anddy," Lin Zhe instructed the receptionist at the front desk.


    The receptionist, recognizing her boss, lowered her head and swiftly arranged for the presidential suite without a word.


    Inside the suite, Xu Xiuhe was working on documents while Shen Yin had bathed little Zheng and tucked him into bed, the child sleeping soundly, not even stirring during his bath.


    Relieved, Shen Yin headed for the bathroom herself, only to find Xu Xiuhe joining her, insisting they bathe together.


    "Now, now, it''s just bathing, don''t get any other ideas," Shen Yin warned with a mischievous smile.


    "What else could I possibly do? It''s just bathing," Xu Xiuhe replied, grinning yfully.


    Indeed, circumstances had changed, but it was within Shen Yin''s foresight.


    "Wife, you''re truly remarkable. You casually save someone and be the wife of the Lin Group''s president."


    "Or perhaps I''m just lucky," Shen Yin teased, ying with Xu Xiuhe''s hair.


    Xu Xiuhe pondered her words. His wife''s background was extraordinary, her experiences unlike any other. Even her dreams could foretell difficulties. With such good fortune, it was no surprise she had established two or three business ventures in just three or four months.


    Suddenly, Xu Xiuhe seemed to remember something and asked while embracing Shen Yin, "You haven''t had any nightmarestely, have you?"


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin recalled the vivid yet bizarre dream she had a few nights ago.


    Vivid, as if it had truly urred, yet bizarre because she couldn''t see the face of the man harming her in the dream.


    Shen Yin didn''t immediately respond to Xu Xiuhe''s question, causing him to grow concerned.


    "You had a nightmare? What was it about?"


    "Yes, I had a nightmare. I dreamt that I was kidnapped by a man, but I couldn''t see who he was," Shen Yin finally admitted.


    Xu Xiuhe fell silent. If he hadn''t asked, would she have told him? This woman, she always tried to shoulder everything herself, to solve problems on her own. Didn''t she think of him at all?


    "Shen Yin," Xu Xiuhe''s tone suddenly grew serious, calling her by her full name instead of the usual pet names.


    "Yes? What''s wrong?" Shen Yin looked at him innocently, unaware of what she had done to prompt his change in demeanor.


    "I''m your husband, your spouse. We are one. We are the most intimate people in this world. You need to share everything with me. You can''t bear the burden alone. Think about it, if I hadn''t asked, would you have told me about this?"


    Xu Xiuhe had seen through her, and Shen Yin couldn''t refute his words. She hadn''t spoken up because she feared worrying him.


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t want you to worry," she apologized.


    "Yin Yin, I''m your husband. Of course I''ll worry when you tell me, but have you considered how I would feel if you kept it bottled up inside? A couple should trust and be honest with each other. Even if you mean well, what if something really happens to you? If I''m unaware, I''ll only worry more."


    Xu Xiuhe spoke earnestly, his words carrying weight.


    "Oh, I was wrong," Shen Yin pouted, snuggling into Xu Xiuhe''s embrace.


    Seeing her expression, Xu Xiuhe couldn''t bring himself to scold her further. He tightened his arms around her and gently kissed her forehead.


    "I may have been too harsh earlier, but it''s for your own good. Nothing has happened yet, so there''s still a chance to prevent it. But if the nightmarees true, what would I do? Little Zheng is still so young, he can''t be separated from you. What would be of him?" Shen Yin''s heart sank upon hearing his words.


    "It won''t happen again. I''ll tell you everything from now on."


    "That''s right."


    "Let''s sleep now and think about this tomorrow."


    Xu Xiuhe coaxed Shen Yin to sleep, but he remained awake, pondering over who could be behind this.


    Was it targeting him, or Shen Yin? Shen Yin had only been here for over three months, and the enemy could only be Qi Yan. Xu Xiuhe wasn''t sure whether it was her.


    If it wasn''t Qi Yan, then it was targeting him, his adversaries over the years - some in business, and also the mother-daughter pair of Yang Cui and Xu Zhengyang.


    There was also the possibility that it was simply a kidnapping for ransom. Xu Xiuhe considered all the possibilities one by one.

 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155


    When the family of three returned to Rong City, Xu Xiuhe became more vignt.


    Logically speaking, since Shen Yin had been with Zhengzheng all along, why was there no Zhengzheng in Shen Yin''s dream? This meant that when Shen Yin was kidnapped, Zhengzheng was not present.


    "Don''t go out if you don''t have to during this period," Xu Xiuhe told Shen Yin.


    "Okay," Shen Yin agreed.


    "Then I''ll go to thepany first. The studio should be safe."


    Shen Yin nodded.


    There was no one at the studio today. After Xu Xiuhe left, just as Shen Yin was about to close the door, Su Jin walked up to Shen Yin''s studio.


    "What''s up? Not open today?" Su Jin joked.


    "Mother-inw, indeed, we don''t open on Sundays. But you are still wee," Shen Yin opened the door wide again and led Su Jin inside.


    "Ah, I''m the kind of person who doesn''t go to the Three Treasures Temple for no reason. But this time, I came to see you for no particr reason."


    "Ah?"


    Shen Yin didn''t expect this twist from Su Jin. She thought Su Jin would say she came to see her for some particr matter.


    "No reason, Mother-inw can visit me even if there''s no reason," Shen Yin said.


    Zhengzheng came over from the side and, upon seeing Su Jin, politely called out "Mother-inw."


    Su Jin was usually a serious person, but for some reason, whenever she faced this mother and son, she felt happy, and her expression became more tender than usual.


    "Ah, it''s been a while since I''ve seen Zhengzheng. Did Zhengzheng miss Mother-inw?" Su Jin bent down and patted Zhengzheng''s head.


    Shen Yin suddenly realized that she had heard this question countless times, almost every person who knew Zhengzheng would ask this question when they saw him again.


    And Zhengzheng, as if used to this question, answered it without hesitation.


    "I missed Mother-inw. Did Mother-inw also miss Zhengzheng?" Zhengzheng asked with a smile.


    "Oh, I missed you, I missed you. Zhengzheng is so handsome and adorable, Mother-inw thinks about you every day."


    Hearing Mother-inw praise him like that, Zhengzheng was delighted. He hurried over to the side of the tea table and reached for the teapot. However, being small with short arms, he couldn''t quite reach it no matter how hard he tried.


    If you can''t reach it, find a way. Zhengzheng stood on his tiptoes, stretching his arm to reach the pot. Finally, with great effort, he managed to grab it with one hand, but then realized he couldn''t move it at all.


    As an experienced mother, Shen Yin noticed Zhengzheng''s little actions while chatting with Mother-inw Su Jin and couldn''t help but be amused.


    "Zhengzheng, don''t move, it''s too heavy for you to carry. Let Mom pour," Shen Yin walked over.


    When Zhengzheng saw his mothering, he stepped back to make way for Shen Yin.


    "Was Zhengzheng trying to pour water for Mother-inw?" Mother-inw Su Jin also walked over.


    "Mother-inw, please take a seat first," Shen Yin handed the water cup to Su Jin.


    "Thank you, Yin Yin," Su Jin took the cup and drank a sip.


    Then she said, "I saw your final piece from thestpetition. It was indeed excellent, just as I expected."


    Shen Yin smiled without saying anything.


    Su Jin continued, "I think you were still holding back your true abilities. Your skills are far beyond that."


    Shen Yin didn''t expect Su Jin to notice that she hadn''t shown her full potential.


    "Mother-inw noticed, huh?" Shen Yin also took a sip of water.


    "Hahaha, after all, I''m older and have been in the embroidery business for decades, so I can still tell the quality of embroidery."


    "Mother-inw is indeed impressive."


    "Not at all, you''re still so young, and your skills have already reached this level. To be honest, I think my skills don''t measure up to yours. You were born with exceptional talent, destined for this craft."


    Shen Yin smiled. She wasn''t born with exceptional talent; at most, she was a little clever and paid attention to details, plus she had the advantage of having transmigrated here.


    "Indeed, each generation is stronger than thest. In the future, Chinese embroidery will be able to flourish," Su Jin sighed.


    "Mmhmm, many crafts are worth promoting. Outstanding cultures need to be carried on."


    "Good, good, I never expected to hear such words from a young person''s mouth. Indeed, our traditional culture is profound and extensive. Many cultures have flowed continuously throughout history,sting until today. They cannot be lost. Culture is the blood, crafts are the flesh, and those who inherit them are the bones. None can be dispensed with." Su Jin went on.


    She usually didn''t talk this much, but when facing a young person like Shen Yin with both thoughts and skills, she couldn''t help but speak at length.


    "Mother-inw, I understand. I will never abandon the craft of embroidery."


    "I may have said too much. Don''t find it bothersome. I''m just like this. When I meet someone I click with and resonate with, I can''t help but talk more."


    "Not at all, not at all. You didn''t say too much," Shen Yin still showed respect to her elders, especially someone who valued promoting outstanding culture. If she looked at it from an ancient person''s perspective, she would be very gratified.


    "Alright, you must work hard for the finals. Mother-inw believes in you, and the championship will definitely be yours."


    "Thank you, Mother-inw. I will definitely try my best and not let Mother-inw down."


    "Good, then Mother-inw will head back."


    Shen Yin saw Su Jin off. While they were talking, Zhengzheng had been ying on the side. Now, hearing that Mother-inw was leaving, he hurried over with his little steps to see her off as well.


    "Zhengzheng, Mother-inw is leaving," Su Jin waved.


    "Goodbye, Mother-inw. Mother-inw, be careful on your way back."


    "Okay, Mother-inw is leaving." Su Jin turned back to look at them multiple times as she left.


    "Mom, where does Mother-inw live?" Zhengzheng asked.


    Shen Yin knew Su Jin lived next door, but she didn''t seem to see Su Jin often, so perhaps Su Jin didn''t often stay there.


    "Mother-inw Su probably has several homes like Zhengzheng."


    "Oh oh."


    Shen Yin closed the door again, and no one else came in this time.


    "Zhengzheng, what do you want to eat for lunch?"


    "I want to eat crab."


    Shen Yin: ...


    It seemed they didn''t have any crabs at home. She had been buying groceries online before.


    Sometimes she would take Zhengzheng to the farmers'' market to buy some vegetables.


    Shen Yin ordered some fresh seafood and vegetables online. Xu Yunzheng had been craving for so long, so Shen Yin decided to let him have a good meal.


    "Mom, Zhengzheng is so happy today."


    "Why is that?" Shen Yin took Zhengzheng upstairs to the third floor.


    "Just happy."


    Zhengzheng yed in the living room while Shen Yin cooked the rice in the kitchen.


    Soon after, she received a delivery call asking her to go downstairs to collect the order.


    "Zhengzheng, you y over there for a while, don''t touch anything dangerous. Mommy is going downstairs to get the dishes." Shen Yin changed her shoes.


    "Okay, Mommy, Zhengzheng won''t move around, Zhengzheng will be good and listen." Xu Yunzheng''s gaze shifted from the picture book in his hand to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin walked downstairs. Usually, the front door was never closed, after all, there were five dogs outside.


    Today, the five dogs had all been led inside by Xu Xiuhe.

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156


    Shen Yin walked to the door and pressed her fingers against it. As the door opened, she suddenly cked out and lost consciousness.


    A man wearing a ck cap and a delivery worker''s uniform hurried over and asked, "Madam, what''s wrong with you? Wake up."


    The man ced Shen Yin on a nearby electric scooter, then mounted it, allowing her to lean against him, and drove away.


    The electric scooter wound through one alleyway after another, taking a circuitous route.


    Xu Yunzheng had been waiting for a long time on the third floor, but he didn''t see Shen Yining up. Feeling hungry, he took small steps down the stairs.


    When he came downstairs, he found the front door on the first floor wide open, and the five dogs were still there.


    "Flower, where is Mommy?" little Zhengzheng asked.


    The five dogs looked left and right but made no sound.


    The little one started to panic, tears streaming down his face. But he seemed to realize that it was no use.


    Helpless, he could only obediently go back upstairs to find a solution.


    It took the little one a long time to finally make it back to the third floor. Shen Yin''s phone on the dining table started ringing.


    The little one walked over to the table, trying to reach it, but no matter how he tried, he couldn''t.


    The phone kept ringing with its ringtone. Zhengzheng wanted to answer it but could only try to reach the phone.


    He was too short, and even standing on tiptoe, he couldn''t touch the table surface.


    Seeing a chair nearby, the little one had an idea. He tried hard to climb onto it, attempting various positions until he finally managed to stand on the chair.


    Imitating how Shen Yin had answered the phone before, he tapped the green answer button, and Xu Xiuhe''s face appeared on the screen.


    Xu Xiuhe was startled to see Zhengzheng standing on the chair, as it was far too dangerous for a child just over two years old.


    Suddenly, Xu Xiuhe realized something was amiss. If Shen Yin were there, she would never have allowed Zhengzheng to do something so risky.


    "Zhengzheng, sit down and don''t move. Where is your mother?" Xu Xiuhe asked urgently, grabbing his car keys, ready to rush back.


    "Daddy, Mommy is gone," Zhengzheng said, sitting down and crying.


    Xu Xiuhe''s suspicion was confirmed by the child''s words. He strode out quickly, almost running.


    He hurried, rushing as if he could fly.


    The phone in Xu Xiuhe''s hand was still connected.


    "Zhengzheng, how did your mother go missing?" Xu Xiuhe asked in the elevator.


    "Mommy told Zhengzheng that she was going downstairs to get groceries and told Zhengzheng to be good upstairs. But Mommy was gone for a long time, and Zhengzheng got hungry, so Zhengzheng went downstairs to look for Mommy. But Mommy wasn''t there."


    "What about the door? What happened to the downstairs door?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "The door was open, and Mommy was gone. Zhengzheng asked Flower and Furball, but they didn''t tell Zhengzheng. Daddy, Zhengzheng misses Mommy, Zhengzheng is hungry."


    Xu Xiuhe was more anxious than anyone, wishing he could fly home and find Shen Yin.


    "Zhengzheng, listen to Daddy. Stay on the chair and don''t move. Daddy will be home soon, and you wait obediently for Daddy."


    Zhengzheng nodded.


    Xu Xiuhe immediately sent a message to Xue Jingrui.


    [Shen Yin is missing, likely kidnapped. I don''t know who is behind it. Can you check the surveince footage at my house entrance? I''m on video with Zhengzheng, so it''s not convenient for me to look.]


    Surprised by the message, Xue Jingrui had just finished lunch and was doing the dishes in the kitchen on his day off.


    Earlier, he had asked why Qi Ji hadn''t gone to the Martial Arts Club today and hadn''t met with Shen Yin.


    Qi Ji said Shen Yin was in Yang City and wouldn''t be back until around noon, so she wouldn''t be teaching sses this week. She would make up for it by teaching two days next week.


    But it was just past noon, and Xu Xiuhe was telling him that Shen Yin had been kidnapped.


    After receiving Xu Xiuhe''s surveince password, Xue Jingrui logged in.


    "Qi Ji, we need to go out for a bit. Shen Yin may have been kidnapped. I''ll go check it out. Do you want toe?" he asked.


    Hearing this, Qi Ji grew anxious. Of course she had to go. Shen Yin was so kind to her, and she had to find out what happened.


    "What about Zhengzheng?" she asked.


    "Xiuhe said he''s on video with Zhengzheng, so Zhengzheng is probably still at home. He asked me to help check the surveince footage first."


    Qi Ji immediately gathered her things and went with Xue Jingrui.


    "You watch the footage first, and let me know if you see anything. I''ll drive," Xue Jingrui said, handing Qi Ji his phone to view the surveince.


    Qi Ji took the phone and pulled up the morning''s video.


    "Shen Yin saw off an elderly woman and then closed the door. Then she probably ordered groceries on her phone on the first floor. After that, she went upstairs to the third floor with Zhengzheng. A little whileter, Shen Yin came back down alone."


    "And then?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "Then she opened the door and copsed. The delivery man rushed over and tried to wake her up, saying, ''Madam, wake up.''" Qi Ji narrated, turning to face Xue Jingrui.


    "Switch to the outdoor surveince now," Xue Jingrui instructed.


    Qi Ji did as he said.


    "What happened?"


    "Look, Brother Jingrui, this man sprayed something at Shen Yin, and that''s why she passed out," Qi Ji said, holding the phone in front of Xue Jingrui''s eyes.


    On the video, the delivery man took out a small spray bottle and sprayed it at Shen Yin several times as she opened the door. Then he pretended to try to wake her up before cing her on the electric scooter. The delivery man rode the scooter away from Qinghe Street.


    "It''s a kidnapping. That delivery man was probably an imposter," Xue Jingrui guessed.


    At the same time, he also ryed the information to Xu Xiuhe.


    Both cars sped up, heading toward the Qinghe Apartments.


    Xu Xiuhe rushed upstairs and picked up Zhengzheng.


    Xue Jingrui and his wife stood at the entrance, examining the scene. They found that the fake delivery man had left no clues behind.


    Xu Xiuhe came down and told them, "It''s a kidnapping. I just had Liu Bo check on this guy, but with the mask and cap, it''s hard to identify him. There''s no result yet."


    "Any suspects in mind?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "What do you think? Could it be Qi Yan?" Xu Xiuhe asked in return.


    Everyone fell silent.


    "Daddy, where did Mommy go? Does she not want Zhengzheng anymore?" The little one started crying.


    "No, Mommy had something to take care of. She didn''t abandon Zhengzheng. Auntie will hold you," Qi Ji said, reaching out to take Zhengzheng.


    Xue Jingrui and Xu Xiuhe stepped outside.


    "I don''t think it was Qi Yan," Xue Jingrui said.


    "Why? You''re not defending her again, are you?"


    "No, she shouldn''t have the guts for that."


    "Not necessarily. At your weddingst time, the two of them got into a fight," Xue Jingrui had some doubts.


    "What should we do now? Should we report to the police?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "No, it hasn''t been 24 hours yet. I''ll keep tracking the delivery person on my end, and you help me check if Qi Ji can take care of Zhengzheng for now," Xu Xiuhe said.

 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157


    The group quickly took their positions, with Xu Xiuheforting Zhengzheng, who was still hungry.


    Xu Xiuhe was anxious, as Liu Bo had some news, and Xue Jingrui had also utilized his connections to help search.


    When Xue Jingrui had just asked whether to report to the police, Xu Xiuhe was initially inclined to agree, but he felt that relying on themselves would be better than relying on others.


    Xue Jingrui felt that more people meant more strength.


    Xue Jingrui reported the case to the police and began checking various surveince videos. He discovered that the perpetrator was very familiar with that area, riding an electric scooter that appeared in the videos only at the beginning and then disappeared.


    This indicated that the kidnapper had avoided all surveince, causing them great difficulty.


    On Liu Bo''s side, he had gathered a lot of information. He sent people to find those who had seen the delivery person based on the order''s starting location.


    People from the vegetable market said that this delivery person had been in the area for a few months, didn''t talk much, and they were unaware of his character.


    Upon learning this, Xu Xiuhe spent a significant sum to obtain surveince videos of the area and hired many people to watch them. After over an hour, they finally located the kidnapper''s residence.


    Xue Jingrui also brought two police officers and rushed to the kidnapper''s home to meet up with Xu Xiuhe and the others.


    In front of the police officers, Xu Xiuhe kicked open the old wooden door of the dpidated house.


    Inside, the floor was littered with instant noodle cups and mineral water bottles.


    The bedding was bundled into a heap, nestled together. The entire room had a strange odor, both foul and sour, even with a hint of musty dampness.


    The two police officers covered their noses, looking disgusted.


    "You two, search and see if there are any suspicious items," Xue Jingrui instructed.


    The two police officers immediately sprang into action, quickly searching the premises.


    They found a bag of powder under the table, and one of the officers smelled it and said after opening the powder, "It''s not poison."


    The other officer said, "But it seems like one of those powerful sedatives that have appeared recently. If sprayed, it would cause immediate unconsciousness and make someone pass out."


    Xu Xiuhe and Xue Jingrui exchanged nces.


    "Take this back as evidence first," Xue Jingrui said.


    "What about you two?" The two police officers looked at each other, unsure what else they needed to do besides taking the powder back.


    When they came, the chief had specifically instructed them not to neglect the person surnamed Xue.


    The two police officers did as instructed.


    Xu Xiuhe continued rummaging through the room and found an ID card in the drawer of the bedside table.


    Confirming the identity would make things easier.


    Liu Bo was also continuing his investigation.


    "This person''s name is Wang Zhihao. Do you know him?" Xue Jingrui asked Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe held the ID card and stared at it for several seconds but had no recollection. Of course, he wouldn''t know the perpetrator personally, as who would want to harm someone and do it themselves?


    "From Yang City?" Xue Jingrui muttered.


    "Yang City?" Xu Xiuhe suddenly thought of something.


    He immediately sent the photo to Liu Bo, and Xue Jingrui also sent it to the people at the police station.


    Soon, they received a response from the police station.


    "We''ve got it. This person has a criminal record and has been in prison before," Xue Jingrui told Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe suddenly remembered that Shen Yin had mentioned she had a childhood sweetheart.


    That guy had been in prison before, so could it be that he''s now seeking revenge on Shen Yin, for money or for something else?


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t have time to think too much. He had to find Shen Yin as soon as possible.


    Xu Xiuhe took the man''s ID card and left the damp, dirty, and musty rental room.


    Liu Bo''s call came in at that moment.


    "Any progress?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "A little. He was in prison before and only came to Rong City three months ago. He''s been delivering around Qinghe Street. I found a technician who tracked his movements over the past ten days and discovered he visited an abandoned factory in the north of Rong City."


    "Send me the location of the factory. I''m going there now."


    Upon hearing this, Liu Bo sent the location to Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe was about to drive there, but he panicked. Several thoughts shed through his mind again.


    The kidnapper hadn''t called him yet, and he was afraid. If it was for money, he wouldn''t be this worried, as he could solve any problem with money.


    "I''ll drive," Xue Jingrui said, worried that Xu Xiuhe''s panic might cause an ident on the road.


    "Contact the police and have them go to this address too," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Xue Jingrui opened his phone and dialed a number.


    "Head to an abandoned factory in the north of Rong City. The kidnapper may be there."


    In the abandoned factory in the north of Rong City, Shen Yin was still unconscious, her hands and feet bound tightly with iron chains.


    The man stood in front of Shen Yin, looking at her with a predatory gaze.


    He took a bottle of mineral water, unscrewed the cap, and tilted it over Shen Yin''s head, pouring the water down.


    The entire bottle of water flowed through Shen Yin''s hair.


    Shen Yin opened her eyes and looked at everything in front of her, slightly dazed, wondering if she was dreaming again. This time, she saw the kidnapper''s face.


    "You''re awake."


    The water from her hair dripped down, wetting her clothes. Shen Yin realized this wasn''t a dream, but what had happened in her dream had actually urred.


    Shen Yin began to recall that she had gone downstairs to retrieve a food delivery when she lost consciousness, and the next time she woke up, she was here.


    "Who are you, and why did you kidnap me?" Shen Yin had a special quality of being able to remain calm in difficult situations.


    "Sweetheart, do you really not know who I am? Think about it. You can figure it out."


    Shen Yin did rack her brain, but she genuinely couldn''t remember who this man was, she swears she tried her best.


    Shen Yin defiantly raised her head, "I don''t know you."


    "Baby, how could you not know me? We have a marriage agreement." The man''s face moved closer.


    Shen Yin felt disgusted, the man''s breath was even more foul than his words.


    "I don''t have a marriage agreement. I''m already married," Shen Yin remained calm.


    The situation had now changed, differing slightly from the dream, as the man didn''t immediately resort to violence.


    "No, you''re engaged. You unfaithful woman, how could you forget me? I''m your fianc¨¦." The man continued to say.


    Shen Yin realized with a start that she thought this matter was over, but she didn''t expect this person toe looking for her again.


    "I don''t know. If I''m not mistaken, we had agreed that if I got married before the age of 22, the childhood engagement would be canceled. Now my child is already two months and four weeks old. And I just turned 24. So please don''t talk nonsense."

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158


    "Ha ha ha ha ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha ha, I''m just rambling, I''m rambling nonsense, I never agreed, you''re just my fianc¨¦e." The man suddenly burst into maniacalughter.


    "Calm down first," Shen Yin said, thinking that if she could buy more time, the better.


    "Calm down? How do you expect me to calm down when my fianc¨¦e is already married with a child? As her fianc¨¦, tell me, how am I supposed to calm down?" the man asked.


    Shen Yin...


    "By the way, I still don''t know your name."


    "Remember, your fianc¨¦ is called Wang Zhihao."


    Shen Yin...


    "Mr. Wang Zhihao, as you can see, I don''t even know your name, and you know I''m married with a child, so how can you be my fianc¨¦?"


    "I don''t care, I say you''re my fianc¨¦e, and you are." The man became furious and raised his voice.


    Shen Yin was truly frightened, but she tried to remain calm, wondering if what happened in her dream was about to unfold.


    "Mr. Wang, you must know my husband''s identity. My husband is very wealthy, and if you let me go, he will definitely reward you generously," Shen Yin said, not knowing what she was saying herself, just trying to buy more time.


    "Ha ha ha ha ha ha, what is your husband''s identity?" Wang Zhihao asked.


    "My husband is rich and powerful," Shen Yin replied.


    "Woman, are you short of money? Do Ick the ability? I''m just a little poorer than him, why did you choose him?" Wang Zhihao was utterly bewildered.


    Shen Yin felt like cursing at him. What kind of delusional man was this, where did he get such confidence?


    "Of course I''m short of money, how could I not be?" Shen Yin answered.


    "Sweetheart, money isn''t everything. Although I''m not as rich as him, I love you more than he does," Wang Zhihao suddenly changed his expression in a theatrical manner, looking greasy yet inexplicably affectionate.


    Shen Yin, who was usually well-mannered, felt like rolling her eyes to the heavens at that moment.


    "Being poor is absolutely uneptable. My husband loves me very much. He cares for me, sends me flowers, respects me, and makes money for me to spend. Mr. Wang, tell me, what exactly is love if this isn''t it?"


    "Shut up, shut up or I''ll kill you," the man said fiercely, as if he wanted to devour Shen Yin in the next second. Shen Yin''s stomach growled, and she looked around the abandoned factory they were in, with a thickyer of dust everywhere.


    Shen Yin nced outside and guessed from the position of the sun that it was around 4 p.m.


    Xu Xiuhe must have known she had been kidnapped by now. Her hands and feet were tightly bound with iron chains, and she couldn''t break free.


    With Xu Xiuhe''s intelligence and wisdom, he should be able to find her, right?


    Thinking of this, Shen Yin felt much calmer.


    "What''s the matter, not talking now?" the man spoke up again.


    The line from her dream hadn''t happened yet, so Shen Yin wasn''t afraid for the time being.


    Wang Zhihao looked at Shen Yin and asked, "Are you hungry?"


    Shen Yin ignored him, keeping her eyes closed.


    "Woman, answer me when I''m talking to you, damn it, answer me," the man cursed angrily.


    Shen Yin now seriously doubted that this man had mental issues, not only was he delusional, but also obsessive and even had a persecutionplex. Fang Yue had said this man had been in prison before, but Shen Yin couldn''t remember if it was for theft or assault.


    "Answer me, damn it, I''m talking to you. Are you deaf or blind?" the man yelled.


    Shen Yin still didn''t respond.


    The man became furious, "Other men can have you, but I can''t? You filthy whore, is that ugly face just for show?"


    Shen Yin panicked, feeling a bad premonition.


    "I''ll show you right now if I can have you or not," the man said as he stripped off his own clothes and approached Shen Yin, about to tear off her clothes.


    "Stay right there and don''t move," Xu Xiuhe suddenly charged in.


    Wang Zhihao turned to look at Xu Xiuhe, smirking, "Well, well, so this is the husband you said loves you."


    The man''s tone was full of provocation.


    Wang Zhihao sneered, "Apart from being a little more handsome than me, you''ve got nothing better. I might even be better than you in bed."


    Shen Yin felt nauseous and wanted to vomit. Suddenly, Wang Zhihao moved closer, holding a fruit knife that appeared from somewhere, pressing it against Shen Yin''s throat.


    "Take one more step, and she''s dead," Wang Zhihao shouted at Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe looked anxious, not daring to make any rash moves.


    "Put down the knife first. Whatever your conditions are, tell me, and I''ll agree to anything," he said.


    "Really, anything?"


    "Yes."


    "Then I want yourpany. Do you agree?" Wang Zhihao asked.


    Upon hearing this, he considered for a moment, his heart wavering, even asking, "Really?"


    "Really, put down the knife and let her go," Xu Xiuhe said calmly, trying his best not to agitate the man.


    "Ha ha ha ha, like I''d believe you. If I let her go, I''m done for."


    "If you don''t let her go, you''re even more done for." Several police officers seized the chance while Wang Zhihao was distracted talking to Xu Xiuhe and snuck in from another side, quickly snatching the fruit knife away.


    Xu Xiuhe was startled, as this rescue was too risky. If there was the slightest mistake, Shen Yin''s life would be in danger.


    Wang Zhihao''s knife was taken away, and immediately, several officers restrained him from behind.


    Wang Zhihao tried to struggle, but the strength of one person was no match for three.


    He was pinned to the ground,pletely immobilized.


    "Let me go," the man continued shouting despite his inability to move.


    The officer who took the fruit knife found Wang Zhihao''s shouting annoying and instructed the other three officers to gag him.


    Then, the leading officer crouched down, found the key to the iron chains on the man, and unlocked Shen Yin''s chains.


    Xu Xiuhe immediately ran over and embraced Shen Yin, who lowered her head and tightly hugged his neck, burying her face in his shoulder.


    "I''m sorry I waste. Were you scared?" Xu Xiuhe gently stroked Shen Yin''s hair tofort her.


    "Thank you," Xue Jingrui walked over and said to the lead officer.


    "No need to thank us, we were just doing our job," the officer replied.


    "Xiuhe, let me introduce you, this is Tan Xiao from the Rong City Special Police Squad," Xue Jingrui introduced.


    Xu Xiuhe nodded in gratitude. Thanks to him, Shen Yin was rescued from danger, although his methods were a bit extreme, but at least Shen Yin was saved.


    "I''m Tan Xiao. Thedy may need to go to the police station to give a statementter."


    "Okay," Shen Yin agreed.


    "Let''s make it tomorrow," Xu Xiuhe said.

 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159


    Xu Xiuhe was worried that Shen Yin might get scared, so he carried her out of the abandoned factory.


    Shen Yin came around and leaned on Xu Xiuhe''s shoulder, and Xu Xiuhe hugged her again.


    "Were you scared?" Xu Xiuhe asked, looking at Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin shook her head and then nodded.


    Seeing her like this, Xu Xiuhe felt reassured. Although Shen Yin''s martial arts skills were formidable, she was still a woman, and she would naturally feel afraid in such a situation.


    "This ce is quite remote," Xu Xiuhe said, trying to divert Shen Yin''s attention and help her forget what had just happened inside.


    Shen Yin looked around. It was indeed remote, with deste surroundings, fields in the distance, and weeds growing near the factory.


    "I made you worry," Shen Yin said.


    "Don''t say that. It''s my fault. I didn''t expect your dream toe true so quickly, and I was careless when we left," Xu Xiuhe said, beginning to feel scared. He didn''t dare think about the consequences if he had arrivedte...


    If Tan Xiao hadn''t acted so quickly, what would he have done?


    "His name is Wang Zhihao, the arranged marriage partner I was supposed to marry at birth ording to the midwife."


    "Yeah, I figured as much," Xu Xiuhe said, remembering that Liu Bo had mentioned Wang Zhihao had been in prison before, which matched what Shen Yin had told him about the one-child policy being enforced when she was born.


    "He''s quite daring to find such a remote ce," Shen Yinmented.


    Xu Xiuhe...


    His wife''s focus was indeed different from others''. Now, instead of expressing her fear and seekingfort in his arms as he had expected, she wasmenting on the location.


    "This ce is secluded with no surveince cameras. He''s not stupid," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "He seems to have some mental issues," Shen Yin said.


    Xu Xiuhe suddenly stopped walking, then continued.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "I was just thinking that if he ims to have mental issuester, his punishment might be reduced."


    "Ah?"


    "But I won''t let that happen. He kidnapped you, and I will make sure he pays the price."


    Xu Xiuhe carried Shen Yin to the car, fastened her seatbelt, and secured her in.


    "You must be hungry. Let''s go home first."


    At Qinghe Vi, Qi Ji was coaxing and cajoling Zhengzheng, trying to keep the baby from crying since she arrived in the afternoon.


    Ever since she came, Zhengzheng had been saying she was hungry, and Qi Ji had to find a way to get her something to eat.


    The problem was that Qi Ji didn''t know how to cook. She had never set foot in the kitchen when she was young, and she didn''t know the details of Shen Yin''s situation, so she didn''t dare order takeout.


    After Xue Jingrui and Xu Xiuhe left, Qi Ji locked the door from the inside and carried Zhengzheng upstairs.


    Zhengzheng was not happy and kept asking Qi Ji over and over where her mother had gone.


    Qi Ji patiently exined each time that her mother was busy with work but would be back that night.


    In front of Zhengzheng, Qi Ji didn''t dare call Xue Jingrui to ask about Shen Yin''s situation.


    It was the first time Qi Ji had been in a kitchen, cooking for a child. She was really worried about what would happen if she gave the baby something that made her sick.


    "Zhengzheng, what would you like to eat?" Qi Ji asked.


    "Mommy said she would make crabs for Zhengzheng."


    Qi Ji...


    She didn''t even know how to cook rice, let alone how to prepare crabs. And there weren''t any in the fridge.


    There were eggs on top of the fridge.


    "Zhengzheng, would you like some eggs?" Qi Ji coaxed, taking the eggs out of the pan.


    Zhengzheng was hungry too, so she nodded.


    Qi Ji poured in some water, put the eggs in, and carefully turned on the fire.


    Finally, the eggs were boiled, but Zhengzheng was still hungry.


    The little one was hungry, with a sour expression, following Qi Ji around like a little tail. Qi Ji felt terrible.


    "Grr, grr, grr."


    Xu Yunzheng''s stomach kept rumbling.


    Qi Ji noticed some baby form on the kitchen counter and got the idea to make some for Zhengzheng. She looked up how to prepare it on her phone.


    [For a two-year-old baby, the normal ratio for baby form is 30ml of water to one scoop of powder, so 120ml would need 4 scoops of powder. It''s rmended that babies eat more fruits and vegetables and drink more water as appropriate.]


    Following the instructions, Qi Ji mixed the form and tested the temperature before giving Zhengzheng the bottle.


    Then she washed and cut up some fruit into small pieces on a te and ced it on the coffee table for Zhengzheng to eat.


    After she had eaten and drunk her fill, Zhengzheng thought of Shen Yin again.


    Qi Ji had no choice but to try to put her to sleep.


    She sang songs and told stories, but suddenly Zhengzheng turned to her and asked, "Where is Mommy? When is sheing back? Zhengzheng misses Mommy."


    Qi Ji was almost in tears too. She also wanted to know when Shen Yin would be back and what her situation was after being kidnapped.


    "Zhengzheng, take a nap first, and when you wake up, Mommy will be back. If you don''t sleep, Mommy won''t be able toe back."


    Hearing this, Xu Yunzheng immediately went to sleep.


    After Xu Yunzheng fell asleep, Qi Ji couldn''t sleep, so she passed the time by drawing.


    When Zhengzheng woke up again, she said she was hungry once more.


    Qi Ji was also a little hungry. But she had no idea what to do for the two of them. If only Xue Jingrui were there, she wouldn''t have to worry about what to eat.


    "Auntie, I''m hungry. There are small dumplings in the fridge," Zhengzheng said.


    Zhengzheng had remembered the small dumplings her mother had put in the fridge.


    "Okay, I''ll boil some small dumplings for you, Zhengzheng."


    Xu Yunzheng followed Qi Ji, going wherever she went.


    Qi Ji did know how to boil dumplings¡ªit was just like cooking instant noodles, adding some ingredients until they were cooked. It was even simpler than boiling regr dumplings.


    Just as the dumplings finished cooking, Xu Xiuhe carried Shen Yin upstairs.


    Xu Yunzheng heard the noise while eating dumplings.


    "Mommy!" The little one ran straight toward Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin squatted down and hugged Zhengzheng.


    "Mommy, where did you go? Zhengzheng missed you so much. Zhengzheng thought Mommy didn''t want Zhengzheng anymore," Zhengzheng started whining as soon as she saw her mother.


    "Zhengzheng, be good. Mommy was busy today and didn''t tell you before leaving. That was Mommy''s fault. Will you forgive Mommy?" Shen Yin exined.


    "Zhengzheng forgives Mommy, but Mommy has to tell Zhengzheng next time she goes out, or Zhengzheng will worry about Mommy and miss her."


    "Okay, Mommy promises Zhengzheng."


    Qi Ji came out of the kitchen when Shen Yin arrived and saw the mother and daughter reunited, feeling happy for them.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Qi Ji," Shen Yin said.


    "No problem, as it should be. Is Shen Yin all right now?"


    "I''m all right, you see, I''m standing right here, don''t worry."


    "Zhengzheng, go eat dumplings with Aunt Qi Ji first. Dad needs to talk to Mom about something."


    Xu Xiuhe continued, "Xue Jingrui will probablye over soon, could you please look after Zhengzheng for a bit?"


    "Sure."


    Qi Ji sat down at the dining table, and she noticed while cooking that these dumplings smelled exceptionally fragrant.

 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160


    Shen Yin entered the bathroom and took a shower. She scrubbed herself over and over again, almost wanting to scrape off her skin, feeling so dirty. She could guess that she must have been touched by Wang Zhihao.


    Just thinking about that arrogant and narcissistic man, Shen Yin felt vexed, wondering what gave him the audacity.


    "Are you done?" Xu Xiuhe called out.


    Shen Yin had been in the bathroom for quite a while, so Xu Xiuhe couldn''t help but worry. While Shen Yin was showering, Xu Xiuhe kept in contact with Xue Jingrui.


    Tan Xiao brought Wang Zhihao to the police station. Given the circumstances, the chief directly locked Wang Zhihao up.


    "Well then, I''ll head back to the team." Tan Xiao said to the chief.


    "Good, good, thank you Captain Tan for your courage and bravery. This smooth operation is really thanks to your team''s efforts."


    After Tan Xiao left, Xue Jingrui said to the police chief, "This case is quite serious. In the following investigation, I hope your team can be more diligent. Hopefully, he will spend the rest of his life in prison."


    "Yes, yes, we will follow your instructions." The chief naturally knew that Xue Jingrui''s identity was not ordinary, so he dared not neglect him.


    "I''lle back tomorrow. The victim will alsoe to give her statement. I have other matters to attend to, so I''ll leave now."


    "Mr. Xue, let me see you out." The chief followed Xue Jingrui.


    Xue Jingrui headed to Qinghe Vi to pick up Qi Ji. It had been half a day since hest saw the little girl, and he didn''t know how she was doing or if she had missed him.


    When Xue Jingrui arrived at Qinghe Vi, he called Qi Ji from the lobby. Qi Ji immediately rushed down.


    "Brother Jingrui."


    "Slow down, don''t trip and fall. Are you tired?" Xue Jingrui patted Qi Ji''s head and asked.


    "No, I''m a big girl now. I won''t fall. I just ate the delicious little dumplings that Sister Shen Yin made."


    "Yeah, but you still need to be careful."


    Xu Xiuhe then came downstairs with Shen Yin and Zhengzheng.


    "Did everything go well over there?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Yeah, more or less. You and your wife can go over tomorrow to give your statement, and the case should be settled. Don''t worry, he won''t be able to use mental illness as an excuse."


    "That''s good. Just be careful when you''re driving."


    Xue Jingrui nodded, got into the car, but Qi Ji still looked at Shen Yin with concern.


    "Sister Shen Yin, get some rest soon."


    "Okay, don''t worry about me. I''ll sleep in a bit."


    Only after Qi Ji said a few words did she get into the car.


    "Brother Jingrui, let''s go."


    Xue Jingrui started the car.


    "Brother Jingrui, who kidnapped Sister Shen Yin?" Qi Ji asked curiously.


    "She was kidnapped by a madman. He might have had a delusional disorder, thinking Shen Yin was his fianc¨¦e."


    Qi Ji was almost furious at the shameless person who did this.


    "Don''t get upset. The bad guy has been caught. You can''t get agitated, what if there''s a baby in your belly now?"


    "Ah, is there a baby in my belly?" Qi Ji touched her stomach, unable to imagine it.


    "It''s not clear yet, but what if there''s an embryo?"


    "Oh yeah. Then I won''t get upset." Qi Ji touched her stomach again.


    Qi Ji lowered her head and picked up her phone. After being busy all day, she hadn''t checked her phone and saw that Sister Shu Yi had been sending a lot of messages in the group chat by herself.


    [I got angry at Chang Zhiyuan on set today.]


    [Guess when I''ll be back in Rong City.]


    [I''ll be back in a few days and can rest at home for a while.]


    [Why aren''t you guys saying anything? I''ve been talking to myself for so long.]


    [@Miracle @Shen Yin, are you both busy now?]


    After a long time, there was still no reply in the group chat.


    [s, no one is paying attention to me.]


    Seeing this, Qi Ji immediately replied.


    [Sister Shu Yi, we were held up by something this afternoon, sorry we didn''t respond to your messages.]


    [Oh, what happened?]


    Qi Ji wanted to reply but was afraid that Shen Yin would be reminded of the bad memory, so she didn''t respond.


    But who is Shu Yi? Since they both didn''t reply to her for so long, it must have been something serious.


    Shu Yi immediately sent a private message to Qi Ji.


    [Qi Ji, what happened to you guys?]


    [I''m not too sure about the details either. Basically, Sister Shen Yin was kidnapped by a deranged man.]


    [What the hell, something so serious happened and you didn''t tell me?]


    [I was busy and forgot. Xu Xiuhe and Xue Jingrui went to rescue Sister Shen Yin. I stayed behind to look after Zhengzheng, who kept missing his mom. I had tofort him all afternoon.]


    [How is Sister Shen Yin now? Is she okay?]


    [She came back in the evening. I''m in the car with Brother Jingrui going home now.]


    [Okay, you should rest too. You must be exhausted.]


    Shu Yi was anxious. Something so major happened, and she was thest to know. But even if she had known earlier, she wouldn''t have been able to rush back.


    After thinking it over, Shu Yi decided to ask for leave.


    It was still early, so Shu Yi checked the time on her phone and nned to ask the director for leave. But then the question arose - with Chang Zhiyuan, the boss, there, would the director agree?


    Shu Yi sent the director a message, saying she wanted to rush back home tomorrow.


    She initially thought the director wouldn''t agree, but the director replied immediately, saying okay, and even gave her the new schedule.


    Shu Yi started packing her luggage. The director then informed Chang Zhiyuan about Shu Yi''s leave.


    Seeing the message, Chang Zhiyuan was also quite surprised.


    "Did she say what happened?"


    "No," the director replied.


    The director had been in the industry for many years. How often do mediapany CEOse to act? He could tell at a nce that this Chang Zhiyuan had a special rtionship with Shu Yi. How could he not agree to Shu Yi''s leave request?


    After hanging up, Chang Zhiyuan rushed to Shu Yi''s room and knocked on the door.


    Shu Yi opened the door, clearly annoyed. It was already tiring enough facing him on set during the day. Why did she have to deal with him again after work?


    "What is it? It''s after working hours now."


    "You''re asking for leave to go back?"


    Shu Yi wasn''t too surprised. She had guessed that the director would inform Chang Zhiyuan.


    "Yeah, there''s an emergency."


    "What emergency? I''ll go back too."


    "Shen Yin was kidnapped this afternoon."


    "What? How did you find out? Why didn''t I receive any notification?"


    Upon hearing this, Shu Yi suddenly didn''t feel as sad anymore. She wasn''t thest one to find out, and there was still someone else who was even more in the dark.


    "As Qi Ji said, it just means you''re a bit behind on the news."


    "I should head back too. Shall we leave tomorrow morning?"


    "Yeah, I''ve packed my bags."


    "Okay, I''lle pick you up in the morning."


    Shu Yi didn''t refuse. There was quite a distance between Hai City and Rong City, and she hadn''t driven over this time. She hadn''t had a chance to book a ticket yet, so since Chang Zhiyuan was driving, she might as well hitch a ride. It wouldn''t be too much to ask her boss to give her a lift, would it?

 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161


    Shu Yi was very worried. With such a big incident happening, she could not imagine how Shen Yin was able to face this situation on her own.


    Shu Yi sat in Chang Zhiyuan''s car, her heart pounding. She took out her phone and sent a message in the group chat.


    [Shen Yin, how are you doing?]


    Shen Yin was also sitting in a car, except that Xu Xiuhe was driving her to the police station to give a statement.


    "Mommy, where are we going?" asked Zhengzheng.


    "We''re going to the police station to see the police officers."


    "Who ish the powice offi-thur?" the little one asked, her words not fully formed.


    "Police officers are good people. They catch bad people so the bad people can''t do bad things anymore," Shen Yin exined.


    Zhengzheng pped her hands, her eyes sparkling.


    "Mommy, thirshty." Zhengzheng looked up at Shen Yin.


    "Okay, Zhengzheng will have to wait a minute." Shen Yin rummaged through her bag and took out Zhengzheng''s sippy cup. She unscrewed the cap and ced the cup at Zhengzheng''s lips.


    The little one gulped down several mouthfuls before pushing the cup away. "Mommy, all done. No thirshty."


    Shen Yin screwed the cap back on and put the cup in her bag. Just then, her phone screen lit up, prompting her to take it out.


    She had gone to sleep earlyst night and hadn''t had a chance to check her phone. Opening it now, she saw many messages in the group chat, the most recent one being Shu Yi''s: [Shen Yin, how are you doing?]


    Shen Yin figured that Shu Yi must have heard about the incident and was now worried.


    Shen Yin immediately called Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi had been watching her phone and answered right away.


    "Shen Yin, how are you? I was so scared," Shu Yi said anxiously, her voice full of concern.


    "I''m fine. I''m chatting with you right now, aren''t I?" Shen Yin reassured her.


    But Shu Yi was still afraid, knowing nothing about Shen Yin''s kidnapping.


    "The bad guy captured you, right? Why did he kidnap you?" Shu Yi continued asking.


    Shen Yin also wanted to know why the man named Wang Zhihao had kidnapped her. Was it simply because he wanted her to be his fianc¨¦e? But they had never met before.


    "They caught him. It''s a long story - I''ll tell you the detailster. I have to go to the police station to give my statement. I''ll tell you everything when I get back."


    "Okay, I''ll be in Rong City this afternoon anyway, so I''lle find you."


    "What? So suddenly? I thought you said you wouldn''t be able toe back for a while."


    "You almost got killed! Of course I have toe back and see you. I requested leave. Let''s meet this afternoon."


    Chang Zhiyuan had been waiting for Shu Yi to get off the phone before speaking up. "It should be fine, right? With Xu Xiuhe there, Shen Yin shouldn''t be in any danger."


    "You trust Xu Xiuhe that much?"


    "Of course. He''s my brother - we grew up together. If I don''t trust him, who can I trust?"


    Thinking about it, Shu Yi realized he was right. Xu Xiuhe had been so good to Shen Yin, so he definitely wouldn''t let anything happen to her.


    At the police station, Shen Yin recounted the events of the previous day.


    "Around what time were you kidnapped yesterday?" an officer asked.


    Shen Yin pondered for a moment, unable to recall the exact time.


    "It''s on the surveince footage. You can check that," Xu Xiuhe answered from the side.


    The man''s presence was somanding that the junior officer didn''t dare meet Xu Xiuhe''s gaze. He silently instructed someone to pull up the surveince footage and record the kidnapping time.


    "The drugs used during the initial kidnapping have already been taken by two officers for analysis. You can examine those yourselves," Xu Xiuhe added.


    "Yes, Mr. Xu," the officer replied.


    "Mrs. Shen, can you tell us specifically what the suspect said to you after the kidnapping?"


    "He woke me up by sshing water on me. Then he told me his name and said he was my fianc¨¦, but that''s not true - we have no rtionship."


    The officer asked some more questions, which Shen Yin answered.


    After it was over, the police chief also came out and promised Xu Xiuhe that they would handle this case seriously.


    "We appreciate that," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "No, no, it''s ourck of vignce that allowed this to happen. We''re here to serve the people, so we''ll give this case our full attention."


    "I hope he never gets a chance to see my wife again," Xu Xiuhe stated.


    The police chief immediately understood the implication and readily agreed.


    Kidnapping, attempted rape, threatening with a knife, not to mention his prior criminal record - any one of those charges was serious enough. And he had done them all.


    "Understood. We''ll be going then."


    After leaving the police station, Xu Xiuhe saw that it was gettingte and decided to take mother and child out for a meal.


    Shen Yin felt that this incident was now over and could rx. She really did seem fortunate to be able to ovee difficulties every time.


    "Thank you," she said to Xu Xiuhe.


    "Mommy, why you thank Daddy?" Zhengzheng asked.


    "Because Daddy loves Mommy and helps Mommy solve problems every time."


    "Zhengzheng love Daddy Mommy too. Zhengzheng want pee-pee."


    Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin just stared at their daughter, amazed at how she hadbined twopletely unrted topics into one sentence.


    "Is there a restroom nearby?" Shen Yin asked.


    "There''s a mall close by. But Chang Zhiyuan just messaged me - he''s waiting for us at Qingfeng Mingyue."


    "Shall we ask them toe over then? We can go to the mall restroom, or they can wait a bit longer while we take Zhengzheng first. It''s not good for her body otherwise."


    "Okay, Zhengzheng can wait two more minutes."


    Xu Xiuhe quickly parked the car, then carried Zhengzheng and apanied Shen Yin to the mall restroom.


    "I''ll take him into the men''s room," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    Shen Yin took out some tissue paper from her bag and handed it to Xu Xiuhe.


    "Once he''s done, we''ll all go to Qingfeng Mingyue together."


    "Daddy, pee-pee," Zhengzheng said.


    In the restroom, Xu Xiuhe stood in the stall, unsure of what to do. At home, Zhengzheng used a dedicated infant toilet seat.


    But here in the public restroom, there were only adult squatting toilets, and Zhengzheng''s legs were too short to straddle the toilet bowls properly.


    "Daddy, hurry!" Zhengzheng urged.


    It wasn''t Xu Xiuhe who was in a hurry - it was Zhengzheng.


    With no other choice, Xu Xiuhe held Zhengzheng up with both hands. He couldn''t help but wonder why this mall didn''t have any facilities for young children to use the restroom.


    "Daddy, all done," Zhengzheng turned to Xu Xiuhe after relieving herself.


    "Okay, don''t move. Daddy will wipe you," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Zhengzheng stayed still while Xu Xiuhe used up the entire pack of tissues that Shen Yin had given him to clean up.


    When it was time for Qingfeng Mingyue, Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi had been waiting for a long time.


    Upon seeing Shen Yin enter, Shu Yi rushed straight towards Shen Yin, and it was fortunate that Shen Yin had some martial arts skills, or else she could have been knocked over by Shu Yi.


    "You scared me to death! If it wasn''t for Qi Ji telling me about this matter of yours, I wouldn''t even have known about it. Yin Yin, what would I do if something really happened to you?"


    Xu Xiuhe followed behind, carrying Zhengzheng, and upon entering, she heard "What would I do without you?"

 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162


    ...............


    "How could I live without you?" Wasn''t this what he was supposed to say to Zhengzheng? He was Shen Yin''s husband, but he hadn''t said it yet.


    "Shu Yi, you''re holding Shen Yin too tight," Chang Zhiyuan hurried to pull Shu Yi away from Shen Yin.


    "Sorry, Yin Yin, I was really too scared." Shu Yi was on the verge of tears.


    "Zhengzheng is here, it''s not convenient. Let''s not talk about it this time. I''m safe now."


    "How did you rescue her?" Chang Zhiyuan was more concerned about this.


    "Based on the information of the suspect, I had Liu Bo track the suspect''s recent movements and found the location where Shen Yin was held captive. But the one who ultimately rescued Yin Yin was Tan Xiao."


    "Tan Xiao?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    "Yes, the captain of the SWAT team, Tan Xiao. I was terrified by his actions at the time, as he directly snatched the knife from the kidnapper."


    "It really was him."


    "What, you know him?"


    "Not just know him. My sister has been chasing after him for years without sess."


    "Sister Ning Jing, chasing after Tan Xiao?" Xu Xiuhe looked incredulous.


    "Yeah, I didn''t know how these twopletely unrted people even met. You may not believe it, but my sister is a strong woman. In reality, she''s still a romantic at heart. As far as I know, she has liked that man for 6 years already. She hasn''t gotten married or gone on any blind dates, all because of that man." Chang Zhiyuan had an expression of exasperation.


    He just couldn''t understand why, with so many men in the world, his sister had to hang her hopes on such a twisted tree.


    Well, he admitted, Tan Xiao wasn''t exactly a twisted tree, but Tan Xiao was upright and straightforward, as tough as steel.


    "Sister Ning Jing has good taste," Shen Yin changed the subject.


    Xu Xiuhe immediately became alert, looking at Shen Yin. He didn''t understand what she meant by that sentence. Could it be that because Tan Xiao rescued her once, she...


    Shen Yin quickly realized what he was thinking. "Of course, my taste is good too."


    Only then was Xu Xiuhe satisfied.


    "The food is here, let''s eat first."


    Xu Yunzheng didn''t care what the adults were talking about. All he could see was the food.


    He ate one piece of meat after another, and Shen Yin was a little worried that the kid might have indigestion.


    "Here, Zhengzheng, eat some vegetables." Shen Yin put a piece of greens to Xu Yunzheng''s mouth.


    "No." Xu Yunzheng shook his head, though his mouth was already empty. But he still smacked his lips, as if savoring the taste of the meat.


    "Eat a piece of vegetable, okay? Or else mom will be upset." Shen Yin softened her tone, almost coaxing.


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe felt it was unbelievable. Shen Yin had never spoken to him like that, but she was using that tone with this kid, who didn''t even appreciate it.


    "Xu Yunzheng, don''t upset your mom." Xu Xiuhe''s tone was stern.


    Zhengzheng looked at Shen Yin, realizing that her expression did seem a little unhappy. The little one realized he was wrong and began to apologize.


    "Mom~my, Zhengzheng was wrong. Zhengzheng shouldn''t have upset mommy. I''m sorry."


    After saying that, the little one lowered his head and ate the greens. It didn''t taste bad, but he still didn''t like eating it.


    To avoid upsetting his mom, Xu Yunzheng voluntarily asked for more greens.


    Seeing Zhengzheng like this, Shu Yi couldn''t help but stifle augh.


    "My dear son-inw, you can''t upset your mom. Otherwise, your dad won''t let you off the hook, and your auntie won''t be able to help you then."


    Xu Yunzheng looked up at Shen Yin again, sincerely.


    "Mommy, don''t be upset. Zhengzheng didn''t mean it. Zhengzheng won''t make mommy angry."


    Shen Yin was deeply gratified. To have such a child, what more could a mother ask for?


    "Mommy''s not upset." Shen Yin said to Zhengzheng.


    The little one giggled.


    "Mommy."


    "Yes."


    "Mommy!"


    "Yes."


    "Mommy!"


    Xu Yunzheng called out three times.


    "Zhengzheng, mommy can hear you. You don''t need to keep calling. If you keep calling, your throat will get hoarse."


    The little one finally stopped and continued eating.


    "Shu Yi, when are you going back to the production crew?" Shen Yin asked.


    Shu Yi thought about it. Originally, she had requested leave until tomorrow night before going back. She was supposed to start working again the day after tomorrow. She had just be popr, so she couldn''t let the entire crew wait for her.


    "Since you''re fine now, I''m relieved. I was nning to go back tonight." Shu Yi said, ncing at Chang Zhiyuan.


    Chang Zhiyuan was focused on his meal until he heard about going back tonight, then he looked up.


    "Why tonight? Didn''t you request leave until tomorrow night? Do you think themute is too long?"


    Shu Yi: "Ahem, I''m worried about dying the filming progress just because of me. That''s why I nned to go back tonight. I only came back to see how Yin Yin was doing and if she was okay. Now that I''ve seen her, I''m relieved. But I can''t keep dying everyone else."


    "Shu Yi, did you get something wrong? I''m still here, you know. Who am I? I''m the male lead of ''I Just Want to Be With You''. If both the male and female leads are absent, who exactly are you dying?"


    "The others."


    "Exactly, the others." Shu Yi insisted.


    "You silly girl, are you being foolish? The others would be grateful if you took a break. They haven''t been home in so long."


    "Really?"


    "Really, I guarantee it. Not only am I your boss, but I''m also an investor in this drama. Of course, what I say goes."


    "Well, if you say so, I''m not being a diva."


    "I said so."


    "It''s a pity Xue Jingrui didn''te today for us to get together. What a shame." Chang Zhiyuan sighed.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t say anything.


    Actually, Xue Jingrui was going to join them today, but he felt it was too much trouble. There wasn''t much left to do, and he could handle it himself. So he just let Xue Jingrui go to work today.


    "By the way, how''s his progress in pursuing Qi Ji?" Chang Zhiyuan''s mouth seemed to have no filter. He didn''t know that Shen Yin, Shu Yi, and Qi Ji had a small group chat.


    So he just blurted it out so casually. If he hadn''t said anything, it wouldn''t have mattered. But once he did, Shu Yi and Shen Yin''s ears perked up.


    What did they hear?


    Xue Jingrui pursuing Qi Ji?


    The development was a bit unexpected, yet also within expectations.


    Unexpected in that Xue Jingrui would actually pursue Qi Ji. Expected in that the youngdy Qi Ji was so sweet, beautiful, and well-behaved ¨C which man wouldn''t be moved by her charms?


    "I don''t know. I didn''t get a chance to ask yesterday, but they dide together." Xu Xiuhe said.


    ...


    "Ah, being a lone old monk is truly miserable. When will I be able to get married, have children, and live happily ever after like you two?"


    Chang Zhiyuan said this while deliberately ncing at Shu Yi.


    His gaze was fixated directly on Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi felt embarrassed being stared at, and lowered her head to eat from her bowl.


    The Shen Yin family of three was eating dinner nearby, while the two adults were engrossed in watching their interactions with keen interest.

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163


    Shu Yi changed the subject, "This drama will be over soon, and I''m going to travel!" She had no idea what this man would say next.


    "Where are you going?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I haven''t decided yet. I want to go somewhere far away. It''s been too long since Ist went out to see ces. Maybe I''ll go to the Tibetan City."


    "Tibetan City?" Shen Yin remembered that the Tibetan City was very far from Rong City. The Tibetan City was at the westernmost edge of the country, on the border, with an altitude of over 4,000 meters, known as the roof of the world.


    "It''s a faraway ce. I''ve wanted to go and see how mysterious it is for a long time."


    "Wow, that''s amazing! You''ll have to take lots of beautiful scenery photos when you go."


    "Of course! I''m super good at photography. I even got a photography certificate."


    "Impressive," Shen Yin praised.


    "Zheng Zheng wants to take pictures too."


    "Then Auntie will take photos of Zheng Zheng this afternoon and definitely capture all 360 degrees of my handsome nephew''s charm without any blind spots. Oh, by the way, Yin Yin, you don''t have anything going on this afternoon, right?"


    Shen Yin thought for a moment. It seemed she didn''t have any ns.


    "Do I have anything this afternoon?" Shen Yin turned to Xu Xiuhe with a dazed expression.


    Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan couldn''t get a word in earlier when those three were chatting so happily, as if they didn''t exist at all.


    Now that Shen Yin suddenly asked him, Xu Xiuhe immediately straightened his back.


    "No, but I''ll be with you all." After what happened yesterday, he couldn''t let Shen Yin out of his sight.


    Xu Xiuhe looked at the mother and son.


    "Okay, but what about work? Today is Monday, and you haven''t been to thepany for several days."


    "Liu Bo is there. Now that he has a girlfriend in the same department, he''s more than happy to show off his abilities to her during work hours."


    At the top floor office of Yuan Group, Liu Bo sneezed loudly.


    "Someone''s thinking of you?" Xiao Li''er asked as she organized the documents.


    "What?" Liu Bo didn''t hear clearly.


    "If you suddenly sneeze, it must mean I''m thinking of you." Xiao Li''er half-sang.


    "You''re thinking of me?" Liu Bo looked astonished.


    "You''re not actually developing feelings for me, are you?"


    ...


    "If you suddenly sneeze, it must be because I''m thinking of you. If your phone wakes you up in the middle of the night, ah, it''s because I care. I often wonder if the things you say have some other intention. I really want to believe, but I can''t help but doubt. In your heart, am I the only one? Love is just me always bothering you." Xiao Li''er sang.


    "It''s a song by Sweet Heart. You must have heard of her, right? I was just humming the song. I wasn''t thinking of you, so don''t be so conceited," Xiao Li''er exined hastily.


    Of course Liu Bo knew Sweet Heart. But he didn''t react immediately when Xiao Li''er suddenly half-sang it just now.


    "You sing quite well. This song suits you. Sweet and sweet."


    Xiao Li''er''s face turned red. Was her bossplimenting her?


    "The song''s nice, but it doesn''t suit me. I wasn''t thinking of you. I was just joking around, but you didn''t catch on. You probably sneezed because something got into your nose, and it felt ufortable."


    "Hmm, I know. Sweet and sweet suits you. I''m thinking of you suits me." Liu Bo put down the documents in his hand and looked at Xiao Li''er, his words intentional or not.


    Xiao Li''er''s face turned even redder than before. "Don''t say it like that. We''re just pretending. If you say it like that, I''ll start overthinking."


    "Hmm, it''s my mouth on my face. I can say what I want. Your thoughts are your own. You can think however you want. I won''t stop you." Liu Boughed lightly.


    "You..." Xiao Li''er couldn''t argue with him. She took the stamped documents and left Liu Bo''s office.


    Liu Bo watched Xiao Li''er''s annoyed back as she left and smiled contentedly.


    At Chang Zhiyuan''spany studio, all kinds of filming equipment was avable. Shu Yi didn''t go home and brought her own gear.


    Chang Zhiyuan specifically had his staff clear out a studio for them. From noon until now, he finally found his existence.


    "Call me if you need anything. I''ll go buy some water," Chang Zhiyuan said.


    "Thanks for the trouble," Shen Yin felt quite embarrassed.


    "It''s no trouble at all for my nephew''s photo shoot."


    Xu Yunzheng stood inside while Shen Yin held a water bottle. Xu Xiuhe stood outside with the baby bag.


    "Isn''t the air conditioning too low? Zheng Zheng is little. Will he be ufortable?" Shen Yin asked.


    It was hot outside at 35 degrees Celsius, but the studio''s air conditioning was set to 16 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference was toorge, and it felt quite cool inside.


    Xu Xiuhe found the air conditioning remote and adjusted the temperature to 24 degrees Celsius.


    "Adjust? Daddy adjust air conditioning," Xu Yunzheng pointed at Xu Xiuhe and looked at Shen Yin.


    "Right, Daddy adjusted the air conditioning for Zheng Zheng. What does Zheng Zheng want to say?"


    "Thank you, thank you Daddy," Xu Yunzheng looked up at Xu Xiuhe and smiled.


    Shu Yi stood in front of the tripod and took the camera off it. Since she wasn''t shooting video and Xu Yunzheng was just a child, a tripod wouldn''t be suitable for his photoshoot. Shu Yi decided to hand-hold the camera for the shoot instead.


    As expected, there was nothing cheap at Chang Zhiyuan''spany. Shu Yi was interested in photography and had taken a ss in her free time to learn some skills. She had also seen a lot of photographers in the entertainment industry, so she had gained quite an understanding of cameras.


    The filming equipment in this studio was all high-end. The camera in her hand,bined with all these lenses, must have cost at least 150,000 yuan. The quality feltpletely different.


    Her own equipment only cost 100,000 yuan. As Shu Yi held this camera now, she decided she wanted to buy one for herself and take it to the Tibetan City to shoot some epic photos.


    After familiarizing herself with the camera, adjusting the focal length and light sensitivity, and setting the parameters, Shu Yi finally pointed the camera at Xu Yunzheng.


    "Zheng Zheng, look at Auntie," Shen Yin helped pose Xu Yunzheng.


    Shu Yi snapped some shots.


    "Come on, Zheng Zheng, smile at Auntie," Shu Yi half-crouched.


    Xu Yunzheng revealed a few teeth and smiled.


    "Zheng Zheng, is Auntie beautiful? Is she pretty?" Shu Yi walked over to Shen Yin and asked Xu Yunzheng.


    "Beautiful, prett-wine," Xu Yunzheng said, mispronouncing thest word.


    "It''s ''liang'' not ''niang'', sweetie," Shen Yin corrected.


    Xu Yunzheng sat on the chair with one leg dangling down, striking a cool pose. After hearing Shen Yin''s words, he smiled and said, "Is ''niang'', not ''liang''."


    "Dad, go hug Zheng zheng and let''s take a picture together," Shu Yi said.


    "Me?" Xu Xiuhe said in disbelief. Apart from doing interviews, he hadn''t taken many photos.


    "Yes, we''ll take a father-son portrait. I''m quite good at taking photos. Don''t you trust my skills?"


    Xu Xiuhe put down the baby bag he was holding and walked over to Xu Yunzheng.


    "Dad, hug," the little one stretched out his arms, wanting Xu Xiuhe to hold him.


    Xu Xiuhe bent down, gripped the little one with both hands, and lifted him up over his head.

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164


    Shu Yi had a good shot captured.


    "Yin Yin,e take a look, isn''t it beautiful?" Shu Yi put down her camera and looked at her work.


    Shen Yin leaned in closer.


    In the picture, Xu Yunzheng''s legs were bent backward, his arms naturally at his sides.


    It was a warm photo, and what was particrly precious was that Xu Xiuhe was smiling in the picture, even showing his teeth.


    "It''s really beautiful," Shen Yin praised, not sure if she wasplimenting the person or the photo.


    "Of course, myposition is great, and the angle is perfect. I wasn''t lying when I said I''ve studied photography before. If I can''t make it as an actor in the future, I''ll open a photo studio and take portraits for people," Shu Yi flipped through a few more photos.


    Shen Yin looked at each one carefully. Indeed, the scenes were all harmonious, and the little people in the pictures were lively.


    "Come on, let me take a family portrait of you three."


    "I''ll pass."


    "Come on, you''ll be my first female model."


    Shen Yin...


    So Shu Yi wanted to use her as an experiment, the first time taking portraits of a woman.


    "Okay, I''ll be your model and help you fulfill your dream of being a photographer."


    Shen Yin walked over and stood there. Nobody needed to look to know they were a family of three.


    "Mommy, hold me," the two-year-old baby whined in a cute, slightly spoiled voice.


    Shen Yin took the little baby from Xu Xiuhe and kissed Xu Yunzheng''s cheek.


    "Mommy, act," Yunzheng looked towards the camera.


    "This isn''t acting, we''re taking photos together to record Yunzheng''s growth. When you grow up, you can look back at your childhood and reminisce."


    "Yunzheng wants to grow up fast. Yunzheng wants to protect Mommy."


    While they were talking, Shu Yi captured many photos, each one suitable for use as a wallpaper.


    "Okay, we''re done. That was great," Shu Yi admired her work, not noticing Chang Zhiyuan approaching her.


    "I want you to take some photos of me too. When will you be able to do that for me?"


    Shu Yi jumped, nearly dropping thepany''s camera.


    "Why do you walk so quietly?" Shu Yiined.


    "I do make noise, you were just too engrossed. You almost dropped thepany''s camera."


    "But I didn''t drop it, and even if I did, I could afford to rece it," Shu Yi stepped back.


    Shen Yin''s family of three came over.


    "Aunt, record growth," Xu Yunzheng stretched out his head, wanting to see the photos.


    Shu Yi brought up the photos she had just taken and showed them to Xu Yunzheng one by one.


    "Beautiful, beautiful," the little one pointed at the pictures.


    "So you''re not going back to the crew today?" Shen Yin asked Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi looked at Chang Zhiyuan, who didn''t say anything or show any obvious expression.


    "I''ll go back tomorrow," Shu Yi said.


    "What''s next? Yunzheng didn''t take a nap today, so he''ll probably sleep soon. We should head back."


    "Sure, I''ll transfer the photos to my phone, then I''ll go see my parents. It''s been a while since I visited them."


    Chang Zhiyuan''s phone kept ringing, and everyone looked over. Chang Zhiyuan nced at the screen and put his phone away.


    A few secondster, it rang again.


    "Is it your parents or Chang Ningjing?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "It''s Chang Ningjing, probably calling me to go home again."


    "Are you going back?"


    "I''ll go check it out. Here, you two take this water. I''ll drop Shu Yi off first, and you take your time getting home."


    Chang Zhiyuan handed the water to Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin, and he also bought milk for Xu Yunzheng.


    In the car, Chang Zhiyuan was driving with aplicated mood.


    "Is it the sister you sawst time?"


    "Yeah, she''s my sister," Chang Zhiyuan replied.


    Shu Yi remained silent.


    "Sorry, she might have upset youst time, but she''s not a bad person. She''s very good to me, but my parents value sons over daughters. They think she''ll eventually get married, so they don''t want her to join thepany. She''s very career-driven and capable, and she''s been especially good to me. I''m worried my parents will force her into an arranged marriage, so I''ve been unwilling to go home and take over thepany. That way, she can stay at thepany."


    Chang Ningjing was indeed capable. For a young woman to manage such argepany was not easy.


    Hearing this, Shu Yi felt that although Chang Zhiyuan seemed frivolous, he was quite responsible.


    "It''s okay, I didn''t take it to heart."


    Chang Zhiyuan...


    Sure enough, before they got home, the little one fell asleep in the car, leaning against Shen Yin''s chest as she gently patted Xu Yunzheng''s back.


    "You go to work tomorrow. This matter is over, and I''m no longer in danger. You''ve seen it several times - I dreamed of the danger, and each time I was able to resolve it."


    Although she said that, Xu Xiuhe was still worried. So what if she dreamed about it? This time they were lucky, but what about next time? He dared not think about it. If he had been a few secondste this time, what would Shen Yin have done? What would he have done?


    "Next time you have a dream, tell me about it. Don''t try to solve it yourself. We''re husband and wife - we should face difficulties together and share the bitterness."


    "Okay, I''ll tell you next time."


    Back at the small building, the employees had just gotten off work. When they saw Shen Yin, they all greeted her.


    "Be careful on your way home," Shen Yin reminded them.


    "We know, boss."


    "Why don''t we move back to Ziyue Manor sometime? It''s spacious and secure, and the business here seems to be doing well. I feel like I rarely need to worry about it with you in charge."


    Shen Yin considered it for a few seconds, weighing the pros and cons, before agreeing.


    One reason was that the environment at Ziyue Manor was decent, with plenty of space and convenience. The other was that five dogs were indeed too many for the small space here.


    "Okay, let''s take three dogs with us - Huahua, Piqiu, and the others. We can''t take them all since we need to ensure the safety of the girls at the studio."


    "Got it, we''ll do as you say. We can move back tomorrow. We don''t need to bring much since we have everything there, and we''ve left things here too. When you''re not busy, you don''t need toe here. On weekends, if youe to teach sses, I''ll stay with you guys. We can alternate between the two ces."


    "Okay," Shen Yin agreed.


    "How long will it take to move over there?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Not long at all. In fact, you don''t need to bring anything, as everything is avable there. Plus, someone has been cleaning the ce every day, so you can move right in."


    "Okay, then I''ll take Xu Yunzheng to visit my mom tomorrow. She mentioned missing him recently. I didn''t dare take him over after that dream I had, but now that this matter is resolved, I''ll take him to see her."


    Xu Xiuhe had forgotten about his promise to Fang Yue until Shen Yin brought it up. He hadn''t even thought about it.

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165


    "Okay, when you go tomorrow, tell Mom about a friend of mine who''s decent."


    "Who?"


    "Chen Siming."


    "Got it."


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t want Shen Yin to overwork herself, so after entering the small building, he went straight into the kitchen. He put on Shen Yin''s pink floral apron.


    Shen Yin stood at the doorway, watching Xu Xiuhe wear her pink apron, and felt no sense of incongruity.


    "You''re going to cook?"


    "Yeah, you''ve been working too hard. Take a rest tonight. I''ll cook, though it won''t be as delicious as yours, but it''ll be edible. You''ll have to make do."


    Zhengzheng ran from behind Shen Yin and entered the kitchen.


    "Dad, food, Zhengzheng will help Dad cook."


    "Good, Dad thanks Zhengzheng."


    "Thank you Zhengzheng," Zhengzheng repeated to himself.


    Shen Yin walked into the kitchen and carried Zhengzheng out.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s not disturb Dad. Mom will take Zhengzheng for a bath first, okay? Smell yourself, are you not smelly?"


    The little one lowered his head, pulled his clothes, and sniffed, but couldn''t smell anything. Then he lifted the other side of his clothes.


    "Mom, not smelly," the little one sniffed, his expression exceptionally sincere.


    Shen Yin felt softened and amused again.


    "Okay, Zhengzheng is not smelly, but Zhengzheng will smell nice after a bath."


    Xu Yunzheng toddled into the bathroom.


    Shen Yin followed behind, but before she entered, the little one stuck his head out from behind the door.


    "Mom, hurry hurry."


    Shen Yin took big steps into the bathroom and closed the door, adjusting the bathroom temperature.


    "Zhengzheng, take your hat off first," Shen Yin said to Xu Yunzheng as she adjusted the water temperature.


    Zhengzheng took off his hat, then his decorative little backpack, and tried to pull his T-shirt over his head.


    "Mom mom, can''t see."


    Just two seconds after Shen Yin had adjusted the water temperature, the little one said he couldn''t see. Shen Yin hadn''t even turned off the faucet yet, but immediately turned around.


    "What''s wrong?" Shen Yin panicked. Just a few days ago, she had told him that the eyes were the windows to the soul. How could he suddenly tell her he couldn''t see now?


    Xu Yunzheng''s shirt was stuck around his neck, and he tried to pull it off.


    "Covered mom."


    Shen Yin exhaled. She had thought he really couldn''t see. Zhengzheng was still so young, what if he really...


    "Zhengzheng, your eyes were just covered by the shirt, not that you can''t see."


    "Zhengzheng''s eyes were covered, not that he can''t see," Xu Yunzheng imitated Shen Yin''s words, even adopting a simr tone.


    Shen Yin turned off the faucet, carried Zhengzheng to the baby tub, took off his pants, and put him in the tub.


    "Mom, little ducks," Zhengzheng pointed at the toys in the cab.


    Shen Yin took out all his little ducks and put them in the water.


    "A group of ducks swam under the bridge in front,ee and count them, two four six seven eight," Shen Yin sang teasingly.


    "Quack quack quack, two four six seven eight," Shen Yin was genuinely shocked. Why was there such a big difference from thest time with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? She even doubted if it was the same person singing.


    Did Xu Yunzhengck a musical gene? Not a single note out of the nine words was in tune.


    "Zhengzheng, let''s learn to dance in the future. You can''t sing in front of others, but you can sing in front of Dad and Mom. Except for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."


    "Okay."


    Shen Yin applied bath gel on Zhengzheng, and the little one rubbed a few times, producing bubbles.


    "Mom, bubbles. Fragrant."


    "Yeah, Zhengzheng will be fragrant too in a bit."


    Shen Yin rinsed the bubbles off Xu Yunzheng and dried him with a towel.


    "Don''t want skirt," Xu Yunzheng said unhappily.


    Recently, Shen Yin hade across a particrly soft fabric, pink and not toorge.


    She had originally nned to make a sleepwear for Xu Yunzheng, but there wasn''t enough fabric to cut. So she directly made the fabric into a sleep dress.


    When worn, it looked like a girl''s dress. The first time Xu Xiuhe saw Xu Yunzheng dressed like this, he was dumbfounded. He asked Shen Yin if she wanted a daughter. Next time they had another child, they could have a girl for aplete family with both son and daughter.


    Shen Yin...


    Could they really decide whether to have a son or daughter? That should happen naturally.


    "Wear it to sleep. Can''t go around with your privates exposed," Shen Yin said.


    It was only then that Xu Yunzheng obediently put on the pink dress.


    Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng out. Xu Xiuhe was cing the stir-fried dishes on the dining table.


    "Look, you and Dad are matching in pink dresses," Shen Yin joked.


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe looked down at his own pink floral apron, then up at Xu Yunzheng. Indeed, their dresses looked alike.


    "Smells nice, Zhengzheng hungry, want food," Zhengzhengmented.


    Shen Yin ced Xu Yunzheng in the high chair, and Xu Xiuhe served him a bowl of porridge.


    Xu Yunzheng picked up the spoon, took a sip, and put it in his mouth.


    "Tasty, Mom drink, tasty."


    Shen Yin nced at the porridge in the bowl, which contained tomatoes, rice, and shrimp.


    "Looks quite tasty," Shen Yin sat down too.


    Xu Xiuhe continued bringing out the dishes.


    Fish-vored shredded pork, green pepper with eggs, and shredded potato.


    "Just home-cooked dishes. I haven''t learned any new ones yet. We''ll have to make do with these."


    Shen Yin also took a sip of the porridge. It was indeed delicious, not too salty, but very fresh.


    It exceeded her expectations for how tasty it would be.


    "Wow, that''s amazing. This porridge is so delicious. How did you make it?"


    Xu Xiuhe started to feel proud. Maybe he was just gifted and managed to reproduce the dish after ncing at an online recipe.


    "Tasty, right? It''s my first time making it. Am I a natural talent?"


    "How did you make it?"


    "It''s simple. I kept the fresh shrimp heads and peeled the shrimp tails, setting the tails aside."


    "Then what?"


    "Then I stir-fried the shrimp heads first to release the oil, then added the diced tomatoes and stir-fried them together. I added some seasonings, water, and rice, and simmered it for half an hour. When it was almost done, I added the shrimp tails. Finally, I added scallions andtro."


    "You''re quite skilled," Shen Yin praised sincerely.


    It was really delicious. She felt that with this skill, Xu Xiuhe could open a take-out store. So this was the result of pondering over food. She loved pondering herself, but didn''t expect Xu Xiuhe to have picked it up too. Not bad.


    "Eat more if it''s tasty. I''ll make it for you often in the future."


    "You''re not going to cook the porridge directly in a pot on the gas stove, are you?" Shen Yin asked, shaking her head. Although she hadn''t been there long, it was the first time she had seen someone cooking porridge in a frying pan. Xu Xiuhe could certainly be considered talented.


    Xu Xiuhe nodded innocently. "What''s wrong? Can''t I do that?"


    "Well, you can," Shen Yin said. "But as you just said, I''ve made a note of it. I''ll do it too. Believe me, the next time I make it, it''ll taste even better."

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166


    "Of course I believe you, after all your ability has always been very strong," said Xu Xiuhe.


    "Is that apliment?" Shen Yin asked in return.


    "Of course it is. Actually, sometimes, I always felt that you don''t seem like someone from your ce. Your ability to adapt is amazingly fast, your thinking is very strong, and you''re also very independent. It''s different from what I always imagined. If you hadn''t mentioned it before, I would have thought you had a mental illness, a split personality."


    "I don''t have any illness. Do you want me to tell you about the Dasheng Dynasty?"


    "Can you? I''ve always wanted to ask, but was afraid you didn''t want to talk about it."


    "Of course I can. My Dasheng Dynasty should be from the same period as the Great Song, except that we didn''t appear in history. It could be a parallel space of the Great Song, but the Dasheng Dynasty was slightly better."


    Xu Xiuhe indeed only knew about the Song Dynasty. The Song Dynasty was the most prosperous period in Chinese history in terms of economy, culture, and education, reaching the peak of feudal society.


    The capital, Bianliang, located in the center of the Yu Dong in, was also known as Bianliang or Bianjing. It was the capital of the Song Dynasty for 168 years, through the reigns of nine emperors, and was the famous center of culture, economy, art, and politics at that time. Its prosperity was unmatched inter times.


    Additionally, the Song Dynasty valued civil over military pursuits, so there were many literati paintings and calligraphies. Emperor Taizu of Song also adopted the policy of restraining military power while promoting civil culture, co-governance between the ruler and officials, and raising the status and sense of responsibility of intellectuals.


    Shen Yin continued, "Although it''s said that the ancients valued men over women, you should also know the status of women in the Great Song Dynasty, right? In ancient times, women had the highest status during the Song Dynasty. Women in the Song Dynasty had the right to inherit property. Even after marriage, they could still inherit property. Moreover, married women in the Song Dynasty could remarry, they could choose to divorce, and they would not be discriminated against. Women in the Song Dynasty could also go out and do business, they would open restaurants, make tea, and supplement the family ie. Except for not being able to take the imperial examination, they weren''t much different from men."


    Xu Xiuhe asked in puzzlement, "How do you know all this so clearly?"


    "I''m not dumb. When I suddenly ended up in a new ce, I naturally needed to learn and understand the history. It took me many days of study to figure it out. I always thought I was from the Great Song, butter I realized I was from the Dasheng Dynasty, a dynasty that didn''t exist in history. It''s just that the two were from the same period, but not in the same space. The lifestyles, cultures, and so on were still quite simr. So the status of women in our Dasheng Dynasty was not low, even a bit higher than in the Great Song. Otherwise, how could I adapt so quickly to living in this era?"


    "You really are quite remarkable."


    "Of course. Do you remember, there was a period when I liked watching TV every day, even themercials? That was the fastest way for me to ess this ce."


    Xu Xiuhe...


    He couldn''t help but marvel. She really was exceptionally intelligent. Indeed, even to this day, looking at the ancient cultures, the ancient buildings left behind, one still couldn''t help but be in awe. In the long river of history, human wisdom was the most indispensable. From the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, the Great Wall, to the Terracotta Warriors, and then to the cultural achievements of the Qing Dynasty, each one told the story of the wisdom and patience of our ancestors.


    It can be said that without the groundworkid by our ancestors, there would not be today''s technological achievements.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng also wants to watch TV," the little one pointed his finger towards the living room again.


    "Okay, watch after you finish eating."


    "Are you going in the morning?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin nodded.


    "Alright, pack up what you need to bring, let the staff here know, then you don''t need toe over tonight, I''ll pick you up directly."


    "Okay, there''s not much to pack."


    "I''ve noticed that you all quite like Song Dynasty culture now. Today on the street, I saw several youngdies wearing Song-style clothing. I felt quite gratified."


    "Yeah, it''s our own outstanding culture. We have to promote it ourselves."


    "There''s no rush for the furniture over there, things at the martial arts hall are proceeding in an orderly manner, and even the clothing studio''s business is very stable now. I''m thinking of designing some Song-style clothing. I''ve discovered that we don''tck luxury goods, it''s just that our luxury goods are all in museums. So I think I might understand these better, after all I''ve worn them for 16 years. If the clothing studio wants to grow and be stronger, it can''t just make formal dresses."


    As Shen Yin turned on the TV for Zhengzheng, she continued, "Okay, whatever you do, I''ll support you. Just don''t overwork yourself."


    "Alright."


    As Zhengzheng watched the cartoon, he became sleepy. Sitting on the sofa, he nodded off with his head down and the remote still in his hand.


    His little head bobbed, and Xu Xiuhe carried him to the small bed. It had been a long time since he and Shen Yin had felt that way.


    As soon as Shen Yin saw Xu Xiuhe, she knew what he was thinking, but she didn''t say anything. With this kind of thing...


    In bed, after Xu Xiuhe tossed aside his tools and gave Shen Yin a shower, hey back in bed and asked, "When should we have a baby?"


    Shen Yin had been feeling tired, but upon hearing that, she perked up.


    "Zhengzheng is still young, and my career has just started. Let''s wait two years, by then Zhengzheng will be almost five and able to understand a bit."


    "Okay, I want a daughter, she''ll definitely look like you, beautiful."


    If Xu Xiuhe hadn''t brought it up, all would have been fine, but once he did, Shen Yin recalled the song Zhengzheng had sung while bathing that evening.


    Shen Yin propped herself up on her elbow, lying on the bed with her legs swinging lightly.


    "Can you sing? I want to hear you sing."


    Xu Xiuhe suddenly felt embarrassed. Rarely did anyone listen to him sing. He seldom went to KTVs, and only knew one or two songs to get by. As for the rest, they were simply unlistenable.


    It had taken him who knows how long to learn the one or two songs he knew.


    "Let''s just sleep."


    "Hahahahaha, you can''t sing, so that''s why Zhengzheng''s singing was so indescribable. Like father, like son, I see."


    Xu Xiuhe felt even more embarrassed. "You''ve heard Zhengzheng sing? He''s only two years old, he can''t even pronounce many words clearly, how could he possibly sing songs?"


    "You haven''t heard him?" Shen Yinughed even harder, as if the fatigue from before hadpletely disappeared.


    Xu Xiuhe shook his head.


    "He sang while bathing tonight. I sang ''A big bridge in front of the gate, a flock of ducks swam under,e quick and count them, two four six seven eight.'' Then he sang ''Ga ga ga, two four six seven eight,'' not a single syble in tune. I really cracked up."


    "I can sing," Xu Xiuhe insisted. "There''s one song I sing particrly well."


    He was too prideful to admit he couldn''t sing, or that he had only mastered one song after practicing it for a long, long time.


    "I''d love to hear it, husband," Shen Yin said coyly, calling him ''husband'' to coax him.


    Xu Xiuhe cleared his throat, determined not to let Shen Yin think less of him.

 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167


    Xu Xiuhe picked up his phone, searched for apaniment music, and cleared his throat.


    "My hawthorn tree romance, only with you can it be pure, I can abandon my bottom line, locking my gaze on you. My hawthorn tree romance, forever standing by your side, I promise my love won''t change, sharing eternity like a dancing butterfly. Every time I regret that we didn''t meet sooner~~~"


    Xu Xiuhe had a naturally pleasant voice, and singing this song "My Hawthorn Tree Romance" gave it a special feeling.


    "How was it?" Xu Xiuhe asked after singing.


    "Beautiful, why didn''t you sing for me before?" Shen Yin asked.


    "You never asked to hear it before," he replied.


    "If I don''t ask, you won''t sing for me?" Shen Yin questioned.


    "Honey, I was wrong," Xu Xiuhe immediately apologized.


    "Then you''ll sing for me every day from now on," Shen Yin demanded.


    Xu Xiuhe wanted to agree to this request, but could he admit he only knew this one song?


    "What, you won''t agree?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Do you want the truth?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Tell me."


    "I only know how to sing this one song."


    "Only this one? Nothing else?" Shen Yin couldn''t believe it.


    "There''s also ''Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,'' which I learned as a kid," Xu Xiuhe answered honestly.


    "Hahahahaha, as expected from father and son. You both know ''Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,''" Shen Yinughed uncontrobly.


    "I''m a little better than him. Besides ''Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,'' I also know ''My Hawthorn Tree Romance,''" Xu Xiuhe defended himself.


    "Aren''t you ashamed? You''re evenparing yourself to your son. Why don''t you mention that you''re over 20 years older than him?"


    "I''m not ashamed. I have a wife, and he doesn''t," Xu Xiuhe said proudly.


    Hearing this, Shen Yin wanted to kick this man out of the bed. He was being so shameless, and Xu Yunzheng was still so young.


    Unfortunately, Shen Yin was too tired and couldn''t stay awake any longer, and her eyes gradually closed.


    Xu Xiuhe brought Xu Yunzheng back.


    They had a good night''s sleep.


    The next morning, Xu Xiuhe went to work early, and after Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng finished breakfast, they packed two bags and went downstairs.


    After instructing Li Huanhuan, Shen Yin carried Xu Yunzheng into the car.


    "Where are we going?" Driver Big Brother asked.


    "Mommy, where are we going?" Xu Yunzheng also asked.


    "We''re going to Grandma''s house."


    "What about Dad?"


    "Dad went to work to earn money. If Dad doesn''t work, he won''t be able to earn money to buy food for Xu Yunzheng."


    Overhearing this, Driver Big Brother thought to himself, they don''t have money? Even if the CEO didn''t work now, he''d already earned enough money for them to spend for the rest of their lives.


    His monthly sry was an amount they could never reach in their entire lives, yet she said they didn''t have money to buy food.


    Driver Big Brother wept.


    "You can just drop us off at Yun Manor, and go home. This afternoon, Xu Yunzheng''s dad will pick us up. You may have to travel farther in the future, as we''ll be moving back to Ziyue Manor," Shen Yin said.


    "Not far, not far," Driver Big Brother hurriedly replied. This job paid much better than driving a taxi, was easier work, and had a high sry. A little extra distance meant nothing, as long as they didn''t leave the city.


    "Mommy, are we moving?" Xu Yunzheng asked from Shen Yin''s embrace.


    "Yes, we''re going back to our old home. Is Xu Yunzheng happy?" Shen Yin asked.


    The little one thought for a while before showing some recognition. After all, children forget things easily, and they had been living in Qinghe Vi for so long. It was normal for Xu Yunzheng not to remember.


    "Big, the old house was big," Xu Yunzheng said, gesturing with his hands.


    Shen Yin was taken aback. This child was indeed smart. Not only could he speak so much now, but his memory also exceeded her expectations.


    "Mommy, Hua Hua," Xu Yunzheng suddenly thought of his little friends.


    "Hua Hua and Qiu Qiu wille with us. The other two friends will stay at the vi to watch over our home for Xu Yunzheng, okay?"


    Xu Yunzheng pped his hands, revealing a few small milk teeth.


    "Grandma''s house," Xu Yunzheng pointed at the Shen family''s vi.


    "Wow, Xu Yunzheng even remembers Grandma''s house," Shen Yin wanted to praise her baby again.


    "Big Brother, we''re here. We''ll go in first. It''s hot outside, so you can go home," Shen Yin said.


    Driver Big Brother smiled and opened the car door, watching the mother and son enter the house.


    Shen Yin knocked on the door.


    Shen Lv opened it.


    "Brother."


    Shen Lv looked dumbfounded. His sister, who he found annoying, had actuallye back of her own ord and called him "brother."


    "Xu Yunzheng, let Uncle hug you," Shen Lv stretched out his arms.


    Xu Yunzheng looked at Shen Lv''s face, then at Shen Yin.


    "It''s Uncle, Mommy''s older brother," Shen Yin said.


    Xu Yunzheng reached out to Shen Lv, who immediately picked him up.


    "Brother, where''s Mom?" Shen Yin asked.


    Fang Yue happened to being downstairs and saw Shen Yin with a delighted expression.


    "Yin Yin, you''re here! I told your brother not to go to the office today so he could stay home with your dad. I was nning to visit you today."


    "Well, now that both your grandson and daughter-inw are here, it''s like we had a psychic connection. You don''t need to go anymore," Shen Lv said.


    Shen Lv took Xu Yunzheng to y, while Fang Yue pulled Shen Yin aside to look her over.


    "Yin Yin, how have you beentely? Not too tired, I hope," Fang Yue asked with concern.


    "No, everything''s been great recently. Work hasn''t been busy, and Xu Yunzheng has been well-behaved," Shen Yin replied, not daring to mention the kidnapping to Fang Yue.


    "Mom, what about that childhood engagement I had? What happened to that person?" Shen Yin asked indirectly.


    "What about him? Thinking of asking him now? I told you before, if you got married before 22, the engagement would be nullified," Fang Yue said.


    "No, I was just curious what that man looks like," Shen Yin said.


    This made Fang Yue nervous, not for any other reason, but because she was afraid Shen Yin might have some strange idea again.


    "Yin Yin, let me tell you, that man is no good. He''s been to prison, and just that alone is a deal-breaker. Plus, you have a child now, and your life will only get better from here. Xiuhe is a really nice man, good-looking and talented, and knows how to make money. I can see he treats you well, too. I even asked him to introduce a friend to your cousinst time," Fang Yue said a lot in one breath, worried that Shen Yin might do something rash again with her history.


    "Mom, you''re overthinking it. I was just curious and asked," Shen Yin tried hard to exin.


    "That''s good, Mom is telling you, my eye for judging men is really not bad, very urate. Xu Xiuhe is a good man, it won''t be wrong," Fang Yue emphasized again.


    "I know, Mom, Xu Xiuhe is a good man."


    "Mom heard from Xu Xiuhe that he has a single friend called Si Ming. Do you know him? What kind of person is he? Could your cousin take a liking to him?" Fang Yue got curious.


    "I''m not close with him, but he seems quite wealthy. I''ve seen him a few times. He has a private restaurant, and the food is pretty decent, I suppose."

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168


    "Alright, when do you want your cousin to go and see?" Fang Yue had made up her mind.


    "How''s my dad doing?" Shen Yin asked.


    "He had a check-up a few days ago. The doctor said he''s recovering well, so there''s no need to worry too much. Your dad is quite resilient."


    For Shen Yin, she was always very worried about Fang Yue. But now that Shen Tianzheng is out of danger, the weight on Fang Yue''s heart can finally be lifted.


    In Shen Yin''s view, if something were to happen to Shen Tianzheng, Fang Yue would likely follow him.


    People spend their entire lives searching for two things¡ªvalue and a sense of belonging. During the day, we immerse ourselves in work, engaging with the world. At night, we return home, sleeping next to the one we love. "Some are heading to the ends of the earth, while I am heading in your direction."


    Sometimes, rather than saying we are seeking love, it''s more like we are seeking a precious sense of belonging in someone. Upon seeing each other, we immediately envision a home in our minds.


    Just like Shen Tianzheng, who has taken care of Fang Yue for so many years, while Fang Yue has silently apanied Shen Tianzheng the same.


    Shen Yin admired such a rtionship. How wonderful it is. No matter how turbulent the world is, the loved ones know someone is creating warmth in the house, waiting for them to return home under the light.


    Her love with Xu Xiuhe will be like this, won''t it? She will wait for him toe home, and he will always think of her.


    Shen Yin was very satisfied with her current marital status, a family of three, living peacefully and happily.


    "Uncle, Zhengzheng also wants to y."


    In the living room, Shen Lv was fighting with Zhengzheng over toys.


    Cars, bulldozers, these were all bought by Shen Tianzheng before he fell ill. He thought that one day Shen Yin would bring her child home, so he prepared these just in case the child wanted to y.


    Unexpectedly, they really did wait for this day, Shen Yin really brought her baby back, and their family finally reunited.


    "Zhengzheng, let uncle y for a bit more."


    A big and a small one kneeling on the living room carpet, Shen Lv was controlling the little car with the remote control. Zhengzheng knelt and watched, also eager to try to hold the remote control.


    However, Shen Lv was too engrossed. He never realized how fun children''s toys were before, even more fun than driving. This remote control, wherever you want the car to go, it goes. The key point is, this car can even do flips.


    He must not have yed with these kinds of toys when he was young, that''s why he...


    "Uncle, Zhengzheng also wants to y." Zhengzheng squatted up, looking enviously at Shen Lv.


    "Zhengzheng, wait for uncle for two more minutes, uncle will be done soon."


    Fang Yue couldn''t stand it anymore, Shen Lv was so big, yet he was fighting with his nephew over toys, it was embarrassing to even speak of it.


    "Shen Lv, are you still a child? Quickly give the remote control to Zhengzheng, you''re an adult now." Fang Yue walked over and said unhappily.


    "Uncle, quickly give the remote control to Zhengzheng." Xu Yunzheng moved closer to Shen Lv, getting in front of him with a begging look.


    "Shen Lv, you should go back to thepany, we don''t need you at home." Fang Yue added.


    Shen Lv handed the remote control to Zhengzheng. He initially wanted to teach Zhengzheng how to operate it, but the kid was sharp. After watching for a while, he managed to get the little car moving on his own.


    "Mom, how could you do this? You''re just like Zhong Wuyan when you need something, but Xia Yingchun when you don''t." Shen Lv stood up.


    "You take a look at yourself. Do you think you''reparable to Zhong Wuyan? Where''s your pride? Zhong Wuyan can lead soldiers into battle. Can you do that? You''re already a grown man, yet you don''t even have a wife. You''re still acting like a child and taking my grandson''s toys. Just leave, your presence annoys me." Fang Yue gestured dismissively.


    Shen Yin stifled augh. As expected, no matter how old you got, you could still be scolded by your mom. Not only was he scolded, but he was also being urged to get married.


    "Mom?" Shen Lv cajoled.


    "Don''t call me." Fang Yue was still steaming. Shen Lv was already so old and he still didn''t have a partner. Could she not be angry?


    "Just go to work now."


    "Zhengzheng, Grandma is chasing Uncle away. Uncle wants to y with Zhengzheng. Can you plead on Grandma''s behalf, please?" Shen Lv put on a mournful face.


    Zhengzheng, who was having fun, had just gotten the little car to do a somersault. Hearing Shen Lv''s words, the little one lifted his head to look at Shen Lv.


    Seeing Shen Lv''s pitiful expression, the little one turned his head towards Fang Yue and said, "Grandma, Uncle will y somersaults with Zhengzheng." The little one''s eyes were wide open as he pointed at the somersaulting little car.


    "Alright, Grandma promises Zhengzheng." Fang Yue grinned.


    Upon hearing this, Zhengzheng crouched down and continued ying.


    Fang Yue looked at Shen Lv, her face changing faster than flipping through a book, there was no trace of the smile now.


    "I''ll let you off this time, for the sake of my grandson."


    Able to stay at home, Shen Lv finally let out a sigh of relief.


    "Yin Yin, sit down here for a while. I''m going upstairs to check if your dad is awake."


    "Okay."


    Fang Yue went upstairs.


    Shen Yin had been standing for a while too, so she went to sit on the couch next to the carpet. Propping up her chin, she watched Zhengzheng y with his car.


    After Fang Yue left, Zhengzheng was engrossed in his toys again. Downstairs, it was just her and Shen Lv. Suddenly, things got a bit awkward.


    "How have you been doing recently?" Shen Lv broke the silence.


    "Bro, it''s okay when mom asks this, but why does it sound like you''re asking an ex-girlfriend when you do?" Shen Yin retorted.


    On thinking about it, Shen Lv found that to be true.


    "I''m doing quite well. Zhengzheng is obedient, work is going smoothly, and I''m in good health."


    "Haha, that''s really good indeed. I heard your studio is doing well, and you''ve even made it to the finals. You really live up to being my sister, good at everything you do."


    "Erm, bro, if mom heard this, she would definitely say you''re good for nothing and always trying to tter yourself." Shen Yin didn''t mince her words.


    "Darn it, how did you know mom would say that about me? She''s always nagging at me, urging me to get married. I haven''t been home in so long. I finallye home for once, and she chases me away." Shen Lvined.


    Shen Yinughed, "Who else would she nag at if not you? My child is already two years old, and you still don''t have a partner."


    .....


    "Can we have a proper conversation now?"


    "Don''t you have a lot of girlfriends on your phone?" Shen Yin still remembers when she first came here. When Shen Lv took her to see the doctor, she inadvertently saw his chat screen.


    "You can''t just say that, I don''t have many girlfriends, this is defamation."


    "Last time, Jiaosjiao, Rourou, Mengmeng, Diedi¨¦, I saw several."


    "Pooh, Pooh, Pooh, they don''t count. They''re just potential interests, not yet official."


    "I don''t care. I will still keep Zhengzheng away from you in the future. What if you corrupt Zhengzheng?" Shen Yin looked at Zhengzheng again.


    "That doctor of yours is not bad."


    "Doctor Ji?"


    "Hmm, yes, Ji Qingyan. I added her as a friend, but every time I reach out to her, she just brushes me off."


    "Brother, you used the wrong word. She doesn''t want to deal with you. The meaning of ''brushing off'' implies treating people insincerely or doing things half-heartedly. It is generally used in the context of work or dealing with people you''re familiar with, you''re not familiar with her."

 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169


    ...


    "Little sister, is that how you talk about your own older brother? Brother is looking for a sister-inw, you should support me."


    "Sister-inw~, looking for a sister-inw." Zhengzheng was operating a remote control, and upon hearing this, he mumbled with a cute tone.


    "Zhengzheng, that''s not a sister-inw, that''s an aunt."


    "Old mom? Don''t want an old mom, want a new mom, want mommy." Zhengzheng crawled up and ran to Shen Yin''s side, hugging her legs with both hands.


    "Don''t want an old mom, don''t want an old mom."


    "It''s uncle''s lover, you should call her aunt," Shen Yin exined as she picked up Zhengzheng.


    "Zhengzheng, uncle will definitely find you a beautiful aunt," Shen Lv tried to take Zhengzheng from Shen Yin''s arms.


    Fang Yue happened to being downstairs: "Shen Lv, do you even know how to hold a child? If my grandson feels unwell, you''re not having lunch today."


    Shen Lv''s outstretched hand froze in mid-air, not knowing whether to put it down or hold the child.


    "Mom, I''m your son."


    "A son isn''t as important as a grandson."


    "Yin, what would you like for lunch? We have everything at home, mom will cook for you," Fang Yue ran over to Zhengzheng.


    "Mom, why don''t you ask me what I want to eat?" Shen Lv asked.


    Fang Yue didn''t even bother responding to Shen Lv, not even looking at him.


    "Grandma, Zhengzheng wants meat."


    "Okay, grandma will make it for you. You stay with mommy, grandma is going to the kitchen right now."


    Fang Yue walked into the kitchen, where there were maids cooking, but she wanted to personally cook a meal for her daughter.


    "y with cars." Zhengzheng wanted to get down, so Shen Yin let him down.


    The little one actually pulled Shen Lv''s hand and ran to the carpet area. He handed the excavator to Shen Lv, while he himself held the cool red car that could flip over.


    "Race."


    "Huh?" Shen Lv didn''t understand what Zhengzheng meant, so he turned to look at Shen Yin.


    If it was when Shen Yin had just arrived, she wouldn''t have known what "race" meant either. But now it was different, she had been taking care of Zhengzheng for so long that she understood his every action.


    "He wants to race with you. You use the excavator, he uses the little car, and you two race to see who''s faster and who can knock the other one over."


    "Wow, how did you know that?" Shen Lv looked shocked.


    "Ahem, there''s a kid here. If you use your brain, you can figure it out. You y with Zhengzheng, I''ll go to the kitchen and help mom cook."


    Shen Yin turned and entered the kitchen, leaving Shen Lv dazed. Did his sister just imply that he''s brainless?


    Shen Lv didn''t ept it. How could he be brainless? Hadn''t thepany been running smoothly under his managementtely?


    When he came to his senses and wanted to retort, Shen Yin had already gone into the kitchen.


    "Zhengzheng, look at your uncle. Uncle has such a low status in the family - dad doesn''t love me, mom doesn''t love me, and even my sister thinks I''m brainless. Wah wah wah, you''re the only one who treats uncle well now."


    "Race," Zhengzheng handed the excavator to Shen Lv.


    "Okay Zhengzheng, uncle will race with you. From now on at home, you protect uncle."


    "Okay!" The little one responded loudly.


    The two reached an agreement and started ying happily.


    In the kitchen, the maid had prepared all the ingredients. After Shen Yin came in, she said, "Mom, let me do it, you can assist me."


    "Great. I feel so blessed now, my daughter is so capable. If your brother was half as worry-free as you, I''d be content," Fang Yue sighed.


    Shen Yin: "I used to cause you even more worry before."


    "Ah, you were different. You were just sick back then. You used to be so obedient and sensible, always thinking about your parents. Much better than your brother, who has been causing trouble since he was little. He''s already so old but still doesn''t have a partner."


    "The right time hasn''te yet. He''ll get married naturally when it does."


    "Look at you, still defending your brother," Fang Yue stretched her neck to look into the living room.


    She continued, "If it weren''t for Zhengzheng willing to y with him, I would have chased him out to thepany."


    Shen Yinughed: "Mom, you mayin about him, but in reality, you still worry about him and care for him, don''t you?"


    "You''re right." Fang Yue brought the washed vegetables to Shen Yin and asked, "What are you preparing to make?"


    "Golden Chicken."


    "I''ve never seen such aplicated method for cooking chicken."


    Shen Yin smiled without responding. Golden Chicken is a famous dish from the Zhejiang and Fujian regions. Its color resembles gold, hence the name. To make Golden Chicken: Use boiling water to remove the chicken feathers, then add sesame oil, salt, and water to boil the chicken with scallions and Sichuan peppercorns. Once cooked, cut into cubes. The original broth can be used separately. If paired with rice wine, one can taste the joy Li Bai described in his poem when he was summoned to the Tang capital by Emperor Xuanzong: "White wine freshly brewed, returning from the mountains. Yellow hens plump on buckwheat in autumn. Call ad to cook the hen, pour white wine. Childrenughing, tugging at my robes."


    The chicken Shen Yin was holding had already been defeathered, so she simply washed it and followed the recipe from memory.


    "And what''s this?" Fang Yue saw Shen Yin holding a sea bass and realized that her daughter''s every action was beyond her expectations.


    "Zhengzheng likes fish, so I''m making sea bass for her."


    "This way of cooking is also soplicated. Mom has never seen anything like it. Where did you learn it from?"


    "I read it in a cookbook - it was a book of ancient recipes. I was bored every day with nothing to do, so I studied it. This is called ''Sea Bass Delicacy'', a traditional famous dish from the Song Dynasty in Suzhou and Hangzhou. ording to records in the ''Tai Ping Guang Ji'' by Li Zhan and others from the Song Dynasty, to make Sea Bass Delicacy, one must use sea bass caught in the 8th or 9th lunar month when the first frost arrives. Select those around 3 feet or smaller to make dried sea bass. After salting it, wrap it in cloth to drain the water, theny it on a te. Separate it with fragrant osmanthus flowers and leaves, finely chopped, and toss everything together. The sea bass caught after the first frost has flesh as white as snow and doesn''t have a fishy smell. As the Tang Emperor said, ''Golden Delicacies are delicacies from the Southeast region.'' The purple flowers, green leaves, and white sea bass delicacyid out separately on the te look fresh and lovely. It''s not the right season now, but since the sea bass is still quite fresh, I''m using a different cooking method, but the taste should still be good."


    As Shen Yin spoke, she ced the sea bass on a te and poured the prepared sauce over it.


    "It''s not even cooked yet, but I can already feel how appetizing it is. My little daughter-inw is really too brilliant," Fang Yue praised her profusely.


    Shen Yin made a few rtively simple dishes, but the golden chicken she had just cooked was now ready.


    Golden yellow in color, it looked appetizing, and the aroma was mouthwatering.


    A small and arge person came running into the kitchen from the living room.


    "Mom, it smells so good, what are you cooking?" Shen Lv asked.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng smelled the meat scent, Zhengzheng is hungry," the child said.


    "Your noses are so keen that you could smell it as soon as it came out of the pot?" Fang Yue asked.


    "Smells good, Zhengzheng is hungry."

 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170


    "Mom, do you intentionally keep the good food from me? Why haven''t you made a meal like this before?" Shen Lvined, now more convinced than ever, that his mother must have been hiding her culinary skills.


    "Go away, your sister cooked today''s meal."


    "What?!" Shen Lv was shocked.


    Fang Yue lightly pped Shen Lv''s arm.


    Shen Lv immediately realized his mistake, he couldn''t help but blurt out a curse, but Zhengzheng was still around, it wouldn''t be good to set a bad example.


    Shen Lv covered his mouth, and pped himself.


    "A slip of the tongue, a slip of the tongue."


    Fang Yue nced at Shen Lv and said, "It''s not mealtime yet, what''s your hurry? The kitchen is small, you get out first."


    Reluctantly, Shen Lv left the kitchen, standing at the kitchen door, poking his head in to look.


    Fang Yue picked up Zhengzheng, took a pair of chopsticks, picked up a little chicken, blew on it, and fed it to Zhengzheng.


    "Come, grandma will feed Zhengzheng."


    Xu Yunzheng opened his mouth and swallowed the chicken.


    "It''s delicious, I want more."


    Fang Yue picked up another piece.


    Shen Lv was stunned, this was favoritism.


    "Mom, you''re treating us differently. You kicked me out, but let me watch him eat. Mom, tell me, am I really your son?"


    "No, you were picked up from the trash." Fang Yue turned around and said irritably.


    "When you get married and have children, I''ll recognize you as my son."


    Shen Lv emo, leaning against the door frame, looked at the kitchen with a face of mncholy. The three of them were happy and joyful, while he was alone outside the door, pitiful and sad. Ah, he''s not loved anymore.


    "Go up and call your dad, it''s almost time for dinner, and bring down his medication."


    Upon hearing it was time to eat, Shen Lv ran faster than a rabbit, dashing upstairs.


    "He''s such a big person, and he''s not steady at all." Fang Yue said.


    "Uncle is not steady." Zhengzheng, who was eating happily, followed Fang Yue''s words.


    At two years old, children are just learning to talk, and they repeat whatever adults say every day.


    "Zhengzheng seems to speak clearer and more than his peers." Fang Yue sighed.


    "Yes, just recently, he suddenly started to say a lot more, and his speech is indeed clearer." Shen Yin said.


    Over this period, Zhengzheng really has been saying a lot every day. This is a lot better than when she first arrived here, back then, Zhengzheng was unwilling to talk, only saying simple words like dad, grandma, rice, meat.


    Now, looking at him, he''s improved a lot.


    "He can even recite poetry." Shen Yin said.


    "Can he recite a poem for grandma?" Fang Yue teased the baby.


    Zhengzheng struggled to get down, indicating that he wanted to get off.


    Fang Yue put Zhengzheng down.


    Zhengzheng, not knowing who he learned it from, cleared his throat. "In front of the bed a pool of bright moonlight, suspected frost on the ground. Looking up at the bright moon, looking down I think of home."


    "Wow, that''s amazing, Zhengzheng is so smart. Grandma will give you a kiss." Fang Yue was ecstatic, her grandchild was so smart, he recited the poem without missing a single word.


    "Zhengzheng,e here, let grandpa see you." Shen Tianzheng wasing down from upstairs when he saw his grandchild standing in the kitchen, standing obediently.


    "Grandpa Nao." After Zhengzheng finished reciting, Fang Yue rewarded him with a piece of meat. He chewed and answered Shen Tianzheng''s question.


    "It''s grandpa, not Grandpa Nao." Shen Tianzheng corrected.


    "It''s Grandpa Nao, not Grandpa Nao." Zhengzheng repeated, his mouth full of food, still unable to speak clearly.


    "Mom, are we ready yet? I''ve cleaned up the table." Shen Lv approached from behind Shen Tianzheng and peeked around.


    "You''re the one in a hurry. Come and carry the bowls, Zhengzheng, you go with grandpa to the dining room outside. We''ll be ready to eat soon," Fang Yue bent over and told Zhengzheng.


    "Okay, Grandpa Nao, let''s go sit on the chairs." Xu Yunzheng reached out, took Shen Tianzheng''s hand, and Shen Tianzheng was so moved that he almost shed tears.


    "Mom, I''ll carry the dishes." Shen Lv walked into the kitchen.


    "You carry the rice. I don''t trust you with the dishes." Fang Yue looked disgusted, fearing Shen Lv would finish the food before it got to the table, even though it was only two steps away.


    Shen Lv replied, "Okay, I''ll listen to mom."


    Once everyone was seated, Shen Lv could hardly wait.


    "Alright, let''s eat." Fang Yue gave the signal, and only then did Shen Lv dare to pick up his chopsticks.


    Shen Lv had been yearning for the golden chicken, so he picked that first.


    "It''s so delicious." He wasn''t exaggerating at all.


    Out of everyone at the table, only Shen Lv hadn''t tasted Shen Yin''s cooking, so he was the one making a fuss.


    "Uncle is choking." Xu Yunzheng didn''t touch his chopsticks, he just watched Shen Lv eat.


    After all, he hadn''t seen such a wolf-like eating habit before.


    "Your uncle isn''t choking." Fang Yue told Xu Yunzheng.


    "Uncle, have some water." Xu Yunzheng passed his water cup to Shen Lv.


    Shen Lv was touched. Finally, someone cared about him.


    "Zhengzheng, your uncle will give you a big red envelope for the New Year." Shen Lv didn''t drink the water.


    "Slow down, you''re eating like you haven''t had a meal in hundreds of years. When have you evercked food at home?" Shen Tianzheng looked disgusted.


    Shen Lv muttered to himself that he wasn''tcking food at home; he just couldn''t get back home.


    "It''s so delicious. Little sister, can I live at your ce? I''ll pay for my living expenses." Shen Lv picked up another piece of fish.


    "With your ambition, you''re already so old and still relying on your sister to cook for you." Fang Yue couldn''t understand how her son was bing more and morecking in ambition. She and Shen Tianzheng weren''t like this.


    "Hurry up and eat, then leave. Don''t disturb me and my precious grandson." Fang Yue looked disgusted.


    Shen Lv ate a lot, "If you can''t do it, just open a restaurant. I''ll eat there every day."


    Fang Yue, hearing this, hit Shen Lv''s arm again.


    "Your sister doesn''tck money. She already has a studio. Why would she open a restaurant? Can she stand cooking for others every day? If your sister runs out of money, you have to support her."


    "Okay, support. As long as she cooks for me, I''ll support her for a lifetime."


    "What do you mean by that? If your sister doesn''t cook for you, you won''t support her?" Shen Tianzheng spoke again.


    Shen Yin, watching Shen Lv being lectured, almost died ofughter. It was really funny. Why did she feel like Shen Lv was a mouse that everyone despised at home?


    "Uncle, take care of me," Zhengzheng suddenly looked up.


    "You have a dad, let your dad take care of you. Your dad is richer than your uncle. Your uncle doesn''t even have financial control. All the money is with your grandparents."


    "But Uncle just said he would give Zhengzheng a red envelope."


    Shen Lv was taken aback...


    What, this kid has such a good memory. He remembered what he had casually mentioned earlier. Not only does he have a good memory, but his logic is strong too.


    "Sweetie, tell your uncle honestly, how old are you?"


    Zhengzheng counted on his fingers and then looked towards Shen Yin.


    "Zhengzheng is two years old."


    "Only two years old and such a good memory. Be honest with your uncle, did you not drink the Meng Po Soup?"

 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171


    "He doesn''t know what Meng Po Soup is," reminded Shen Yin.


    "Meng Po Soup, Zhengzheng wants Meng Po..." Before he could finish his sentence, the child''s mouth was covered by Fang Yue.


    "Eat meat." Fang Yue fed a piece of fish to Xu Yunzheng.


    This desire for Meng Po Soup could not be spoken of. Fang Yue directly red at Shen Lv, who was always talking nonsense.


    "Tasty." Zhengzheng danced with excitement.


    Shen Lv had just finished eating. Before he could take a nap, he was driven back to thepany by Fang Yue.


    Fang Yue escorted Shen Tianzheng upstairs, Shen Yin yed with Zhengzheng in the living room for a while until Zhengzheng felt sleepy.


    Shen Yin saw Zhengzheng''s eyes blink, blink, and blink, and in a short while, the little one lost his spirit.


    Shen Yin carried Xu Yunzheng upstairs to her room.


    Fang Yue came out: "Yin Yin, you can sleep peacefully in your room. The maid cleans it every day, and the sheets and quilt covers are changed every week."


    Shen Yin said okay, and then put Zhengzheng on the bed.


    "I''ll turn on the air conditioner for you, and you can take a nap. After all, there''s nothing to do this afternoon." Fang Yue walked into the room, took out the remote from the bedside table, and adjusted the temperature.


    Shen Yin was indeed sleepy. After Zhengzheng fell asleep, Shen Yin alsoy down.


    "You guys sleep first, call me if you need anything."


    After leaving Shen Yin''s bedroom, Fang Yue sat down in the small living room on the second floor, picked up the knitting needles next to her, and started knitting a sweater.


    When she had nothing to do, she would have tea with her sisters. Since Shen Tianzheng became ill, she hadn''t gone out much, staying at home with Shen Tianzheng.


    Watching TV, scrolling through her phone, and when she got tired, she would knit. She had already knitted Shen Yin''s sweater, and now she had two more in her hands, one for Zhengzheng, and one for Xu Xiuhe, both of which were nearingpletion. She took advantage of the mother and daughter''s nap time to finish them up. Once they returned home that night, she could let Shen Yin take them home.


    By three o''clock, both sweaters were finished, and Fang Yue inspected them again. Her skills hadn''t deteriorated. She had been a housewife for so many years, and all she knew was knitting. Many of Shen Yin''s sweaters were knitted by her during her school days, and sometimes they looked better than the ones bought from the store.


    Fang Yue was a bit worried. She wasn''t sure if Shen Yin would dislike them now. When Shen Yin was in school, she liked wearing them. After all, a mother''s handmade knit is love. But now, Fang Yue was unsure. Shen Yin was married, and there had been a gap between them for several years. She didn''t know what Shen Yin''s reaction would be when she saw these sweaters again.


    While thinking about this, Fang Yue leaned on the sofa and fell asleep.


    When she woke up, it was alreadyte. Shen Yin had woken up, or more urately, Xu Yunzheng had woken up first. She went downstairs with Zhengzheng.


    Fang Yue opened the door to Shen Yin''s room and saw that the bed looked like it hadn''t been slept in.


    She initially thought the mother and daughter had gone home and hurriedly ran downstairs to check.


    In the living room downstairs, Shen Tianzheng was ying with Zhengzheng, and Shen Yin had dived back into the kitchen.


    "Grandpa, Zhengzheng can sing songs."


    Shen Yin was in the kitchen when she heard what Zhengzheng said, she was startled. All Zhengzheng knew was the song "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"; everything else was beyond words. Perhaps the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" had grown on Zhengzheng.


    "What can Zhengzheng sing? Sing for grandpa." Shen Tianzheng was sitting on the sofa, with Zhengzheng standing barefoot on it.


    Shen Yin immediately came out of the kitchen, still holding a kitchen knife in her hand.


    "Zhengzheng, recite a poem for grandpa, or we can y a game."


    "Okay!"


    Fang Yue walked to Shen Yin''s side and said, "Why are you still holding a kitchen knife? It''s quite scary. You can let the maid cook, why are you in the kitchen again?"


    "I''m free anyway, actually, I quite enjoy cooking." This was the truth. She really loved exploring various cuisines.


    "Is Xu Xiuheing tonight?"


    In the living room, grandfather and grandson wereughing and chatting, while in the kitchen, mother and son were having a sporadic conversation.


    "He''sing. I''ve sent the driver back. He''ll pick up Zhengzheng and me tonight."


    "Isn''t it toote at night? Won''t you spend the night here?" Fang Yue asked.


    "Maybe next time. I n to move back to Ziyue Manor tonight."


    "You''re not staying in the small building anymore?"


    "The studio has stabilized now. The small building is a bit cramped, and Zhengzheng is growing up. It''s not suitable to stay in the small building all the time."


    "Alright, then move back to Ziyue Manor. It''s spacious andfortable, and most importantly, it''s safe."


    Shen Yin was taken aback, almost cutting her hand while chopping vegetables. She hadn''t told Fang Yue because she was afraid Fang Yue would worry. She hadn''t revealed the most crucial reason yet.


    But Fang Yue mentioned safety directly.


    "What''s wrong?" Fang Yue, seeing Shen Yin''s movement with the knife, paused for a moment and asked worriedly.


    "Nothing."


    "Daddy!" Zhengzheng walked barefoot towards the door.


    "Xu Xiuhe is here. You wash your hands and go out first. I can take care of the kitchen."


    Shen Yin hadn''t seen Xu Xiuhe all day. Hearing Fang Yue''s words, she washed her hands by the sink.


    In the living room, Xu Xiuhe picked up Xu Yunzheng. Seeing Shen Yining out of the kitchen, he smiled.


    "Xiuhe is here." Shen Tianzheng also stood up from the sofa.


    "Dad, how''s your health?" Xu Xiuhe walked towards the sofa.


    "Much better, there''s no big problem now."


    "Sit."


    Shen Tianzheng moved a bit on the sofa to make room for Xu Xiuhe.


    After dinner.


    When Shen Yin was saying goodbye to Fang Yue, Fang Yue suddenly remembered that the sweater she had knitted was still upstairs.


    "Wait a moment, I''ll go upstairs and get something for you."


    Fang Yue moved quickly, went upstairs to get the sweater, and quickly came back down.


    "Mom, what is this?" Shen Yin saw Fang Yue carrying several pieces of clothing.


    "I knitted these sweaters for you. Autumn is just a month away, so when I had some free time, I knitted a sweater for each of you three. I don''t know if you''ll wear them."


    "Thank you, mom." Xu Xiuhe said.


    Shen Yin was also touched. She hadn''t been spoiled by a mother since she was a child, and her father didn''t love herter on. Fang Yue was really good to her.


    "What are you thanking me for? As long as you don''t find it bothersome."


    "Mom, we don''t find it bothersome." Shen Yin hugged Fang Yue.


    Fang Yue was pleasantly surprised.


    "Don''t worry, the wool used is the best and softest, it won''t be ufortable against the skin."


    "Mmm, it''s autumn, so I''ll definitely wear it. Mom, we''ll head back first."


    "Alright, drive carefully on your way back, and message me once you''re home." Fang Yue, showing concern, reminded them.


    Shen Yin agreed wholeheartedly.


    Once they got into the car, Xu Xiuhe started it, and Shen Yin, sitting in the backseat, started to arrange the three sweaters that Fang Yue had just given her.


    The sweaters were indeed soft, not inferior to those bought from stores. Shen Yin felt them andpared the three.


    They were like matching outfits for the family of three - in a light blue color, warm andforting.


    "Mom has put in a lot of effort." Xu Xiuhe, glimpsing Shen Yin''s actions in the rearview mirror, remarked.


    "Mmm, she''s indeed been very good to me. By the way, why did you get off work sote today,ter than usual?" Shen Yin asked.

 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172


    "Liu Bo had something to attend to in the evening, so he went back a little early, and I took care of the remaining documents."


    Liu Bo was also driving, still on the road, with Xiao Li''er sitting in the passenger seat.


    After pretending to be a couple, they hadn''t had a chance to visit Xiao Li''er''s family yet. In recent weeks, thepany had been quite busy after coborating with the Yang City Lin''s Family.


    Processing various documents and discussing various details.


    Xiao''s Father and Xiao''s Mother had been urging Xiao Li''er, and Xiao Li''er waited until work was less hectic before telling Liu Bo that her family had been pressing her to introduce her partner.


    Initially, it was just Xiao''s Father and Xiao''s Mother who wanted to meet him, but her brother Xiao Jun had been constantly fanning the mes with her parents, making them increasingly anxious.


    "Can you handle it when you meet my parentster? Will you be able to cope?" Xiao Li''er asked.


    "A man can''t say he can''t do it. Didn''t I handle it quite wellst time? Don''t worry," Liu Bo said confidently.


    Hearing this, Xiao Li''er was much more reassured.


    "My brother is quite a handful. Be carefulter and don''t let anything slip. He''s quite perceptive and has lots of tricks up his sleeve. From a young age, I don''t know how many times he''s yed tricks on me," Xiao Li''er said.


    "Do you want me to get revenge for you?"


    "Ah, no, no. Regardless, we can''t let anything slip, or I''ll have to go through blind dates again," Xiao Li''er emphasized.


    Xiao Li''er''s family lived in the old part of town, in a rtively old three-bedroom, one-living room house.


    When Liu Bo arrived, he brought a lot of nutritional supplements and even an iPad for Xiao Jun, thetest model.


    It was Xiao Jun who opened the door. Xiao''s Father and Xiao''s Mother had cleaned the house beforehand. When Liu Bo entered, Xiao''s Mother was cooking in the kitchen, and Xiao''s Father was helping her.


    When Xiao''s Father saw Liu Bo, he didn''t go out to greet him, after all, when meeting his daughter''s boyfriend, he had to maintain hisposure.


    "Dad, Mom, we''re back," Xiao Li''er squatted down, changed her shoes, and also brought a pair of slippers for Liu Bo.


    After changing into the slippers, Liu Bo entered the house. He was a little nervous inside, but he tried his best not to appear too awkward.


    "Hello, Uncle and Auntie. Thepany has been quite busy recently, sorry foring to see you sote," Liu Bo said as he ced the nutritional supplements on the floor and handed the iPad to Xiao Jun.


    Xiao''s Father had a stern expression and didn''t speak.


    However, Xiao''s Mother hurried out of the kitchen, "Now that you''re here, why did you buy so many things?"


    "It''s not much," Liu Bo replied. For the first time meeting the parents, he couldn''t juste empty-handed, could he?


    "You''ve worked hard, Little Liu. Next time, don''t buy anything. We have plenty at home," Xiao''s Mother said politely.


    "It''s no problem, Auntie."


    "Dinner is ready. You can go to the bathroom and wash your hands. We''ll eat soon," Xiao''s Mother returned to the kitchen.


    "Wow, Brother-inw, this iPad is thetest model!" Xiao Jun eximed in awe.


    The iPad Liu Bo gave him was indeed thetest model that had just been released, and it wasn''t cheap either.


    Xiao Jun immediately felt that this brother-inw was a keeper. For the first visit, he even knew to bring a gift. Not bad at all.


    "Little Liu, these must have been expensive, right?"


    "Not expensive."


    Liu Bo and Xiao Li''er came out of the bathroom, and the dining table was already set with dishes.


    Xiao''s Father sat at the dining table chair without saying a word.


    Xiao''s Mother nudged him from behind, signaling him to put on a good face since it was his son-inw''s first visit, and it wasn''t good to keep a straight face.


    "Come, sit down, Little Liu. You sit next to Li''er. I don''t know your taste, so there are both in and spicy dishes."


    "Thank you, Auntie, for your trouble."


    Xiao''s Mother also sat down. There was an awkward moment at the dining table.


    Xiao Jun now treated Liu Bo as if he were his real brother-inw.


    Seeing Xiao Jun''s shameless expression, Xiao''s Father became angry and kicked him hard under the table.


    However, because of Xiao Jun''s odd sitting posture, he missed, and the kicknded on Liu Bo''s leg instead.


    Liu Bo was in pain, thinking he must have done something inappropriate, but Xiao Li''er didn''t give him any hints.


    Liu Bo looked at Xiao Li''er, but Xiao Li''er didn''t understand why Liu Bo was looking at her ¨C they weren''t on the same wavelength at all.


    But the way they looked at each other at the dining table made them seem like an affectionate young couple.


    Xiao Jun was thoroughly enjoying the drama, but Xiao''s Father was displeased. He kicked Xiao Jun again, but still missed.


    Liu Bo turned to Xiao Li''er and asked softly, "What''s going on? Is there something wrong?"


    "Nothing, we''re just having dinner, what could be wrong?" Xiao Li''er looked bewildered.


    "Sis, Brother-inw, how long have you two known each other? How long have you been dating? How did you get together?" Xiao Jun started gossiping.


    These were precisely the questions Xiao''s Mother wanted to ask as well.


    "I''ve known your sister for over a year."


    "He''s my boss."


    The two answered the first question.


    "When did you get together?" Xiao Jun urged impatiently. Why didn''t they just answer all the questions at once instead of one by one? It was like teasing people''s curiosity.


    "We got together over a month ago, at a matchmaking event," Liu Bo said.


    "A matchmaking event?" Xiao''s Mother asked.


    Xiao Li''er was afraid of slipping up, so she didn''t dare to say anything. What if they said something contradictory and exposed themselves immediately?


    Fortunately, Liu Bo had good mentalposure and a clear mind, and he was quick to respond.


    "Ourpany''s president is kind and was concerned about employees'' marital issues, so he organized a matchmaking event. There were many people at the venue, and Xiao Li''er and I knew quite a few of them, but we felt they were a bit off, or rather, not suitable for us. Later, we sat together, had some food, and chatted. We found we got along quite well, so we got together."


    "I see," Xiao''s Mother said, somewhat disappointed.


    "What does Brother-inw do?" Xiao Jun asked again.


    Xiao''s Mother wished she could give Xiao Jun a few extra chicken drumsticks. Some questions she couldn''t ask properly, but Xiao Jun could.


    "I''m your sister''s boss. I''ve been working at thepany as a special assistant since the founding of the Heyuan Group. I''ve been with thepany for a long time, so I''m considered a veteran employee. I also have some shares, so I guess you could say I''m a minor shareholder."


    At first, when Xiao''s Mother heard "special assistant," she wasn''t too pleased. Her daughter was already an assistant, and if her son-inw was also an assistant, how would they make a living? But when she heard thetter part about having shares, she immediately changed her opinion.


    Not to mention how many shares, she had always taken pride in Xiao Li''er working at the Heyuan Group.


    The Heyuan Group is a risingpany, with excellent benefits and treatment for its employees. The young president has developed thepany into its current state in just two or three short years, earning everyone''s admiration.


    The Heyuan Group has shares, so even owning just one percent of the shares would provide enough ie for two people each month.


    Xiao''s Mother was increasingly pleased. With shares in the Heyuan Group, she would be considered a minor boss within thepany.


    Excellent, with money and a job, Xiao Li''er would not suffer hardship.


    "Is your family in Rong City?"

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173


    "My home is in Rong City. I grew up in an orphanage," Liu Bo replied withposure.


    Xiao''s Father and Xiao''s Mother exchanged a nce, their eyes filled with a hint of sympathy.


    "It''s alright, little Liu. From now on, treat this as your own home. We''re all your family. Auntie isn''t boasting, but the dishes I cook are quite delicious. Have a taste," Xiao''s Mother said as she picked up the serving chopsticks and ced a piece of vegetable on Liu Bo''s bowl.


    Liu Bo was overwhelmed. "Thank you, Auntie."


    "No need to thank me. We''re family, no need for such formalities."


    "Yeah, brother-inw, you shoulde over more often. My mom makes the most delicious sweet and sour pork ribs. Give it a try," Xiao Jun added another pork rib to Liu Bo''s bowl.


    "Ahem, ahem," Xiao''s Father pretended to cough from the side.


    "Is your throat not feeling well? Have some water," Xiao''s Mother put down her chopsticks and handed Xiao''s Father a ss of water.


    Xiao''s Mother and Xiao''s Father had been together for so many years that she could understand his every gesture and expression, knowing exactly what he wanted to convey.


    And his expression was so obvious this time that Xiao''s Mother pretended not to notice his hint. Their daughter had finally found a potential partner, and he seemed like a decent man. If she went along with Xiao''s Father, she might miss the chance to have a son-inw.


    At Ziyue Manor, after giving Zhengzheng a bath, Shen Yin ced her on the bed in her room.


    When she and Xu Xiuhe were at Ziyue Manor, they were still strangers to each other, so they each had their own separate rooms.


    But once Zhengzheng became attached to her, the little doll abandoned her own room and moved into Shen Yin''s.


    "Why don''t you sleep in my room tonight?" Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    "Why? It''s morefortable for each of us to have our own room."


    "Are you being serious?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Yes, I''m serious."


    "I don''t agree. What kind of married couple sleeps in separate rooms?"


    "Didn''t we sleep in separate rooms when we were at Ziyue Manor before?"


    "That was when we were fake husband and wife. Now we''re real husband and wife. It''s different," Xu Xiuhe said solemnly.


    "Should I just tell you? I''m on my period," Shen Yinughed.


    "It''s fine, I can control myself."


    "You can sleep in my room, and Zhengzheng can stay in her own room. When she grows a little older, we''ll turn your bedroom into hers, and her current room will be your walk-in closet."


    Shen Yin...


    This time when she returned, she felt that a lot had changed inside the house. The changes on the second floor were less noticeable, but the first floor''syout and decor werepletely different.


    What Xu Xiuhe had told her before was not a lie at all. He had reced all the furniture on the first floor with Chinese-style furniture, and the decorative items were also ancient-style folding screens.


    The modern decorative paintings that used to hang on the walls had been reced with traditional Chinesendscape paintings. The overall decor andyout were clearly well-thought-out.


    While going downstairs to fetch water, Shen Yin was drawn to the tea set in the living room and couldn''t resist brewing some after examining the tea leaves.


    Considering her special condition, Shen Yin brewed red tea, drinking only a small amount to be safe. After tasting it herself, she brought the remaining tea upstairs.


    Xu Xiuhe was taking a shower, so Shen Yin left the tea on the bedside table and went to take a shower in her own room.


    When the man came out, he drank the tea. Shortly after, Shen Yin came to Xu Xiuhe''s room, carrying Zhengzheng.


    "Let me take him back to his room. You can get in bed and rest," Xu Xiuhe said, taking Zhengzheng from her arms and heading inside.


    After Shen Yin got into bed, she picked up her phone and saw a message from Qi Ji.


    [Sisters, I think I might be pregnant tonight.]


    This message immediately got Shen Yin and Shu Yi''s attention.


    [How is it, does it hurt?]


    [Weren''t you two also...]


    [Our Qi Ji is going to be a mom! I''m going to have another godchild.] Shu Yi''s messages kept popping up one after another.


    [Why not a goddaughter?] Qi Ji asked.


    Qi Ji loved daughters so much. She could dress them up in all sorts of little dresses, wear matching mother-daughter outfits with them, take them out to show off, and hear them call her "mommy" in their sweet, childlike voices.


    Just thinking about it was wonderful.


    [Alright, a goddaughter, but that''s not for you to decide. That depends on Xue Jingrui,] Shu Yi replied.


    [I don''t care, the baby in my belly will definitely be a little girl,] Qi Ji sent a "hmph" emoji.


    [But it''s just the beginning, doesn''t it take some time before you can know for sure?] Shu Yi asked.


    [It''s not the beginning at all. It''s been a long time, sincest week or the week before. I feel like there''s a baby in my belly now,] Qi Ji replied.


    [Damn, so much happened while I was gone!]


    [I have to say, Qi Ji is really impressive. As soon as she takes action, she doesn''t do things by halves,] Shen Yin responded.


    These two were much quicker than her and Xu Xiuhe.


    [It''s all for the sake of having a child. For the child''s sake, Qi Ji needs to sleep now. You two sisters can keep chatting,] Qi Ji replied and put down her phone, preparing to sleep.


    Xue Jingrui came in from outside, holding a ss of water in his left hand and a te of fruit in his right.


    "Have some water and fruit. It''s been a while since dinner, and after just now... you must be hungry," Xue Jingrui said, looking at Qi Ji.


    Qi Ji sat up, and Xue Jingrui brought the ss to her lips, letting her drink the water.


    "Have some fruit," Xue Jingrui put down the ss, holding the te in one hand and a fork in the other, feeding Qi Ji piece by piece.


    "I''m full."


    "Really full?"


    "Mmhmm."


    "Alright then, no more."


    Xue Jingrui set the te aside and got into bed as well.


    "Jingrui, guess whether the baby in my belly is a boy or a girl," Qi Ji said.


    Xue Jingrui...


    "I''m not sure if there''s even a baby yet," Xue Jingrui replied.


    "There must be. I''m perfectly fine, and we''ve done it so many times without any precautions. It would be abnormal if I didn''t get pregnant," Qi Ji stared at Xue Jingrui, making him feel uneasy.


    "I''ll take some time off tomorrow to go to the hospital with you. We can check."


    "Okay."


    "Why do you like daughters so much?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "Do you really want to know?" Qi Ji asked.


    Xue Jingrui nodded and pulled the covers up, tucking Qi Ji in properly.


    "If we have a daughter, let''s dress her up like a little princess. Buy her all kinds of pretty hair essories, fluffy princess dresses... She''ll look beautifully groomed and we''ll be so proud to take her out. We can braid her hair into pretty little horns, buns, and bald buns. Even if I can''t cut her hair myself, I can still trim her straight bangs. It will be so sweet to hear her call us ''daddy'' and ''mommy'' in her sugary baby voice. She''ll be like an extra precious little padded jacket for us."


    Qi Ji was quite a chatterbox, rambling on endlessly.


    Xue Jingrui listened attentively, and after Qi Ji''s words, he felt having a daughter would indeed be wonderful, a precious little padded jacket.


    "There''s one more really important reason, can you guess what it is?"


    "What is it?"


    "If we have a daughter, we can marry her to Shen Yin''s son Zhengzhengter on. That little baby boy is so handsome!"

 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174


    At Ziyue Manor.


    Shen Yin couldn''t fall asleep, and neither could Xu Xiuhe. One felt regretful, thinking she shouldn''t have been drinking tea sote at night.


    Xu Xiuhe also regretted drinking the tea by his bedside sote at night, leaving them both unusually awake.


    In the past they could''ve done other things, but now with Shen Yin''s special condition, all they could do was stare at the ceiling nkly.


    "Can''t sleep?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Mmm, can''t sleep."


    "Then shall we watch a movie?"


    "Sure."


    Xu Xiuhe got up and adjusted the projector by the bed, which he had barely used before.


    "What shall we watch?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "The Little Prince," said Shen Yin. She had wanted to see it before, but had been too busy recently to find the time.


    Xu Xiuhe found The Little Prince movie on his phone and began projecting it.


    Just as they set up the equipment, the sound of thunder rolled outside.


    "I wonder if Zhengzheng will be scared of the thunder," Shen Yin said worriedly, hearing the faint rumbles.


    "Nah, the house is well sound-proofed. When it was built, they added instion in the walls, so we can only hear it faintly. He''s asleep, so he probably can''t hear it at all."


    "Have you read the book The Little Prince before?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I think I read it when I was little. I still have some impression of it. The book was written by Saint-Exup¨¦ry for his wife."


    "Is it a love story?"


    "It''s a children''s novel. The little prince travels to another and experiences all sorts of adventures. The little prince grows up along the way, meets many littlepanions. So he''s not lonely anymore. He sees the world through a child''s perspective, celebrating the beauty of humanity."


    "The visuals of this movie are so beautiful. And there''s a lot of philosophy in it," Shen Yin mused.


    "Yeah, love is the sweetest subjection between two people. Just like us," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "I may not say sweet nothings, but I''ll show it through my actions." Xu Xiuhe hugged Shen Yin.


    After the movie ended, Shen Yin was still savoring it.


    Hearing what Xu Xiuhe said, she suddenly sat up and turned to say, "You can''t say sweet nothings?"


    Xu Xiuhe nodded.


    "You still can''t? You said plenty when you were pursuing me, you know."


    Xu Xiuhe recalled, ah yes, during that time he might have read some domineering CEO romance novels, plus with guidance from Xiao Li''er, so he could talk quite smoothly.


    Lines like "there''s no divorce, only being a widow," "you don''t need to do anything, I''ll be the kind of person you like," "one day I''ll enter your heart."


    He and Shen Yin had been together for two months already, which felt unbelievable. Every day was sweet, and he had found a sense of home.


    They sleptte, so they woke upte the next day too. After Zhengzheng woke up from the inner room, he saw his dad and mom still lying in bed, with the projector on the wall still running.


    Zhengzheng climbed onto the bed andy down beside Shen Yin.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng''s awake," Xu Yunzheng said, looking at Shen Yin''s face.


    Shen Yin opened her eyes, rubbed them, and sat up. Seeing the faint light through the curtains, she realized she had overslept.


    The baby doll happily stood up, wanting to go into Shen Yin''s embrace, but ended up losing bnce and falling right onto Xu Xiuhe, who was still dreaming as he sat up. Feeling someone on top of him, he struggled to open his eyes.


    "You''re going to bete for work today!" Shen Yin suddenly became fully awake.


    "It''s fine, I''m the boss."


    Shen Yin...


    "I was meaning to tell youst night, my embroiderypetition this time is in Hua City. It''s in two days, so I might have to go there tomorrow night."


    "Okay, I''ll go with you," Xu Xiuhe said with a yawn.


    "What about thepany?"


    "Liu Bo is there. We''re not too busy now after getting that partnership deal settled. The rest of what needs to be done these few days isn''t much either."


    The family of three took a flight to Hua City, which is north of Rong City. It was Shen Yin''s first time on a ne, and Xu Xiuhe took good care of her the whole way until they got off and he brought Shen Yin and Zhengzheng back to his alma mater.


    Along the way, since it wasn''t the school semester yet, there were only a few students remaining on campus. Xu Xiuhe reminisced about his college life and youthful days to Shen Yin.


    "Ah, youth."


    "Yes, youth. It''s a pity you didn''te into my youth earlier."


    "But I''m here now, and that''s the best thing."


    What Shen Yin actually wanted to say was, it didn''t matter that she wasn''t in his youth, because from now on she would be in every single day of his life.


    But she felt that would be too mushy, so she couldn''t get the words out and stopped herself abruptly.


    She had walked the ces he studied, seen the sights he saw, so there was nothing left to regret.


    "Why aren''t you nervous this time?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Because I believe in you. I''ve seen your skills, you''ll always be the champion in my heart."


    "And Zhengzheng is also a champion."


    The national embroiderypetition naturally gathered the top experts, so even thepetition venue was much bigger than the one in Rong City.


    At the venue, Shen Yin unexpectedly saw Qi Yan. She didn''t understand why Qi Yan woulde here too.


    Shen Yin turned to look at Xu Xiuhe, who was also stunned for a moment. So there really were people who wouldn''t let go, huh.


    "Why is she here?"


    "Probably just here to watch thepetition," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Just likest time, Shen Yin took her position.


    Thepetition venue was quite noisy, with the top three from five regionalpetitions across the country present, making 15 contestants in total.


    The top three winners would not only receive mary rewards, but more importantly, prestige.


    Their embroidery craft might not be as famous in other circles where everyone would know the big names, but within this circle, having a reputation meant not having to worry about the future and having good prospects.


    The host went over the rules and revealed the contest theme. There would still be a two-hour break at noon as usual.


    Shen Yin wasn''t worried at all. With an inner strength, she would fear nothing.


    Next to Shen Yin were the second and third ce winners from the regionalpetition in Rong Cityst time. Shen Yin remembered them, though she hadn''t memorized their names back then. But now, she knew.


    Each contestant''s table had a name card, which was how she also found out why Qi Yan was here.


    It was because the woman sitting next to her, who also had the surname Qi, was called Qi Shengwen.


    The Qi surname wasn''t verymon, and even more coincidentally, this woman named Qi Shengwen happened to be rted to Qi Shengwu, who was Qi Yan''s father from the previouspetition in Rong City.


    She saw the name and found it very familiar. After thinking for a while, she remembered the person, Qi Shengwu.


    This exins the rtionship between Qi Yan and Qi Shengwu.


    Shen Yin noticed it, and the intelligent Xu Xiuhe also saw it.


    "Dad, Mom''speting."


    "Yes, Mom''speting, and she''ll win the championship."


    Qi Yan, who was a few seats away from the father and son, suddenly spoke up: "It''s too early to say who will win the championship."


    The woman''s gaze was fierce as she nced towards Zhengzheng.

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175


    The woman''s voice was shrill, even grating.


    Zhengzheng was scared, never having been yelled at so loudly or seen such a ferocious re.


    Zhengzheng looked at Xu Xiuhe, pouting with a pitiful expression before burying himself into Xu Xiuhe''s embrace.


    "Daddy, bad person. Huahua didn''te."


    The little one still remembered what he saidst time about bringing Huahua to bite the bad person. But now, Huahua wasn''t here, and the bad person was intimidating him with her re.


    Zhengzheng was cowed, not verbalizing his fear, but his body had already shown it.


    Xu Xiuhe gently patted Zhengzheng''s back, and only after the little one stopped trembling did he feel reassured.


    Xu Xiuhe shot an icy nce at Qi Yan, sending a chill as if the surrounding temperature had dropped.


    Qi Yan felt fear, trying to muster her courage and change her sitting posture, but still feeling the sudden coldness as if trapped in an ice cer.


    "Ahem." The woman felt uneasy, not daring to look at Xu Xiuhe.


    "Purposefully venting emotions, showing off force, and provoking others without cause constitute the crime of picking quarrels and making trouble. Serious cases may constitute the crime of intimidation. ording to thew, anyone whomits one of the following acts shall be detained for no more than five days or fined no more than 500 yuan; in more serious cases, the offender shall be detained for more than five days but less than ten days, and may also be fined no more than 500 yuan." Xu Xiuhe stared at the woman.


    During his studies, he had read many books aboutw, and after having Zhengzheng, he had also read extensively on child protectionws.


    Qi Yan didn''t dare say a word. She wasn''t afraid of the punishments Xu Xiuhe mentioned; her father was about to be a high-ranking official in Rong City. What did she have to fear?


    She just hadn''t expected the person who had once cared for her so dearly to now speak in such a cold manner. Although she had a feeling, hearing it still made her sad.


    "Thepetition officially starts. Participants, please check if the tools on your table areplete."


    Shen Yin nced over them and began conceptualizing what to embroider this time.


    "All contestants here today are skilled, so for this final round, we won''t set a topic. Contestants, feel free to express yourselves and strive to perform at your best in thispetition."


    As soon as the host finished speaking, thepetition venue fell silent. Often, not having a set topic was the most challenging.


    With a topic, one could focus their thoughts, and all contestants would be constrained within the same scope.


    But without a topic, freely expressing themselves, became more difficult. The subject matter, embroidery techniques, and needlework styles were unlimited, and everyone''s strengths varied. This free expression was a tremendous challenge for every contestant present.


    Everyone was deep in thought, and even the spectators dared not make a sound.


    Last time, Shen Yin had embroidered a piece called "Lady Admiring Lotuses" that she had conceived herself, both decorative and aesthetically pleasing.


    This time, Shen Yin wanted to embroider a famous painting. She was most skilled in Bian Embroidery at the Great Prosperity.


    At that time, literati and schrs adored calligraphy and painting, achieving high artistic aplishments. Therefore, one of the major features of Bian Embroidery was imitating ancient famous paintings.


    But she knew many embroidery techniques and needlework styles. If she simply embroidered a famous painting, wouldn''t that be too easy? After much contemtion, Shen Yin picked up her needle, ready to begin.


    Shen Yin held the needle vertically, without piercing the embroidery thread on the back. That''s right, she was going to do double-sided embroidery.


    Double-sided embroidery is one of China''s outstanding traditional folk arts, originating in the Song Dynasty. It involves embroidering the same outline and equally exquisite patterns on both sides of the same base fabric in a single embroidering process.


    Not many people knew this technique, and even fewer could embroider it beautifully.


    The paintings "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" and "Peony of Wealth and Nobility" were very simr.


    Shen Yin had a deep impression of these two paintings. Since they were so alike, she could embroider them on both sides simultaneously.


    Double-sided embroidery involves embroidering different patterns on the front and back of the same base fabric, so it requires high embroidery skills. Not only must the patterns be exquisite, but the thread colors must also be harmonious. Most importantly, the thread ends must be concealed, with no loose ends showing, and the stitches must be even.


    As the canvas was small, Shen Yin could only rely on her memory to embroider the two paintings. She would cut the thread ends evenly, piercing from the top down, then lifting the needle two or three threads away and pulling the thread through, leaving a short end. When inserting the needle again, she would press the loose end down and conceal it with a few short stitches, ensuring no loose ends showed on either side.


    Following this method, Shen Yin first outlined the rough contours of the two paintings with thread.


    The paintings were quiterge, but the embroidery cloth was limited, so Shen Yin had to proportionally reduce the size of the patterns on the cloth, even zooming in on specific portions, or what we would call close-ups today.


    One side portrayed the phoenix, the other a peony.


    Shen Yin embroidered for a while, then raised her head, stretching her neck. She checked the time on her phone; it was almost noon, with only half an hour left of the morning session.


    Shen Yin looked towards the spectators'' seats, where Xu Xiuhe was feeding Xu Yunzheng water.


    When father and son noticed Shen Yin looking their way, Xu Xiuhe mouthed "Keep it up" to her.


    Xu Yunzheng had just woken up and was about to loudly call out "Mommy!" when Xu Xiuhe covered his mouth.


    After all, the venue was so quiet that they could hear the sound of the needle piercing the cloth.


    "Mommy saw us," said Xu Yunzheng, looking up at Xu Xiuhe.


    "Daddy saw that, but now it''spetition time. Zhengzheng can''t make noise, or else Mommy won''t be able to concentrate on thepetition."


    "Mommy''speting. Mommy''s great."


    "Then encourage Mommy with gestures and cheer her on."


    Heeding his father''s words, the little one stood on Xu Xiuhe''s legs, raising his hands over his head to form a big heart.


    Seeing Zhengzheng, Shen Yin suddenly felt revitalized and full of energy.


    She couldn''t speak, but at that moment, she really wanted to go hug Zhengzheng. However,petition rules had to be followed.


    Shen Yin also formed a heart gesture in response.


    Seeing this, Zhengzheng was so excited that he almost jumped up, trampling on Xu Xiuhe''s legs painfully. Not only were Xu Xiuhe''s legs hurting, but he also felt envious, as his wife had never made a heart gesture for him.


    He didn''t care; this heart was meant for him, too.


    In contrast to the father and son''s joy, the envious Qi Yan didn''t share their happiness, her gaze full of jealousy.


    The woman clenched her fists tightly, she wanted to see if they could stillugh after the results of the afternoonpetition were announced.


    Shen Yin had rested enough, and lowered her head again, continuing to embroider.


    She herself didn''t have much confidence either, whether she could finish this double-sided embroidery piece. Being double-sided itself took more time than a single-sided one. The phoenix and peony, neither of which was a particrly simple pattern.


    One feather too many, one petal too many, the patterns were inherentlyplex, and the colors were also numerous.


    It had to be said that this embroidery work was truly a huge project.

 Chapter 176

    Shen Yin could only speed up, her needle and thread weaving back and forth at a pace that left the onlooking audience in disbelief.


    They could barely see the thread in Shen Yin''s hands. Those sitting further away even doubted if this person knew how to embroider at all.


    Come on, what was she doing? Who embroiders like that? Her hands were flying back and forth, as if she were merely threading a needle rather than creating a pattern.


    "The morning session ends here. We''ll resume at 2:30 PM," the host announced. The 15 contestants stopped their work.


    One difference between this final and the regionalpetition was that there were no judges present at the venue.


    "Zhengzheng!" Shen Yin jogged over to where Xu Xiuhe was.


    Xu Yunzheng, standing on the ground, also ran towards Shen Yin, hugging her legs.


    Shen Yin bent down and gently rubbed Zhengzheng''s chubby, cogen-filled cheeks.


    Perhaps the meaning of mutual attraction is that both parties find happiness in each other.


    Both the little one and the adult''s faces were beaming with joyful smiles.


    Qi Yan walked by, deliberately stomping her high heels to make her presence known.


    Shen Yin chose to ignore her, pretending not to notice, but the little one didn''t have such a strong heart to disregard the big bad person nearby.


    "Mommy, bad person, scary, hug," he said.


    Shen Yin quickly picked up the little one, holding him protectively in her arms.


    Xu Yunzheng rested his head on Shen Yin''s shoulder, not lifting it up.


    Xu Xiuhe came over and took the little one from Shen Yin''s arms.


    "Zhengzheng is already two years and four months old, weighing 26 pounds now. He''s getting heavy, and Mommy can''t carry him easily. From now on, ask Daddy to carry you less often, okay?"


    "Okay. Daddy hungry," the child responded.


    Xu Xiuhe yfully said, "Daddy''s not hungry."


    "If Daddy''s not hungry, Daddy no eat. Zhengzheng hungry, Mommy Zhengzheng hungry hungry."


    Qi Yan linked her arm with Qi Shengwen''s.


    "Auntie, how did it go? Was the morning session smooth?"


    "It went quite well. I feel like I performed to the best of my ability."


    "Wow, Auntie, you''ll definitely be the champion this time. During thepetition, that Shen Yin didn''t look like she was embroidering at all. She''s no match for you, especially considering how much money we''ve spent."


    "Yes, I believe I''ll win the championship this time," Qi Shengwen agreed.


    Qi Yan''s words made sense. They had spent so much money, and her embroidery skills were excellent. Winning the championship should be a piece of cake.


    "Auntie, if you win the national embroiderypetition, you''ll be famous. You''ll be on national news and give interviews. After lunch, I''ll definitely help you touch up your makeup. You''ll look stunning for the interview tonight."


    Qi Shengwen gently tapped Qi Yan''s nose, smiling, "You little sweet talker."


    "It''s true! Auntie is naturally talented. After you win the award, my studio will also benefit. We might even surpass Shen Yin''s clothing studio."


    "Of course, our Yan Yan has always been exceptional. I wonder which lucky guy will end up with you. Don''t think about that Xu Xiuhe anymore. What''s so good about a married man anyway?"


    "Auntie, I just can''t ept it. Why should I stop liking him just because he says he doesn''t like me? I''m so outstanding, why would he marry another woman? Their rtionship can''t be real. I investigated, and found out it was an arranged marriage. Xu Xiuhe only married that woman for hispany''s interests. They''re not truly in love. Even if I can''t have him, I won''t let them be happy. I''ll keep annoying them whenever I can."


    Qi Shengwen shook her head, not quite agreeing with her niece''s perspective. There were plenty of men out there, why fixate on just one? If she remembered correctly, it was her niece who proposed the breakup in the first ce.


    Seeing her niece so obsessed now, she didn''t feel it was right to advise against it. Let her be happy, she thought. If she said something and Yan Yan became upset, what then?


    Her brother''s political career was going so well, about to be promoted again. If he became the top leader in the future, she, as his sister, would enjoy countless benefits.


    In the restaurant, Xu Xiuhe was serving food to Shen Yin. Zhengzheng hugged an ear of corn, nibbling on it like a little squirrel.


    "You worked hard this morning," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "It was okay, just felt a bit pressed for time," Shen Yin replied.


    "What happened? Was the embroidery too difficult?"


    "Sort of, but not really. The embroidery itself isn''t hard, it just takes time."


    "Did Zhengzheng and I distract you this morning?"


    "No, I caught upter. If I speed up a bit more in the afternoon and make some progress, I should be able to finish."


    "Alright, I''ve booked a room nearby. After lunch, let''s rest for a while so you''ll have energy for the afternoonpetition."


    "Sounds good."


    Shen Yin didn''t feel tired at all now. This man always seemed to arrange everything whenever they went out together, never letting her worry about anything.


    "Even if you don''t win the championship, it''s okay. The extraordinary distant future always entices us with fantasies, but when we let go of our obsessions and learn to enjoy the ordinary, life is full of surprises everywhere. You don''t need to be so tired. You have Zhengzheng, and you have me. We''ll always stand behind you."


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng will always stand behind you!" the child chimed in.


    "Wow, why so emotional all of a sudden? Don''t you trust me? Believe in me, Mommy will definitely be the champion," Shen Yin said, pinching Zhengzheng''s little cheeks.


    "Have you heard this saying? If one day we''re lost in the sea of humanity, living an ordinary life, it must be because we haven''t tried hard enough to live abundantly. Life is a process of constantly moving towards new stages. We can''t stagnate; we always need to look forward and strive to enrich ourselves. I believe I can do it, but if I lose and don''t win the championship, I won''t be discouraged."


    "The Creator''s arrangements are all reasonable. This includes all the setbacks we encounter and the various obstacles we face. They all have their rationality, just like how I met you. If I can''t win the championship, it''s okay. I still have the nextpetition."


    Shen Yin shared a long reflection on life.


    After listening, Xu Xiuhe also found it very reasonable. Isn''t living about having one goal after another? Shen Yin''s thoughts were clear, and her values were positive. Perhaps it was this aspect that attracted him to her.


    When the afternoonpetition began, six judges had arrived. Upon seeing these judges, Qi Yan felt reassured. Out of the six judges, she had spent money to establish connections with four of them.


    Four judges¡ªwhat did that mean? It was a clear majority. She had pulled many strings and spent a considerable amount of money to secure these connections. What did she have to fear? This afternoon, she was eager to witness that woman''s crestfallen expression and the look of defeat on her face.


    What was so impressive about being the regional champion? In the finals, that title would mean nothing when it came to winning the grand prize.

 Chapter 177

    Shen Yin didn''t dare waste a single moment of the afternoon. She waspletely immersed in her embroidery, as if everything around her ceased to exist.


    After what seemed like an eternity, Shen Yin finallypleted her piece. She looked up at the clock: 4:48 PM. That was close.


    Many of the people around her had already stopped working.


    Thepetition host called time, announcing the end of the contest.


    "At 7 PM, we will announce the results of thispetition and hold the awards ceremony in Times Square, just outside this venue. Contestants may now proceed to the adjacent dining hall for dinner."


    Shen Yin stretched her neck and flexed her muscles before getting up to walk towards Xu Xiu.


    Confidence, it seems, is when you don''t worry at all. Shen Yin felt she had demonstrated her true capabilities. In just six hours, she hadpleted a double-sided embroidery with two extremely intricate designs. She could hardly believe she had actually seeded.


    "Let''s go eat. I''m starving and want to have lots of delicious food," she said.


    "Alright, we''ll eat whatever you want," Xu Xiu replied.


    At Times Square, all fifteen pieces were on disy. A giant screen yed footage from the day''spetition.


    There was a red carpet and a judges'' panel.


    When the family of three returned, Qi Yan and Qi Shengwen were already seated.


    As Shen Yin approached, Qi Yan gave her a particrly challenging look, her eyes full of provocation.


    Shen Yin chose not to engage, acting as if nothing had happened. Her expression remained unchanged as she calmly took her seat.


    "Please wee our judges to their seats."


    The six judges from the afternoon''spetition took their ces one by one.


    "Now, we will announce the results of thepetition."


    Four of the six judges looked ufortable. They had epted bribes and were supposed to have taken care of things.


    But one piece of work had astounded them.


    The phoenix has always held an important ce in Chinese culture, and this piece stood out among the others in both design and symbolism.


    For a skilled embroiderer, such a piece would typically take at least three days toplete, yet it had been finished in just six hours.


    When they touched the piece, they found the stitches even and dense. To their astonishment, they felt embroidery on the other side as well. When they turned it over, they were shocked.


    On the reverse side was a blooming peony.


    Double-sided embroidery! As judges, they had seen many such pieces in embroiderypetitions over the years, with some even winning championships.


    But the double-sided embroideries they had seen before were simpler, easier, with lessplex lines.


    They were all well-versed in ancient culture and had studied folk art, with some background in fine arts. If they weren''t mistaken, both sides of this piece were reproductions of famous paintings.


    "The Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" and "Peony of Wealth and Honor."


    Their expressions changed. This piece had surely set a record for the embroiderypetition.


    Completing such a work in just six hours¡ªwhat else could it be but a miracle?


    "The younger generation is truly admirable and formidable!" one judge eximed.


    The judges who had epted bribes looked troubled. Anyone who wasn''t blind could see that among the 15 contestants'' works, this one stood out remarkably.


    "The phoenix and peony, double-sided embroidery. This piece deserves nothing less than the championship!"


    One judge remarked, so moved that tears nearly fell from his eyes.


    Indeed, this work was not just one, but several levels above the other 14 pieces.


    The bribed judges exchanged nces. Originally, only one of them had epted money.


    But the person who offered the bribe had asked that judge to reach out to the others as well.


    He had wanted to refuse, but the woman had offered far too much. He simply couldn''t resist.


    These judges all moved in the same circles and naturally knew each other well. They knew who among them could be tempted by money and who remained impartial and incorruptible.


    In the end, he had contacted the others and told them about the offer. At first, they all refused, saying it wasn''t right, that this was a nationalpetition meant to be fair and just, to select talent for the embroidery world. How could they ept bribes?


    Then he mentioned the price: 5 million. The other three judges began to waver. 5 million, not 500,000¡ªit was indeed a lot.


    This judge added some embellishments, saying things like, "This person''s embroidery skills are quite good. They only came in second in the regionalpetition due to a poor performance." He also mentioned, "This person has connections. Their brother is about to be the top official in Rong City. They have power and money, so there''s nothing to fear."


    In the end, they all took the money, with the lead judge receiving the most: 8 million.


    But now, they were hesitant. They weren''t blind; they certainly recognized the value of this piece. It might even be directly acquired by the Hua City Museum.


    The judges moved to one side, away from the two who knew nothing about the bribe.


    "What should we do? If this piece doesn''t win first ce, we''ll surely be criticized."


    "This is indeed a problem. We can''tpletely abandon our professional integrity, can we?"


    "Who would have thought such a dark horse would appear and disrupt all our ns?"


    "She''s not a dark horse. We''ve seen her work from the regionalpetition. It was indeed good, but this piece¡ªthis must be her true ability."


    "Now the question is, how do we judge this? If we don''t give her the win, we''ll be criticized. Haven''t you seen the big screen? They''ve been ying today''spetition video non-stop. Her speed was unbelievable, it made me dizzy just watching."


    "How could she not be fast? This piece is a major undertaking. If she wasn''t quick, how could she have finished it?"


    "How about this: two of us give this piece full marks, and the other two vote for Qi Shengwen''s work. In the end, whoever wins will be up to fate. At least this way, we won''t have taken the money for nothing," one judge proposed.


    "That''s a good idea, but which of us four is willing to y the blind fool? Are you willing? How about you?" one judge asked, looking at the others.


    They fell silent. No one wanted to be criticized or admit to being blind to quality.


    The two judges beside them, oblivious to the situation, were incredibly excited. They rushed over and said, "What are you four discussing? I have a feeling that this piece will go viral instantly. When that happens, it won''t just be the embroiderymunity taking notice¡ªeven the general public will find it unbelievable. They might even be utterly shocked."


    "Yes, yes, of course," the four agreed, their tone somewhat perfunctory.


    "That''s fantastic! When the President of the People''s Alliance arrivester, she''ll be amazed too. I''m sure she''ll sing its praises."


    "What? Are you saying the President ising hereter?"


    "That''s right."


    "Why would shee? She''s never attended before, has she?"

 Chapter 178

    Just as they finished speaking, a ck car pulled up in Times Square.


    Many staff members approached, opening the car door.


    An elderlydy with silver hair, leaning on a pure ck cane, stepped out.


    The olddy wore high heels, though not very tall ones, and a ck cheongsam that gave her an extraordinary air of elegance.


    Themotion was quite noticeable, and many people in Times Square looked over. Most didn''t recognize who she was, but were impressed by the grand reception and staffing to greet her.


    Among them were some who had participated in multiplepetitions and recognized this olddy, such as Qi Shengwen.


    Su Jin''s arrival made Qi Shengwen''s already unsettled heart even more nervous. This olddy was known for her unwavering integrity and had an extremely high reputation in the embroidery world. Moreover, it was said that she had connections in Beijing, with not only capital but also government backing.


    Qi Shengwen began to worry, fearing that her championship might slip away due to the olddy''s arrival.


    "Aunt, what''s wrong? You look a bit off. Who is that old woman?" Qi Yan asked.


    Qi Shengwen gripped Qi Yan''s hand, which was sweaty. Qi Yan felt ufortable and tried to pull away.


    Unexpectedly, Qi Shengwen''s grip tightened, and she couldn''t break free.


    "Yan Yan, she''s the President of the People''s Alliance, with an extremely high reputation in the embroidery world. Basically, no one dares to contradict what she says. I''m afraid our n might fall through."


    Qi Yan turned to look at Su Jin, who was leaning on her cane with white hair, and thought dismissively that an old woman couldn''t cause much of a stir.


    "Aunt, don''t worry. We have four people, and even if she joins in, you and that Shen Yin woman are still tied. It''s not certain who will be the champion in the end," Qi Yan reassured her.


    Qi Shengwen felt a little more at ease.


    On the other side, the six judges had already cast their votes. Originally, two were going to vote for Qi Shengwen, but upon seeing Su Jin arrive, they changed their minds.


    They weren''t fools. 5 million was indeed a lot, but they were all nearing retirement age. They couldn''t risk their reputation for 5 million and end up beingbeled as blind judges.


    "Are the results out?" Su Jin walked to the judges'' table. The judges who had just finished scoring and voting had also returned.


    Seeing Su Jin, none of them dared to sit down.


    "All votes have been cast. The results will be out in two minutes," one judge said.


    "How''s the quality of this year''s works? Are there any particrly outstanding pieces?" Su Jin had always had great confidence in Shen Yin''s embroidery skills. She knew that with this youngdy present, thepetition wouldn''t be ordinary. But she still asked the question.


    It wasn''t for any other reason; she just wanted to know if the person she had her eye on could win others'' recognition.


    "There''s a double-sided embroidery of a phoenix and peony that can truly be called divine. Let''s not even discuss whether anyone else could create such a piece; even if they could, it would probably take at least half a month. But this contestantpleted it in just six hours."


    "Oh? I really must go and see this," Su Jin was very interested. She had a feeling that this double-sided phoenix and peony embroidery was done by the youngdy she had her eye on.


    "Where is it? I''d like to take a look."


    One of the judges led the way. As Su Jin walked towards Shen Yin''s work, she didn''t forget to look at the other contestants'' pieces. Overall, they were quite good.


    The other works had vibrant and colorful embroidered patterns, some with flowers, some with birds, some with people. There was a wide variety of styles.


    Su Jin was satisfied. She arrived beside the "Phoenix and Peony" piece.


    She looked at it for a good while, then reached out to gently touch it.


    Afterward, she returned to the judges'' table.


    "Are the results out?" Su Jin asked.


    "Yes, the final champion is Shen Yin, the winner from the Rong City Areapetition," the host said.


    "Then let''s announce it."


    Su Jin was quite pleased. Her judgment hadn''t been wrong; the person she had her eye on hadn''t disappointed her.


    "Now, may we ask the contestants and audience to quiet down. We will announce thepetition results. Afterwards, the audience can approach the works to appreciate up close the beauty of our embroidery and traditional art."


    The venue quieted down, as the exciting moment was about to arrive.


    "Third ce goes to Qi Shengwen, second ce to Liu Ruchu. And the first ce is..."


    The host paused here, deliberately creating suspense.


    "First ce goes to Shen Yin from the Rong City Area!"


    Hearing this, Qi Yan''s eyes turned red with anger. Qi Shengwen wasn''t faring much better. She had expected first ce, and even second would have been eptable now, but she ended up in third.


    She was quite old now, and had participated in every embroiderypetition since they began. To be honest, making it to the top three this year was already a good result, better than in previous years.


    But she wasn''t happy. Simply put, the gap between expectation and reality was toorge. She had thought she would be the champion, but now...


    Qi Yan was envious. She had spent over 20 million to pull strings for Qi Shengwen, hoping she could win the championship and prevent Shen Yin from having such smooth sailing. Now the money was spent, but why was the result so different from what she had expected?


    What were those four judges doing? It was just a simple matter of voting and scoring. Why couldn''t they just do as she said? And her aunt, Qi Shengwen, was too ipetent. Couldn''t she have embroidered better, leaving Shen Yin no chance of winning?


    The two women had different thoughts, but they shared one thing inmon: neither was happy. One was angry, the other envious.


    As for this result, Shen Yin didn''t have much of a reaction. She just smiled slightly, as it was within her expectations.


    "Now, may we invite the top three to walk onto the red carpet. Our President of the People''s Alliance, Old Madam Su, will personally present the awards."


    "Mommy, amazing!" Seeing Shen Yin walk towards the stage, the little one seemed to understand that mommy had won thepetition and looked up at Xu Xiuhe.


    "Yes, mommy is the best. When mommyes back, will you praise her face to face?" Xu Xiuhe said.


    The little one eagerly agreed.


    The best is often saved forst. For instance, Su Jin presented awards to the second and third ce winners before giving Shen Yin her award - a crystal trophy with a particrly exquisite emblem on it.


    "How are you? Tired?" Su Jin approached Shen Yin and asked softly.


    "I''m fine."


    "You''ve worked hard. That piece was a major undertaking. I still can''t believe it was embroidered in just 6 hours. Your embroidery skills are even more outstanding than I had imagined."


    "Thank you, grandmother. I didn''t expect you to attend thispetition," Shen Yin said.


    "Ha ha, isn''t it to present you with the award? I haven''t been to many of these before. When it''s over, let''s have a good chat in Rong City. By the way, do you think you''ll still be busy for a while?" Su Jin replied.


    "Huh?" Shen Yin, holding the trophy, didn''t quite understand Su Jin''s words. Wasn''t thepetition already over? Why would she still be busy for a while?

 Chapter 179

    Soon, Shen Yin understood why she felt so tired. What she faced next were various media outlets and interviews.


    After Shen Yin and Su Jin were photographed on the awards podium, various media began to capture images of the "Phoenix and Peony Embroidery" piece.


    Close-ups, full shots, and videos were taken.


    Those who were knowledgeable in the field certainly understood how much effort this work required.


    Those who weren''t experts were simply amazed. The phoenix was embroidered so vividly, with rich colors. They never imagined that someone could embroider so perfectly.


    In no time, various media outlets rushed to report the news, which flew across the sky and upied the front pages of major headlines.


    When Shen Yin stood in front of the cameras, it caused more amazement among the crowd. Shen Yin was so young, just in her early twenties, yet she could create such a masterpiece. It had to be said that there were differences between people. Some people were born different - not only from good families and beautiful, but also sessful in their careers, work, and love life.


    Now, even in embroidery, she had achieved something unprecedented.


    Seeing how young Shen Yin was, several judges fell silent. They didn''t know how to describe this contestant and her work anymore.


    After photographing the piece, reporters began to gather around Shen Yin. Xu Xiuhe, holding Zhengzheng, wanted to go to Shen Yin''s side but was concerned that Zhengzheng might get squeezed in the crowd. So they stood quietly on the outer edge of the reporters.


    "First of all, congrattions to Ms. Shen for winning the championship in this embroiderypetition. Ms. Shen is also the youngest contestant in the history of thispetition. May I ask, what has been your biggest setback on this journey?" a reporter asked.


    This question truly stumped Shen Yin. It wasn''t that she was being pretentious, but she really hadn''t prepared for anything. If she had to say something, would the tiger-head shoes count?


    "The biggest setback was not knowing what to embroider during today''spetition, and worrying that I wouldn''t finish in time due to the tight schedule. That''s why I didn''t stop working throughout the entire process," Shen Yin answered very seriously.


    People around her, upon hearing this, started to watch the video rey of thepetition scene. The video also gave a close-up of Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin''s movements were indeed fast. It wasn''t just that she didn''t stop; every stitch was precise. Her speed was so fast that they couldn''t even see clearly how she was threading the needle. Many people even thought the video was ying at three times the normal speed.


    The reporter who asked the questionughed awkwardly and said, "Ma''am, what I meant was, have you encountered any difficulties on your embroidery journey?"


    Shen Yin smiled and shook her head.


    There really wasn''t anything, except for being scolded by her nanny for beingzy in the past. Other than that, there really wasn''t anything.


    This answer was unexpected by everyone present. The interview was being broadcast live.


    "Ms. Shen, may I ask how long you''ve been learning embroidery?"


    "Five years."


    "What kind of opportunity led you down this path?"


    Shen Yin thought for two seconds and said, "I guess it was out of interest. I found it interesting, so I learned it."


    Shen Yin felt that she had answered this question very well. Interest is the best teacher, after all. She couldn''t possibly say that she was forced into it, that as a daughter of a great family, she had to start learning various feminine skills from the age of ten.


    "Yes, interest is the best teacher. Ms. Shen, you''re so young yet possess such exquisite skills. What are your ns for the future?"


    "To keep improving, I suppose. I don''t know how to navigate the future path, so I''ll just go with the flow and pass on these excellent skills."


    The reporter fired one question after another, and Shen Yin truly understood what Su Jin''s grandmother meant earlier about it getting more tiring. There were some questions she really didn''t know how to answer appropriately, and her mind was racing.


    For an entire day, Shen Yin hadn''t stopped. During the day, it was physicalbor; at night, it was mentalbor.


    The reporters also showed some tact, seeing that Shen Yin was tired, and didn''t continue asking questions.


    After it ended, Shen Yin went straight to Xu Xiuhe. The family of three left Times Square under everyone''s gaze.


    "Tired?"


    "Mmm, a bit."


    "Then let''s go back, take a shower, and get to bed early."


    After Shen Yin got into the car, it wasn''t long before she fell asleep.


    Zhengzheng wanted to say something, but Xu Xiuhe turned around and made a "shh" gesture.


    Zhengzheng immediately closed her mouth, snuggled close to Shen Yin, and remained silent.


    Qi Yan was in the restroom at Times Square. She had left her seat when Shen Yin went up to receive the award.


    In the bathroom, Qi Yan pressed both hands on the sink, her eyes even redder than before.


    Fortunately, she had kept some evidence of the judges epting bribes.


    The woman made a phone call, saying she wanted to release the bill records and videos of four judges epting bribes. On one hand, the money could be recovered; on the other hand, if it was Shen Yin who had pulled strings and spent money, then tonight''s interview would be a scandal tomorrow. At that time, she would be severely embarrassed.


    After Shen Yin returned to the hotel, with Xu Xiuhe''s help, she quickly took a shower and theny down on the bed and fell asleep.


    "Mommy sleep, Mommy sleep," Xu Yunzheng said, running barefoot to Xu Xiuhe.


    "Yes, Mommy is tired and needs a good rest. How about Daddy gives Zhengzheng a bath tonight?"


    "Okay!"


    Xu Xiuhe carried Zhengzheng into the bathroom. Over this period of time, Xu Xiuhe had already leveled up to be a sessful dad.


    For instance, he was now skilled at giving Xu Yunzheng a bath.


    Online, Shen Yin''s work, along with Shen Yin herself, had be famous. The grand champion of the National Embroidery Competition finals was a 24-year-old young woman.


    Shen Yin''s halo suddenly became incredibly strong.


    But Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe knew nothing about this. The family of three had all fallen asleep until the next morning.


    Xu Xiuhe was awakened by a phone call.


    "Hello, CEO," Liu Bo''s voice was urgent.


    "What''s wrong? Did something happen at thepany that''s so urgent?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "It''s not thepany. There''s a problem with yesterday''s National Embroidery Competition."


    Xu Xiuhe instantly became alert and sat up. Shen Yin was also awakened by Xu Xiuhe''s movement.


    Rubbing her eyes, she asked, "What''s wrong? Isn''t there nothing scheduled for today? Why are we up so early?"


    Xu Xiuhe turned on the speakerphone.


    Liu Bo''s voice came through from the other end.


    "There are now many media reports iming that you bribed and bought off four judges, which is why your wife won the championship."


    The couple waspletely stunned upon hearing this. Xu Xiuhe had entertained such a thought during the regionalpetition, but Shen Yin had stopped him.


    So how did this story about bribing the judgese about? Was itpletely fabricated?


    "Look into the details of this for me," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Meanwhile, Shen Yin picked up her phone and opened Weibo.


    [National Embroidery Competition judges suspected of epting bribes, champion title is fake.]


    The onlinements were a mixed bag of reactions.

 Chapter 180

    [Damn, I always thought the National Embroidery Competition was an authoritative contest. I never imagined there could be bribery of judges.]


    [Plot twist, everyone! Yesterday the champion was so confident, now how will they save face?]


    [You know what, this champion''s husband is a famous entrepreneur in Rong City, worth billions. Bribing judges is nothing to them.]


    [What a p in the face!]


    [And to think I was sayingst night how beautiful and talented this woman was.]


    [To be fair, even without bribery, her work could have won first ce. After all, there are so many photos of the winning piece online, and even videos of the live embroidery. We can still judge for ourselves whether it''s good or not.]


    [I don''t care, bribery is wrong. No matter how good her embroidery is, she''s not a good person. This is cheating and she should be disqualified.]


    [It''s a shame that such a talented person has been caught up in this scandal.]


    The online public opinion was roughly divided into three camps: those blindly criticizing, those believing the champion deserved the win, and those insisting that bribery was wrong regardless.


    Also caught up in this storm were the four judges who had epted money.


    They were in a difficult position, unable to exin themselves. They had indeed taken the money, but they hadn''tpromised their professional ethics.


    The public outcry grew increasingly fierce, with more and more people criticizing them.


    But then their bribery records were leaked online, showing hundreds of thousands of yuan in deposits.


    If there was an innocent party in this bribery scandal, it would be Shen Yin, who had been unfairly used of bribery.


    Shen Yin knew she had nothing to hide, but in the age of the inte, public opinion could be deadly, and cyberbullying could put anyone in a difficult situation.


    "Don''t be afraid, I''ve already asked people to investigate. I have friends in Hua City too," her husband reassured her.


    Shen Yin nodded.


    Su Jin called immediately.


    "Shen Yin, your work didn''t need any bribery to win. You had the skill to win first ce, and I saw how confident you were. So when I heard this news, I didn''t believe for a second that you would do such a thing. Are you in some kind of trouble, or have you been wrongly used? Tell your mother-inw, and I''ll stand up for you."


    Shen Yin was touched by Su Jin''s trust in her.


    "Mother-inw, I didn''t bribe anyone. I don''t know what''s going on."


    In truth, Shen Yin had an idea of what was happening. It must be Qi Yan''s false usation, but she couldn''t say it. She and Qi Yan had been at odds since that auction, and then there was that incident at Qi Ji''s wedding. She wasn''t stupid; Qi Yan had been at thepetition yesterday. After a moment''s thought, she knew Qi Yan was behind this.


    "Alright, I understand," Su Jin said. "We''ve already reported this to the police. No matter what, we''ll get to the bottom of this and clear your name."


    After hanging up, Su Jin called a meeting. She wanted to know what those four people who had taken the money were thinking.


    Qi Yan, blinded by hatred and jealousy, never considered the consequences of her actions, only looking at immediate benefits and not thinking things through.


    Stupid and foolish, she hadn''t considered that by exposing the four bribed judges, she was also giving them a chance to speak out. She only thought they would be too scared toe forward, but she hadn''t anticipated that while they had indeed taken money, they hadn''t followed her instructions.


    Su Jin called the four judges into a separate room.


    Su Jin''s demeanor changedpletely. At nearly 70 years old, she had seen her fair share of major events. She not onlymanded respect but could also keep herposure in difficult situations.


    "Is the bribery allegation true?" Su Jin''s tone was unreadable.


    Often, the calm before the storm is the most terrifying. If she had simply berated the four judges, they might have felt better.


    But she didn''t.


    The four became even more nervous. Their lifelong reputations were already ruined, and now they deeply regretted it. Was it really worth it for a mere 5 million yuan?


    "The bribery is true," one judge said.


    Another judge quickly added, "We took the money, but we didn''tpromise our professional integrity."


    "Oh? You took money but didn''tpromise your integrity?" Su Jin had never heard such an absurd statement.


    "That''s right. Our final scoring still adhered to fair and just principles. We didn''t deliberately manipte scores because of the money."


    "Well, your professional ethics must be quite impressive then," Su Jin said with a sardonic smile.


    Her expression made the four even more afraid.


    Madam Su had always been their top-level leader, with a powerful background and a lifetime of achievements.


    "Tell me, where did you get the money from? Exin the whole process and the reasons behind it." Su Jin turned on her phone''s voice recorder.


    The other three judges looked at the one who had initially epted the bribe.


    This judge, feeling a chill down his spine, stammered as he began to exin.


    "Someone named Qi Yan got my number somehow and contacted me. She offered me 5 million yuan to give Qi Shengwen full marks during the scoring. I refused at first, but she said Qi Shengwen had the skills to deserve it, and she was just paying to ensure a guaranteed win."


    "Go on," Su Jin urged.


    "She also said she was the daughter of the deputy mayor of Rong City, with both power and money, and that the matter wouldn''t be exposed. I couldn''t resist and agreed, so she gave me 5 million yuan."


    "You agreed for just 5 million? If I remember correctly, none of you four are short of that kind of money. What about the rest of you?"


    Su Jin sat in her chair, holding her walking stick. Though advanced in years, her presence was still formidable.


    "The three of us were pulled in by him," the other three said in unison.


    "He pulled you in, and you just joined? Are you all so spineless? You''re all respected figures in the folk art world, are you really so desperate for money?"


    Su Jin lost her temper, mming her walking stick on the ground.


    The four were so frightened they dared not lift their heads.


    "You, did you only receive 5 million?" Su Jin pointed her walking stick at the judge who had spoken first.


    "I... eight... eight million," the man could barely speak coherently.


    Su Jin was heartbroken. Their folk artmunity already had such a low profile, only wanting to promote traditional culture, relying on government support all these years.


    Now they had be famous, but for all the wrong reasons, trending at the top of Weibo for half a day already.


    "What do you intend to do from now on?" Su Jin asked calmly, her voice devoid of emotion.


    "We promise we''ll never ept money again in the future," they replied.


    "Do you really think you''ll have the chance to ept anything in the future? If we consider The People''s Alliance as a martial arts sect, what I''m about to do next is to clean house."


    Su Jin rested both hands on her cane.


    The group, terrified, hurriedly begged for mercy.


    "Elder Su, we were wrong. We won''t dare to do it again. We took the money, but we didn''tpromise our professional integrity."


    "You shouldn''t have epted that money in the first ce. This is a matter of principle. Even if I were to keep you on, how could you face yourselves? What would your colleagues think of you? Would you be able to show your faces? Would anyone participate in ourpetitions in the future?"


    Su Jin fired off a series of questions.

 Chapter 181

    The group didn''t dare to raise their heads. Su Jin looked at them, having said everything she needed to say.


    "You may go now. In learning your craft, you must first learn to be a decent person."


    Like beaten dogs, they left Su Jin''s office without ever lifting their heads.


    Su Jin picked up her phone and posted the audio clip on Weibo.


    She might be older, but she could still keep up with the times. Her smartphone skills were no worse than those of young people.


    Su Jin''s Weibo ount had quite a few followers. As the chairperson of the People''s Alliance, she felt obligated to step forward and rify the situation immediately.


    She had originally intended for the People''s Alliance''s official ount to rify the incident, but she couldn''t wait. She knew that as soon as she posted an update, the official ount would surely repost it.


    Thispetition had indeed been an oversight on the part of the organizers. Out of six judges, four had epted money from contestants. It was trulyughable when you said it out loud.


    So when Su Jin posted on Weibo, her first sentence was to admit the mistake and apologize proactively. The second sentence stated that although the judges had epted money, they hadn''t been bought off.


    The post was apanied by the recent audio recording.


    As she expected, immediately after she posted on Weibo, it was reposted by the People''s Alliance''s official ount.


    The incident had already been fermenting, consistently ranking among the top trending topics on Weibo.


    Moreover, Shen Yin''s work had gone viral beyond their circle. This was no longer just a matter for the People''s Alliance.


    When Su Jin posted on Weibo, she also included a hashtag, which was then reposted by many industry bigwigs.


    Soon, Su Jin''s Weibo post shot to the top of the trending list.


    Thements section became a spectacle of people devouring thetest gossip.


    Netizens were eximing "Holy crap!" in their minds at thistest twist. One plot twist had already shocked them.


    The fact that four judges in a major nationalpetition had been bought off was infuriating toizens. It seemed that ordinary people indeed couldn''t defeat capital, which was why the topic was so hot. They cursed at capitalism, cursed at Shen Yin, cursed at Xu Xiuhe, and even the stock price of Xu Xiuhe''s Heyuan Group started to fall.


    Liu Bo was sweating profusely in Rong City. Thepany held an emergency meeting.


    Xu Xiuhe was also pulling strings to rify the matter, but he was one step behind Su Jin.


    Su Jin''s Weibo post was incredibly timely.


    Another twist, with the gist being: "We''re sorry, we did indeed ept money, but our scoring remained fair. Shen Yin''s championship is well-deserved, and the bribery was done by someone else."


    After listening to the recording,izens started to pay attention to other people.


    For instance, Qi Shengwen.


    The recording clearly stated that Qi Shengwen had money and his brother had power.


    [Damn, how should wement on these judges? They took the money but didn''t do the job.]


    [Wow, I''m impressed, 666]


    [So, my sister Yin is innocent. Someone else did the bribing. She''s the most innocent one.]


    [Exactly! I''ve been saying all along that "The Phoenix Peony Embroidery"pletely crushes all the other entries.]


    [In the end, I never expected it to be a plot within a plot.]


    [I admit, I was a bit harsh on sister Yin earlier.]


    [Guys, haven''t you noticed this Qi Shengwen?]


    Soon, Qi Shengwen''s information was dug up. Qi Shengwen, from Rong City, brother is the deputy mayor of Rong City, has participated in the embroiderypetition for five consecutive years, made it to the finalsst year and this year.


    This year, she ced second in the regionalpetition.


    [Second ce, a veteran contestant, should have some skill. Why would she think of bribing the judges?]


    [If the bribe had been sessful, it might have been worth it. But spending money and not seeding? That''s pure foolishness!]


    [Who says it wasn''t sessful? Didn''t she get third ce in the nationalpetition? That might be what the bribe bought. After all, a national top-three finish is already quite an achievement, very rare.]


    [The person above makes a good point.]


    [Hope they re-evaluate the scores. Anyway, I believe in my sister Yin''s skills. She''ll still be the champion.]


    [Exactly! With real skill, there''s nothing to fear. I''ve been following my sister Yin since the regionalpetition. She''s beautiful and talented. Her approach in this final was so bold. She did double-sided embroidery, with a peony on one side and a phoenix on the other. Who else would dare to try that? Even if they tried, who couldplete such a time-consuming andbor-intensive piece in just 6 hours?]


    [My mom does embroidery. She does double-sided embroidery too, but even with a simpler pattern than this, it takes her half a month. So if sister Yin didn''t get first ce, then there really would be something fishy with the judges.]


    [Oh my god, those four judges really crack me up. Taking money but not doing the job. In the recording, they were all so nervous, their voices were as quiet as mosquitoes when facing Old Su.]


    [Speaking of Old Su, she''s really impressive. Calm in the face of danger, with an imposing presence. Those people were probably so scared their legs turned to jelly.]


    The People''s Alliance official naturally paid attention to online public opinion. Currently, there weren''t many negativements about the People''s Alliance itself. Most of the criticism was directed at the four judges and the person who offered the bribe.


    Of course, there were also many people praising Shen Yin.


    They also noticed that manyizens suggested re-scoring and re-voting on the entries, demanding fairness, justice, and openness. If that wasn''t possible, they suggested lettingizens vote.


    When this news reached Su Jin, she directly replied:


    Cancel the third ce of the contestant who offered the bribe, and ban them from participating in all futurepetitions held by the People''s Alliance.


    The result was quickly announced online, withizens calling it deeply satisfying. This punishment was indeed appropriate, just like having one''s score cancelled in a college entrance exam, leaving one in despair.


    Moreover, this ban on participation was essentially equivalent to being ced on a permanent cklist.


    Xu Xiuhe''s side wasn''t idle either. They quickly found concrete evidence of bribery by their briber, and the name Qi Yan soon appeared inizens'' view.


    [No wonder. So it''s the deputy mayor''s daughter. No wonder she was so bold as to attempt bribery all the way in Hua City.]


    [If the daughter behaves like this, I wonder what that deputy mayor is like. Could he be a big tiger?]


    [This definitely needs to be investigated. As the saying goes, ''like father, like daughter''. If she''s like this, her dad probably isn''t any better.]


    Netizens quickly found footage of Qi Yan from thepetition venue.


    The clip where she said "Who knows who will win the championship" was suddenly dug up byizens and posted online.


    [The way she said that, it''s solid proof of her bribery.]


    [So disgusting, that expression is so disgusting.]


    [Am I the only one who noticed she was saying this to that little darling?]


    [The little darling is so cute, he looks like Shen Yin''s son.]


    [Damn, that woman called Qi Yan should be taken out and shot. The little darling is so adorable, how can she look at him so fiercely and speak in such a harsh tone? What if she scares my little darling?]


    [Doesn''t this little darling look like the main female character''s son in "Yanxi Biography"?]


    [Wow, sister, now that you mention it, it really is! I was wondering why there was no information about this little actor online. It turns out he''s Shen Yin''s son. This exins everything.]

 Chapter 182

    Netizens were surfing the 5G inte, and it didn''t take long for them to uncover various connections.


    [I think I know this woman called Qi Yan. She''s the ex-girlfriend of the Heyuan Group''s CEO from their university days.]


    [Wow, juicy gossip! I''m rich, can I dig deeper?]


    [I know some inside information. This woman dumped the CEO.]


    Qi Ji was frantically typing on her iPad, contributing to the online discussion. As an illustrator andic artist, she had her own circle and was quite active online. This time, because it involved Shen Yin''s sister, she was particrly attentive. Even before Su Jin posted on Weibo, she had already battled numerous online trolls.


    [Wait, is this woman blind? How could she dump such an excellent man? Is this information urate?] Aizen questioned.


    [I remember now. The CEO of Heyuan Group started his own business after graduating from university. He''s a self-made man.]


    [So did Qi Yan dump him because she thought the pre-startup CEO was poor?]


    Qi Ji was excited. Thisizen was so smart! She immediately replied, [Sister, you''ve hit the nail on the head!]


    [So now, that white lotus green tea bi*ch can''t stand seeing others doing better than her. She''s jealous of our Sister Yin, so she didn''t want our Sister Yin to win the championship. She bribed the judges, but our Sister Yin''s talent was so overwhelming that even after taking the woman''s money, the judges were still convinced by Sister Yin''s work.]


    [Sister, I dere you the voice of the inte.] Qi Ji replied. This generation ofizens was indeed reliable, with their logic on point and master-level deductions.


    [This woman is truly disgusting. How can there be such a shameless woman? Now that he''s rich, she wants toe back? She should think about whether she even deserves it.]


    This kind of person infuriated theizens the most. Upon seeing this information, they instantly shifted their battleground.


    Qi Yan''s Weibo private messages were flooded with insults, and even her previously posted photos were now filled with abusivements.


    Sitting on the sofa in her hotel room, Qi Yan was furious. She could tolerate most of the insults, but she couldn''t stand the numerousments calling her ugly and saying that ugly people cause trouble.


    She touched her face. How was she ugly? She used to have plenty of men chasing after her.


    [You''re a scumbag. Your appearance reflects your heart. Looking at how ugly you are, you must have done many bad things.]


    After this message popped up, Qi Yan was so angry that she threw her phone across the room.


    Beside her, Qi Shengwen looked dejected. All those years of hard work perfecting her embroidery skills had been denied and ruined in an instant.


    "Yan Yan, why did you throw your phone?" Qi Shengwen reproached.


    She knew the current mess wasn''t easy to clean up, but no matter how angry one got, throwing a phone wasn''t the solution.


    "It''s none of your business. It''s my phone, I''ll throw it if I want to. Who are you to criticize me like this?" Qi Yan''s eyes were wide open, her face contorted with anger.


    "The urgent matter at hand is to find a way to remedy the situation, not throw phones. Besides, I''m your elder, your aunt. How dare you speak to me like that?" Qi Shengwen stood up. If Qi Yan had a temper, didn''t she have one too? If it weren''t for Qi Yan''s stupidity in releasing the information about bribing the judges, would she have ended up not even cing third?


    "How am I speaking to you? This is how I speak. It''s all your fault. If you weren''t so stupid, if your skills weren''t so inferior that you couldn''t even win the championship, why would I be called ugly by people?" Qi Yan''s voice was loud, almost hysterical.


    "I''m stupid? That''s rich. You''re the one who released the information about bribing the judges. Think about how stupid that was!"


    Qi Shengwen wasn''t one to be trifled with. She had tolerated Qi Yan for a long time, and now Qi Yan was turning around and calling her stupid. How could she endure that?


    Qi Shengwen stepped forward and pped Qi Yan across the face.


    She was already angry, and when she hit Qi Yan, she didn''t control her strength. The p sent Qi Yan stumbling back several steps.


    Qi Yan lost her bnce and fell onto the sofa. Holding her pped cheek, she said in disbelief, "You hit me? Do you know who my father is? If you treat me like this and my father finds out, you''re finished."


    "Hahaha, I hit you, and I meant it. Qi Yan, search your conscience. I''ve treated you well since you were little, buying you clothes and snacks. I thought that''s what an elder should do. But you''ve disappointed me too much. Who''s your father? Your father is my brother, the deputy mayor of Rong City. Do you think he doesn''t know about this big incident? Your father probably wants to hit you even more than I do. Given his temperament, he''ll probably hit us both. Just you wait. When it involves your father''s interests, neither of us will escape."


    "That''s not true. He''ll only hit you. I''m his daughter, he can''t hit me." Qi Yan shook her head.


    "I called you stupid, and you really are stupid. Yan Yan, you weren''t like this before. You had your little schemes, but you weren''t beyond redemption like this."


    Qi Yan heard Qi Shengwen call her stupid again. She couldn''t reach the people online who called her ugly, but the person calling her stupid was right in front of her.


    Qi Yan suddenly stood up and grabbed Qi Shengwen''s hair, pulling hard.


    Qi Shengwen didn''t back down either, grabbing Qi Yan''s ear. The two women started fighting.


    In a hotel near Huazheng University, Xu Xiuhe looked at the situation that had been dealt with and sighed, "Honey, it''s my fault for being blind before. I''m sorry for letting you get caught up in this mess."


    "What''s past is past. I have a clear conscience, and nothing really happened. Besides, it seems I''ve gained a new wave of fans. This time, the fans are from all over the country. It''s not a loss. You know what? They call me Sister Yin."


    "They call you Sister Yin? What do they call me?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin shook her head. She didn''t seem to have seen any nicknames for him online.


    "Oh, I remember now. They call you the self-made CEO."


    Xu Xiuhe: ...


    "You''ve got a respectful title, I should have one too. If no one else will call me that, you should. Call me Brother Xu."


    "Brother Xu? Sounds a bit like ''hook'' in Chinese," Shen Yinughed.


    "Oh? You''re getting quite bold."


    "You told me to call you that, Brother ''Hook''." Shen Yin repeated.


    "Alright, let''s change it. Call me Brother Xiuhe."


    "Brother Xiuhe?" Shen Yin''s voice was soft and slightly yful.


    Shen Yin was quite close to Xu Xiuhe, and this "Brother Xiuhe" made his heart flutter.


    Shen Yin noticed Xu Xiuhe''s gaze bing different. It was broad daylight, and their son Zhengzheng was still watching TV on the sofa. They couldn''t cause any trouble.


    "Ahem, how''s yourpany''s stock price doing now?" Shen Yin attempted to change the subject.


    "Liu Bo just told me that not only has the stock price recovered, but it''s also risen a bitpared to before," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Wow, that''s great! This woman''s move actually ended up benefiting us. Was she this foolish when you were with her before?" Shen Yin asked curiously.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t want to bring up that past anymore. How to put it... They were young back then, and maybe she was just a bit dim-witted, but at the time, he hadn''t paid much attention and hadn''t noticed.


    "We knew Grandma Su had an extraordinary background, but I didn''t expect her to be this powerful," Shen Yin remarked.


    "Yeah, this matter has gone beyond just the nationalpetition now. Qi Yan causing this incident has had a negative impact, and she''s not just an ordinary citizen''s child either. In theing days, we might see even more drama unfold."

 Chapter 183

    Rong City.


    At the Xue family home, Xue Kai sat on the sofa, scanning online public opinion while his secretary brought him some documents.


    It was the weekend, and Ye Rong was at home, having also seen variousments online that morning.


    Initially, this was just an unfair embroidery incident, and at most they were concerned about whether Shen Yin had bribed someone.


    Because of their connection to Xue Jingrui, they had watched Xu Xiuhe grow up. They didn''t know much about Shen Yin, but during Xue Jingrui''s wedding, they heard that the toast outfit worn by Qi Ji was designed by Shen Yin, which had earned them considerable face during the toasts.


    So they had a good impression of Shen Yin, believing her to be talented, and naturally assumed she deserved to win the championship.


    Now, surprisingly, it turned out that the person who actually bribed the judges was Qi Yan.


    Who was Qi Yan? She was Qi Shengwu''s daughter, which made Xue Kai and Ye Rong pay extra attention.


    Qi Yan, as the daughter of Rong City''s deputy mayor, had actually bribed the judges.


    This would have a significant impact on her father, Qi Shengwu.


    "They''ve brought this upon themselves. Hasn''t Qi Shengwu been making movestely? The party secretary is already set to go to Hua City at the end of this month."


    "Do you think the higher-ups wille to investigate Qi Shengwu?" Ye Rong asked.


    "It''s hard to say, but they might," Xue Kai took a sip of tea. This incident was good news for him.


    This Qi Shengwu was cunning and had always wanted to surpass him, even trying to bring him down. Fortunately, over the years, he had conducted himself properly and uprightly, not giving that old fox any leverage.


    In the past, their rtionship was decent, and he had even considered having Xue Jingrui marry Qi Yan. But Xue Jingrui always said Qi Yan didn''t like him, so he didn''t pursue it.


    It wasn''t until there was movement from above, saying that Rong City''s top leader was to be transferred, that Qi Shengwu''s behavior became increasingly suspicious. If he didn''t understand the reason now, he''d be a fool.


    At the Qi family home.


    Qi Shengwu knew that Qi Yan had been spending more time with her sister Qi Shengwen these past few days. At first, he thought they were just getting along well and didn''t think much of it. After all, Qi Yan had an impulsive personality and acted on her whims, so he didn''t ask too many questions.


    Now, with the incident trending at the top of Weibo and Qi Yan being cyberbullied, he began to regret not paying more attention. If he had, such a big issue might not have urred.


    This was happening at a crucial time in his career advancement. His sister and his daughter had caused such a big problem ¨C how could he not be angry?


    Neither of them was reliable. Qi Shengwu sat at his desk, holding an iPad, his entire body trembling with rage.


    Qi''s mother came in from outside. She had gone for a morning run and just had a shower,pletely unaware of what was happening online.


    "Honey, what''s wrong? Your hands are shaking," Qi''s mother asked as she entered the study.


    "You have the nerve to ask? Look at what your daughter has done." Qi Shengwu threw the iPad at his wife.


    Qi''s mother stepped back in fright.


    She took out her phone, nced at it, then looked up guiltily and said, "Yan Yan is still young, she didn''t mean to."


    Qi''s mother knew about Qi Yan spending money to buy off the judges. Qi Yan didn''t dare tell her father about this, but her own money wasn''t enough, so she had to tell her mother.


    At first, Qi''s mother was reluctant, saying this couldn''t be done now as her father was at a crucial point in his career. If it was exposed, it would cause trouble.


    But Qi Yan repeatedly assured her that it wouldn''t be exposed, that her father wouldn''t find out, and that it would benefit her studio once it seeded.


    Qi''s mother was already soft-hearted, and with Qi Yan''s coaxing, she couldn''t resist and gave her 10 million yuan.


    "What''s with that expression?" Qi Shengwu asked.


    This question made Qi''s mother even more nervous.


    "Were you also involved in this?" Although Qi Shengwu''s tone was questioning, he was already certain.


    Qi''s mother didn''t dare speak.


    Qi Shengwu wiped his face, tears streaming down. He couldn''t afford an investigation from above. Right now, he needed to erase all previous bribery records that could be erased.


    Online, the situation continued to escte.


    Shen Yin no longer wanted to pay attention to it. In any case, because of this incident, she had be the victim and received quite a bit of sympathy.


    Of course, most of thements were praise.


    "When are we going back to Rong City?" Shen Yin asked.


    "The flight is this afternoon. We''ll go down for lunch first, rest a bit, then head straight to the airport."


    "So soon?" Shen Yin asked.


    They had arrived the day before yesterday and participated in thepetition yesterday. She thought they might be able to spend some time sightseeing in Hua City after thepetition. Hua City had quite a few attractions, and she hadn''t had a chance to properly look around since arriving.


    "Is it too early for you? If you haven''t had enough fun, we cane back to Hua City specifically for a trip in a while. It''s not possible this time. You''ve just won a big award and are trending online. The buzz is still high, and there will definitely be reporters if we go out. Also, your status has risen to a new level. Not only do people in Rong City know you, but your national recognition has also increased. When we get back, your studio will probably have a lot of orders that the girls can''t handle on their own."


    Xu Xiuhe''s logic was clear, and Shen Yin realized he was right. If she didn''t go back soon, the girls at the studio would be overwhelmed.


    "Zheng Zheng, we''re going back this afternoon!" Shen Yin called out as she walked from the bedroom to the living room.


    Xu Yunzheng was engrossed in watching cartoons and only looked up when Shen Yin came closer.


    "Mommy, Paw Patrol," the little one pointed at the TV.


    Shen Yin nced at the TV and said, "Yes, Paw Patrol. But Zheng Zheng has been watching for a long time now. The puppies are tired and need to rest for a while. So, let''s turn off the TV and let the puppies sleep, okay?" Shen Yin hadn''t watched this cartoon and didn''t know what it was about; she was just making it up.


    She thought the little one might resist, but after a few seconds of consideration, Xu Yunzheng took the remote control and turned off the TV.


    "Okay, let the puppies sleep, but Zheng Zheng is not sleepy," the little one climbed down from the sofa and hugged Shen Yin''s leg.


    The bedroom door was open, and Xu Xiuhe, who was replying to Liu Bo''s message, heard the conversation between mother and son and smiled.


    One was making things up, and the other believed it. How should he describe this mother and son pair ¨C logic geniuses or innocently adorable?


    "Mommy, Zheng Zheng is hungry."


    Shen Yin checked the time. It was mealtime. One good thing about children was their very urate biological clocks ¨C they slept on time and got hungry on time.


    "Call daddy and ask him toe down with us."


    Xu Yunzheng let go of Shen Yin''s leg and scampered into the bedroom, hopping and skipping.


    "Daddy, Zhengzheng is hungry. Mommy told Zhengzheng to call Daddy for dinner," Xu Yunzheng said, once again wrapping his arms around Xu Xiuhe''s leg.


    Xu Xiuhe put away his phone and tried to pick up Zhengzheng, but the little one refused.


    He just kept hugging Xu Xiuhe''s leg, not letting go.


    "Zhengzheng, Daddy needs to walk now."


    "Walk."


    Xu Xiuhe took a step forward, and the little one, still clinging to Xu Xiuhe''s leg, started walking along with him.

 Chapter 184

    As soon as the news broke, there was a stir in Hua City.


    Su Jin indeed had someone backing her. With such a grave incident urring at thepetition she organized, those in power couldn''t ignore it.


    The higher-ups immediately called a meeting and established the Rong City Anti-Corruption Task Force.


    As soon as they began gathering information, they discovered irregrities.


    As a key national figure, Qi Shengwu''s close rtives were supposed to undergo political vetting, and any family members traveling abroad needed to be reported.


    However, they hadn''t received any such reports, and Qi Yan had only returned from studying abroad a few months ago.


    On this point alone, Qi Shengwu had already vited regtions.


    The day after the Anti-Corruption Task Force was formed, they headed straight for Rong City.


    No one in Rong City received any notice of their arrival. Everything continued to operate as usual.


    September arrived.


    The previous important figures had been transferred, leaving the position vacant, awaiting appointment from above.


    Xue Kai was also worried. Rong City wasn''t like other cities; too many people wanted to take up positions here. He feared someone might be parachuted in directly.


    Although he didn''t care about money, he still wanted power.


    Qi Shengwu was even more afraid. He had originally nned to use some tricks, pull some strings, and sling some mud at Xue Kai in hopes of securing the position for himself.


    But at this crucial moment, he found himself covered in mud, busy trying to clean himself up, with no time to smear Xue Kai.


    In September, the weather was still hot. Everything in Rong City seemed to be proceeding in an orderly fashion.


    Students started school, white-cor workers went to their offices, construction workers toiled on building sites. Everything appeared calm on the surface.


    But behind the scenes, members of the Anti-Corruption Task Force were running around collecting evidence. Finally, in mid-September, they visited Qi Shengwu''s home.


    Qi Shengwu was stunned by the arrival of so many people,pletely caught off guard.


    He thought he had cleaned up thoroughly enough. Because of this, he had given Qi Yan a severe beating, canceled her bank cards, and even confined Qi Yan and Qi''s mother to the house for over two weeks.


    But what was meant toe, still came.


    The Anti-Corruption Task Force members immediately handcuffed him. He wanted to protest, but it was toote. They had solid evidence,ying out all his bribery records before him.


    All the properties under his name were also presented to him.


    Qi Shengwu wept. He was just one step away from havingplete control over Rong City, just one step away.


    "Let''s go."


    Qi Shengwu was taken away.


    Qi''s mother and Qi Yan, locked in the house, had no idea about themotion downstairs.


    But they had their phones, and before long, the news was reported by all major media outlets.


    The news of Qi Shengwu''s embezzlement of 300 million yuan continued to dominate Weibo''s top trending list.


    Netizens cursed Qi Shengwu''s ancestors to the eighteenth generation.


    Manyizens expressed that they weren''t shocked. If Qi Yan knew how to bribe so skillfully, it must be rted to her family background.


    When Qi Yan''s bribery incident first came to light, they had called for an investigation into her father, but there had been no response from above.


    It turned out they were collecting evidence without alerting the target, allowing them to catch this big tiger.


    It had to be said, the Anti-Corruption Task Force did an excellent job. Three hundred million - what does that concept mean? An ordinary person couldn''t earn that much money in ten lifetimes.


    All of the Qi family''s assets were confiscated, including the house they were currently living in.


    Important city leaders all had a specialpound, which was why the Qi family lived not far from the Xue family.


    Xue Kai stood on the second floor, watching the scene of Qi Shengwu being taken away outside the window, feeling deeply moved.


    "Honey, you haven''t done any embezzlement, have you?" Ye Rong asked worriedly.


    "Do Ick money?" Xue Kai asked in return.


    Ye Rong realized it was true. Their family didn''tck money, and even thepany was in her name. The couple''s assets were clearly separated.


    Xue Kai never interfered in Ye Rong''spany affairs, and Ye Rong knew to avoid conflicts of interest. She never discussed matters involving benefits with Xue Kai.


    For them, work was work, and life was life. They each had their privacy.


    At the Qi household, Qi''s mother and Qi Yan were thest to know about Qi Shengwu''s downfall. They couldn''t believe it, suspecting the online news was fake.


    Until someone came to seal off their house.


    The household staff, not even waiting for their wages, had already fled. Only the mother and daughter remained in the entire vi.


    "Mom, what are we going to do now?" Qi Yan cried until her eyes were swollen.


    Qi''s mother''s expression became abnormal. It was all her fault. If she hadn''t given Qi Yan that 10 million yuan, Qi Yan wouldn''t have bribed anyone, and no one would havee to investigate Qi Shengwu.


    The more the woman thought about it, the more distressed she became. This was too big a blow for her. Without Qi Shengwu, how would they survive?


    She had never known that Qi Shengwu had taken so much money, nor did she know where this money was kept.


    "I still have some private savings and some jewelry. Let''s pack up now, move out, and find a ce to wait for your father to return."


    Qi''s mother wiped her tears,forting Qi Yan.


    Qi Yan returned to her room, unable to ept this reality. At 27, she naturally understood the implications of her father embezzling 300 million. He would never get out in this lifetime.


    Now she not only hated Shen Yin and Xue Jingrui, but she also hated Qi Shengwu. He had embezzled so much money, why did he only give her a few hundred thousand yuan in living expenses each month?


    If he had given her more, would they have been able to trace so much?


    And then there was Qi Shengwen. It was all Qi Shengwen''s fault for participating in that embroiderypetition. Now look, her own brother was gone because of it.


    The woman was nearly insane, smashing everything she could in the room. She had to destroy anything she couldn''t use. Everyone owed her. Why was the world so unfair to her?


    "Ahhhhh!" The woman screamed hysterically, her eyes growing increasingly vicious.


    "Hahahaha. Those who owe me, I''ll make them pay back even if it costs me my life." Qi Yan muttered to herself like a madwoman.


    "Upstairs! Hurry up and pack. This house will be sealed off soon." A uniformed person downstairs shouted loudly.


    Qi Yan packed her suitcase, took a few bank cards, and left her room.


    Qi''s mother was also at the door. Her eyes were full of reluctance; this was the ce she had lived for decades.


    Now nothing belonged to them anymore.


    "Is it heavy? Let mom carry the suitcase for you." Qi''s mother said, looking at Qi Yan with her bloodshot eyes.


    Qi Yan, pampered since childhood and unwilling to suffer even a bit, handed the suitcase to her mother upon hearing this.


    Qi''s mother struggled to carry two suitcases down the stairs alone, with Qi Yan following behind.


    Fortunately, her mother still had some money, so they could continue to make ends meet in the future.


    The moment the sealing tape was applied, Qi''s mother couldn''t hold back her tears. She stood at the doorway, looking for a long, long time before finally turning to leave.


    "Big sister, mom," a boy about 10 years old called out as he came running towards them.

 Chapter 185

    "Who are you calling mama and sister?" Qi Yan looked at the boy with displeasure.


    "You''re my sister, right? My name is Qi Yang. My mom said dad doesn''t want us anymore. She has no money and can''t afford to raise me, so she sent me here to find you all."


    At nine years old, it was impossible for the boy to bepletely ignorant. He knew his father had made a mistake and been arrested. He also knew his father had a special status, so from the beginning, he understood his own identity wasn''t exactly honorable.


    At school, his ssmates would say he had no father. He desperately wanted to tell them his father''s name, but his mother reminded him daily never to reveal it. If he did, she warned, he really would have no father.


    Until this morning, when his mother looked at her phone, then hurriedly packed her bags and his. She brought him here, telling him she was in trouble and couldn''t manage anymore. She couldn''t afford to raise him and told him to find the Qi family, who would take care of him.


    "What''s your name?" Qi''s mother had a bad feeling.


    "Qi Yang. My dad is the Deputy Mayor, Qi Shengwu." Tears still lingered in the boy''s eyes.


    Qi''s mother fainted on the spot.


    "Mom! Mom!" Qi Yan called out anxiously, pulling out her phone to dial 120 for emergency services.


    "Sister, what''s wrong with her?" the boy asked.


    "Get out! I''m not your sister. Go wherever you came from!"


    The woman''s gaze looked as if it could devour the boy whole. He stumbled back several steps in fright.


    Qi Yan kept calling to the woman lying on the ground. In that moment, she was truly scared. Her mother had always been the one who loved her most. Now, the two people she depended on most were gone ¨C one arrested, one copsed.


    The ambnce arrived shortly. Qi''s mother had suffered severe shock, resulting in a brief loss of consciousness.


    Her husband''s arrest and the overnight loss of their vast fortune had already been a massive blow. Now, to suddenly learn that her husband had a nine-year-old love child outside their marriage ¨C it would be a fatal shock to any woman.


    In the bustling hospital, Qi Yan felt utterly helpless. She had followed the ambnce here, and her mother was now undergoing emergency treatment inside.


    Sitting outside, she felt incredibly deste. She had just called their former rtives, but not a single one was willing to answer.


    All she heard from her phone was: "Hello, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavable. Beep beep beep."


    Back at thepound, Qi Yang sat crying at the bottom of the stairs.


    Qi Ji and Xue Jingrui happened to be returning to the old house.


    Seeing the child crying so bitterly, Qi Ji approached and asked, "Little one, why are you crying?"


    "My dad and mom don''t want me anymore."


    "Where''s your home?"


    "My home isn''t here."


    Qi Ji and Xue Jingrui exchanged a nce. Xue Jingrui then asked, "Who''s your father?"


    "My dad is called Qi Shengwu. I''m Qi Yang. My dad and mom both don''t want me anymore."


    Hearing this, Xue Jingrui was stunned. He had known the Qi family for so many years, how could he not know they had a son? Had he missed some crucial information?


    "Where''s your mom?"


    "My mom left."


    "What about your sister?"


    "My sister left too."


    "What should we do, Brother Jingrui? He''s just a child. He''s innocent of the adults'' mistakes."


    "I don''t know. Maybe we should take him back and let my dad handle it. After all, Qi Shengwu used to be his colleague."


    "It''s hot outside. Come inside with us first."


    Xue Jingrui and Qi Ji led Qi Yang to the door and knocked.


    Ye Rong answered.


    "Oh, Qi Ji, you''re here! Mom has missed you so much."


    Ye Rong had just grabbed Qi Ji''s hand when she noticed the boy behind them.


    "Who''s this?"


    Ye Rong looked at the boy, then at her own son. She didn''t recall ever seeing this child before.


    "Where''s dad?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "Wait, Jingrui, what''s going on here? This isn''t your father''s love child, is it? No, impossible, impossible."


    Ye Rong waved her hand, talking to herself. Then she turned and hurried up the stairs, shouting, "Old Xue! Come down here quick! Tell me, have you done anything to betray me?"


    Qi Ji watched her imaginative mother-inw and found her quite adorable.


    "Brother Jingrui, why don''t you exin to mom? She''s misunderstanding."


    "Do you think there''s any chance to exin?" Xue Jingrui looked at Qi Ji.


    Qi Ji thought about it and realized he was right. Her mother-inw was efficient and fiery in her actions, with a quick temper. She wouldn''t wait for Xue Jingrui''s exnation.


    "What''s the matter, Old Ye? Weren''t you calling me ''husband'' just this morning? How quickly things change!" Xue Kai hurriedly came out of the study, sses in hand.


    "Have you done anything to betray me?" Ye Rong asked again.


    "I haven''t been forcing you to drink any health tonicstely. I haven''t done anything to betray you."


    "Dad," Xue Jingrui called from downstairs.


    "Oh, my son and daughter-inw are here!" Xue Kai hurried down the stairs.


    "Who''s this?" Xue Kai looked at the boy behind Xue Jingrui and Qi Ji, his eyes full of questions.


    Ye Rong finally rxed. As she had guessed, he wouldn''t have the guts.


    "Who is he, Old Ye? You didn''t suspect I had a love child outside, did you? Let me tell you, I, Xue Kai, am not only loyal to the country and the party, but I''m also loyal to you. I''ve never done anything to betray you. If I did such a thing, I''d be disciplined!"


    "Ahem." Ye Rong felt a bit embarrassed. Their son and daughter-inw were still here, not to mention the child. At their age, weren''t they ashamed?


    Xue Kai nced at his son and daughter-inw, cleared his throat, and his expression instantly became serious.


    "Ahem, who is this?" Xue Kai asked.


    At first, Xue Jingrui had been wondering why he didn''t know Qi Shengwu had such a big son. But after his parents'' little scene, he seemed to understand ¨C this child might be Qi Shengwu''s illegitimate son.


    "His father is Qi Shengwu."


    Hearing this, Xue Kai and Ye Rong were also stunned. They lived nearby and had known Qi Shengwu for so many years, yet they never knew he had a son. This could only mean the boy was an illegitimate child.


    "Why did you bring someone else''s love child into our home?"


    "He was crying outside our gate, saying his parents didn''t want him anymore. I was worried it would look bad, and it''s hot outside, so I brought him in. I''m leaving it to you to handle."


    Ye Rong went to pour some water and brought sses for Qi Ji, Xue Jingrui, and the boy.


    Xue Kai was also worried. Qi Shengwu had already been taken away, yet he still left a troublesome situation behind. The boy could have cried anywhere, but he chose to do it right at Xue Kai''s doorstep.


    "Is your father Qi Shengwu?" Xue Kai asked.


    "Yes, my father is Qi Shengwu," the boy replied, taking a sip of water. His face was streaked with tears.


    "How old are you?"


    "I''m nine years old."


    "Who''s your mother?"


    "My mother is called Liu Xian''er."


    Ye Rong nced at Xue Kai, who took a drink of water. This situation was indeed quite thorny.


    "What should we do, Dad? How should we handle him?" Ye Rong asked.


    "How would I know? He''s not my son. You brought him here, so you figure it out," Xue Kai replied.

 Chapter 186

    Xue Kai was still angry that Xue Jingrui had suddenly brought back a child, causing his wife to suspect him.


    "Dad, it''s mainly because he was crying so hard," Qi Ji said, feeling sorry for Xue Jingrui when she heard Xue Kai scolding him, and couldn''t help but exin on his behalf.


    "Don''t worry, Qi Ji," Ye Rong was secretly pleased. Her daughter-inw speaking up for her son showed that they had a good rtionship. Naturally, as a mother, she was happy to see her son and daughter-inw getting along well.


    Ye Rong held Qi Ji''s hand, feeling more and more delighted the longer she looked at her. She really had good judgment in choosing such a wonderful daughter-inw for Xue Jingrui - obedient, beautiful, and even fulfilling her dream of having a daughter.


    "Old Xue, what do you think we should do about this situation? The child needs somewhere to go," Ye Rong said.


    "Where are Qi Yan and her mother?" Xue Kai asked.


    "We don''t know for sure, but I heard that someone came to take away the Qi family''s house this morning," Ye Rong replied.


    "Oh, and I heard that an ambnce came to our courtyard this morning."


    "The sister''s mother fainted when she saw me. The sister called 120, and then they left," the boy suddenly chimed in from the side.


    The four adults didn''t know what to say for a moment, realizing that even this young child understood that someone had fainted upon seeing him.


    "Well, you must be in third or fourth grade by now, so you probably understand quite a bit. You should also know about your situation," Xue Kai began, but was suddenly nudged by Ye Rong.


    "Be gentle, he''s still a child," Ye Rong whispered in Xue Kai''s ear.


    "You should know that your father made a mistake, and mistakes naturally have consequences. Your mother''s departure is also human nature, but you are innocent. The fact that your mother told you to find the Qi family shows she thought they could raise you, but as you''ve seen, they fainted when you arrived. So, I''ll give you two choices. Do you want to hear them?"


    The boy nodded.


    "One, I can have someone take you to the hospital to continue looking for the Qi family. Two, I can help you choose a welfare institute. I know you''re innocent, but you still have a blood rtion to Qi Shengwu. Sometimes in life, we face situations beyond our control that we can''t escape, and we have to go through various hardships. Do you understand? You''ve done nothing wrong, but there are some consequences you may have to bear."


    Xue Kai said this to Qi Yang, unsure if the 9-year-old boy in front of him could truly understand. The other three adults were all waiting for the boy''s answer.


    "Uncle, please send me to the welfare institute. My father''s mistakes have nothing to do with me, and I don''t want to have a father who makes mistakes," the boy said firmly, as if making the biggest decision of his life.


    "Alright. It''s lunchtime now, so have a meal here first. Someone wille to pick you up after lunch."


    "Jingrui, put on a cartoon for him to watch, thene with me to the study."


    Xue Kai went upstairs.


    After turning on the TV and putting on a cartoon, Xue Jingrui followed Xue Kai upstairs.


    In the living room, only Ye Rong and Qi Ji remained.


    Fearing that the boy might feel ufortable with them there, Ye Rong took Qi Ji to a nearby bedroom.


    "Qi Ji, it''s been a long time since I''ve seen you. How are you? Jingrui hasn''t been bullying you, has he?"


    Qi Ji noticed that her mother-inw always asked if Jingrui was bullying her.


    "No, Brother Jingrui is very good to me and takes good care of me. Thank you for your concern, Mom."


    "Don''t say thank you. He''s your husband, and he should take care of you. You''vee all the way from Yang City to marry him. If he doesn''t take care of you, who will? Qi Ji, if he ever bullies you, you must tell me. I''ll teach him a lesson for you."


    "Okay."


    "What would you like to eat? I''ll ask the housekeeper to make it."


    "Anything is fine with me."


    "I''ve realized that you''re so much easier to feed than Jingrui. He''s such a picky eater."


    Ye Rong was pointing out her son''s shorings.


    Qi Ji smiled along with her.


    "By the way, how have you been feelingtely?"


    "I''m doing well. I went to the hospital for a check-up recently, and the doctor said everything was normal."


    At the mention of the hospital, Ye Rong''s heart skipped a beat.


    "Was it because you weren''t feeling well, or just a routine check-up?" Ye Rong asked, a bit nervously, her question tinged with caution.


    "It was a prenatal check-up, Mom. I have a baby in my tummy now," Qi Ji said softly, a bit shy.


    "What?"


    The joy came so suddenly that Ye Rong could hardly speak.


    "Qi Ji, are you saying you''re going to be a mother, and I''m going to be a grandmother?" Ye Rong asked again.


    "Yes, Mom, you''re going to be a grandmother."


    Ye Rong looked at Qi Ji''s stomach, which was t and showed no sign of pregnancy.


    "How far along are you?"


    "The doctor said almost a month."


    "That far already."


    Ye Rong couldn''t resist touching Qi Ji''s belly.


    "Qi Ji, why don''t you and Jingrui move back here to live? I''m worried he won''t take good care of you."


    Qi Ji...


    She seemed to have anticipated this oue.


    "Mom, I..."


    "It''s decided then. You''ll move back, and I won''t go to work anymore. I''ll stay home every day to take care of you and my chubby grandson."


    "Mom, the baby might be a girl."


    "Qi Ji likes little girls?"


    Qi Ji nodded.


    "What a coincidence, Mom likes girls too. When I was pregnant with Jingrui, I hoped every day that he would be a girl. But he turned out to be a boy. At that time, I wanted to have another one, but your father was at the peak of his career. The policy didn''t allow it, so I didn''t."


    "Mom likes girls too?"


    "Yes, girls are so soft and sweet. How nice. Unlike Jingrui, who was such a handful as a child, alwaysing home covered in dirt."


    Qi Ji imagined the baby in her belly being a girl, and buying all sorts of little dresses for her. The thought alone made her happy.


    "Mom, I''ve already found a future son-inw."


    "Oh, so quick? Who is it?"


    "It''s Sister Shen Yin''s baby. He''s two years old this year, very handsome, well-behaved, and sensible."


    "Good. Xiuhe is Jingrui''s good friend. This way, we''ll keep it all in the family."


    Ye Rong didn''t object at all. She felt that arranged marriages weren''t necessarily bad. After all, Jingrui and Qi Ji were about to have a child now, weren''t they? The main thing was knowing the family background and being well-matched. With time, feelings would naturally develop.


    Isn''t love always cultivated through spending time together?


    At Qinghe Vi, Shen Yin was indeed busy, spending the weekend taking the little girls and Zheng Zheng to build their strength and learn martial arts.


    Usually busy with matters in her studio, ever since she became famous nationwide, the studio''s orders had been increasing, with people from other cities seeking her out after hearing of her reputation.


    Now, the orders were scheduled all the way into the following year.


    Shen Yin didn''t want to continue expanding the studio. After all, the brand had already been established. The next step was to manage this brand, implementing purchase limits and exclusive offerings.

 Chapter 187

    In fact, Shen Yin had an idea: in this era, what matters most is not the size of the store, but how well-known the brand is.


    Although the current studio was small, it had its own system in ce.


    She was now busy training Wang Nannan and teaching the two seamstresses some techniques. As long as they were satisfied with the clothes they made, and the customers were satisfied, that would be a sess.


    Once she finished training them, she would have more free time again.


    Opening a martial arts school was a hobby, and she could practice along the way. The Chinese furniture business didn''t require much of her attention now either.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng misses Daddy," her child said.


    "It''s only been a day since youst saw him. Howe you''re missing him again?"


    "I miss Daddy."


    Seeing that work at the studio was wrapping up, Shen Yin gathered her things, picked up Zhengzheng, and got into the car.


    "Driver, please take us to Heyuan Group," she instructed.


    The driver had been quite busy these past few days, shuttling between Ziyue Manor and Qinghe Street.


    "Haven''t seen Mr. Xu for several days now," the driver remarked.


    "He''s probably been busy with work at thepanytely."


    It had been a while since Shen Yinst visited Xu Xiuhe''spany. As soon as she arrived, she attracted attention once again.


    She hadn''t been to Heyuan Group since winning the national championship.


    Chang Xue, the receptionist, was so excited to see Shen Yin that she almost asked for an autograph. Her fangirl expression was so obvious that if Xu Xiuhe had seen it, he might have considered firing her.


    "Wee, madam. Hello, little one," Chang Xue greeted them.


    Shen Yin, without any airs, smiled gently and said to Zhengzheng, "Sweetie, someone just greeted you. What should you say?"


    "Hello, big sister," the child replied.


    Chang Xue''s heart melted. How could a child be so adorable? The way he called her "big sister" in that sweet, childish voice ¨C she was certain no girl could resist such charm.


    Shen Yin led Xu Yunzheng into the elevator.


    Unable to contain her excitement, Chang Xue bragged in thepany group chat: [The boss''s wife and the little prince are here! If you want to run into them, hurry up!]


    [Wow, really? Ever since the madam won the national embroiderypetition, I''ve beenpletely captivated by her charm. What kind of goddess is she? Beautiful, rich, and talented, with such a handsome husband and an adorable baby. She''s truly living her best life.]


    [It''s true! Who am I? My eyesight is 20/20, thank you very much. Even if I were blind, I could still use my ears. The little prince called me ''big sister'' in that adorable voice. Oh my god, I can''t take it!]


    [Chang Xue, you''re so naughty, making the baby call you ''big sister.'' You''re probably older than the boss''s wife. Aren''t you ashamed?]


    [Not at all! I don''t care. He called me ''big sister,'' not you. Hmph!]


    [I''m so jealous of being called ''big sister.'' Guys, I want to hear the little prince call me ''big sister'' too.]


    [I''m 22, just graduated. Do you think I have a chance?]


    [What the hell? Which department are you from? Where''s your conscience? He''s only 2 years old!]


    [Wah, I''m just asking! The temptation is too great. If I could win over the little prince, I''d not only get a handsome man but the entire Heyuan Group would be mine.]


    [You guys are absolutely insane.]


    Xu Xiuhe nced at his phone and saw these unusual messages, falling into deep thought.


    What should he do about employees always letting their imaginations run wild?


    Suddenly, he realized something. Why were they talking about his son out of the blue in the group chat?


    Xu Xiuhe scrolled through the messages above and his eyes lit up ¨C his wife hade to see him!


    He stood up and left his office. Just then, Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng stepped out of the elevator.


    "Ahem, howe you''re out here?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Because I knew you wereing, so I was waiting for you here," Xu Xiuhe said as he took Xu Yunzheng from her.


    "How did you know we wereing? We didn''t tell you in advance. Don''t tell me you watch the lobby''s security cameras every day?" Shen Yin asked curiously.


    "Maybe we''re just in sync. I always know what you''re thinking," he replied smoothly.


    "Ahem," Shen Yin coughed, feeling shy.


    They quickly entered Xu Xiuhe''s office.


    The group of assistants outside were left dumbfounded. It was the first time they had witnessed their boss being so shameless.


    "I never imagined the boss would be like this."


    "He clearly saw the message in the group chat, yet he has the nerve to say they''re in sync. Ugh!"


    "It''s just a bit of flirting between husband and wife. It''s normal. Mo''er, are you jealous? If you are, go find a boyfriend. If you don''t hurry, you might not be able to find er."


    Yang Mo fake-coughed and said, "Me? I don''t want to plunge into the bitter sea of love. I''m a firm believer in staying single."


    After speaking, Yang Mo nced at Qin Zhenzhen.


    "What about you, Zhenzhen? You''ve never had a boyfriend either, right?"


    "I''m the same as Mo''er. I might not want to find a boyfriend," Qin Zhenzhen replied.


    "Wow, being single is great too. Just look at Elder Sister Gu and Elder Sister Yang ¨C they''re always so busy," one of the junior assistants chimed in.


    "Exactly! If you get married and your husband takes good care of you, that''s fine. But if he doesn''t care about anything, you''re better off not getting married. Living on your own is so much morefortable," another added.


    "That''s right, that''s right," Elder Sister Gu agreed.


    "Li''er, how are things going between you and Liu Assistant?"


    The urge to gossip is universal.


    Everyone turned their attention to Xiao Li''er.


    Xiao Li''er wanted to avoid the topic. She and Liu Bo were just pretending to be a couple. What could she say? It was what it was.


    Xiao Li''er, having read many novels and possessing keen observation skills, had long suspected that something was going on between Yang Mo and Qin Zhenzhen. She just hadn''t been able to confirm it.


    But after seeing that nce Yang Mo gave Qin Zhenzhen earlier, Xiao Li''er was certain. They were definitely a couple.


    Wow, this was too exciting! Such great material for shipping!


    "Mo''er, since you and Zhenzhen both don''t want to get married, why don''t you two live together?" Xiao Li''er suggested deliberately. "You won''t be lonely in your old age. Best friends living together sounds sofortable!"


    "Yeah, I think that''s a great idea," the others chimed in.


    Yang Moughed awkwardly and said, "Well, I suppose it''s not impossible. Right, Zhenzhen?"


    "Sure, why not?" Qin Zhenzhen replied.


    Xiao Li''er wore a knowing smile. This gossip was too juicy! She truly was an unassuming gossip-detecting genius.


    Looking at it this way, she seemed to have figured out who was...


    What they didn''t know was that the two had already been living together.


    Both Qin Zhenzhen and Yang Mo felt a bit nervous, worried that the others might catch on to something.


    After all, many people don''t ept this kind of love. They want to speak out, but after saying it aloud, theyck the courage to face those strange looks. They''re afraid of being called abnormal by others.


    Countless times they wanted to tell their colleagues in the assistant department, but always gave up.


    They''re still afraid, still fearful.


    The people in the assistant department are all nice, good people.


    "Yang Mo, Qin Zhenzhen, you two are so well-matched. If it''s really not working out with others, you should be together," Xiao Li''er continued.


    "What? Can you all ept that? Many people can''t ept this, you know."

 Chapter 188

    "Why can''t it be epted? Nowadays, many foreign countries have legalized it and allow marriage. As long as you''re happy, why care about what others think?"


    "That''s right, Li Er has a point," Elder Sister Gu said. "Let me tell you unmarried ones - when choosing a man, you must be careful. It''s better to stay single than to settle, otherwise it''s too difficult. Look at me - every day after work I still have to cook for that dog of a man. I don''t know how long I can keep living like this. If it weren''t for the kids, I''d really want a divorce."


    "So you see, there''s nothing wrong if you two get together," Xiao Li''er said. "You havemon interests, simr financial situations - it''s perfect."


    Yang Mo and Qin Zhenzhen both felt a bit embarrassed.


    Elder Sister Gu teased, "If those two really got together, we''d save on one wedding gift. But when ites to love, who can say for sure?"


    In Xu Xiuhe''s office, Zhengzheng was pestering Xu Xiuhe to y games with him. Shen Yin sat on Xu Xiuhe''s desk, looking at the thick stacks of documents.


    "You must have been very busytely," Shen Yin asked.


    "It''s not too bad. You must have been very busy too, with all the ordersing into the studio recently," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "That''s over now. It was only hectic for a few days. I''ve trained everyone and adjusted how we take orders. It won''t be so tiring in the future. From now on, I can focus on spending time with my little Zhengzheng."


    "Zhengzheng wants to be with Mommy''s baby!"


    As father and son yed, Shen Yin watched them.


    Shen Yin was particrly curious about how Xu Xiuhe always seemed to know when she and Zhengzheng wereing.


    "How do you always know in advance when Zhengzheng and I areing?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Do you really want to know?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin nodded.


    "What''s in it for me?"


    "What do you want?"


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe thought for a moment. There were many benefits he wanted.


    "Can we discuss what I want tonight?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Ahem," Shen Yin coughed, knowing exactly what Xu Xiuhe was thinking from his tone.


    "You tell me first how you know."


    The two haggled back and forth.


    "My phone is on the desk. You know the password. Open QQ and there''s a group called ''Dominating Heyuan Group.''"


    Shen Yin leaned on Xu Xiuhe''s chair and opened his phone.


    In the small "Dominating Heyuan Group" chat:


    99+ messages


    Curious about the answer and feeling bored, Shen Yin kept scrolling through the chat history.


    It was quite interesting. She kept reading the chat logs, asionallyughing.


    "Yourpany employees are quite adorable," she said.


    "Mm, they are quite adorable," Xu Xiuhe agreed.


    How could they not be adorable? Every day a group of people were shipping him and his wife, constantly sharing their photos and sweet moments. As the subject of their attention, he himself found it quite entertaining.


    "Do they know you''re in this group?" she asked.


    "If they knew I was in this group, would they dare to be so brazen? They often talk bad about me."


    "What do they say?"


    "They say I don''tst long."


    Shen Yin was speechless.


    Only she knew the truth about such matters. Unless someone was hiding under their bed at night, Shen Yin found it hrious.


    "You''reughing? Don''t you know me best?" he said.


    "I don''t know," Shen Yin said innocently.


    "Alright, you don''t know now, but I''ll make sure you do."


    "Daddy, what don''t you know?" Xu Yunzheng asked.


    "Letting your mom know that Daddy is strong and has good stamina."


    "Daddy is strong! Daddy, lift me up high!" Xu Yunzheng said in his childish, sweet voice.


    Xu Xiuhe lifted Zhengzheng up over his head and asked, "Zhengzheng, is Daddy strong?"


    He was asking Zhengzheng, but his eyes were fixed on Shen Yin.


    "How childish," Shen Yinughed.


    "Childish."


    "Hey, how did you get into the group without them knowing?" Shen Yin asked curiously.


    "Liu Bo added me. He had been in the group for a long time without inviting me. Later, he identally revealed it and was forced to add me."


    "And him?"


    "Him? Along with the entire assistant department, they don''t dare speak in the group anymore."


    "Haha, that''s so funny!"


    "They might be nning to create a smaller group."


    "They don''t need to. The assistant department has many people. They organize various documents and send out all kinds of messages every day. They''re not particrly busy and have plenty of time to chat together. Don''t believe me? Go out and look, I bet they''re chatting again."


    This result waspletely unexpected for Shen Yin. She looked surprised.


    "Liu Bo is good to them, possibly because his girlfriend is in the assistant department. He can''t bear to get angry. As long as work efficiency is high, I don''t mind the rest. Sometimes, being happy is most important. When people are happy, efficiency improves. Why should I bother managing them further?"


    Hearing this, Shen Yin was close to giving Xu Xiuhe a thumbs up. Not only did he win people''s hearts, but he also had his own ideas. No wonder Heyuan Group had developed so quickly in just a few short years.


    Perhaps some people are just born to be leaders.


    "The youngdies in your assistant department seem quite nice. Every time Ie, they smile and greet me."


    "Yes, a few young assistants were hiredst year. The older ones have been with thepany from the beginning."


    "So how are those two you mentionedst time, Zhenzhen and Yang Mo?"


    "I don''t know. I promised to keep it confidential."


    "I want to go see."


    "Go ahead. Do you want me toe with you?"


    "No need."


    Shen Yin simply thought the atmosphere in Heyuan Group''s assistant department was good, and after hearing Xu Xiuhe mention those two girls, she became curious and wanted to go see for herself.


    Just as Shen Yin opened the office door, the assistants who had been chatting happily outside suddenly fell silent. They seemed a bit nervous.


    The boss''s wife hade down to inspect, and they felt guilty. They had just been talking so much, would they be criticized?


    Shen Yin walked to the office area.


    "What''s wrong? Why did it suddenly get so quiet? Did I disturb you?"


    Xiao Li''er and Yang Mo exchanged nces.


    "No, not at all."


    "They''re ying games inside, father and son. I was bored in there, so I came out for a walk," Shen Yin said with a gentle smile.


    Seeing Shen Yin up close again, the group could hardly take their eyes off her.


    Shen Yin was the boss''s wife, but she was also a beauty. Who doesn''t like looking at beautiful women?


    "Ma''am, your skin is really nice," Xiao Li''er couldn''t help but say.


    Shen Yin had good habits and a good foundation. Combined with her regr exercise and sweating, her face was wless, with pores so fine they were almost invisible. Her skin was delicate and smooth,parable even to that of a baby.


    "Thank you. Maintaining good habits and regr exercise are beneficial for the skin," Shen Yin said, and with that, the conversation among the group opened up.


    They had barely been talking for two minutes when Liu Bo walked out of his office. He had originally intended toe and get some documents, but found the CEO''s wife was there.


    "Li Er, is Special Assistant Liu here to see you?"

 Chapter 189

    After all, Liu Bo''s hesitant demeanor didn''t seem to indicate anything serious.


    Xiao Li''er felt embarrassed as the others teased her.


    Standing nearby, Shen Yin felt like she was intruding and prepared to leave. As she turned to go, she took a deliberate look, easily distinguishing between those who were married and those who weren''t. She could immediately tell who Qin Zhenzhen and Yang Mo were.


    She found herself wondering when she had be so nosy. It must be Xu Xiuhe''s influence rubbing off on her.


    In thepany group chat, people were still enthusiastically shipping the "Yin He Couple."


    Shen Yin returned to Xu Xiuhe''s office and sat back down in the chair at his desk, picking up her phone.


    "The ''Yin He Couple'' has a nice ring to it," Shen Yin remarked.


    "I don''t particrly like it," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Why not?"


    "The implication doesn''t seem positive. What is the Milky Way, after all? It''s what separates the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, preventing them from meeting."


    Shen Yin was taken aback.


    "That''s just a folk tale, a myth," she said.


    [What are we going to do about Assistant Liu?]


    Shen Yin looked at the message and asked, "Xiuhe, what happened to Assistant Liu? Why are people in the group chat wondering what to do about him?"


    Xu Xiuhe walked over, having a general idea of the situation. While people above were shipping him and his wife, someone suddenly popped up asking what to do about Assistant Liu.


    He had been keeping an eye on the group chat messagestely and naturally knew they were shipping him with Liu Bo.


    [Liu Bo is in a rtionship.]


    [What? Bro, which department are you in? Is this info reliable?]


    [Holy crap! The eternal bachelor has a girlfriend? I suddenly feel like I''m one step closer to finding love.]


    [Oh my god, Assistant Liu has a partner? Could it be that the recent mixer was effective? Why don''t I have a partner?]


    [So who is it?]


    A flurry of messages tagged Xu Xiuhe''s alternate ount.


    [It''s his assistant, Xiao Li''er.]


    [Wow, internal affairs in the assistant department, huh? I heard there are still a few single girls there. Can someone set me up?]


    It was just about time to clock out, and the messages in the group chat were multiplying rapidly.


    [What did I just see? They''ve been keeping this under wraps so well.]


    [A new ship has set sail!]


    [Quick,e up with a couple name for Liu Bo and Xiao Li''er.]


    [ss CP? Bo Xiao CP? Liuli CP?]


    [Let''s go with thest one. ss isn''t as precious as liuli.]


    The people in the assistant department were nearly dying ofughter as they read the group chat messages. If they remembered correctly, the person who just announced that Liu Bo was in a rtionship was their CEO''s alternate ount.


    So their boss knew about Liu Bo and Xiao Li''er''s office romance? That was impressive¡ªhe really had his finger on the pulse of everything.


    "Is it possible that the boss''s wife noticed something between them earlier and used the CEO''s phone to post about it when she got back?" Yang Mo suggested.


    The others considered this and agreed it was usible.


    "Then she must have seen all the messages shipping the Yin He Couple too."


    "I wonder how it feels to get the inside scoop from the main characters themselves."


    Liu Bo was in his office, frantically reading through the group chat messages. He was panicking¡ªhow could the CEO just spill everything like that? It wasn''t true; it was all fake!


    He was now worried that Xiao Li''er would get angry and confront himter.


    "Ready for dinner?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Daddy, dinner!" the little one chimed in.


    "Alright."


    Xu Xiuhe put down his phone and picked up his son.


    Shen Yin grabbed Xu Xiuhe''s phone and the baby bag, and they headed down to the cafeteria.


    This time, Xu Xiuhe didn''t suggest eating out. Thest time they ate in the employee cafeteria, things had gotten quite awkward. A sessful man never stumbles twice in the same ce, even if he knew that particr situation was unlikely to happen again.


    Suddenly, Shen Yin''s phone rang.


    When she answered, Qi Ji''s baby face filled the entire screen.


    "Sister Yin Yin," Qi Ji greeted.


    "Ah, Qi Ji."


    "Wrong, not Qi Ji. From now on, you should call me your inw."


    Shen Yin looked confused for a moment before it dawned on her.


    "Qi Ji, are you pregnant?"


    Shu Yi, who had just entered the room, caught the tail end of the conversation: "Qi Ji, are you pregnant?"


    "Oh my goodness, Qi Ji, you''re my hero!" Shu Yi eximed.


    Shu Yi was certain she hadn''t misheard. Qi Ji was a woman of actionst month she said she wanted a baby, and this month she was telling them she was expecting.


    "Don''t get too excited. The most thrilled should be Zhengzheng¡ªhe''s going to have a wife in the future," Qi Ji said.


    "I''m so envious that you two are bing inws," Shu Yi said, genuinely jealous.


    "Can you really tell if the baby is a boy or a girl so quickly?" Shen Yin asked curiously.


    "We can''t," Qi Ji replied.


    "Then how do you know the baby in your belly is a girl?"


    "I''m guessing. It''s a spiritual connection. Even if it''s not a girl, it will be one."


    "Hahaha, that''s one way to look at it. As the godmother, I''d better work hard and earn money. In the future, I''ll not only have to buy gifts for my goddaughter, but I''ll also have to give a red envelope when my godson and goddaughter get married."


    "You''re thinking that far ahead?"


    "Is it really that far off? Let me tell you some good news¡ªI''ve just wrapped up this drama, and next, I''m going on a trip. I''m going somewhere far, far away."


    "Where to?"


    "The Tibetan City."


    "Sister Shu Yi is so cute. One moment she''s talking about working hard to earn money, and the next she''s going on vacation."


    Shen Yin chuckled as well. "I''ve got to go now. I''m getting hungry, so I''m off to eat."


    "Bye-bye, Yin Yin."


    "Bye-bye, inw."


    Shen Yin put down her phone. Xu Xiuhe had already set out all the dishes.


    "Qi Ji is pregnant?" he asked.


    "Yep, you''ve got an inw now."


    "Inw, inw!" Xu Yunzheng pped his hands.


    "It''s not your inw. You now have a father-inw and a mother-inw. In the future, when you meet Uncle Jing Rui and Auntie Qi Ji, you''ll have to call them Dad and Mom," Xu Xiuhe exined to Xu Yunzheng.


    "But Zhengzheng already has a dad and mom," the little one protested.


    "He''s still young; he doesn''t understand yet. When he''s older, there wille a time when he''ll want to call them that," Shen Yin said.


    "Are you scared?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Of what?"


    "Afraid that when Zhengzheng gets a wife, he''ll forget his mother," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "Zhengzheng won''t forget his mother when he gets a wife," the little one dered, lifting his face.


    Hearing this, Shen Yin said, "I''m not afraid."


    Shen Yin truly wasn''t afraid. There''s a saying that raising a child is a journey of self-cultivation, nurturing the parents'' emotions and wisdom.


    Shen Yin had always believed that if a child is raised well, they won''t forget their mother.


    There''s a popr saying online: "The hardest job in the world is being a mom."


    Although Shen Yin did not experience ten months of pregnancy, after such a long time together, the same blood flows in their bones. She has already made Zheng Zheng an inseparable part of her life.


    Zheng Zheng is so well-behaved and kind now; his future path will surely be smooth.


    Even if one day Zheng Zheng leaves her to sail far away on his own,


    She will always wish him well. Even if he forgets her in the future, Shen Yin won''t feel sad. Life always has partings, and most of life''s journey is solitary. In the end, the only one who will apany her into old age is likely to be her partner.

 Chapter 190

    Shu Yi didn''t go directly to Tibet, but returned to Rong City.


    The group hadn''t seen each other for a long time, and Qi Ji wanted to see her son-inw quickly, so she organized another dinner gathering.


    "Zhengzheng, let your mother-inw give you a hug."


    "Pretty auntie," Zhengzheng hadn''t seen Qi Ji for a long time, but when they met again, he didn''t act shy at all.


    "His memory is really excellent," Shu Yi marveled.


    "I don''t know if kids nowadays are too smart, or if my godson is just too clever. In any case, I was pretty clueless when I was little, not understanding anything," Shu Yi said.


    "Sister Shu Yi, why do you want to go to Tibetan City? Although it''s beautiful, it''s easy to get altitude sickness there."


    "Maybe I want to let myself go, to travel far away. I''ve always gone to ces that are rtively close before, but this time I have a longer break, so I want to go on a spur-of-the-moment trip."


    "Be careful."


    "By the way, is there any follow-up on Qi Yan''s situation?" Shu Yi asked curiously.


    She had been filming for a while and such a big event had urred. Who could have imagined that such a high position could be entered just like that?


    It really is true that if the top beam is crooked, the lower ones will be askew. So how a child turns out has a lot to do with their parents'' education. If the parents go astray, it subtly influences the children.


    "There is a follow-up. Just a few days after the news broke, my brother Jingrui and I happened to go back to the old house. Their family''s house was confiscated, and then her father''s illegitimate son showed up."


    "An illegitimate son?"


    "Yes, he looks a bit like Qi Yan, only 9 years old."


    "Then what happened?"


    "Later, this boy was sent to an orphanage by his father. Qi Yan''s mother reportedly fell ill due to the great shock, suffered a stroke, and it''s uncertain whether she''ll wake up for the rest of her life."


    "Qi Yan''s mother is also a pitiful person."


    "Perhaps those who are pitiful must have something detestable about them," Shen Yin said.


    "Let''s not worry about them now, let''s order first."


    "Sister Yin Yin, guess if they''re still next door," Qi Ji asked.


    "Try a video call," Shu Yi suggested.


    Qi Ji took out her phone and made a video call.


    Indeed, they were in the private room next door.


    "Who is it?"


    "Qi Ji."


    "Damn, Jingrui, blur the background," Chang Zhiyuan said.


    "Why do we need to blur the background?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    This question really stumped Chang Zhiyuan. Indeed, why blur the background? They were openly having a meal together, coincidentally next door to them. What were they afraid of? It''s not like they were doing anything shameful.


    "Brother Jingrui, where are you?"


    "Guess."


    "I guess you''re next door to us."


    "You''ve be smarter."


    "I''ve always been smart, okay? Don''t look down on art students, my academic grades were quite good."


    "Alright, Qi Ji is smart, and our baby will be smart in the future too," Xue Jingrui said with a doting expression.


    Chang Zhiyuan felt sour; he was the only single one among them.


    "Little cabbage in the field, yellow and unloved, can only cry," Chang Zhiyuan deliberately raised his voice.


    Shu Yi actually heard it. She also knew very well that Chang Zhiyuan was saying it for her to hear, but what could she do?


    Without fail, as soon as they finished eating, the three men woulde over.


    "Sister Shu Yi, are you really not considering Chang Zhiyuan?"


    Shu Yi had considered it. To be honest, Chang Zhiyuan had indeed been good to her during this time, taking care of her on set. Anyone could see that Chang Zhiyuan was pursuing her.


    How could she not be moved? What touches people''s hearts has never been what a man says, but what he does for you. Looking at it this way, Chang Zhiyuan had indeed put his heart into it.


    And it had been several months now. It was already the end of September, from when he sent her a bag in March until now, it had been six months, half a year.


    She also suspected that perhaps the unattainable is always the best, because of men''s desire to conquer, so he could keep pursuing her.


    But she was a romantic at heart. If she couldn''t hold back and ended up getting hurt in the end, she would surely feel like dying, in unbearable pain.


    "We''ll see, I haven''t decided yet," Shu Yi sighed.


    "Take it slow, no rush. You''re still young. Look, how many young female celebrities, just at the start of their careers, rush into marriage?" Shen Yinforted her.


    She now understood this world pretty well, keeping up with most news and events. She also paid attention to entertainment news, after all, many of her studio''s clients were from the industry.


    After they finished eating, the three men really came from next door, as if it had all happened just yesterday.


    "Everyone get some rest early, especially you, little Qi Ji," Shen Yin reminded.


    Among the three, she seemed to be the most mature psychologically.


    "Not little Qi Ji, but mother-inw."


    "Alright, alright, mother-inw, go to bed early, and be good to my future daughter-inw."


    Qi Ji happily bounced out of the private room like a child, with Xue Jingrui following behind like an old father, carrying the bags.


    "She''s really happy," Shu Yi sighed.


    "Yes, carefree. That''s good, it''s good for my future daughter-inw," Shen Yin said.


    "Ah, you two are already calling each other inws, and talking about son-inw and daughter-inw. I have reason to suspect you''re isting me."


    "You''re overthinking it, we''re not doing that at all."


    "Alright, I''m heading back too."


    "Together."


    "You''re going back to Ziyue Manor?"


    "Yes."


    "Yin Yin, do you know who''s the happiest about you returning to Ziyue Manor?" Shu Yi asked.


    "Who?"


    "Me. I''lle freeload meals at your ce when I return from my trip."


    Since Shu Yi and Shen Yin were going the same way, Chang Zhiyuan wanted to send Shu Yi home, but was refused by Shu Yi.


    Chang Zhiyuan had no reason to insist.


    A spur-of-the-moment trip really was spontaneous.


    The next morning, Shu Yi had packed her luggage and headed to the airport.


    She only told her parents, Qi Ji, and Shen Yin.


    No one else knew, including her assistant.


    She flew to Chuan City, and then started taking the train to enter Tibetan City.


    At each ce, she reported her safety to the group chat.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe said they were envious.


    The man stroked Shen Yin''s hair and said, "After the National Day holiday, when there are fewer people, we''ll go on a honeymoon too."


    "Then during this time, I''ll take care of the studio''s affairs."


    Actually, the studio''s affairs no longer needed her intervention, she just needed to give some final instructions.


    These days, apart from looking after Zhengzheng, teaching her to recite ancient poems, doing arithmetic with her, and telling her stories, she didn''t have much else to do.


    It was good that Zhengzheng was there to keep herpany, otherwise she would have felt bored.


    "Where should we go for our trip?"


    "Where would you like to go?"


    "Somewhere with fewer people, I suppose." The man spent the whole evening on his phone andputer, researching travel tips.


    "How are we going to get there? By ne?" Shen Yin asked.

 Chapter 191

    "We''re not taking a ne. I just looked at an RV. I''ll go buy it tomorrow."


    "Is it like Shu Yi''s RV?"


    Xu Xiuhe thought for a moment, realizing there was a difference. The RV Shu Yi had on set was probably specifically for actors. It was different from the one he had been looking at.


    Xu Xiuhe had already set his sights on a particr RV - an off-road model worth 9 million yuan, 9 meters long and 2 meters wide.


    The interior was spacious, with four booth seats, two hidden beds, a bathroom, a small kitchen with a washing machine, and a refrigerator. It was essentially apact apartment.


    "What do you think of this kind of RV?" Xu Xiuhe handed the tablet to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin took it, zooming in on the images and examining the details.


    "This is much bigger than Shu Yi''s RV, and it''s so well-equipped inside."


    "An actor''s RV is different from one for traveling."


    "I just ordered it. It should be delivered tomorrow. I''ll go to the office to catch up on work during the National Day holiday, and we''ll set off after the holiday ends."


    "Whatever you arrange is fine. I''m not very familiar with these things."


    Shen Yin truly wasn''t familiar with other ces. In ancient times, travel was inconvenient, and it took a long time to go anywhere. So Shen Yin had never been on a long journey, not even to visit her maternal grandfather who had returned to his hometown years ago.


    "Honey."


    With just one look from Xu Xiuhe, Shen Yin knew what he was thinking.


    "Not now, okay?"


    The man seemed to have been doused with cold water, but then he thought of something.


    "Wait a moment."


    Xu Xiuhe left the bedroom and went down to the kitchen.


    Every time Shen Yin had her special period, she didn''t have much of a reaction. She wouldn''t feel ufortable in her stomach, as if nothing was wrong.


    But Xu Xiuhe had read many CEO novels, which said that women need special care during their special period, like drinking brown sugar and red date tea.


    "Why did you bring this up?"


    The implication was that she didn''t seem to need brown sugar and red date tea, as her stomach wasn''t hurting.


    "Books say that drinking brown sugar and red date tea during your period warms your body and is good for your health," the man said sincerely.


    Shen Yin took the brown sugar and red date tea and drank it in a few gulps.


    "Thank you, but you don''t need to make this for me next time. My body doesn''t need it."


    When Shen Yin had checked her pulse, she discovered that this body was quite good. Ever since she learned that the original owner didn''t want to have children, she had examined the body.


    If a woman doesn''t take good care of herself during the postpartum period, she can fall ill. Perhaps it was the power of money, but during her confinement, she had several postpartum caregivers.


    "I want to eat something cold."


    Shen Yin had one particrly bad habit. Usually, she didn''t want to eat cold foods, but during her special period, she especially craved them. Fortunately, she could control herself, and had even made Shu Yi avoid certain foods before.


    Controlling herself was one thing, but craving cold foods was another.


    Shen Yin wasn''t actually that old, but she always presented a mature side of herself.


    "Be good, you can eat that when this is over. You can''t eat it now." Xu Xiuhe put the cup on the bedside table,y down, and hugged Shen Yin.


    "The moon outside is so bright. Is it almost Mid-Autumn Festival?" Shen Yin looked out the window, then turned and wrapped her arms around Xu Xiuhe''s waist.


    She rarely showed her vulnerable side to others. Xu Xiuhe was the first.


    Sometimes, an embrace can truly warm one''s heart.


    Shen Yin was like a hedgehog, with a thickyer of armor on the outside, but soft and tender on the inside. Because she feared pain and injury, she tightly wrapped herself up.


    "It''sing soon, in about a month. We might be celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival outside by then." Xu Xiuhe gently patted Shen Yin''s back, soothing her like a child.


    Her breathing gradually steadied as Shen Yin fell asleep.


    Shu Yi had arrived in Western Sichuan, very close to the Tibetan City. Perhaps due to excitement, she found herself unable to sleep.


    The moon outside wasrge and round. She suddenly remembered a scene from her new drama, ''I Just Want to Be With You''.


    The female lead said she wanted to see the moon, to see it hanging from the treetops, to experience it directly overhead.


    But that night, not only was it not cloudy, it was pouring rain, making it impossible to see the moon.


    Yet the male lead said he would watch the moon with her.


    The world was very quiet, with the bright moon gently lulling people to sleep.


    But Shu Yi''s heart was far from calm.


    She was the female lead, and Chang Zhiyuan was the male lead.


    Because of one plot point, because of something she said, Chang Zhiyuan changed the script and created a moon.


    This scene was postponed for a long time and was only filmed just before wrapping up.


    Because during his free time on set, Chang Zhiyuan had been making a moon - one that could shine even on a rainy night.


    Those who gaze at the moon each have their own thoughts. Everyone is like a moon, with a side they''re unwilling to show others. Just like her - it seemed she had fallen for him.


    In that scene, to let the female lead see the moon on a cloudy day, the male lead made her a moonmp, a handmade one.


    The prop for this moonmp was made by Chang Zhiyuan himself. At first, Shu Yi didn''t know and thought it was prepared by the props department.


    Chang Zhiyuan reshot some footage.


    Butter she saw the behind-the-scenes footage.


    The moonmp was made of wood, with thin wood shavings that could transmit light. Using a balloon as the core, the thin wood shavings were glued onto it bit by bit.


    The wood shavings themselves weren''t smooth and could easily pop the balloon. Chang Zhiyuan burst many balloons before finally mastering the right pressure and understanding how much glue was needed for the wood shavings to be translucent enough to let light through.


    Watching the video of Chang Zhiyuan with glue in one hand, still trying and pasting, Shu Yi couldn''t help but be moved.


    This prop, which he wasn''t supposed to make, took him a long time toplete.


    The final moon was round andrge, and even waterproof.


    Shu Yi knew he wasn''t just pursuing perfection.


    When reading the script, she had said, "The male lead making a wooden moon for the female lead is so romantic."


    Later, he personally glued those tiny wood shavings together, piece by piece.


    So, he must be serious, right?


    People always feel happiest when approaching happiness, but be anxious and worried when in the midst of it.


    So what was she? She was content with her current life, but over the years, as she had emerged from her insecurities and transformed from an ugly duckling into a swan in others'' eyes, she still remained insecure at her core.


    She didn''t feel extremely happy, nor was she truly happy, yet she had already begun to worry about losing what she had.


    The bright moon between the clouds was racing towards fullness, as the clouds gradually dispersed.


    Shu Yi sat by the hotel window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky. Her thoughts were elsewhere.


    At 24 years old, her romantic life was a nk te. From her once unwavering determination to her current state of gradual uncertainty, she had be afraid.


    This trip to the Tibetan City, rather than being a rxation after finishing her film shoot, was more of an opportunity she had given herself to erase the feelings that shouldn''t have arisen in her heart.


    They say the winds of the Tibetan City can carry away one''s sorrows.

 Chapter 192

    It''s said that the air in Tibetan City can cleanse one''s soul, so everything will pass.


    After staying in a hotel for several days, Shu Yi fully equipped herself and went to arge mall in Western Sichuan to purchase supplies for her trip to Tibet.


    Shen Yin also bought quite a few items. It had been a long time since she had the chance to showcase her culinary skills and prepare a full table of dishes. Now that she wasn''t busy, she naturally wanted to make more delicious food to treat herself.


    The Indian summer was still ongoing, and the weather was stuffy and hot, so it was important to stimte the appetite.


    Shen Yin made a cold noodle sd with sour and spicy dressing as the main course. She mixed minced garlic, sesame seeds, and chili powder with hot oil, then added soy sauce, oyster sauce, aged vinegar, salt, and sugar. After cooking the noodles, she drained them and added various seasonal vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber strips, andtro.


    The cold noodle sd looked vibrant and tasted delicious.


    Worried that the noodles might be too sour and spicy for little Zhengzheng, Shen Yin specially made eggnt meat patties for him as the main dish.


    She also prepared shrimp and egg custard, spicy chicken wings, boneless chicken feet, carp and tofu soup, "tiger skin" eggs, garlic vermicelli, and king oyster mushrooms in a fragrant sauce.


    "Mommy, it''s delicious," said the little one, holding an eggnt meat patty in one hand and a small spoon in the other to scoop up the carp soup from his bowl.


    After the meal, Xu Xiuhe volunteered to clean up the table, while Shen Yin was pulled into the living room by Zhengzheng.


    "Mommy, draw," the little one said, bringing out his coloring book for Shen Yin to color.


    "Sweetie, this is green. Look at the crayons and find the one that matches this color. Then you can use it to color this area," Shen Yin instructed.


    She had bought the coloring book, initially hesitating and worrying that Zhengzheng might be too young to understand or know how to color. But after bringing it home on a whim, she discovered that she had greatly underestimated Zhengzheng. Not only could he use the crayons to fill in the colors, but he did so with great patience, coloring every corner neatly.


    Shen Yin also noticed something else ¨C in professional terms, Zhengzheng showed signs of obsessivepulsive disorder.


    This was a trait that Xu Xiuhe didn''t have.


    When ying with building blocks, the little one would arrange them extremely neatly. After ying with toys, he would put them away in storage boxes, arranging them perfectly straight without any misalignment.


    Even when eating and spitting out bones, he would arrange them neatly on the dining table.


    The little one lowered his head to color for a while, then unexpectedly fell asleep while kneeling.


    Shen Yin carried him to the sofa and continued coloring the unfinished parts of his picture.


    When Xu Xiuhe came out of the kitchen, he saw Shen Yin lying on the sofa like a child doing homework, carefully coloring the picture book.


    "Are you drawing?" he asked.


    "No, this is Zhengzheng''s coloring book. It''s quite interesting. Look, after coloring, the patterns be clear. It''s quite satisfying," she replied.


    "Don''t you feel satisfied when you paint your own pictures?" Xu Xiuhe asked. He had seen Shen Yin''s paintings before ¨C whether Chinesendscapes or Western oil paintings, they all had clear lines and distinct colors, very aesthetically pleasing.


    "I do, but it''s a different kind of satisfaction," she exined.


    Xu Xiuhe sat down.


    "What''s the matter? You''re sitting down too," Shen Yin remarked.


    "Let''s date," he said.


    Shen Yin almost had a question mark written on her face.


    "Our dating isn''t over yet. Isn''t this what young couples do nowadays? Doing activities together, you draw, and I watch."


    "What''s there to watch in this? It''s boring. This is for children to exercise their minds, improve concentration, and distinguish colors. I''m only doing it because I find it satisfying. I''m not drawing you, so you don''t have to watch."


    "Good idea. You can draw me instead."


    Xu Xiuhe felt a bit jealous. There were many oil paintings by Shen Yin in the house, but the subject of each one was Xu Yunzheng. Why hadn''t she painted one of him?


    "Alright, I''ll draw you," she agreed.


    They carried Zhengzheng back to his room on the second floor and put him to bed. Zhengzheng usually slept soundly during his naps, typically for about three hours without waking up.


    Feeling assured, they went up to the third floor.


    In Ziyue Manor, the first floor consisted of the living room, kitchen, dining room, and guest room. The second floor had the master bedroom, secondary bedrooms, and a study. The third floor was for various entertainment, fitness, and leisure activities.


    Shen Yin''s painting supplies were on the third floor.


    Xu Xiuhe found a spot with good lighting and moved Shen Yin''s easel there.


    Then he took off his shirt.


    "What are you doing?" she asked.


    "Aren''t many oil painting models shirtless in foreign countries? Don''t figure models pose without shirts?"


    "Do you have some misunderstanding about oil painting? Qi Ji studied at the Academy of Fine Arts for several years, majoring in oil painting, and I''ve never heard that oil painting models don''t wear shirts."


    "It''s fine. You''re the one painting, and only you will see it. It doesn''t matter whether I wear a shirt or not."


    Unable to persuade Xu Xiuhe otherwise, Shen Yin went along with it.


    Due to his regr workouts, Xu Xiuhe had an impressive physique. His skin tone was a perfect bnce between tanned and fair. His abdominal muscles were well-defined, with just the right amount of muscle.


    Shen Yin nced up once, then quickly lowered her head. Showing off abs in broad daylight, how inappropriate!


    "Why aren''t you looking at me while you draw?" he asked.


    Shen Yin, blushing, replied, "You know very well why."


    "Wife, are you feeling shy?"


    Shen Yin dared not look up again. In broad daylight, that upper body was just...


    "Be quiet! Models aren''t supposed to talk."


    "I''m not just your oil painting model, I''m also your husband. Or are you saying you know me so well that you can draw me without even looking?"


    "Mm-hmm, I remember well enough."


    "It''s been a while since you''ve really gotten familiar with my body. Why don''t we reacquaint ourselves?"


    Shen Yin was past her special period, and Xu Xiuhe had no reservations. His words were flirtatious, and his actions even more so. Shen Yin couldn''t resist.


    And so, in the afternoon, on the third floor, next to the easel...


    "That''s enough, Zhengzheng will wake up soon," Shen Yin said, exhausted. Judging by the sun outside, she guessed the time. Zhengzheng should indeed be waking up soon.


    "Did you n this all along?" Shen Yin asked.


    "No, it''s just that you kept blushing. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing," he replied.


    Shen Yin would be a fool to believe a man''s lies. Spur of the moment? How could everything be so well-prepared then? She didn''t believe he carried those things with him all the time. It must have been premeditated.


    When they went downstairs, Zhengzheng had just woken up. Rubbing his eyes, he asked, "Daddy, Mommy, is it dark outside?"


    "No, it''s not dark yet, Zhengzheng."


    "Wah, Zhengzheng had a nightmare. Zhengzheng dreamed of falling into water."


    "Zhengzheng, it was just a dream, not real. Mommy''s here to hold you," Shen Yin said, scooping up Zhengzheng tofort her before she even had a chance to wash up.


    "Water... water..." the little one whimpered, her voice choked with tears.


    "There, there. Dreams aren''t real, sweetie. Don''t cry, Zhengzheng. You''re safe in Mommy''s arms. There''s no water here," Shen Yin soothed.


    Xu Yunzheng clung tightly to Shen Yin''s neck, burying his face in her shoulder.


    "What''s wrong? Did he not wake up properly?" Xu Xiuhe asked as he came downstairs, noticing Zhengzheng crying.

 Chapter 193

    "I think he had a nightmare. He''s been crying since he woke up, saying something about water."


    Xu Xiuhe was also a first-time father, and faced with this situation, he felt at a loss. If it had been Shen Yin having a nightmare, he could haveforted her. But when a child has a nightmare and is frightened, they often can''t hear what adults are saying.


    "It''s okay, Zhengzheng. Don''t be afraid. Mommy and Daddy are here," Shen Yin said, gently patting Zhengzheng''s back.


    The little one''s cries gradually subsided, but he still felt no sense of security, curling up small in Shen Yin''s arms.


    "Let me hold him. He''s quite heavy," Xu Xiuhe said, reaching out to take Zhengzheng.


    "No, no! Want Mommy!" Zhengzheng clung even tighter.


    "It''s alright, I''m not tired," Shen Yin reassured her husband.


    Shen Yin had been holding Zhengzheng for a long time. When she tried to put him down, his whole body protested.


    With him like this, Shen Yin couldn''t do anything else.


    Even dinner was prepared by Xu Xiuhe.


    "What do you want to eat?"


    "I don''t feel like eating. I''m a bit worried about him," Shen Yin replied.


    "I''ll make something light to fill our stomachs, then we can take him to see a doctor."


    "Okay, which department should we go to?"


    Xu Xiuhe was stumped. He really didn''t know which department to visit when a baby has a nightmare and is too scared to stop crying.


    Xu Xiuhe made some egg drop soup and stir-fried potato strips, but neither of them ate much.


    "Zhengzheng, would you like some soup? You''ll be hungry if you don''t eat," Shen Yin coaxed.


    Xu Yunzheng, still in Shen Yin''s arms, didn''t speak but shook his head in refusal.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe were truly rmed. Zhengzheng had never been like this before. Logically, he should have forgotten about the nightmare by now.


    They had forgotten one thing: Zhengzheng had a good memory.


    "Let''s take him to the hospital. Wait downstairs for a moment, I''ll go up and pack some things for him," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    He went upstairs, grabbed Zhengzheng''s daily-use bag, and brought down Shen Yin''s phone as well.


    The man drove, and the family of three arrived at Rong City''srgest pediatric hospital.


    After consulting with several doctors, they were told that in such cases, parentalpanionship andfort were needed to reduce the child''s anxiety. They advised not to leave the baby alone in a room and said it would get better in a few days.


    With no other options, the family returned home.


    Back at the house, Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng towards the second floor, but as soon as they started up the stairs, Zhengzheng began to cry again.


    "Stairs... water..." he whimpered.


    "Try again," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    Shen Yin took a couple more steps up, but Zhengzheng cried even louder.


    She quickly retreated to the first floor.


    "What should we do?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Let''s all sleep downstairs tonight. We won''t go upstairs for now," Xu Xiuhe proposed. "I''ll go up and bring down our pajamas and Zhengzheng''s, and the toiletries too."


    "Alright."


    Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng to the guest bedroom downstairs.


    "Zhengzheng, shall we take a bath?" she asked gently.


    "No, no!" he protested.


    "But you won''t feelfortable sleeping without a bath. Let''s go to the bathroom, okay? You''ll smell nice after a bath."


    As Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng towards the bathroom, he started crying fiercely again.


    "No water, no water! Scared!"


    Xu Yunzheng was trembling in Shen Yin''s arms, which terrified her.


    "What''s wrong? Is he still scared?" Xu Xiuhe asked, concerned.


    "He''s afraid of water. He doesn''t want to go upstairs or to the bathroom. What should we do?" Shen Yin had never experienced anything like this before.


    Seeing Zhengzheng like this broke her heart, and she couldn''t help but shed tears herself.


    "Let''s just put him to bed for now. Once he''s sound asleep, we can wipe him down with a towel," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    Shen Yin paced back and forth in the room, holding Zhengzheng.


    "You go take a shower first. He''ll probably be asleep by the time you''re done, then I''ll go in."


    Xu Xiuhe took his pajamas and a towel into the bathroom while Shen Yin continued to gently pat Zhengzheng''s back.


    After a while, Zhengzheng finally fell asleep.


    When Xu Xiuhe came out of the bathroom, he carefully took Xu Yunzheng from Shen Yin''s arms.


    Shen Yin showered distractedly, worried that Zhengzheng might have another nightmare or start crying again. She finished much quicker than usual.


    "Did he wake up?" she asked as she came out.


    "No, he''s still asleep."


    "That''s good. I suspect he might have dreamed about water, and it was on the second floor, which is why he doesn''t want to go upstairs or take a bath."


    "There''s not much a doctor can do about this. Tomorrow is thest day of the National Day holiday. Why don''t we leave tomorrow night?"


    "Is everything settled at thepany?"


    "Yes, I''ve signed all the necessary documents. Liu Bo can handle the rest of the work, and we can have meetings online."


    "Hmm? How long are we nning to go for? It sounds like you''re preparing for a long trip."


    "About a month. I''ve never really been on a vacation before. I was always too busy with work. Now the timing is perfect, we can travel for a while and spend time with Zhengzheng."


    The next day, early in the morning, Xu Xiuhe drove to the supermarket to buy supplies.


    Zhengzheng still refused to go upstairs and stuck to Shen Yin like glue, almost like her little shadow.


    "Mommy, where''s Daddy?" he asked.


    "Daddy went to buy some things. We''re going on a trip this afternoon. Are you excited, Zhengzheng?"


    "Yes!"


    Shen Yin crouched down and felt Zhengzheng''s forehead. She had read that when babies sleep curled up, it''s a sign of feeling insecure.


    That was exactly how Zhengzheng had been. The entire night, the little one''s body hadn''t rxed, his brow furrowed the whole time. What kind of dream could make a baby remember it for so long?


    Since the baby wouldn''t go upstairs and wouldn''t let Shen Yin go up either, she couldn''t pack their luggage. Fortunately, Xu Xiuhe had a good memory and was reliable. He made several trips up and down the stairs, packing luggage for all three of them and loading it into the RV.


    It was also Shen Yin''s first time in Xu Xiuhe''s newly purchased RV. The space inside was indeed quiterge, almost like a small home.


    "Mommy, Huahua!" Zhengzheng suddenly said.


    Shen Yin nced at Xu Xiuhe. They hadn''t initially nned to bring Huahua along. There were three dogs (Tibetan Mastiffs) at Ziyue Manor, and they had staff specifically to feed and bathe them, so Xu Xiuhe wasn''t worried about Huahua and the others going hungry at home.


    "Do you mean Huahua or Pi Pi?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Huahua!"


    Xu Xiuhe made ast-minute decision to bring Huahua along. Huahua had grown up with Zhengzheng, so even though there were other Tibetan Mastiffs, Zhengzheng still favored Huahua and always wanted to share his food with her.


    The family of three and their dog moved into the RV. Xu Xiuhe''s driver''s license was just right for operating this vehicle. Initially, Xu Xiuhe had considered hiring a professional RV driver, but then he thought that since it was a family trip for the three of them, it would be better if they did everything themselves.


    "Are you all settled in?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Xu Xiuhe was at the wheel, while Shen Yin and Zhengzheng sat at the booth in the back. Taking an RV trip was a first-time experience for both Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe. They weren''t sure what kind of challenges they might encounter on the road.


    However, they firmly believed that as long as the family of three stuck together, they could ovee any difficult situation they might face.

 Chapter 194

    [We''re setting off too!]


    Shen Yin posted a photo of their RV in the small group chat, along with a travel-themed emoji.


    [I''m heading to Tibet.]


    Shu Yi shared a photo of herself on the train.


    Qi Ji expressed how envious she was, wondering why everyone was going on trips. Had they secretly nned this behind her back?


    [Sister Shu Yi, you''re actually taking the train?]


    Qi Ji was shocked. After all, Sister Shu Yi was a well-known actress now. Walking down the street, 8 out of 10 people would recognize her. Of the other two, one would be an elderly person and the other a child.


    [Yes, I am.]


    [Aren''t you afraid of being recognized? Sister, what about your image as an idol?]


    [What''s this ''idol image'' thing?]


    Shen Yin asked.


    [Sister Shen Yin, ''idol image'' is inte ng. It basically means that beautiful people, especially in your industry, care a lot about their appearance.]


    [I see. If Shu Yi dares to take the train now, she must have made herselfpletely unrecognizable.]


    Shen Yin remarked.


    Shu Yi sat on the train. She might have looked ordinary earlier, but now she had an image to maintain. The train to Tibet had privatepartments. When boarding, she wore a very in coat, arge hat, and a face mask. Without looking closely, no one would realize she was a celebrity.


    Indeed, who would imagine that a morous superstar would choose to travel by train?


    Ever since Ye Rong learned about Qi Ji''s pregnancy, she had neglected thepany, spending all day at home researching various foods for pregnant women.


    Qi Ji felt like she had already gained weight.


    "What''s wrong? You''re pouting. Did I upset you? You look unhappy," Xue Jingrui asked, lying on the bed.


    "It''s not that, Brother Jingrui. Do you think I''ve gotten fat? I feel like I''ve be so round."


    Xue Jingrui looked at Qi Ji carefully and said, "Where are you round? You''re not just yourself anymore, so of course there are changes."


    "If I get fat, I won''t look good," Qi Ji said.


    "How could you not look good? A little plump is cute."


    "Brother Jingrui, I feel like my identity has changed again," Qi Ji said, walking over to Xue Jingrui.


    "How has it changed?" Xue Jingrui wanted to add that no matter how she changed, she was still his wife.


    "Don''t you think I''m a bit like a panda now?"


    "Hm?"


    "Like, at home, Dad doesn''t dare speak loudly anymore, afraid of startling me. Mom spends all day in the kitchen researching what I should eat."


    "Isn''t that good? It shows they care about you."


    Qi Ji thought about it and realized he was right. If they didn''t care, they wouldn''t be so attentive. Especially Ye Rong ¨C she could feel that Ye Rong treated her like her own daughter. Anyone who didn''t know better might think Ye Rong was her birth mother.


    "Why do you still look unhappy?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "Do you really want me to say it?"


    "Go ahead."


    "Sister Shu Yi and Sister Shen Yin have both gone traveling, and I''m so envious. I wasn''t like this before. I used to prefer staying at home, but now I''ve changed. Seeing them go out, I really want to travel too."


    "Let me see if I can take some annual leave and apany you on a trip for a few days, okay?"


    "Is that possible?"


    "It should be."


    That evening at dinner, when Xue Jingrui brought up the idea of taking Qi Ji on a trip, Ye Rong immediately vetoed it.


    "No way!"


    "Why not?" Xue Jingrui asked.


    "You''re a man, you don''t understand. Young women are delicate. Qi Ji''s pregnancy is still in the early stages, not stable yet. The journey would be tiring, and tourist spots are crowded. What if something unexpected happens?"


    Xue Jingrui thought about it and realized it indeed wasn''t safe. Qi Ji looked too thin, still like a child, so fragile. If anything unexpected happened, the consequences were unthinkable.


    "Then when can we go on a trip?"


    "Normally, the first three months of pregnancy are when the fetus is unstable and prone to issues. After three months, it''s generally okay. But it also depends on your own body. Some people, after three months, as the pregnancy progresses and they get heavier, don''t have the energy to think about traveling. It varies from person to person. Let''s wait a few months and see. If it''s possible, I''ll apany you."


    Ye Rong, having been through this herself, understood more. Hearing that the fetus was unstable in the first three months and prone to idents, Qi Ji didn''t dare think about traveling anymore.


    The baby in her belly was something she had worked so hard to have.


    Of course, Xue Jingrui didn''t know about this thought. If he did, he would certainly say, wasn''t it because he had worked hard too?


    "Mom, are you really not going to thepany anymore?"


    "My daughter-inw is more important."


    Ye Rong''spany was neither veryrge nor small. As the only child in her family, she had inherited the family business.


    When she married Xue Kai, his status wasn''t what it is now. His career took off after their marriage.


    Over the years, Ye Rong had been managing thepany alone. She was a career-driven woman, both tough and gentle.


    So the employees were quite good, and thepany had its own unique operating system. After all, as a woman, Ye Rong needed not only a career but also to be there for her family.


    There are always more solutions than problems. Because of her family and Xue Jingrui, she couldn''t always stay at thepany without going home. Plus, being by Xue Kai''s side, she had learned by osmosis how to use people, what kind of people to use, and how to bnce rtionships between different levels.


    Theirpany had systems of responsibility, supervision, election, and voting. Often, documents didn''t even need her signature. In recent years, with the advancement of the inte, she frequently worked from home online.


    So when she said these things, she meant it. She could keep an eye on thepany, but her daughter-inw and granddaughter were the priority.


    "Here, Qi Ji, drink more fish soup."


    Ye Rong served Qi Ji several dishes.


    "Thank you, Mom."


    "Don''t be polite, Qi Ji. Don''t worry about eating too much and gaining weight. You''re not eating for one now, but for two. You need to eat enough for proper nutrition. You won''t get too fat. The meals I prepare for you are all pregnancy-friendly. You won''t gain too much weight."


    Ye Rong was still concerned.


    "Okay."


    "Jingrui, don''t just focus on yourself. Remove the bones for Qi Ji. Eating some fish is good for pregnant women too."


    "Alright."


    Xue Jingrui picked up a piece of fish, put it on his own te, and carefully removed the bones.


    After dinner, Xue Jingrui took Qi Ji out for a walk.


    Qi Ji patted his belly and said, "The baby is so lucky to have so many people loving her."


    "You''re very lucky too," came the reply.


    "Yes, Qi Ji is very happy too. Mom has been so good to me, I don''t even know how to thank her," Qi Ji said, taking small steps and stretching his arms.


    "Taking care of you is probably what makes her happy right now. If you try to thank her, she might think you''re being too formal."


    "Alright then. Let''s wait and see how things are in three months. If possible, we''ll go on a trip. If not, we''ll wait until after the baby is born and take her along."


    The moon appeared. Qi Ji took out his phone and snapped a photo.

 Chapter 195

    Qi Ji found another angle and thought, how beautiful the moon is. Sharing the moon is such a romantic thing to do.


    [I wonder if we''re looking at the same moon.]


    Qi Ji posted the photo in the group chat and asked them about it.


    Shu Yi had almost forgotten about the moon, but when Qi Ji shared the moon picture, her heart felt like it was being pinched by ants.


    [It''s the same one.]


    Shen Yin casually took a picture of the moon and sent it.


    Shu Yi looked up at the window of the train. It was nice - she couldn''t see the moon from here. Did that mean her current feelings were like the moon outside the train window - ethereal and fleeting, destined to fade away without a trace?


    "Zhengzheng, shall we look at the moon together?"


    Zhengzheng had started to rx since getting into the RV that afternoon, no longer clinging to Shen Yin every moment.


    "Moon," Xu Yunzheng pointed at the moon.


    "What does the moon look like?"


    "The crescent moon looks like a little boat."


    "Zhengzheng, the moon isn''t actually crescent-shaped. It''s just partially covered by clouds. Shall we take a bath?" Shen Yin tried to coax Zhengzheng into bathing.


    Xu Xiuhe had chosen the RV, considering that Zhengzheng was small and would need adults to bathe him. He had specifically picked one with arge bathroom.


    "There''s water."


    The RV was now parked at a service area.


    Xu Xiuhe had closed all the doors and windows of the RV.


    Xu Yunzheng still didn''t want to take a bath.


    Shen Yin nced at Xu Xiuhe, then lowered her head.


    "Zhengzheng, can you tell Mommy and Daddy what''s wrong with the water?"


    Xu Yunzheng seemed to be thinking hard about Shen Yin''s question.


    "Water drowns people. People can''t get up."


    "Zhengzheng, that was just a dream. Dreams aren''t real. Don''t be afraid, okay? Will you let Mommy give you a bath?" Xu Xiuhe tried tofort him.


    The little boy still shook his head.


    "Zhengzheng, how about Mommy gives you a bath while Daddy stays right outside the door with us? There won''t be much water, it can''t drown you."


    Seeing that Zhengzheng was wavering a bit, Xu Xiuhe added, "Zhengzheng, Mommy and Daddy will be right there. We won''t let the water drown you. After your bath, we''ll all go to sleep together."


    "Children who don''t bathe aren''t being good. Will you let Mommy give you a bath?"


    Shen Yin picked up Xu Yunzheng to carry him to the bathroom.


    The little boy didn''t resist, clinging tightly to Shen Yin.


    Xu Xiuhe followed behind the mother and son.


    During the bath, Zhengzheng still wouldn''t get in the water, keeping his legs tucked up.


    The bathroom was small, so Xu Xiuhe couldn''t go in. He could only stand outside the door, talking to distract Xu Yunzheng''s attention.


    The bath was extremely difficult, and when it was over, Shen Yin was so exhausted she could barely stand up.


    Xu Xiuhe carried Xu Yunzheng to the bedside, but as soon as he tried to put him down, the little boy''s whole body tensed with resistance.


    "Let''s sleep. Daddy will hold you while you sleep."


    After the little one fell asleep, Xu Xiuhe ced him on the bed and covered him with a nket.


    The sleeping Xu Yunzheng''s eyelids fluttered a few times. Xu Xiuhe gently patted him, and the little boy continued sleeping.


    Shen Yin sat in the nearby booth, running her fingers through her hair. Faced with this situation, she felt powerless for the first time.


    If he were sick, it would be easier - they could go to the hospital, see a doctor. But now, seeing Zhengzheng so tense, startled by the slightest movement, her heart ached terribly.


    Xu Xiuhe came over from the bedside and sat down in the booth as well. Seeing Zhengzheng like this made both him and Shen Yin feel awful and emotionally drained.


    It turns out that many times, many things can''t be solved just with money.


    "It''s okay now. He''ll be better in a few days."


    Xu Xiuhe pulled Shen Yin into his arms.


    "It''s all our fault. If we had stayed with him while he slept, would this have happened?"


    Shen Yin started to me herself.


    "It''s okay, it''s not your fault. We couldn''t have prevented this. Even when I''m with you, don''t you often have nightmares?"


    Shen Yin suddenly perked up and sat up straight.


    "When I have nightmares, I forget them quickly. But real nightmares, you never forget. Do you think Zhengzheng might be the same way? Could he have had a premonition dream?"


    Shen Yin''s question truly stumped Xu Xiuhe.


    "Surely not. He''s still so young. It was probably just a nightmare that scared him. Don''t overthink it."


    "Alright, but we should still take precautions. For a while, when we go out, let''s not go anywhere near water."


    "Okay."


    "And tomorrow night, let''s not sleep in the RV."


    "Where should we go then?"


    "Tomorrow morning, we''ll explore this city a bit. Then in the afternoon, we''ll drive. We should be able to reach South City by tomorrow night."


    "South City?"


    "Yes, that''s where my mother''s family is from. My mother was always trying to leave me a way out. Even my startup capital was left to me by her. When I graduated from university, the Sun family in South City - that''s my uncle''s family - sent me some money to start my business."


    "Your uncle?"


    "Yes, my mother''s family has always been quite well-off. She married from South City to Rong City. But back then, transportation wasn''t as developed as it is now, and the distance between South City and Rong City was quite far. Xu Guimin was always busy with work, so my mother hardly ever went back to South City. I''m not very close with my uncle."


    "So this time when we go to South City, will we visit your uncle''s house?"


    "We''ll go see him. He must be quite old by now. We should pay him a visit. After all, he is my mother''s brother."


    "After your mother passed away, did your uncle know about your life in the Xu family?"


    "After Mom passed, my uncle wanted to take me to South City, but I didn''t want to go. I wanted to stay in Rong City with Mom. Later, that man found another woman who already had a child about my age. That made me even more determined to stay."


    "It''s okay. No matter what happens in the future, I''ll always be with you."


    "Good. Let''s go to sleep too."


    Inside the RV, the lower bed was just big enough for the family of three. Shen Yin pulled the little one closer to her.


    The next morning, while the mother and son were still asleep, Xu Xiuhe went downstairs to buy some food and brought it back up.


    Shen Yin woke up to the smell of food. When she opened her eyes, Zhengzheng was in her arms, his big eyes wide open.


    "You must be hungry. Let''s get up and have breakfast. After we eat, we''ll set off. This morning we''re going mountain climbing."


    "Sounds great."


    The weather was perfect, crisp and clear.


    "It''s not as hot as it was a few days ago," Shen Yin remarked.


    "Tomorrow''s the Mid-Autumn Festival. If it were still that hot, the weather would be off."


    "Oh, that''s right. I almost forgot."


    "I never imagined we''d be spending the Mid-Autumn Festival away from home as a family of three."


    "Mid-Autumn is a festival of reunion. As long as we''re together as a family, it doesn''t matter where we celebrate it."


    "It seems Shu Yi might have to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival alone."


    "Has she arrived in Tibetan City?"


    "Yes, she arrived this morning."


    "Chang Zhiyuan knows about it. He''s also heading to Tibetan City now. If all goes well, they might spend the Mid-Autumn Festival together tomorrow."


    "Did you tell him?"


    "Not exactly. He figured it out on his own. He just asked me to confirm."


    "Their rtionship is their own business. None of us should interfere."

 Chapter 196

    Xu Xiuhe readily agreed, saying that winning over a wife should be done on one''s own merits, and he wouldn''t interfere.


    When they arrived at the scenic area in the morning, there weren''t many people. The National Day holiday had just ended, and the tourists in the scenic area could be counted on one hand.


    Quanya Mountain was quite tall, named for its springs and cliffs. It had been developed for tourism in recent years, so the number of visitors had increased.


    "We won''t go to the springter," Shen Yin said.


    Xu Xiuhe immediately understood what Shen Yin meant.


    Halfway up the mountain, both Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe regretted their decision.


    Although it was a crisp autumn day, they couldn''t withstand continuous exercise. The stairs were steep, and they had a child with them. Sweat was pouring down their faces.


    "Xiuhe, what made you think of mountain climbing?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I read online that mountain climbing can strengthen the body and improve the respiratory and cardiovascr systems," Xu Xiuhe replied honestly.


    They were holding Zhengzheng''s hands. The child had walked this far without asking to be carried, which was quite considerate.


    The little one''s face was flushed, and sweat kept beading on his forehead.


    Not only did Shen Yin start to feel sorry for him, but Xu Xiuhe also felt guilty. Since starting college until now, he had never traveled, so he didn''t really understand how to choose tourist attractions.


    "Let''s take the cable car down," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    "I''ve been wanting to say that. It''s too hot. Luckily, Zhengzheng hasn''t asked us to carry him, otherwise..."


    "Mommy, carry me. Zhengzheng is tired," the child said.


    Shen Yin: ...


    "Zhengzheng, how about daddy carries you? Mommy is a girl, it''s too tiring for her," Xu Xiuhe said.


    The little one turned to face Xu Xiuhe and stretched out his arms. Xu Xiuhe quickly picked up Xu Yunzheng. He had chosen to climb the mountain, so he had to bear the consequences.


    After they came down the mountain, Shen Yin took Zhengzheng while Xu Xiuhe went to take a shower in the RV''s bathroom. She sat with Zhengzheng in the booth, telling him the story of the old monk and the young monk.


    "Mommy, what''s a monk?" Zhengzheng asked.


    "A monk is someone who has no hair and leaves home to practice religion," she exined.


    "Zhengzheng wants to be a monk."


    "Monks can''t eat meat. Can Zhengzheng do that?"


    "No, no, I don''t want to be a monk!" The little one was nearly in tears at the thought of not being able to eat meat.


    "How quickly you change your mind!"


    "Zhengzheng wants to eat meat."


    "Alright, when daddyes out, we''ll go eat."


    In Tibetan City.


    After getting off the train, Shu Yi took a taxi to the hotel she had booked in advance.


    It''s often said that Tibetan City is a mysterious ce, the closest ce to heaven. On her train journey, Shu Yi had admired many beautifulndscapes along the way, asionally seeing free-roaming cattle and sheep on the ins, and often being amazed by the clouds on the horizon.


    Some say that Tibetan City is a ce everyone wants to visit at least once in their lifetime! It''s a ce closest to the sky and farthest from the hustle and bustle.


    Shu Yi felt the same way. It was her first time traveling alone to such a distant ce. She thought she might feel a bit ufortable, but she didn''t. Her body had already been gradually adapting to the altitude during the train ride.


    In the evening.


    The sky in Tibetan City seemed more meaningful than in other ces. Shu Yi leaned close to the window. It was beautiful - the sky was full of stars, with no moon in sight.


    "Shu Yueru!"


    A name she hadn''t heard in a long time was suddenly called out.


    Shu Yi looked down through the window. She thought she was hallucinating. She knew it was Chang Zhiyuan''s voice without even looking.


    The man stood downstairs, calling "Shu Yueru" over and over again.


    It wasn''t a hallucination.


    Shu Yi felt like her feet weren''t her own anymore. She could have hidden upstairs and not gone down, but she didn''t.


    She walked down uncontrobly.


    "Why are you here?" she asked.


    "I should be asking you that. Why did youe to Tibetan City? Don''t you know how dangerous it is for a girl to travel alone to such a distant ce?"


    "Did youe all this way just to lecture me?"


    "Do you think I''m crazy? I drove for 24 hours straight toe here just to lecture you?"


    Shu Yi didn''t speak, looking at Chang Zhiyuan''s haggard face with a bit of sympathy.


    "Didn''t you sleep on the way?"


    "No. I was worried something might happen to you."


    "You might get altitude sickness like this."


    "I just asked the hotel, there are no rooms avable," Chang Zhiyuan said.


    The man''s gaze was fixed on Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi felt a bit ufortable under his stare.


    "So what should we do?"


    "I''ll sleep in your room. I''ll sleep on the floor. I''m too tired."


    Chang Zhiyuan could barely keep his eyes open. It was a miracle that he had driven all the way from Chuan City without resting.


    Shu Yi felt sorry for him.


    "Come up then."


    Shu Yi led Chang Zhiyuan to her room.


    In South City.


    The family of three arrived at the Sun family home.


    "Uncle, this is my wife Shen Yin, and this is my son Xu Yunzheng," Xu Xiuhe introduced them to Sun Lufei, who was sitting in a wheelchair.


    "That''s wonderful. The child is so big already. If your mother were still alive, she would be so happy."


    "Come here, child. Let your grand-uncle take a look," Sun Lufei beckoned.


    Zhengzheng had been timid these past few days, and now faced with a stranger, he didn''t dare to approach.


    He tightly hugged Shen Yin''s leg, hiding behind her.


    "Zhengzheng, don''t be afraid. This is your grand-uncle, daddy''s uncle. You can say hello to him," Shen Yin encouraged.


    The little one looked up at Shen Yin, then turned to look at Xu Xiuhe, before slowly walking forward.


    "Hello, Grand-uncle."


    "Ah, such a good boy. Here, this is a gift Grand-uncle prepared for Zhengzheng."


    Sun Lufei took out a jade pendant from his pocket.


    Shen Yin immediately recognized it as a high-quality warm jade.


    Zhengzheng didn''t dare to ept it until Xu Xiuhe spoke up. Then he reached out and took the jade pendant.


    "Thank you, Grand-uncle," he said in his little voice, which anyone would find adorable.


    Sun Lufeiughed heartily.


    "Uncle, what happened to your leg?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "It''s an old problem. A couple of years ago, I was in a car ident. Because of my age, my recovery ability isn''t strong, so I''ve had to use a wheelchair ever since."


    Sun Lufei spoke about it as if he were talking about someone else''s story, without any sadness about his leg condition.


    "What did the doctors say?"


    "The doctors said surgery might not be sessful. I figured, I''m already 60, getting on in years. I don''t have many years left, so I might as well just use the wheelchair."


    "Look at your uncle, he won''t listen to advice. Your cousin and I have talked to him many times, but he just won''t listen," Sun Lufei''s wife said as she walked out.


    "Where''s my cousin?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "He doesn''t live with us. It''s just me and your uncle here every day. It would be nice if you all could stay a few more days. It''s livelier with more people around. Oh, that''s right, tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. It''s perfect for a family reunion. Thest time your aunt saw you was at your mother''s... My, how you''ve grown up so fast, even having a child of your own now."


    The woman didn''t finish the sentence in the middle, but Xu Xiuhe knew what she meant.


    At his mother''s funeral, Sun Lufei and Xu Guimin had gotten into an argument. He hadn''t listened carefully at the time, but the gist of it was that Xu Guimin hadn''t taken good care of Wen Ting all these years.

 Chapter 197

    "Wash your hands, it''s time to eat. Would you like Great-Aunt to hold you, darling?" The woman walked over to Zhengzheng.


    "Great-Aunt."


    "Yes, dear."


    The woman was delighted.


    Her own grandson rarely came back after starting school. She had always loved children, but her daughter-inw also wanted to look after him. Fortunately, tomorrow was a holiday, so her son and grandson would both being home.


    "When you got married, I couldn''t travel to Rong City because of my leg problems. I didn''t get to see you wed. Why don''t you stay in South City for a while this time?"


    Sun Lufei''s face seemed to bear the marks of a lifetime, with wrinkles giving him a weathered appearance.


    "Uncle, at my mother''s funeral, you and my father...?" Xu Xiuhe brought up events from over a decade ago, causing Sun Lufei to fall into deep thought.


    "Ah, I thought you were too young to remember, but I didn''t expect you to ask about it. When Wenting married Xu Guimin, my parents - your grandparents - didn''t approve. What parents want their daughter to marry far away? Your grandmother was worried Wenting wouldn''t have a good life there, so she sent a lot of dowry, hoping it would give your mother some status in the Xu family. Later, when your mother contacted us, she only shared good news, never the bad. She basically never brought you back to visit. Then, the next news I received was that your mother was gravely ill."


    "I wanted to bring you to South City, but your father refused. He had promised to take good care of your mother. Your grandparents felt guilty until their dying day, regretting their anger towards your mother, knowing she had suffered so much. They... they didn''t look kindly upon you."


    "Are you saying my mother insisted on marrying Xu Guimin?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Yes. Before your mother passed, she left me some assets to manage for her, to be given to you when you came of age."


    Xu Xiuhe fell silent for a moment.


    "How is Xu Guimin doing?" Sun Lufei inquired.


    "I don''t know. I haven''t been back since I was 18," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "What? Did your stepmother mistreat you?"


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t respond.


    Did Yang Cui mistreat him? Yes and no.


    Not long after his mother''s death, his father had married Yang Cui, bringing along a son three or four years younger than him. It was clear that Xu Guimin had been unfaithful for a long time.


    He was old enough to understand everything then. He often caused trouble for Yang Cui, so Xu Guimin frequently scolded him, saying he was inconsiderate and didn''t respect his elders.


    Yang Cui was his elder, and he was supposed to treat her with respect.


    To hell with respect, he thought. He was rebellious then and often got beaten. Aunt Song protected and cared for him. When he was in ninth grade, Yang Cuiined that he didn''t respect her. Aunt Song said something in his defense, and Yang Cui tattled to Xu Guimin, iming Aunt Song had talked back to her.


    At first, Xu Guimin didn''t fire Aunt Song, but after Yang Cui''s constant nagging, Aunt Song was eventually dismissed.


    Xu Xiuhe had cried when Aunt Song left.


    "It''s all in the past now," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "Why didn''t youe to me? If I had known you were living like this all these years, I would have gone and beaten that scoundrel," Sun Lufei said.


    Sun Lufei knew about Xu Guimin''s remarriage but hadn''t thought much of it at first. After all, it wasn''t unusual for a widower in his thirties to remarry.


    Now, hearing that his nephew had run away at 18, he couldn''t help but suspect there was more to the story.


    "That man was having an affair, wasn''t he?"


    Xu Xiuhe''s silence confirmed it.


    "I''m sorry. I''ve failed you as an uncle. I should have paid more attention to you all these years," Sun Lufei said, filled with regret. He med himself for being too busy with work to look after his nephew. Now it felt toote.


    "It''s in the past," Xu Xiuhe said.


    He didn''t feel that Sun Lufei had failed him at all. This was his own business, and no matter how much Sun Lufei might have intervened, it couldn''t change the fact that Xu Guimin had betrayed his mother.


    "So now, does Xu Guimin have any children other than you?" Sun Lufei asked.


    He only knew that his nephew was capable, having started his own business and gradually built Heyuan Group into a well-known enterprise. He didn''t know much about the Xu family''s affairs.


    "There''s one. Xu Zhengyang, three years younger than me. He works at Xu Group."


    Hearing this, Sun Lufei understood everything. He had never approved of that man. Outsiders said Sun Wenting had married well, that it was a powerful alliance between her family and the Xu family of Rong City.


    Only their family didn''t see it that way. How was it powerful? The Xu family wasn''t any better than theirs.


    "When I see Xu Guimin, I''m going to break that man''s legs. Not only did he fail to take care of Wenting, but he even dared to have an affair while married to her."


    "Oh, stop it. You talk about breaking someone''s legs when you should worry about fixing your own first," his wife interjected from the side.


    Sun Lufei shook his head and nced at his wife. Why did she always have to bring up his sore spots?


    "How did you get here? By ne?" Sun Lufei asked.


    Rong City was in the east, slightly towards the center, while South City was, as its name suggested, in the south.


    The two cities were quite far apart. By ne, it would take less than two hours; by high-speed rail, over three hours; and by car, nearly 12 hours.


    That''s why Sun Lufei asked this question.


    "No, we''re not busytely, and Zhengzheng is over two years old now. We decided to take him on a trip. We came in an RV."


    "That must have taken a long time, then?"


    "It wasn''t too bad. We didn''t drive non-stop."


    "Since you''re out traveling, why not stay in South City for a while? There''s plenty to see and do here," Xu Xiuhe''s aunt suggested.


    Shen Yin nced at Xu Xiuhe.


    "Uncle, Aunt, we''ll stay until after the Mid-Autumn Festival, then we''re nning to spend a few days in Yun City," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "That''s good. Yun City is beautiful, with great scenery and fresh air. It''s perfect for a short stay," Sun Lufei agreed.


    "That may be true, but you need to be careful. It''s near the border, so the security might not be as good as here."


    "We will."


    After dinner, Sun Lufei had the housekeeper prepare a bedroom for the family of three.


    Zhengzheng was still a bit resistant to water, but thankfully, the room was well-lit. Xu Xiuhe joined them in the bedroom, and together with Shen Yin, they managed to bathe Zhengzheng without him crying.


    In a hotel in Tibetan City, Shu Yi was drinking the local specialty liquor while Chang Zhiyuan emerged from the bedroom.


    The man wore a white bathrobe, his ck hair still dripping with water. As he came out, he seemed to radiate heat from his body.


    "I''m done. You can go wash now. I used the towel, what will you do?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    Only now did he realize that there was only one dry towel in the bathroom. This room was originally meant for a single person, so the conditions here were certainly not as good as the hotels in Rong City.


    However, it was evident that this hotel was considered quite good in Tibetan City. Well, of course ¨C Shu Yi was something of a wealthy woman herself, and she had a reputation to maintain. How could she possibly settle for staying in hotels with poor conditions?

 Chapter 198

    It was precisely because of this that Chang Zhiyuan was able to find Shu Yi so quickly and urately.


    When he learned that Shu Yi wasn''t in Rong City, he panicked. This woman had left Rong City without a sound, without even notifying thepany. He became instantly anxious.


    He truly liked Shu Yi, otherwise he wouldn''t have pursued her for so long.


    Emotions weren''t something he could control. Call him a yboy or a womanizer from before, he would admit to it all.


    Because in the past, he really didn''t care. After all, it was all just a game, so he yed. Butter, things changed. At first, he just thought Shu Yi was beautiful, with a cold demeanor, not fond of getting involved inpany affairs.


    She would show up for filming when there was work, and disappear when there wasn''t. He identally discovered that thepany had such a character, and became interested right away.


    He sent flowers, gave gifts, but in the end, the most valuable ones were all returned. Perhaps it was a man''s desire to conquer that drove him. He was determined to win this woman over. And after winning her, he''d dump her, let her taste the cruelty of the world.


    Later, because of Xu Xiu and Shen Yin''s rtionship, he got to know more about Shu Yi.


    As he got to know her better, he discovered that this woman wasn''t what she appeared to be. She wasn''t cold at all. Or perhaps, she was only cold to people she wasn''t familiar with.


    For instance, she was indifferent towards him. Despite him being her top boss.


    Shu Yi was different with Shen Yin - talkative, expressive, without any celebrity airs, let alone the burden of being an idol.


    He was gradually attracted to her. By then, he had been pursuing her for nearly three months.


    His initial intention of just ying around had changed.


    He wanted to understand her, to know her from her high school days when she was called Shu Yueru. He witnessed her gradual transformation, as if she were a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, bing who she is now.


    He didn''t think she wasn''t pretty before. The past Shu Yi was also a part of who she is now. Every step in life is meaningful. It was precisely because she had experienced that dimness that she became stronger.


    He felt sorry for her during that time, but also found that version of Shu Yi very adorable.


    Yes, the entertainment industry doesn''tck beautiful women. Looking around, there are countless gorgeous faces.


    But as the saying goes, beautiful faces are a dime a dozen, but interesting souls are one in a million.


    As he got to know her, he discovered that Shu Yi was not only beautiful but also interesting.


    He didn''t know exactly what about Shu Yi attracted him, but he started to get serious. He wanted to be good to Shu Yi. He also knew that his past self might not have been worthy of Shu Yi, but once you like someone, how can you willingly give up?


    He guessed that Shu Yi might have gone traveling, but he wasn''t sure. If she had left right after returning from Hai City, she would have been gone for several days already. With no other choice, he could only seek help from his good friend.


    When he learned that Shu Yi hadn''t gone directly to Tibetan City, but had stayed in Chuan City for a few days, he immediately boarded a ne to Chuan City.


    Upon finding out that Shu Yi had taken a train to Tibetan City, he rented a car in Chuan City and headed non-stop towards Tibetan City.


    On the way, he calcted Shu Yi''s arrival time based on the train schedule, and chose a hotel where Shu Yi was most likely to stay, considering the nearby hotel conditions.


    Fortunately, he hadn''t chosen wrong, nor had he missed her by much.


    Shu Yi took out a towel and various toiletries from her suitcase and entered the bathroom.


    Chang Zhiyuan was also considerate. He had originally thought of sleeping on the floor, but he had underestimated the hotel''s conditions. Now he saw that there was actually a sofa in the room.


    So he wouldn''t need to sleep on the floor after all.


    When Shu Yi came out of the bathroom, she saw Chang Zhiyuan lying on the sofa, wearing a bathrobe.


    In October, it was already very cold in Tibetan City, with average daily high temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius, and average daily low temperatures around 4-5 degrees.


    Shu Yi had done her research, so she had packed thick clothes in her suitcase. But Chang Zhiyuan hadn''t thought about it that much. When he learned that Shu Yi was heading to Tibetan City, he just grabbed a suitcase and came over.


    Shu Yi came out of the bathroom wearing pajamas. Considering she wasn''t alone in the room, she had even put on a chest sticker.


    "Hello, is this the front desk? Please send up an extra nket."


    Shu Yi called room service.


    The sofa in the room wasn''t small, but for Chang Zhiyuan, who was over 1.80 meters tall, lying on it was indeed a bit cramped.


    Shu Yi had no choice. He hade of his own ord; she couldn''t very well sleep on the sofa herself.


    The man, having driven for a long time without rest, was now sound asleep on the sofa.


    After the knock on the door, Shu Yi took the nket and walked to the sofa, covering Chang Zhiyuan.


    The man slept deeply, without any awareness, his features filled with fatigue.


    Shu Yi sighed. At this point, questioning how Chang Zhiyuan knew she was here was meaningless.


    Her heart began to waver. She had originally nned toe here to clear her mind, sort out her feelings, and get over her troubles with Chang Zhiyuan.


    But now, with this man right in front of her, how could she sort out her feelings? It was impossible.


    Not only could she not sort things out, but everything had be even moreplicated.


    After changing the bedding to her own, Shu Yi alsoy down.


    Closing her eyes, her mind was full of Chang Zhiyuan''s image. She realized she had changed. In the past, she would have been much colder, pretending not to hear that "Shu Yueru," and certainly wouldn''t have let him into her room.


    But now, she was actually sharing a room with a man, and her mind was full of thoughts of him.


    Love is an eternallyplex proposition.


    Being in the entertainment industry, Shu Yi had seen all sorts of rtionships, making her more rational. Would love reallyst forever?


    From the "myth of love" to today''s "love dilemma," many issues made her afraid to develop feelings. As she had said before, she still believed in love, but didn''t believe it would happen to her.


    From having no one to take care of children after giving birth, to conflicts between mothers-inw and daughters-inw, to domestic violence, emotional maniption, and insurance fraud appearing in the news.


    Nowadays, fewer and fewer women are getting married. Shu Yi was not only afraid of marriage but also afraid of her own tendency to be blinded by love. She knew herself too well.


    When not involved, she saw things clearer than anyone else. But once she fell into it, she would want to give everything to the other person.


    That unrequited love during her high school days was her exercise in restraint and self-control.


    Now, she probably could no longer utter those words she had said to Shen Yin long ago¡ªthat she would never fall for Chang Zhiyuan.


    She began to feel afraid. A faint light filtered in from outside, though she couldn''t tell if it was moonlight or the glow from the streetmps below.


    Shey in bed, her mind unusually active, without a trace of drowsiness.


    Though she should have been exhausted, sleep eluded her.


    What would she do tomorrow? How would she face Chang Zhiyuan?

 Chapter 199

    The first ray of morning sunlight shone through the window. Chang Zhiyuan woke up, but Shu Yi didn''t. She had suffered from insomniast night and was still awake at 1 AM.


    Seeing Chang Zhiyuan sleeping soundly on the couch, she felt unbnced and almost wanted to give him a p to wake him up. But then she remembered that he had been driving for 24 hours without proper rest, and her heart softened. She couldn''t bear to wake him. Watching herself slowly falling, she almost wanted to p herself instead. The more she thought about it, the more awake she became, leading to her insomnia.


    When Chang Zhiyuan woke up, he looked at the nket covering him, then nced at Shu Yi''s bed.


    The man lifted the nket and walked to Shu Yi''s bedside. In her sleep, Shu Yi seemed to sense someone near her, and her eyelids twitched.


    Chang Zhiyuan didn''t disturb her further. He tiptoed back to the couch, opened his suitcase, and took off his robe.


    He had tried his best to be quiet, but Shu Yi still woke up.


    "Ah! Ah! Ah! Pervert!"


    Shu Yi was still groggy from sleep. Opening her eyes to see a man in her room wearing only boxer briefs, with his back to her, was more than anyone could handle. Her first thought was that she was being stalked by an obsessive fan who had hidden in her room and was now half-naked.


    Shu Yi covered her eyes. Chang Zhiyuan was also startled by Shu Yi''s screams. Early in the morning, Shu Yi''s screams were as piercing as dolphin sounds.


    "Don''t scream, it''s me," Chang Zhiyuan turned to face her.


    In the few seconds that Shu Yi had covered her face, her mind finally cleared a bit. She wasn''t in her home in Rong City; there had been a man in her roomst night.


    Chang Zhiyuan silently picked up his clothes to cover his important parts.


    "Why are you only wearing underwear? I''m still in the room," Shu Yi said, now fully awake.


    "I know, but I''m notpletely naked. I need to change clothes, don''t I?"


    "I didn''t say you shouldn''t wear clothes. I meant you could change in the bathroom or shower."


    "Opening and closing the bathroom door would have woken you up."


    Shu Yi was suddenly at a loss for words.


    "Are you shy? It''s free to look. You can look often in the future," Chang Zhiyuan said, believing that his physique was quite good, with abs, corbones, and not small elsewhere ¨C no worse than male models.


    "Just put your clothes on quickly."


    Shu Yi turned away. She also needed to change clothes but could only wait for the man to finish dressing before she could get out of bed and go to the bathroom to change.


    After Chang Zhiyuan got dressed, he left the bedroom, giving Shu Yi full privacy.


    The man went downstairs, chose some breakfast items, and bought a local specialty of Tibetan City ¨C milk tea.


    "Are you dressed?" Chang Zhiyuan stood outside, knocking on the hotel room door, not sure if Shu Yi could hear him.


    Shu Yi heard the knocking but couldn''t make out what Chang Zhiyuan was saying.


    Shu Yi opened the door, her face still flushed. She still hadn''t adjusted to the situation, as if it were all a dream ¨C this man had chased her from Rong City all the way to Tibetan City.


    "Come in," she said.


    "Let''s have breakfast first."


    They sat in chairs with a table between them, on which were two cups of milk tea, dried beef, and tsampa.


    As they were finishing their meal, Chang Zhiyuan finally spoke.


    "Why does everyone know you came to Tibetan City except me?"


    "Not everyone knows. Only Shen Yin and Qi Ji know. Even my parents don''t know."


    Hearing this, Chang Zhiyuan finally felt some bnce restored. But if Shen Yin and Qi Ji knew, didn''t that mean Xue Jingrui and Xu Xiuhe knew as well? Yet neither of them had told him. If he hadn''t asked Xu Xiuhe, Xu Xiuhe probably wouldn''t have said anything.


    "Do you really not understand what I mean?" Chang Zhiyuan asked, his tone calm but unprecedentedly serious.


    Shu Yi remained silent.


    "I''m serious. Why can''t you give me a chance?" Chang Zhiyuan asked again.


    Shu Yi still said nothing.


    "Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. I''m here to spend it with you. I don''t know what you''re thinking,ing to such a far-off ce alone on a major holiday. If I hadn''t followed you, were you nning to admire the moon by yourself in this remote ce?"


    "I''ve been working nonstop recently and was too tired. I just wanted toe here to rx and clear my mind," Shu Yi said softly.


    "I''ve been working too. Weren''t you filming with me? Do you find being with me too tiring? Do you think I''m a burden? Shu Yueru, if you dare to think that way, I''ll stick to you every day. You won''t be able to escape. I have all the time in the world to wear you down."


    "It''s not like that."


    "It better not be. Why are you avoiding me so much? Be honest, have I done anything excessive to you?" Chang Zhiyuan began to doubt himself seeing Shu Yi''s attitude.


    "We''re not young anymore," Shu Yi said.


    "Of course I know I''m not young. I''m almost thirty, I should be married by now. People my age already have two-year-old kids."


    "It''s not like I''m stopping you from getting married," Shu Yi muttered.


    "Shu Yueru, are you really that clueless? I won''t marry anyone but you."


    Shu Yi was speechless.


    "Mr. Chang, we''re not kids anymore. We''re past the age of seventeen or eighteen where we can just start dating on a whim. I''m 24 this year, at the peak of my career, and my profession is what it is."


    Since her debut, Shu Yi had been used of having a powerful backer, and that all her resources were obtained through her body and beauty.


    She wasn''t oblivious to the inte; she often saw suchments. To be honest, it was normal ¨C such things weremon in the entertainment industry. But she had indeed been lucky. In her freshman year of college, she was chosen by a director for her beauty and took a role in a drama, gaining some poprity. After that, she had a period of mediocre sess.


    It wasn''t that no one had approached her, but she had refused them all. So for several years, she mostly yed supporting roles without much screen time. She didn''t fight orpete, content with what she had. Later, after joining Chang Zhiyuan''s mediapany, she gradually started receiving some respectable resources.


    After so many years in the entertainment industry, she had managed to stay clean. Who would believe that if she said it? Sometimes she even doubted herself, deciding she must be a rare exception.


    "What''s wrong with your profession? You''re not stealing or robbing, you''re earning money with your talents," Chang Zhiyuan said.


    "If you''re worried that being with me will affect your career, we can have a secret marriage."


    Shu Yi waspletely shocked by Chang Zhiyuan''s words. How had the conversation suddenly jumped to secret marriage?


    "Your family is wealthy and prestigious, while I''m just an actor. Do you understand?" Shu Yi might as well have written "Your family will look down on me" across her face.


    "Don''t worry about that. My parents dote on me, so they definitely won''t interfere with my marriage," Chang Zhiyuan said confidently. Over the years, he had casually dated so many people, and his parents had never gotten involved.


    "It''s different this time. The way your sister looked at mest time was different. Your sister already dislikes my profession, let alone your parents. We''re not a good match."


    "We haven''t even gotten together yet. How do you know if we''re a good match or not? You''d be marrying me, not my family. Why bother about them?"

 Chapter 200

    Early in the morning, the Sun family vi in the south of the city was already bustling with activity.


    Several osmanthus trees were nted in the courtyard, their fragrance wafting on the autumn breeze. Since arriving yesterday, Shen Yin had been eyeing these osmanthus trees with interest.


    As the ancients said: "Regr consumption of osmanthus can perfume the body and warm the stomach." For a foodie like her, the goal was naturally to find a way to get that osmanthus fragrance into her belly.


    "Aunt, is it alright if I pick some of the osmanthus flowers from the yard? I''d like to make some osmanthus mooncakes or osmanthus cakes," Shen Yin asked.


    "Of course! I collect some every year for tea, but I''ve never made osmanthus cakes before. Are they difficult to make?"


    "Not at all, Aunt. I''ll go pick some flowers now."


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng wants to go too!" The little one had just woken up and was already clinging to Shen Yin.


    Aunt followed them out. It was still early, and dew still clung to the osmanthus blossoms, making it the perfect time to pick them without the petals scattering.


    With the help of Aunt and Zhengzheng, Shen Yin collected a good amount of osmanthus petals.


    "Yin Yin, what do we do with them now?" Aunt asked.


    "Let''s head to the kitchen, Aunt."


    Shen Yin washed the osmanthus flowers and removed the stems to prevent any bitterness.


    The delicate osmanthus flowers wereyered with sugar ¨C a thick coating of fine white sugar covered eachyer of petals, gradually absorbing the osmanthus fragrance.


    As time passed, the color of the osmanthus became more vibrant and beautiful, while the white sugar turned crystal clear.


    "What are you making?" Aunt asked, seeing this method of preparing osmanthus for the first time.


    "This is osmanthus sugar syrup, which will be the filling for the osmanthus cakes."


    Shen Yin continued her work, finding rice and glutinous rice in the cupboard. In the past, when she made osmanthus cakes, the maids would grind the rice into flour days in advance. But now, with no time for that, she was thankful for modern technology ¨C she spotted a high-speed blender among the kitchen appliances.


    After steaming the rice flour, Shen Yin followed the steps one by one: kneading, rubbing, beating, arranging, sprinkling, cutting, and imprinting. Finally, a steamer of osmanthus cakes was ready. They looked like mooncakes but more exquisite ¨C white in color with osmanthus flowers dotting the surface, incredibly enticing.


    "These look delicious! Yin Yin, you''re so talented. If my daughter-inw had even half your skills, I''d be content," Aunt remarked.


    She tried one, finding that the osmanthus cake was initially sweet and moist. After a few seconds, the rice aroma and osmanthus fragrance intertwined, creating a delightfully sweet taste.


    "Delicious! Even better than the ones from the pastry shop," Aunt praised after tasting, unable to stopplimenting.


    "Grandma!" A boy of about 10 years old ran in from outside.


    Zhengzheng looked over as the boy approached.


    "Who are you?" the boy asked.


    "I''m Zhengzheng. Who are you?" Zhengzheng didn''t recognize the boy in front of him and felt a bit timid, even shy.


    "My name is Sun Zhixiao. I''m older than you, so you should call me big brother," the boy said.


    Zhengzheng looked at Shen Yin, who gave him a gentle pat.


    "Big brother," Zhengzheng said obediently.


    "How old are you?" the boy asked again.


    "I''m two years old," Zhengzheng said, holding up two fingers.


    "You''re so little!" Sun Zhixiao eximed.


    "Watch your words," Aunt chided. "Of course he''s small, he was bornter. Zhengzheng, would you like to go y outside with your big brother?"


    Zhengzheng was a bit scared but also wanted to go out. After hesitating for a moment, he followed Sun Zhixiao out of the kitchen.


    The living room suddenly became lively.


    Hearing Zhengzhengughing so happily outside, Shen Yin felt a twinge of regret. She realized she had overlooked something important ¨C Zhengzheng had never really yed with other children his age. He was always surrounded by uncles and aunts. She wondered if he would have trouble adjusting when he started school.


    Sun Lufei''s son, who was Xu Xiuhe''s cousin, was also a businessman. The two men foundmon topics to discuss, which eased Sun Lufei''s initial worry about them not getting along.


    Sun Zhixiao''s mother also entered the kitchen. Since it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Sun family''s housekeeper was on holiday, so the three women busied themselves in the kitchen.


    The two children yed boisterously in the living room, theirughter and chatter creating a harmonious atmosphere throughout the house.


    "Have you and Xiuhe thought about having a second child?" Aunt asked.


    "Zhengzheng is still young, so we haven''t considered it yet," Shen Yin replied.


    "Now that the two-child policy has been implemented, and you don''t have financial pressures, even having two more wouldn''t be overwhelming."


    "We''re thinking of waiting until Zhengzheng is a bit older before having another."


    "That''s right, you still look young. There''s no rush indeed."


    Sun Zhixiao''s mother always wanted to escape whenever this topic came up. Sure enough, this time was no exception.


    "Zhixiao''s mom, you should hurry up and have another one. The earlier you have it, the earlier you''ll recover. Don''t worry about childcare, I''ll help," Aunt said.


    During lunch, Sun Lufei brought up Shen Yin again, mentioning that he had seen her on television. He praised her capability andplimented Xu Xiuhe on marrying such a good wife.


    "Where did you buy these osmanthus cakes? They''re still warm and melt in the mouth," Sun Lufei said after tasting one.


    "Yin Yin made them. Store-bought ones aren''t this fresh or delicious. The osmanthus flowers were picked from the tree just this morning," Aunt exined.


    Hearing this, Sun Lufei began to study Shen Yin closely. He prided himself on being a good judge of character, and he could see that his nephew had chosen his wife well.


    "What are your ns regarding Xu Guimin?" Sun Lufei asked, getting to the point.


    Xu Xiuhe, after hearing about his mother''s pastst night, felt his hatred for Xu Guimin deepen. He had previously nned to let bygones be bygones and pretend he didn''t have a father. But now, he felt differently.


    His mother''s hard work was embedded in Xu Guimin''spany. Why should it be given to that illegitimate son? He would take back everything Xu Guimin owed his mother. One day, he would acquire the Xu Corporation.


    "I''ll acquire the Xu Group," Xu Xiuhe said, causing a sudden silence at the dining table.


    Sun Lufei had thought Xu Xiuhe would go back to fight for his inheritance, but instead, he wanted to acquire the Xu Corporation. Impressive ¨C truly his nephew, and indeed Wen Ting''s son.


    Wen Ting was good in every way, except for her poor judgment in men. If she hadn''t been so determined to marry Xu Guimin, she might not have fallen seriously ill at such a young age.


    "As far as I know, the Xu Group is not small. Won''t it be difficult to acquire?" Xu Xiuhe''s cousin suddenly asked from across the table.


    "It will be challenging, but the Xu Group is currently on a downward trend. An acquisition is not impossible," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Let me know if you need any help," his cousin offered.


    "Thank you, I will."


    After lunch, the family chatted for a while before Xu Xiuhe prepared to continue their journey. Yun City was their ultimate destination, and it wouldn''t be appropriate to overstay their wee at the Sun family home.


    Sun Lufei kept trying to persuade them to stay, but Xu Xiuhe politely declined.


    In the RV, Xu Xiuhe was looking at the vehicle when Shen Yin brought up the topic from lunch.


    "Are you really nning to acquire Xu Corporation?" she asked.


    "Yes. Don''t you believe me?"


    "No, I do believe you, and I support you too. But won''t it be quite difficult? If so, it''ll be very hard on you."


    "It will be extremely difficult."


    "Then why not just go back and fight for your inheritance? Xu Zhengyang and Yang Cui seem quite afraid of you returning."

 Chapter 201

    "Acquiring the Xu Group should make them feel even worse. Not just Xu Zhengyang and Yang Cui, but Xu Guimin is the one who truly let Mom down."


    This time Shen Yin remained silent. Whatever Xu Xiuhe decided to do, she would support him.


    The moon had just risen from behind the western mountains, round and bright.


    The temperature in Tibetan City dropped sharply at night, but the lively atmosphere didn''t diminish at all. There were many traditional customs, such as worshipping the moon. Mid-Autumn moon worship has been a long-standing Tibetan tradition. When the moon rises, facing it, they set up an incense altar, arrange mooncakes, apples, plums, grapes, and other offerings, light incense and candles, and then the whole family kneels and prays together, praying for the family''s health and good fortune.


    Downstairs at the hotel, the Tibetan hotel owner had set up the incense altar early.


    Shu Yi had gone out for a walk nearby today, with Chang Zhiyuan naturally following behind her.


    When the two returned, the Tibetan hotel owner said, "The young couple is back! You''re just in time. Come quickly and worship the moon together, pray for each other''s safety."


    "Um, we''re not a couple," Shu Yi tried to exin.


    The hotel owner was momentarily embarrassed, but within two seconds found a way to save face.


    "I understand, you young people call this ''ying coy''. I''ve been running this hotel for many years, especially in the past two years, there have been many couples like you. They look perfect together but insist they''re not in a rtionship. Later on, they all end up together."


    ...


    Shu Yi was speechless.


    Chang Zhiyuan was overjoyed and wanted to pull Shu Yi along to worship the moon. Shu Yi felt a bit embarrassed.


    She had always taken rtionships seriously, so when Chang Zhiyuan told her that she was meant to spend her life with him, not with his family, she was moved.


    That''s what he said, and while love is between two people, marriage involves two families.


    She didn''t want just a romance, but someone she could hold hands with for a lifetime.


    Shu Yi didn''t know what others'' views on rtionships were, but she knew what she wanted. If she knew from the start that a rtionship had no future, she would never get involved.


    "I''m tired, I want to go upstairs."


    Shu Yi still wanted to be alone with her thoughts.


    The moon worship ceremony was still going on downstairs. Chang Zhiyuan watched Shu Yi go up, then hurriedly ran to the incense altar.


    "Moon Goddess, I''ve heard that the Moon Old Man ties red strings for lovers. You''re both surnamed Moon, so you must know each other. Please help this ordinary mortal and pass on a message. If I can win Shu Yi''s heart, I promise to worship the moon every year."


    Chang Zhiyuan spoke with utmost sincerity, as devout as could be.


    The hotel owner patted Chang Zhiyuan on the shoulder and said, "Child, with such sincerity, the moon will surely hear you."


    Chang Zhiyuan gave the hotel owner a grateful look and then headed upstairs.


    "I made a wish to the moon. We will definitely be together."


    "Aren''t you being childish?"


    "When ites to you, I can''t give up on even the slightest hope."


    Chang Zhiyuan continued seriously, "The woman you metst time was my sister. My parents favored sons over daughters, so she wasn''t liked by them since childhood. After I was born, they treated her even worse."


    "I didn''t understand why before, and even thought she might not be my parents'' biological child, so I didn''t treat her well either. But she neverined. She would bring me snacks after school and take care of me at home. When I was in fourth grade, I couldn''t swim yet, and I was pushed into ake. It was her who jumped in to save me. The water was cold, and she was on her period at the time."


    Chang Zhiyuan paused here, recalling the memory.


    "What happened then?" Shu Yi became curious.


    "She pushed me up onto the shore, and I saw that her pants were covered in blood. She looked like she was in pain. By the time the rescue team arrived, she was almost unconscious. The doctor said if it had been anyter, her life would have been in danger. She was left with chronic health issues afterward, but my parents don''t know about this. Only I know that she might not be able to have children now."


    Shu Yi was shocked to hear this.


    "She continued to be good to me afterward. My parents started treating her a bit better because she saved me. But I''ve always felt guilty for causing her to lose her ability to have children. She won''t let me tell them about it."


    "What about now?"


    "Now she''s in her early thirties and still single. My parents wanted her to have an arranged marriage before, but on one hand, she really doesn''t want to because she likes Tan Xiao. On the other hand, she feels that since she can''t have children, she''d end up divorced even after an arranged marriage. So to make her get noticed by our parents, I''ve been deliberatelyzy, not going home, and refusing to take over the family business. This way, her abilities would be seen, and my parents wouldn''t keep pressuring her."


    Chang Zhiyuan had never told anyone else about these things. Even Xue Jingrui and Xu Xiuhe only knew bits and pieces. They knew that Chang Ningjing had saved him, but they didn''t know she was left with chronic health issues.


    They also knew that Chang Ningjing liked Tan Xiao, but they didn''t know that due to her insecurities, she never made a big effort to pursue him.


    "Who''s Tan Xiao?" Shu Yi didn''t seem to have heard of him, or maybe she had heard but forgotten. In any case, she didn''t have much of an impression of this name.


    "Tan Xiao is the captain of the Rong City Special Police Force. He''s a bit younger than my sister and was her junior in high school. My sister has liked him for 13 years now."


    Chang Zhiyuan exined.


    "13 years?" Shu Yi couldn''t believe it. She had only had a secret crush on someone for two years, but this sister had liked someone for 13 years.


    "Yes, my sister is a really good person. The reason she treated you that way before was because of me. My previous girlfriends all had some issues, either gold diggers or those with a lot of scandals. When she first met you, she probably thought you were problematic too."


    "Why was your taste so... before?"


    Shu Yi didn''t finish the sentence, but having said this much, Chang Zhiyuan understood.


    "Are you stupid? Only by acting this way will my parents think I''m beyond help and stop forcing me to go back and inherit thepany. This way, my sister can continue to stay unmarried."


    "Does Tan Xiao like your sister?" Shu Yi was more curious about this question. She also liked gossip.


    So she wanted to know, when a man has been liked by a woman for 13 years, does that man know about it? And if he does know, what does he think about it?


    It wasn''t just 3 years, it was 13 years. Do you realize what 13 years means? How many 13-year periods does one have in a lifetime?


    "I don''t know if Tan Xiao knows, and I''d like to know too. But it''s up to my sister to think what she wants. I don''t ask about her business, and she certainly won''t ask about mine. If you want to know about their rtionship, after we get back, I''ll take you to meet my sister. Whatever you want to know, you can ask her yourself."

 Chapter 202

    "I don''t want to know anymore," Shu Yi immediately replied. She hadn''t agreed to meet Chang Zhiyuan''s sister.


    "We''ll meet someday," Chang Zhiyuan said with inexplicable confidence.


    He made this solemn promise to Shu Yi.


    What could Shu Yi do? She could only pretend she hadn''t heard.


    "I''m tired. I''m going to take a shower and go to bed."


    Chang Zhiyuan walked out onto the balcony, gazed at the bright moon outside the window, and called Chang Ningjing.


    "Hello, sis."


    "Who are you calling sis?" Chang Ningjing''s tone was particrly unpleasant on the other end of the line.


    "Sis, I was wrong," Chang Zhiyuan said coyly.


    "Wrong about what?"


    "I shouldn''t have gone so long without calling my dear sister. I shouldn''t have left Rong City without a word during the holiday and not gone home. I made you worry. It''s all my fault. I''ll definitely bring you some local specialties when Ie back."


    "Get lost. Stop sweet-talking me. Do you know that Mom and Dadin about you to me every day? They say you don''t care about them, that you''re unfilial, that you don''te home. Every day they pester me, asking when you''ll be back. Can''t you just give them a call?"


    Chang Zhiyuan wanted to say that if he called his parents, what would be left for Chang Ningjing to do? He didn''t know what his parents were thinking. Was a son a child but a daughter not? Boys and girls were the same. He didn''t know who had indulged them in this habit of favoring sons over daughters. He just couldn''t stand it. When these two changed their habit of favoring sons over daughters, that''s when he''d go home again.


    "Where are you? I''ve never seen you away from Rong City during holidays before. Don''t tell me you''re on a business trip. I haven''t even settled ounts with you about you running off to act in a film a few months ago!"


    "I''m in Tibetan City. I''ll bring you some air-dried beef from here when I return. I''ve tried it, it''s really good!"


    "Why on earth did you go to Tibetan City? It''s so dangerous. What if you get altitude sickness? You could lose half your life."


    "I didn''t want toe to Tibetan City. It''s far and remote. But my wife is here, so of course I came."


    "Your wife? Chang Zhiyuan, you''ve got some nerve. When did you get married? The household register is at home. How did you get married? Did you sneak back home and steal the household register when Mom and Dad weren''t paying attention?"


    "Sis, sister, keep your image. You need to maintain your image. Bring out your usual efficient and decisive style instead of yelling at me. Stay cool, keep up that domineering female CEO image."


    "Stop sweet-talking me. With you, I can chase you around and beat you with my shoe, no problem. Hurry up and exin what''s going on with this wife business. Don''t mess around again. Think about how many ex-girlfriends you''ve had. Then think about how many times those ex-girlfriends cheated on you. Don''t you know yourself? Those eyes of yours are just for show."


    Chang Ningjing started rambling on.


    "Sis, I was wrong. They don''t count. This time I''m serious."


    "Shut up. You say you''re serious every time."


    "Sis, this time I swear on my life and my character. If I''m not serious, may I be hit by a car when I go out, choke on water when I drink, and choke on food when I eat."


    Chang Zhiyuan held up three fingers with one hand while holding his phone with the other.


    Shu Yi came out of the bathroom to see Chang Zhiyuan making these vicious vows.


    "What are you swearing about? I''m done showering. You can go in now."


    "Alright, I''ll go right in."


    Chang Zhiyuan lowered his three fingers when he saw Shu Yie out.


    "Chang Zhiyuan, Chang Zhiyuan, is that..."


    Before Chang Ningjing could finish her question, Chang Zhiyuan hung up the phone.


    Chang Ningjing sat in her bedroom, fuming. She hadn''t found out anything before the call was cut off. Indeed, the little brat had grown up and learned to hang up on people.


    Chang Ningjing dialed another number.


    "Hello, I''d like to ask who the female lead is in the drama Chang Zhiyuan acted in. What''s her background?"


    The person on the other end spoke for a while, then Chang Ningjing hung up.


    She and Chang Zhiyuan had grown up together. How could she not understand him? He wasn''t the type who would willingly act in a drama unless there was someone in the crew he was interested in.


    This inquiry had indeed yielded results.


    The female lead was Shu Yi.


    Chang Ningjing remembered her. She was the one they had met during dinnerst time.


    If she wasn''t mistaken, that was in May or June, right? Now it was already past October 1st. It had been quite a while. Could it be that this time he was really serious?


    Chang Ningjing opened Baidu and searched for Shu Yi''s entry. She was one of their own artists. Currently, there was no negative news about her, and her values seemed quite proper. Not bad. This time, his taste seemed normal.


    A message popped up on her phone.


    [Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!]


    Chang Ningjing immediately became as excited as a young girl, showing no trace of her powerful businesswoman demeanor.


    [Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Thank you forst time.]


    Xue Jingrui had asked Chang Ningjing for helpst time, wondering if she could contact the captain of the Rong City Special Police Force to rescue someone.


    When Chang Ningjing heard that Shen Yin was in danger, she immediately contacted Tan Xiao and asked for his help.


    [No need to thank me. It''s our duty, what we should do.]


    [That won''t do. Thanks should be given when due. Let me treat you to a meal sometime when you''re free.]


    [Haha, senior, how many times have we nned to have a meal together? We''ve never seeded. It''s always either you''re busy or I''m busy.]


    [That''s true. Well, there''s no time like the present. You should have a day off for Mid-Autumn Festival, right? Let''s go eat now. We can even enjoy the moon while we''re at it.]


    [Sounds good. Where shall we meet?]


    On this lovely Mid-Autumn Festival night, the full moon shone brightly.


    Everyone was looking at the same moon.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe were staying in a hotel that night.


    This was Shen Yin''s first Mid-Autumn Festival since arriving here.


    Isn''t the Mid-Autumn Festival a time for family reunions? In the past, before her uncle had returned to his hometown, she had always spent holidays at her uncle''s house. Now, looking at the moon, Shen Yin felt a bit mncholic. Were they celebrating the festival too?


    Shen Yin picked up her phone and called Fang Yue.


    "Hello, Mom, did you receive the mooncakes and the cardigan?"


    "Yes, I did. The clothes are beautiful. The embroidery is so exquisite. My daughter is really amazing."


    Shen Yin had made a formal dress for Fang Yue before. A few days ago, when autumn began, she made a cardigan for Fang Yue with numerous embroidered patterns.


    The patterns were diverse, yet whenbined, they were incredibly harmonious and not at all incongruous. It looked more like a work of art.


    It could be said that because of this embroidery, the price of this cardigan had immediately skyrocketed. It would easily be worth over a million.


    However, in Fang Yue''s eyes, this cardigan was priceless. It was embroidered by her daughter''s own hands, something that money simply couldn''t buy.


    "Mom, I''m d you like it. We''re almost at Yun City now. Who would have thought we''d be spending this year''s Mid-Autumn Festival away from home?"


    "It''s alright. You and Xiuhe work so hard all the time, it''s good to get out and rx a bit. Next year''s Mid-Autumn Festival, we''ll spend it together - the whole family, lively and warm."


    Shen Yin agreed. The idea of spending a holiday together with the whole family, in a lively and warm atmosphere, sounded quite nice indeed.

 Chapter 203

    The family of three was getting closer to Yun City. Xu Xiuhe, driving the RV, felt a bit regretful. Had he known, they would have just flown here directly. Driving all this way was truly exhausting.


    Xu Xiuhe never imagined there woulde a day when he''d be troubled by such a thing.


    "When we get to Yun City, let''s stay in a hotel. Living in the RV all the time isn''t very convenient," Xu Xiuhe said, turning to Shen Yin.


    "Sounds good. You can make the arrangements," she replied.


    "Alright, then we''ll stay in Yun City for a while longer and return to Rong City at the end of October."


    The first thing the family of three did upon arriving in Yun City was to find a high-end five-star hotel.


    "We''d like to check in for two weeks, in a presidential suite," Xu Xiuhe said.


    The hotel receptionist looked at them, feeling they seemed somewhat familiar, but couldn''t quite ce who they were.


    "Who are they? They''re so extravagant, staying for half a month in the presidential suite. That costs several thousand per night," another staff member asked the receptionist after the family had gone upstairs.


    "Probably some tycoon traveling with his wife and child. But why do they look so familiar to me?"


    In the presidential suite, Shen Yin set Xu Yunzheng down as the staff brought up their luggage.


    "Let''s give Zhengzheng a bath first. After his bath, we''ll let him sleep. He''s probably tired from sitting in the car for so long," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    Zhengzheng seemed to have forgotten about that dream during this time and was no longer so resistant to water.


    During bath time, both Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe were in the bathroom.


    "Zhengzheng, shall we y a game?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Okay, I love Daddy," the child replied.


    "Do you love Mommy too?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Zhengzheng loves Mommy too. Love Mommy. Let''s y the game together."


    "Zhengzheng, for this game, you just need to answer whatever Daddy asks, okay? Let''s see how many questions Zhengzheng can answer."


    "Okay."


    "The question is like this: One day, baby Zhengzheng had a dream, and when he woke up, he started crying. Can Zhengzheng tell Daddy what that dream was about?"


    Shen Yin nudged Xu Xiuhe upon hearing this, giving him a look to suggest he shouldn''t ask such a question.


    Zhengzheng had finally stopped being afraid, and if they asked about it now, what if he remembered and became traumatized again?


    "Zhengzheng, it''s like this: dreams aren''t real, but if Zhengzheng meets bad people in his dreams, Daddy can also dream and go punish those bad people in the dream for Zhengzheng, okay? So Zhengzheng doesn''t need to be afraid. Whatever dream you had, you can tell Daddy about it."


    Xu Xiuhe''s tone was extremely gentle, even more patient than usual.


    The little one sat in the water, thought for a while, and then said, "Water... there was a person in the water. They couldn''t get up."


    "What kind of person was it? Does Zhengzheng know them?"


    Zhengzheng shook his head, unwilling to think about this question anymore.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe weren''t sure what this head shake meant.


    Did he not know, or did he not recognize the person?


    "Alright, Daddy won''t ask anymore. Zhengzheng should believe in Daddy. Daddy will always protect Zhengzheng, so Zhengzheng doesn''t need to be afraid."


    That night, after putting Zhengzheng to sleep, the couple went to another room.


    "You scared me to death just now. When you asked that question, I was afraid he''d start crying again," Shen Yin said.


    "I was afraid he''d cry too. I was also nervous about it."


    "Then why did you ask?"


    "I was just worried, that''s all."


    Shen Yin realized something.


    "Are you worried that his dream might be like mine, able to foresee the future?"


    "Yes. Your dreams can do that, so I''m afraid he might be able to as well."

 Chapter 204

    Shen Yin remained silent. Her ability to sense danger in advance was remarkable, but if Zhengzheng could also have such dreams, it wasn''t a good thing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    Firstly, Zhengzheng was too young. Having such dangerous dreams could affect the child''s psychological well-being and hinder healthy development. Secondly, being so young, his ability to express himself clearly was limited. Even if he had these dreams, he couldn''t articte them properly, rendering them useless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    But now that it had happened, she could only hope that it was just an ordinary nightmare, asmon as theye for children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "We should be more careful from now on," Shen Yin said. "He seems to understand everything. We should avoid certain topics around him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Alright, I''ll follow your lead."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Let''s go back now. He might feel insecure otherwise." Shen Yin turned to return to their original room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Xu Xiuhe pulled her back. "We don''t know who that person in the water was, the one who couldn''t get up. We should try to avoid going near water from now on."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Okay. Do you think it could be me? I can''t swim. After all, I came here because of drowning."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shen Yin could still remember the feeling vividly. The helplessness, waiting for someone to rescue her. The pain in her respiratory tract as water entered her nose. Her limbs iling desperately, grasping at nothing. Then, trying to lift her head above water, but having no strength left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She sank slowly, the feeling unbearably painful. Panic set in, followed by regret. Why had she chosen this self-sacrificing n? Why weren''t theying to save her?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She was still conscious as water filled her mouth and ears. The world seemed to fall silent. Her mind went nk. She tried to look up towards the sunlight but could see nothing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    Her body began to paralyze as water entered her lungs. Gradually, she gave up struggling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Until she woke up here. Having experienced death once, no one could understand the feeling of drowning better than her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    She even began to feel sorry for the original owner of this body, wondering how much courage it must have taken to lose her life in a bathtub.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "What are you thinking about?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "I''m wondering if Zhengzheng''s dream was about me. After all, I''m the one who couldn''t get out of the water."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    As Shen Yin spoke, she couldn''t help butugh at herself. It was absurd. Fate was unpredictable, and one could never know what the next moment might bring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2


    "Don''t worry. We''ll be careful. What''s past is past."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The autumn scenery in Yun City was beautiful. What was supposed to be a honeymoon had turned into a happy family trip for the three of them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    In just a few days, the little one hadpletely forgotten about the dream. He no longer curled up while sleeping, and even bath time didn''t scare him anymore. Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe didn''t need to be present together. Sometimes, after ying outside and getting hot, the little one would even ask Shen Yin for a bath when they returned to the hotel.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    After his bath, Zhengzheng''s eyes blinked sleepily, asionally yawning and revealing a few tiny milk teeth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Zhengzheng, are you tired? Ready for bed?" Shen Yin asked as she applied some baby lotion to his body.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Mama, does Zhengzheng smell good?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    Shen Yin hugged Zhengzheng and sniffed him. "You smell wonderful. Zhengzheng is a good boy who loves baths. You''re the best-smelling baby."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1


    The little one yed for a while before falling asleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shen Yin grabbed some clothes and headed to the bathroom. Unbeknownst to her, Xu Xiuhe had followed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    While appearing to be focused on her bath, Shen Yin was actually observing Xu Xiuhe closely. She didn''t trust this man, and more importantly, the bathroom wasn''t suitable. It was slippery andcked support. If they were to do anything, she would surely end up exhausted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Don''t guard against me like I''m some wolf. We won''t do anything here. Rest assured. I promise, and I keep my word."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    Only then did Shen Yin rx and start her bath properly. Shethered up with shower gel, rinsed off, washed her hair, quickly dried herself, and left the bathroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Let me blow-dry your hair for you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "How are you so quick? Are you done already?" Shen Yin asked as she saw Xu Xiuhe emerge from the bathroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Am I quick? I''m not quick at all. I was just there to keep youpany."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "The hair dryer is too noisy. It might wake Zhengzheng up." Shen Yin hadn''t nned on using it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2


    "Don''t be silly. Just because it''s noisy doesn''t mean you shouldn''t use it. There are always more solutions than problems. I''ll dry your hair outside."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Xu Xiuhe took the hair dryer and walked towards the door. He stopped at the bedroom doorway and looked back at Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shen Yin felt his words had a double meaning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Is it too hot? If it is, I can lower the temperature," the man said, grasping strands of her hair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "It''s just right."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2


    "You''re doing this on purpose, aren''t you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Xu Xiuhe held Shen Yin''s hair, his fingers asionally brushing against her ears and neck.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The man said nothing, only changing his position. Shen Yin was sitting on the sofa, and Xu Xiuhe had initially been standing behind it. Now he moved to the front.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The position was a bit awkward. Shen Yin was slender, sitting properly with her legs together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Xu Xiuhe was clearly doing it on purpose, standing between Shen Yin''s legs. She could feel her face almost touching his stomach.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Yet he acted as if nothing was happening, continuing to dry her hair, even ying with her embroidered locks in his hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Hurry up, I''m getting tired of sitting."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    "We haven''t even started. How can you be tired already?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Their posture looked inappropriate from any angle. Shen Yin leaned back a little.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Don''t move. Your hair isn''t dry yet. It''ll be done soon."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    At some point, the hair dryer in Xu Xiuhe''s hand had stopped. He lowered his head, his lips meeting Shen Yin''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    They parted and came together again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3


    "Do you understand what I want to do now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shen Yin knew, of course, but she pretended not to understand, shaking her head. "I don''t know."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "It''s okay. I''ll teach you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shen Yin was wearing a nightgown. The fabric feltfortable as they kissed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2


    Xu Xiuhe couldn''t bear to let go of the nightgown.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Before long, they both started to feel overwhelmed, their bodies beginning to change.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

 Chapter 205

    "I''m a bit hungry."


    "Want some more?"


    "I meant my stomach is hungry."


    "Do you want me to make you some hot and sour soup, or should we order room service?"


    "Hot and sour soup sounds good, but do we have enough ingredients in the kitchen? Maybe we should just have them send up some snacks."


    Xu Xiuhe nodded and made a call to ce the order.


    In the Tibetan City, after several days of travel, Shu Yi''s body was starting to feel the effects. They had spent two days there, visiting temples, burning incense, and making wishes.


    Shu Yi''s wish was simple - for her family and friends to be happy and free from worries.


    Chang Zhiyuan''s wish was even simpler - to win Shu Yi''s heart.


    He had prayed to every Buddha and deity he had ever heard of or seen.


    "Why did you pray to so many? What did you ask for?" Shu Yi had never seen Chang Zhiyuan so devout before. She even began to wonder if he was a fervent Buddhist.


    "I didn''t ask for much, just one thing - to marry you."


    Shu Yi was speechless.


    She wished she hadn''t asked.


    "Aren''t you going to ask why I prayed to so many?"


    Shu Yi had been so distracted by his previous answer that she''d almost forgotten her first question, which he hadn''t answered yet.


    "Are you religious?"


    "If they grant my wish, I can eat vegetarian for a week, but I can''t give up sex or meatpletely."


    "Unbelievable," Shu Yi couldn''t help butugh, heredic nature shining through.


    Chang Zhiyuan was pleased to see her smile.


    "I had to pray to each one because I don''t know which ones are real. What if I have bad luck and all the ones I prayed to are fake? That would be terrible. Also, what if there''s a real one that I missed, and it gets jealous and sabotages me? That would be even worse."


    "Your logic is quite impressive, I must say."


    Shu Yi gave him a thumbs up.


    "Since I''m so impressive, when will you agree to be with me?"


    Shu Yi fell silent again.


    The past few days had been fine, but now she could feel that her body wasn''t doing well. Usually, her health was quite good, especiallypared to other actors in the industry. She had always considered herself quite disciplined in her lifestyle.


    She had been confident that she wouldn''t suffer from altitude sickness. But since yesterday, her body had started showing some symptoms.


    Loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and insomnia at night - she had looked it up online and found out it was mild altitude sickness.


    Out of pride, she hadn''t told Chang Zhiyuan about it.


    "What''s wrong with you these past two days? You look pale. Are you tired, or is it altitude sickness?"


    "Maybe a bit of altitude sickness, but it''s not serious."


    That evening at the hotel, there were plenty of rooms avable, so Chang Zhiyuan had no excuse to linger in Shu Yi''s room.


    Shu Yi''s condition was worsening, and after catching a chill in the night, she even developed a headache.


    Sneezing asionally, she felt even worse than if she had a fever.


    There was a knock at the door. Shu Yi knew it was Chang Zhiyuan without looking. She didn''t want to get up, preferring to lie still in bed.


    "Shu Yueru! Shu Yueru! Open the door!"


    Chang Zhiyuan called out several times and started banging on the door.


    Shu Yi weakly got up to open it.


    "What''s going on? Shu Yueru, are you feeling unwell? Is it altitude sickness?"


    Shu Yi frowned. She was genuinely unwell, but Chang Zhiyuan''s expression made it seem like she was on her deathbed. What was that all about?


    "I''m not dead yet," she muttered.


    "You''re still joking around? Look at how pale you are. I''m taking you to the hospital right now."


    Chang Zhiyuan scooped Shu Yi up in his arms, grumbling as he carried her, "You''re so thin, why did you insist oning here? Altitude sickness is no joke, it can be life-threatening if not treated properly."


    As he said this, Chang Zhiyuan himself started to worry.


    He drove Shu Yi to the nearest hospital.


    The hospital was full of people on oxygen, receiving IV drips.


    Upon hearing about another case of altitude sickness, the doctor immediately put Shu Yi on oxygen, as if it were a routine procedure.


    Indeed, beautiful ces oftene with their own dangers. The Tibetan City was breathtaking, but not without its risks.


    Chang Zhiyuan looked at the hospital''s medical facilities with disdain.


    "Damn, it''s so shabby," he thought, "It''s like a roadside clinic in Rong City, run-down and overcrowded."


    Seeing Shu Yi on oxygen, he finally rxed a bit and stepped outside to make a phone call.


    "Sis."


    "Now you remember me? Spit it out, what do you want? You don''t call unless you need something. Last time, you even dared to hang up on your sister before I finished talking. You''ve really grown up, haven''t you? Thinking you''re all that."


    "Sis, I''m calling because there''s a real problem. Shu Yi, the girl I''m pursuing, she''s got altitude sickness. It seems pretty serious."


    "Oh no, what should we do? Has she seen a doctor?"


    Chang Ningjing''s voice on the other end of the line suddenly filled with concern.

 Chapter 206

    "I''m at the hospital, but the medical conditions here are not great."


    "Is the family member of the patient who just arrived here?" Hearing this, Chang Zhiyuan immediately ran into the hospital room.


    "Sis, I''ll go in and check first. I''ll call you backter." Chang Zhiyuan hung up the phone without waiting for Chang Ningjing to speak.


    "I am. How is Shu Yueru?"


    Shu Yi was just her stage name; her legal name on her ID card was still Shu Yueru.


    "The patient not only has altitude sickness, but she also caught a cold. It''s not suitable for her to stay here. Firstly, the high altitude here is not conducive to treatment. Secondly, the medical conditions here are indeed inadequate. Our rmendation is to return immediately. The medical facilities in Chuan City are very good."


    "Alright, I understand."


    Chang Zhiyuan nced at Shu Yi lying on the hospital bed. She was asleep, and her expression looked a bit better than before.


    "Hello, sis."


    "How is she?"


    "We need to move her to a hospital with better conditions. She caught a cold, and her condition isn''t good right now."


    "What''s your n? How did you get to Tibetan City?"


    "I drove here from Chuan City, and now I''m driving her to a nearby clinic."


    "You mean you''re going to drive back?"


    "What I mean is, I need a helicopter now. Can you help me sort out the flight route issues?"


    ...


    "That''s a bit difficult," Chang Ningjing said honestly.


    "If it wasn''t difficult, would I be asking you? It''s a matter of life and death. Also, send a driver over. I need to get my car back. It''s not a luxury car, but it still cost several hundred thousand."


    ...


    Early the next morning, Shu Yi woke up and found herself in an unfamiliar environment.


    White walls surrounded her.


    "You''re awake?" Chang Zhiyuan, who was leaning on the edge of the bed, asked as he saw Shu Yi wake up.


    Shu Yi was a bit confused. This didn''t seem like Tibetan City.


    "Where is this?"


    "Rong City No.1 Hospital."


    Hearing this, Shu Yi''s eyes widened. She had just taken a nap and had crossed thousands of miles, returning from the distant Tibetan City to Rong City.


    "Can''t believe it? You''re not dreaming. Your altitude sickness was so severest night that you had to use an oxygen tank. If we hadn''te back, you might have lost your life."


    Chang Zhiyuan''s words were quite exaggerated.


    Shu Yi was truly frightened. Was her health really that poor? She had just gone on a trip and almost lost her life?


    "How did I get back?"


    Shu Yi still couldn''t believe it. How could it have happened in such a short time?


    "By ne. My family''s private helicopter."


    ...


    Just as he finished speaking, someone entered the hospital room.


    Shu Yi recognized her. It was Chang Zhiyuan''s sister. She braced herself mentally.


    Was Chang Ningjing''s next words going to be telling her not to cling to Chang Zhiyuan?


    After all, she was just an actress. The wealthy family probably looked down on her.


    "Are you feeling better?"


    "Sis, why are you here?"


    Chang Zhiyuan asked. His sister''spany wasn''t like his; she was a very busy person.


    "Are you alright?" Chang Ningjing turned to Chang Zhiyuan and asked.


    "I''m tough. How could anything happen to me?"


    Chang Ningjing then turned back to look at Shu Yi again. She was indeed pretty, quite pleasing to the eye.


    "Are you feeling better?" Chang Ningjing asked again.


    "A bit better."


    Shu Yi felt extremely awkward facing this question. Her rtionship with Chang Zhiyuan was still just that of an employer and employee.


    "Sis, let me introduce you. This is Shu Yi. I usually call her Shu Yueru."


    "This is my sister."


    "Take good care of yourself. I''m heading back now."


    Chang Ningjing left the hospital room with her arms crossed.


    The room was left with just Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan, along with a bouquet of flowers and some fruit.


    "Thank you," Shu Yi said sincerely.


    "Don''t go to Tibetan City again in the future. Although it''s beautiful, it''s not suitable for everyone."


    "Mm, I understand."


    "Good girl." Chang Zhiyuan reached out and ruffled Shu Yi''s hair.


    Shu Yi felt uneasy. Things weren''t developing the way she had imagined at all.


    In Yun City, Shen Yin was enjoying herself when she received a message on her phone.


    [Send me 5 million, or I guarantee that by tomorrow, everyone in the country will know about your previous homosexual rtionship.]


    Shen Yin didn''t need to think to know who sent this message.


    A jumping clown. Why didn''t Flower teach her a lessonst time?


    "What''s wrong? You''ve been lost in thought since you looked at that message."


    "Zhou Man sent me a message."


    As soon as Shen Yin said this, Xu Xiuhe''s expression also became tense.


    "What did she say?"


    "She wants me to send her money. If I don''t, she''ll expose our rtionship."


    "Isn''t she married? Why does she still want money?"


    Xu Xiuhe made a phone call to Chen Siming. If he remembered correctly, Chen Siming should be quite familiar with Pei City.


    "Hello, brother."


    "Are you familiar with the Guo family in Pei City?"


    "The Guo family? Guo Wei?"


    "Mm."


    "I know a bit. This Guo Wei, despite his age, is quite a yer. He''s been married several times, and he has even more affairs outside. He''s not a good person at all."


    "Who''s his current wife?"


    "I''m not sure. A few months ago, I heard it was someone with a name that ended with ''Man''. That ''Man'' person isn''t a good one either. I heard she used to be with Xu Zhengyang before. You should know about this."


    Chen Siming said. He wasn''t particrly well-informed either.


    Xu Xiuhe also knew about Xu Zhengyang''s past rtionship with Zhou Man, but if Zhou Man was still Guo Wei''s wife, why would she be short of money?


    "Zhou Man? Can you find out what''s going on with her now?"


    "Sure, I''ll call you backter."


    "How is it? What''s Zhou Man''s current situation?" Shen Yin asked beside Xu Xiuhe.


    "He''ll call me backter. He''s investigating now."


    "Okay, so how should we handle this? We definitely can''t give her money. If there''s a first time, there will be a second time. We can''t indulge people like her."


    Shen Yin hadn''t thought of a good way to handle it yet.


    In the original host''s memories, they didn''t seem to have had any particrly inappropriate rtionship.


    But Shen Yin wasn''t sure if the memories she had received wereplete. What if Zhou Man really had some inappropriate photos or evidence? Wouldn''t that be the end of her?


    "Don''t worry for now. At most, she can reveal that you were previously in a same-sex rtionship, but she won''t have any concrete evidence."


    "How do you know?"


    "Given her rtionship with Yang Cui, and Yang Cui''s hatred towards me, if there were any substantial evidence, it would have been exposed long ago. It wouldn''t have waited until now. Yang Cui is a cunning person with a quick temper. She wouldn''t let any evidence that could harm me slip by."


    Shen Yin had considered this point, so she was somewhat curious to know if Zhou Man was just after money this time, or if she had any connection with Xu Zhengyang.


    "Then what should we do?"


    Xu Xiuhe was also pondering. He had plenty of money, but to just give her the money like that, wouldn''t that make him a pure sucker?

 Chapter 207

    If they didn''t give it to her, and she really leaked the information, it would definitely be detrimental to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin had just gained some fame, and her career was developing. Given society''s current level of tolerance, many people would certainly criticize Shen Yin.


    At the same time, he was Shen Yin''s husband, spouse, and lover. Naturally, he would also receive a lot of attention, which could potentially affect thepany''s stock price.


    So, the most urgent task now was to block this information, and then find a way to restrain Zhou Man.


    "Let''s go back to Rong City. It''s not very convenient here."


    "Okay."


    Xu Xiuhe had always been a man of action. As soon as he said to return to Rong City, he booked the flight tickets.


    "What about the RV?" Shen Yin asked.


    They couldn''t just abandon the nearly ten-million-yuan RV, could they?


    "We''ll hire someone to drive it back. Just spend a bit more money, and it''ll be fine."


    Just before boarding the ne, Shen Yin sent a message to their group chat of three:


    [Ending the trip early. About to board a flight back to Rong City.]


    Shen Yin and Shu Yi had been posting plenty of beautiful photos in the group chattely. Shu Yi, in particr, shared various sunrise and sunset pictures, along with scendscapes.


    Shen Yin was different. There was a ce in Yun City known for its diverse cuisine, so most of her photos were of delicious food.


    The two of them had made Qi Ji incredibly envious. Qi Ji would pout while clutching her phone every day. When Xue Jingrui noticed that Qi Ji was practically drooling over her phone all the time, he began to wonder.


    Not understanding, he assumed it was just a pregnancy thing, that she was craving everything she saw. So he went to tell Ye Rong about it.


    When Ye Rong heard this, she thought it made sense. Qi Ji had a good appetite every day, and her morning sickness wasn''t too severe. There''s a saying that craving sour foods means you''re having a boy, while craving spicy foods means you''re having a girl. She had been observing for quite some time but couldn''t figure out what Qi Ji preferred to eat.


    So, as a mother, she gave her son some advice. Ye Rong told Xue Jingrui to peek at Qi Ji''s screen, see what food she was craving, and then tell her so she could prepare it.


    Xue Jingrui actually followed Ye Rong''s advice and went to sneak a look at the screen. To his surprise, he discovered that the group chat name for the three of them was: "Three Sisters Getting Rich and Beautiful."


    Xue Jingrui intentionally took a nce, and found that it was all beautiful scenery and delicious food.


    He even mentioned it to Xu Xiuhe, asking him to control Shen Yin and stop her from posting food pictures in the group.


    Xu Xiuhe said that his wife could do whatever she wanted, as long as she was happy. He wouldn''t interfere.


    When Chang Zhiyuan learned about their group name, he immediately changed the name of their own group to "Three Brothers Getting Rich and Handsome."


    He thought Xue Jingrui and Xu Xiuhe would find this group name childish and terrible, but to his surprise, the other two said it was fine and that the new name was excellent. Great!


    After the family of three boarded the ne, they set their phones to airne mode.


    Only Qi Ji and Shu Yi were chatting in the group.


    [I''m back too. I''m already in Rong City.]


    [Sister Shu Yi, weren''t you still sending us photos from Tibetan City yesterday? How is it that you''re in Rong City already? It hasn''t even been 24 hours!]


    Qi Ji expressed her disbelief, thinking Shu Yi must be joking.


    [Surprised, right? I couldn''t believe it either. I just slept and woke up in Rong City.]


    [How did you manage that? You didn''t sleepwalk onto a ne, did you?]


    [I did fly here, but I wasn''t sleepwalking. I got altitude sickness and was admitted to the hospitalst night. Then Chang Zhiyuan arranged for a helicopter to bring us all back.]


    When Chang Zhiyuan came to find her in Tibetan City, she was quite troubled and mentioned it in the group chat.


    So Shen Yin and Qi Ji knew that Shu Yi wasn''t alone in Tibetan City, which put their minds at ease.


    [A helicopter? I''ve never ridden one. Is it fast? What does it feel like?]


    [Can I say I don''t know either? I just slept, and it felt like a dream. When I woke up, I had crossed thousands of miles.]


    [...By the way, how are you feeling now? Which hospital are you in? I''lle visit youter.] Qi Ji was quite concerned.


    [No, no need. I''m almost fine now. You take care of yourself and look after my goddaughter.]


    [Alright then. Sister Shen Yin should be on the ne now. Why is sheing back so soon too? It''s a week earlier than nned.] Qi Ji wondered.


    But this was good. Now that everyone was back, they wouldn''t be tempting her with food and scenery pictures anymore. She should be the happiest about this.


    [Maybe she has some important matters to deal with too.]


    [Oh right, they went in an RV before. That RV was really nice. But now they''re flying back, what about the RV?]


    Qi Ji, bored every day, had so many questions. She not only asked Xue Jingrui but now started asking Shu Yi too.


    [Probably the same as Chang Zhiyuan. He drove here too, but when I asked him about the car just now, he said he had someone drive it back.]


    [As expected of brothers, they handle things simrly. Sister Shu Yi, be honest with me, are you touched?]


    [I don''t dare to be moved.]


    Shu Yi joked deliberately.


    Was she touched? Of course she was. He apanied her all the way to Tibetan City, and when she got altitude sickness, he immediately found a way to bring her back. He had just gone out to buy her lunch, taking care of every little detail. If she said she wasn''t touched, she wouldn''t even believe herself.


    [Haha, follow your heart, don''t question east or west, take it slow. That''s my realization.]


    Qi Ji had already gotten used to Xue Jingrui''s care. Perhaps unknowingly, they had both grown ustomed to each other''s presence.


    Whether Xue Jingrui liked her or not, she didn''t dwell on it anymore. After all, she quite liked Brother Jingrui.


    There''s still a long way to go. Having expectations is the foundation of love, right?


    Reading Qi Ji''s words, Shu Yi found them reasonable. Things had already reached this point, and she couldn''t be ungrateful.


    "What are you thinking about?" Chang Zhiyuan entered the hospital room carrying food.


    Shu Yi, caught off guard, blurted out, "Thinking about you."


    Only after speaking did she realize something was off, and her ears immediately turned red.


    "Um, just now, I, I didn''t... Ah, what I just said wasn''t me speaking."


    "Mm-hmm, no need to exin. I understand. What was just said wasn''t Shu Yi speaking, it was Shu Yueru speaking. Shu Yueru was thinking about me."


    Chang Zhiyuan arranged all the food on the small table on the bed.


    "Thank you. You''re too busy. You should go back now. I can ask Yan Yan toe and take care of me."


    Shu Yi didn''t want to see Chang Zhiyuan at all right now.


    "I''m your boss. When an employee is sick, who should take care of them if not the boss?"


    "Huh?"


    Had she been away from thepany for too long? Had workce rtionships changed so much? Do bosses now take care of sick employees?


    "I''ll take care of you. You''re not happy with that. If Yan Yanes to take care of you, I''ll still be the one paying her sry. So it''s better if I take care of you myself and save that money."


    "You''re not short on money. Do you really care about saving that little bit?"


    Shu Yi muttered softly.


    "Of course I care. We should save where we can and spend where necessary. Every little bit counts,"


    Chang Zhiyuan replied with a serious expression.


    "Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe have also returned. They came back by ne too. I feel like there might be some urgent matter."


    "Let''s wait until they get off the ne and then ask them about it."

 Chapter 208

    At Rong City airport, a family of three disembarked from the ne. The driver had been waiting for them for some time.


    Xu Xiuhe immediately called Liu Bo, instructing him to monitor various online messages and start managing public rtions for any mentions rted to Shen Yin.


    In the small group chat of the three suddenly rich and handsome brothers:


    Chang Zhiyuan frantically tagged Xu Xiuhe, asking why he had returned so early and if something had happened at thepany.


    [It''s not about thepany.]


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t know how to tell Chang Zhiyuan about Shen Yin''s situation. It wasn''t an easy topic to discuss, and probably only he, the Shen family, and Yang Cui knew about Zhou Man''s involvement.


    [Tell us. Good brothers face difficulties together.]


    [It''s about some negative news from my wife''s past.]


    [Huh? Your wife didn''t love you before? Your wife had mental health issues in the past?]


    That was all Chang Zhiyuan knew.


    [It might be more serious than that.]


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t want to reveal it, but Chang Zhiyuan worked in media and had professional methods for dealing with public opinion.


    [Even more serious?]


    [Don''t tell me your wife liked women before?]


    ...


    [Wow, did I actually guess right? That''s explosive.]


    Chang Zhiyuan was originally sitting on the couch in Shu Yi''s hospital room when he sent this message as a joke, but Xu Xiuhe didn''t deny it.


    Chang Zhiyuan pped his own mouth, unable to believe that his casual remark had hit the mark.


    He excitedly stood up from the couch.


    "What''s wrong, you..." Shu Yi asked, staring at Chang Zhiyuan''s actions before she could finish her sentence.


    "It''s nothing, nothing." Chang Zhiyuan ran his hand through his hair.


    Trying to calm himself down, he sat back on the couch.


    [Not exactly. That woman deceived her. She was young at the time and couldn''t distinguish her feelings. The woman was nice to her, but in reality, it was to scam her for money.]


    [Damn, that''s disgusting. Why didn''t that woman go scam men instead?]


    [How do you know she didn''t scam men? She''s now the wife of Guo Wei in Pei City.]


    Sitting on the couch, Chang Zhiyuan felt like he had just watched an exciting drama unfold. There''s no shortage of gossip these days, but something this juicy happening to someone he knew was a first.


    [Guo Wei isn''t a good person.]


    [That woman sent a message to my wife, asking her to transfer money, or else she''d expose their rtionship.]


    [What the hell? Is this woman crazy? It''s ancient history, and now she''sing out asking for money? She must have some serious issues.]


    [So how are you handling it?]


    Xue Jingrui suddenly chimed in.


    [We''re doing PR work to prevent the news from leaking. If it gets out, online public opinion will be uncontroble. Many people still can''t ept these things.]


    [Alright, I''ll have someone keep an eye on it. But topletely control the situation, we need to find the source. Find that scammer.]


    Xu Xiuhe naturally knew this, which was why he had rushed back to Rong City from far-away Yun City.


    Xu Xiuhe dropped off Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng at Ziyue Manor, then drove to thepany himself.


    "CEO, why are you back?" Liu Bo, holding some documents, had just left the office when he saw Xu Xiuheing out of the elevator.


    "Come to my office."


    Liu Bo didn''t ask further and followed Xu Xiuhe into the office.


    "CEO."


    "Can you contact some private investigators?"


    "Of course. With money, we can contact anyone."


    "Get in touch with several. Have theme over this afternoon. There''s no negative news online, right?"


    "No, none at all."


    After Liu Bo left, Xu Xiuhe called Shen Yin.


    "Hey, I won''t being back for lunch. If that woman sends you any more messages, let me know immediately."


    This issue was indeed tricky. Xu Xiuhe was worried Zhou Man might do something, so he had already arranged for increased security around Ziyue Manor.


    In the afternoon, several private investigators arrived at the reception room of Heyuan Group.


    "The job is in Pei City. Anyone ufortable with going there?"


    Xu Xiuhe asked.


    The investigators in ck clothing remained silent. Pei City was just next to Rong City, not far at all. As detectives, there was nowhere they couldn''t go. Moreover, the client for this job was the CEO of Heyuan Group, so the pay would certainly be good.


    They weren''t fools. How could they pass up an opportunity to make money?


    "If no one objects, let''s start investigating this person."


    Xu Xiuhe took out a previous photo of Zhou Man.


    "I want to see all detailed information about this person. Her parents, her family, her various romantic histories. At the same time, these investigation results can only be seen by me. Thepensation won''t be low."


    The investigators immediately expressed that they could set out at any time.


    Xu Xiuhe sat on the couch, twisting the ring on his middle finger. After pondering for a while, he got up, drove back to Ziyue Manor.


    "It''s nothing, give me your phone," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Shen Yin didn''t know why Xu Xiuhe wanted her phone, but she knew this man always had his reasons for whatever he did.


    The man took the phone and sat on the couch, holding Shen Yin''s phone and navigating to the messages page.


    The page still only showed that one message Zhou Man had sent, along with a bank ount number.


    "You''re not going to send her money, are you?"


    Shen Yin asked.


    "Your husband isn''t stupid or a sucker."


    Xu Xiuhe typed for a few minutes, then returned the phone to Shen Yin.


    [Try it. You think just because you have something, I don''t have anything on you?]


    Shen Yin read the message, then looked at Xu Xiuhe.


    "Isn''t that too risky?" Shen Yin asked.


    "She probably doesn''t have any substantial evidence, or she would have released it already. Now we need to intimidate her a bit. She can''t bepletely clean; at the very least, fraud counts as one charge."


    "Do you have a n?"


    "Yes. She probably won''t dare to act rashly now. I''ve already had people gathering information on her. During this time, try not to go out as much as possible."


    "Alright, that''s fine."


    Going out or not didn''t matter much to her. She could stay indoors for a whole month if needed.


    "If you get bored, you cane with me to thepany."


    "I''m not bored!"


    "You really don''t want to be with me that much?"


    "What would I do at yourpany? Wouldn''t that be even more boring?"


    "Daddy, Zhengzheng wants to go!" Xu Yunzheng, who had been intently watching TV, moved to Xu Xiuhe''s side and pleaded coquettishly after hearing their conversation.


    "Then ask your mom. If mom''s willing to go, Zhengzheng cane to thepany with daddy."


    Hearing this, Xu Yunzheng moved next to Shen Yin and hugged her arm. His eyes blinked repeatedly.


    "Mom, Mommy."


    "Yes, dear."


    "Zhengzheng loves Mommy."


    "Mommy loves Zhengzheng too."


    Shen Yin surely knew what Zhengzheng was thinking, but she deliberately didn''t say it out loud.


    "Will Mommy take Zhengzheng to find Daddy?"


    "Isn''t Daddy right beside Zhengzheng?" Shen Yin teased.


    "Zhengzheng means to always be by Daddy''s side."

 Chapter 209

    Shen Yin finally gave in. Who could resist the little one''s sweet voice? She just couldn''t help but be tempted.


    After Shen Yin agreed, the little one stood up from the sofa and ran to her side.


    "Mwah!"


    A quick kiss, and then he ran off.


    Xu Xiuhe was stunned. He hadn''t even kissed her yet, and he didn''t think he had ever kissed Shen Yin in front of Xu Yunzheng before.


    The next day, the little one indeed hadn''t forgotten what was said yesterday.


    He woke up even earlier than Shen Yin, and his first words upon waking were to find his dad.


    Xu Xiuhe got up early, washed up, and went to the kitchen.


    When Shen Yin opened her eyes, Zhengzheng was lying in front of her. Only the two of them were in bed.


    "Mommy, let''s find Daddy," the little one said again.


    Shen Yin didn''t know where Xu Xiuhe had gone. During the time the family of three stayed in Yun City, they always woke up when it was already bright outside. She hadn''t adjusted her sleep schedule yet. If Zhengzheng hadn''t called her, she would have kept sleeping.


    "Can you hand Mommy her phone, sweetie?"


    Shen Yin asked with her eyes closed, not wanting to stretch out her hand.


    The phone was on the bedside table.


    Hearing this, the little one crawled past Shen Yin, got off the bed, walked to the bedside table, picked up the phone, and handed it to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin reached out to take the phone, groggily opened it, and dialed Xu Xiuhe.


    "Hello, Xiuhe, where are you?"


    Shen Yin''s voice was clearly that of someone who had just woken up.


    "I''m in the kitchen. You''re both up so early?"


    Xu Xiuhe held the phone with one hand while using the other to transfer the fried egg from the pan to a te.


    "Our son woke up asking for you."


    "The son knows to look for me when he wakes up. Do you know to look for me when you wake up?"


    Xu Xiuhe chuckled in the kitchen.


    Early in the morning, Shen Yin couldn''t handle his flirting and hung up the phone directly.


    "Mommy, where''s Daddy?"


    "Daddy''s downstairs."


    Shen Yin hadn''t even gotten out of bed yet, but Zhengzheng was already running out of the bedroom door.


    "Since when did he be so attached to his dad?" Shen Yin muttered to herself.


    She then got out of bed, walked to the closet to change clothes, and only then went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face.


    Xu Yunzheng, wearing little pink slippers, went down the stairs one step at a time.


    "Daddy."


    Zhengzheng trotted into the kitchen, hugged Xu Xiuhe''s leg, and called out, "Daddy."


    "Where''s your mom?"


    "Mommy hasn''t gotten up yet."


    "Then why did youe down? Shouldn''t you wait for Mommy?"


    "Then Zhengzheng will go back up to wait for Mommy."


    Xu Yunzheng let go of Xu Xiuhe''s leg and turned to run back out.


    Shen Yin had juste down the stairs.


    "Mommy''s here, Zhengzheng doesn''t need to go back upstairs."


    "Mommy,e, let''s eat breakfast."


    Xu Yunzheng walked to Shen Yin''s side, tugging at her hand to pull her towards the dining table.


    "Will youe with me to thepany today?"


    Before Shen Yin could answer, Xu Yunzheng raised his little hand and said loudly, "Yes, I''ll go with Daddy to thepany."


    What could Shen Yin say? Zhengzheng had already agreed, how could she refuse?


    [I''ve been discharged from the hospital. The air outside is so fresh.]


    [I was just about to ask you how you''re feeling. I heard you slept and woke up back in Rong City from Tibetan City.]


    [Yin Yin, I''m feeling much better, but why did you return to Rong City so quickly?]


    Shen Yin didn''t know how to exin. The person before wasn''t her, and she wasn''t clear about the things that had happened.


    [When I wasn''t in my right mind, I was tricked by a woman. I''vee back to deal with it.]


    The group chat remained silent for several minutes.


    Hearing this, Shu Yi could guess the situation, but didn''t know what to say.


    Qi Ji was very shocked to see the message. She hadn''t thought that someone as smart as Shen Yin could be tricked.


    [It''s all in the past now.]


    [Bad people will surely face justice.]


    Qi Ji only thought of the most superficial meaning, that bad people would surely face karma.


    In the top-floor assistant office area of Heyuan Group, it became quiet again. The boss''s wife had arrived, and they didn''t dare to chat as freely as usual.


    Shen Yin sat in Xu Xiuhe''s office. Xu Xiuhe was working, dealing with documents from the past period.


    Zhengzheng had brought a coloring book and was quietly coloring at the coffee table. Looking at this scene, Shen Yin felt she was the most bored.


    She even thought about going back to the studio. The students at the martial arts hall hadn''t had sses for two weeks. During these two weeks, the students had been practicing basic skills in the small building opposite the studio on their own.


    As their martial arts instructor, she should go and evaluate their progress this week.


    [So, how was your trip to Tibetan City?]


    Bored, Shen Yin inquired about Shu Yi''s love life.


    [Tibetan City is beautiful, but it''s not suitable for me. Just like Chang Zhiyuan is great, but not suitable for me.]


    [Stop right there. How can youpare a person to scenery? You still care about him. I didn''t even ask how things were between you two, and you brought it up yourself.]


    Shu Yi was almost in tears. Why did she have to be so conflicted? She didn''t want to be, but sometimes emotions can be defeated by reality.


    [Follow what your heart tells you.]


    Shen Yin had learned a lottely. People grow. As someone once said, life is probably filled with more disappointments than satisfactions.


    Many things don''t go as smoothly as we''d like; we always encounter various problems.


    When there''s a problem, we need to solve it, not avoid it. In Shen Yin''s view, Shu Yi was avoiding her rtionship problems, both when filming and when traveling to Tibetan City.


    People, ah, being able to see others clearly is wisdom, but being able to see oneself clearly takes courage. Most people have wisdom, but few have courage.


    [His sister came to see me yesterday. I don''t even know in what capacity I should face his sister.]


    [How was it? I think Chang Zhiyuan''s sister seems quite nice - decisive, brave, and wise.]


    [I used to think his sister was too tough and hard to get along with, butter he told me about his sister''s story. That''s when I realized that behind every strong exterior, there''s a hidden vulnerability that others don''t see. His sister has had it tough too. I really admire her now.]


    [Oh? Her career? Her personality?]


    [His sister has loved someone for 13 years!]


    [Goodness, that long!]


    Qi Ji finally found a topic she could chime in on.


    [Yes, and they''ve never been together.]


    Sometimes love can beplicated, and sometimes it can be simple.


    After Shu Yi sent the message about 13 years, the group chat fell into a brief silence.


    [Shu Yi, the topic has drifted. We were talking about your rtionship issues, how did we end up discussing Chang Ningjing?]


    [Alright, let''s get back on track and continue discussing my problem. I don''t even know what I''m thinking right now. I''m conflicted and troubled. He''s done so much for me and has been really good to me. During the film shoot, he specially made a moon for me, and he even came to find me in Tibetan City. My heart is in such a mess. There''s always this hurdle I can''t seem to get over. My family background is so ordinary; I''m not good enough for him.]

 Chapter 210

    The group chat fell silent once again.


    Let nature take its course, let nature take its course.


    On Sunday, Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe discussed for a long time. Xu Xiuhe finally agreed to let Shen Yin go to the Martial Arts Club.


    It had been a few weeks since shest visited, and it was time to check on the students'' practice results.


    When Shu Yi and Qi Ji learned that Shen Yin was going to the studio and the Martial Arts Club, they both expressed that they should also exercise.


    Shen Yin thought about it and realized they were right. One had poor health and altitude sickness, while the other was pregnant and needed to exercise.


    Shen Yin watched the students practice their punches and was quite satisfied. Their postures were correct, and the power was good.


    Shen Yin taught them some new techniques.


    By evening, the group decided to go straight from Qinghe Street to have dinner.


    Shen Yin went to the studio to tidy up and gave some instructions.


    There was a faint shadow at the corner, which Shen Yin had noticed since entering the studio.


    "Did you see it?" Shen Yin asked.


    "You mean the shadow at the corner just now?" As an actress, Shu Yi was quite observant, especially since she was often followed by paparazzi and photographed secretly. Now she was always cautious about everything.


    "Yes. Don''t go out of the buildingter, take care of Zhengzheng. This person looks suspicious, not like a good person. I''ll go out and check in a moment."


    Shen Yin put Zhengzheng down. Zhengzheng understood Shen Yin''s words and looked confused, not understanding why his mother wouldn''t take him along.


    "Zhengzheng, Mommy has something to do outside. You need to be good and stay with your godmother and auntie."


    Xu Yunzheng nodded.


    Shen Yin went to the third floor and changed into a pair of t shoes, not for anything else but to be able to chase or escape if necessary.


    The weather was getting cooler at the end of October. Although it was only after 7 p.m., the sky was already pitch dark.


    In the studio, Shen Yin looked at the surveince video and had a vague feeling that the shadow standing in the corner was a woman.


    Could it be Zhou Maning to cause trouble again?


    Shen Yin walked out the door, giving herself a pep talk. There was no one else in the video, so in a one-on-one situation, she could handle it.


    Before Shen Yin could approach, the heavily covered woman suddenly rushed out, holding a small bottle in her hand, and sprayed its contents towards Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin quickly dodged, and all the liquid from the bottle sshed onto the nearby wall.


    The heavily covered woman seemed not to have expected this oue. Unsatisfied, she reached out with the bottle in her hand, trying to restrain Shen Yin.


    Unexpectedly, Shen Yin was stronger than this person and managed to restrain the woman first.


    Qi Ji called Xu Xiuhe on the phone, while Shu Yi held Zhengzheng and covered his eyes again.


    "Godmother, why do you always like to cover Zhengzheng''s eyes? Zhengzheng wants to see too."


    Always? Shu Yi remembered several months ago in the underground parking lot when they encountered a robbery, and Shen Yin fought five people at once. At that time, she had also covered the little one''s eyes, not letting him see the violent scene.


    "Sister Shu Yi, when else did you cover Zhengzheng''s eyes?" Qi Ji, who was watching the surveince video, suddenly turned and asked.


    "Last time, when your Sister Shen Yin fought five people at once. They were all big guys, and Yin Yin knocked them all down. They''re still in jail now."


    "No wonder you''re not worried about Sister Shen Yin getting hurt at all."


    "Your Sister Shen Yin is a skilled fighter, no need to worry. Just watch them fight, this person will definitely be badly beaten."


    "Sister Shu Yi, look!"


    Shu Yi looked at the screen. In the video, the heavily covered person, clearly a woman, wasn''t as tall as Shen Yin.


    Her shoulders were tightly gripped by Shen Yin, but the hand holding the bottle was still moving.


    "What''s in the bottle?" Qi Ji asked.


    "It couldn''t be sulfuric acid, could it?"


    "What''s sulfuric acid? Zhengzheng wants to see too." Zhengzheng tried to pry Shu Yi''s hands away.


    "Sulfuric acid is a dangerous thing that can disfigure people."


    "Zhengzheng wants to see."


    "Little kids shouldn''t watch, it''s too dangerous."


    "Zhengzheng is a big boy! Not a little kid."


    Shu Yi released her hands.


    The little one watched the surveince video intently, as if watching TV.


    "Zhengzheng, Mommy is fighting evil for the people. That person is bad. Mommy is beating up the bad person."


    "Mommy is so great." Xu Yunzheng pped his little hands.


    In the video, the heavily covered woman kept moving her hand, trying to pour out the liquid from the bottle.


    Just as she was about to seed, with the liquid almost touching Shen Yin''s skin...


    In the blink of an eye, Shen Yin used her arm strength and her foot power, and the heavily covered woman was thrown to the ground.


    The liquid from the bottle spilled all over the woman''s face.


    "Ah, ah~" Painful screams, harsh and unpleasant to hear.


    The woman hurriedly took off her mask, revealing arge red patch on her face.


    "It''s Qi Yan!" Qi Ji eximed from inside the room.


    "How can she still not give up? She''s too vicious. Evil deeds will backfire," Shu Yi was also angry.


    They truly hadn''t expected this person to be Qi Yan.


    "That''s sulfuric acid, it will burn the skin when it touches it," Qi Ji said.


    Qi Yan touched her face, rolling left and right, kicking her legs wildly.


    "Save me!" Qi Yan cried out in pain, unable to open her burned eyes.


    Xu Xiuhe, Chang Zhiyuan, and Xue Jingrui all rushed over. Qi Ji and Shu Yi also came down from the small building, carrying Zhengzheng.


    Xu Xiuhe had called the police immediately after receiving Qi Ji''s call.


    The sound of police sirens echoed throughout Qinghe Street. Many residents came out to see what was happening.


    "It''s Qi Yan."


    "Xiuhe, Jingrui, save me, save me. I''m in so much pain, my face, my face hurts."


    The woman knelt up from the ground, crying and looking towards Xue Jingrui and Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe called over a police officer and said, "She needs to be investigated. This oue is entirely her own doing. We are the victims, and there''s surveince footage here."


    "Alright. We''ll need to take the surveince video."


    "What about her?" one police officer asked.


    "Take her away for questioning. This is attempted assault, and we will pursue legal action," Xue Jingrui said.


    Chang Zhiyuan looked at his two brothers with great satisfaction.


    Two police officers walked over to Qi Yan, picked her up, and dragged her towards the police car.


    "Save me, I was wrong, I was really wrong. I''m disfigured," the woman cried.


    "Mommy, the bad person is crying," Zhengzheng said.


    "Is Zhengzheng scared?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Not scared, Mommy protects Zhengzheng!"


    Xu Yunzheng reached out his arms, wanting Shen Yin to hold him.


    Shen Yin took Zhengzheng and held him in her arms.


    "Mom, don''t be afraid. Zhengzheng will protect you from now on," Xu Yunzheng patted Shen Yin''s shoulder.


    "Are you alright?"


    Xue Jingrui looked at Qi Ji, reached out to hold his hand, and pulled him to his side.


    "I''m fine. Sister Yin is amazing. She pinned that woman to the ground in an instant. That woman was so frightening - she actually wanted to disfigure Sister Yin''s face."


    As Qi Ji spoke, he deliberately nced at Xue Jingrui.

 Chapter 211

    Xue Jingrui''s face showed no expression.


    Qi Ji felt a bit happy inside, though she didn''t know why. Her mood was simply good, and Qi Ji even felt her current thoughts were a bit sinful.


    When they returned home, Ye Rong had been waiting for a long time. She had prepared several new dishes. Since Qi Ji hadn''te back for lunch, she was worried her daughter-inw might not eat well outside.


    Now it was evening, and they had finally returned. If they hadn''te back soon, she would have gone out to look for them.


    "Why are you sote? Are you tired? You shouldn''t overwork yourself. Whatever needs to be done, just let Jingrui do it," Ye Rong nced at Jingrui.


    "I was at Sister Yin''s ce. There was a problem in the evening, so we didn''t have time to go out for dinner."


    "It''s fortunate there was a problem, otherwise my dinner would have been wasted again. What kind of problem was it?"


    Ye Rong was slow to react.


    Qi Ji didn''t know how to exin. After all, Xue Jingrui used to like Qi Yan. If she told her mother-inw about Qi Yan''s encounter tonight, wouldn''t it seem a bit like gloating?


    "It was a problem with Qi Yan," Xue Jingrui said.


    This light remark terrified Ye Rong, causing her to sit down immediately.


    She worried her son might have done something rash.


    "Qi Ji, can you tell mom what the problem was?" Ye Rong asked cautiously.


    "This afternoon we were at Sister Yin''s ce, and in the evening we nned to go out for dinner. At the corner of Sister Yin''s studio, there was a shadowy figure. When Sister Yin went over, that person tried to throw sulfuric acid on her."


    "Was that person Qi Yan?"


    Though it was a question, Ye Rong said it with the tone of a statement.


    "Yes."


    "How is Shen Yin now? Is she alright? And that woman called Qi Yan, when will she ever behave herself?"


    "Sister Yin is fine. She managed to dodge it. Later, when Qi Yan tried to throw it again, Sister Yin used a bit of force, and Qi Yan fell down. The remaining acid spilled on her own face."


    "Oh my, that''s frightening. I thought..."


    Ye Rong didn''t finish her sentence. She had thought her son had lost his mind.


    "How was the matter handled?"


    "She was taken away. Xiuhe decided to press criminal charges."


    "That''s good. She should be charged, otherwise who knows what trouble she might cause in the future," Ye Rong said.


    "Come, let''s eat."


    Learning that it had nothing to do with her son and that Qi Yan had brought this upon herself, Ye Rong felt much more at ease.


    "I''ve never seen someone with such thick skin before. Mom''s judgement of people is quite urate. You, working at the prosecutor''s office, what do you think? How many years might she be sentenced to?"


    "I''m not sure. It depends on what Xiuhe ultimately decides. It''s possible she could be in for life."


    He knew Xu Xiuhe too well. Xu Xiuhe was skilled at handling such matters; he had known this since childhood.


    "That''s good."


    Qi Ji listened to the conversation between mother and son, not knowing how to join in. But there was no need for her to speak; her mouth was already full of various dishes.


    At Ziyue Manor, Xu Xiuhe was heartbroken. He was truly fed up. One problem after another ¨C first Zhou Man, then Qi Yan. When would these unfortunate individuals stop appearing in front of their family of three?


    "I thought it was Zhou Man," Shen Yin said.


    "Zhou Man is in Pei City. The detectives are watching her. If shees to Rong City, I''ll know immediately."


    "Was that thing really sulfuric acid?"


    "Yes, it''s a chemical product with corrosive properties. If it touches the skin, it causes burns."


    "So her face is red?"


    "It''s disfigured."


    "Do you feel sorry for her?" Shen Yin joked.


    "Hm? How could I? What I had with her doesn''t count. You''re my true love. She wasn''t the right person, nor was it the right time when we met. Moreover, she''s not the one I love ¨C you are."


    "Smooth talker!"


    Shen Yin, hearing the satisfactory answer, acted a bit coy.


    "Since Zhou Man is under your surveince, can I go out as usual tomorrow?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Where do you want to go?"


    "On a date with Shu Yi."


    "I''m your husband. You can only go on dates with me."


    "But Shu Yi said she found a great ice cream shop. Zheng wants to try it."


    ...


    "I doubt it''s Zheng who wants to try it. Zheng probably doesn''t even know about this, right?"


    Shen Yin pretended to know nothing, smiling foolishly.


    What could Xu Xiuhe do? Could he refuse? This was his wife; he had to indulge her.


    "Keep me updated at all times. No matter what happens, safetyes first."


    "I got it!"


    "What do you call me?"


    "I got it, hubby!"


    Only then was the man satisfied.


    But Shen Yin never imagined that Shu Yi would stand her up.


    "Shu Yueru? Exin yourself."


    "If I say I''m working overtime, would you believe me?"


    "Do you think I should believe you?"


    "It''s like this ¨C I''m at the hospital."


    "Why are you in the hospital again? Is it serious?" Shen Yin''s tone was a bit anxious. How could someone end up in the hospital so frequently, especially a big star and public figure? In a few days, there might be rumors circting that Shu Yi was caught having a prenatal check-up at the hospital.


    "It''s not me."


    "Then who is it?"


    "It''s Chang Zhiyuan. This morning, he was going down the stairs ¨C I don''t know how he managed it ¨C but he fell and fractured his leg."


    ...


    So they were taking turns going to the hospital.


    The rumors were likely to continue.


    Shen Yin was already imagining a big piece of gossip.


    Famous actress goes for prenatal check-up, while her boss gets a vasectomy.


    Of course, she didn''t dare say it out loud.


    "Are you going to take care of him?"


    Shen Yin asked, already knowing the answer. She didn''t know when she had developed this little amusement, but she enjoyed seeing Shu Yi''s contradictory behavior. Shu Yi clearly wanted to go herself, but would always find an excuse, like Chang Zhiyuan forcing her to go.


    Sure enough, just as Shen Yin expected, that''s exactly what Shu Yi said.


    "I don''t want to go, but he said that when I was sick with altitude sickness, he took care of me the whole time. Now that he can''t walk, of course he needs me to take care of him."


    "Alright, taking care of the boss is important."


    At the hospital, Chang Zhiyuany with his leg in a cast, suspended in the air.


    "I want some water."


    "Here you go."


    "Feed me."


    "Boss, it''s your leg that''s broken, not your arms."


    Shu Yi now felt that, relying on Chang Zhiyuan''s affection, she had be fearless, speaking in a tone quite different from before.


    "I''m the boss, and now my arms are ufortable too."


    When the man acted shamelessly, Shu Yi truly couldn''t handle it. She held the cup to Chang Zhiyuan''s lips.


    "My neck, I can''t move my neck. I can''t drink."


    Although Shu Yi knew Chang Zhiyuan was pretending, she still had no choice but to help. She supported Chang Zhiyuan''s head with one hand while holding the cup with the other.


    "Are you done?"


    "I''ve finished drinking."


    Shu Yi had just put the cup aside when the man spoke again.


    "I''m done drinking. Now I want to go to the bathroom."


    Shu Yi looked at Chang Zhiyuan''srge frame and felt troubled.


    "Can you move your other foot?"


    Chang Zhiyuan nodded.


    Shu Yi supported Chang Zhiyuan as he put one foot on the ground. As Shu Yi tried to move closer, her foot identally tripped over Chang Zhiyuan''s, causing her to fall forward andnd between his legs.

 Chapter 212

    The scene froze, with the two people in an extremely awkward position. Chang Zhiyuan''s one leg was immobilized, while the other rested on the bed.


    Shu Yi tried to get up, struggling a bit, her head brushing against the man''s stomach.


    Without either of them noticing, the hospital room door opened.


    "Ahem."


    Shu Yi immediately sat up, looking at the three people who had entered.


    Of the three, she only recognized one¡ªChang Ningjing, whom she had met previously in the hospital.


    There was also a middle-aged couple.


    Shu Yi smoothed her hair and stepped back.


    "Dad, why are you here?" Chang Zhiyuan''s tone suggested he wasn''t pleased with their arrival.


    Chang Ningjing felt they had interrupted something and looked apologetic, her eyes darting around the room.


    "So you still remember I''m your father. Have you counted how long it''s been since you''ve been home? You''re in the hospital and still can''t behave yourself."


    Chang''s Father stared at Chang Zhiyuan, while Chang''s Mother turned her gaze to Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi didn''t dare move, having already cursed Chang Zhiyuan 180 times in her mind.


    Their position just moments ago would have looked inappropriate to anyone. As a young woman, she was already self-conscious and couldn''t bear the middle-aged woman''s constant scrutiny.


    Chang Huaiming said sternly, "Come out with me."


    "Dad, his leg is in a cast. He can''t move around freely," Chang Ningjing quickly intervened.


    Chang Huaiming''s expression kept shifting from dark to red.


    Chang Zhiyuan, for his part, showed no reaction and refused to look up.


    "Let''s step outside for a moment," Chang Ningjing said, walking over to Shu Yi.


    Feeling awkward, Shu Yi nodded immediately and followed Chang Ningjing out of the room.


    Only Chang Zhiyuan, Chang Huaiming, and Nie Ling remained in the hospital room.


    Nie Ling seemed to be holding back words, while Chang Zhiyuan was so startled by their arrival that he''d held back even going to the bathroom.


    "Dad, Mom, did Ningjing tell you I was crippled? I''m fine, you didn''t need toe."


    "Indeed, we didn''t need toe. Seems we''ve interrupted your good time," Chang Huaiming said sarcastically.


    "It''s not what you think."


    "If it''s not what we think, then what is it? Early in the morning, and she was already on top of you. We''ve never interfered much with your antics before, but now you''re hospitalized with a broken leg. How can you be so reckless? Are actresses these days so shameless?"


    Nie Ling''s words were particrly harsh. She walked to Chang Zhiyuan''s side and, touching his cast, said tearfully, "Yuanyuan, your father and I only want what''s best for you. You should know what''s appropriate and when. You''re our only son. If anything happened to you, how could your father and I go on living?"


    Tears streamed down her face.


    Chang Zhiyuan always found this behavior irritating. It had been the same since he was young¡ªshe cried as if he was on his deathbed.


    "I''m not dead yet, am I?"


    "Tsk, watch yournguage. Don''t talk about death, it''s bad luck."


    "Mom, you should go home. I''m fine."


    "How can we leave when you''re like this? You can''t even walk, and there''s this vixen here. Your mother and I will stay to take care of you."


    Chang Huaiming also looked concerned.


    "Yes, your father and I will stay and look after you. And that woman from earlier¡ªbreak it off immediately. You can''t be together. No sense of propriety, no consideration for time and ce. It''s disgraceful."


    Nie Ling''s face was full of reproach as she spoke.


    "First of all, I don''t need you to take care of me. I have a fracture, see? My leg can still move." Chang Zhiyuan demonstrated by wiggling his casted leg.


    "Secondly, she''s great, and I haven''t even won her over yet. Don''t interfere with my love life."


    Chang Zhiyuan picked up his phone and messaged Shu Yi, asking where she had gone.


    Chang Huaiming and Nie Ling''s expressions darkened further upon hearing Chang Zhiyuan''s words.


    "Yuanyuan, if you can''t win her over, just let it go. You could find any kind of woman you want. I''ve recently found quite a few nice girls. That girl just now, she''s nothing special. You know what the entertainment industry is like."


    Nie Ling tried to persuade him gently.


    Chang Zhiyuan frowned at her words.


    "I do know, and I like her anyway."


    Chang Huaiming turned to Nie Ling and said, "This is all your fault. You''ve spoiled him since he was little, giving him whatever he wanted. Look at him now, he won''t evene home, let alone listen to your advice."


    "Me? You spoiled him too. Why don''t you mention that? Before he was born, you wanted a son so badly. After he was born, you indulged him every day."


    "Stop arguing, both of you. You''ve both spoiled me. You''ve been too indulgent, and that''s why I am the way I am now. You''ll have to ept the consequences. I know I''m not young anymore and I could get married, but I want my life partner to be someone I truly love. Not someone you think is suitable and arrange for me. I know you love me, but you shouldn''t only love me. I have a sister too."


    It would be absurd to say that Chang Ningjing deserved their love only because she was good to him. It''s the 21st century, after all.


    Chang Ningjing never said anything, but he knew¡ªwho wouldn''t yearn for their parents'' love?


    No matter how strong or excellent Chang Ningjing was, she was still just a girl.


    "How can you say we don''t love your sister?"


    Chang Zhiyuan remained silent.


    "You should go home now. I don''t need you to take care of me. I know you mean well, but it would be better if you didn''t interfere with my rtionships or my sister''s."


    "You¡ª"


    Before Chang Huaiming could finish, Nie Ling stopped him.


    "Fine, we''ll go home."


    In the park downstairs, Chang Ningjing and Shu Yi walked side by side, the initial awkwardness of their first meeting now gone.


    "Ms. Chang, I''m sorry. What you saw earlier wasn''t what it looked like," Shu Yi exined. She had only intended to help Chang Zhiyuan get up, not expecting things to turn out as they did.


    Chang Ningjing smiled, "It''s alright. Just call me Sister Ningjing."


    Shu Yi nodded, and they continued walking.


    "How have you been feelingtely?" Chang Ningjing asked.


    "I''m fine now, thank you for your concern, Sister Ningjing."


    Since learning more about Shu Yi, Chang Ningjing had let go of her previous prejudices.


    It wasn''t her fault for being prejudiced before. After all, Chang Zhiyuan''s previous girlfriends were all peculiar characters with plenty of scandals to uncover. She even suspected Chang Zhiyuan was doing it on purpose. What kind of taste did he have, picking a bunch of beautiful but morally questionable arm candies?


    Inparison, Shu Yi seemed quite decent. Although her family background was modest, she had impressive academic credentials. Moreover, there weren''t any scandals associated with her. She was intelligent and had good acting skills too.


    "We should be done here. Let''s head back," Chang Ningjing suggested.


    "Alright."


    "Dad, Mom, you''vee down."


    Chang Huaiming and Nie Ling were approaching them from the opposite direction.

 Chapter 213

    "Ningjing, go upstairs and check on your brother first. We''d like to have a word with this youngdy."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Chang Ningjing nodded in response.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi tensed up. Drawing from her years of experience with novels and acting, she anticipated the next scene: they would offer her a credit card and ask her to leave their son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Come, youngdy. We''d like to have a chat with you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi grew increasingly nervous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The couple led Shu Yi to an upscale caf¨¦ near the hospital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Please, have a seat."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi obediently sat down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "We''ll cut to the chase and speak frankly," Nie Ling said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    The couple''s strong presence was palpable; as they sat there, Shu Yi felt intimidated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "What''s your name?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Shu Yueru."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "You''re an actress, aren''t you? You''re quite beautiful."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Nie Ling sat poised, holding a cup of coffee, scrutinizing Shu Yi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Yes, I am."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "You two aren''tpatible. I don''t think you should be together."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Nie Ling''s voice was devoid of emotion, utterly neutral.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Mrs. Chang, we''re not together."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Yes, I know you''re not together yet. I hope you won''t be in the future either."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi fell silent. This turn of events deviated slightly from her expectations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Are you listening?" Nie Ling asked again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Yes, I am."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Can you do as we ask?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Chang Huaiming''s fingers drummed on the coffee table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Although Shu Yi had anticipated this oue, hearing it spoken aloud still left her feeling dazed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Indeed, ipatibility is ipatibility. In the adult world, love isn''t always enough. Often, reality trumps romance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Fortunately, she hadn''t fallen too deeply and could extricate herself in time, cutting her losses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "I understand. If there''s nothing else, I''ll take my leave now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi maintained herposure as she spoke and stood up. It wasn''t until she turned to leave that her nose tingled, and a tear rolled down her cheek.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Perhaps it was for the best. There was no point in wasting time on a rtionship without a future. From now on, she would have to learn to be neither sad nor happy, to stop thinking about him, and to stay away as much as possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "The girl is quite pretty, but she''s been tainted by the entertainment industry. She''s not good enough for Zhiyuan," Chang Huaiming remarked, taking a sip of coffee.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "She was quite calm. I thought she might put up a fight. We didn''t even bring our credit cards. If she had made a scene, we would''ve been at a loss."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Alright, let''s head back. We can''t let Zhiyuan know about this, or he''ll be upset again," Chang Huaiming said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    In the hospital room, Chang Zhiyuan had been waiting for a long time, but no one had returned. What could his sister possibly be discussing with Shu Yueru that was taking so long?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Chang Ningjing didn''t dare return. If she did, Chang Zhiyuan would undoubtedly ask her where Shu Yi had gone. How could she tell him that their parents had taken Shu Yi aside for a chat?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    She preferred to stay out of her brother''s romantic affairs. It was better to pretend she knew nothing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi sat in her car, trying to collect herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Her phone rang. It was Shen Yin calling. Shu Yi looked at the caller ID, wiped away her tears, and cleared her throat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Hello, Yin Yin."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Shu Yi, are you busy right now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "No, not at all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "I wanted to ask about that delicious ice cream shop you mentioned before. Where is it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shen Yin was just feeling bored. Although the weather had turned cooler, who doesn''t love ice cream? A foodie has no resistance to delicious treats.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    After some hesitation, she decided to call Shu Yi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Wait for me at home. I''lle pick you up, and we''ll go together."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Huh? Weren''t you supposed to be at the hospital taking care of Chang Zhiyuan?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "His family is there now. They don''t need me anymore. So I can apany you and my godson for some ice cream!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi was unhappy, but people often put on a mask when they''re feeling down, pretending to be happy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    That''s exactly what she was doing now, smiling in a way that looked more painful than crying.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Hearing this, Shen Yin sensed something different in Shu Yi''s voice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    When Shu Yi arrived at Ziyue Manor, she parked her car in front of Shen Yin''s house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Come on, son. Get in the car. Godmother''s going to treat you to something delicious."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Afraid that Shen Yin might notice she had been crying, Shu Yi deliberately put on her sunsses as she stopped the car and opened the door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Should we invite Qi Ji?" Shu Yi asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Probably not. She might not be able to eat it. It would be too cruel to make her watch us eat."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Haha, you''re right. We''ll invite her next time when we''re having something milder."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "When are you starting your next project?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "I''m not sure yet. Thepany has sent me several scripts recently, but none of them were suitable. I think I''ll hold off for now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Good. Don''t settle for less."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    As soon as they entered the private room, Shen Yin couldn''t help but ask.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Are you feeling down?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "How did you notice? Is it that obvious?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi took out her mirror from her bag and checked her reflection repeatedly, but couldn''t see anything different about herself. She wasn''t wearing makeup, and her eyes weren''t red.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "When someone is pretending to be happy, it''s noticeable. The tone of voice, the subtle expressions on the face ¨C they all give it away. Right now, you''re trying hard to conceal something."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Really? That''s amazing. As expected, Yin Yin knows me best. Even my micro-expressions can''t escape your keen eye."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Tell me about it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    While Shen Yin was ordering, Shu Yi was organizing her thoughts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "You met Chang Zhiyuan''s parents, didn''t you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "How did you know?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Didn''t you say they went to take care of him, so you weren''t needed anymore?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Impressive deduction skills, my friend."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi gave Shen Yin a thumbs up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "What did they say?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi sighed and said, "They told me that Chang Zhiyuan and I aren''tpatible. They asked me not to be with him, not now, not ever."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "And you agreed?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "What else could I do? We really aren''t a good match. They''re practically aristocracy. They''d never allow an actress to enter their family. Rather than begging and struggling, it''s more dignified to agree gracefully."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Pride was still important, and now Shu Yi could only confide in Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Don''t be sad, Godmother. Have some ice cream." Xu Yunzheng scooped up some ice cream and offered it to Shu Yi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi was so touched she almost cried.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Zhengzheng, Godmother loves you!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Shu Yi took a bite and instantly felt better. How could there be such a sweet, understanding, and heart-warming child?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    In an instant, all her unhappiness melted away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Meanwhile, in the hospital room, Chang Zhiyuan was about to explode with frustration. What was going on? Four people had left, and half a day had passed, but not a single one had returned. He was about to burst from needing to use the bathroom. Who could he turn to now?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "The number you have dialed is switched off. Please try againter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "The number you have dialed is currently busy. Please try againter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    Chang Zhiyuan had never imagined he would one day feel so desperate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Hello, Xiuhe, help me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "Exin clearly."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "I''m at the hospital."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "You can still talk, so it can''t be too serious."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0


    "It''s about to be serious. Get to the hospital as fast as you can!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

 Chapter 214

    When Xu Xiuhe arrived, Chang Zhiyuan was howling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You finally came! If you''d been anyter, my dder would have exploded."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Serve you right. Why didn''t you call a nurse?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Nurses are women. How could I let another woman touch my body? No way, no way. A good man must keep himself pure." Chang Zhiyuan waved his hand dismissively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sure, I believe you," Xu Xiuhe said sarcastically, wondering how anyone could be even more thick-skinned than him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xiuhe, what do you mean? You don''t believe me? I admit, I might have been a bit of a yer before, but that was only because I hadn''t found true love yet. It''s different now. Now I have to stay chaste for my dear Shu Yi."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe looked at him with disgust. "Has your dder grownrger?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Quick, I''m about to burst. Hurry up and help me to the bathroom."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe reached out and pulled Chang Zhiyuan up by one arm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Chang Zhiyuan came out of the bathroom, he let out a sigh of relief. "Finally took care of that. Xiuhe, I absolutely must treat you to a meal."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What happened to you? How did you end up like this? Will you be able to walk in the future?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Don''t curse me. It''s just a fracture. I''ll be fine in a while."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It takes a hundred days for muscles and bones to heal. You''re telling me it''ll only take a few days?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe''s words hit a sore spot for Chang Zhiyuan. It was just bad luck that he could break a bone going down stairs. He was too embarrassed to tell anyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Where is everyone? Where''s the caregiver?" Xu Xiuhe asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Don''t even mention it. I purposely didn''t hire a caregiver so that Shu Yi could take care of me. But then my parents showed up this morning, and she left. Now I''m all alone here, lonely and pitiful."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Zhiyuan, you didn''t hurt yourself like this on purpose just to get her to take care of you, did you?" Xu Xiuhe looked at Chang Zhiyuan''s right leg, which was covered in a ster cast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Do I look crazy to you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You look like you''re sick, the kind that needs medication."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Alright, let''s talk about what''s important. Why did Shu Yi leave? I called her, but her phone is turned off."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe walked to Chang Zhiyuan''s bedside and put his hand on Chang Zhiyuan''s head, examining him. "It''s your leg that''s broken, not your brain."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan immediately caught on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If you''re my friend, don''t beat around the bush. Just say it straight."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Didn''t you say your parents came? When she saw your parents arrive, of course she would leave. Her phone is off ¨C think carefully, what could be the reason? Is it possible they said something to Shu Yi?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How did I not think of that?" Chang Zhiyuan pped his forehead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe marveled again at how a man in love could be so irrational.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Alright, I''m leaving. Thepany is busy. You should get a caregiver. If worsees to worst, there are male caregivers too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With that, Xu Xiuhe grabbed his coat and left the hospital room. Chang Zhiyuany in bed, still pondering where things had gone wrong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hey, Chang Ningjing, why did it take you so long to answer the phone? Did you do it on purpose? Everyone left without saying a word to me. My dder was about to explode!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Uh, little brother, let me exin."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I don''t want to hear it. I just want to know, did you say something to Shu Yue? Why hasn''t shee back yet?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Shu Yue?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Shu Yi, I mean Shu Yi."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Ningjing was silent for a moment, then said, "You know what our parents are like. If I put it this way, do you understand?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Ningjing didn''t spell it out explicitly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan angrily hung up the phone. He was fed up with his parents. They had to meddle in everything. He had told them not to interfere in his love life, but as soon as he said it, they started meddling?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His parents were really something. If they had just waited a while before starting to interfere, he wouldn''t have said anything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan was furious. Damn it, he was crippled, and not only did they note to take care of him, they went and messed up his affairs. He had been making some progress recently and could feel that Shu Yi wasn''t as resistant to him as before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now with this interference, they were back to square one.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Good grief, he used to think his parents simply favored sons over daughters, but now it seemed they only cared about themselves and didn''t consider his feelings at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Under the pretext of doing what was best for him, they interfered in all his affairs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan pressed the call button by his bed. It hadn''t even been two minutes when a nurse came.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was a VIP room, after all, with better service.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The young nurse entered respectfully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sir, do you need anything?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I want a wheelchair."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Certainly, please wait a moment."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan made a phone call to hispany assistant. He did have an assistant, but usually the assistant was only visible at thepany, and he spent very little time there.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xiao Zhang, drive to Rong City No.1 Hospital and pick me up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Two young nurses came into the room, one pushing a wheelchair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The other nurse walked to the bedside and used the handle to manually raise the head of the bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sir, do you want to get down?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The nurse pushing the wheelchair came over, making a motion to help Chang Zhiyuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan quickly waved them off. As a good man, he had to uphold male virtues. Men and women shouldn''t touch casually. It would be better if he got into the wheelchair himself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan first put his left foot on the ground, then supported himself with both hands on the bed and sat down in the wheelchair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Push me to the hospital entrance."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The young nurseplied.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan was wearing hospital clothes and only took his phone when he left the room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan called Shu Yi many times, but each time he heard the message: "The number you have dialed is powered off."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan sat in the wheelchair and waited for a while. His assistant drove up and stopped at the hospital entrance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Boss."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Quick, get me into the car."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The assistant supported Chang Zhiyuan with one hand as Chang Zhiyuan hopped on his left foot to the back seat of the car.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Put the wheelchair in the trunk."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The assistant opened the trunk, and the young nurse pushed the wheelchair forward. With the assistant''s help, they put it in the trunk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The patient needs to return by tonight. We have another examination," the nurse said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The assistant quickly agreed, closed the trunk and the back door, then got into the driver''s seat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the ice cream shop, Shu Yi felt half of her unhappiness melt away after the therapeutic effects of the dessert.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How do you n to face him next?" Shen Yin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi shook her head. She was an artist under hispany. As long as she stayed with hispany, it would be impossible for them to avoid crossing paths. In the past, it wasn''t so bad, but now they had filmed a drama together and still had to coordinate to make official announcements. They would have to work together in the future as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Let it be. If I''m not mistaken, your phone is probably turned off right now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin took a sip of her drink.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Who is he?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Yunzheng looked up, ncing at Shu Yi, then back at Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "He''s my godfather."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Didn''t Dad say that godfather likes godmother?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin quickly covered Xu Yunzheng''s mouth with her hand, but Shu Yi had already heard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin had expected Shu Yi to be upset for a while.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 215

    Shu Yi smiled and pinched Xu Yunzheng''s little face, saying, "Zheng Zheng, your godmother might like your godfather too, but you know, the adult world isplicated. You won''t understand if I exin it now, but you''ll get it when you''re older."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zheng Zheng indeed didn''t understand. If even adults couldn''t figure out these issues, how could a two-year-old child possiblyprehend?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Life is vast like the sea and as varied as mountains and rivers. It doesn''t always go smoothly. The waxing and waning, the ups and downs - that''s reality, isn''t it?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Liking someone, loving someone, being together, and getting married are all different things. They shouldn''t be confused with one another.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan sat in his assistant''s car as they arrived at the Chang family''s old residence. Once he and Chang Ningjing had the means, they had moved out of the old house to live on their own. At first, he was just dissatisfied with his parents'' favoritism towards sons over daughters, but now he realized that Chang Huaiming and Nie Ling''s mindset was the real problem.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Push me in," he said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan sat back in his wheelchair, with his assistant pushing from behind. The door was opened by the family''s housekeeper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Madam, the young master is back," the housekeeper announced.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nie Ling, who had been sitting on the sofa drinking tea, was surprised. Upon hearing the housekeeper''s voice, she quickly stood up and walked over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Zhiyuan, why are you here? Weren''t you supposed to be recovering in the hospital? Huaiming, Zhiyuan is back!" Nie Ling called out, raising her head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Why I''m back? Don''t you know?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nie Ling felt guilty; of course, she knew.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What''s wrong? Has something major happened? Mom really doesn''t know why you''re back," she said, her eyes darting around, asionally ncing at the staircase, waiting for Chang Huaiming toe and rescue her from this situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan, dressed in hospital clothes, sat on the sofa, appearing particrly calm, but his gaze was sharp as he stared directly at Nie Ling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Son, don''t look at me like that. I''m not a criminal. That look in your eyes is quite frightening," Nie Ling said nervously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Frightening? I don''t think so," he replied coolly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is that any way to speak to your mother? Show some respect," Chang Huaiming said as he came down the stairs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nie Ling breathed a sigh of relief.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "And how did you speak to Shu Yi? Was that respectful?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You found out?" his father questioned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m not stupid. I was alone in the hospital room with no oneing to visit me. Don''t you think I should have figured it out?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Zhiyuan, your mother and I only want what''s best for you. That young girl is in the entertainment industry. She''s not suitable for you," Chang Huaiming exined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How is she not suitable? I''m in the entertainment industry too. I''ve been in it even longer than her. I even filmed a movie recently."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That''s different. You''re at the top of the industry. And didn''t you only act in that film because of her?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan almostughed in frustration. So they knew he had acted in the film for her sake.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mom, Dad, you''re getting older, and there are some things I shouldn''t say to you. But precisely because you''re older, you should be more open-minded. Children have their own destiny. If you keep acting like this, when will you ever have grandchildren? There are some things I''ve never wanted to say, because I felt there was no need. But now, I have no choice."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Huaiming and Nie Ling exchanged a nce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "From childhood, you''ve always doted on me, and I know that. But what about my sister? Haven''t you neglected her? At first, I understood. The older generation has strong family values, and there''s often some favoritism towards sons. But you''ve taken it too far. Since we were little, anything good always came to me first. When I was young, I didn''t understand. I even thought she might not be your real daughter. Growing up, it was mostly my sister who took care of me. Unlike others, she never resented me because of your favoritism. On the contrary, my sister was smart. She knew from the start that only by being good to me would she be noticed by you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Huaiming and Nie Ling remained silent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Isn''t it sad? The world is full of wonders, and sometimes I find it unbelievable. That time I fell into the water, it was she who saved me. After pulling me out, she was the one left in the water, and she got sick. Did you me her then for not taking good care of me? You say you love me, but it was my sister who took care of me the most. She''s only two years older than me. Dad, I can understand you were busy with work, but Mom, what were you doing? ying mahjong. Do you know why my sister has never married? Because saving me left her with an illness that made her infertile!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As Chang Zhiyuan said this, Chang Huaiming and Nie Ling''s expressions changed. They clearly hadn''t expected this reason.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mom, Dad, I know it hasn''t been easy for you. But we''re grown up now. You didn''t take care of us much when we were little, so please don''t interfere now that we''re adults. My feelings for Shu Yi are serious."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But that girl..." Nie Ling began, but Chang Zhiyuan quickly cut her off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No buts. She''s wonderful. She has education, ability, and beauty. In what way is she not good enough for me? Her family background? A simple background is just fine. Besides, I used to have a terrible reputation. Everyone would say, ''Chang Zhiyuan? Isn''t he the one who changes women faster than he changes clothes?'' How could someone like that be worthy of her? Anyway, she''s the one for me, for life. I''m informing you of this. If you won''t ept her as your daughter-inw, then you might as well not have me as a son. Think it over carefully. I''ve said my piece. It''s up to you now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With that, Chang Zhiyuan turned his wheelchair around and left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The couple stood there, stunned for a good while, seemingly unable to ept this reality.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nie Ling cried, hitting Chang Huaiming. "How did ite to this? We truly wanted the best for him. Why are his words so final?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Huaiming watched Chang Zhiyuan''s retreating figure, lost in thought. Had they really been wrong all this time?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all these years, had they failed so miserably as parents?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the ice cream shop, Shen Yin took a bite of her ice cream and said, "It''s true that being from simr backgrounds is important. Love rarely triumphs over reality. Parents genuinely want what''s best for their children, but they often don''t know what their children truly desire."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Whether it''s a match of equals or not, we can''t predict how rtionships will turn out. Who can guarantee that a couple from simr backgrounds will always be happy? And who can say that a love match won''t have a good oue? It might be rare, but it does happen. In the future, when ites to our little Zheng Zheng''s rtionships, I''ll absolutely not interfere. You see how Qi Ji is always joking about Zheng Zheng being her son-inw? I bet when the timees, if the kids don''t like each other, she definitely won''t force them."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Little Qi Ji hasn''t even determined whether it''s a boy or a girl in her belly yet."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Boy or girl, it''s all the same."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin''s way of thinking was quite progressive. She herself was a unique individual who had experienced many unusual things, so naturally, her perspective was broader than most.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hmm, I''m feeling better now. I haven''t let myself get too caught up in it yet. Quick, praise me ¨C a good meal is all it takes to heal me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi lifted her head, seeking approval.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Let''s praise godmother! Godmother is awesome!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Yunzheng pped his hands enthusiastically.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 216

    After it all ended, Shu Yi and Shen Yin returned together to Ziyue Manor. Shu Yi''s phone remained switched off, and she did not turn it on even after reaching home.


    Shen Yin cooked dinner. When Xu Xiuhe returned home, he mentioned that the case concerning Qi Yan was about to reach a verdict, aiming for a sentence between three to ten years.


    Shen Yin didn''t show any significant reaction. After all, one must bear the consequences of multiple wrongdoings. Qi Yan was going in, so was Qi Shengwu, and no one else could be med for that.


    "Today, I went for ice cream with Shu Yi."


    "She was with you?"


    "Did Chang Zhiyuan look for you?"


    The couple each posed their questions, knowing the answers without needing a reply from each other.


    "As for their business, we should not interfere. If they are meant to be, nothing can separate them."


    Shen Yin agreed, as the nature of destiny is truly mysterious.


    Xu Xiuhe was ying with Zhengzheng, while Shen Yin was preparing dinner in the kitchen.


    Suddenly, Xu Xiuhe¡¯s phone began to ring.


    "Zhengzheng, y by yourself for a while. Daddy needs to take this call.¡±


    "Okay."


    Xu Xiuhe moved into the bathroom.


    The number was unfamiliar.


    "Hello, Mr. Xu."


    "Any progress?"


    "We found out that Zhou Man, prior to her wedding, had illicit rtionships with multiple individuals, both men and women.¡±


    "I am aware."


    Of course, Xu Xiuhe already knew this. What he wanted now was evidence, which he knew was hard to find. If he could locate it himself, he wouldn''t need detectives.


    "What''s her current status? What about her family background?"


    "She has no distinguished family background. She''s originally from Pei City, andes from a single-parent family. She used to frequent bars in high school, making money by apanying others for drinks."


    "What does she need so much money for?"


    Xu Xiuhe questioned, well aware of the fact that Zhou Man had scammed 20 million from the Shen family.


    "That is, her mother has leukemia. Initially, she made money to pay for her mother''s treatment. Later, she indeed used her body and earned quite a lot. Her mother¡¯s condition was controlled. She..."


    The person on the other end of the call did not continue.


    "Keep talking."


    "She met Shen Yin online. At that time, she happened to take a job overseas and managed to coax Shen Yin toe along. She took advantage of Shen Yin''s sympathy, making Shen Yin transfer money to her. Her mother then underwent a bone marrow transnt in China. Her illness was cured. Because of Shen family''s intervention, their rtionship ended. After leaving Shen Yin, she sessively had rtionships with many men and finally married Guo Wei.¡±


    After listening to the detective''s report on the phone, Xu Xiuhe felt a myriad of emotions. Zhou Man was overwhelmingly greedy. Her mother''s illness had been cured, yet she had scammed 20 million from the Shen family.


    "How did she meet Yang Cui?"


    "Because of Xu Zhengyang. Xu Zhengyang was in Pei City on a business trip two years ago and she seduced him. They had an affair, and after learning about Xu Zhengyang''s identity, she lied to him, saying her ex-girlfriend was forced into a marriage with Xu Zhengyang''s brother. Xu Zhengyang investigated, unable to uncover Shen Yin¡¯s true identity, and only found that Zhou Man did indeed have a past with Shen Yin."


    Xu Xiuhe, having heard this, understood that Zhou Man was only after money.


    In the evening, while lying in bed, Xu Xiuhe shared the incident with Shen Yin. It seemed to Shen Yin as if she was hearing a story, winding and incrediblyplex.


    ¡°In my impression, they nevermitted any outrageous actions. The Shen Yin from the past was probably blinded by what she thought was love.¡±


    ¡°Right, don''t worry too much, there will be no issues.¡±


    Shen Yin nodded.


    The couple had the same thought in mind. Zhou Man had no evidence to prove that they were lesbians. There were also no inappropriate photos. If it did leak out, Shen Yin could say they were just good friends.


    Everything required evidence. It was normal for two girls to be close, and without any concrete evidence, it would not pose any substantial threat to either Xu Xiuhe or herself.


    "She is stilling investigating. Once wepile everything she has done and send it to her, she will likely get a scare."


    "How could Xu Guimin have such a child as Xu Zhengyang? Xu Zhengyang gives off a sinister aura, you can tell he''s nefarious at first nce."


    "Why don''t you also mention that he himself isn''t any good?"


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yin agreed, some people are simply not meant to be parents.


    Shen Yin touched Xu Xiuhe¡¯s eyebrows and said: ¡°It is truly a blessing that you have grown up so safely, healthy and excellently.¡±


    ¡°Are you praising me?¡±


    "Isn''t it obvious? I''m reallyplimenting you!" Shen Yin, excited, sat up.


    ¡°Let''s sleep.¡±


    The next day, Zhengzheng kept insisting on seeing her father. Left with no choice, Shen Yin had to ask the driver to bring Zhengzheng and herself to thepany.


    Most of the Heyuan Group employees recognized her. As she visited often, they weren¡¯t surprised to see her.


    At the office, Shen Yin, finding herself bored, began to look at some of Heyuan Group''s files.


    "Aren''t you afraid that I''ll steal yourpany''s secrets and sell them?"


    "I''m not, thepany isn''t just mine, you are also a shareholder."


    "I¡¯m a shareholder? When did that happen?¡±


    Shen Yin was surprised, she put down the files in her hands and looked at Xu Xiuhe.


    "You have a 10% stake. But I¡¯m still the majority shareholder, how else would I be the CEO?¡±


    ¡°When did I be a shareholder?¡±


    "The first time you cooked dinner, I had Liu Bo transfer 5% to you. The time you moved into the small building, I transferred another 5% to you.¡±


    ¡°That would exin therge amount in my bank ount.¡±


    ¡°Is it a lot for you? What¡¯s mine is now yours.¡±


    ¡°Is Liu Bo also a shareholder?¡±


    ¡°He is, but his share is slightly less than yours.¡±


    Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.


    As soon as the words came out of the mouths, Liu Bo, with a grimace, knocked on the office door.


    ¡°Boss.¡±


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    "Is the project in Yang City finished?"


    "Can it be done so soon?"


    "So, what''s the matter?"


    "I''m taking leave."


    Said Liu Bo.


    "You''re taking a leave?" Xu Xiuhe was a bit incredulous. Liu Bo usuallyined about his long working hours, but when it came to work, he was more diligent than anyone else. Thepany''s sess today can''t be separated from him.


    "Yes. Xiao Li''s father has been hospitalized with high blood pressure. As her future son-inw, I ought to visit him."


    "He''s worth a visit. Go ahead."


    Liu Bo didn''t expect his leave application would go so smoothly.


    "Hold on, when are you guys holding the wedding ceremony? I''lle to gift some money."


    Liu Bo was almost out of the office door when he was stopped by Xu Xiuhe.


    "A wedding ceremony?" Liu Bo touched his head, is this something worth considering? He and Xiao Li are just pretending at present.

 Chapter 217

    "You''re not so young anymore, are you not thinking about marriage, or are you guys..."


    Before Xu Xiuhe could finish his sentence, Liu Bo waspletely scared. Could it be that his boss knew they were faking?


    "We are thinking, we''re thinking. Isn''t it because I''m usually too busy at work with her? We just don''t have the time."


    "Indeed, it''s my fault as a boss. How about this, the New Year is three months away, I''ll give you a long vacation before then, and the two of you can hold your wedding ceremony. It''s not right to keep dragging this on. After the New Year, you can also have your honeymoon."


    Xu Xiuhe made it sound nonchnt, but Liu Bo was scared out of his wits.


    "Isn''t it too sudden?"


    Liu Bo was practically sweating in distress.


    "Not sudden at all. You''ve known each other for so long, you''re familiar with each other''s backgrounds, and you''ve even met each other''s parents. You can''t let the girl wait forever. I think you can go get the certificates now."


    Shen Yin once again witnessed Xu Xiuhe''s matchmaking tendencies. Is he starting to rush for their marriage already?


    Such a good boss, are bosses these days really this humanized? Constantly considering their employees'' personal matters.


    "President, I will go first."


    Liu Bo wished he could fly out of this office.


    "Don''t worry, by then, the whole Heyuan Group will be your inw''s home."


    As soon as Liu Bo went out, a group of junior assistants outside were watching.


    "What''s wrong with Assistant Liu, he is in such a hurry."


    Xiao Li''er kept her head down. She hadn''t told Yang Mo and the others that she had already taken leave and was about to go to the hospital.


    "Mo Mo, Elder Sister Gu, you guys carry on. I have almost finished dealing with the files. I''ve got something to do and have asked for leave to take off early."


    "Ok, drive slowly on your way back."


    They could just tell Liu Bo if they need a leave, generally, it¡¯s no problem to take time off, everyone has family matters to take care of. They bid Xiao Li''er to take care.


    In a short while, Liu Bo also made his way to the elevator door.


    As soon as he left, they could not keep their gossip hidden.


    "Did you see that? I think these two are taking time off together. It''s strange indeed, Assistant Liu actually asked for leave, he must have been asking for it in the president''s office just now."


    "He rarely takes leaves, usually only business trips, it¡¯s indeed unusual."


    "You think, could these two be going to get the marriage certificate now?" Elder Sister Gu said.


    In an instant, their eyes seemed enlightened, filled with deep implications.


    "Why didn''t you wait for me toe down together?"


    In the underground garage, Liu Bo asked sitting in the car.


    "Isn''t it too obvious? If we go together, they''d notice right away."


    "Xiao Li, aren''t you naive? If we go one after another, won''t it look more conspicuous? It makes us look even guiltier."


    "What do we have to feel guilty about? We''re not doing anything bad together."


    "With the imagination of your girl group, they probably think we''re going to get our marriage certificate together."


    "How is that possible? Marriage certificate? Impossible, that''s outrageous, we''re faking."


    Xiao Li''er waved her hands, making statements that she herself didn''t believe.


    "Then what would make it real?"


    Liu Bo, who had been looking down, suddenly lifted his head to ask this question. Whether it was his gaze or expression, they were both incredibly serious.


    Xiao Li''er''s eyes widened, her expression frozen as if she hadn''t expected Liu Bo to utter such words.


    "That, what do you mean by what you just said?"


    Xiao Li''er couldn''t meet Liu Bo''s gaze, and her words began to stutter.


    "What you think it means, is what it means."


    After Liu Bo finished speaking, he started the car. Xiao Li''er felt an odd tingling sensation in her heart, something felt off.


    She was silent for the whole drive.


    The pair kept silent until the car pulled into the parking lot. Liu Bo exited and pulled several boxes of expensive-looking nutritional supplements from the trunk.


    ¡°Why did you go shopping? These must be expensive, let me transfer you some money.¡±


    Xiao Li''er pulled out her phone and transferred Liu Bo 2000 yuan.


    ¡°Let''s go.¡±


    Liu Bo carried two boxes.


    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to bother you."


    ¡°No problem.¡±


    The two of them made their way to the hospital room. There were other patients there. Xiao''s Mother was peeling an apple for Xiao''s Father.


    ¡°Mom, how is dad?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Li''er, you''re here. Ah, Liu Bo came too. You didn¡¯t juste but also bought so many things.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the least I can do. Auntie, how is Uncle?¡±


    ¡°I am doing fine.¡±


    Xiao''s Father was still lying in bed with an IV drip.


    ¡°Dad, you were fine. Why are you in the hospital?¡±


    ¡°Isn''t it normal? As you age, your body isn''t what it used to be. Some health issues aremon, don''t make a big deal out of it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, dear, that¡¯s your daughter and son-inw. How nice! Daughters are always better. My son...sigh.¡±


    An older woman entered the room from outside.


    The woman who walked in was the neighbour in the next bed, looking at Xiao Li''er with envy on her face.


    ¡°I have no serious problems. You shouldn''t stay here. Hustle, go and get back to work.¡±


    Xiao''s Father waved his hand from the bed.


    Xiao''s Mother was unhappy and retorted: ¡°You really have an issue. Liu Bo and Li''er came to see you out of goodwill, and you''re not pleased.¡±


    ¡°You are blessed but unaware, my old man always yearns for our son to visit him. Till now, he hasn''t shown up.¡± The woman from the next bed said.


    ¡°Is work busy?¡± Xiao''s Mother asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°Wow, handsome groom and beautiful bride, such a perfect match. Do you have children yet?¡±


    The neighbour seemed to be a fairly familiar type, making everyone awkward with her question.


    ¡°No, Auntie, we''re not married yet.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you aren''t married yet? That will not do. You should marry early, especially girls. The earlier you get married, the earlier you''ll recover. You two should get married soon. Hurry up, while your mom is still able to help with the kids.¡±


    Xiao''s Mother giggled and said nothing.


    Xiao Li''er suddenly felt that the decision to visit her father today was a mistake.


    ¡°Yes, we will hurry up.¡±


    ¡°Ah, goodd. That¡¯s like it.¡±


    The woman from the next bed was very pleased upon hearing Liu Bo''s words, feeling as if she had aplished something great.


    ¡°Liu Bo,e have some fruit.¡±


    Xiao''s Mother handed Liu Bo a peeled apple.


    ¡°Auntie, I¡¯m not hungry, you should give it to Uncle.¡±


    "Just eat it when I give it to you, don''t talk too much."


    Xiao''s Father, who was in bed, said grumpily.


    Liu Bo was a bit embarrassed and took the apple to eat for a while.


    Xiao Li''er then asked some questions about the illness and discharge time. She was ready to leave once she confirmed that there were no significant issues.


    Once she was back in the car, Xiao Li''er began to apologize again.


    "I apologize for how my father spoke earlier. If he came across as harsh, please don''t take it to heart."


    "I don''t mind at all. It''s perfectly normal. If my daughter were to be lured away by some scoundrel in the future, I reckon my attitude would be even worse than that of your father''s."


    ¡­...

 Chapter 218

    Shen Yin has been quite idle recently. Other than spending Sundays teaching martial arts to a group of young girls at the dojo and sharpening her own skills, she usually has plenty of free time.


    Xu Xiuhe often summons her to the Heyuan Group, and the employees are in the habit of having their boss'' wife around every day. This is indeed a rarity for them.


    Shen Yin, clever as she is, observes the operations of the Heyuan Group during her free time, and even has a knack for dealing with some documents.


    "Having you around puts me under a lot of pressure," said Xu Xiuhe jokingly.


    "What pressure?" she asked.


    "You''re capable and efficient. I can''t help but worry that you might outshine me someday and leave me," he confided.


    This remark elicitedughter from Shen Yin. Was Xu Xiuhe feeling insecure?


    "You better treat me well then," she teased.


    "Yes, I promise to treat you well."


    Shen Yin couldn¡¯t figure out what had caused Xu Xiuhe''s perceived insecurity. She wasn¡¯t one to frequently verbalize her affections or proim her love; Shen Yin preferred to let her actions do the talking.


    Words don''t matter, actions do. Talk is cheap, doesn''t cost a dime, and requires no effort.


    In order to soothe Xu Xiuhe''s anxiety, she decided to make him a sumptuous dinner that night as a reward for his hard work.


    "I''ll make you something delicious tonight," she said.


    "Hmm?" He seemed surprised.


    A mere nce from him was enough for Shen Yin to ascertain his thoughts. But she chose not to acknowledge it.


    "I''m going to buy the ingredients with Zhengzheng this afternoon"


    Shen Yin exited Xu Xiuhe''s office with Zhengzheng in towter that afternoon.


    Passing through the office area, the assistants greeted her warmly. Seeing Shen Yin and Zhengzheng leave for the day, the secretaries found themselves wishing for a fairy-tale love like theirs.


    "A charming love story, such a happy marriage!"


    "Lucky Mrs. CEO!"


    Shen Yin, holding Zhengzheng¡¯s hand, noted that the child¡¯s short legs could only move so fast. Just as they reached the parking garage, Shen Yin picked the child up.


    "Let''s go to the nearby supermarket."


    Responding to her instruction, the driver started the car.


    There was arge shopping mall near the Heyuan Group. When Shen Yin ventured outside with Zhengzheng, they both wore masks to avoid being recognized.


    "Mama, can we buy corn?" Zhengzheng asked.


    "How do you want to eat the corn?"


    "With spare ribs."


    "Alright, if Zhengzheng wants it, we''ll buy it."


    They bought numerous items, and the supermarket staff took care of them all and delivered them to their car.


    As they reached the gates of Ziyue Manor, a young woman was waiting for them.


    "Finally, you''re back, Sister Yin Yin!"


    "Qi Ji, what brings you here."


    "I missed you, wah wah."


    Qi Ji wore a pouty, childlike expression. If it wasn''t for her visible pregnancy, one might have mistaken her for a small child.


    "What''s wrong, did Xue Jingrui give you a hard time?"


    Qi Ji gave a strong nod.


    At the sight of this, Shen Yin was frightened, knowing Qi Ji was carrying a baby. She couldn''t fathom the ongoing events between the two.


    "I''ll call Xu Xiuhe, and ask him about the situation with Xue Jingrui,¡± Shen Yin suggested, pulling out her mobile phone.


    "No, no, don''t call him. I don''t want to see him," Qi Ji hastily stopped Shen Yin.


    "Auntie, what''s wrong?" Xu Yunzheng asked.


    "I really crave something delicious," Qi Ji replied, her mouth watering at the sight of the pile of food ingredients Shen Yin had bought.


    Understanding the unpredictable nature of a pregnant woman''s mind, Shen Yin decided not to take any random actions. ¡°Let''s go inside," she finally said.


    Shen Yin unlocked the vi using her fingerprint and the door slid open. The driver delivered all the food to the kitchen.


    Qi Ji closely followed Shen Yin, sticking closer than Zhengzheng, who was struggling to find room near her and ended up behind Qi Ji.


    "How did you get here?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Jingrui brother went to work, and Mom was sleeping. I snuck out and took a cab. I have been waiting for you at your doorstep for a long time," Qi Ji exined.


    "Ah, when did you arrive?"


    "Two hours ago."


    "Why didn''t you go look for Shu Yi in our absence?"


    "I went to Sister Shu Yi''s house, but no one was there. I didn''t take my mobile when I left, so I had to sit and wait here."


    The young girl seemed oppressed, and Shen Yin felt sorry for her.


    "Zhengzheng, apany your auntie, I will cook for you both," she told her son before entering the kitchen.


    Pulling out her cellphone, Shen Yin sent a message to Xu Xiuhe, asking him to inform Xue Jingrui that Qi Ji was with her. She wasn''t sure what was happening between the couple, and fearing agitating Qi Ji further, she refrained from asking too many questions.


    Working in the kitchen, Shen Yin chopped vegetables and kept an eye on Zhu Zheng and Qi Ji. And as she watched the adult and child y, her thoughts raced, piecing together the possibilities of what might have happened between Qi Ji and Xue Jingrui.


    ¡°Auntie, what''s wrong?"


    "I crave different food every day, but your Uncle Jingrui never lets me eat. Yesterday, I stole some food, and when he found out, he scolded me."


    After hearing Qi Ji''s words, Zhengzheng ran to her side, slightly patting her shoulder.


    "Your uncle is mean! Don''t worry, auntie, we have a lot of delicious food at home," Zhengzheng assured Qi Ji, who was so touched she nearly shed tears.


    "My son-inw, you treat mommy the best, my love for you has never been unwarranted."


    "Mommy is preparing food."


    Zhengzheng turned to look into the kitchen, and Shen Yin, multitasking between cooking and listening to their conversation, continued with her tasks.


    "In the future, I will be your mother too. You are my son-inw," Qi Ji announced.


    The little darling didn''t quite understand what a ''son-inw'' was. He tried to figure it out but wasn''t sessful.


    "What''s a ''son-inw''?" He asked.


    "Not ''Lu Xu,'' but ''son-inw.'' A son-inw is someone who marries my daughter. So, in that way, I also be your mother," Qi Ji patiently exined.


    "Auntie''s daughter?"


    "That''s right, there''s a small baby in your auntie''s belly; wanna feel it?"


    Qi Ji held Zhengzheng''s small hand and guided it to her stomach.


    "Auntie''s stomach is big," he noted.


    "Yes, because there''s a little life within. In just over half a year, she will emerge and y with Zhengzheng."


    Xu Yunzheng''s hand rested on Qi Ji''s belly, marveling at the wonder of it all, touching here, and then touching there.


    Shen Yin''s phone vibrated, a message from Xu Xiuhe had arrived.


    [I have informed Jingrui, and am now on my way home.]


    Shen Yin sent another reminder, telling Xu Xiuhe to be careful on his way home.


    At the Xue residence, Ye Rong was frantic. She had taken a nap in the afternoon, woke up to read a little, researched some new recipes, and prepared dinner in the kitchen. However, when she went up to ask Qi Ji toe down for dinner, she found Qi Ji''s room emptied. There, to her utter shock,y a runaway letter on the table.

 Chapter 219

    "I''ve been feeling a bit downtely, don''t look for me, I''m going for a walk."


    Ye Rong read the note her daughter-inw wrote, thinking that Xue Jingrui must have upset Qi Ji. Just as she was about to dial Xue Jingrui''s number, her own phone rang.


    "Hello, Jingrui, what''s going on? Did you upset Qi Ji?"


    Ye Rong fired off her usations as soon as she picked up the phone.


    "Mom, I didn''t. I called to tell you not to worry. She''s at Xu Xiuhe''s ce, I''ll go pick her upter."


    "She''s lucky nothing happened. If something had, Xue Jingrui, you wait, I wouldn''t let you off. We¡¯ll settle this score when you get back tonight."


    Xue Jingrui was rebuked into silence, not daring to argue.


    Ye Rong hung up first, leaving Xue Jingrui to reflect. He hadn''t done anything wrong, so why did he feel like he was being abandoned at home?


    Xu Xiuhe got home first. The meal prepared by Shen Yin was ready. Xue Jingrui waited outside Xu Xiuhe''s door, waiting for a reply from him.


    [How''s it going? Can Ie in yet?]


    [Wait a little longer.]


    Inside, everyone was enjoying Shen Yin''s meal. She had cooked a variety of nutritious dishes. Qi Ji was hungry and ate a lot that night.


    "Sister Yin Yin, your cooking is delicious."


    "Thene find me whenever you want to eat something."


    "Really? You treat me better than brother Jingrui. He was mean to me yesterday."


    "How was he mean to you?"


    Qi Ji knew she was wrong in the first ce, and guiltily lowered her head.


    "Xue Jingrui has been waiting outside all this time. He probably hasn''t had dinner. Without your permission, he doesn''t dare toe in," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "Ah, how did he know I am here?"


    After seeing the puzzled look on Qi Ji''s face, Shen Yinughed, realizing that the saying "once pregnant, three years of folly" was true.


    "Do you want to let him in?"


    Shen Yin asked.


    Qi Ji, with a conflicted expression on her face, said, "I¡¯m a good person, so I suppose I can allow him in."


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe stood up, opened the door, and Xue Jingrui rushed in.


    "Qi Ji."


    Xue Jingrui looked worried and wanted to continue speaking, but Xu Xiuhe covered his mouth.


    "You haven''t eaten, have you? Come eat first."


    Xue Jingrui sat down at the dining table. Shen Yin had anticipated Xue Jingrui''s arrival and had set an extra pair of chopsticks and bowl.


    Qi Ji guiltily lowered her head. Xue Jingrui kept his gaze on her.


    "Brother Jingrui, don''t look at me like that, I''m scared," Qi Ji said softly.


    "I''m scared too."


    "What are you scared of?"


    "I''m scared you''ll get into trouble. I''m scared you can''t take care of yourself alone outside. What did I do wrong? You can tell me directly. If something had happened to you..."


    "You were too mean to me yesterday," Qi Ji''s voice dropped low and carried a hint of coyness.


    At this, Xue Jingrui lost all his anger.


    "I''m sorry, I was worried about you. The weather is changing and it''s almost winter. Can you eat ice cream?"


    ......


    "You ate ice cream?"


    Shen Yin asked.


    The little girl nodded and then added, "I was sneaking eat, and then Jingrui found me."


    Shen Yinughed immediately, indeed a pregnant woman, the cravings they get, it isn''t strange to want to eat all sorts of things. But Qi Ji, clearly admitting her own wrongdoing, was too adorable.


    "So you knew all along you were sneaking?" Shen Yin teased.


    Qi Ji''s face turned red, her voice softly said, "I wanted it too much, I couldn''t control myself. I thought of so many ways to get ice cream under my Mom¡¯s watch. I just had two bites, two bites."


    Qi Ji held up two fingers.


    "What''s wrong with two bites?"


    "I only had two bites, and Jingrui already caught me. He scolded me heavily, the key point is, he ate the rest of the ice cream. I only had two bites."


    "Jingrui, what were you thinking? Not letting Qi Ji eat is one thing, but you even ate her leftover ice cream right in front of her."


    Xu Xiuhe watched the scene unfold amusingly, not minding the exaggeration. He initially thought something serious had happened between them, but it just turned out to be over an ice cream.


    "Exactly, you not only scolded me, but you also ate my ice cream."


    "I didn''t eat it in front of her."


    "Where did you eat it then?" Shen Yin asked.


    "He ate it in the bathroom, I saw it through the door gap. My ice cream, was a blue rose, so pretty. I only had two bites, just two petals, he took a bite and the whole rose petals were gone."


    As Qi Ji spoke, her voice grew louder, feeling more wronged.


    Xue Jingrui didn''t expect that he was spotted eating Qi Ji''s ice cream in the restroom.


    "Jingrui, that was your fault," Xu Xiuhe remarked.


    "I was wrong, I won''t scold you again in the future, but for now, we really can''t eat that, what if we get sick, we have to be very careful during pregnancy."


    "I forgive you. But I want to eat hawthorn! I want to eat something very sour."


    "Sweet for boys and sour for girls." Shen Yin interjected.


    "Shen Yin, I don''t want the hawthron now, I want hotpot and sour and spicy vermicelli... "


    "¡­"


    "Mom, Yunzheng wants ice cream,st time''s ice cream was so good. Have some hotpot, have some hawthorn." The little one listened to the adults'' conversation and suddenly chimed in.


    "Didn''t you just eat your fill?" Shen Yin clearly saw that Xu Yunzheng just had a serious food battle and ate a lot.


    "I''m full now, let''s go home. If we don''t go now, Mom might want to chop me with a knife." Xue Jingrui said.


    "All right."


    After the two left, Xu Xiuhe cleaned up the dining table, Shen Yin was happy, just now Qi Ji and Xue Jingrui were so funny, thankfully, she and Shu Yi didn''t bring Qi Ji to the ice cream shopst time, otherwise, Qi Ji would have been crazy for the ice cream.


    Sure enough, after the two got home, Xue Jingrui was thoroughly scolded by Ye Rong.


    Qi Ji, listening on the side, felt guilty at first, butter, it turned into sympathy.


    "Mom, it''s my fault too, it''s my fault, I''ve been having lots of strange cravings recently."


    "No problem, I''ll apany you for the prenatal checkup tomorrow. I would have to teach Xue Jingrui a lesson, otherwise, he will bully you in future."


    "Brother Jingrui didn''t bully me."


    Ye Rong doesn''t care about these issues. At bedtime, she hugs her pillow and knocks on the door of Xue Jingrui''s and Qi Ji''s room.


    Xue Jingrui gets scared and immediately picks up the quilt from the floor, running onto the bed.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Mom is probably checking on us."


    Only when Xue Jingrui looked around the room and couldn''t find any faults did he open the door.


    "Mom? Why are you hugging a pillow?"


    "I''m worried that you''re bullying Qi Ji. You can either sleep on the sofa or in the guest room on the ground floor. From tonight, I''ll sleep with Qi Ji."

 Chapter 220

    As soon as Ye Rong spoke these words, Xue Jingrui was dumbfounded, fearing that his mother might have overthought the situation.


    "Mom, I haven''t bullied her," Xue Jingrui protested with his final struggle.


    "No, my dear son, I don''t believe you. Her menstrual cycle hasn''t even stabilized yet, there might be some mishap," Ye Rong''s tone was firm, with an oppressively serious look in her eyes, it seemed like if Xue Jingrui dared to refuse, she would kick him without hesitation.


    "Mom, what about dad?" asked Qi Ji.


    "Your father is not a child anymore, he is not afraid to sleep alone. Don''t worry about him, go and take a bath, you will feel refreshed afterward."


    Without getting a chance for Xue Jingrui to process it all, Ye Rong sat down on the bed.


    "You may leave now."


    In early December, the weather in Rong City started to turn colder, making it necessary to wear a thick coat before venturing out.


    In Yang City, Kang Guopeng made a call to Shen Yin, suggesting that their Chinese/Japanese joint venture furniture project was nearingpletion and the products would be ready to view in a week.


    Kang Guopeng sent Shen Yin many detailed diagrams which left her quite satisfied. After all, Kang Guopeng''s technique was impable, and her blueprints were unique.


    "When will youe over to inspect the furniture?" asked Kang Guopeng.


    "There''s no need, you''ve sent all these detail diagrams already. I''ll send someone to pick up the furniture in a while," Shen Yin replied.


    Perhaps because Kang Guopeng resembled her maternal grandfather, she found herself trusting him implicitly.


    After a few days, Shen Yin arranged for a driver to be sent out. She wasn''t quite at ease with just that, so she discussed with Xu Xiuhe about making a trip to Yang city herself. Xu Xiuhe was even more concerned about Shen Yin going by herself.


    "I''ll send someone with the driver, you stay at home with Zhengzheng. It''s cold outside, try to stay in if possible."


    Shen Yin simply replied with an acknowledgment.


    Honestly, staying home all the time could get boring. Not many bosses could afford such leisure time like her. With the studio pretty much independent now, she asionally conducted some training sessions for the young girls working there. Their skills were already miles ahead of their peers.


    Anytime they faced a problem, a small hint from Shen Yin was enough for them to understand and move forward. For tougher designs, Shen Yin would sketch them out at home and send them to Wang Nannan.


    As for Zhengzheng, being a toddler, staying at home all the time was not his cup of tea. Shen Yin spent most of her time ying educational games with Zhengzheng, like counting, recitation of ancient poems.


    "Mommy, let''s go out."


    "Where do you want to go?"


    Shen Yin thought Xu Yunzheng would ask for his father again, but this time the little guy pondered for a while and still couldn''t make up his mind.


    "Should we go to grandma''s house?"


    "Okay!"


    Shen Yin also hadn''t been to the Shen family''s house for a while, and she guessed that Fang Yue was missing her and Zhengzheng. After deciding, Shen Yin got little Zhengzheng changed into white cotton trousers and a pink cotton jacket on top.


    "Mommy, let''s go."


    Shen Yin put on a white cashmere coat. Knowing they were heading out, Zhengzheng ran to the stairway, carrying his little bag without waiting for Shen Yin to get fully dressed.


    "Zhengzheng, can you wait for mommy?"


    "Okay."


    The driver has already been waiting at the door.


    Zhengzheng ran ahead, not wanting to be held by Shen Yin.


    The little one ran in front of the car, looking at it, and casually touched the side of the vehicle.


    The driver got out of the car and opened the door to the backseat just as Shen Yin stepped out of the house.


    Upon seeing Shen Yin, Zhengzheng sprinted towards her and hugged her leg.


    Shen Yin bent down, picked up Zhengzheng, and got into the car.


    By the time they arrived at Yun Manor, it was almost noon.


    "Granny!"


    "Ah!"


    Both of them eximed excitedly.


    "It''s been a long time since youst visited."


    Shen Yin got back smiling, "Almost a month."


    "You''re much better than your brother, who hasn''t been home in even a longer while."


    "My brother has been busy working, hasn''t he?"


    Ever since Shen Tianzheng fell ill, he stopped working entirely, spending everyday at home, gardening, reading newspapers, and often thinking about Zhengzheng. He asionally grumbled to Fang Yue about Shen Lv being too old and still unmarried.


    "Just you defending your brother."


    Zhengzheng was held by Fang Yue. He suddenly saw the cake on the dining table and his eyes lit up.


    "Cake."


    Zhengzheng pointed at the cake.


    "Zhengzheng, do you want to eat? Granny will cut a piece for you."


    Fang Yue, holding Zhengzheng, moved to the dining table. The cake looked quitevish with ayer of chocte on top.


    Seeing such a huge cake, Shen Yin thought someone must be celebrating their birthday, so she quickly scanned her memory and was pretty sure today must be Shen Lv''s birthday.


    "Today''s Uncle''s birthday, aren''t you and Zhengzheng here for that? Let granny cut a piece of cake for Zhengzheng first."


    Fang Yue put Zhengzheng next to a chair by the table, held a cake knife, and cut a piece with fruit in the middle.


    "Originally, we nned to call you in the afternoon and invite your whole family over. It seems we''re telepathically connected."


    "Thank you, granny."


    Xu Yunzheng took the cake, took a lick, and got chocte all over his nose.


    "You''re wee."


    "Mom, but my older brother hasn''te back yet. We ate his cake. Isn''t it somehow inconsiderate?"


    "What''s wrong with that? He''s lucky to even get a cake prepared. He''s almost 30 without a significant other; your father is really worried."


    "Uncle''s cake is too delicious."


    Xu Yunzheng, eating happily with twinkling eyes full ofughter.


    "Eat more if you like it."


    "Granny, I will visit you often in the future."


    Fang Yueughed at his words, asking, "Is Zhengzheng here to see granny or the cake?"


    Xu Yunzheng thought seriously for a while then said, "To see granny."


    Shen Yinughed alongside, thinking although Zhengzheng is small, he''s quick-witted. Coming to see the cake is probably true. Normally at home, Shen Yin controls Zhengzheng''s sweets intake. He''s small, at a very tender age when teeth are growing; eating too much sweet is not good for teeth.


    In the evening, Shen Lv came home with Xu Xiuhe.


    The Shen''s house hadn''t been this lively in a long time. Shen''s father sat on the sofa feeling quite content.


    Inside the restaurant, a whole table of dishes were prepared by the aunt. The cake was ced in the middle. Shen Lv and Xu Xiuhe were at the side, discussingpany matters. Shen Yin vaguely understood a bit. Real estate was not as good as it was in the past years. Whether or not they could get thend was crucial.


    "I want to get thend in Qingwan District," said Shen Lv.


    "That area is indeed not bad. There''s a scenic spot nearby, suitable for development. Many people want thatnd, so the finalnd price might be very high."


    "How about we coborate? We can get thatnd together. It''s a big project. I can''t handle it alone."


    Xu Xiuhe thought for a while, seemingly considering the feasibility of this n. He had already secured a lot ofnd in Rong City with hispany, plus he had a new project in Yang City. He might not have enough resources to take on this big piece ofnd.

 Chapter 221

    "We''re all home now, let''s not talk about work. Discuss your work matters during work hours. Let''s have dinner."


    "Dinner, dinner."


    Xu Yunzheng ran towards the dining table.


    Everyone else also followed him.


    Ever since Xu Yunzheng''s first visit, Fang Yue had prepared a child''s high chair at home.


    The high chair is somewhat taller than the dining table''s built-in chairs. Xu Yunzheng couldn''t climb onto it by himself, so he stood next to the chair, waiting for Shen Yin to lift him up.


    "Xu Yunzheng, call uncle, Uncle will lift you up."


    "Uncle."


    Shen Lv did just that and lifted him up.


    "Thank You, Uncle."


    "Oh, no need to thank me, Xu Yunzheng. You''re just like me, handsome, obedient, and polite."


    All the while touting himself, Shen Lv praised Xu Yunzheng.


    Hearing her son''sments from across the room, Fang Yue made a face. There''s no way Shen Lv took after her. How could he have such thick skin?


    "Cough cough, Shen Lv, don''t tter yourself. Of everyone sitting here, you''re the least good-looking. Saying Xu Yunzheng takes after you, if he did, he wouldn''t find a partner. Isn''t that right, Xu Yunzheng? You take after your mom and dad."


    After speaking, Fang Yue looked at Xu Yunzheng and slipped a braised shrimp tail into his bowl.


    "Mom, are you personally attacking me again? How am I ugly? Tell me the truth, am I your biological son?"


    Looking at Shen Tianzheng and Fang Yue and then at Shen Yin, Shen Lv''s expression fell apart. Shen Yin has double eyelids, and so do Shen Tianzheng and Fang Yue. Only he, in his whole family, has single eyelids.


    This aroused deep suspicions in Shen Lv.


    "Who told you that you''re our biological son? We picked you up from a garbage heap. Your suspicions were correct."


    Shen Lv.........


    "When you find a partner, that''s when you''ll be our biological child."


    Shen Tianzheng took the cue from Fang Yue and continued.


    "Dad, mom, it''s my birthday today. Can we not talk about my upsetting situation?"


    The reason Shen Lv was unwilling toe home was his parents'' nagging about getting married. He felt utterly powerless before it.


    "So you remember it''s your birthday. You''re another year older."


    Shen Lv was on the verge of tears, hoping Xu Yunzheng would help him.


    "Uncle, what''s wrong with your eyes?"


    Shen Lv''s left eye kept winking at Xu Yunzheng.


    "Nothing, Uncle is about to make a wish."


    Shen Lv stood up and put the birthday hat on Xu Yunzheng''s head.


    Shen Yin lit the candles on the cake.


    "Uncle will make a wish. Xu Yunzheng, would you like to blow out the candles with uncle?"


    Xu Yunzheng nodded his head.


    "Hold on, Wang Wang, are you sure about your wish?"


    "Wang Wang is a dog?" Biting his finger, Xu Yunzheng looked around when he heard the name Wang Wang. Could there really be a dog at grandma''s house?


    "Mom, I told you, don¡¯t call me by my nickname. Look, you never call sister by her nickname."


    Shen Yin:???


    "That''s because your sister is married. After getting married, you can''t call her by her nickname. If you have the guts, get married and I won''t call you Wang Wang."


    Shen Lv... Was it that hard for him to have a meal or celebrate his birthday? Saying he''s another year older, not wanting to be called by his nickname, and the talk turned to marriage again.


    "Wang Wang is Uncle?"


    The little one by the side, hearing the conversation between Fang Yue and Shen Lv, finally caught up to the fact: Wangwang was not a dog, but an uncle.


    "Correct, my pet name is Wangwang, and your mom is called Meow."


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    Shen Yin, just about to pick up some food with her chopsticks, stops abruptly upon hearing this. It was her first time hearing that she had another name, Meow.


    Wangwang and Meow, sounds quite unique.


    Shen Yin nced at Xu Xiuhe. Xu Xiuhe mimed the words "Meow."


    Shen Yin immediately looked away, continuing to eat her food.


    "Is Meow mommy?"


    "Yes, your mom''s called Meow. It''s no surprise you''re mother and son: your mom used to always call me Dog."


    "Now she still does, but as a bachelor."


    Fang Yue chimed in again. They can''t be med for putting pressure, after all, which family''s son hasn''t gotten married by 30? It''s not like they were poor.


    "Mom, my sweet mom, your son was wrong. He will find someone to marry tomorrow."


    "Weren''t you pursuing Doctor Ji? How''s that going?"


    Fang Yue''s every utterance was like stepping on Shen Lv''sndmine.


    "She got married a while ago."


    As Shen Lv''s voice trailed off, the dining table fell into a sudden silence.


    His heartbreak was apparent at first nce.


    Shen Lv likes beautiful women, and he has a lot of them saved on his Weibo. As the saying goes, love at first sight; that''s how he felt for Ji Qingyan. Strange, but there was a certain allure - Ji Qingyan is the cool beauty type.


    Shen Lv finds such looks irresistible. After pursuing her for a long time, gifting flowers and sending messages, Shen Tianzheng fell ill and Shen Lv became busy with work. For a good while, Shen Lv did not reach out to Ji Qingyan.


    When everything in thepany finally settled down, and he sought Ji Qingyan, she let him know she now had a boyfriend.


    Shen Lv thought, having a boyfriend wasn''t a problem, and as long as they weren''t married, he would wait until they broke up.


    A few days passed and Ji Qingyan sent Shen Lv a copy of her marriage certificate.


    Shen Lv went on a self-pity spree for a few days, drinking quite a bit.


    After regaining his strength, he threw himself into work. Not long after, Fang Yue brought it up again. That''s like pouring salt on his wounds, isn''t it?


    "How about I set you up for a blind date?"


    Fang Yue tentatively asked, having given up hope of Shen Lv finding a match on his own.


    "Whatever."


    Despairing now, Shen Lv didn''t care one way or the other.


    "Brother-inw, how are you thinking about it? When can we step aside and discuss it in earnest? I really think Qingwan District is a good idea - it has great potential for growth."


    "Alright."


    "Another talk? Hurry up and eat, or the food will get cold. Yunzheng, what do you want to eat? Grandma will serve you."


    "I want to celebrate my birthday tomorrow."


    Xu Yunzheng shook his head, wagging it from side to side.


    "Wow, Yunzheng, your birthday is still months away! Birthdays are not something you celebrate unless it''s the right day."


    "When will my birthday be celebrated then? Yunzheng wants to celebrate."


    "Zheng Zheng''s birthday is in the first half of the year, the day that Zheng Zheng was born. Zheng Zheng''s birthday arrives before Uncle''s, it has already passed and only after celebrating the New Year will be Zheng Zheng''s birthday again. By then, Zheng Zheng can also make a wish."


    Fang Yue patiently exined.


    A puzzled expression appeared on Zheng Zheng''s little face.


    "Grandma, is Zheng Zheng older than Uncle? But why is Uncle taller than Zheng Zheng?"


    "Well, how can I exin this?"


    The little one''s question stumped everyone.


    "Grandma said, the birthday is the day when one is born, Zheng Zheng''s birthday was earlier than Uncle''s, so Zheng Zheng was born before Uncle, so Zheng Zheng is older than Uncle!"


    "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha."

 Chapter 222

    The Chinese-style furniture was sent to the furniture workshop at the far west of Qinghe Street by Xu Xiuhe''s men.


    Shen Yin registered a shop online and had someone take a detailed set of furniture photos to put up.


    There weren''t a few who came to ask about the furniture, but once the price was disclosed, they were deterred, and some even chided it as a ck-hearted shop.


    The most expensive Chinese-style furniture on the market retails for only a million or two, but here, it was priced at five million. Did they intend to rob?


    Shen Yin did not respond to thesements. The quality and style of her works were here. They were more modern and sophisticated than the Chinese-style furniture on the market. True connoisseurs wouldn''t mind the price at all.


    Ever since Shu Yi was approached by Chang Huaiming and Nie Ling in the hospital, she disappeared for a long time.


    Even the group chat of the ''Rags to Riches'' trio went quiet for quite a while. Thanks to Qi Ji, who because of boredom, wouldmunicate in the group every day, sending various messages.


    "[There''s good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?]"


    Qi Ji tagged Shen Yin and Shu Yi in the group.


    "[Good news.]"


    "[Bad news.]"


    Shen Yin and Shu Yi replied one after the other.


    "[I feel like having a hot pot. Let''s go have hot pot, and when we meet, I''ll announce the good and bad news.]"


    Qi Ji suggested.


    She''s been having cravings these past few days. She wanted to go out every day. Once a homebody who could stay at home for a week, she now yearned for outings every day.


    How could pregnancy cause such a huge change?


    "[Do you want me to pick you up, or ask your husband to deliver you over?]"


    Shu Yi asked.


    "[Yes, yes; don¡¯t let him bring me, we''ll go to the hot pot restaurant.]"


    Shu Yi drove to the entrance of the Xue family''s house and called Qi Ji.


    Xue Jingrui was at work, and Qi Ji ran over to Ye Rong, cooing, "Mom, I want to go out for hot pot with my friends."


    Qi Ji''s voice all sweet and soft, clinging to Ye Rong''s arm.


    Ye Rong was defenseless.


    "Qi Ji, let Mom send you there."


    "Thanks, Mom, but sister Shu Yi is already waiting for me outside."


    "Alright, be careful, all of you. Don''t stay out toote. No drinking."


    Ye Rong reached out and patted Qi Ji''s nose.


    Qi Ji bounded out of the house with joy. With her enormous belly, Ye Rong was worried. If something happened, what were they to do? Ye Rong began to resent her son again, for being too eager. They should have waited a couple more years, until Qi Ji was a little more mature before they had a child. She got lost in this thought,pletely forgetting the fact that it was she who had been pushing for this in the first ce.


    As soon as Qi Ji decided to go out, she changed into arge, loose yellow pastry suit, wheat-colored corduroy pants underneath, matched with a pair of white snow boots.


    Looking like a fresher who had just graduated from high school, she opened the passenger door of the car.


    "Stop, sweetheart; you should sit in the back. You are a pregnant woman; the passenger seat is a little risky. The back is safer."


    Shu Yi deflected.


    Upon hearing her, Qi Ji shut the passenger door and moved to the backseat.


    Inside the car, the heater was on, blowing warmth. The first thing Qi Ji did after getting in was take off her yellow pastry suit.


    "Why are you still wearing so much inside?" Shu Yi turned and incredulously remarked.


    Inside Qi Ji¡¯s outer clothing was a sweater.


    "The cold weather has set in recently, Brother Jingrui says it''s risky for pregnant women to get sick, so I should keep myself warm and bundle up when going outside."


    "Wow, you have a good husband."


    Upon hearing Shu Yi¡¯sment, Qi Ji felt a bit shy. She realized she had hardly ever called Jingrui her husband out loud.


    "Has Sister Shen Yin arrived?¡±


    "They should be here shortly.¡±


    Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng were already waiting for them in the private room at the hot pot restaurant.


    It was the first time that Shen Yin and Yunzheng visited a hot pot restaurant and they looked around curiously.


    Shu Yi had parked the car, put on her hat, mask, and scarf, and then turned to look at Qi Ji, who was pulling on her puffy coat.


    "In just a short time, I feel like your belly has grown a lot." Shu Yi kept staring at Qi Ji¡¯s belly.


    "Have they?" Qi Ji merely smiled without saying anything more.


    Following the waiter''s guidance, they went straight to the private room.


    "Auntie, godmother."


    Xu Yunzheng was the first to spot them.


    "Is it cold outside?" asked Shen Yin.


    "It''s cold, but it''s okay, I dressed warmly." Qi Ji took off her yellow puffy coat and ced it on her chair.


    Shen Yin pulled up a chair for Qi Ji.


    "I am going to announce some good news and bad news. Are you all excited?"


    "We''re excited!" Yunzheng was the most enthusiastic, shouting out loud.


    "The good news is that I''m carrying twins, one boy and one girl. I just had the examination yesterday."


    "Wow! How lucky.¡± Shu Yi was amazed, she knew people with twins but had never met anyone with fraternal twins.


    "Indeed, that''s great news."


    Only Yunzheng was confused in the room, wondering why the adults were all so happy when there was no food on the table yet. He looked around, puzzled.


    "Yunzheng, Auntie Qi Ji has two little lives in her belly," Shu Yi exined.


    "What about the bad news?" Shen Yin asked tentatively, a bit worried. She wondered if it had something to do with the babies.


    "The bad news is that the twins are the same size. The little princess already has a fianc¨¦, but there is no one for the brother. How to solve this? I am still short of a daughter-inw. I am sure the brother will be jealous. What if he gets upset and bullies his sister?¡±


    Shen Yin and Shu Yi were speechless. Was this considered as bad news? They were horrified when Qi Ji said she had bad news.


    Qi Ji sure had a long-term vision.


    "Given that you already have a son-inw and you¡¯re still short of a daughter-inw, it is indeed some bad news."


    "Dear, future has its own future blessing. We don''t have to worry about it. The brother won''t get into trivialities. Don''t think too much about it. What kind of hot pot do you want to eat?" Shu Yi picked up the menu and looked at it again.


    Fraternal twins are such a low probability event, but it happened to her good friend. Of course, this was worth celebrating.


    "We¡¯ll have tomato hot pot, spicy hot pot, and mushroom hot pot." Said Qi Ji.


    "Okay, the pregnant woman is the boss here. We''ll listen to you."


    "What do you want to eat son-inw?" Qi Ji asked Yunzheng.


    "Meat."


    When the waiter brought in the food, the sight of Shu Yi stunned him.


    "Is that Shu Yi? The goddess?"


    Shu Yi didn¡¯t expect to meet her own fan while dining.


    The waiter was very young and seemed like a college student working part-time during the winter break. The sight of Shu Yi left him so excited that he stopped what he was doing.


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Wow, I''m your fan. Can you sign for me?¡±


    The waiter took a pen from his pocket and handed it to Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi, with a smile, took it and asked, "Sign where?"


    The waiter looked around, found that he only had tissue paper in his pocket, so he pulled it out and said, "Here, I really love you. I will cherish this tissue paper.¡±


    "Thank you for your love."


    The waiter, faced with joy, could not suppress the smile on his face. Just as he was heading out the door, he suddenly turned back.

 Chapter 223

    "The goddess, isn''t the drama you''re in called ''I Just Want to Be With You''? It''s about to be released soon, right? I really want to watch a goddess''s romantic TV series."


    Happiness etched on Shu Yi''s face momentarily faded upon hearing this. She had almost forgotten that this drama had finished editing for a while and was set to air during the winter vacation.


    "Yes, soon."


    "Wow, I''m thrilled. I''m definitely going to follow it. I heard it''s very sweet. A goddess should have sweet love."


    After spouting these words, the waitress ran out joyfully, her steps now significantly lighter.


    The room fell into silence for a while. Qi Ji did not know about Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan, but Shen Yin did. During this time, Shu Yi had not been staying at Ziyue Manor.


    Often, she was unreachable by phone - "The phone you dialed is switched off."


    Chang Zhiyuan frequently asked Xu Xiuhe for any news of Shu Yi. Xu Xiuhe in turn asked Shen Yin for any information.


    Shen Yin genuinely didn''t know. Shu Yi seemed to vanish into thin air recently ¡ª untraceable unless she wanted to reach out.


    Her phone was switched off, and she never replied to messages.


    "Shu Yi, have you been on set againtely? You''ve been barely visible in our group chat. It¡¯s almost always Shen Yin and I chatting," asked Qi Ji.


    "I was feeling down, so I went back to Old Town to stay with my parents for a while," replied Shu Yi, clearly not in good spirits.


    During that period, as shey abed at night, she frequently dreamed of Chang Zhiyuan. The pain was unbearable, as the dreams brought back shared moments on set, or him making her a lunar charm, or his visit to Tibetan City.


    The feeling was agonizing. She turned off her phone and spent her days engrossed in TV series, as if she had severed all connection from the outside world. She hadn''t dared step out of the house since she returned.


    Her parents didn''t dare question what had happened.


    She knew clearly that she had fallen for Chang Zhiyuan. Late at night, she''d sit nkly in bed, doing nothing for long periods.


    During the day, while binging on series, she''dugh at the sweet romance sequences on TV and cry endlessly at the tragedies.


    Nobody knew about any of this.


    "Do you feel better now?" asked Qi Ji.


    Shu Yi had been asking herself the same question these past few days. Was she feeling better? It seemed like she wasn''t.


    "He''s contacted Xiuhe several times, asking him to find out from me where you are," said Shen Yin, as she began serving the cooked hotpot dishes.


    "Shu Yi, what happened between you and Chang Zhiyuan?" Qi Ji asked, utterly puzzled. All she did was get pregnant, yet she felt like she''d been thrown out of the loop for a century.


    "Nothing major really, his parents just talked to me, said we aren''t suitable for each other," replied Shu Yi.


    "When did this happen?" asked Qi Ji, taken aback.


    "Not long after I returned from Tibetan City."


    "How is he now?" inquired Shu Yi.


    "Healing takes time, a hundred days for fractured bones to mend. Xu Xiuhe told me he''s been using a wheelchair these days."


    "A wheelchair?" Qi Ji asked again, clearly shocked.


    "Chang Zhiyuan fell from the stairs and broke his leg."


    "Up next, I can''t escape it anymore, so annoying, in two days'' time, I''ll be busy with the promotional activities for the new series." Shu Yi supporting her own forehead, picked up a piece of ck chicken roll with her chopsticks. When she was in a bad mood, even good food tasted nd.


    "''I Just Want to Be With You''? Is Chang Zhiyuan the leading man?"


    Qi Ji asked.


    Shu Yi nodded.


    They were sure to release a photo of the male and female leads, as well as some behind-the-scenes footage. Shu Yi, looking back now at the series they both performed in, it just feels off every way she looked at it.


    If only she could break her contract with thepany. But doing so would cost so much money.


    "Don''t think too much, enjoy the present, take one step at a time. When the boat gets to the bridge, it will straighten itself out naturally. The only way to relieve worries is through hot pot."


    Qi Ji reached out to mp a lot of meat for Shu Yi.


    When they were returning home in the evening, Shen Yin and Zhengzheng were picked up by their driver, Qi Ji was also picked up by Xue Jingrui, Shu Yi, alone, drove back to the old city district.


    "Shu Yi, you''re back, did you have fun?" As soon as Shu Yi entered, Shu''s Mother asked.


    "It was okay."


    "You should go out more, look at you, always locking yourself up at home, it must be so suffocating."


    "I got it, mom, I will return to my ce tomorrow."


    When Shen Yin got home, Xu Xiuhe had not yet returned, which was slightly unusual. Normally, Xu Xiuhe would be home by six or seven o¡¯clock. It was now already 9 pm.


    Zhengzheng was yawning.


    Shen Yin pulled out her phone, as expected there was a text message from Xu Xiuhe stating he was working overtime and to not wait for him tonight.


    Their vi had heating, so Shen Yin removed Zhengzheng''s coat and her own as soon as she got home.


    "Mommy, I''m sleepy."


    The little one covered his mouth and yawned. Shen Yin handed a cup to Zhengzheng, asking him to drink some water.


    "First shower, after the shower, can Zhengzheng then go to sleep?"


    "Okay."


    After Shen Yin gave Zhengzheng a bath, she carried him to her own bed.


    By the time Shen Yin had finished freshening up, it was nearly 10 pm, she couldn''t help but worry ¨C at this point, he should be home by now.


    Shen Yin dialed Xu Xiuhe''s number.


    Two secondster, the call was answered.


    "Hello, wifey, you''re still up?"


    "Waiting for you. You''re still workingte?"


    "Yes, a project is keeping me a bit busy, I might have to workte for a few days. You can go to sleep first, no need to wait for me."


    "Okay, be careful when you drive back home."


    After hanging up the phone, Shen Yinid down, went to sleep, and slept lightly.


    She even had a dream, the dream was so realistic. In the dream, there was a middle-aged man, unable to surface in a body of water.


    Shen Yin suddenly opened her eyes.


    Water, a person, who can''t get to the surface.


    This was very familiar. Could it be Zhengzheng''s dream?


    She didn''t recognize the man, she didn¡¯t see his face; the water seemed to be a huge swimming pool.


    He was struggling at first, but then she woke up. The man in the dream was just a silhouette, lone and helpless in the water.


    An unexpected cold sweat broke out on Shen Yin; the dream she had was eerily the same dream she and Zhengzheng had before. In any past dreams, she had the ability to see who the protagonist was, who was in danger, but this time around, all she saw was a man unable to resurface in the water.


    Unable to fall back to sleep, Shen Yin picked up her phone - it was precisely midnight.


    Slowly, Shen Yin got up and entered Zhengzheng''s room. Xu Yunzheng was sound asleep when she eased herself onto the bed next to him.


    Approximately half an hour had passed, and sleep had yet to im her when the bedroom door was pushed open.


    There was no one in her room; the bedcovers were still tossed aside. The sight of the open door to Zhengzheng''s room led Xu Xiuhe to wander in.


    Without uttering a word, he consciously lightened his footsteps, making his way to the bedside.


    "You''re back?"


    Shen Yin turned around, sitting up.


    "Mmm, I''m back. Why are you still awake?" Xu Xiuhe inquired.


    "Had a dream and couldn''t go back to sleep."


    "A dream?"

 Chapter 224

    "Yes, it might be Zheng Zheng''s dream. In the dream, I saw someone in the water. It was a man, but I couldn''t see his face. I didn''t recognize the background where he was floating on the surface either."


    Shen Yin said she was a bit scared. It was too horrifying. If she had dreamed it herself, it wouldn''t have been a big deal, but for little Zheng Zheng to have such a dream... If only they knew who the person was, it would be easier to handle. But now, they had no clue at all.


    "It''s okay, don''t be afraid. Not recognizing him is a good thing. It means he''s not someone close to you. Don''t panic," Xu Xiuhe said, patting Shen Yin gently.


    In Xu Xiuhe''s embrace, Shen Yin finally fell asleep.


    The next morning when she woke up, Xu Xiuhe was still by her side.


    "Why haven''t you gone to work yet?"


    "I thought you might be scared if you woke up and found me gone."


    "I feel much better after sleeping."


    Xu Xiuhe had prepared breakfast and only left for work after watching Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng finish eating.


    After Xu Xiuhe left, Shen Yin took Xu Yunzheng upstairs. Having eaten his fill, Zheng Zheng pestered Shen Yin to y games with him.


    Shen Yin took out various early education toys for Xu Yunzheng. Upon seeing them, he immediately ran over and picked up his toys, unable to put them down.


    Shen Yin was lost in thought as she watched Zheng Zheng. Why did Zheng Zheng have that dream, and why did she dream about it after him? If only Zheng Zheng could be like other children, safe and sound.


    "Mom, this is how you put it together," Zheng Zheng said, piecing together the stic parts bit by bit.


    Before long, he had assembled half of a fire truck.


    "Zheng Zheng, you''re amazing!" Shen Yin praised.


    "Mom is amazing too!"


    "What does Zheng Zheng want to be when he grows up?"


    "Be what?" Zheng Zheng fell into deep thought, seemingly not understanding the question.


    "Yes, what kind of person does Zheng Zheng want to be in the future?"


    "Zheng Zheng wants to be a good person."


    Shen Yin was speechless.


    It was an ambitious goal, but the scope of being a "good person" was too broad. In this era, there were indeed quite a few bad people who were ruthless andmitted all kinds of evil, as if they had no morals or heart.


    By the same token, where there are viins, there are also embodiments of justice. Good people still made up the majority.


    "Zheng Zheng, there are many good people. What kind of good person do you want to be?"


    "I want to be a good person who beats up bad people."


    Shen Yin was struck speechless again.


    It was a good answer, but Zheng Zheng still hadn''t understood her question. She wanted to know what kind of dreams Zheng Zheng had for the future, what he wanted to be.


    Clearly, it was too early to ask such a question.


    "Mom, you put this together," Zheng Zheng said, taking out stic parts of another color from the toy box.


    "Zheng Zheng, what kind of vehicle is this?" Shen Yin asked, pointing at the half-assembled fire truck.


    "This is a fire truck."


    "What does a fire truck do?"


    "It puts out fires. Fire is scary."


    "Then what kind of vehicle will this one be when it''s assembled?"


    "An ambnce. It saves people."


    Shen Yin picked up the small parts. They were quiteplex, and it was her first time assembling them. All these toys were bought by Xu Xiuhe. There was even a room on the third floor specially for storing Zheng Zheng''s toys.


    "Mom''s not very good at this. Can Zheng Zheng teach Mom?"


    "Okay."


    The fire truck wasn''t finished yet, but Xu Yunzheng scooted closer to Shen Yin. The two sat on the carpet, their distance narrowing.


    "This is the head," Zheng Zheng said, pointing to one of the small parts.


    "This is the body."


    With Zheng Zheng''s help, Shen Yin soon assembled the ambnce.


    Just as they were about to continue assembling the fire truck, Shen Yin''s phone rang.


    "Hello, Xiuhe."


    "Did you see the news online?" Xu Xiuhe asked directly, without any other greeting.


    "What news online? I''ve been ying with the baby and his toys," Shen Yin replied.


    "The dream you hadst night, it happened yesterday afternoon."


    "Huh?" Shen Yin was shocked. Wasn''t she supposed to have precognitive dreams? How had it turned into something that had already happened?


    "It''s Xu Guimin. The news says he had a sudden incident while swimming and couldn''t surface."


    "What?"


    Shen Yin was surprised again. Things were bing increasingly strange. Hadn''t she only dreamed about her loved ones and friends before? And they were all premonitions. Now she had dreamed about someonepletely unrted to her.


    Xu Xiuhe wasn''t even willing to call him "Dad," so how could she possibly consider Xu Guimin as her father-inw? Wasn''t he just an unrted person?


    Moreover, it wasn''t a premonition. The event had already happened before she dreamed about it. What use was that? Even if she wanted to save him, she couldn''t. And the dream was so vague, just leaving her with a silhouette. She didn''t even know who it was. It would have been better not to dream at all. It was a waste of time, leaving only fear behind.


    Bute to think of it, what about Zheng Zheng''s dream? It was still unclear whether he had dreamed about the same person. After all, he was just a child who couldn''t express himself clearly and was sometimes unwilling to talk. He might not even be able to distinguish between dreams and reality at times.


    "So now?" Shen Yin asked.


    "There''s no need to worry now. It''s good that we''ve confirmed who the person in the dream was. It''s a positive thing for us."


    "I mean, is he still..."


    Shen Yin didn''t finish, but Xu Xiuhe understood what she meant.


    "I don''t know. I just saw the news online. It''s the headline, probably already trending in local hot searches. I don''t know anything else."


    "Hmm..."


    Shen Yin didn''t know what to say. Although Xu Xiuhe hated Xu Guimin, they were still rted by blood.


    "It''s best if nothing happens to him. Otherwise, it would be too easy on him."


    Shen Yin was speechless.


    Well, it seemed that blood rtions meant nothing in this case. Perhaps some people were just not meant to be parents. If she were still in the Dasheng Dynasty, if she hadn''te here, she would probably feel the same way as Xu Xiuhe towards her worthless minister father. She would try every means to take revenge on him.


    "That''s good, at least we know the oue of this dream. But why did Zheng Zheng dream about it?" Shen Yin still didn''t understand.


    "Maybe it was just a coincidence, or perhaps it''s because they''re still rted by blood."


    "Hmm, I''m not worried anymore. I''ll bring you lunch at thepany."


    "Okay, be careful on your way here."


    After hanging up the phone, Shen Yin put it down.


    Zheng Zheng had already put down his toys and even dragged over his toy box.


    "Mom, are we going to find Dad?"


    "Yes, we are."


    The little one was very attentive and understood perfectly.


    "Zheng Zheng will go with Mommy," he said.


    Xu Yunzheng carefully ced his toys into the box, arranging them neatly one by one. If even one was slightly crooked, he would rearrange it.


    "No need to rush," his mother said. "Mommy still needs to cook. After I finish making the meal, we''ll take it to Daddy."


    "Okay, Zheng Zheng will help Mommy cook," the little boy replied.


    After putting away all his toys, he followed Shen Yin downstairs.

 Chapter 225

    The online news continued to ferment, with many reporters camped out near the Xu Family residence, hoping to get the scoop on thetest developments.


    How to describe the Xu Family situation? It was both significant and not so significant at the same time.


    Sure, someone had fallen into the water and couldn''t get out, but the Xu Family held a certain status in Rong City. Old Master Xu''s mishap now affected the future development of the Xu Group.


    The people of Rong City were well aware of the rtionship between Xu Xiuhe, the CEO of Heyuan Group, and Xu Guimin. Now, the Xu Group also had Xu Zhengyang.


    One born to the ex-wife, one to the current wife - the people of Rong City were eagerly waiting for the drama to unfold. Legally speaking, Xu Xiuhe also had inheritance rights.


    Previously, when Xu Guimin hadn''t encountered any issues, people didn''t see much of a connection between Xu Xiuhe and Xu Guimin. But now it was different. With Xu Guimin''s ident, Xu Xiuhe had be a point of interest.


    At this moment, Xu Guimin''s physical condition became extremely important.


    In the hospital, Yang Cui was sprawled across Xu Guimin''s legs, crying her eyes out.


    "Oh, Xu! You can''t have anything happen to you. You must get better quickly. If you leave, what will I do? Who will protect me? Oh, Xu! Guimin! Wake up soon. How will Zhengyang and I manage without you? Boo-hoo, Guimin, wake up!"


    Xu Zhengyang sat in a chair, watching his mother cry, at a loss for words.


    "Please be quiet. The patient needs rest. He''s not dead yet, so why are you wailing like it''s a funeral? Don''t the other patients need rest too?"


    The Little Nurse stood at the door, knocking, her tone rather unpleasant.


    Yang Cui couldn''t tolerate this. How dare a little nurse speak to her in such a manner?


    "How dare you speak like that? Who are you saying is having a funeral? Are you cursing my husband?"


    Yang Cui stood up and walked to the door, looking fierce. She raised her hand and pped the Little Nurse across the face. The nurse cupped her cheek, her mouth agape, seemingly shocked.


    She knew this patient''s family had some influence, otherwise they wouldn''t be in a VIP ward. But Rong City had plenty of influential people, and this wasn''t the only one. Several other patients'' families had alreadyined at the nurse''s station.


    And now she''d been pped outright. Did they think she was easy to bully? She had people backing her too.


    She was used to being overbearing, and when she saw patients or their families not heeding her advice, her tone would turn sour, and she''d start scolding loudly.


    "You dare hit me? Who do you think you are?" The young and sturdy Little Nurse put one hand on her hip and swung the other towards Yang Cui.


    She pped Yang Cui three times across the face.


    Not only was Yang Cui stunned, but Xu Zhengyang watching from the side was also dumbfounded. He hadn''t expected the nurse to be so fierce and brave.


    After recovering from the shock, Yang Cui and the Little Nurse began to scuffle. Yang Cui was shorter than the nurse, and as they grappled, Yang Cui slowly found herself at a disadvantage.


    "Zhengyang, why are you just sitting there like an idiot? Your mother is being beaten. Come and help me!"


    Yang Cui screamed hysterically.


    Xu Zhengyang was clearly frightened by the situation. He put down his phone and ran over.


    With his addition, the Little Nurse immediately found herself on the losing end.


    "Help! There''s a hospital disturbance! The patient''s family is beating people!"


    The Little Nurse''s voice was also very loud.


    Soon, many people gathered at the door of the ward - other patients'' families, doctors, nurses, and even the department head rushed over.


    "What''s going on? This is a hospital!"


    The three seemed not to hear, and the Little Nurse was being beaten badly.


    Someone called for security toe up, and finally, the scuffling group was separated.


    "Cough, cough."


    Xu Guimin on the hospital bed coughed a few times, and the room instantly fell silent.


    This was a situation neither Yang Cui nor Xu Zhengyang had anticipated. Hadn''t the doctor said Xu Guimin might be a vegetative patient? How was he coughing now?


    "Dad, Dad, you''re finally awake?" Xu Zhengyang immediately ran to the bedside.


    "Where am I?" Xu Guimin''s voice was extremely weak, and his gaze was still a bit unfocused as he looked around.


    Yang Cui''s hair was disheveled, two buttons had fallen off her clothes, and her face was bruised and swollen. Seeing Xu Guimin open his eyes, she burst into tears.


    She crawled to the bedside, copsing onto the bed with her hands on Xu Guimin''s legs.


    "Oh, Guimin! Why did it take you so long to wake up? Do you know that while you were in aa, your wife was almost beaten to death? Oh, oh, oh, if you hadn''t woken up, how could I go on living? A widow and an orphan, even a little nurse bullies us now!"


    "Dad, look at me." Xu Zhengyang''s white shirt cor was torn.


    In the ward, the others had retreated, and the nurse involved in the fight was led away by security.


    Yang Cui suddenly said, "Where is she? Where''s that little nurse? I haven''t gotten my revenge yet."


    Xu Guimin looked at the crazed woman before him with disgust. Was this the same gentle Yang Cui who usually drank tea and tended to flowers?


    "Guimin, why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Yang Cui grabbed Xu Guimin''s hand and pressed it to her face.


    Yang Cui''s face was a mess of tears and snot, her makeup smeared. She looked ugly and frightening, like a shrew, a sight that made one''s stomach turn.


    "Zhengyang, what happened to your clothes?"


    Xu Guimin looked at his son''s cor. Even though his voice was weak, his words still carried some authority.


    "Dad, Mom was being hit by the little nurse just now, so I went to help break up the fight and got caught in the crossfire."


    Xu Zhengyang knew what kind of person Xu Guimin was. Xu Guimin had always been strict with him since childhood, and if he knew that Xu Zhengyang had gotten involved in a fight, he would surely be angry.


    "Both of you, please leave. I want to be alone for a while."


    Xu Guimin spoke up.


    From the moment he woke up, there had been constant chattering and wailing in his ears. It was giving him a headache.


    Xu Zhengyang and Yang Cui looked at each other, seemingly unable to believe what they had just heard. Xu Guimin was actually sending them away.


    "Dad, you''ve just woken up. Someone should stay with you. Let me take care of you."


    Xu Guimin shook his head and said, "Just go out, all of you. I want to be alone."


    The mother and son left the ward very reluctantly.


    Xu Guiminy on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling,cking energy. It was as if he had taken a trip to the gates of hell.


    The King of Hell hadn''t taken his life and had sent him back, but the agony of drowning was worse than death. He never wanted to experience that again in this lifetime.


    Outside the ward, Xu Zhengyang looked at Yang Cui and asked, "Mom, what''s wrong with Dad? Why did he make us leave?"


    Yang Cui shook her head. How would she know?


    "Mom, why don''t you go back and change your clothes? And wash your face while you''re at it."


    Xu Zhengyang looked at his mother, noticing her smudged eyeliner. Indeed, she looked rather disheveled, almost ghostly, which was a bit frightening.


    "What''s the matter, Zhengyang? Is it not enough that your father looks down on me? Now you''re ashamed of me too?"


    "Mom, that''s not it."


    Inside the room, Xu Guimin took out his phone.

 Chapter 226

    "Hello, Chairman Xu."


    "Can you help me find my son''s phone number?"


    This question from Xu Guimin left the person on the other end bewildered. It was unheard of for a father to ask someone else for his own son''s phone number.


    After two seconds, the person suddenly remembered that Xu Guimin had more than one son. There was also an eldest son who hadn''t returned home for nearly ten years.


    In the CEO''s office of Heyuan Group, Xu Xiuhe was handling various documents, not paying any attention to Xu Guimin''s matter.


    "CEO, there are rumors outside that you''ll return to inherit the shares of Xu Group," Liu Bo said as he entered.


    "Is there any news about Xu Guimin?"


    "There''s no news online about Xu Guimin''s current physical condition."


    "Hmm, let''s treat it as if nothing has happened."


    "But some people are saying that it''s likely more bad news than good. Xu Guimin is quite old now, and his health was probably not great to begin with. Plus, with this weather, it''s almost below zero..."


    "Wasn''t he having issues while swimming at home?"


    Xu Xiuhe had an impression of the family''s swimming pool. The Xu family''s pool was quiterge; their vi was much bigger than Ziyue Manor. The pool in the courtyard alone was about 400 square meters, with a depth of about 1.6 meters. In theory, Xu Guimin shouldn''t have just disappeared like that.


    "The exact reason is unknown, but in winter, no matter how good an outdoor pool is, the water will be cold."


    "I see, alright."


    Seeing that Xu Xiuhe wasn''t interested in this matter, Liu Bo didn''t mention it further and continued to report on the recent work situation.


    Just as he was about to leave, Xu Xiuhe called him back.


    "Liu Bo, have you set a wedding date?"


    Xu Xiuhe looked at Liu Bo and asked.


    Liu Bo had thought Xu Xiuhe was just jokingst time, but now it seemed that Xu Xiuhe wasn''t the type to joke at all.


    "What''s with that shocked expression? Haven''t you set a date yet?"


    Liu Bo...


    Could he say that he and Xiao Li''er were fake? If he did, would the CEO fire them both on the spot?


    "We''ve been quite busy with worktely, and neither of us has had time to discuss this matter."


    "Alright, that''s my fault. I''ll take care of thepany''s affairs for a while. You two take paid leave starting this afternoon. Go home and have a good discussion about the wedding arrangements and date. Try to have the wedding before the new year."


    Liu Bo...


    The CEO was being so good to him, not caring about his own inheritance rights, and now caring about his wedding. He felt overwhelmed by this favor.


    "Do you have any objections?"


    "No, no." Did he dare to say he had any?


    "If not, then go pack up and leave with Xiao Li''er."


    Liu Bo wanted to cry but had no tears. Indeed, one lie requires many more lies to cover it up.


    Now the question was, how should he exin this to Xiao Li''er? Should he just say, "Hey, fake girlfriend, the CEO wants us to get married before wee back to work"?


    With Xiao Li''er''s personality, she''d probably call him a big idiot.


    "CEO, this isn''t something I can decide on my own. Marriage is a matter for two people."


    Liu Bo was making ast-ditch effort.


    "I understand. Go out and call Xiao Li''er in. I''ll talk to her myself."


    Liu Bo was truly impressed. How could there be such a meticulous boss, and his superior at that?


    "Go on."


    Liu Bo left Xu Xiuhe''s office door, feeling utterly helpless.


    Xiao Li''er was engrossed in her work when Liu Bo walked to the assistant''s office area. A group of assistants looked over, thinking that the "Liu-Li CP" hadn''t been "giving sugar"tely, but here it was now.


    "Xiao Li, the CEO wants to see you," Liu Bo said, tapping on Xiao Li''er''s desk.


    Xiao Li''er thought she had misheard and asked again, "What did you say?"


    "The CEO wants to see you."


    This time she heard clearly, and Xiao Li''er started to panic. Thest time she went into the CEO''s office was... well, thest time. She hadn''t been talking badly about the CEO behind his back recently, nor had she sent any inappropriate messages in the group chat. Why was she being called into the office again?


    "Is it good news or bad news?"


    Xiao Li''er asked. It shouldn''t be about work issues; work-rted matters were usually handled by Liu Bo.


    "It''s hard to say. It depends on how you look at it. Whether it''s good or bad depends on you."


    Liu Bo''s response made Xiao Li''er even more anxious. Damn, what did he mean by "it depends on how she looks at it"?


    "Why are you being so wordy and beating around the bush? Can''t you just tell me what it''s about?"


    Xiao Li''er''s tone became a bit agitated. She had been pretending to be in a rtionship with Liu Bo for a while now, and their rtionship had be incredibly close. She couldn''t even distinguish what their rtionship really was anymore. It seemed real yet fake, hard to say. Sometimes, she even felt like she actually had a boyfriend.


    But soon after, she woulde back to her senses. It was fake, each of them getting what they wanted and needed.


    "The CEO wants to give you time off, starting this afternoon and for the next few days," Liu Bo said.


    "That''s good news, isn''t it?"


    Xiao Li''er was a bit excited. Time off work, isn''t that a good thing? Who genuinely wants to work, after all?


    After being happy for just two seconds, Xiao Li''er''s expression gradually froze. Why would they give her time off for no reason? Everyone else was still working, why just her?


    Perhaps this "time off" had another meaning. Maybe the CEO wanted to fire her, and Liu Bo thought it would be too harsh to say it directly, so he was beating around the bush, saying the CEO wanted to give her time off.


    "Xiao Li''er, what''s wrong with you? Your expression keeps changing from happy to terrified," Yang Mo asked from the side. She had never seen Xiao Li''er''s face change so quickly.


    "It''s nothing. I''ll go in first."


    As if walking on hot coals, each of Xiao Li''er''s steps was incredibly heavy.


    "CEO," Xiao Li''er knocked on Xu Xiuhe''s office door, her voice trembling.


    "Come in."


    Hearing this, Xiao Li''er walked in, observing Xu Xiuhe''s expression while preparing what she would say next.


    Yes, she wanted to ask why they were suddenly nning to fire her. There should be a reason for everything, right?


    "What are your ns for the future?" Xu Xiuhe looked up from his work as Xiao Li''er approached his desk.


    This question caught Xiao Li''er off guard. Was he directly asking her to find a new job?


    "CEO, I''d like to ask, have I made any serious mistakes recently?"


    Xiao Li''er''s tone was incredibly submissive. Fortunately, she didn''t have an internal breakdown likest time. After all, once bitten, twice shy.


    "Hm? What do you mean?"


    Simrly, Xiao Li''er''s question left Xu Xiuhepletely puzzled.


    "I want to know what ns I should have for the future."


    "ns for marriage, of course. Didn''t Liu Bo tell you?"


    !!!!


    What?


    Xiao Li''er''s mind went nk. How could it be about this? And Liu Bo knew about it?


    "CEO, isn''t it a bit too early to get married now? I''m only 26."


    "Is 26 too young? My wife is only 24, and my son is already two years old." Xu Xiuhe''s face lit up with happiness as he mentioned Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng, his joy evident in his expression.


    Xiao Li''er felt like she was being shown off to, but still had to agree: "That''s right, your wife is only 24, so young and beautiful."

 Chapter 227

    "At 26, you''re not young anymore. It''s better to marry early, have children early, and recover early. Besides, Liu Bo isn''t young either. He''ll be 30 after the New Year."


    "But what if I get pregnant after marriage? I''d have to take maternity leave, which would really hinder my work."


    Xiao Li''er was also looking for reasons. This was indeed too absurd. Who could have imagined that one day, she and her superior would be pressured into marriage by their top boss?


    "Don''t worry about work. Just take the maternity leave when you need to. Heyuan Group has always been quite humane. Rest assured, pregnancy won''t have any negative impact on female employees at Heyuan Group. Even if you have three children, Liu Bo can afford to raise them. He has shares in thepany."


    Xu Xiuhe, fearing that Xiao Li''er might look down on Liu Bo for being just an assistant, couldn''t help speaking up for him.


    "But..."


    "No more buts. You two have been together for quite a while, and you''ve known each other for almost two years, right? You know each other well and understand each other. Liu Bo''s family background is simple, just him alone. He''s worth choosing."


    Xiao Li''er was in a dilemma. She did like Liu Bo, and she knew that Liu Bo had feelings for her too. They could be considered mutually fond of each other, but getting married now seemed too sudden and too early.


    "This afternoon, go back with Liu Bo and discuss it together. It''s best if you can set the wedding date before the New Year. There''s still nearly a month until then, so there''s enough time. Any problems? If so, speak up, and I''ll find a way to solve them for you."


    Xiao Li''er now understood what Liu Bo meant. Whether this was good or bad depended on her attitude.


    When Xiao Li''er came out, Liu Bo wasn''t in the office. Yang Mo, Qin Zhenzhen, and the others all looked over at her.


    "Li''er, what''s going on? What did the CEO want? Is it serious?" Yang Mo asked worriedly.


    "The CEO wants me to go back this afternoon and discuss marriage ns with Liu Bo. He wants us to have the wedding before the New Year."


    Xiao Li''er didn''t know if this was good or bad for her, but deep down, she felt a little happy.


    "Wow, that''s our CEO for you! Turns out he''s the biggest fan of the ''Liu-Li'' couple. He''s practically forcing you to get married. He might as well bring the civil affairs bureau here!"


    "The CEO is so awesome. Having such a boss is our blessing. Even if he cut my sry in half, I''d still be willing to work for him."


    Yang Mo suddenly remembered when the CEO had called her and Qin Zhenzhen into his office to help them sign up for a matchmaking event.


    "I suddenly feel like Little Xu''s CEO aura is gone. Now he''s just a matchmaker, much more approachable. It''s hard to imagine he used to be a cold and domineering CEO."


    "Maybe his wife is so great that his sense of happiness has increased, and he wants everyone around him to have a partner too."


    Yang Mo looked up at Liu Bo''s office and said, "Li''er, your fianc¨¦ might have gone to the restroom. You should pack up your things. Don''t forget to send us invitations when you get married."


    Xiao Li''er slumped in her chair. Fianc¨¦? Had the title changed so quickly?


    After dealing with his employees'' major life events, Xu Xiuhe got busy with his own work.


    At 11:40 AM, the number of people in thepany decreased. Most went to the cafeteria for lunch, while others headed to the nearbymercial street.


    When Shen Yin arrived, Heyuan Group''s building was much quieter than before.


    Shen Yin entered the elevator, holding a lunch box in one hand and holding Yunzheng''s hand with the other.


    "Mommy, press," the little one reached out, wanting to press the elevator button for their floor.


    But being too short, he couldn''t reach it even on tiptoes.


    "Yunzheng, do you want mommy to help?"


    "Thank you, mommy."


    After going upstairs, the mother and son went straight into Xu Xiuhe''s office.


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t seem to expect Shen Yin to bring Yunzheng.


    "You didn''t know we wereing this time," Shen Yin said.


    "My mistake. Next time youe, call me, and I''lle down to meet you."


    "Daddy!" Xu Yunzheng trotted over to Xu Xiuhe excitedly.


    "Yunzheng." Xu Xiuhe stood up and took a couple of steps towards Yunzheng. When Yunzheng threw himself at him, he scooped him up and lifted him above his head.


    Shen Yin walked to the sofa and ced the dishes from the lunch box on the nearby table.


    "Let''s eat," Shen Yin called out.


    "Need to wash hands," Yunzheng looked down at his little hands in Xu Xiuhe''s arms.


    Shen Yin had always taught him to wash his hands before meals and after using the bathroom. Children have weak immune systems, so she was very particr about Yunzheng''s living and eating habits.


    Gradually, the little one had developed healthy habits, always asking to wash his hands before meals.


    "Mommy, wash hands."


    "Okay!"


    In Xu Xiuhe''s office, there was a rest area with a bathroom. Led by Xu Xiuhe, the family of three went into the bathroom and washed their hands.


    Coming out, Yunzheng saw the bed in the rest area and turned to look at Xu Xiuhe.


    "Daddy, bed."


    "Yes, that''s where daddy takes naps sometimes."


    "Yunzheng wants to sleep."


    "So Yunzheng doesn''t want to eat? You want to sleep now?"


    Hearing this, Xu Yunzheng immediately shook his head. "Eat. Sleep after eating."


    They had just sat down on the sofa when the phone on the desk rang.


    "Phone, someone''s calling."


    Yunzheng hurried to the desk. The desk was a bit high, so the little one stood on tiptoes again, managed to reach the phone, and then rushed back to the sofa with it.


    "Daddy, answer."


    "You answer it."


    This was Xu Xiuhe''s private number, known only to a few family members and friends.


    Yunzheng pressed the green answer button, but no one spoke.


    "Hello, who are you?" Yunzheng asked in his childish voice.


    After waiting for two seconds, there was still no response from the other end.


    "Daddy, he''s not talking," Xu Yunzheng handed the phone to Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe took the phone and looked at the caller ID. It was an unfamiliar number.


    "Hello."


    "Hello, was that my grandson speaking just now?" The man''s voice was weak, his tone tentative.


    "No, I don''t know you."


    Xu Xiuhe hadn''t expected that this person, whose fate was uncertain in the media''s eyes, would call him.


    After saying this, Xu Xiuhe hung up immediately.


    "Was that Xu Guimin?" Shen Yin asked from the side.


    "Yes, it was him."


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe both fell silent. Only Zheng Zheng asked, "Daddy, who was that? Why didn''t they want to talk to Zheng Zheng?"


    "It was someone who dialed the wrong number," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "Do they have the same surname as us? Are they also surnamed Xu?"


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe suddenly realized that Xu Yunzheng could now understand conversations and felt a bit embarrassed about trying to deceive him.


    "Yes, they''re also surnamed Xu," he admitted.


    "Let''s eat now. The food will get cold if we wait any longer," Shen Yin said as she handed a spoon to Zheng Zheng.


    Just then, Xu Xiuhe''s phone rang again.

 Chapter 228

    "It''s ringing again," Xu Xiuhe said, pointing at the phone.


    Xu Guimin held the phone in his hand, hesitating for several seconds before finally answering.


    "Xiuhe, can youe and see me?"


    "No."


    ...


    Shen Yin, standing nearby, couldn''t help but smile at the conversation between these two. One asked cautiously, while the other responded mercilessly. If it were her, she might have done the same.


    "Xiuhe, I''ve wronged you and your mother."


    "You don''t deserve to mention my mom. If you have something to say, say it quickly. My time is limited. If you''re here to admit your mistakes, don''t bother. I don''t need it."


    Why didn''t he realize this earlier? If he knew from the start that what he was doing was wrong, why did he do it? It''s like those who knowingly break thew ¨C their punishment is even more severe.


    So, no matter what, Xu Xiuhe would never forgive Xu Guimin.


    "Xiuhe, I was wrong. Can you forgive me?"


    "No. If I forgive you, how can I face my mother? Did you do right by her when you had an affair? Where were you when my mom was lying sick in the hospital bed? Where were you when her condition became critical? What right do you have to ask for my forgiveness?" Xu Xiuhe demanded.


    His mother''s illness was inextricably linked to Xu Guimin. She had always known about his affair but never said anything. Over time, she became depressed and withdrawn. When one''s mood is consistently low, all sorts of illnesses can manifest. But Xu Guimin hadn''t noticed a thing. It wasn''t until Sun Wenting was admitted to the hospital that he realized his wife was ill. He barely spent two days at the hospital before leaving, iming he was busy with work. When Sun Wenting''s condition became critical, he said he was in a meeting. By the time he arrived, she had already passed away. He didn''t even get to see her onest time.


    "Xiuhe, I was wrong, truly wrong. When I see Wenting again, I''ll apologize and make amends in person." Tears of remorse fell from Xu Guimin''s eyes on the other end of the line.


    "If you have any conscience left, don''t disturb her. Let her rest in peace in the other world. My mother''s biggest mistake in this life was meeting you."


    Xu Xiuhe''s emotions were running high, his eyes reddening. From his earliest memories, Xu Guimin had rarely been home. Sun Wenting would always tell him that it was because his father was too busy with work toe home and y with him. His mother had always loved Xu Guimin, but that man had no heart, repeatedly betraying her.


    Listening to this, Shen Yin felt a twinge in her heart. Thest time the three of them visited Xu Xiuhe''s mother''s grave, Shen Yin had been struck by the photo on the tombstone.


    The woman in the photo was clearly gentle to her very core. From her expression, one could almost glimpse her past.


    As gentle as the waters of Jiangnan, as strong as thousand-year-old jade. When she looked up, she was like the bright moon; when she bowed her head, she was like the vast earth.


    How could such a woman fall into a river of love that turned out to be hell?


    Xu Xiuhe seemed to be lost in memories of his mother, the anger gradually fading from his face.


    Caught up in his own recollections, Xu Guimin on the other end of the line could indeed be heard repenting. His choked voice continued unabated, but this repentance hade far toote to matter.


    "I want to see you. Is that alright?" Xu Guimin pleaded once more.


    "What for? Isn''t that son of yours enough for you to look at?"


    Xu Guimin had been through a brush with death, and such experiences often help people see things more clearly.


    "Zhengyang isn''t as good as you."


    "And that woman isn''t as good as my mom."


    Xu Xiuhe''s implication was clear. His mother, such a wonderful woman who neverined until her death, never fought or grasped for anything ¨C and yet Xu Guimin still had an affair. Having a son who wasn''t as good as him shouldn''t be a big deal; he should be used to it by now.


    Yang Cui might look innocent, but she had done so many terrible things behind the scenes. In front of Xu Guimin, she acted like a harmless rabbit, but when he wasn''t looking, she was like a demon. He still couldn''t forget how Yang Cui had viciously berated Mrs. Song.


    "It''s my fault. I''m the one who''s not good. I''ve only now realized that your mother was the only one who truly loved me."


    Xu Guimin began to regret his actions. Why had he ever had an affair with Yang Cui? Because she was young, because she seemed delicate and refined. It was just as they say ¨C the flowers at home never smell as sweet as the wild ones. But wild flowers are just that ¨C wild. Now his realization hade toote.


    "Then can youe and save me?" Xu Guimin begged, his voice weak, as if he only had onest breath left.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe exchanged nces. What did he mean? Save him?


    "Guimin, the doctor said you need more rest." A woman''s voice suddenly came through the phone, and then the call was disconnected.


    "Honey, the doctor said you need to rest more. I''ll keep your phone for you." Yang Cui entered from outside and took away Xu Guimin''s phone.


    Xu Guiminy on the hospital bed, unable to get up. Even speaking was an effort; he had used all his strength to call Xu Xiuhe.


    Yang Cui had changed her clothes and was wearing a face mask and sunsses. Her face was so swollen that even the mask couldn''t hide it.


    Despite his weakness, Xu Guimin couldn''t hide the look of disgust on his face.


    "Honey, look at my face. That impudent little nurse hit me. You need to get better quickly and avenge me."


    Yang Cui, despite her age, was trying to act coy, which came across as both nauseating and cringeworthy.


    Xu Guimin simply closed his eyes.


    Back in the office, only Xu Yunzheng was eating. Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe had lost their appetites after Xu Guimin''sst words.


    They exchanged nces, with Shen Yin seeming to want to say something but holding back. She picked up her chopsticks and looked at Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Xiuhe naturally knew what Shen Yin wanted to say, but considering Xu Yunzheng was still there, they couldn''t discuss the matter just yet.


    "Let''s eat first. After we finish, isn''t it time for Zhengzheng to go to sleep?" Xu Xiuhe looked down at Xu Yunzheng.


    "Yes, Daddy. Don''t be sad," Zhengzheng put down his chopsticks and touched Xu Xiuhe''s face.


    Xu Xiuhe suddenly felt a lump in his throat. So Zhengzheng had noticed he was upset earlier?


    "Mm, Daddy''s not sad. Daddy wants to be happy together with Zhengzheng."


    "Okay."


    Zhengzheng picked up his chopsticks again and resumed eating.


    After eating, the little one ran severalps around Xu Xiuhe''s office. Xu Xiuhe kept himpany the whole time. Sure enough, before long, the little one had no energy left. His eyes kept blinking and blinking until he finally fell asleep on the sofa.


    "Is he asleep?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Yes. I''ll carry him to the rest room inside," Xu Xiuhe replied, his movements careful and gentle so as not to wake the little one.


    After tucking Xu Yunzheng in and covering him with a nket, Xu Xiuhe came back out.


    "Was he harmed?" Shen Yin asked as soon as Xu Xiuhe emerged. Perhaps it was because she and Xu Yunzheng had both had that dream, coupled with what Xu Guimin had said at the end earlier - no matter how you looked at it, it seemed like he had been harmed and fallen into the water. After all, in her dream, she had only seen the image of that man unable to surface from the water. She hadn''t seen how Xu Guimin had fallen in at the beginning.


    "It''s possible. It''s also possible that he was harmed by Xu Zhengyang and Yang Cui."


    "So what do you n to do?"


    "I don''t know how to face him, but he asked me to save him. I don''t know what to do."


    Xu Xiuhe sat on the sofa, his mood low.


    "He''s done so many wrong things, he''ll face judgment for those. But he shouldn''t be killed by that mother and son," Shen Yin replied.


    "How am I supposed to save him? Should I go get him out of the hospital? If things are really as we think, the hospital is probably heavily guarded."


    "Why don''t you call back that number from earlier? It should be his."


    "I bet that phone number has already been turned off. Want to bet?"


    As he spoke, Xu Xiuhe picked up his phone, opened the recent call log, and dialed the number back.


    "Sorry, the number you have dialed is powered off."


    "I''ll go to the hospital this afternoon to take a look."


    "I''ll go with you. I''m notfortable with you going alone."


    "What about Zhengzheng?"


    "We''ll drop him off at my mom''ster."


    Shen Yin went to the rest room and saw Zhengzheng sleeping soundly. She gently picked him up.


    Zhengzheng whimpered twice, and Shen Yin immediately patted him lightly. Zhengzheng quieted down.


    Shen Yin carried Zhengzheng out of the rest room. In the office, Xu Xiuhe had taken advantage of this free moment to handle some documents.


    "Let''s go. With you and Liu Assistant both away from thepany, will there be any problems?" Shen Yin asked.


    "It''ll be fine, it''s just half a day."


    The two of them entered the elevator together. When they reached the underground parking garage, Xu Xiuhe drove while Shen Yin sat in the back seat holding Zhengzheng.


    Afraid of disturbing Zhengzheng, they didn''t talk the entire way.


    Fang Yue was quite surprised to see the family of three arrive.


    "Yin Yin?"


    "Mom, we need to trouble you to watch Zhengzheng this afternoon. Xu Xiuhe and I have some urgent business and can''t take him with us."


    "Sure, no problem. Don''t worry about it."


    Fang Yue was actually delighted to have her eldest grandsone keep herpany.


    "He''s asleep now. He''ll probably wake up around 4:30 in the afternoon and will want water when he wakes up."


    "Alright, you two go take care of your business. He''ll be fine with me."


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe didn''t enter the house. Fang Yue took Zhengzheng, and the two of them left.


    "Which hospital are they at?"


    "Most likely Rong City No.1 Hospital. We''ll go straight to the VIP ward there. Whichever door has people guarding it is probably Xu Guimin''s room."


    Xu Xiuhe drove the whole way.


    Although he hated Xu Guimin and didn''t want him to have a good oue, he also didn''t want Xu Guimin to ultimately die at the hands of that mother and son. That would be too easy for that ruthless pair.


    When they arrived at Rong City No.1 Hospital, they went directly to the inpatient department and found the VIP ward.


    There weren''t many VIP rooms, and sure enough, at the end of the hallway, they saw several people standing guard outside a door.


    Xu Xiuhe walked straight towards that room, with Shen Yin following behind him.


    As soon as they got close, the people at the door blocked their way.


    "Excuse me, sir, madam, there''s an important patient in this room. No unauthorized entry allowed."


    "Move aside," Xu Xiuhe said, looking at the group with warning in his eyes.


    Seeing this, the men immediately stood up straight, hands outstretched, ready to take action. Shen Yin, who had just caught up, swept her leg, kicking the face of the man who was about to make a move. Clutching his kicked face, he said defiantly, "What are you all standing around for?"


    "Do you want toe at us one by one, or all together?" Shen Yin taunted.


    They dared toy hands on Xu Xiuhe without asking her first? She might look delicate, but when it came to fighting, she had never been afraid of anyone.


    "All together," Xu Xiuhe said. How could he possibly let Shen Yin fight them alone?


    Shen Yin moved swiftly, her strikes urate and fierce. Xu Xiuhe didn''t even need to step in. The men on the other side couldn''t gain any advantage at all.


    The noise of the fight had already attracted quite a few people toe out of their rooms to watch.


    It was quite interesting, this hospital ward. There had been a fight in the morning, and now another one in the afternoon. Each fight was more exciting than thest.


    "If you don''t want to lose any arms or legs, stop now," Shen Yin warned again.


    Hearing this, the men looked at each other, then back at Shen Yin. They actually saw killing intent in her eyes.


    "Stay put outside," Shen Yin said as she and Xu Xiuhe entered the room.


    Inside the room was only Xu Guimin, lying pale-faced on the bed, looking quite pitiful.


    "How do we get him out of here?" Shen Yin asked.


    "We''ll send him to another hospital. I''ll carry him down in a bit."


    Their conversation woke Xu Guimin on the bed.


    "Xiuhe, you came after all," Xu Guimin said weakly, opening his eyes.


    "Shut up. I just don''t want to see you die so easily," Xu Xiuhe said, not even willing to carry Xu Guimin.


    Shen Yin saw the disgust on Xu Xiuhe''s face. So, she walked out of the room and said to the battered men at the door, "Help me carry the patient in the room downstairs. 20,000 yuan."


    Hearing this, the men''s eyes lit up.


    "Me, me!"


    "I can do it, I''m strong!"


    "I can do it, I barely fought against you just now."


    Shen Yin looked at thest person who spoke and said, "Alright, you."


    The others looked at the man who spokest with resentful eyes.


    This man walked into the room and said he would carry the patient.


    Xu Xiuhe nced at Shen Yin and immediately understood that this was arranged by her. He felt as if he were the delicate wife in this situation. The way Shen Yin had just reached out to protect him behind her was something he would probably never forget for the rest of his life.


    The man was carrying Xu Guimin on his back.


    Xu Xiuhe walked over and directly removed the IV drip from Xu Guimin''s hand.


    "Where are you carrying him?"


    "Downstairs."


    Xu Xiuhe led the way, with Shen Yin and Xu Guimin behind him.


    Xu Xiuhe drove the car, taking Xu Guimin to another hospital.


    After arranging the hospital room, he found a caregiver. He instructed the doctor to treat him well, then contacted some security guards toe over. He directed them to guard the door of the hospital room no matter what, and to call him immediately if anyone tried to force their way in.


    After doing all this, the two of them decided to go back.


    Xu Guimin kept calling out as he watched Xu Xiuhe''s retreating figure, "Xiuhe, Xiuhe."


    Xu Xiuhe never responded.


    "We can go back directly now. As long as he can stay alive, that''s enough. We''ll discuss the rest when we get back tonight."

 Chapter 229

    After making all the arrangements, Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe left the hospital room.


    By the time they returned to Yun Manor, night had fallen.


    "You''re finally back. Any longer and Zheng would have cried from feeling abandoned," Fang Yue said, holding Zheng in her arms. Upon seeing Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe, the child''s expression immediately brightened.


    Why did they do this to him? He thought his parents had abandoned him. He had just taken a nap, and when he woke up, his parents were nowhere to be seen, and he was in a different ce.


    "Mama," Xu Yunzheng reached out, gesturing for Shen Yin to hold him.


    Shen Yin took Zheng from Fang Yue''s arms. As soon as he was in Shen Yin''s embrace, Zheng nted a kiss on her cheek.


    "Hurry, go wash your hands. The housekeeper has already prepared dinner," Fang Yue urged.


    "Why didn''t you start eating without us?" Shen Yin asked.


    It was already past six, and in winter it gets dark early. By this time, they should have finished dinner.


    "We were about to call and ask if you wereing back. If you did return and we had finished eating, there wouldn''t be anything left for you."


    Shen Tianzheng came down from upstairs.


    "Ah, Yin and Xiuhe are back," Shen Tianzheng greeted them.


    "Yes, Dad. Are you feeling better?" Xu Xiuhe walked to the dining table and arranged the chairs neatly.


    "Much better."


    Shen Lv hadn''t returned, so there were five people at the table. Shen Yin ced the little one in the high chair.


    "You left in such a hurry this afternoon. I was worried something had happened, but I didn''t want to disturb you by calling," Fang Yue inquired.


    Shen Yin didn''t know how to respond. This was Xu Xiuhe''s matter, and she wasn''t sure how to answer properly, so she shifted her gaze to Xu Xiuhe.


    "Haven''t you seen the news? Xu Guimin is in trouble. No matter how strained their rtionship is, Xiuhe can''t change the fact that his surname is Xu," Shen Tianzheng nced at Fang Yue, who suddenly realized her oversight.


    Shen Tianzheng started eating his rice. Although he was also curious about the aftermath of this incident, there was currently no concrete information online.


    He was waiting patiently, knowing that without him having to ask anything, Fang Yue would soon inquire about every detail.


    Sure enough, Fang Yue began firing off one question after another.


    Wealthy housewives tend to be bored and particrly gossipy about such matters. This incident involved her son-inw''s family, so she was even more interested.


    "So, what''s his current situation?" Fang Yue asked. She knew about the poor rtionship between Xu Xiuhe and Xu Guimin, so she didn''t directly ask about "your father''s" condition.


    "He''s still in the hospital. I don''t know the specifics," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "So he''s still alive?" Fang Yue''s gossip instinct was fully awakened.


    "Ahem, ahem..." Shen Tianzheng fake-coughed twice. What kind of question was that? It was tantamount to asking if he was dead yet.


    "Mm," Xu Xiuhe responded.


    "So what were you doing all afternoon? You were gone for so long," Fang Yue continued to probe.


    "We went to the hospital in the afternoon. He called me asking for help. I suspect his falling into the water wasn''t as simple as it seems."


    Xu Xiuhe exined everything. If it were anyone else, he wouldn''t have said anything, but these were his inws, so there was no need to keep secrets.


    Fang Yue perked up even more at this information.


    "Xiuhe, I''m not speaking ill of people, but that Yang Cui is indeed a vicious character. She''s capable of the most ruthless acts."


    Fang Yue had met Yang Cui before. Women like them, who stay at home with nothing to do, always have their own social circles. They often meet for tea, snacks, or mahjong. She had even yed mahjong with Yang Cui a few years ago.


    Her impression of Yang Cui was that she was maniptive and calcting. Even during a mahjong game, she would spend ages nning her moves.


    Later, when Shen Yin told her about Yang Cui trying to harm her great-grandson, she realized this woman might even be capable of murder.


    So when Xu Xiuhe mentioned that Xu Guimin''s fall into the water might not be that simple, Fang Yue''s first thought was that Yang Cui was behind it.


    Xu Xiuhe had lived under the same roof with Yang Cui for a few years, so he knew very well what kind of person she was. That woman had one face in public and another in private. Considering the previous incidents, there probably wasn''t a single one that she wasn''t involved in. She could truly be described as having a heart of snake and scorpion.


    "I''m still investigating the specifics. This afternoon, Yin and I moved Xu Guimin to a different location."


    "You two?" Shen Tianzheng was a bit shocked. These two spent the afternoon moving Xu Guimin? What was the situation now? Xu Guimin asked Xu Xiuhe to save him, and Xu Xiuhe actually rescued him? Was it that easy? Would Yang Cui allow it?


    "He was originally in the First People''s Hospital, but we''ve moved him to another hospital now."


    "And Yang Cui agreed to this? If Xu Guimin asked to be rescued, surely there must have been people guarding his hospital room door," Fang Yue voiced the question Shen Tianzheng wanted to ask. See? He didn''t even need to open his mouth; Fang Yue would ask all the questions he had in mind.


    "Yes, there were guards, but Yang Cui wasn''t in the room, and the people outside didn''t dare to really intervene."


    Xu Xiuhe spoke while eating, his eyes darting towards Shen Yin. He dared not say that those people didn''t dare to act because they couldn''t overpower Shen Yin.


    He had never seen Shen Yin fight in person before, but this afternoon, he was truly impressed by her aura. Even her way of speaking was like that of an ancient hero, drawing their sword to right wrongs.


    Shen Yin had no idea what Xu Xiuhe was thinking, nor did she have time to consider whether her tone had been too arrogant. She simply couldn''t stand anyoneying a hand on Xu Xiuhe. He was her man, and no one dared to touch him.


    "That sounds rtively smooth. But what aboutter? They are legally married after all. When the husband disappears, she''ll surely look for him. With today''s technology, they''ll probably find Xu Guimin''s location by tonight," Fang Yue offered her thoughts.


    Meanwhile, in the Xu family vi, Yang Cui was furiously smashing various objects on the table.


    "Zhengyang, just look at the kind of bodyguards you hired. Several grown men couldn''t even guard a small hospital room door?" she raged.


    "Mom, the bodyguard said he couldn''t overpower the two people who came," Xu Zhengyang replied.


    "What a bunch of idiots! How can so many of you fail to subdue just two people?" Yang Cuipletely forgot that she and Xu Zhengyang had also failed to overpower a single nurse.


    "Where is your father now? We must bring him back, no matter the cost."


    "He''s at the Second Hospital."


    "Why are you all just standing there? Go and bring him back immediately! I''m his wife!" The woman was hysterical with anger.


    "Mom, please calm down. It''s sote now. Why don''t we wait until tomorrow?"


    "Wait until tomorrow? Why don''t we wait until next year while we''re at it?"

 Chapter 230

    As expected, Xu Zhengyang brought people to the Second Hospital that evening, heading straight for Xu Guimin''s ward. There were indeed several people guarding the door of the ward.


    Xu Zhengyang was prepared; he had brought quite a few people with him, confident he could take his father back. However, before they could even get close to the ward door, an rm went off. Perhaps feeling guilty, Xu Zhengyang lost his nerve and immediately retreated with his men.


    That night, the family of three returned to Ziyue Manor. Zhengzheng had slept too much during the day and showed no signs of drowsiness even at nine o''clock. Shen Yin had no choice but to stay and y with Zhengzheng in her room.


    Xu Xiuhe was also too preupied to sleep. He shut himself in the study, pondering how to handle this thorny issue. For him, this matter was far more challenging than any work-rted problem.


    Xu Xiuhe felt utterly conflicted. While he harbored a deep hatred for Xu Guimin, he couldn''t bear to see him harmed by others. Shen Tianzheng and Fang Yue were right; no matter what, he couldn''t change the fact that his surname was Xu.


    No matter how much he tried to avoid it, he couldn''t escape.


    The blood of Xu Guimin flowed through his veins, and he couldn''t ignore this situation.


    As he was lost in thought, his phone on the desk rang. Xu Xiuhe answered; it was Xue Jingrui making a group voice call.


    "Hey, Xiuhe, I saw today''s trending news," Xue Jingrui said.


    "Yeah, I saw him this afternoon."


    "How is he?"


    "Not dead yet."


    "The old man''s got a tough life. People outside are saying he might already be..."


    Chang Zhiyuan had joined the call at some point.


    "If you need any help, just say the word. We''re brothers after all," Xue Jingrui offered.


    "Alright, thanks."


    "So, what''s your n now? Are you going to respond to the news?"


    "I''ve taken him away from Yang Cui."


    "What? Did I hear that right? You got Xu Guimin away from Yang Cui?" Chang Zhiyuan eximed in shock.


    "You heard correctly."


    "Brother, I''m impressed. As soon as my leg heals and I can walk, I''lle to praise you in person."


    "Did you catch up with Shu Yi?" Xue Jingrui interjected.


    "Has Qi Ji fallen for you?" Chang Zhiyuan retorted, not to be outdone.


    "Come on, let''s hurt each other''s feelings. Who can''t do that?" Chang Zhiyuan said thickly. Just from his tone of voice, one could imagine his expression ¨C eyes half-closed, a look of resignation on his face.


    "You two are being a bit childish," Xu Xiuhemented.


    "You can leave now. Your problem is much harder than ours," Chang Zhiyuan said, his words sharp and to the point as always.


    Xu Xiuhe hung up without another word.


    "Did he really leave?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    "What do you think? He probably needs to figure out how to handle this sudden situation. Now that he''s got the person, there''s a ton of stuff to deal with," Xue Jingrui replied.


    "So, how are things with you and Qi Ji? I heard you''re expecting twins, or was it a boy and a girl?" Chang Zhiyuan teased.


    "You''ve got it wrong. Qi Ji is the one who''s pregnant. How the hell would I, a grown man, get pregnant?" Xue Jingrui shot back.


    "Not bad, brother. You''ve got aplete family in one go. You still haven''t answered my first question, though."


    "What question?" Xue Jingrui feigned ignorance.


    "About Qi Ji, of course. You''re having a baby together, so how''s your rtionship? How do you two get along now?"


    Xue Jingrui thought for a moment. His rtionship with Qi Ji was quitefortable. He could feel that Qi Ji depended on him, but he wasn''t sure if that was love.


    "Same as always," he finally said.


    "Have you made your feelings clear?" Chang Zhiyuan pressed.


    "Not yet. I''m afraid of scaring her off."


    "Are you not man enough? If you don''t tell her, how will she know how you feel? Men should be more proactive. Learn from me ¨C if you love someone, say it out loud."


    "You mean like how you scared Shu Yi into disappearing for months?" The two continued their childish banter, neither willing to back down.


    "If you''re not teasing me, does that mean you''re feeling insecure? Jingrui, we''re not the same. You''re already together, and the baby''s almost here. She''s not going to run away now, is she? Sometimes I envy you and Xiuhe. You''ve both married the women you love, and there''s nothing standing in your way anymore. Not like me ¨C my family doesn''t approve, and she can''t get past that hurdle."


    "Take it slow. Keep trying. You have to believe that sincerity can move people. So, you''re saying I should tell her?"


    "What are you saving it for? Chinese New Year?"


    As soon as Chang Zhiyuan finished speaking, Xue Jingrui hung up the phone.


    Ah, he was the most pitiful one, wasn''t he? With a broken leg, unable to walk, and Shu Yi avoiding him. Even when they were promoting their TV drama, Shu Yi was overly professional, conscientious to a fault, without a hint of personal emotion.


    After hanging up, Xue Jingrui rushed to Qi Ji''s room. As soon as he entered, Ye Rong shooed him out.


    "It''ste, and Qi Ji is about to sleep. What are you doing here?" Ye Rong asked, looking annoyed.


    "Mom, I need to talk to Qi Ji about something very important. Extremely important," Xue Jingrui insisted.


    "Can''t it wait until tomorrow?" Ye Rong asked.


    Xue Jingrui considered that Qi Ji was already in bed, and getting up would be too much trouble. He was about to give up when he thought, what if he lost his courage by tomorrow? He had to do it now, while he was fired up.


    "It can''t. It''s too important," he said firmly.


    Seeing Xue Jingrui''s serious and determined expression, Ye Rong stopped objecting.


    "Qi Ji, put on a coat. Make sure to stay warm," Ye Rong said, handing Qi Ji her coat.


    "Thanks, Mom," Qi Ji replied.


    Qi Ji followed Xue Jingrui to the adjacent study.


    "Jingrui, why did you call me out sote? Is there something urgent?" Qi Ji asked.


    "Yes."


    "Qi Ji, do you like me?"


    "Of course I do."


    Xue Jingrui was taken aback for a moment.


    "I don''t mean the kind of like where you see me as a brother. I mean the kind of like ¨C no, love ¨C between a man and a woman. The kind of love I feel for you."


    Qi Ji was stunned by this sudden confession. Was this really happening? He called her out in the middle of the night to confess his love?


    "Jingrui, are you... confessing your love to me?" Qi Ji knew that they had a ambiguous rtionship before, and she could feel that Jingrui liked her, but she never expected him to say it out loud so soon.


    "Yes, I am confessing. I love you, and I want to be with you always."


    ...


    Was this how older men confessed their love? So direct, without any beating around the bush?


    Qi Ji''s face turned red with embarrassment.


    "Oh," was all she could manage.


    "You can''t just say ''oh.'' What do you think? Do you love me?" Xue Jingrui pressed.


    "Why are you being so direct? Don''t you think I might be shy?" Qi Ji said in a small voice, almost as if she were pouting.


    "Then how should I ask? Can you stay with me forever?"


    "I want to stay with you forever."


    Qi Ji didn''t beat around the bush either. This was how adult love should be - ambiguous when it''s ambiguous, and straightforward once things are clear.


    After getting the answer he wanted, Xue Jingrui wished he could scoop Qi Ji into his arms and spin him around. However, his delicate wife was pregnant, so he could only imagine it.


    "Can I kiss you?"

 Chapter 231

    Qi Ji lowered her head and took two steps back. Xue Jingrui followed, standing a head taller than her.


    Xue Jingrui raised his hands and cupped Qi Ji''s face. Her face was small, fitting perfectly in his palms.


    Qi Ji didn''t dare move as they drew closer.


    "Knock, knock, knock."


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the study door. Xue Jingrui startled, immediately releasing Qi Ji and stepping back.


    "Qi Ji, it''s time for bed. It''s gettingte."


    Xue Jingrui nced at the clock in the study. It was exactly 10 PM. His mother''s timing was impable.


    Qi Ji had grown ustomed to this routine. Ever since she became pregnant, Ye Rong had been bustling about, preparing various meals during the day, reminding her to sleep at night, and even getting up to tuck her in.


    One could say that Ye Rong''s care wasprehensive. Qi Ji''s daily routine had be so regr that even her mental state had visibly improved.


    Xue Jingrui opened the door, feeling somewhat annoyed. They were so close to kissing, only to be interrupted at thest moment.


    "Qi Ji,e sleep with Mom." Ye Rong walked up to Qi Ji, took her hand, and led her towards the door. As they reached the doorway, Ye Rong shot Xue Jingrui a knowing look.


    She wasn''t oblivious to her son''s intentions. Seeing Qi Ji''s flushed cheeks, she understood all too well. If she hade anyter, who knows what might have happened...


    Back in the bedroom, Qi Jiy down, and Ye Rong tucked her in.


    "Sweetie, you''re further along now, and with twins. You need to be careful. Jingrui might not know his limits, and we can''t risk anyplications at this stage."


    "I understand, Mom."


    Early the next morning, Xu Xiuhe received a call from the hospital, informing him that the patient had stabilized and was out of danger.


    That morning, news about Xu Guimin trended again, but this time the headline was Yang Cui''s voluntary disclosure.


    Yang Cui held a press conference. In the video, she appeared frail and pitiful.


    "My husband, Xu Guimin, had an ident while swimming. As soon as I found out, I rushed him to the hospital. When he finally woke up, my son and I went home briefly. When we returned, my husband had vanished."


    The woman burst into tears, her face a picture of sorrow that tugged at the heartstrings.


    "Mr. Xu, do you have any leads? Have you reported this to the police?" a reporter asked.


    "We haven''t reported it yet. What I can say is that he''s probably not in danger. After all, they are father and son."


    Her words left much to the imagination.


    The press conference was being live-streamed, with a flurry of diversements.


    [Doesn''t Xu Guimin have another son?]


    [Yes, the CEO of Heyuan Group, Xu Xiuhe. I heard he''s self-made, started from scratch.]


    [I also heard that Xu Xiuhe left the Xu family right after his college entrance exams.]


    [That suggests their father-son rtionship isn''t good. This woman isn''t Xu Xiuhe''s birth mother.]


    Soon, public opinion shifted to Xu Xiuhe. Many people messaged his Weibo ount, asking if he had indeed taken Xu Guimin away.


    Xu Xiuhe was at thepany. Given the current situation, he couldn''t ignore it any longer.


    Liu Bo wasn''t in the office, but fortunately, the assistant department was capable.


    Xu Xiuhe walked into the office area and said, "Prepare for a press conference shortly."


    The assistant department immediately understood.


    The press conference was set in Heyuan Group''srge conference room. No reporters, no media, just a group of assistants. This conference had no other purpose than to simply rify the situation.


    "Regarding Xu Guimin, he is indeed my biological father. He called saying he missed me, and as his nominal son, I brought him back for treatment. Is there a problem with that?"


    The number of viewers in the live stream was no less than Yang Cui''s, perhaps even several times more.


    [No problem at all. They are father and son, after all.]


    [In ancient times, Xu Xiuhe would be the eldest legitimate son.]


    [So how is Xu Guimin''s condition now?]


    [Yeah, how is he? We want to know about the future development of the Xu Group. It affects our housing and stock purchases.]


    "CEO, they''re all asking about Xu Guimin''s condition," Qin Zhenzhen''s voice came through Xu Xiuhe''s earpiece.


    "Regarding Xu Guimin, he is now out of danger."


    After the press conference, Heyuan Group''s stock price rose significantly.


    Yang Cui was furious. She had only intended to garner sympathy and use public opinion to pressure Xu Xiuhe, but she had forgotten that the person they had been ignoring was, after all, the Xu family''s eldest son.


    "Mom, what do we do now?"


    "You''re asking me? How should I know? Didn''t I tell you to bring your father backst night?"


    "Mom, you don''t understand. There''s an rm on his hospital room door."


    "Now we can only target his wife. What about Zhou Man? Do we have any concrete evidence?"


    "Useless."


    "Mom, if worsees to worst..."


    The man didn''t finish his sentence, but Yang Cui understood what Xu Zhengyang was suggesting. She didn''t stop him.


    Several dayster, Xu Xiuhe entered Xu Guimin''s hospital room.


    Xu Guimin could now get out of bed. As soon as Xu Xiuhe entered, Xu Guimin wiped away a tear. "Xiuhe, you''ve finallye."


    "Why did you ask me to save you?"


    Xu Guimin looked at Xu Xiuhe, then lowered his head, remaining silent.


    "If you don''t speak, I''m leaving."


    Xu Xiuhe walked to the door, but Xu Guimin still didn''t say a word.


    Xu Xiuhe sat in his car, fuming all the way home. He shouldn''t have taken Xu Guimin out of the First Hospital.


    "Is this Ms. Shen Yin? Your partner has been in a car ident. The situation is quite serious, and he''s been sent to the First Hospital."


    Shen Yin felt as if something had exploded in her mind. What was going on? Had the doctor dialed the wrong number? Her partner wasn''t Xu Xiuhe?


    It must be fake. Why hadn''t she dreamed about this? It must be fake, it must be fake. The woman refused to believe this phone call.


    "Is it Xu Xiuhe?"


    Shen Yin asked, her voice trembling.


    "Yes, that''s correct. It''s Xu Xiuhe."


    For a moment, it felt as if the sky had fallen. Shen Yin froze for two seconds, then snapped back to reality and picked up Zheng Zheng.


    "Mommy, what''s wrong?"


    Shen Yin was on the verge of tears. How could this be happening?


    "Mommy''s fine."


    Shen Yin didn''t know how to exin this to such a young child. Was this what they called fate? They had perfectly avoided the car identst time, but now, did Xu Xiuhe have to face this alone?


    Shen Yin didn''t even dare to imagine what state Xu Xiuhe was in now.


    "Hello? Why did it take you so long to answer? I was scared to death. Don''t panic, go to the hospital first. I''ming to the hospital to be with you right away," Shu Yiforted over the phone. She and Chang Zhiyuan were in the middle of promoting their new drama when they saw the news online.


    So many people get into car idents every day, and they never paid attention before. Only when it happened to their friend did they feel anxious.


    After hanging up the phone, Shen Yin forced herself to calm down, constantly reassuring herself.


    Her phone rang again. It was Shen Lv calling.


    "Don''t worry, I''m almost at your door. Stay at home and try not to panic."


    "Okay."


    Soon after, Shen Lv knocked on the door. During this time, Shen Yin didn''t dare to check any information online. She packed all the things Zhengzheng would need to go out, just in time for Shen Lv''s arrival.


    "Brother." Shen Yin opened the door while holding Zhengzheng. Shen Lv''s car was parked in the yard.


    "I''ll take you to the hospital."


    When Shen Yin saw Shen Lv, she finally couldn''t hold back anymore. Tears started falling down her cheeks. No matter how strong she was, she was still a woman. It was already remarkable that she could maintain herposure when facing her husband''s unknown fate.


    Shen Yin''s state was a bit better than Shen Lv had anticipated.


    Sitting in the car, Shen Yin''s mind was filled with thoughts. She had never felt a road to be so long before. They had been driving for so long, why hadn''t they reached the hospital yet?


    When they arrived at the hospital entrance, it was already surrounded by reporters, with security guards struggling to maintain order. The scene was even more chaotic than for a celebrity.


    How could it not be? Xu Xiuhe was already a well-known business figure in Rong City, and recently he had been mentioned again due to Xu Guimin''s incident. Add to that the traffic he and Shen Yin naturally attracted, with a wave of CP fans online, their fame was no less than that of popr celebrities. Such a major incident was far more newsworthy than Xu Guimin''s fall into the water.


    "Mrs. Xu, hello. Your husband has been in such a serious ident. How are you feeling right now?"


    Idiot. Which news outlet was this reporter from? The other reporters were stunned by this bespectacled man''s question. Did heck brains or emotional intelligence?


    "Move aside," Shen Yin said coldly, still holding Zhengzheng in her arms.


    If she hadn''t been carrying Zhengzheng, she probably would have kicked that bespectacled man. What did he mean, how was she feeling? She wasn''t feeling good at all.


    The other reporters voluntarily cleared a path for Shen Yin. No matter how valuable the news was, they still had to abide by professional ethics.


    Shen Lv followed beside Shen Yin, extending his arm to protect her and Xu Yunzheng.


    When they arrived at the hospital, Xu Xiuhe was still in emergency surgery.


    "We''re still investigating the specific cause of the ident. Preliminary judgment suggests driver error, causing the car to crash into the nearby green belt and catch fire. Fortunately, passersby rescued them in time. Otherwise..."


    The police officer didn''t continue.


    "How much longer will it take?" Shen Lv asked.


    "It''s hard to say. The driver is also in emergency surgery next door."


    "How is it?" Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi came running.


    "Still in surgery."


    "Daddy, Daddy~~" At first, Zhengzheng didn''t understand, butter he seemed to have heard clearly that his dad was sick and in emergency surgery.


    "Zhengzheng, be good. Don''t cry. Dad will be fine for sure. Dad definitely won''t leave us behind."


    Shen Yin hugged Xu Yunzheng tightly, gently patting the little one''s back tofort him.


    Xu Yunzheng wiped his tears. The adults standing nearby felt heartbroken.


    "How''s the CEO?" Liu Bo and Xiao Li''er also came running. Just yesterday they were discussing how to avoid marriage, and today this happened. How could this be?


    "Still in emergency surgery for now."


    Many people had gathered at the operating room door. Even Qi Ji, with her big pregnant belly, had rushed over.


    Online, news about the Heyuan Group''s CEO was already flying everywhere. Many people were saying that the Xu father and son must have been cursed, with one incident following another.


    The father hadn''t even been discharged from the hospital, and now the son''s fate was unknown.


    No one was more worried than Shen Yin. Xu Xiuhe was the most trustworthy person in her world. He knew her secrets, he doted on her, loved her, and was someone she could entrust her life to. If anything were to happen to him, what would she and Zhengzheng do?


    Several hourster, the emergency room door finally opened. A doctor walked out, and a group of people rushed to surround him.


    "Doctor, how is he?" Shen Yin asked anxiously.


    "He''s out of immediate danger for now, but we can''t say when he''ll wake up."


    Everyone let out a sigh. It was good that there was no immediate danger to his life. The rest could be treated gradually; he would get better eventually.


    Upon hearing this, Liu Bo ran to the adjacent emergency room where Xu Xiuhe''s driver, Wang Driver, was. He had been Xu Xiuhe''s driver for several years. Even now, Liu Bo couldn''t believe that a car driven by Wang Driver would get into an ident.


    Wang Driver only had one daughter, who hadn''t arrived yet. So Liu Bo waited at the door.


    "Has the patient''s family arrived?"


    "No, but you can tell me. He''s from ourpany."


    "The patient has multiple fractures and a concussion. We''ll need to keep him under observation for a while."


    "Is he out of danger?"


    "We still need to observe. We''ve done everything we can."


    Xu Xiuhe was finally moved to a VIP ward. The room was filled with people, all silent, waiting for Xu Xiuhe to wake up.


    No one knows whether tomorrow or an ident wille first. Xu Yunzheng stood by the ward, staring at Xu Xiuhe''s face without moving.


    "What''s wrong with Daddy?"


    "Daddy is sick and needs to rest well," Shen Yin said, holding back tears tofort the little one.


    "When will Daddy get better? Zhengzheng is still waiting for Daddy to build blocks with me."


    The little one''s words made everyone present feel uneasy.


    Everyone busied themselves with various tasks. Chang Zhiyuan ordered food, Liu Bo went to pay the fees, and Shen Lv kept following up on the progress with the police.


    In the afternoon, news came that Wang Driver had woken up. Liu Bo ran to the adjacent ward again. The neighboring ward was much quieter, with only nurses and caregivers present.


    Liu Bo had thought that Wang Driver, having woken up, would be able to speak. But upon entering the room, he discovered that Wang Driver was lying on the hospital bed, blinking his eyes, yet not saying a word.


    "Nurse, how long will it take before he can speak?"


    "It''s hard to say."


    As evening approached, Shen Yin told the others to go home first, as they had been here all day and were probably tired.


    The others were still a bit worried.


    "Go on, I''ll be fine here," Shen Lv said.


    "Then we''lle back tomorrow," Chang Zhiyuan said.


    "Sister Yin, take care of yourself and don''t get too tired," Qi Ji said to Shen Yin as he was leaving.


    "Mmm, you too. Go home and rest early. You shouldn''t overexert yourself while pregnant."


    Shu Yi was still a bit concerned about Shen Yin. Shen Yin had a child to look after, and Shu Yi didn''t trust Shen Lv. What if something happened and Shen Yin couldn''t handle it on her own?

 Chapter 232

    Shen Yin had been keeping watch in the hospital room for a long time, growing more worried as time passed. Shen Lv stood by, feeling uneasy as he watched.


    "Why don''t you take Zhengzheng home to rest? I can stay here," Shen Lv suggested, concerned about Shen Yin and Zhengzheng''s health.


    Research has shown that severe heartache can trigger autonomic nervous system disorders. The onset of autonomic nervous system disorders is often rted to psychosocial stress factors and can manifest symptoms in multiple systems, such as postural hypotension, which may cause dizziness, fainting, and blurred vision.


    When Shen Yin was depressed, Shen Lv had researched these topics extensively, but what could he do?


    "No, I''m staying here. I''ll watch over him," Shen Yin insisted.


    "How long are you nning to stay? I mean, what if it takes a long time for him to wake up? Will you just keep watching over him here?"


    Shen Yin nodded. With her basic medical knowledge, she felt more at ease staying by his side.


    "Brother, please go back and bring some clothes and daily necessities for Zhengzheng."


    "Are you nning to stay here long-term?" Shen Lv asked incredulously.


    "Yes. This hospital room is spacious, and it even has an extra room. There''s a bathroom, shower, and even a small kitchen. We can buy groceries and cook here. Why can''t we stay for an extended period? Zhengzheng should be fine here too, but if he doesn''t adjust wellter, you can take him to mom''s ce."


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng wants to stay with Daddy and Mommy," the little one chimed in, running over.


    "Alright," Shen Yin agreed.


    Shen Lv didn''t try to persuade her further. He''d let Shen Yin handle things her way.


    There was too much public opinion online that needed to be addressed. As the brother-inw, he certainly couldn''t stand by and do nothing.


    "Oh, brother, can you do me a favor? Go to Rong City Second Hospital. Xu Guimin is there. Ask him what exactly he said to Xiuhe when they met."


    "Sure."


    Upon hearing this, Shen Lv left the hospital room and drove to Rong City Hospital.


    When he arrived at the VIP ward in Rong City Second Hospital, the staff outside the room didn''t stop Shen Lv, as Shen Yin had called ahead.


    As Shen Lv entered the room, Xu Guimin looked up.


    "You''re Shen Lv from Shen Group? You..."


    Being from the same city, they had naturally seen each other before.


    Xu Guimin seemed unable to recall why someone from Shen Group woulde to see him.


    "Old man, what did you say to my brother-inw this morning?" Shen Lv''s tone was very impolite. He was protective of his family. From the beginning, he knew that Xu Xiuhe''s rtionship with the Xu family wasn''t good. When his father was looking for a suitable husband for Shen Yin, he had thoroughly investigated Xu Xiuhe''s background.


    Knowing that this old man hadn''t treated his brother-inw well, how could he show him any courtesy? Calling him "old man" was already being polite.


    Xu Guimin suddenly realized that the son he had never valued was already married.


    "Why are you here? Where''s Xiuhe?"


    "You have the nerve to ask? Xiuhe is lying in the hospital. What did you two talk about this morning?"


    "What? How did Xiuhe end up in the hospital?"


    "How should I know? I''m asking you what you two discussed."


    Xu Guimin thought deeply for a moment but still didn''t speak.


    "You should leave. This is between him and me. Outsiders shouldn''t interfere."


    Shen Lv couldn''t believe it. He was an outsider?


    Well, he supposed he was. Damn it, if Shen Yin hadn''t asked him toe, he wouldn''t be willing to run between hospitalste at night.


    "Are you going to tell me or not? It''s extremely important!" Shen Lv asked onest time.


    Xu Guimin remained unmoved, his face expressionless, infuriating Shen Lv. The old bastard, he thought, might as well drown and be done with it.


    Shen Lv cursed under his breath. If it weren''t for the fact that the old man was a patient, he might have resorted to physical force.


    As he left, Shen Lv mmed the door hard.


    "Keep an eye on him," he instructed the staff outside.


    After that, Shen Lv drove to Yun Manor. He had it tough enough already, and the two elderly people at home were probably worried sick. He needed to hurry back tofort them.


    Sure enough, as soon as he parked the car, Fang Yue came running out.


    "Mom, why are you out here? It''s so cold outside."


    As Shen Lv got out of the car, he could feel the chill in the air. After all, it was December, with only 20 days left until the New Year.


    "I''ve been worried sick. How''s Xiuhe? If your dad hadn''t stopped me, I would have gone to the hospital already."


    "It''s a good thing dad stopped you. Otherwise, you wouldn''t even have had a ce to stand in the hospital room. His friends and assistant are all there."


    "Why can''t you get to the point? I''m asking you, how is Xiuhe?" Fang Yue smacked Shen Lv''s arm. Was this child being deliberately obtuse? What she said wasn''t that hard to understand.


    "Not great. He''s not dead, but we don''t know when he''ll wake up."


    Hearing this, Fang Yue immediately gave Shen Lv a hard p. Ever since Shen Tianzheng fell ill, she hated hearing anything about life and death. It was so inauspicious. Couldn''t he say something more positive?


    "Mom, that hurts."


    Shen Lv cupped his cheek, looking aggrieved. Was his life easy? He had been busy all day, and now he came home only to be hit by his mother.


    "How''s your sister? She must be devastated. And Zhengzheng? Is Zhengzheng okay?"


    "You know how stubborn your daughter is. I''ll have to go back to the hospitalter. Let me eat something first."


    "What''s going on? Is Yin Yin nning to stay at the hospital the whole time?"


    "You know the answer, why are you asking?"


    When Shen Lv returned to the hospital, he not only brought clothes and daily necessities for Zhengzheng but also food for both mother and son.


    When Shen Lv arrived, Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan were there. Shu Yi had prepared change of clothes, pajamas, and daily necessities for Shen Yin, while Chang Zhiyuan had bought basins and towels.


    "Xiuhe, if you don''t wake up soon, your son won''t recognize you anymore," Chang Zhiyuan said, standing by the bed. In truth, he was heartbroken. He, Xiuhe, and Jing Rui had grown up together, closer than brothers. Whenever one of them needed help, the others woulde without hesitation. Now, he was standing here while Xiuhey unconscious. Just thinking about it made him emotional.


    "Zhengzheng recognizes Daddy. Daddy is just sick. He''ll get better soon," the little one said, sitting on the sofa, seemingly understanding everything, neither crying nor making a fuss.


    "That''s right. Zhengzheng is so good. Zhengzheng is so adorable, Daddy will definitely want to see you," Shen Yin said, having finished tidying up the hospital room, prepared for a long stay.


    "How''s the news online?"


    "Xiuhe''s assistant is handling it."


    "If this hadn''t happened, Liu''s assistant and the other junior assistant would probably be getting married, and we could have attended their wedding," Shen Yin said, her eyes devoid of light.


    Everyone fell silent upon hearing this, knowing that no one could be more devastated than Shen Yin.


    After the others left, it was already veryte. Shen Yin gave Zhengzheng a bath and then carried her to the inner bedroom.


    "Zhengzheng, be good and sleep by yourself, okay? Mommy needs to go wash Daddy''s face."


    "Okay."


    Shen Yin kissed her baby''s forehead and went back to the bathroom. When she came out, she was carrying a basin and a towel.


    As she approached the bed, Shen Yin took the towel and gently wiped Xu Xiuhe''s face. He looked as if he were merely sleeping.


    After finishing, Shen Yin reached for Xu Xiuhe''s wrist, feeling for his pulse. From what she could tell, there didn''t seem to be any major issues, so why wasn''t he waking up?


    During the night, Zhengzheng slept in the inner room while Shen Yiny down next to Xu Xiuhe on the outside.


    She held his hand tightly, reflecting on how difficult Xu Xiuhe''s first 20-plus years had been. His mother died early, his stepmother disliked him, his father didn''t love him. He had experienced the harsh realities of society at a young age and built everything from scratch. Just when he finally had happiness within his grasp, this car ident happened.


    Shen Yin couldn''t sleep at all. Her left hand reached out to Xu Xiuhe''s face, her fingers tracing the contours of his features before finally resting on his eyebrows.


    He was so handsome. She realized she had never looked at Xu Xiuhe so closely and quietly before.


    Early the next morning, Liu Bo came to the hospital and informed Shen Yin that the investigation results were out. The car''s dashboard camera showed that it was indeed driver error ¨C he had mistaken the elerator for the brake pedal. After crashing into the green belt, he hadn''t applied the brakes, which naturally led to the ident.


    "Has the driver woken up?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Yes, but the driver suffered extensive external injuries. He underwent aprehensive examination yesterday afternoon, and it turns out he''s in thete stages of a terminal illness. The ident might have been caused by him losing consciousness due to a sudden onset of symptoms."


    "Late stages? Weren''t there regr health check-ups?"


    "There were, but I went backst night and checked the medical reports he submitted to thepany. They were fake."


    "He deliberately concealed his condition?"


    Liu Bo nodded. He felt partially responsible for not emphasizing the importance of thoroughly verifying the medical reports to the relevant departments.


    "Driver Wang has been with the CEO since thepany''s inception. He probably wanted to keep earning money and didn''t want to lose his job, so he paid to have fake medical reports made."


    "I see. How''s thepany doing? Has the stock price dropped?"


    At this point, there was no use in dwelling on what had happened. Shen Yin turned her attention to thepany''s affairs. Heyuan Group was Xu Xiuhe''s life''s work of many years, and it couldn''t afford any setbacks.


    "It''s manageable. The stock price hasn''t dropped much," Liu Bo replied. He had already released a statement saying that Xu Xiuhe didn''t have any major issues and just needed some time to recuperate, so the situation wasn''t too bad.


    The big problem now was when the CEO would wake up. Thepany had an extremely important coborationing up that required Xu Xiuhe''s personal involvement. Without him, the deal couldn''t be closed.


    "Whatever happens with thepany, let me know immediately. You''ll have to work a bit harder during this time, and we absolutely cannot afford any mistakes," Shen Yin instructed.


    "Understood."


    "Alright, you should head back to thepany then. Don''t worry too much about things here."


    Shen Yin was telling herself not to worry too much as much as she was telling Liu Bo. In reality, she was the most concerned. It had been 24 hours, so why wasn''t there any change?


    One day, two days, three days passed, and Xu Xiuhe still hadn''t woken up. He was surviving on nutrient solutions to replenish his energy. Gradually, people stopped concerning themselves with his situation, and even thepany continued to operate normally.


    The world kept turning, days went by, and only Shen Yin grew thinner with each passing day.


    "Ma''am." Liu Bo''s phone call startled Shen Yin.


    "Has something happened at thepany?"


    "Yes and no."


    "What do you mean?"


    "There''s a coboration that requires the CEO''s presence, but he''s still not awake. This partnership is extremely important ¨C it''s with a foreignpany ¨C so we''re not sure how to proceed."


    "I''ll go. When is it?"


    Over the past few days, Fang Yue had beening to the hospital room to check on everyone. Her son-inwy unconscious in bed, her daughter was growing thinner by the day, and her grandchild was being heart-wrenchingly well-behaved. Fang Yue saw it all and felt the pain in her heart. She had prayed to every Buddha and deity she could think of.


    "Mom, I might need to go out this afternoon. Can you look after Zhengzheng?"


    "Of course. Remember, if anything''s bothering you, talk to me. Don''t try to shoulder everything alone."


    Shen Yin returned to Ziyue Manor and changed into a white suit. She applied light makeup, put on a pair of ck high heels, and tied her hair up, giving her a capable and mature appearance. She hoped this look would make her seem more like a high-levelpany executive.


    When Shen Yin arrived at thepany, it caused quite a stir. Everyone had been specting about the CEO''s condition, but there had been no news, and the media had stopped reporting on it.


    Theck of news was because there was no information on when he might wake up. The media silence was due to various influential parties ¨C Shen Lv, Liu Bo, and Chang Zhiyuan ¨C all paying to keep the story out of the press.


    Shen Yin wore bright red lipstick, and as she walked through thepany, she seemed to bring a gust of wind with her.


    "The CEO''s wife is here, and we''ve never seen her dressed like this before. She looks every bit the powerful businesswoman."


    "She looks so fierce. I wonder how the CEO is doing, though."


    Xu Xiuhe had always treated thepany''s employees well ¨C paying double for overtime, never dying wages, providing benefits during holidays, and never discriminating against female employees.


    Everyone in thepany could see what Xu Xiuhe had done for them. It was hard to find such a good boss nowadays, and many people outside thepany were eager to join Heyuan Group.


    There were many people who cared about Xu Xiuhe, and by extension, they treated Shen Yin with courtesy and respect. After all, they believed in Xu Xiuhe.


    "How''s everything going? Have the people from Ruida Group arrived?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Yes, they have."


    Shen Yin hadn''te unprepared. When she learned this morning that she needed to negotiate the coboration, she had quickly studied up on many topics and sought advice from Shen Lv.


    Shen Yin was naturally intelligent, and on top of that, she had previously apanied Xu Xiuhe to Heyuan Group out of boredom. During those times, she had read many documents and observed how Xu Xiuhe handled various situations.


    "Liu Bo, Qin Zhenzhen, you twoe in with me."


    At the very least, they couldn''t lose face in terms of their lineup. Calling for Liu Bo was because he had been following this project all along. Calling for Qin Zhenzhen was because this young woman appeared to be the type with high professional quality and strong capabilities. When facing otherpanies, they certainly couldn''t afford to lose face.


    In the reception room of Heyuan Group, quite a few people were already seated. When Shen Yin learned it was a foreignpany, she began to worry. What if her English skills weren''t up to par and she ended up embarrassing herself? She practiced desperately for a while, but made no progress. With the original owner''s memories, how could she possibly use English as fluently as a fish in water?


    She decided to throw caution to the wind. She would just speak Chinese. Why should they amodate others by speaking a foreignnguage when their own culture and history were so long-standing? The fact that they came to meet Heyuan Group showed that Heyuan Group had the strength worthy of Ruida''s cooperation.

 Chapter 233

    When Shen Yin walked into the reception room, the people from Ruida Group hadn''t arrived yet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin sat down in a chair. Qin Zhenzhen poured several sses of water and ced them on the opposite side, while Liu Bo sat down next to Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Will they be speaking English or Chineseter?" Shen Yin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This question actually stumped Liu Bo. Previously, Xu Xiuhe had been the one negotiating with Ruida, and he hadn''t even been present at their meetings. He had no idea whatnguage the CEO spoke with them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Madam Shen, I really don''t know about that."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin sat in her chair, calm andposed, waiting for the Ruida Group people to arrive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ten minutester, a blond man, apanied by two assistants, arrived at the ground floor of the Heyuan Group building.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "They''re here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Xue immediately called Qin Zhenzhen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Everyone sat up straight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A few minutester, the Ruida Group people reached Heyuan Group''s reception room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as the blond man entered the room, his expression changed slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Where is the boss of yourpany? Where is Xu Xiuhe?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Shen Yin was also surprised. True to his blond appearance, he immediately spoke words she couldn''t understand. Fortunately, what the blond man said wasn''t too difficult, and relying on the original owner''s memories, Shen Yin could now understand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hello, the CEO of thispany, who is also my husband, Xu Xiuhe, has had a slight ident and is currently in the hospital. I will be recing him here to discuss cooperation with you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin spoke in a voice that wasn''t loud, but her enunciation was particrly clear. Her voice carried strength, and everyone in the reception room could hear her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No, no," the blond man said in English-ented Chinese, waving his hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Anthony, you can speak Chinese," Shen Yin said, ignoring the blond man''s refusal and instead changing the subject topliment him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Sure enough, the topic was sessfully shifted. Hearing Shen Yin''s praising tone, the blond man felt particrly pleased.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "My Chinese is super super good. Can you, tell?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The blond man gave himself a thumbs up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Listening to the ented Chinese, Shen Yin wanted tough, but she knew it wouldn''t be appropriate in this setting. Laughing would also be disrespectful to Anthony, so she had to hold it in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Anthony, your Chinese is very, very good," Shen Yin also gave a thumbs up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Thank you, thank you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "So, how about our cooperation? I really admire your lover, I only want to discuss cooperation with your lover," the blond man continued in his broken Chinese after receiving Shen Yin''s praise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As they talked, Shen Yin''s speaking style began to be slightly influenced by the blond man''s ent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Am I not suitable? We have an old saying in China that husband and wife are one body. My lover and I are one, so even though he''s not here now, I can negotiate on his behalf."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The blond man pondered for a moment, then said, "I see, Chinese culture, profound and extensive."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He gave another thumbs up after speaking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhenzhen and Liu Bo hadn''t expected this Anthony to be so adorable and easily swayed by the CEO''s wife.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But, I still want to discuss cooperation with your husband. I admire him very much, and it''s because of him that I decided to cooperate with Heyuan Group. If he doesn''t negotiate with me, I can find otherpanies to cooperate with."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Liu Bo...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhenzhen...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The situation reached an impasse. Shen Yin wanted to continue persuading and guiding the blond man, but Anthony''s expression was already bing impatient. He fiddled with a lighter in one hand and crossed one leg over the other.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Anthony, although our Heyuan Group hasn''t been established for long, our achievements are there for all to see. I believe that after your Ruida Group cooperates with our Heyuan Group, it will be all benefit and no harm."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I know, but Heyuan Group has such achievements because of Xu Xiuhe. So, I still want to wait for Xu Xiuhe. By the way, what does ''all benefit and no harm'' mean?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The blond man looked at Shen Yin with an eager expression.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin had to admit that this Anthony was a bit difficult to deal with.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Anthony, ''all benefit and no harm'' means there are many advantages and nothing bad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Saying it like that, I understand now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Anthony wore an expression of having learned something new.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Anthony, my husband hasn''t woken up yet, he really can''te to meet you," Shen Yin said with some difficulty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This Anthony was so stubborn and persistent. It was indeed as Special Assistant Liu had said ¨C not easy to handle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I can go to see him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhenzhen and Liu Bo exchanged nces. This blond Anthony was really hard to deal with. Could it be that he had taken a liking to their CEO?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is that so?" Shen Yin smiled awkwardly. To be honest, she hadn''t expected Anthony to say this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Anthony, my husband hasn''t woken up yet. Do you still want to see him?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, I want to see."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Special Assistant Liu, prepare the car. We''re going to First Hospital."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No need to prepare, just lead the way. We have our own car."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The group filed out of the reception room in an orderly manner and headed towards the underground parking garage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Did you bring the contract?" Anthony turned and asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, we did."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Liu Bo was driving, with Qin Zhenzhen in the passenger seat. Shen Yin sat in the back. As soon as she got in the car, Shen Yin rubbed her brow. This Anthony was too stubborn; she had no idea what to do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Madam Shen, don''t worry. Anthony just asked if we brought the contract. Maybe we''ll be able to sign it soon."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What Shen Yin was more worried about was when Xu Xiuhe would finally wake up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the VIP ward, Fang Yue was ying with Zheng on the sofa. When the group entered, the little one kept staring at the blond man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mommy," Xu Yunzheng called out when he saw Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is this Xiuhe?" Anthony walked to the bedside, looking at Xu Xiuhe lying on the bed, his sadness naturally apparent on his face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fang Yue looked at Shen Yin, confused. What was going on? Could it be that Xiuhe previously...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unimaginable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yin Yin, what''s this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the end, Fang Yue couldn''t hold back and asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mom, this is a partner from Heyuan Group. We were just discussing the contract."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Anthony turned to Xu Xiuhe on the hospital bed and said, "My friend, rest assured, I will take our cooperation project seriously. I''ll also study Chinese diligently. Today I learned another phrase, which means ''all benefits and no harm.''"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The others stood nearby, speechless. What was going on now?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The contract, give me the pen."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Liu Bo immediately handed over the contract and pen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Anthony took them, signed his name at the bottom, and then passed it to Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Teacher''s wife, it''s your turn to sign."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Teacher''s wife?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin was bewildered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xiuhe teaches me Chinese. He''s my Chinese teacher. ording to your custom, that makes you my teacher''s wife."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As Anthony finished speaking, several people came in from outside, bringing in a few boxes of milk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Alright, the contract is signed. I need to go now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the end, only Liu Bo and Qin Zhenzhen remained in the hospital room besides Fang Yue and Xu Yunzheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    None of them could have imagined that this negotiation would end up being so perfunctory.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Madam." Liu Bo held the contract, looking at Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You can go back first. For the following matters, I''ll trouble Assistant Liu."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No trouble at all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Liu Bo and Qin Zhen left, Fang Yue walked over and said, "This foreigner is really strange."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin wholeheartedly agreed. She felt that her outfit and makeup today had all been for nothing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Looking at Xu Xiuhe again, Shen Yin felt even more distressed. Xu Xiuhe was so good that he could even win over business partners. Even lying in a hospital bed, he hadn''t left her facing any difficulties.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mom, did I see wrong just now? Did Xiuhe''s hand move a little?" Shen Yin said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fang Yue hadn''t been watching Xu Xiuhe, so she had no idea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin walked to Xu Xiuhe''s side, staring at him intently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mom, it moved."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad''s eyshes moved too." The little one leaned close to Xu Xiuhe''s face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin looked, and sure enough, Xu Xiuhe''s eyshes really did move.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin was so excited she almost cried. Xu Xiuhe had been lying there for four days already. If he didn''t wake up soon, she was going to go crazy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xiuhe, Xiuhe, wake up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, Dad, Zheng Zheng wants to y with Dad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man''s hand moved a few more times, and his eyes slowly opened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mom, Zheng Zheng, Xiuhe''s awake!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin covered Xu Xiuhe''s hand with her own.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Why is it dark? Why haven''t you turned on the lights?" Xu Xiuhe''s words were like a bucket of cold water,pletely extinguishing all of Shen Yin''s previous joy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Outside, it was bright daylight. The window ss was slightly fogged due to the temperature difference, but other buildings could be faintly seen outside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin calmed herself down and said, "Xiuhe, you haven''t fully recovered yet, so your eyes might be temporarily blind. It will get better after a while."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wasforting herself as much as she wasforting Xu Xiuhe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe was quiet for a few seconds before asking, "How many days have I been asleep?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Exactly four days."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Call the doctor toe check on you." Shen Yin said. What she had just said was indeed true. If she wasn''t mistaken, Xu Xiuhe''s blindness might be due to blood clots or bruising in his eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Soon, the examination results came out, confirming Shen Yin''s guess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "When will it get better?" Shen Yin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s hard to say. It depends on the patient''s own recovery. It could be a week, it could be a month."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, Zheng Zheng will keep Dadpany."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mom, you''ve been here for so long, you must be tired. You should go back first. Dad will probably be looking for you soon."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m relieved now that you''re awake. Xiuhe, don''t worry. This is temporary blindness. It will get better soon."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mm, don''t worry, Mom."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Fang Yue left, Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng remained by the bedside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Can''t Dad see anymore?" Xu Yunzheng asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad is just temporarily blind. When Dad gets better, he''ll be able to see Zheng Zheng again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mm-hmm, Dad says eyes are the windows to the soul." The little one suddenly remembered what his father had told him before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Shen Yin felt uneasy. Such an excellent person as Xu Xiuhe suddenly losing his sight must be very upsetting for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Don''t be sad. It will get better. Zheng Zheng and I will always be here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mm, okay. What about the car ident?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "So far, it''s been determined that Driver Wang lost control of his body, resulting in an operational error that caused the engine to spontaneouslybust."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe felt something was off, but he couldn''t pinpoint what exactly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You must have been worried these past few days. Thank you for your hard work." Xu Xiuhe followed Shen Yin''s hand and touched her head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It wasn''t hard. I''m just d you''re awake."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That afternoon, a group of people came to Xu Xiuhe''s hospital room, including Chang Zhiyuan and Xue Jingrui.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing the now-blind Xu Xiuhe, everyone felt a bit off-bnce, afraid to mention words like "see" or "eyes," fearing it would upset Xu Xiuhe even more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xiuhe, when you''re up and about, you''ll have to treat us to a good meal," Chang Zhiyuan said, trying to lighten the mood.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sure."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "We''ve found out some other information. That driver had contact with Xu Zhengyang''s side."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan''s words shocked everyone in the room. Clearly, none of them had expected this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Should we report it to the police?" Xue Jingrui asked. This matter would be easy to handle if they could find solid evidence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "We don''t have detailed evidence, but Driver Wang is definitely suspicious." Chang Zhiyuan had been busy promoting the new drama these past few days, but he had also been searching for information. He didn''t believe in such coincidences ¨C just as the old man fell into the water, the young one got into a car ident. If it was deliberate, everything would make sense.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This afternoon, I need to go to the Second Hospital. I want to see Xu Guimin again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But your eyes?" Xue Jingrui asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s fine. I''ll go with him." Shen Yin always unconditionally supported Xu Xiuhe''s decisions. Whatever he wanted to do, she would apany him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As they left, Shen Yin held Zheng Zheng''s hand with one hand and linked arms with Xu Xiuhe with the other, afraid of losing either of them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe wore sunsses and had changed out of his hospital gown, moving from one hospital to another.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As he entered the room, Xu Xiuhe didn''t know what Xu Guimin was doing, but Shen Yin knew. That man was leisurely sipping tea, which irritated Shen Yin. Xu Guimin wasrgely to me for the current situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xiuhe, why are you here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "To see you," the man replied, his tone unreadable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Why are you still wearing sunsses indoors?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin hadn''t noticed anything unusual about Xu Xiuhe at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What exactly did you mean when you asked me to save you?" Xu Xiuhe repeated the question.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man sitting on the bed fell silent again, instead turning to look at Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Speak up. If you don''t, I''ll send you right back," Xu Xiuhe threatened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Upon hearing that he might be sent back, Xu Guimin became a bit nervous. He was livingfortably now, without much to worry about, but if he were sent back, he might be in danger again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 234

    "When I was swimming, for some unknown reason, I couldn''t get up. Later, I had a dream. I dreamed of your mother. She told me not to go home, saying that if I went back, she would take me away."


    Xu Guimin finally revealed the reason why he had Xu Xiuhe save him.


    Xu Xiuhe was wearing sunsses. Shen Yin looked at Xu Xiuhe but couldn''t see any particr expression on his face. As for herself, she found Xu Guimin''s words unbelievable.


    "What right do you have to mention my mother?" Xu Xiuhe''s voice wasn''t loud, but his tone was usatory.


    "Xiuhe, you have to believe your father. I really did dream of your mother. She appeared before me wearing a white dress, gently telling me not to return to the Xu family house, to stay away from Yang Cui, otherwise she would take me away."


    "Shut up. That''s nonsense. I wish my mother could take you away."


    "How can you talk like that? I''m still your father. What kind of son wishes for his father to leave this world? Don''t you know that''s unfilial?"


    Xu Guimin said resentfully.


    Xu Xiuhe removed his sses. Guided by the sound of Xu Guimin''s voice, he turned his head. Though he couldn''t see, his eyes were directed towards Xu Guimin.


    Xu Xiuhe''s eyes were lifeless. Xu Guimin sensed something was off at first, and after a while, he asked, "What''s wrong with your eyes?"


    "I''m blind."


    Xu Guimin was momentarily stunned.


    "How did you go blind?"


    "I bumped into something while walking."


    "Was what you just said the truth?" Xu Xiuhe asked again.


    "It''s the truth. I swear to heaven, I, Xu Guimin, really did dream of Sun Wenting. Sun Wenting told me not to go back. If I''ve spoken even half a lie, may heaven strike me down." Xu Guimin raised three fingers as he spoke.


    "Then you''d better stay here."


    "Can I have a phone?" Xu Guimin asked weakly.


    Xu Xiuhe turned and left. He shouldn''t have brought Xu Guimin out in the first ce. What kind of father, upon learning his son had gone blind, wouldn''t even say a word of concern?


    He had always only loved himself. Xu Guimin would forever be a selfish person.


    Shen Yin supported Xu Xiuhe''s arm as they left the hospital room.


    "Was what he said true?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Maybe. His tone didn''t sound like he was lying, and he even swore an oath."


    "Could it be that mom appeared in his dream? Perhaps his near-drowning wasn''t an ident. It''s possible that mother and son duo really did have ns to harm her, but mom couldn''t bear it and appeared in his dream to save his life."


    Shen Yin shared her theory.


    It made sense. Xu Xiuhe pondered it as well. This idea was entirely usible because only he knew just how much his mother had loved that scoundrel.


    Looking at it now, Sun Wenting might have always known about Xu Guimin''s mistress, but her love was too humble.


    In Xu Xiuhe''s memory, Sun Wenting had always been very gentle, obeying and amodating Xu Guimin in everything. She always put Xu Guimin first.


    Sometimes, people are just like that. For some inexplicable reason, even when they know all of the other person''s ws, even when the other person might not love them, they still can''t let go. They can''t control their feelings and continue to love the other person recklessly.


    Love is truly such a difficult thing to understand. How many people find happiness because of love, and how many fall into the abyss because of it?


    Perhaps Sun Wenting still loved Xu Guimin even now, unable to bear seeing him hurt, which is why she appeared in his dream with a threatening message.


    Men can sometimes be hard to understand too. They don''t cherish what they have. Xu Guimin was a typical example, summed up in one word: "despicable."


    "Let''s go back."


    "Okay."


    Shen Yin looked at Xu Xiuhe, worry rising in her again. When would his eyes heal? She wanted very much to treat Xu Xiuhe, but she didn''t trust her medical skills. More importantly, she was facing the most important person in her world.


    Just as they reached the ground floor of the hospital, Shen Yin''s phone rang.


    "Hello, Mom."


    "Mama."


    Shen Yin thought it was Fang Yue calling and immediately called out "Mom," but the voice on the other end was actually the little one.


    "Oh, is that Zhengzheng?"


    "It''s Zhengzheng. Zhengzheng misses Mommy and Daddy. When are Mommy and Daddying back?"


    The little one''s voice was sweet and childish.


    Xu Xiuhe, standing nearby, said, "Daddy and Mommy will be back soon."


    When they arrived at the hospital, Zhengzheng immediately ran over and hugged Xu Xiuhe''s legs.


    "Daddy, Zhengzheng wants you to y with me."


    Fang Yue, who was nearby, quickly said, "Zhengzheng, Daddy is still sick right now. Is it okay if Grandma ys with you? When Daddy feels better, he can y with Zhengzheng."


    "Then I hope Daddy gets better quickly."


    Xu Xiuhe crouched down, and Xu Yunzheng patted Xu Xiuhe''s back.


    Shen Yin then led Xu Xiuhe out. The hospital staff gave Xu Xiuhe aprehensive examination. The results were the same as before ¨C there were no other issues, just that the blood clot near his eye had still not dissolved.


    "Doctor, how long will this take?" Shen Yin asked again. In the Dasheng Dynasty, there had been people who went blind due to severe collisions. Some recovered on their own after a while, others sought out famous doctors and regained their sight, and some lived in darkness for the rest of their lives.


    "It''s hard to say, but it shouldn''t take too long. Mr. Xu''s body has a rtively good recovery ability, and the blood clot isn''trge. It shouldn''t take too long."


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe felt somewhat relieved upon hearing this. If the doctor said so, it might really not take long.


    When they returned, Fang Yue had already sent someone to bring dinner, and she was feeding Zhengzheng.


    "Xiuhe, Yin Yin, you should eat too. Eat and then get some rest early."


    Fang Yue left only after Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe had finished eating.


    In the evening, Shen Yin gave Zhengzheng a bath as usual. When she looked at Xu Xiuhe again, she was a bit at a loss. With his eyes unable to see, he obviously couldn''t bathe himself.


    "I''ll help you bathe."


    "Okay."


    At night, Xu Xiuhe wouldn''t let Shen Yin sleep on the inner bed, so Zhengzheng slept alone on the inside, while Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhey on the outer 1.2-meter hospital bed.


    "You''ve had it tough these days. I''ve made you worry."


    "You know I''ve been worried, yet you woke up sote." The woman pouted.


    "It''s my fault. It won''t happen again."


    "You''re nning on a next time?" Hearing this, Shen Yin gently pinched the man''s waist.


    "Stop moving around."


    Shen Yin understood immediately. Indeed, they couldn''t move much now, as the bed was only so big.


    Xu Xiuhe changed the subject: "It won''t happen again in the future. Without your permission, I won''t even get a fever."


    "You promise?"


    "I promise."


    "It''s a deal."


    "For a hundred years, it won''t change."


    "How''s thepany been doing while I was unconscious?" Xu Xiuhe had only just remembered he had apany.


    "Thanks to Liu Assistant, everything at thepany has been running smoothly. We even signed a contract with Ruida this morning."


    "Did Liu Bo sign it?"


    "I did," Shen Yin said with a hint of pride.


    "You went to thepany this morning? Was the contract signed there?"


    "I did go to thepany this morning, but the contract wasn''t signed there."


    "Oh? Where was it signed then?" The man was a bit curious.


    "At the hospital. Anthony came too. Are you Anthony''s Chinese teacher?"


    "Did he say that?"


    "Yes, Anthony is incredibly stubborn. At first, when we were at thepany, no matter how I tried to persuade him, he refused to sign the contract because you weren''t there. Even when I said I was your partner, he still wouldn''t budge."


    "In Chinese, we''d say he''s ''single-minded''."


    "Hahaha, his Chinese is quite good, just with a bit of an ent. I almost got carried away by his way of speaking."


    "He learned Chinese from me. How could it not be good?" The man said narcissistically.


    "Do you know why he admires you so much? My mother was watching him react to you and almost thought you two had an inappropriate rtionship."


    "Perhaps your husband just has a maic personality."


    "Hmm, like me."


    ...


    "By the way, has Liu Bo returned to work at thepany?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Of course. If he hadn''t gone back after you had an ident, you''d really be in trouble."


    "What about his wedding?"


    "No news yet."


    Xu Xiuhe became anxious upon hearing this, feeling a bit guilty. Because of him, the wedding was postponed ¨C a me he couldn''t ept.


    "Then let thepany organize his wedding. Aspensation for them."


    "Alright, good. Let''s sleep." Shen Yin had been busy all day and was indeed feeling tired now.


    "Okay."


    The next day.


    As soon as dawn broke, the little one crawled out of bed and ran outside, waking up the two adults.


    Shen Yin opened her eyes groggily, while Xu Xiuhe''s eyes were still in darkness.


    Shen Yin''s phone rang early in the morning. It was Shu Yi calling.


    On days when Shu Yi wasn''t filming, she had never woken up this early. Today, she got up so early only because she had gone to the bathroom, then checked her phone and saw the trending topics on Weibo. She instantly became alert, got out of bed, and called Shen Yin.


    "Yin Yin, are you awake?"


    Still groggy with sleep, Shen Yin mumbled, "I am now. A second before your call, your godson crawled onto my bed."


    Usually, Shu Yi would have made some jokes about this. But today was different. What Shen Yin had feared most had finally happened.


    "Yin Yin, check the trending topics on Weibo. That woman finally leaked the story."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin instantly woke up. Before she could even hang up the phone, she switched to the Weibo app.


    Sure enough, the top trending topic was about Shen Yin.


    "Heyuan Group CEO''s wife suspected of being a lesbian."


    Shen Yin clicked to read more. Unsurprisingly, thements were all criticizing her, with some even calling Xu Xiuhe a "cuckold".


    The former CP fans reacted even more strongly, using increasingly harshnguage to curse her. They were the first to unfollow. Some even went as far as to curse themselves, saying they must have been blind to have ever shipped such a couple.


    "What''s wrong?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin hesitated, unsure whether to let Xu Xiuhe know about this issue in his current state.


    "If something''s happened, you don''t have to tell me. I can find out from others what''s going on."


    "It''s Zhou Man. She leaked the story about her and me."


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe''s face showed no particr shock. He had been unconscious for a while, and the moment he let his guard down, they released the news. The timing was impable.


    "It''s okay. We''ll rify it."


    Xu Xiuhe made a phone call, and immediately received a document.


    He had already investigated everything Zhou Man had done. Even if she leaked this information, he wasn''t afraid.


    "Take a look at this document." Xu Xiuhe handed his phone to Shen Yin. This document waspiledter by a detective; he had already seen some of the earlier materials.


    Shen Yin took the phone and opened the document, reading through it line by line.


    It contained Zhou Man''s background, age, work and marital status, as well as some of her past actions.


    The thing Zhou Man had done most was fraud. Even after scamming the original Shen Yin, she hadn''t stopped. She had tricked many men out of their money, specifically targeting married men who were afraid of their wives. After seducing them, she would threaten to tell their wives unless they gave her money.


    Even more terrifying was that this woman had scammed several men simultaneously. Looking at the collected information, Shen Yin felt the world was too bizarre.


    If Shu Yi saw this, she would probably give Zhou Man a thumbs up and say, "Impressive."


    Unbelievably, such a person had eventually married into a wealthy family and be a rich man''s wife.


    What surprised Shen Yin even more was that this woman had gotten involved with Guo Hui, the son of her husband Guo Wei, and Guo Wei had found out.


    Guo Wei had cut off this woman''s finances, but to save face for himself and his son, he chose to keep the matter quiet.


    This was probably why Zhou Man hade back to Shen Yin asking for money.


    "I''ll have them rify that you were just friends before. She doesn''t really have any substantial evidence. The previous Shen Yin was indeed too naive and was tricked by her. Releasing this evidence should be enough."


    "Send the document to Liu Bo."


    Shen Yin did as told, realizing that Xu Xiuhe had already uncovered so much information behind the scenes.


    After sending it, Xu Xiuhe took out his phone and used voice control to call Liu Bo.


    "Hello, CEO."


    "Are you awake?"


    "Yes, yes, I''ve seen what''s on Weibo. How should we handle it?"


    Liu Bo was looking at Weibo at the time, feeling extremely shocked. He knew what Shen Yin was like before, and if things were really as revealed online, everything would make sense.


    "Look at the document I sent you, then organize and release all the evidence to clear Madam''s name. The gist is that Zhou Man fabricated rumors and defamed her for money."


    "Understood."


    Liu Bo didn''t bother investigating what actually happened; he just did whatever Xu Xiuhe told him to do.


    After hanging up the phone, Liu Bo looked at the materials in the document and eximed that Zhou Man was one hell of a woman. She was incredibly impressive - for a woman to be so skilled and cunning was truly extraordinary.


    When he read thest line of text, Liu Bo felt even more astonished. Holy crap, he thought, the world is full of wonders. Yet it''s also so small that anything can happen.


    This piece of gossip, he would call it the scandal of the year.

 Chapter 235

    Liu Bo rubbed his eyes, making sure he wasn''t mistaken. When he read the first line, he felt that this woman had a rather tragic life - she only had a mother since childhood, came from a very ordinary family, her mother worked as a housekeeper, and now suffered from such a serious illness.


    But as he read to the end, he was shocked to discover that Zhou Man''s mother, Zhou Xiuxiu, had never been married or pregnant, which meant Zhou Man wasn''t Zhou Xiuxiu''s biological daughter.


    What an incredible coincidence - Zhou Man turned out to be the daughter of the CEO''s stepmother!!!


    Liu Bo had no idea how the detectives had uncovered this, but there was even a DNA paternity test included.


    What was even more rming was the detailed record of Zhou Man''s previous acquaintance with Xu Zhengyang, and how they had even be intimate.


    Liu Bo''s worldview waspletely shattered. It was all too dramatic.


    This was beyond hisprehension. Sitting in his office, staring at his phone, Liu Bo felt at a loss. Should he release all the evidence?


    This involved the Xu Group. Liu Bo couldn''t understand how Xu Xiuhe could be so calm about it, casually saying, "Just clear things up."


    After careful consideration, Liu Bo decided to call Xu Xiuhe.


    "CEO, should we release all the dirt on Zhou Man? Including those things at the end of the document."


    "Release it all. We warned her before, but she didn''t know what was good for her."


    "Understood." Liu Bo was about to hang up.


    Xu Xiuhe''s curiosity was piqued. He wondered what was at the bottom of the document that made Liu Bo call specifically to ask about it.


    "Wait, what''s at the end?"


    When Xu Xiuhe asked this, Liu Bo suddenly remembered that the CEO was temporarily blind and had no idea about the explosive news at the bottom.


    "Well, sir, it turns out this woman is Yang Cui''s daughter."


    Xu Xiuhe was momentarily stunned. Zhou Man was Yang Cui''s daughter?


    "CEO, are you still there?" Liu Bo, hearing no response from the other end, thought there might be a problem with the signal and asked again.


    "I''m listening."


    "This Zhou Man was born to Yang Cui and another man. Later, she abandoned the child because she thought the man was poor and came to Rong City. The man, disappointed that the child was a girl, abandoned her. Later, Zhou Xiuxiu found the child, took pity on her, and raised her herself, never marrying."


    As Xu Xiuhe listened to this story from 26 or 27 years ago, he could only sigh. One woman''s selfishness had ruined two lives, especially that of the woman called Zhou Xiuxiu.


    Zhou Man was pitiful, butpared to children in orphanages, she was much luckier.


    "Don''t release thest bit of information for now. Release all the previous dirt, focusing on her fraud."


    Fraud? Liu Bo understood in seconds. Wasn''t this indeed fraud? She had deceived so many men - a new type of scam, deceiving people''s feelings and money, and when that failed, resorting to ckmail and extortion.


    Quickly, Liu Bo used Heyuan Group''s official ount to post about how the wife of Heyuan Group had been scammed abroad. The key point was that they were just friends, not as Zhou Man had imed. Liu Bo also released the text messages Zhou Man had sent to Shen Yin as evidence, along with many examples of Zhou Man knowingly being the third party just to scam money.


    Soon, the direction of public opinion online began to change. Shen Yin gradually became seen as the victim, andizens'' focus became increasingly intrigued.


    After all, the evidence released was crystal clear. Regardless of gender, people began to curse this woman called Zhou Man. Many didn''t even notice the hot search about Shen Yin.


    Not only men cursed her, but women did too. Men cursed because this woman was too vicious, first seducing and enticing, then threatening. Women cursed because Zhou Man was shameless, knowingly being a mistress.


    Many people began to tag Pei City''s police. Quite a few men in Pei City had been scammed. The number of spectators grewrger andrger. At first, it was just people from Rong City and Pei City following the drama, but on the inte, news spreads fast. This could be considered arge-scale fraud, and this woman could be considered quite a "talent."


    By noon, people across the country were following the drama.


    At the same time, the police knocked on the door of Zhou Xiuxiu''s home.


    "Hello, are you Zhou Man''s mother?"


    Zhou Xiuxiu rarely went out or browsed the inte. After recovering from her illness, she had been resting at home. Another important reason was that Zhou Man kept everything from Zhou Xiuxiu; Zhou Xiuxiu didn''t even know her daughter had gotten married.


    "I am. What''s wrong? Did something happen to Man Man?" Zhou Xiuxiu''s tone was full of worry.


    "Where is Zhou Man currently? She''s suspected of multiple fraud cases."


    The police officer showed his badge.


    Zhou Xiuxiu was stunned for a long time before asking, "Officer, you must have the wrong person. How could our Man Man possiblymit fraud?"


    "We have sufficient evidence and multiple witnesses. We''re now arresting Zhou Man."


    "I don''t know where Man Man is. She told me she''s busy with work, calls me once a week to ask about my health, and sends me money once a month. I don''t know anything else."


    "Do you know that she married Guo Wei?"


    "Who''s Guo Wei?"


    "Guo Wei of the Guo Group, 56 years old this year."


    Zhou Xiuxiu clearly didn''t believe it. "That''s impossible. How could she marry a man even older than me? It must be false. No, no, you''ve got the wrong person."


    The woman clearly didn''t believe it, shaking her head continuously.


    Seeing this situation, the police at the door realized they wouldn''t get any useful information from Zhou Xiuxiu. After exchanging nces, they left.


    At the Guo family house in Pei City, Guo Wei was furious. He had been blind to marry such a vixen who had scammed so many people, even entrapping his own son.


    "Where''s that bitch? Is she still in her room?" Guo Wei asked the housekeeper angrily.


    "Sir, I''ll go check."


    The housekeeper said, running upstairs. She came back down in seconds, saying, "Sir, it''s terrible, it''s terrible."


    "What''s terrible? What happened? Hurry up and say it, don''t dawdle." Guo Wei said impatiently.


    "Madam is gone, and all the important things in the room are missing."


    "What? Gone?"


    At this moment, Zhou Man was driving on the road to Rong City.


    The woman in the car was repeatedly dialing her phone, but no one answered.


    The woman was cursing terribly, both at Shen Yin and Xu Zhengyang.


    Finally, the phone call connected.


    "Zhengyang, please save me, save me! The police are about to arrest me now."


    "There''s really nothing I can do to save you," Xu Zhengyang said teasingly. "Look at all the bad things you''ve done. To be honest, I''m impressed. I can''t believe you managed to be with multiple men at the same time."


    "Zhengyang, I did it all for you in the beginning. You can''t just stand by and do nothing."


    "What am I supposed to do?"

 Chapter 236

    After the man finished speaking, he hung up the phone.


    "Mom, your guess was right. That fickle woman Zhou Man indeed asked me to save her."


    "There really are all kinds of people in this world, to think she deceived so many. Zhengyang, were you deceived by her? If you were..."


    Yang Cui''s words were interrupted by Xu Zhengyang.


    "Mom, I wasn''t."


    He wasn''t that foolish. How could he possibly be deceived by Zhou Man? However, at the time, he did directly transfer money to Zhou Man.


    "Is she calling again?"


    Yang Cui asked, hearing Xu Zhengyang''s phone ringing once more.


    Xu Zhengyang looked at the caller ID, and it was indeed Zhou Man.


    Xu Zhengyang was about to hang up and block the number, but Yang Cui said beside him, "Answer it and see what she wants to say."


    Xu Zhengyang listened to Yang Cui and answered the call.


    "Zhengyang, you have to save me. I''m driving to Rong City now. Please save me. Arrange a ce for me to stay. The police in Pei City are trying to arrest me now. My mom just called me, asking what on earth happened."


    Yang Cui grabbed Xu Zhengyang''s phone and said, "Juste over. When you get to Rong City, I''ll arrange a ce for you to stay."


    "Okay, thank you, Aunt Yang." Zhou Man expressed her gratitude profusely over the phone.


    After hanging up, Xu Zhengyang looked at Yang Cui, a bit confused. Since when had his mother changed, bing so kind-hearted and willing to help Zhou Man?


    "What are you looking at?" Yang Cui asked.


    "Mom, are you really going to find her a ce to stay and save her?" Xu Zhengyang still couldn''t believe it.


    "Are you stupid? When we know where she is, we''ll have someone report her to the police. Don''t worry, it''s not just the Pei City police looking for her. Rong City will surely have police searching for her too. We''ll just hand her over directly, so she won''t be able to implicate us in the future."


    So this was his mother''s n. Brilliant, truly brilliant. This way, Zhou Man wouldn''t bother them anymore.


    It''s just a pity that the situation had turned again. Even with Xu Xiuhe in a car ident, how could they still investigate Zhou Man''s affairs so thoroughly, even more detailed than his own investigation? Zhou Man was quite cunning, just applied her skills in the wrong ce.


    "Mom, what about Dad?"


    "What about him? It''s better that he''s not at home. I can be more free, do whatever I want. Besides, he''s with Xu Xiuhe. No matter how much Xu Xiuhe hates him, he''s still his biological son."


    ...


    Online, many people began to criticize Zhou Man. Many who had just been criticizing Shen Yin started running to her Weiboments, apologizing and admitting they were wrong for being misled, begging for forgiveness.


    The "CP fans" were even more ashamed, starting to apologize in the Yin He Couple''s super topic, admitting they had spoken too loudly earlier.


    Shen Yin didn''t care at all. She had already seen through the nature of the inte. Whether they apologized or not didn''t matter; she didn''t care and wouldn''t forgive them. She''d just pretend it never happened, as long as it didn''t affect Xu Xiuhe or Heyuan Group.


    Shu Yi had already rushed over. Xu Xiuhe had handled this matter so quickly that she hadn''t even had time to react before the public opinion had shifted. Indeed, a man who loves you won''t let you suffer any harm, even if he''s blind, he can still handle things well.


    "Zhengzheng, let godmother hug you." Shu Yi arrived and picked up Xu Yunzheng.


    "You must have started investigating her earlier, right?" Shu Yi asked. Otherwise, the results wouldn''t havee out so quickly.


    "Yes, from the moment we received her ckmail attempt, Xiuhe had detectives start following and investigating her."


    "This woman is really something else. If she were in the entertainment industry, she''d definitely be a force to be reckoned with."


    "Why?" Shen Yin didn''t quite understand.


    "Because, judging from her ability to be with four men simultaneously, she''s not just a time management expert, she must have 108 tricks up her sleeve."


    ...


    "That makes sense."


    "By the way, do you have more details? The detectives'' investigation must be very thorough, right?"


    What Liu Bo released was indeed just an overview, without specific details. But who was Shu Yi? She could guess that with Xu Xiuhe''s personality, he probably even had records of when she entered hotels.


    "Yes, there''s a document, many pages long. It''s in Xiuhe''s phone."


    Shen Yin had only read the beginning, not even finishing it all.


    "Brother-inw, you don''t mind if I take a look, do you?"


    Shu Yi looked towards Xu Xiuhe, who was sitting on the bed with his eyes closed, resting.


    Xu Xiuhe handed his phone to Shen Yin, who took it, opened the document, and passed it to Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi put Zhengzheng down, took the phone, and started reading with great interest, as if it were a novel.


    "Oh my god, is this real? It''s even more outrageous than the novels I''ve read."


    "What''s wrong? Isn''t it just about her deceiving one person after another, with me being one of them?" Shen Yin joked.


    She was the only woman among the many victims.


    "No, no, no, haven''t you seen the content at the back? Her background is very bizarre. If she hadn''t done so many bad things, I might even feel sorry for her."


    "What background?"


    "It turns out she''s not her mother''s biological daughter. Her birth mother is actually Yang Cui!"


    Shen Yin was also stunned when she heard this. Is that so? She really didn''t know. Indeed, like mother, like daughter. When the upper beam is not straight, the lower ones will go ant. Even though Yang Cui didn''t raise her, the innate malice was the same. Is this the power of genes?


    "My goodness, she even had a rtionship with Xu Zhengyang."


    Shu Yi covered her mouth.


    Shen Yin knew about this; Xu Xiuhe had told her before.


    "What am I seeing?" Shu Yi''s eyes were wide with shock. Is this even viewable? It wouldn''t pass censorship if made into a TV series.


    Compared to Shu Yi''s surprise, Shen Yin was much calmer.


    "You knew?"


    Shen Yin looked at Xu Xiuhe and asked.


    "Yes, Liu Bo told me this morning."


    "Does Yang Cui know that Zhou Man is her biological daughter?"


    Xu Xiuhe shook his head. Yang Cui probably doesn''t know. When Yang Cui married his father, she said she had never been married before. Now it seems even Xu Guimin was deceived.


    "Look at the news. Zhou Man has been arrested by the police in Rong City."


    Shen Yin opened the news. Zhou Man had driven from Pei City to Rong City, but as soon as she arrived in Rong City, before she could even step out of her car, she was surrounded by several police vehicles.


    "Your people?" Shen Yin asked again.


    Xu Xiuhe shook his head again. This matter was no longer his concern. He had the idea, but given his current blindness, it was inconvenient for him to do much of anything. He hadn''t yet had the chance to order Zhou Man''s arrest.


    However, Zhou Man hadmitted too many sins, to the point where even the public could no longer tolerate it. If the police didn''t take action, the people would be the first to object.


    Zhou Man was intercepted at the highway exit. Before she could even react, she was handcuffed and ultimately ced in the police car.

 Chapter 237

    After Zhou Man''s arrest, news spread online, and Shen Yin received another wave of attention, gaining many followers. However, she had already seen through the nature of the inte, and none of this mattered to her anymore.


    Fame brings scrutiny, and people are quick to tear down those who fall. Only after the Zhou Man incident was resolved did Shen Yin feel some peace.


    Xu Xiuhe no longer wanted to stay in the hospital, and Shen Yin supported his decision. They immediatelypleted the discharge procedures.


    After returning to Ziyue Manor, Shen Yin wasn''t idle. She constantly sought ways to treat Xu Xiuhe''s eyes.


    As the year-end approached, it was Shen Yin''s first time experiencing a modern New Year celebration. With only three people in their spacious house, the holiday felt particrly quiet.


    Fortunately, on the eve of New Year''s Eve, Fang Yue called and invited Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe to spend the holiday with their family of three at Yun Manor. Shen Yin thought it would be better to have a lively New Year''s celebration, so she agreed.


    Early on New Year''s Eve, Shen Yin packed their things and called her driver. The family of three, loaded with packages, arrived at Yun Manor.


    Fang Yue had been waiting for them for a long time.


    "Grandma, Happy New Year," said Zhengzheng, dressed festively. Shen Yin had dressed Zhengzheng in a bright red jacket and put a tiger-head hat on him.


    "Oh my, where did this little cutiee from?" Fang Yue couldn''t stop smiling as she picked up Zhengzheng.


    Fang Yue carried Zhengzheng into the house, while Shen Yin led Xu Xiuhe by the hand.


    The house was decorated with "Fu" characters everywhere, and New Year paintings were pasted on the window ss. As soon as they entered, they could feel the strong festive atmosphere.


    Shen Yin guided Xu Xiuhe to sit on the sofa. After ying with Zhengzheng for a while, Fang Yue also put him next to the sofa.


    Zhengzheng seemed to have never experienced such a strong New Year atmosphere before. He was so excited that he ran around everywhere.


    Shen Yin and Fang Yue went to the kitchen together to prepare lunch.


    "Yin Yin, how are Xiuhe''s eyes? Can they still recover?"


    Shen Yin shook her head. She had prepared Chinese herbal medicine for Xu Xiuhe, the kind that promotes blood cirction and removes blood stasis, but it didn''t seem to have much effect.


    "What did the doctor say?"


    "The doctor said it might take some more time. We have to wait for the blood clot to dissolve before his vision can recover."


    "That''s good then. As long as it can recover, it doesn''t matter if it takes time. We just worry that..."


    Fang Yue didn''t finish her sentence. During the New Year, one should say auspicious things for good luck in theing year.


    "Zhou Man has been imprisoned," Fang Yue said to Shen Yin after they finished eating.


    "Yes, she has," Shen Yin also felt conflicted about Zhou Man''s situation.


    "I told you, a woman like that would face karma sooner orter. I wonder who her parents are, how they could raise a perfectly good child to be like this," Fang Yue criticized.


    "Mom, her birth mother is Yang Cui, Xu Xiuhe''s stepmother."


    "What? Doesn''t that mean she''s rted to Xiuhe?" Fang Yue was eating a tangerine, but upon hearing this, the fruit suddenly lost its taste.


    "No, no, no. She has no rtion to Xiuhe. She''s the child of Yang Cui and someone else."


    "Does Yang Cui know?"


    "Yang Cui doesn''t know. Zhou Man and Xu Zhengyang are both morally corrupt. How could Yang Cui possibly know that Zhou Man is her biological daughter?"


    "What about Xu Guimin? How is he?"


    Fang Yue knew that Xu Guimin had been kept in the hospital by Xu Xiuhe.


    "He''s still in the hospital. There''s nothing seriously wrong with him. He said he dreamed of Xiuhe''s mother, who told him not to return to the Xu family house, or she woulde to take him away. That''s why he asked Xiuhe to save him. He must feel guilty and afraid of Sun Wenting, so he wanted to see Xiuhe and admit his mistakes."


    "What a scumbag. He''s far worse than your father. Fortunately, Xiuhe didn''t take after Xu Guimin."


    "I think maybe Yang Cui and her son wanted to harm him, so Xiuhe''s mother appeared in his dream. Xiuhe''s mother loved that scumbag until her death."


    "Love makes people blind, literally," Fang Yue sighed.


    "I''ve prepared the room upstairs for you. You shouldn''t go back tonight, it''s toote and not safe."


    Shen Yin agreed. Ziyue Manor indeedcked the New Year atmosphere.


    In the evening, while watching the Spring Festival G, Shen Lv couldn''t stop talking. Heined that this program was boring, that person couldn''t sing well, this sketch wasn''t funny at all, and so on. He criticized everything, saying it was a mess and not attractive at all. The Gsted for hours, and heined the entire time, his mouth never stopping.


    Shen Tianzheng finally couldn''t take it anymore.


    "If you don''t like it, don''t watch it. No one''s forcing you. Have you stopped talking since eight o''clock? Aren''t you thirsty? After this New Year, you''ll be 30 years old. You''re turning 30 and still don''t have a partner, yet you have the nerve to critique the Spring Festival G."


    "Dad, just because I don''t have a partner, does that mean I don''t have the freedom toment on the G? How can you say that? It''s genuinely not good, and now I can''t even say so?"


    Shen Lv looked indignant.


    "Go ahead and talk. When will you be able to talk yourself into getting a partner?"


    Hearing this, Shen Lv became upset. Did he not want one? The person he liked was already married, which was painful enough, and now his father was rubbing salt in his wound.


    "Oh, Yin Yin, don''t you have a friend called Shu Yi? The one who starred in ''Yanxi Biography'', that popr and beautiful young actress. Why isn''t she performing at the Spring Festival G?" Fang Yue asked while cracking sunflower seeds.


    "She thought participating in the G would be too troublesome. The production team invited her in July, but she declined."


    "What a great opportunity. Performing at the G is such an honor. Why would she refuse?"


    Shen Yin had asked Shu Yi this question before. Shu Yi''s answer was that she wanted to spend New Year with her family.


    "Maybe she wanted to spend New Year with her parents. She''s an only child. If she doesn''t go home for New Year, her parents would be alone."


    "I see." But Fang Yue seemed to be thinking of something else.


    Shu Yi was in the old town district, watching the Spring Festival G with her family. From time to time, she shared gossip about the TV performers in their small group chat with Qi Ji and Shen Yin.


    She had been in the entertainment industry for quite a few years and knew some inside stories. She wasn''t sure about the rumors circting online, but what she shared was all true gossip.


    For example, the male and female leads in the sketch currently ying on TV were actually a couple in real life.


    After hearing this, Shen Yin started to observe the subtle interactions between the two on TV.


    "After watching so many sketches, this one''s acting is somewhat watchable. They look so convincing," Shen Lv startedmenting again.


    Shen Yin thought of Shu Yi''s message and said, "Is there a possibility that they''re genuinely expressing their feelings?"


    "It''s not an act," Xu Xiuhe suddenly interjected.


    "How do you know?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I''ve seen them together before."


    "Do you know who they are?" Shen Lv inquired. The television report hadn''t mentioned their names; the names were only shown in the subtitles. Could his brother-inw be so skilled as to recognize them just by their voices?

 Chapter 238

    "I think I can see now," Xu Xiuhe said.


    During their discussion, he had begun to vaguely make out blurry figures on the television. Gradually, he could see people''s faces clearly.


    "Really? How many is this?" Shen Lv seemed even more excited than Shen Yin.


    He jumped off the sofa and ran in front of Xu Xiuhe, holding up two fingers.


    "Two."


    "Wow, that''s amazing! You really can see! This is incredible."


    Shen Yin was also excited. Had he finally regained his sight?


    "Daddy, how many is this?" The little one held up three fingers.


    "Three."


    "He really can see! He really can see! This is wonderful." Fang Yue was overjoyed from the bottom of her heart. If he had remained blind, how would they have managed in the future?


    After so many days, no one could be happier than Shen Yin.


    The Spring Festival G continued ying on TV, but none of the many people in the living room paid any attention to whether it was good or not anymore.


    Early the next morning, many people learned that Xu Xiuhe''s eyesight had returned to normal. When Liu Bo heard the news, he was ecstatic - he finally wouldn''t have to work overtime anymore.


    "Liu Assistant, because of my situation, your wedding was dyed. I''ll arrange your wedding for you."


    Liu Assistant was speechless...


    New year, new beginnings. After the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Rong City began to resume work and production. Xu Xiuhe also returned to his post.


    Shen Yin hadn''t been to her studio for a while because she had been taking care of Xu Xiuhe, but fortunately, the group of young women at the studio were quite capable.


    Everything was proceeding in an orderly manner.


    And that set of Chinese-style furniture had been bought by someone for 5 million yuan.


    When Kang Guopeng learned that the furniture he made had ultimately sold for 5 million yuan, he still couldn''t believe it. Only when he received his share of the profits did he understand that everything Shen Yin had said before was true.


    Because Shen Yin had been quite busytely, the Martial Arts Club sses had been suspended for several weeks. Fortunately, the basic skills of the dozen or so girls were already quite good. Shen Yin had a new idea: with technology being so advanced now, she could record videos of herself practicing martial arts and send them to the girls.


    Their first stage had already ended, and the choice was in their hands now. If they wanted to continue learning, they could follow the videos. If they didn''t want to, there was nothing she could do about it. In six months, she had taught them the basics, which should be enough for self-defense.


    Thinking that the new year might be busier, Shen Yinposed a long message and sent it to the Martial Arts Club group chat.


    The group members had no objections. About half were willing to continue learning from the videos, while the other half felt they had learned enough and didn''t need to continue.


    Shu Yi and Qi Ji were both in this group chat. When they saw this message, they both thought Shen Yin was nning to have a second child.


    They immediately called Shen Yin, whoughed when she heard this. Had she ever hinted that she was nning to have another child? It didn''t seem so. How had these twoe to that conclusion?


    Although Fang Yue had reminded her several times, both directly and indirectly, to hurry up and have another child while she was young so that Zheng Zheng would have apanion, Shen Yin still felt it was too early.


    "What about you? Are you joining a new production after the New Year?" Shen Yin changed the subject.


    "I''ve agreed to do a variety show," Shu Yi replied.


    "''I Just Want to Be With You'' is about to end, right?" Shen Yin asked.


    Shu Yi made a sound of agreement.


    Shen Yin had been too busy to follow the drama, but Qi Ji was different. She was super free every day, even to the point of dragging Ye Rong to watch Shu Yi''s urban romance drama with her. Of course, they had to support their good friend''s TV series.


    Little did they know before watching, but once they started, Qi Ji became obsessed. It didn''t seem at all like what Shu Yi had described before. Neither of them seemed to be acting - Chang Zhiyuan must be using public funds to date.


    At first, Qi Ji was worried that people online would criticize Shu Yi''s acting skills for not being able to keep up with Chang Zhiyuan. After all, Shu Yi had oftenined to them about how Chang Zhiyuan would improvise and change the script.


    But now that it had been edited, you couldn''t tell at all. The drama was hrious. In the show, Shu Yi often blushed and looked flustered when being flirted with, but that was exactly the effect they wanted.


    In the drama, Chang Zhiyuan was Shu Yi''s boss. Whenizens found out that in reality, Chang Zhiyuan was actually Shu Yi''s top boss, they went crazy with excitement.


    This was like a TV dramae to life!


    Especially when they learned that Chang Zhiyuan had never acted before, they became even more convinced that he had only acted in this drama to pursue Shu Yi.


    Mostizens were shipping the real-life couple. Damn, it was too sweet! They heard that it was the first on-screen kiss for both of them. It was killing everyone with sweetness.


    During the winter holiday season, Shu Yi became popr again, directly entering the ranks of current top actresses.


    There were even many people urging them to get married in her Weibo super topic.


    [When will the civil affairs bureau be sensible ande to them? It''s alreadye to this, why make the newlyweds go there?]


    [Wow, that''s so detailed. They must be real. My CP must be real. That moon wasn''t a prop prepared by the crew, it was made by the male lead himself over several days and nights.]


    [I heard this male lead has dated quite a few people before, changing partners every month. Is that true?]


    [To the person above, shut up. ording to the information I have, that''s all in the past. How can changing partners every month be true love?]


    [Alright, alright, everything you say is correct. They''re real, okay?]


    [Some crew members have revealed that the male lead is indeed pursuing the female lead, but whether he''s seeded or not is another matter.]


    Chang Zhiyuan gained quite a few fans because of "I Just Want to Be With You". Many people sent private messages asking if they were really together.


    His leg had just healed, and that woman Shu Yi only appeared when working. At other times, she waspletely missing in action. When she saw him, she acted just like she was seeing her boss - strictly professional, with no other expressions or extra words.


    Shu Yi was the same. She didn''t reply to these kinds of private messages. The TV drama was the TV drama, and reality was reality. You had to distinguish between them and couldn''t generalize.


    But the drama was too popr, and there were too many CP fans. The super topic never stopped trending. Even her parents came to ask if it was true, and if the reason she had shut herself at home every day during that period was because of a breakup.


    Who could me them when their on-screen chemistry was so natural? The more people shipped them, the more invested they became. Shu Yi''s parents were also caught up in it.


    They would asionally ask about Chang Zhiyuan''s current situation, persistently inquiring if they had ever been together.


    Shu Yi was feeling annoyed and didn''t want to return to Ziyue Manor, so she asked her agent to find her a role. There weren''t any suitable acting jobs avable at the moment, but there was a decent variety show - an entertaining,edic, and rxing one. She could participate in that to unwind, so she agreed.


    There were still two days before she had to join the production team. Shu Yi packed her things early in preparation. Qi Ji had been holding back all this time. She also stumbled, but knowing their current situation, she hadn''t told Shu Yi that she was pursuing this drama series.

 Chapter 239

    Chang Zhiyuan''s leg had almost fully recovered, but Shu Yi still didn''t want to see him.


    On the eighth day of the first lunar month, to celebrate Xu Xiuhe regaining his sight, a small gathering was held at Qingfeng Mingyue.


    When Shen Yin told Shu Yi about the gathering the day before, Shu Yi said she might have to join a variety show and wouldn''t be able to make it, but promised to make it up when she returned.


    In the private room, Qi Ji, with her big belly, started looking for Shu Yi as soon as she arrived. When everyone else had gathered and Shu Yi still hadn''t shown up, seeing Chang Zhiyuan''s gloomy face across from her, she could guess that Shu Yi must have decided not toe to avoid him.


    Unlike before, the number of people at this gathering was the same as usual because Chen Siming hade.


    Chen Siming was thest to arrive. He immediately penalized himself with a drink, exining that he waste because he had gotten older and his family was forcing him to go on blind dates, so he had escaped from one toe here.


    Shen Yin suddenly remembered that previously, Fang Yue and Xu Xiuhe had been nning to introduce Chen Siming to Fang Ning, but there hadn''t been any progress yet.


    "So, do you want to meet my cousin? She''s teaching at a university now, and her family background is pretty good."


    "Sister-inw, if you''re introducing her, I definitely have to meet her. If nothing else, just for the chance that if it works out, Brother Xu will have to call me cousin-inw."


    Xu Xiuhe nced over.


    One look said it all.


    Chen Simingughed awkwardly. Seeing that look made him even more excited - if Xu Xiuhe could call him brother-inw, that would feel amazing.


    "Brother Yuan, how have you been? I heard you were in a drama recently that was quite popr. Was that for Sister-inw?"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Siming felt another wave of murderous intent.


    "Siming, have some more wine," Xue Jingrui said from the side, unable to bear watching any longer.


    Chen Siming really had a knack for bringing up the wrong topics.


    "Uh, did I say something wrong? I''ll punish myself with three more drinks."


    Chen Siming drank three more sses of wine, finishing with a resentful expression on his face. He really was something, drinking four sses right off the bat, but it wasn''t entirely his fault.


    He had been so busytely with expanding his private restaurant that he hadn''t been paying much attention to what was going on with everyone else.


    At the table, Chang Zhiyuan kept drinking silently. Shu Yi must be avoiding him, that''s why she didn''te.


    Even Xu Xiuhe couldn''t stand to watch anymore. At this rate, Chang Zhiyuan was sure to get drunk tonight.


    "Drink a little less."


    "Don''t worry about me. Let me drown my sorrows in wine, until death do us part."


    Chang Zhiyuan''s speech was already bing slurred, his eyes growing unfocused.


    In the private room, three grown men watched one person drink, while two women and a child kept eating, as if they were in two separate worlds.


    "Shu Yi does like me, but why doesn''t she want to be with me? Why, why?" Chang Zhiyuan mumbled.


    As if this wasn''t enough, Chang Zhiyuan, emboldened by alcohol, picked up his phone and started dialing. The room suddenly fell silent.


    "Sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavable."


    Chang Zhiyuan seemed to have expected this result, and everyone present also knew what "the number you have dialed is temporarily unavable" meant.


    Chang Zhiyuan persisted and dialed again.


    Everyone thought it would be the same result - no answer, or rather, the person on the other end deliberately hanging up, not wanting to answer.


    "Hello."


    Clearly, even Chang Zhiyuan hadn''t expected that this time, the call would actually be answered.


    Everyone in the room held their breath.


    "Shu Yueru, why don''t you answer my calls? Why are you ignoring me?"


    Chang Zhiyuan immediately asked two questions, which obviously confused the person on the other end.


    "May I ask who''s calling? Shu Yueru is your original name, right?"


    Someone on the other end spoke.


    Shen Yin suddenly realized that when Shu Yi said she was joining a show, she had initially thought Shu Yi was just saying that to avoiding to this gathering. Now it seemed she was actually telling the truth - she had joined a show and was now recording it.


    At that moment, Shu Yi sat in front of the camera, regretting her decision immensely. She had blocked Chang Zhiyuan a long time ago, but during the promotion of the show "I Really Want to Be with You," she had been forced to unblock him. When she came to participate in this show, she had forgotten to block him again.


    Although it was a recorded show, there were quite a few audience members present, many of whom had bought tickets to see the live recording because they were fans of Shu Yi and wanted to be closer to their idol.


    In the studio, Shu Yi sat on stage with several other guests and the host.


    This variety show was just a warm-up. The guests were getting to know each other, ying a game to be closer, before they would go to the countryside together to experience life there.


    The rules of this game were that all guests had to open their phones. They would see whose phone rang first, and most importantly, they had to answer it.


    Just a moment ago, a male guest had received a call from his mother, asking if he would being home for the Lantern Festival. She also reminded him to dress warmly as the weather was getting cold, to eat less cold food, and to avoid spicy dishes.


    "A mother''s heart follows her child wherever they go." That phone call had brought emotion to the entire studio. Most mothers love their children, and no matter where their children are, mothers always worry.


    Some audience members even started tearing up. Some called their own mothers, while others sent messages to their family members. It was arge-scale tear-jerking scene. Just as the emotions had sessfully built up, another guest''s phone rang - it was Shu Yi''s.


    The first time Chang Zhiyuan called her, she immediately hung up. But during the game, it was different. With so many audience members below the stage and so many cameras on stage, Shu Yi didn''t dare make any small moves.


    After hesitating for a long time, she finally answered the call, even following the game rules by putting it on speakerphone.


    Shu Yueru, not answering calls, ignoring me.


    These three key phrases not only made the other guests'' imaginations run wild, but even the audience below the stage felt that this call was suspicious.


    In the eyes of the audience, "I Really Want to Be with You" was the ultimate sweet drama, a TV series tailor-made by a mediapany''s CEO to pursue his girlfriend.


    Let''s be honest, who wouldn''t be obsessed with this storyline? Everyone''s gone crazy over it, and for good reason. You''ve got a handsome man and a beautiful woman, both equally stunning. When they''re together, you can feel the love flowing between them. It''s impossible to imagine them not ending up together. They''ve clearly been secretly in love for ages, and all that''s missing is an official announcement.


    But the two main characters still haven''t made a move, and people are starting to wonder. Could it be that actors these days have honed their skills to such perfection? If so, it''s incredibly natural, without a trace of artifice. Even if it''s all just acting, we''re totally buying it. Who wouldn''t praise this drama for being absolutely brilliant?

 Chapter 240

    However, just now, what did they hear? The voice on the other end of the phone was so familiar, and the tone was equally intimate.


    "It''s my boss."


    "If I remember correctly, Teacher Shu recently starred in a popr drama with her own boss, called ''I Really Want to Be with You''," the host inquired.


    Shu Yi smiled awkwardly, already trying her best to manage her expression.


    The guests also grew curious. The guests present were all young people, both male and female, and most knew a thing or two about Shu Yi''s affairs.


    "Mr. Chang, I''m recording a variety show, at the program site," Shu Yi didn''t say directly that she had something to do and needed to hang up. She thought Chang Zhiyuan should know his boundaries, what to say and what not to say, and that it was time to end the call.


    But she never expected that Chang Zhiyuan on the other end wasn''t sober at all.


    "What show are you recording? What variety show? Howe I don''t know about this?" Chang Zhiyuan asked hazily.


    The people in the private room also realized the other end was at a show site. Xue Jingrui stood up, preparing to take Chang Zhiyuan''s phone away, otherwise who knew what kind of trouble it might causeter.


    "Jingrui, don''t touch me. I''m not drunk."


    Well, the first reaction of the audience was that he was drowning his sorrows in alcohol.


    Shu Yi wanted to hang up, but the game rules were there - only the other side could end the call. Otherwise, it would be breaking the rules. For a moment, she thought about hanging up, but she also knew how hard it had been for her to get to where she was. If she ended this call, it would definitely leave a bad impression.


    Steeling herself, Shu Yi spoke again, "Mr. Chang, did you dial the wrong number? You must be drunk."


    "Shu Yueru, let me tell you, I''m not drunk. You have to give me an exnation today. You clearly like me, you clearly have feelings for me too, but why are you avoiding me, not giving me a chance?"


    The private room at Qingfeng Mingyue and the studio of Banana TV, the two ces that should have been the liveliest, were now quieter than each other.


    "I''m not avoiding you. I just don''t know what to do."


    Might as well go all in. Shu Yi was on the verge of tears. What kind of variety show was this? Why did it have to have this segment? And why did Chang Zhiyuan call her again? She had just started to move on a little.


    "Shu Yueru, I really like you." Chang Zhiyuan, with a drunken tone, repeated this sentence several times.


    "I really like you."


    What''s the most lethal sweetness? It''s when the main character takes the lead in creating it themselves. Chang Zhiyuan''s words made the audience below burst intoughter.


    Is this still the domineering male lead and superior from "I Really Want to Be with You"? This is clearly a pitiful little crybaby begging for love.


    It''s too damn funny. This show was worthing to. Getting to eat candy live, how about that?


    A group of people who loved to watch the excitement, the host''s earpiece constantly rying the director''s voice.


    "This is exactly the effect we want. Keep guiding it along." Isn''t this where the show''s highlightes from? This is simply the key to ratings and traffic.


    "Teacher Shu''s original name is Shu Yueru, right?"


    "Shut up. Only I can call her Shu Yueru. No one else is allowed. You can only call her Shu Yi."


    "Alright, we can only call her Shu Yi."


    The host went along with Chang Zhiyuan''s words.


    "That''s right. Shu Yueru, I''ve said it before, only I can call her by this name."


    The man''s tone was both aggrieved and pitiful, hazy and confused, making the audience belowugh loudly.


    "It''s so noisy over there."


    "I told you I''m recording a show."


    "What show are you recording? Why are you recording a show without me? Shu Yueru, why didn''t you bring me along?"


    Shu Yi held her forehead, feeling utterly hopeless. Help, can someone please save her?


    "Chang Zhiyuan, who are you with right now?"


    Shu Yi suddenly remembered that Shen Yin had mentioned they were going to gather today.


    "I''m with Xiuhe, and Jingrui, and also our godson." Chang Zhiyuan sat by the dining table, counting on his fingers one by one.


    After Shu Yi called out Chang Zhiyuan''s full name, the audience below went almost crazy. Something about that tone just didn''t sound quite right.


    "Okay, can you pass the phone..."


    Shu Yi wanted to ask Chang Zhiyuan to pass the phone to Shen Yin nearby, but before she could finish, she was interrupted by the other end.


    "You mean, pass the phone to our godson? Wait a moment. Zhengzheng, godmother misses you, say hello to godmother."


    Chang Zhiyuan stretched out his arm, passing the phone to Zhengzheng.


    "Godmother! Zhengzheng misses you!"


    The little one didn''t understand why Chang Zhiyuan asked him to say this, but he did indeed miss his godmother. Today, so many people hade, but godmother wasn''t here.


    "Oh, godmother misses you too."


    Chang Zhiyuan immediately pulled back his hand and asked, "Shu Yueru, you miss Zhengzheng, do you miss me?"


    Time froze again, the scene paused.


    After several seconds, Shu Yi still hadn''t spoken.


    "Shu Yueru, if you don''t say anything, I''ll take it as a yes. I miss you too. Where are you? I''ll drive over to pick you up."


    When Chang Zhiyuan mentioned driving, it startled Shu Yi.


    "No, no, no, you''ve been drinking. You can''t drive, understand? You have to obey thew and follow traffic rules."


    "If I don''t drive and follow traffic rules, will you like me then?"


    Damn, this joke just won''t end, will it? They''ve only been on the phone for a few sentences, and half of them have been "I like you," "Do you miss me?" "Can you like me?" Shu Yi was utterly speechless.


    So this is what Chang Zhiyuan is like when he''s drunk? How can he be so childish? Even more childish than Zhengzheng.


    "We''ll talk about thister. I still need to record the show now. The audience and guests are all waiting, they''ll get anxious. Can we pause for now?"


    The audience and guests at the scene all shook their heads. No, that''s not right, they weren''t anxious at all.


    "Are you all anxious?"


    Chang Zhiyuan suddenly became sociable. Everyone in the private room was scared. He managed to stand up straight from his chair, using a drink bottle as a microphone, and shouted loudly, "Are you all anxious?"


    "We''re not anxious!"


    Whether it was the guests or the audience at the scene, they all spoke in unison.


    The audience''s thoughts: This is way more exciting than a TV drama, how could they possibly be anxious?


    The guests: The longer this goes on, the higher the ratings. With high ratings, who''s afraid theter shows won''t be popr? If the show bes popr, even if they''re not the main characters, they can still bask in the reflected glory.


    "Look, everyone''s saying there''s no rush. Why are you in such a hurry? Shu Yueru, are you eager toe back and see me?"


    "Fine, fine, fine. I''m in a hurry. So, can you please pass the phone to someone else next to you?"


    "No, I can''t. Everyone around me is listening to my phone call. They''re not in a hurry either, and they''re not interrupting me."

 Chapter 241

    Once more, the audience at the scene was shocked by Chang Zhiyuan''s remarks over the phone ¡ª too adorable!


    In a private dining room nearby, a group of people wereughing, among them Shen Yin. She too wanted tough, but the thought of Shu Yi over there, surely feeling helpless made her refrain.


    Initially, Chang Zhiyuan was passionately in conversation, and Jing Rui failed to snatch the mobile away. However, he now seemed calmer, thus it should make it possible to hang up the call.


    "Yunzheng, could you ask your godfather to hang up?¡± Shen Yin whispered into Xu Yunzheng''s ear.


    Xu Yunzheng nodded.


    "Godfather, let''s dine, you''ll run out of battery if you continue on the phone.¡±


    His childish voice melted the hearts of the audience once heard again.


    Many of Shu Yi¡¯s die-hard fans understood that the kid on the other end of the call was the baby who acted in the drama with Shu Yi before, they were surprised to know that he call Chang Zhiyuan godfather too.


    Chang Zhiyuan noted his phone¡¯s remaining battery was at 13%, he blurted out in a tipsy tone: "I really am out of power.¡±


    Shu Yi sighed in relief as Chang Zhiyuan finally disconnected the call.


    ¡°Just now, the phone call Shu Yi received, was probably from someone very important, right?¡± The host asked with a smile.


    Shu Yi replied with an awkward smile, as she had an idea of what¡¯s about to happen. Questions from the guests, hosts, and the audience along with the trending Weibo queries, although the show was being recorded, it was also happening live on Weibo. If her guess wasn¡¯t wrong, the whole exchange earlier had been streamed live. For the first time, the show was attracting viewership via all these dramas.


    "Yes, he''s a very good, dear friend.¡±


    "But then have you ever considered being together, after all, the drama ''I Just Want to Be With You'' is too sweet.¡± The host asked.


    ''I Just Want to Be With You¡¯ was a drama that had made it big without much publicity. Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t try to sensationalize anything either. The sess was purely based on the quality of the drama and viewers'' reviews.


    Because of their low profile, viewers bought in more.


    "Not at the moment, he was possibly too intoxicated, too deep into the character.¡±


    Shu Yi almostughed at her own exnation. The dialogue between them just then was too telling, how can they merely be ''good friends''? How can he speak so much and appear so aggrieved when drunk?


    She felt like she was made the primary instigator, she knew she had to be careful with her words next or else she might be a total inte sensation.


    ¡°What are your ns in your career and personal life, Shu Yi?¡± The host moved on to the next question.


    "I have not given thought to romance yet, I am 25 this year, isn¡¯t it too early,¡± Shu Yi quipped, a touch of satire in her voice. The entertainment industry was full of examples of female celebrities not getting married by the age of 30, her being 25 was indeed early.


    "So you mean to focus on your career?¡± The host prompted.


    "Yes, I hope to win an award before I turn 30.¡±


    Fortunately, the guests and the host have high emotional quotient, and didn''t dwell on Shu Yi''s issue. After all, they are insiders of the industry and they know the rules well.


    After the show ended, Shu Yi, exhausted, exited the TV station. Outside, a crowd of fans were eagerly waiting for her. Yan Yan, following beside her, had seen the trending news online and wasn''t sure what Shu Yi was currently thinking.


    "Our beloved, we want autographs!" some female fans shouted.


    Handing over papers, Shu Yi took out a pen and started signing.


    "We won''t pry into your private life, as long as you take care of your work," they said.


    Shu Yi responded to each one of them. By 11 pm, she arrived at the hotel.


    She thought she would fall asleep immediately, given how exhausted she was, but to her surprise, found herself wide awake. She was distressed, turning and tossing in bed. The man seemed to have the knack to tug at her heartstrings, keeping her awake, causing restless nights until dawn.


    The next morning, a hot search topic on Weibo, "Famous Actress''s Mysterious Phone Call," ranked first.


    Upon clicking into it, she found the whole thread filled with fans who shipped her and Chang Zhiyuan.


    "It''s the first time I see someone being pressured to marry in real life."


    "Is she the first actress who''s being urged to marry?


    "Their conversations are hrious. So, my goddess is called Shu Yueru."


    "The one above, you''re not allowed to call her that. The boss said, only he can call her Shu Yueru. The rest of you cannot."


    Shu Yi gazed at thements online and chuckled. If Chang Zhiyuan was not this rich, if his family did not object, they probably would be happy together.


    Regardless of theirments, neither Shu Yi nor Chang Zhiyuan responded. Chang Zhiyuan, recalling his words that night while browsing the live stream videos andizens''ments, regretted his actions. He wished he could smack himself. He had been very disciplined and had not disturbed Shu Yi, but he hadn''t anticipated that he would ce Shu Yi in such an awkward situation after getting drunk.


    As days passed, the issue finally calmed down, however, it didn''t affect the fans who supported them as a couple. No response meant they were guilty, and guilt suggested they had feelings for each other.


    The reason behind Xu Xiuhe''s car ident still remained a mystery. The driver suggested it was due to an illness that he had no control over, leaving no further exnation.


    Xu Xiuhe visited Xu Guimin in the hospital. With Xu Guimin insisting on being discharged, Xu Xiuhe didn''t stop him and allowed him to leave.


    Ever since Heyuan Group signed the contract with the foreign group, Ruida Group, thepany had been doing well continuously, making profits.


    Encouraged by Xu Xiuhe, Xiao Li''er and Liu Bo''s wedding was sessfully held in March.


    As Xu Xiuhe said, he took care of the entire process. Shen Yin also arrived at the scene on the day, and this could be counted as her witness to another wedding.


    At this time, Liu Bo and Xiao Li''er had developed feelings for each other. At the wedding, when the emcee mentioned about the groom kissing the bride, they were initially shy but then, they kissed for a long time, only to be interrupted by the emcee atst.


    When the two were kissing, Shen Yin suddenly covered her son''s eyes. Her little boy expressed great dissatisfaction and tried hard to open Shen Yin''s hand from his eyes.


    "Mom, I can''t see, and I''m unhappy," said the little guy.


    Shen Yin ced her hands down this time, but when the little guy opened his eyes, the wedding had already moved on to the next session.


    Xu Xiuhe specifically approved the couple to go on their honeymoon. Taking the opportunity of a sunny spring day, they could rx their minds.


    After Liu Bo left, Xu Xiuhe became even busier. Shen Yin didn''t get to idle around either. She continued drawing a design sketch of traditional Chinese furniture and sent it to Kang Guopeng.


    Meanwhile, the Yunyin Clothing Workshop was in steady operation.


    Chen Siming somehow heard about Shen Yin''s delicious cooking and specifically ran over to learn from her, saying he was willing to pay tuition fees.


    "I heard you n to expand your private kitchen business again?" He asked.


    "Yes, sometimes business is not good, that''s why I came to ask for your advice."


    "I think in the catering business, especially in the private kitchen, not only is the quality of the dishes important, but the environment also matters," said Shen Yin.


    "You''re right, this has indeed given me a new perspective," said Chen Siming.


    "The catering industry is quite crowded nowadays, if you want to stand out and attract customers, your restaurant must be unique. Only when you''re different can you stand out from the rest,"


    "But how can we set ourselves apart? Should I get my ce redesigned to be a trendy restaurant?"


    "That''s one way to go about it, but there are many kinds of trending restaurants, you need to have a clear direction in which you want yours to go,"


    Shen Yin''s question stumped Chen Siming. He had always wanted to make his restaurant trendy, but he hadn''t considered that even trendy restaurants could have different styles.


    "Modern, or elegant?" asked Chen Siming.


    "That works, but I think it might be interesting to lean towards the cultural side. Some people fill their restaurant with books to create an elegant environment. The aim is not necessarily for food but for the ce to have a cultural feel."


    "So, your suggestion is that I should steer towards a cultural theme for dining?"


    "You can think about it. Our country has a profound historical culture, and this can be used. For example, the interior can be decorated to give an ancient feel, simr to ancient taverns. Nowadays many people are beginning to appreciate our culture, they wear Hanfu, recite poems, and listen to songs. As life''s material level improves, we start seeking cultural nourishment. So, showing uniqueness from poetry, lyrics, and music would be a good starting point."


    "Have you ever been in the catering business? You seem to know a lot about it," asked Chen Siming.


    "It''s not so much about familiarity, but rather a sense of deficiency in this area. Our own culture often ends up being giarized, and even our own people are unclear about it. So I believe that while we need to do business, we also need to promote our culture."


    "Sister-inw, do you have any thoughts on this? Would you like to invest with your technology? Of course, I know you don''tck funds but..."


    Chen Siming didn''t finish his sentence. What he really wanted to say was that nobody ever thinks they have too much money and what''s more, having a sessful business really gives a sense of achievement.


    "What do you mean?"


    "My idea is for you to guide our restaurant operations and then you can share in the profits."


    Shen Yin: Is there such a good deal? To her, wouldn''t this be just like replicating the restaurant that she previously had in Da Sheng, and then transforming it a bit?


    "Are you sure?"


    "Yes, do I look like I''m joking?"


    "Well then, I have a demand."


    "Go ahead."


    "Everything, including the decor, atmosphere, cuisine, and even culture, must be in line with my requests."


    On hearing this, Chen Siming could hardly contain his joy - this would save him a lot of trouble.


    "Absolutely, about the profit sharing, I''ll discuss this with Brother Xu."


    After Chen Siming left, Shen Yin started reminiscing about the structure, decor and atmosphere in her old restaurant, Da Sheng.


    "Mom, Zheng Zheng is hungry."


    Shen Yin went into the kitchen to prepare lunch for the little one, and also had a bit herself.


    After lunch, when the little one took a nap, Shen Yin would usually sleep a bit too. However, after what Chen Siming had said, she was brimming with ideas. Oveing her lethargy, she ran to the study, grabbed a paper and pen, and started drawing a renovation n.


    Shu Yi suddenly called Shen Yin, mentioning that the guest star for this season of the variety show was Chang Zhiyuan.


    Shen Yin: What!? It''s only been a few days since thest trending incident, and now it''s happening all over again?


    "You mean, both of you are gonna be on the same show?"


    "Exactly, I have no idea why he agreed to it. Being a mediapany president and appearing on a variety show?"


    "I mean, what''s he thinking? I bet he wouldn''t even know the name of the show if you weren''t on it."


    Shu Yi didn''t say anything, it was true.


    Chang Zhiyuan had been feeling guilty ever since the drunken phone call incident. He wanted to apologize but the thought of Shu Yi not answering his call, or perhaps even being annoyed with him, made him hold back.


    However, the director of this variety show was bold and directly asked him through a mutual acquaintance if he would like to appear on an episode. The show was primarily for rxation and entertainment, and was shot at a resort.


    Chang Zhiyuan didn''t pay much attention to the type of variety show it was, all he knew was that Shu Yi would be there and he would have a chance to see her. Without a second thought, he immediately agreed, delighting the director beyond measure.


    Do you understand the significance of Chang Zhiyuan''s appearance? During the first season of the variety show, a single call from him had pushed the viewership rating of the show "Let''s Depart Together" straight to the top.


    If Chang Zhiyuan could be invited again, this show could be called the pinnacle of the variety show industry. After all, who wouldn''t want to watch the daily interaction between this popr pair? Most importantly, Chang Zhiyuan also happens to be the CEO of Shu Yi.


    Ever since Chang Zhiyuan found out he was joining the show, he has been exercising every single day and even binge-watched previous episodes of the variety show.


    The show "Let''s Start Together" is exactly like what the director of the program said: it''s all about casual entertainment, raising chickens and ducks, and ying games.


    In it, Shu Yi is simply the star. Not only is she beautiful, but even the chickens and ducks listen to her. Without her, the other guests wouldn''t even have food to eat.


    Who gets to boss Shu Yi around, especially since she has basic cooking skills. Who wouldn''t be thrilled to see the goddess cooking?


    Shu Yi found out the night before the recording that Chang Zhiyuan was going to be the guest. By then, she was already at the holiday vige, full of CCTV cameras. It wasn''t until she returned to her room at night that she called Shen Yin to share the news.


    "Shen Yin, what should I do?"


    "Face it calmly? Or avoid it subtly?" Shen Yin asked.


    "You might as well tell me to y it by ear."


    "Exactly, y it by ear. The program group will also stir things up and make it entertaining, right?"


    "Is entertainment worth the price of my freedom? And what about Chang Zhiyuan? He doesn''t think to do his CEO job properly, instead, he''s vying for food with the other guests."


    "What''s done is done, face it calmly," Shen Yinforted.


    Shu Yi responded with a simple "Hmm," suffering from insomnia once more.

 Chapter 242

    Early the next morning, Shu Yi struggled to open her eyes, with someone knocking on her room''s door persistently.


    "Miss Shu, get up. The cameraman will be here soon." Yan Yan yelled from the doorway.


    Shu Yi rubbed her eyes, got out of bed, put on slippers, and opened the door.


    "The show team called, the cameraman will be shooting you soon, so you should get ready."


    Yan Yan stepped into the room, while Shu Yi could barely keep her eyes open.


    "Did you stay uptest night?" Yan Yan asked. She knew that Shu Yi must have had a sleepless night, but there was nothing she could do. Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan''s rtionship was tooplicated - she had known that all along.


    However, as an assistant, she''s helpless. Emotions are between two people, marriage is between two families, so all problems have to be solved by oneself. Others are incapable of helping.


    At eight o''clock in the morning, the cameraman, carrying his video camera, arrived at Shu Yi''s ce. Shu Yi was putting on her makeup, and Yan Yan opened the door for him.


    The cameraman started filming the room right away. After a round of shooting, he finally caught Shu Yi during her makeup session.


    Shu Yi deliberately dyed time until she received a call from the director, prompting her to get moving.


    She didn''t know how to deal with what was toe, she could only follow Shen Yin''s advice, let things take their natural course and adapt as necessary.


    When they arrived at the meeting point, Shu Yi took a look around - the guest had not arrived yet. That was when Shu Yi finally let out a sigh of relief.


    The show team assigned tasks to them, and then waited for the guest.


    Shu Yi hoped that time could slow down, that she could put off meeting this guest for a bit longer, but often, reality is contrary to one''s wishes.


    The only guest was Chang Zhiyuan. Shu Yi thought the show team had done it on purpose. Why had they invited him out of all the actors and singers they could have chosen?


    "Wee our guest, Chang Zhiyuan to join ''Let¡¯s Start Together.'' Apud to wee him."


    This was said by an older actor, Jia Haojie. Jia Haojie was known for his upright character and good acting skills. He cared for the other guests and had always yed the big brother''s role in ''Let¡¯s Start Together.''


    "Wee, wee."


    Aside from Shu Yi, the other guests were particrly weing to Chang Zhiyuan. After all, Chang Zhiyuan is a media tycoon. If they could establish a good rtionship with him, they might have ess to more resources in the future.


    Chang Zhiyuan, being a social butterfly and a veteran in the entertainment circle, was skilled at navigating these situations.


    "I''m delighted to be a guest on ''Let''s Start Together.'' You all might not be familiar with me, let me introduce myself. My name is Chang Zhiyuan. As for my representative works, there''s only ''I Just Want To Be With You'' so far."


    The other guestsughed. How could he tell that they weren''t familiar with him? Was it possible that they weren''t familiar before, but ever since he made that call, they''ve be too familiar?


    "What''s so funny? What are you allughing about?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    "We''reughing because our guest is quite humorous."


    Chang Zhiyuan ran his fingers through his hair, his eyes asionally ncing at Shu Yi who pretended not to notice.


    "Our tasks have already been assigned. So, next up our flying guests will draw lots to select their own tasks. The rule is to draw a task card from my hand, each card corresponds to one of our regr guests. Let''s see how lucky our flying guests are and who they end up paired with at the end."


    The host took five task cards from his hand and walked towards Chang Zhiyuan.


    "Zhiyuan, before you draw a task card, we want to ask, who would you like to be paired with?"


    The guests on site were also looking forward to this answer. The show''s crew had already done a fantastic job by inviting Chang Zhiyuan, and now they were asking such an exciting question.


    Everyone had thought that Chang Zhiyuan¡¯s answer would have been the expected Shu Yi. But to their surprise, Chang Zhiyuan¡¯s answer was "Jia Haojie."


    "Wow, it''s our brother Haojie. Zhiyuan, can you exin why you want to team up with Haojie?"


    "Because I feel like Brother Haojie is capable of doing anything. Being on his team gives me a sense of security."


    "Ha ha ha ha ha. Now, let''s invite our Mr. Chang to start drawing. Destiny is predestined, let''s see who he will end up with."


    As destiny would have it, Chang Zhiyuan looked at the task card he had drawn with a secret delight.


    After three days, thetest episode of "Let''s set off together" finally ended.


    Shu Yi went home once again, dragging her weary body.


    Shen Yin also got busy with the restaurant. She visited the restaurant that Chen Siming mentioned.


    It was a four-story building, which Shen Yin was very pleased with. It wasn¡¯t the size of the restaurant or the height that made it well known, it was the aesthetic of the building that satisfied Shen Yin.


    A little renovation on the straightforward design and it would give off the same vibe as the Grand Restaurant.??Shen Yin, apanied by Zhengzheng, checked every floor and made some suggestions for the exterior before leaving.


    Chen Siming transformed the exterior of the building based on Shen Yin''s suggestions. Following the blueprints that Shen Yin sentter, it was redecorated. The renovation surprisingly attracted many people toe and take photos.


    The restaurant''s name, written personally by Shen Yin, was "Qingfan Tower."


    The three-story building was not only high-end but also boasted a very "bold" exterior. A towering celebratory arch was set up in front of the door, as high as the tower itself.


    The interior decoration would take some time, but Shen Yin was not in a hurry. She believed in finely crafted work and aesthetic beauty. The restaurant had to be distinctive enough to attract customers.


    In a blink of an eye, a week had passed. Thetest episode of "Let''s Set Off Together," which included Chang Zhiyuan''s guest appearance, went on air on the Tomato tform.


    The trailer released two days before airing featured Chang Zhiyuan drawing task cards and even the brief trailer was trending on Weibo.


    You can''t even begin to imagine how high the anticipations of the audience were for this particr episode. The program team made a special adjustment to the broadcast time. Originally intended for Sunday evening, considering that everyone has to go to work the next morning, they advanced it to Saturday night.


    At the very beginning of the show, the barrage ofments on screen waspletely dominated by the fans of the Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi coupling.


    [Finally, the moment we''ve been waiting for!]


    [I''m totally convinced that my shipped couple is the real deal!]


    [I dere that this variety show will be my all-time favorite from now on.]


    [If they end up married one day, they absolutely have to invite the whole production crew.]


    [It''s starting, it''s starting!]


    With the end of themercials, the army of screenshottedments surged again.


    Shu Yi first appeared in her room. The cameraman, upon entering, inadvertently captured Shu Yi in her natural, makeup-free look.

 Chapter 243

    [Oh my, I had never seen my wife without makeup before, but I just did, and it''s incredible! Except for a slight dark circle under her eyes, there''s not a single w anywhere else.]


    [Let''s just say, those dark circles, aren''t they because she was too excitedst night when she found out Chang Zhiyuan was the guest star, and couldn''t sleep as a result?]


    [I think you''re right about that (throwing flowers)]


    Shu Yi was also watching this variety show episode, holding a tablet in one hand and video chatting with Qi Ji and Shen Yin on her phone with the other.


    "I just want to say, is the person who posted thatment hiding under my bed? How would they know if I was excited or not? I wasn''t excited at all."


    "Hahaha, can''t you allow your fans to have a bit of imagination?"


    "Sister Shu Yi, can you give us a spoiler? After that preview, he drew a task card, who did he end up partnered with? Was it Jia Haojie?"


    "Little Qi Ji, you''re still too naive. If the production team wants viewership, guess who they''ll pair him with?"


    Qi Ji covered her mouth, suddenly realizing.


    "My brain wasn''t working, but it''s not my fault. Isn''t it true that pregnancy makes you silly for three years?"


    As the show continued, Shen Yin watched Shu Yi applying makeup for what seemed like ages. She teased, "Are you trying to avoid going to the recording by deliberately dying?"


    "No way."


    Shu Yi''s guilty response of "No way"cked any conviction.


    [Oh my god, why is my girl so adorable? Is she trying to dy on purpose?]


    [I think so. Look at her skin, does she really need to apply foundation for that long? She''s definitely doing it on purpose.]


    [Hahahahaha, I''m dying ofughter.]


    "Sister Shu Yi, hahaha, thements are hrious. Your little tricks have beenpletely exposed."


    Qi Ji wasughing so hard she started punching her nket.


    "Honey, don''t get too excited. You''ve got two babies in there, what if you go into prematurebor..." Xue Jingrui worriedly said from the side.


    "Tut tut tut, let''s speak positively. How could there be prematurebor?" Shu Yi was also amused by Xue Jingrui''s straightforwardness.


    "By the way, isn''t it about two months until your due date?" Shen Yin suddenly asked.


    "Yes, yes, yes, in less than two months, my son-inw will be able to see his fianc¨¦e," Shu Yi replied.


    "It''s May, which is good. It''s not extremely hot. If it were too hot, it would be really tough," Shen Yin said.


    "What''s this about it being too hot and tough?" Xu Xiuhe asked,ing out of the bathroom after a shower.


    "Auntie said her son-inw can meet his ''fen-cee'' in May," the little one suddenly chimed in from the other end of the bed where he had been looking at a picture book.


    Xu Xiuhe: ???


    "Zhengzheng, do you know who Aunt Qi Ji''s son-inw is?" Xu Xiuhe asked while drying his hair.


    The little one shook his head and said, "I don''t know."


    "It''s you!"


    "Then who''s the ''fen-cee''?"


    "It''s ''fianc¨¦e'', not ''fen-cee''. The fianc¨¦e is the baby in Aunt Qi Ji''s tummy. The baby in her tummy is Zhengzheng''s fianc¨¦e, which means Zhengzheng''s future bride. Do you understand?"


    Xu Xiuhe had given such a long exnation that he almost got confused himself. He wasn''t sure if Zhengzheng could understand, but at least he had exined.


    "I understand. Aunt Qi Ji has two babies in her tummy. Does that mean Zhengzheng will have two fianc¨¦es in the future?"


    ...


    Qi Ji couldn''t stopughing after hearing this.


    Xue Jingrui: "Zhengzheng, I''m reluctant to give you even one, and you want both?"


    The variety show was still ying, but everyone was amused by Zhengzheng''s words.


    "Auntie, how many fianc¨¦es does Zhengzheng have?"


    "Just one, just one."


    "Oh, I see."


    "Chang Zhiyuan is drawing a task card," Xue Jingrui said.


    "Sister Shu Yi, you were right. He really did draw your task."


    Qi Ji got excited and started punching her nket again.


    She naturally knew about theplicated rtionship between Chang Zhiyuan and Sister Shu Yi, and she knew the reasons behind it. But she couldn''t help it; ever since she watched "I Really Want to Be with You," she kept wanting to ship them. Well, who could me her? Pregnant women often have such strange cravings.


    However, she shipped them secretly. They had all agreed not to interfere with Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan''s rtionship. It was their private matter, and the choice was in their hands. Whether they ended up together or not in the future, they, as friends, would support them.


    Thements on the screen almost covered the entire picture.


    [Wow, this is so exciting! Is this their second coboration?]


    [If I remember correctly, aren''t they supposed to feed geese next?]


    On the screen, Shu Yi''s expression was extremely unnatural. Chang Zhiyuan kept following behind her.


    The two of them arrived near the goose farm.


    Shu Yi was fully equipped: long pants, long sleeves, hat, sses, gloves, and boots. She had experienced this kind of animal-feeding task several times before and knew what to expect.


    But Chang Zhiyuan didn''t know. The temperature at this resort was quite warm, warm enough to wear shorts and short sleeves. Chang Zhiyuan wore sunsses, a brown floral shirt, and ck vintage shorts. When he entered the goose farm, he waspletely bewildered.


    Why hadn''t this scene appeared in all the variety show content he had studied?


    There were about 10 to 20rge white geese in the farm. When they saw peopleing, they all raised their heads.


    Shu Yi held a lot of Chinese cabbage and walked into the middle of the geese.


    The geese seemed hungry too.


    "Honk, honk, honk, honk honk~"


    Chang Zhiyuan had never seen such a scene before. A flock of geese surrounded them, honking non-stop. Some even stretched out their necks, seemingly wanting to bite him.


    Shu Yi took some Chinese cabbage and threw it to the side.


    Several geese rushed over to fight for the cabbage.


    But a few geese seemed smarter. Seeing that Shu Yi still had some cabbage in her hands, they kept circling around her, honking incessantly.


    Shu Yi was scared too, but as a regr guest, she had experienced such scenes before. So, she pretended to be calm and threw the remaining cabbage to the side.


    "Honk honk honk~~"


    A few geese, for some unknown reason, went crazy and ran towards Chang Zhiyuan behind Shu Yi.


    Chang Zhiyuan had just arrived at this ce, and he was already disgusted by the goose droppings scattered all over the ground. His shoes, which resembled vacation sandals in style, were particrly troublesome ¨C he didn''t even know where to step.


    "Honk!"


    Suddenly, arge white goose raised its head towards Chang Zhiyuan, causing him to jump in fright.


    Shu Yi wanted tough but didn''t dare do so openly, so she had to forcibly hold it in.


    [Oh my God, hahahahaha, I can barely contain myughter. The CEO never imagined that one day he would be chased by a big white goose, did he?]

 Chapter 244

    The look of nervousness on Chang Zhiyuan''s face was clearly disyed on the screen, so intense that it seemed like he could take flight at any moment.


    The cameraman intentionally zoomed in for a close-up shot. Terrified by the geese, Chang Zhiyuan''s face contorted hriously, filling the screen.


    [HAHAHA, look at the shameless face of our CEO!]


    Qi Ji saw thisment and immediately showed it to Xue Jingrui on his iPad.


    ¡°Check out your brother¡¯s shameless face.¡±


    Xue Jingrui joined in on theughter about Chang Zhiyuan, opened the App on his phone, fast-forwarded to the scene, took a screenshot, and sent it off.


    [Xiuhe, look at the shameless face of Chang Zhiyuan.] Xue Jingrui tagged Xu Xiuhe in his post.


    [Yeah, I¡¯m watching it too. He''s scared out of his wits by a couple of geese, looks like he might fly higher than them.¡±]


    Chang Zhiyuan secretly nced at the conversation between Xue Jingrui and Xu Xiuhe and began to sulk.


    The two spoke so lightly of it. Those geese, with their heads held high, were truly terrifying. They simply did not understand his fear. It was easy for them to talk without being in this situation.


    [You guys are really enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?] Chang Zhiyuan defended himself.


    [What¡¯s wrong with that? Aren''t people enjoying it?] Xue Jingrui retorted.


    [Don''t I have dignity?]


    [You lost it the moment you hid behind Shu Yi.]


    Was Xu Xiuhe''s response.


    On-screen, Shu Yi noted the terrified look on Chang Zhiyuan¡¯s face, and a wave of sympathy washed over her. He was pampered all his life; this must be so unlike what he''s ustomed to.


    ¡°Do you want to wait outside?¡±


    Shu Yi asked, turning to face him.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Chang Zhiyuan immediately shook his head, refusing to show weakness at a crucial moment like this.


    After refusing, Chang Zhiyuan mustered courage and tried topose himself.


    "Don''t force yourself."


    "I''m not."


    [HAHAHA, he''s clearly scared to death. His fake bravado is too funny.]


    [The lengths our CEO will go to woo his wife sure is admirable.]


    [Why can''t those two be together? A perfect match, our CEO isn¡¯t much older than Shu Yi. They''re so right for each other.]


    [Sometimes, whether a rtionship is suitable or not isn¡¯t for us outsiders to decide, it''s their business.]


    The users were treating the livements as a chat room.


    [I hope they can be together in the future. After all, my beautiful ''Goose'' is not getting any younger. I wish for her to be loved always.]


    Shu Yi was too inspiring in their eyes. From an ''Ugly Duckling'' to a ''Beautiful Swan'', those numerous scandal-free years, entirely focused on her career, must''ve been hard. Indeed, a girl like her deserves love.


    The episode ''Ready, Set, Go!'' shot directly to the top of the ratings, bing a hot topic online with loads ofments. The CP super topic area went berserk again, the two were subtly showing their affection on screen.


    Although there wasn''t much contact, the way they looked at each other revealed something more.


    Chang Zhiyuan would definitely answer ''No regrets'' if anyone asked him about his decision toe on this reality show. He might have lost face initially, but being able to spend the next few days with Shu Yi was all worth it. Scared of the great white geese? He wouldn¡¯t even be scared of a giant tiger.


    Shen Yin truly did not interfere in their affairs; her focus during this period was entirely on Qingfan Tower. Having decided tomit to a project, she was determined to do it well.


    To Chen Siming, Shen Yin was nothing short of a savior. Adhering to a responsible attitude, she frequently visited Qingfan Tower to oversee the renovations.


    Under Shen Yin''s suggestion, Qingfan Tower expanded its area, incorporating an artificialke that was stocked with fish and nted with lotuses. A pavilion was constructed over theke, providing a spot for visitors to enjoy tea and admire the lotuses.


    The interior of the tower was designed with an atmosphere of ancient elegance and luxurious subtlety. Upon entering, one would find the main and side buildings, with small private rooms partitioned off on the north and south sides. The decor was predominantly in the Chinese style, featuring courtyards, corridors, nted flowers and trees, and hanging curtains. Gold and red silknterns adorned the corridors, adding a touch of graceful refinement.


    The overallyout closely resembled that of a grand inn from the Dasheng Dynasty.


    "Sister-inw, where should we buy the calligraphy and paintings needed for the inn?" Chen Siming asked.


    "No need to buy them, I''ll paint them myself."


    "Wow, sister-inw, you''re talented in both arts and martial arts!"


    Shen Yin just smiled without a word. Chen Siming, a man who valued efficiency, had hired many workers. As the saying goes, many hands make light work, and in less than a month, Qingfan Tower was nearly finished.


    The exterior was decorated with colorful silks and green curtains, blending opulence with elegance inside.


    "Get some good brushes and ink; I''ll start painting this afternoon," Shen Yin told Chen Siming.


    "Wouldn''t that be too much trouble for you, what about the fashion studio?" Chen Siming expressed his concern.


    "It''s fine."


    Shen Yin had already trained those young girls well; now, the operations at Yunyin Studio didn¡¯t require her direct involvement. The girls were very capable, and the training she had provided was not in vain. Yunyin Studio''s reputation had grown so much that people from other cities woulde specifically to order custom gowns.


    After lunch, Chen Siming brought high-quality brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Shen Yin checked them and found them adequate.


    There was an office in the inn that Chen Siming had specifically set aside.


    Shen Yin entered the office, and Chen Simingid out all the painting supplies, exciting the little one.


    "Mommy."


    "Do you want to paint too?"


    The little one nodded.


    "First, promise me, you can only paint on paper, not anywhere else, okay?"


    "Okay!"


    Shen Yin was relieved; she hadn¡¯t forgotten the time when Xu Yunzheng, with an ink-dipped brush, had stained his clothes.


    Shen Yin picked the finest brush, dipped it in a little ink, and handed it to the little one.


    The little one, now quiet, sat on the floor, doodling away, though it was unclear what he was drawing.


    Shen Yin, however, was different. She picked up a brush and painted several famous paintings with ease, as if the images were etched in her mind, her skills remarkably proficient.


    Indeed, the voice she had heard in her dreams was real¡ªher skills were infinitely amplified, and it truly worked wonders.


    In half a day, Shen Yin had painted five famous paintings and written many characters.


    Outlining, underpainting, coloring¡ªvarious literati painting techniques were integrated into her work.


    "Sis, how is it that you know how to do everything? If I did not firmly believe in materialism, I would have suspected that you are a refineddy from the ancient times who has traveled through time. What luck my brother Xu has, to have married you! He must have saved the Earth in his previous life."


    Chen Siming was left wide-eyed and speechless. Had he not seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed that anyone could paint with such speed and confidence, not even the slightest hint of hesitation.


    "Your brother Xu is pretty impressive himself, I''m also fortunate to have met him."


    Chen Siming: ¡­¡­

 Chapter 245

    "When do you have the time to meet my cousin?"


    A panged Chen Siming, provoked by Shen Yin''s earlier statement, promptly replied, "Anytime, I am free tonight."


    "Hold up, don''t rush. Just because you''re free tonight doesn''t mean my cousin is. I will ask herter, but I feel the weekend may be more suitable."


    "Alright, thank you sister-inw. Can you gift me a painting if I get married? Hanging one at home would certainly add a posh feel.¡± Chen Siming held a painting in his hand, treasuring it dearly.


    "Sure, no problem.¡±


    That night, Shen Yin went home and informed Fang Yue, who in turn consulted Fang Ningning. The meeting was quickly arranged for Saturday night. Shen Yin nced at the calendar, noting her and Zhengzheng''s birthdays were drawing near. Shen didn''t need a celebration, but certainly couldn''t overlook Zhengzheng''s third birthday.


    ¡°Xiuhe.¡±


    "What?"


    "Honey."


    Only then did Xu Xiuhe seem satisfied.


    "Zhengzheng is about to have his birthday." Shen Yin spoke, and Xu Xiuhe, ncing at the peacefully sleeping toddler in the next room, added, "You will also be having your birthday soon."


    He then pulled out a box from his pocket and opened it.


    "Is it beautiful?"


    "Yes, it is."


    Inside the box was a jade bracelet of excellent quality, which, as Shen Yin felt it with her fingers, proved to be equal to the ones she used to have at the Dasheng Dynasty.


    "Is it expensive?"


    "It''s okay."


    "Thank you."


    Then, Xu Xiuhe raised his mouth to say, "Shouldn''t you thank me with more than just words?"


    From his gaze, Shen Yin could guess what he was thinking.


    "So, how should I thank you?"


    "You should thank me with actions, you wouldn''t like me to be ufortable, would you?"


    Indeed, she really owed him some gratitude. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.


    "Darling."


    Later that night, Shen Yin neatly tucked the bracelet away.


    "Let''s celebrate Zhengzheng''s third birthday." She proposed.


    "We will also celebrate yours. You both together.¡±


    On Zhengzheng''s birthday, Xu Xiuhe invited a moderate, but not insignificant, number of guests - those he was on good terms with, those with whom he did business. All received an invitation.


    Who in Rong City would not be keen to remain on the good side of the Heyuan Group?


    Decked in new clothes, Zhengzheng was busy receiving all kinds of gifts when a voice rang out, ¡°Zhengzheng, it''s grandpa''s first time seeing you. I brought a peace-amulet for you, see if you like it."


    Shen Yin, holding Zhengzheng''s hand, looked at the man in front of her, stunned. How did he get here?


    Xu Xiuhe, who was greeting his guests, immediately turned, his face paled,


    "How did you get here?"


    It was a questioning tone.


    "Can''t Ie to bring a gift to my grandchild on his birthday? My dear grandchild, I''m your grandpa. Will you allow me to hold you?"


    The little one stepped back, hiding behind Shen Yin.


    "No!"


    "He is not your grandson. He doesn''t need you here."


    "You are my son, if he is not my grandson, who would be?", Xu Guimin''s eyes then turned to Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe both knew what those words and that gaze signified. Right there and then, Xu Xiuhe wished he had been reared in a rock crevice.


    "You senile old man, what are you saying? Your own son doesn''t even acknowledge you as his father, where did you get your grandson? Zhengzheng is my grandson. Is that right, Zhengzheng? Let grandpa hold you."


    Shen Tianzheng walked over from the side. The tones and sentiments of his preceding and subsequent words contrasted sharply.


    Zhengzheng extended his hand.


    "Let me hold him." Fang Yue hurriedly picked up Zhengzheng. Shen Tianzheng was totally oblivious. He should at least be aware of his current physical condition, right? Zhengzheng weighs about 66 pounds now, could he possibly hold him?


    "Who are you calling a dead old man? You''re the one who might die soon. You''ve just had surgery, do you even know how much longer you''ll live?" Xu Guimin retorted.


    Hearing this, Shen Yin felt a bit irritated. Even if Shen Tianzheng had done many regrettable things to his former self, he was still her father. Xu Guimin, as an outsider, had no right to disparage him.


    Compared to that, Shen Tianzheng was at least genuinely nice to Zhengzheng. What Xu Guimin''s intentions were, who could tell?


    As she was about to retort, Shen Tianzheng beat her to the punch.


    "I''m calling you, dead old man. You''re the one who''s closer to death. Why didn''t you drown when you were swimming? You ought to have stayed under the water. That would''ve been justice for my mother-inw."


    Shen Tianzheng had always looked down upon Xu Guimin. In Shen Tianzheng''s eyes, Xu Guimin was nothing more than a phndering cad and bigamist, who didn''t deserve to live. Here was a man who was married, but still carried on promiscuously outside. Was he justified in his actions towards his wife? His children? Aplete disgrace!


    The moment Shen Tianzheng mentioned his mother-inw, Xu Guimin fell silent, hesitating in his response.


    Their argument attracted many spectators. After all, they were both notable figures in Rong City. Even if they had both taken a step back from their glory, their fame was still intact.


    "Your sister-inw, Yang, didn''t make it, I..."


    "Shut up."


    Before Xu Guimin could finish, he was interrupted by Xu Xiuhe.


    "Let me say it one more time, you''re not wee here. I''m giving you a friendly reminder out of our scant blood rtions. You better look into your near-drowning incident properly. Don''t get yourself killed and not even know why."


    "Xiuhe, what''s the meaning of your words?"


    "Show him out."


    Once Xu Xiuhe uttered these words, someone immediately came over to escort Xu Guimin out.


    Before leaving, he was still holding the safety lock that he didn''t get to give.


    "I apologize for the earlier disruption. Now, let''s proceed," Xu Xiuhe exined to the other guests.


    Xu Guimin never expected to be kicked out. Furious, he got into his car and drove straight home.


    "Guimin, why are you back? Weren''t you attending your grandson¡¯s birthday party?"


    Xu Guimin, frustrated, didn''t respond to Yang Cui and went straight upstairs.


    Downstairs, Yang Cui smirked spitefully. Look, he''d still be sent packing no matter where he went.


    In the beginning, when she found out that Xu Guimin was going to give Xu Xiuhe''s son a safety lock as a present, she was incredibly jealous. But now, she didn''t feel worried in the least.


    ¡°Mom, has dade back?¡±


    ¡°He just went upstairs.¡± In the living room, Yang Cui continued to crack open sunflower seeds with a satisfied smile.


    "You''re not getting any younger, your father is getting old, he wants to hold his grandchild. I''ll check out a few girls for you, pick one, get married, have a kid. This seems to be the best solution now."


    "You handle it."


    "Hey, have you got any women pregnant out there? If you have a secret child, your father will probably want to bring them home."


    "None."


    Xu Zhengyang thought about it carefully and indeed, there was none.


    "Do you have your eye on any girl? If she''s suitable, just go after her. After all, the most pressing matter now is that you need a child."

 Chapter 246

    At Qingfan Tower, Shen Yin spent her free time creating calligraphy and paintings, all of which were disyed by the end of April.


    On May 1st, the formal opening day, the entrance of Qingfan Tower was bustling. Surprisingly, Shen Yin ran into Fang Ningning.


    "Yin Yin."


    "Cousin."


    Since the original owner married Xu Xiuhe, she had severed contacts with everyone from before. Fang Ningning had been away from Rong City for several years and only returnedst year. This encounter was the first time Shen Yin and Fang Ningning had seen each other since then.


    Seeing Fang Ningning at the event allowed Shen Yin to vaguely understand the oue of their blind date. If it had failed, there was no way Fang Ningning would be here.


    Ningning began the conversation; "I heard from Chen Siming that the entire decoration design was done by you?"


    "More or less. I designed ording to the descriptions from several books. For instance, I aimed at ''three-story building with five towers facing each other, each connected by flying bridges, light and shadow working together, pearl curtains and embroidered ques,nterns dazzling.'' Still, it is probablycking some feeling that it should have."


    "Yin Yin, it feels like you''ve be more impressive over the years! As expected of a top student in primary school."


    "Cousin, yourpliment is making me blush." Shen Yin chuckled, well aware of how the original owner had been an exceptional schr before meeting Zhou Man. Shen Yin wondered why there had been such a drastic change.


    "There''s a feeling of time travel to the ancient times. This tower, it''s somewhat reminiscent of the buildings in ''Along the River During the Qingming Festival.'' It''s simply breathtaking as a science student; I can''t quite put it into words, but it''s truly astonishing."


    "Have you seen the inside yet?"


    Not only did she put effort into the interior decoration, but Shen Yin also paid particr attention to the service and dishes. She manually wrote the menu based on traditional recipes in her memory.


    Upon entering Qingfan Tower, one would first see the servers dressed in Song clothes, personally trained by Chen Siming.


    With diverse dishes and attentive service, the tower housed numerous private rooms, with every door adorned with Shen Yin''s own calligraphy.


    What sets Qingfan Tower apart is its dedication to culture. Having decided to capitalize on culture, Shen Yin made sure to spread it as the main positioning of the tower.


    One could select from singing, ying Guqin, blowing flute, and periodic performances of dance and song were held.


    On this opening day, a variety of song and dance programs were performed. The tower was so crowded that Shen Yin didn¡¯t dare to let go of Xiao Ren. With so many peopleing and going, many young people even wore Song Dynasty clothes, mingling among the guests.


    For a fleeting moment, Shen Yin felt like she had traveled back to the Dasheng Dynasty, witnessing the bustling and prosperous scenes.


    Shu Yi reserved a private room for herself, iming to support her sister''s business.


    All she could see was prosperity.


    Looking at the full table of food, Shu Yi eximed it was the most appetzing feast she had ever seen.


    There were roasted, grilled, mixed, fried, boiled, steamed dishes, ms, stir-fried crabs, nutmeg crabs, green onions and rabbits, scorching chickens, roast ducks, all were delicacies from sea andnd.


    "Girl, you''re not telling me you made all of these," Shu Yi said, admiring while peeling a crab


    "It''s not entirely, just took the old menus from ancient times, researched them a bit and recreated them."


    "It¡¯s so delicious. Honestly, even without such avish decoration, and all these songs and music dances, the food alone will attract many people over here."


    "It¡¯s different. Sometimes, some things need embellishment. Like I¡¯ve always said, it needs to have character. Just having food with character is not enough. The environment needs to have one too." Shen Yin also sat down. Anything that happens outside now is none of her business. She has done all she can.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know how fortunate I am to have met you and to be your friend.¡±


    In front of Shen Yin, Shu Yi behaves entirely like herself, without a hint of the actress persona.


    "Are you still going to say that Xu Xiuhe saved the earth in his previous life?"


    "How do you know?"


    "Because Uncle Chen Siming said so." Even though the littled was eating his meal, he could hear every word the adults were speaking.


    "Uncle Chen Siming is right." Shu Yi pointed a thumbs-up towards the littled.


    "Look at the painting on the wall."


    The littled pointed to the painting on the wall, guiding Shu Yi to look.


    It was then that Shu Yi noticed, hanging on the wall was a greenndscape painting.


    "It was painted by my mom." Xu Yunzheng''s tone could not be more proud, as if saying, my mom is the best.


    Shu Yi was not even surprised anymore. This woman could stitch such intricate patterns, she totally believed she had a solid foundation in arts.


    "Are all of these painted by you?"


    "Almost."


    Shen Yin replied. Chen Siming had bought some good calligraphy and paintings outside, but after getting home, he told Shen Yin that they could notpare to her own work.


    She even joked at that time: "You can give me the money. I can draw better ones than you have."


    Chen Siming immediately replied: "I am broke now."


    He had promised to give Shen Yin some shares, but after negotiating with Xu Xiuhe, he was already penniless.


    At this time, Chen Siming was on the railing of the third floor, overlooking the entire Qingfan Tower. He never imagined he would be able to create such an ancient and ssic Song Dynasty tavern.


    The tavern was already full of people. Some did not even want to leave and had started lining up.


    Chen Siming felt he would strike it rich again. This entertainment hot spot did not lose to Xu Xiuhe''s Qingfeng Mingyue at all!


    "This tavern you''ve opened is really good. Feels like we''ve travelled back in time." Fang Ningning came up next to Chen Siming.


    "Yes, your cousin is pretty amazing. From the decoration to theyout, from the dishes to the service, it was all her."


    "She always has been fantastic since she was little, and very obstinate. Once she decides on something, no one can change it. She gets good at whatever she wants to learn, didn¡¯t worry her mom a bit. Always the child others want to have. Luckily, I am a few years older than her, or I''d constantly bepared to her."


    "You are quite remarkable too. It¡¯s not easy for a woman to be so highly educated." Chen Siming praised.


    "Thank you, but that''s all I have, highly educated. I know nothing about music, chess, calligraphy, or painting."


    "Everyone excels in different areas, perhaps Shen Yin''s level in natural sciences might not be as good as yours."


    "Hahaha, then you''re wrong. You don''t know how good her science grades were in high school. If she hadn''t lost her way and given into a moment of despair, she could have been a scientist by now. But excellent people excel in every aspect. Even though Shen Yin took a wrong turn, she got back on track. She has a career, a family, and a child."


    As Fang Ningning spoke, envy sparkled uncontrobly in her eyes. How wonderful, thankfully she had returned to the right path. Otherwise, we couldn''t see such a prosperous restaurant today.

 Chapter 247

    In the private room, Shu Yi had totally forgotten her consciousness of being a female star, wishing she could devour all the dishes on the table.


    "Qi Ji, the little one, is definitely missing out big time by noting. Sending these pictures to her, she''s going to be drooling," Shu Yi finished saying and grabbed her phone to feverishly snap photos of the delicious food on the table.


    "You''re letting her see it but not taste it, even after she calls you elder sister. That''s quite harsh, isn''t it?" Shen Yin joked.


    "I can''t help it. She''s in the hospital now, with her mother-inw watching her. Being a week away from her due date, they''d never let here out. Imagine if her water broke while she was outside, how dangerous that would be¡ªthere are two tiny lives inside her," Shu Yi reasoned as she peeled a tangerine and popped it into her mouth.


    "Once we''re done with the restaurant stuff, let''s find some time to go visit her in the hospital, and bring her some delicious food."


    "I like that idea. She''d be moved to tears, and then she would say: ''Indeed, my mother-inw treats me much better.''"


    "Wouldn''t she think that I''m noting to see her, but my daughter-inw instead?"


    As they were discussing all this, Xu Yunzheng overheard them. The little one continued in the conversation, "You mean going to see Auntie Qi Ji and Yunzheng''s two soon-to-be wives, right?"


    "Godson, it''s fianc¨¦e, not soon-to-be wife, and it''s one, not two. The other one is not for you."


    Hearing this, Xu Yunzheng bit his own finger, not bothered at all, thinking¡ªone is good enough, Humph!


    "Yinyin, I can''t control my appetite. I''m going to gain another two pounds after this meal," Shu Yiined.


    "You''re aware you will put on two pounds, but you still can''t resist."


    "Can''t help it." And with that, Shu Yi reached for the meat dish on the table.


    Shen Yin quickly grabbed the meat dish before Shu Yi could reach it.


    Shu Yi''s hand fell into thin air, she pouted and withdrew her hand.


    "Yinyin, can I have just one more piece, please?"


    "Where''s that diligence of a female star? Be careful, or I''ll snap a picture of you right now and send it to your fans. Let them see what their precious idol is like."


    Shen Yin was joking about it.


    But it sure worked as a warning, and Shu Yi sat up straight immediately.


    She has an image to uphold in front of her fans, after all.


    At night, Qingfan Tower was even busier than during the day. Music floated down from the upper floor, customers below sipped wine, nibbling on delicacies, and enjoyed the tunes¡ªa heavenly pleasure.


    "Bang! Bang!" Fireworks were lit outside, colorful and grand, it attracted many guests outside mid-meal.


    "Beautiful, was this your idea too? Is this how you do it where youe from?" Xu Xiuhe asked Shen Yin.


    "Our grand opening back home was even more lively than this, but this particr idea was not mine, it was probably Chen Siming¡¯s. The fireworks cover the entire sky, so beautiful."


    "New sounds andughter fill the streets with willow trees and flowers, tuning the strings to the sound of the pipes in the tea and wine houses."


    "Getting cultural, aren''t we?"


    "Of course, my wife, so cultured, I must read more books, learn some phrases, in order to be worthy of you." Xu Xiuhe boasted about himself, not forgetting topliment his wife.


    "Daddy, stepmom said, Uncle Siming also said."


    The little one paused here, it seemed that he felt that what he was about to say might upset Xu Xiuhe.


    "What did they say?"


    "They said, Daddy, you saved Earth in your previous life, that''s why you could marry Mom in this life."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xiuhe was taken aback for a moment, but then it seemed to make sense.


    "Hahaha, Yunzheng, they''re not entirely right in what they said. Daddy might have saved not just Earth in his past life, but the Universe, in order to be able to marry your mother."


    "What''s the Universe?"


    The little one, still not fully understanding, heard a new term, and couldn''t help but get curious.


    "Yunzheng, Universe is, nevermind, you''re already three years old, when it gets to September, you''ll start school, and then there will be a teacher to tell you what the Universe is.¡±


    Xu Xiuhe realized he couldn''t adequately exin the term "Universe", a term which epasses all space, time, matter, and everything that derives from it, to Yunzheng. If he went along those lines, the little one would inevitably continue questioning.


    Shen Yin listened to the father and son''s conversation, finding it quite interesting. Xu Yunzheng always found ways to render Xu Xiuhe speechless.


    "Going to school? What¡¯s that for?"


    "Indeed, going to school is about learning knowledge, learning about culture."


    "Yunzheng has already learned, Yunzheng can learn at home as well, why do I have to go to school?"


    The little one''s big eyes were full of confusion about why he needed to go to school. He feared school meant that he wouldn¡¯t be able to stay at home anymore.


    "Because school is school and home is home."


    Xu Xiuhe exined.


    "Yunzheng, your dad thinks you''re too carefree and wants you to go to school so you can learn some discipline."


    Shen Yin added, at least in her view, that was what Xu Xiuhe intended.


    "Daddy, is that what you think? Yunzheng needs to hear the truth."


    The little one looked up, the voices from the surrounding firecrackers started to die down. The family of three was standing at the bridge behind the Qingfan Tower, Yunzheng¡¯s voice in the quiet night was especially clear.


    "Daddy doesn''t think that. Once Yunzheng starts school, you will meet a lot of little friends there. They are all about the same age as Yunzheng, and you can y with them."


    Upon hearing this, Yunzheng nodded.


    "Who are all these people? Have I met them before?"


    "..."


    "Daddy doesn''t know who they are either, but once you meet them, it''s all destiny."


    "Understood, then Yunzheng will go to school starting tomorrow."


    "..."


    "You''ll have to wait a few months, will Yunzheng go with Mommy to visit Aunt Qi Ji tomorrow?"


    "Yes."


    The next morning, Shen Yin took Yunzheng to Qi Ji''s hospital room.


    Qi Ji''s room was spacious. Ye Rong was sitting by the bedside peeling grapes for Qi Ji.


    "Yinyin, dear son-inw, howe you are here?" When Qi Ji looked up, she just happened to see Shen Yin leading Yunzheng into the room.


    Ye Rong, upon hearing the news, looked up. This time, she truly saw the Shen Yin and her grandson-inw that Qi Ji always talked about.


    Ye Rong stood up, weing Shen Yin and the little one warmly, without a hint of a leader''s wife''s attitude.


    "So this is my grandson-inw. He is really handsome."


    As Xu Yunzheng grew up, his features became more exquisite, his skin extraordinarily fair, and his eyes sparkled like stars.


    Ye Rong had seen this little one on TV before, but now seeing him in person, she was incredibly fond of him.


    "Darling, I''m your future grandmother."


    Xu Yunzheng scrutinized Ye Rong for a moment, his voice childishly pitched, "Are you really my future wife''s grandmother?"


    Ye Rong burst intoughter, "This child is really delightful."


    Shen Yin rubbed her forehead, who asks upon meeting someone, "Are you my future wife''s grandmother?"


    Was the little one confused? His fiancee isn''t even born yet.

 Chapter 248

    Shen Yin took out all the food she had brought in her lunchbox and ced it on the table by the hospital bed.


    "Oh my goodness, Sister Yin Yin, you''re my savior," Qi Ji eximed excitedly as she sat up.


    "Your Sister Shu Yi didn''t send you pictures of delicious food?"


    At Shen Yin''s words, Qi Ji became dejected. Shu Yi had sent her many, many pictures of mouthwatering dishes, even saying they were "super delicious."


    It had made her crave them for days.


    "It smells so good," Ye Rong said as she approached.


    "Mom, try some. Sister Yin Yin''s cooking is amazing," Qi Ji said, picking up a piece of spare rib and bringing it to Ye Rong''s mouth.


    "I can do it myself, don''t make such big movements," Ye Rong said, walking to the bedside and opening her mouth to eat the spare rib.


    "It''s really delicious."


    Ye Rong then showered Shen Yin with more praise.


    Shen Yin felt embarrassed by Ye Rong''spliments. It was also her first time meeting Ye Rong in person. If she had to use one word to describe the woman before her, it would be "gracefully strong."


    "How much longer for Qi Ji? It should be soon, right?" Shen Yin asked.


    "The doctor said it would be any day now," Ye Rong replied.


    "Qi Ji needs to rest well during this time. If you want to eat anything, just tell me, and I''ll bring it for you."


    "Really? Sister Yin Yin, you''re the best!" Qi Ji eximed.


    "Won''t that be too much trouble for you, Yin Yin?" Ye Rong also started calling Shen Yin by her nickname.


    "It''s no trouble at all. I''m not busy these days."


    Qingfan Tower was already running smoothly, and Chen Siming could handle things on her own. All Shen Yin had to do wase up with new dishes periodically and teach the performers at the restaurant some dance moves.


    "What about Sister Shu Yi? It feels like she''s disappeared again these past few days."


    "Oh, her? She came for Qingfan Tower''s opening, but now she''s probably about to start filming. I heard she took on another role, a mystery this time."


    "Is ''Let''s Set Off Together'' finished?"


    "Yeah, it''s been about two months, so it should be wrapping up."


    "Do you think she and Chang Zhiyuan will end up together?" Qi Ji asked curiously. It was frustrating to watch two people in love keep circling each other.


    "It''s hard to say. We''ll have to see how things develop between them," Shen Yin had just finished speaking when Qi Ji''s expression suddenly changed.


    "Qi Ji, what''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Ye Rong asked anxiously.


    "Mom, I think I''m going intobor."


    Ye Rong immediately called for the doctor and nurses.


    After they arrived, they quickly wheeled Qi Ji into the operating room. Shen Yin held Zhengzheng''s hand as they waited outside the door. Ye Rong immediately called Xue Jingrui.


    Before long, several people were standing outside the operating room.


    "Old Xue, why are you here?" Ye Rong asked. Xue Kai had told her this morning that he had a meeting today. How did it end so early?


    "I came as soon as the meeting finished."


    Xue Jingrui was also there, along with a few people Shen Yin didn''t recognize.


    "Mom, I''m going in first. I''m worried about Qi Ji being alone in there."


    After discussing with the doctor, Xue Jingrui entered the operating room. Outside, everyone was anxious and worried, considering there were two little lives in Qi Ji''s belly.


    As time ticked by, Shen Yin figured Zhengzheng must be getting hungry. Thinking that Ye Rong and Xue Kai probably hadn''t eaten lunch either, she called Chen Siming and asked her to prepare some food and send it to the hospital.


    There was still no news from inside when the food from Qingfan Tower arrived, almost at 1:30 PM.


    "Uncle, Auntie, please eat something to fill your stomachs," Shen Yin said.


    Only then did Xue Kai and Ye Rong realize they were a bit hungry. With Qi Ji still in the operating room, even the most delicious food held little appeal.


    But they needed to eat something. After thanking Shen Yin, the group started eating outside the operating room.


    After finishing, Xue Kai couldn''t sit still. He kept pacing back and forth in front of the operating room door.


    "Old Xue, stop pacing. You''re making me dizzy," Ye Rong waved her hand.


    Hearing this, Xue Kai sat down.


    "Mommy, why hasn''t auntiee out yet?" the little one asked, not crying or fussing, just sitting patiently with Shen Yin on the chairs outside the operating room, waiting for Qi Ji to give birth.


    The chair was quite high, and the child''s feet couldn''t reach the ground. His little legs kept swinging back and forth. He propped his face up with his hands, his eyes squinting.


    "Is the baby tired?" Ye Rong asked.


    Shen Yin looked at Zhengzheng, whose eyes were almost closed.


    "Yes, he''s tired. He usually takes a nap at this time."


    "Why don''t you take him home? It''s not good for him to wait here, and he can''t sleepfortably," Ye Rong suggested.


    "No, grandma. Zhengzheng doesn''t want to go home. Zhengzheng wants to wait here for Auntie Qi Ji toe out," the little one said stubbornly, forcing his eyes wide open.


    Ye Rong said kindly, "Alright, we''ll wait together for your little brother and sister toe out."


    In the end, the little one couldn''t resist and fell asleep sitting in the chair. Worried he wouldn''t befortable sleeping like that, Shen Yin picked him up and ced him on herp.


    At around 4 PM, they finally heard the cry of babies from inside the operating room.


    "They''re born!" Ye Rong eximed excitedly.


    The operating room door opened, and several doctors came out.


    "The mother and babies are all safe and sound."


    Soon after, nurses wheeled Qi Ji out of the operating room, and the two babies were brought into the VIP ward.


    Ye Rong immediately ran to Qi Ji''s side, asking if she felt ufortable anywhere.


    Meanwhile, the two newborns were crying non-stop in the nearby bed.


    Zhengzheng ran to the bedside, looking at the two newborns as if marveling at the wonder of the world, constantly gesturing for Shen Yin to look.


    With Ye Rong''s help, Xue Jingrui carefully picked up one of the babies and brought it to Qi Ji''s bedside for her to see.


    Qi Ji''s face, which had been smiling, suddenly fell. Why were they so ugly? They were nothingpared to Zhengzheng, all wrinkly and not pretty at all.


    "What''s wrong, Qi Ji?" Ye Rong noticed the change in Qi Ji''s expression and asked.


    "It''s a girl, right?" Qi Ji asked.


    "Yes, I brought the little princess for you to see."


    "It''s a bit different from what I imagined," Qi Ji said with a disappointed expression.


    "You think she''s ugly? All newborns look like this, and since they''re twins, they''re bound to be a bit wrinkly. They''ll look better in a few days. They look just like Jingrui when he was little, especially these eyes. They''re like shiny ck pearls, so adorable!" Ye Rong said, holding the other baby.


    "The little brother and sister are so small," Zhengzheng marveled, as if looking at toys.


    "You were this small when you were born too. When they grow up, they can y with Zhengzheng," Shen Yin said.


    "When will they grow up?"


    "When Zhengzheng starts kindergarten."


    The ward was filled with joy. In the evening, Shen Yin was still there when Xu Xiuhe and Chang Zhiyuan arrived. After taking a look, Shen Yin told Xu Xiuhe they should go home, as Qi Ji had just given birth and needed to rest after expending so much energy.


    Xu Xiuhe had driven there. After Shen Yin got in the car with Zhengzheng, the little one asked, "Daddy, when will Zhengzheng start kindergarten?"


    "Why? Are you in a hurry?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "Mommy said that after Zhengzheng starts kindergarten, little brother and sister can y with Zhengzheng," the child replied.

 Chapter 249

    "By September, Zhengzheng will be able to start kindergarten," said Xu Xiuhe.


    "At kindergarten, she''ll meet lots and lots of little friends."


    "Hahahahaha"


    Xu Xiuhe''s heartyughter echoed through the car.


    "How''s thepany doing, and what about Xu Group?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Thepany is still developing. As for Xu Group, under Xu Zhengyang''s management, it''s been on a downward slope. In about two years, it''ll be just about done."


    Xu Xiuhe had always felt that with Xu Zhengyang managing Xu Group, it wouldn''tst long. In his hands, it was only a matter of time before thepany would be acquired.


    He was merely putting in extra effort to speed up the acquisition of Xu Group.


    "Shall we go for dinner?" Shen Yin suggested.


    "Qingfan Tower?"


    "Sure, I want to go and see how business has been in the first few days since Qingfan Tower opened."


    "You..." Xu Xiuhe smiled indulgently. Shen Yin was certainly not a woman who could sit idle. Even though she didn''t need to do anything except look beautiful, she insisted on taking on various business ventures.


    She ran a furniture business, opened a clothing studio, and now the restaurant was thriving.


    He felt almost inadequate inparison.


    The family of three arrived at Chen Siming''s Qingfan Tower. The restaurant was as bustling as ever, with people queuing outside for the next seating. Outside, the pond was full of lotus leaves, with fish swimming beneath.


    The early summer evening breeze was cool. Even though customers were waiting, they didn''t seem impatient. After all, the scenery was beautiful, and the air was fresher than in other ces.


    Looking at this scene, Shen Yin felt quite pleased and couldn''t help but say, "The moonlight andnterns create a dreamy atmosphere, as if we''ve traveled back a thousand years to the Song Dynasty."


    "Shall we take a boat ride?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "I just had another thought," Shen Yin said. "We could expand this artificialke in the future, build more bridges over it, and nt willow trees along both shores. We could turn this area into a ce where people can not only dine and rx but also enjoy recreational activities."


    Xu Xiuhe looked around the area. When Chen Siming had asked him about the location earlier, he had suggested that since they were creating a private kitchen, they shouldn''t choose a busy area like ordinary restaurants.


    While high foot traffic is good, it doesn''t allow for showcasing unique features. It''s better to choose a less crowded ce; if you have something special to offer, people wille. This way, you can not only establish a brand but also benefit from lower real estate pricespared to busy areas.


    Chen Siming had indeed followed his advice. This ce was not only remote but had few buildings, offering ample space. There was plenty of parking avable everywhere.


    If they wanted to expand the restaurant in the future, it would be convenient. The surrounding area was open, so they could simply buy thend and expand outward from the original Qingfan Tower.


    "Have you considered buying this entire plot ofnd, expanding the artificialke, building more buildings like this nearby, and even looking further ahead to turn this ce into a cultural street? Make it a must-visit spot, create a famous scenic area," Xu Xiuhe suggested.


    "Like the current old town?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Not exactly, but you could describe it that way. It would serve to promote culture on one hand, and on the other, it has great business potential."


    Xu Xiuhe had always had a keen eye for opportunities. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to make Heyuan Group rival well-establishedpanies in just a few short years.


    So Shen Yin had great faith in Xu Xiuhe''s vision and abilities. After hearing this proposal, she was seriously considering what he had said.


    "Let''s discuss it with Chen Siming after a while," Shen Yin said. In reality, she was already thinking of various ns in her mind. She was a person of action, always ready to implement her ideas.


    "I''m hungry, Daddy and Mommy," came a little voice.


    "Then let''s go up and eat."


    Xu Xiuhe picked up the little one and headed towards the building.


    "I actually just thought of another n," Shen Yin said.


    "What n?"


    "If we expand the artificialke in the future, we could add more pleasure boats, and people could dine on the boats too."


    Xu Xiuhe replied, "That''s a good idea, but right now, our most pressing matter is to go eat."


    Chen Siming, knowing Shen Yin had arrived, immediately arranged a private room for them. After all, who was Shen Yin? Without her, there would be no Qingfan Tower.


    "Sister-inw," Chen Siming greeted.


    "How''s business been these past few days?" Shen Yin asked.


    "The turnover has been consistently high. Even though the location is remote, we don''t have enough private rooms every day."


    "Have you thought about expanding the restaurant?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    With Xu Xiuhe''s question, Chen Siming was indeed tempted.


    "Let''s discuss it slowly with sister-inw after a while."


    "After a while, I should be calling you cousin-inw," Shen Yin joked.


    It wasn''t really a joke, though. She had heard from Fang Yue that Chen Siming and Fang Ningning were getting along well. Everything seemed suitable, and given their age, if nothing unexpected happened, they would likely get married around National Day.


    Shen Yin''s words made Chen Siming a bit embarrassed, and he quickly changed the subject, asking Zhengzheng what she wanted to eat.


    When Zhengzheng was younger, she would only say "meat," but now it was different.


    "Lamb, fish, beef," she said.


    "Alright, you''ll have everything you want," Chen Siming said.


    He instructed the kitchen to prepare the dishes and then left the private room, not wanting to disturb the family of three during their meal.


    "It''s great. If they get married on National Day, there''ll be one less single person among our friends," Xu Xiuhe remarked.


    Hearing this, Shen Yin truly felt that Xu Xiuhe was a bit abnormal, always eager to help those around him find partners, matching up as many couples as he could. He had already sessfully paired up quite a few.


    "By the way, what about Shu Yi?" Shen Yin asked.


    "She''s off shooting a suspense drama. When I messaged her in the car earlier, she had just finished work. When she heard that Qi Ji had given birth to twins, she almost rushed back from the film set overnight."


    "Zhi Yuan has also been busy withpany matterstely."


    "Don''t meddle in their affairs. That''s not something we should interfere with," Shen Yin emphasized once again.


    After dinner, Shen Yin said she needed to use the restroom. Xu Xiuhe waited with Zhengzheng at the corner by the door.


    As Shen Yin came out, she was stopped by a young man.


    "Beautifuldy, can I add you on WeChat?" the man asked, holding out his phone. There were a few other people nearby.


    "I''m sorry, I''m married," Shen Yin refused directly.


    "Come on, you''re so young. How could you possibly be married? That must be just an excuse, right?" The man seemed skeptical and continued to press.


    "Mommy!" Xu Yunzheng ran straight towards Shen Yin.


    Shen Yin bent down and hugged the little one. The child had indeed grown; it was now somewhat difficult to lift her.


    "Mommy, Daddy says if you don''te over soon, he''ll get angry."

 Chapter 250

    Shen Yin turned and held Zhengzheng''s hand, looking over to where Xu Xiuhe stood, ring unfavorably at the young man who had asked for her WeChat.


    Sensing the cold gaze, the boy who had requested her WeChat meekly put his phone away.


    Shen Yin ran over to Xu Xiuhe with Zhengzheng in tow, her face full of mirth. "Don''t be so fierce! He''s just a student. You''ll scare him with that look of yours."


    Shen Yin joked.


    Xu Xiuhe''s jealousy was palpable, his eyes still fixed on the young man.


    "Alright, let''s go home. I didn''t give him my WeChat, did I?"


    "Zhengzheng, when you grow up, you shouldn''t casually ask girls for their contact information."


    "He''s still young. You should teach him something positive."


    Xu Xiuhe''s jealousy persisted throughout the evening. After they got home, he first went to the study to handle some documents while Shen Yin gave their little one a bath.


    Xu Xiuhe came in and said, "From now on, Zhengzheng will bathe himself. He''s already three years old."


    Shen Yin: "..."


    Zhengzheng''s little eyes were practically rolling to the sky.


    "Were you busy in the study again?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Mm, Liu Bo took time off to apany Xiao Li''er for a prenatal check-up."


    "!!!"


    Shen Yin did some quick math. It had been several months since Xiao Li''er and Liu Bo got married, so it was normal.


    "Are you satisfied now? This matchmaking was quite sessful," Shen Yin teased.


    "I feel very aplished."


    The next evening at six o''clock, Chang Zhiyuan arrived at Chen Siming''s Qingfan Tower. As soon as he entered, Chen Siming could tell that Chang Zhiyuan was in a bad mood.


    "Brother Yuan, what''s wrong? You look so unhappy."


    "I want a private room. The one where Shu Yi sat."


    "..."


    "Brother, do you even know which room she was in?"


    Chang Zhiyuan hesitated for a moment.


    Chen Siming understood that Chang Zhiyuan had no idea which room Shu Yi had been in.


    "You''re not going to just pick any room to fool me, are you?" Chang Zhiyuan suddenly looked up and asked.


    Chen Siming had initially thought of doing just that, but after Chang Zhiyuan''sment, he didn''t dare to randomly choose a room.


    Fortunately, Chen Siming remembered the room where Shu Yi had been. It was the day of the grand opening, and that particr room had been specially reserved by Shen Yin for its privacy.


    "Wait a few minutes. The people in that room just left," Chen Siming said, making a phone call to arrange it.


    Many high-end cars were parked at the entrance of Qingfan Tower. The peopleing and going were mostly dressed in designer clothes and carrying branded bags.


    When Shen Yin stepped out of Xu Xiuhe''s Mercedes G-ss, she attracted many nces.


    Just as she lifted Zhengzheng out of the car, a familiar voice came from behind: "Sister-inw, you and my brother are dining here too? This ce is great, very atmospheric. I''ve been here many times. Would you like me to rmend some dishes?"


    Shen Yin turned to see a man and a woman approaching. The man wore a ck suit with gleaming, polished shoes. The woman had her arm linked with his, wearing an ultra-short skirt and carrying a designer handbag.


    "Zhengyang, let''s go in quickly. They must be hungry," the woman''s voice was coy and affected.


    "Brother, it''s been a while. Dad seems to be in good health under your care."


    "Then you should continue to look after him. If something were to happen while he''s with you, I don''t know what people would think."


    Hearing this, Xu Zhengyang''s expression changed briefly. It was just for a moment, but Xu Xiuhe caught it. He had said it intentionally to test Xu Zhengyang, and unexpectedly, his facial expression had indeed changed.


    "Brother, don''t worry. I''ll definitely take good care of our father."


    "Sister-inw, shall we go in?" Xu Zhengyang looked at Shen Yin, his eyes appraising. He was increasingly curious about this woman. She had clearly been with Zhou Man before, so why did Xu Xiuhe trust her so much and handle her negative publicity? What was so special about her that made Xu Xiuhe so infatuated? Looking closely, Shen Yin was indeed young and beautiful, but there were plenty of young and beautiful women out there.


    Xu Xiuhe seemed to notice Xu Zhengyang''s gaze on Shen Yin and said, "Know your ce."


    His tone carried a warning.


    "Brother, why so fierce? I won''t harm sister-inw."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin already felt nauseated. If it weren''t for maintaining her image and having Zhengzheng with her, she would have kicked Xu Zhengyang where it hurts.


    "I''m not sure if I might harm you, so it''s better if you keep your distance from me. I have androphobia. If I identally hurt you, it would be quite embarrassing."


    Shen Yin turned her head and said with a smile. This wasn''t an ordinary smile; Xu Zhengyang sensed a killing intent behind it.


    The family of three finished speaking and entered Qingfan Tower. The staff inside all recognized Shen Yin; she was their second boss, naturally receiving polite and attentive service as they guided her upstairs.


    Seeing this, Xu Zhengyang felt unbnced.


    "Where''s your manager? Is this how you treat customers? Is this how you receive guests?"


    Xu Zhengyang spoke arrogantly, and the woman beside him also looked at the waiter reproachfully.


    "Hello, we treat all our customers equally."


    "Then why is your attitude towards them so much better? Are they members? I want to be a member too. I''m not short on money."


    After speaking, Xu Zhengyang sat down on a nearby wooden chair, disregarding the waiter''s attitude.


    "Sir, we do indeed have a membership system. The annual membership fee is 1 million yuan."


    "I want to be a member."


    Xu Zhengyang''s tone was full of disdain. He wasn''t short on money, so why should Xu Xiuhe have treatment that he didn''t?


    "Sir, please follow me to the inner room to process your application."


    The waiter, dressed in Song dynasty-style clothing, had been trained by Shen Yin and Chen Siming to be poised and neither servile nor arrogant when dealing with people, capable of handling various situations calmly.


    After Xu Xiuhe''s family of three went upstairs, they went directly to Chang Zhiyuan''s private room.


    "Xiuhe, you''ve finally arrived. I''ve been waiting for you for a long time," Chang Zhiyuan said, holding a wine ss.


    "You''re at it again?"


    Since after the New Year, Chang Zhiyuan seemed to have be a different person, more mature and steady, taking his work seriously and responsibly. However, he would still drink asionally.


    "Drowning my sorrows in alcohol."


    "The more you drink to forget your sorrows, the more sorrowful you be," Shen Yin said.


    "Sister-inw, can you not discourage me? I''m miserable enough as it is. The pain of longing is unbearable."


    As Chang Zhiyuan spoke, he actually seemed somewhat pitiful.


    "Then don''t think about it."


    "I wish I could stop thinking about it, but I can''t control myself. Why can that woman be so heartless? I could clearly feel that she had feelings for me before."


    "Can you feel if she has feelings for you now?" Shen Yin asked.

 Chapter 251

    "How does it feel now? Now she''s more polite to me than she is to strangers."


    Shen Yin didn''t know how tofort Chang Zhiyuan. She could actually see that Shu Yi still had feelings for Chang Zhiyuan, or at the very least, still cared about him. But Shu Yi had learned to hide it, never mentioning their past situation.


    "Knock knock knock."


    "Come in."


    Shen Yin thought it was the waitering to deliver food, so she responded. But when she saw who it was, she felt it was just bad luck.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "Brother, someone downstairs just said there are no private rooms left. Can I share your room? After all, we''re brothers."


    Xu Zhengyang said shamelessly.


    "No, you can''t. I don''t have a brother like you. My mother only gave birth to me."


    "Brother, please help me out. You can''t let your own brother take his girlfriend out for dinner with nowhere to sit, can you?"


    "That''s right, brother. For Zhengyang''s sake as your brother, just let us sit down and have a meal."


    The woman looked at Xu Xiuhe, pouting coquettishly.


    Chang Zhiyuan suddenly became angry. He was drinking and feeling heartbroken, and now these two people suddenly showed up. What was the meaning of this?


    "Who the hell are you? I don''t know you. And Xiuhe doesn''t have a brother."


    Chang Zhiyuan, emboldened by alcohol, stood up and started pushing Xu Zhengyang out. The woman beside him seemed to want to pull Chang Zhiyuan back, but as soon as her arm touched him, Chang Zhiyuan shook her off.


    The girl, wearing high heels, stumbled backward and fell to the ground, starting to cry.


    Chang Zhiyuan instantly felt even more irritated.


    "What are you crying for? Don''te showing off your love in front of me. I''m in a bad mood. Get the hell out of here."


    With that, Chang Zhiyuan gave Xu Zhengyang another forceful push.


    The woman beside him got up and stumbled out the door.


    Xu Zhengyang wiped his mouth and left the private room.


    "What''s going on? Didn''t you say we should follow them to see which private room they enter so we could go and annoy them?" the womanined.


    "Shut up. You can''t even handle this simple task. Why didn''t you tell me there were other people in the room?"


    "You didn''t ask. Besides, how was I supposed to know there were other people in the room?"


    "Damn it!" Xu Zhengyang kicked the nearby railing.


    "Let''s go back."


    "But we haven''t eaten yet."


    "To hell with eating."


    Inside the private room, the family of three was stunned. What was this situation? When did Chang Zhiyuan''s fighting ability be so strong?


    "Where did theye from?" Chang Zhiyuan sat back down in his chair and asked.


    "Xu Zhengyang," Xu Xiuhe exined.


    "Oh, it was him. If I had known, I would have kicked him a couple of times."


    Chang Zhiyuan continued drinking.


    "You didn''t know it was him just now?"


    Chang Zhiyuan shook his head. He felt like he was almost drunk, but those two people who came in wanting to share the room were disgusting. How could there be such people? Moreover, this was the room where Shu Yi had sat. How dare they try to share it?


    "You''ve had too much to drink," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "Waaah, Xiuhe, sister-inw, son, I''m so sad. Why won''t Shu Yi ept me?"


    "Do you really want to know?" Shen Yin asked.


    Chang Zhiyuan kept nodding, eager to know the answer.


    "Shu Yi feels that she and you are not from the same world. You were born into a wealthy family, with a privileged background. She''s been insecure since childhood, and just when she finally climbed out of that and regained some confidence, your parents came looking for her. Tell me, how could she dare to continue epting you?"


    Shen Yin didn''t want Shu Yi to be insecure again, so she had never tried to match-make the two. What was wrong with Shu Yi? She had looks, education, and ability. Why should she be looked down upon?


    "But I''ve already told my parents not to interfere with my rtionships anymore."


    "Does saying it make it effective? Did your parents really listen?"


    Chang Zhiyuan was speechless.


    He drank one ss after another.


    "Mom, Dad, is Uncle sick? Why does he look like he''s about to cry?"


    "He''s not sick. It''s just that people always face some hardships as they grow up, and we need to get through them. He''s facing difficulties now, but it''s something only he can ovee. We can''t help even if we want to. Do you understand?"


    "I understand."


    "Let''s have someone send him hometer," Shen Yin said.


    "I''ll give Ningjing a call," Xu Xiuhe took out his phone and called Chang Ningjing.


    Fifty minutester, Chang Ningjing appeared in the private room.


    "Xiuhe, Yin Yin, is he drunk again?"


    "Yes."


    "I''m really at a loss with him. He might not be good at other things, but he''s certainly a champion at drinking," Chang Ningjingined.


    This was the second time this month she had to take him home.


    "Zhiyuan, get up."


    Chang Zhiyuan seemed not to hear, continuing to sleep on the dining table.


    "I''ll help you get him to the car," Xu Xiuhe said.


    Xu Xiuhe supported Chang Zhiyuan, who used his remaining consciousness to walk down the stairs one step at a time.


    Finally, they reached Chang Ningjing''s car.


    "Senior?"


    Chang Ningjing heard a familiar voice and turned to look.


    "Tan Xiao, you''re here too?"


    "Yes, I was having a meal. What''s this?" Tan Xiao asked, looking at Chang Zhiyuan leaning against the car window.


    "My brother. He''s heartbroken and drowning his sorrows in alcohol."


    "Zhiyuan?"


    Tan Xiao asked. He had heard people mentioning Chang Zhiyuan''s name recently. Usually, he didn''t pay attention to such news, but because of Chang Ningjing, he had looked up some news about Chang Zhiyuan.


    "Yes, he''s my only brother."


    Tan Xiao came over to help, getting Chang Zhiyuan into the car.


    "Finally got him in. I''ll take him home first. Thanks for your help just now. I''ll treat you to a meal another day," Chang Ningjing said to Tan Xiao.


    "Let mee with you to help take him back."


    "No need, you go about your business. I can manage."


    Tan Xiao got into his own car and followed behind Chang Ningjing''s car.


    "Sister Ningjing likes him, right? The soldier?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Probably," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    "It seems Tan Xiao must have feelings for Sister Ningjing too, otherwise he wouldn''t have offered to help take Chang Zhiyuan home."


    After a year''s experience, Shen Yin had made progresspared to when she first arrived. At least now she knew what it meant to like someone and what love was. She could also see different things in the way two people interacted. This was also a kind of growth.


    "They''re probably both not young anymore. Didn''t we sayst time that Sister Ningjing always thought she couldn''t have children, so she''s been secretly in love with him for so many years?"


    "I think I could try to take her pulse and see what the real reason is. Maybe, possibly, there''s still a chance."


    "You can take pulses?"


    Xu Xiuhe wasn''t doubting her, he just always thought pulse-taking was a very mysterious thing.


    "Why not?"


    After saying this, Shen Yin began to take her own pulse.

 Chapter 252

    "Honey, I think there might be something unusual with my pulse," Shen Yin said, pressing her right hand on her left wrist.


    "What do you mean unusual?" Xu Xiuhe asked anxiously. In some matters, it''s better to err on the side of caution, especially when it came to Shen Yin. He couldn''t ept even the slightest problem.


    "I feel like it''s a slippery pulse."


    "What does that mean?"


    Shen Yin, unsure, felt her pulse again. It was as if a row of bubbles passed under her right hand''s ring finger, middle finger, and index finger in quick session, one after another, with a strong, rhythmic beat.


    "When was thest time we...you know?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe understood what she meant by "you know."


    "Didn''t we have a time about a week ago?"


    "And before that?"


    Shen Yin was perplexed, wondering if she had misread her own pulse.


    "Mommy," the little one tugged at Shen Yin''s hand, pressing it against his own wrist. "What are you doing?"


    "What is it, Zhengzheng?"


    "Check my pulse."


    Shen Yin crouched down, feeling the little one''s pulse. It was steady, neither floating nor sinking, flowing smoothly, neither too strong nor too weak.


    "Zhengzheng is very healthy. Well done!"


    "Let''s go home and discuss thister tonight," Xu Xiuhe said.


    In the car, Xu Xiuhe sat in the driver''s seat, his heart already racing with excitement.


    "Your body?" he asked.


    His question made Shen Yin suddenly realize. Her periods had always been very regr, and she never experienced pain, so she hadn''t paid much attention to tracking them. Now that she thought about it, she might bete this month. Could she really have hit the jackpot?


    Shen Yin''s mouth gaped slightly, still trying to figure out where things might have gone off track.


    From her expression, Xu Xiuhe had already guessed. There''s no such thing as 100% safety, and if he remembered correctly, they had one particrly passionate encounter about a month ago where they might not have taken precautions.


    "Let''s go to the hospital tomorrow to check," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "What if we really have won the lottery?"


    Xu Xiuhe couldn''t help butugh at Shen Yin''s question. What else could they do but have the baby? It would be wonderful. Zhengzheng was old enough now, they were in a good position, and they had good genes. Why not have another child?


    "We''ll have the baby, of course."


    "But Zhengzheng is still little."


    The little one, hearing this, looked disapproving. He wasn''t little at all.


    "Mommy, Zhengzheng has grown up. Zhengzheng is a big boy now and can protect Mommy."


    The little one said, flexing his arms. He was even going to kindergarten now, how could he be considered little?


    "Zhengzheng, how would you feel if Mommy had a little baby in her tummy?" Shen Yin asked, looking at the little one sitting next to her. She cared deeply about Zhengzheng''s feelings. There had been news reports about only children not wanting their parents to have more kids. That''s why she had wanted to wait a few more years until Zhengzheng was older before asking him. But sometimes, things don''t always go ording to n.


    The little one looked at Shen Yin and patted her stomach.


    "Is Mommy''s tummy going to be like Aunt Qi Ji''s? With a little baby inside?"


    "Mommy''s not sure if there''s a baby inside yet. Mommy wants to know what Zhengzheng thinks. Would you like a little brother or sister?"


    Xu Yunzheng seemed fascinated and touched Shen Yin''s stomach again.


    "Will they be as tiny as Aunt Qi Ji''s babies? This small?" Xu Yunzheng held out his hands to demonstrate how small Aunt Qi Ji''s twins were.


    "That''s right. Zhengzheng used to be that small too. You grew and grew from this tiny size into the little man you are now," Shen Yin said, mimicking his gesture.


    "Can they y with me?"


    "Of course they can."


    "When can the baby in Mommy''s tummye out to y with Zhengzheng?"


    The little one''s voice was full of impatience.


    Shen Yin: ...


    Xu Xiuhe: ...


    If she remembered correctly, she had only asked how Zhengzheng would feel if there was a baby in her tummy. But the little one had taken it further, asking when the baby woulde out to y. Goodness, they hadn''t even confirmed anything yet.


    "Zhengzheng, do you prefer a little brother or a little sister?" Xu Xiuhe asked from the driver''s seat.


    "I like both. Will Mommy be like Aunt Qi Ji and have two babiese out of her tummy?"


    Shen Yin was once again at a loss for words.


    "Zhengzheng, Aunt Qi Ji is very special. It''s rare for someone to have two babies at once."


    The little one nodded, seeming to half-understand.


    "Mommy just said Zhengzheng is super great too. So Zhengzheng can have two babies too in the future!"


    The little one waved his arms excitedly, apparently very pleased with his deduction.


    "Ahem, ahem..." Shen Yin had wanted to say something, but she was truly shocked by Xu Yunzheng''s logical reasoning. That''s not how analogies work!


    "Hahaha! Zhengzheng can''t have babies because Zhengzheng is a boy. Boys can''t carry babies. Carrying a baby is a very difficult thing, so girls have a tough job. That''s why Zhengzheng should be gentlemanly towards girls in the future."


    Xu Xiuhe wanted to say more but felt he might not express it well and Zhengzheng might misunderstand, so he stopped there.


    After arriving home, Xu Xiuhe parked the car, quickly got out to open the door for Shen Yin, and helped her out of the car.


    He opened the front door, got Shen Yin''s slippers for her, and was careful not to let her bump into anything. He even followed behind her as she went up the stairs.


    "Honey, you don''t need to be so..."


    "Go sit in the bedroom. We can''t risk anything. Zhengzheng, you stay with Mommy and protect her."


    "Okay!"


    Hearing this, Xu Xiuhe went downstairs, entered the kitchen, washed some fruit, cut it up, and brought it upstairs.


    "You eat first. I''ll take Zhengzheng for a bath."


    With that, Xu Xiuhe picked up Zhengzheng. Shen Yin sat on the sofa, turned on the projector, and started watching a variety show while eating fruit.


    Soon after, Xu Xiuhe brought Zhengzheng out of the bathroom, put him on the bed, and told Shen Yin to go in and bathe.


    "Can I... maybe I should go in with you. What if you slip and fall?"


    Shen Yin: "I might be pregnant, not incapacitated."


    "Oh." The man rubbed his nose sheepishly.


    After Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng had gone to sleep, Xu Xiuhe went to the study alone and called Liu Bo.


    "Liu Bo, how is Xiao Li''er''s prenatal check-up going?"


    "Very well, everything''s normal."


    "That''s good. Be a bit busier tomorrow, I need to apany my wife for a prenatal check-up. By the way, what should we pay attention to during the check-up?"


    Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "You mean your wife is pregnant?"


    "Yeah, is your wife allowed to be pregnant but not mine?"


    "No, no, that''s not what I meant. I meant, have you confirmed the pregnancy? Is tomorrow''s hospital visit for a prenatal check-up or to confirm if she''s pregnant?"


    "Thetter."


    "Then she should fast in the morning."

 Chapter 253

    Early the next morning, Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin prepared to go to the hospital. Considering it would be inconvenient to bring Zhengzheng along, they directly sent Xu Yunzheng to Fang Yue at Yun Manor.


    "Are you going to the hospital?" Fang Yue asked.


    Ever since Shen Tianzheng fell ill and Xu Xiuhe was hospitalized, Fang Yue had be fearful at the mere mention of hospitals. After all, who would want to go to a hospital under normal circumstances?


    "Yes," they replied.


    "Which one of you is having issues?" Fang Yue inquired cautiously, her expression growing tense.


    "Nothing''s wrong. I''m going to check if I''m pregnant," Shen Yin exined.


    Upon hearing this, Fang Yue patted her chest in relief. "You scared me!" Then she became excited. "Yin Yin, is your periodte?"


    "There''s a good chance it is. This is wonderful! I''m going to be a grandmother again."


    Fang Yue''s joy increased even more. It was truly wonderful. She had missed out on so much when her daughter gave birth to Zhengzheng, but this time, she could be there for her.


    "Alright, you two go ahead. Have a thorough check-up and don''t worry. I''ll take care of Zhengzheng," Fang Yue said, holding Zhengzheng''s hand.


    Xu Xiuhe drove the car. At first, Shen Yin wanted to sit in the front passenger seat, but Xu Xiuhe adamantly refused, saying it wasn''t safe. So, Xu Xiuhe opened the back door and let Shen Yin sit there.


    They went to the best hospital in Rong City. They had arrived early, and Xu Xiuhe had booked an appointment with a specialist, so everything went smoothly, and it was soon Shen Yin''s turn.


    While Shen Yin went in for her examination, Xu Xiuhe waited outside.


    After about two hours, all of Shen Yin''s tests werepleted, and Xu Xiuhe went to collect the results.


    Shen Yin sat in a chair, waiting for Xu Xiuhe.


    "Sister-inw, you''re here too? Are you feeling unwell, or are you pregnant?"


    Shen Yin turned to look and saw that gloomy man again. She must have left home on an unlucky day; how else could she keep running into Xu Zhengyang these past few days?


    Shen Yin lowered her head and took out her phone, intending to call Xu Xiuhe to ask where he was so she could go find him. She didn''t want to stay here for a moment longer, facing this man.


    "Sister-inw, don''t leave. My brother will probably be back soon. If you leave, what will he do when he can''t find you?"


    Xu Zhengyang reached out and grabbed Shen Yin''s arm.


    Shen Yin forcefully shook him off, and Xu Xiuhe rushed over at that moment, causing Xu Zhengyang to fall to the ground once again.


    "Brother, look at you two. Is this how you treat your younger brother? I just fellst night, and today when I see you and try to say hello, you make me sit on the ground again," the man said, feigning innocence. His tone became aggrieved, as if he had been bullied. The passing nurses all turned to look.


    The gloomy man continued his act.


    Shen Yin walked to Xu Xiuhe''s side and asked, "Did you get the results?"


    Xu Xiuhe nodded and took Shen Yin''s hand, preparing to leave.


    "Honey, what''s going on? How are they bullying you again?" a coquettish female voice came from behind them. The voice sounded familiar. Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe turned to look and saw that the woman next to Xu Zhengyang was the same one who had barged into their private room at Qingfan Towerst night.


    "Honey, I have good news for you. I''m pregnant! Look, the doctor says I''m one month along."


    Upon hearing this news, Xu Zhengyang immediately stood up and snatched the report from the woman''s hand.


    "Xinxin, you''re really pregnant?"


    "Yes, I really am. So, when are we going to get our marriage certificate?"


    The woman''s gaze was eager.


    Xu Zhengyang''s eyes flickered for a moment before he said, "There''s no rush. We''ll get the certificate after you''re more stable."


    "Brother, I''ll head back first. Dad doesn''t know this good news yet."


    Xu Xiuhe couldn''t wait for these two nuisances to leave.


    After they left, Shen Yin took the report from Xu Xiuhe''s hand. Sure enough, her pulse reading hadn''t been wrong.


    "Zhengzheng is going to have a little sister," she said.


    "How do you know?"


    "I''m generally lucky. I''m sure I''ll have both a son and a daughter. Zhengzheng is a boy, so the baby in my belly now must be a girl."


    Xu Xiuhe drove Shen Yin to a nearby restaurant and ordered some light food for her.


    "Did you notice earlier? Xu Zhengyang doesn''t seem too keen on marrying that woman," Shen Yin remarked.


    "Mm, maybe he thinks her background isn''t good enough. Yang Cui probably wants him to marry someone who can benefit Xu Zhengyang but can also be controlled by them," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "There''s no such perfect scenario in this world. But Xu Zhengyang did look genuinely happy," Shen Yin noted, remembering that Xu Guimin had always wanted a grandson. After Yang Cui learned of this desire, she had even considered targeting Xu Yunzheng.


    At the Xu family vi.


    Xu Zhengyang brought the pregnant woman home.


    Yang Cui was sitting on the sofa watching TV and cracking sunflower seeds.


    "What''s going on? Who is she?"


    "Hello, Auntie. I''m Zhengyang''s girlfriend, Ge Xinxin."


    "Girlfriend?" Yang Cui stood up to scrutinize her upon hearing this.


    "Yes, Zhengyang and I have been together for over a month. He just apanied me to the hospital for a check-up, and I''m pregnant with his child. So, I think we should move up our wedding ns."


    Yang Cui jumped to her feet when she heard about the pregnancy. A baby was good, and this child''s timing was perfect.


    "It''s wonderful that you''re pregnant, but it''s not convenient to have a wedding now. Don''t worry, after you give birth to the child, our Xu family will definitely give you a grand wedding."


    Ge Xinxin didn''t seem to expect this answer. She had thought that being pregnant with a child from a wealthy family would make marrying into the family easier.


    "Auntie, you know, I''m still in the early stages of pregnancy, so there''s nothing inconvenient. Why don''t Zhengyang and I get our marriage certificate first, and we can have the wedding after the baby is born? What do you think, Zhengyang?"


    The woman turned her gaze to Xu Zhengyang.


    "I''m fine with anything. I''ll listen to Mom."


    "Xinxin, you''re still young, you don''t understand. It''s not appropriate to get the marriage certificate now. If Xu Xiuhe, Zhengyang''s brother, finds out, you and the baby might be in danger. How about this: you two keep this quiet for now, you stay here, and after the baby is safely born, then you can get your marriage certificate and have the wedding."


    "But, this way..."


    "There are no buts. You don''t know howplicated things can be in wealthy families. Zhengyang isn''t an only child. Right now, the priority is to ensure the baby is born safely. In the future, Zhengyang... do you understand? Who knows what might happen if others find out you''re Zhengyang''s wife? What if they try to harm you?"


    Yang Cui persuaded her.


    "Alright, but are you sure Zhengyang and I will get our marriage certificate after the baby is born?" the woman asked again, still unsure.


    "Of course, absolutely. You''re the mother of Zhengyang''s child. If Zhengyang doesn''t get the certificate with you, who else would he get it with? Don''t worry, I''m here. Zhengyang won''t abandon you. You can stay here for now. You can even call me Mom. As soon as the baby is born, you''ll go get your marriage certificate right away."


    "Mrs. Wu, prepare a room. Make sure everything in it is of the best quality. From now on, treat Xinxin as Zhengyang''s wife."

 Chapter 254

    Hearing this, Xu Guimin came down from upstairs, his eyes fixed on Ge Xinxin.


    "Honey, you''vee down. Look, this is Xinxin, she''s pregnant with Zhengyang''s child," said Yang Cui, hurrying over to Xu Guimin and wrapping her arm around his.


    Xu Guimin nced at Yang Cui before turning his gaze back to Ge Xinxin.


    "You''re Ge Xinxin?"


    "Yes, Mr. Xu. I''m Zhengyang''s girlfriend."


    "How far along is the pregnancy?"


    Xu Guimin looked at Ge Xinxin''s t stomach, his face unreadable.


    "One month," she replied.


    Without saying anything more, Xu Guimin turned his attention to Xu Zhengyang.


    "How are things going at thepany?"


    "Don''t worry, Dad. Thepany''s doing great. I''ve got everything under control."


    "I''ll be back at the office tomorrow. I''ll see for myself then."


    As Xu Guimin finished speaking, Xu Zhengyang seemed not to have fully processed the information. Yang Cui, however, began to grow anxious.


    "Darling, you''re not fully recovered yet. Why don''t you rest at home a bit longer? We''ve been trying to bring you back home all this time, but we couldn''t find you. You even missed spending the New Year with us."


    Yang Cui''s words stirred up hazy memories for Xu Guimin. When he had first regained consciousness, he only remembered Sun Wenting not allowing him to return in his dreams. He had been too scared and terrified to think about anything else.


    Looking back now, he felt that Yang Cui and Xu Zhengyang''s behavior at the time had been somewhat odd.


    Xu Guimin sat down, and Yang Cui poured him a ss of water.


    Meanwhile, at Yun Manor, Fang Yue was overjoyed to learn of Shen Yin''s pregnancy.


    "Are you happy, sweetie? Mommy''s going to have another little baby," Fang Yue asked, picking up Zhengzheng.


    "I''m happy! The little baby will y with me," Zhengzheng replied.


    "That''s right. Zhengzheng is going to be a big brother now. You''re a big boy."


    Xu Xiuhe''s current behavior mirrored Xue Jingrui''s when he first learned he was going to be a father - cautious and not letting Shen Yin touch anything.


    At lunchtime, Xu Xiuhe nearly began feeding Shen Yin herself.


    "Honey, open your mouth. Have a bite of fish. I''ve already removed the bones."


    Xu Yunzheng, sitting nearby, felt a little dejected watching his father feed his mother,pletely ignoring him.


    "Come, Zhengzheng darling. Let grandma peel a shrimp for you. Would you like that?"


    "Thank you, grandma."


    "Oh, you''re such a good boy. You don''t need to thank grandma. When grandma gets old, will Zhengzheng buy candy for her?"


    Xu Yunzheng chewed his shrimp, mulling over the repeated use of the word "old" in his grandmother''s speech.


    "Xiuhe, I''m pregnant, not disabled," Shen Yin said, feeling that Xu Xiuhe was making too much fuss.


    "It''s alright. Just consider it indulging my pleasure," Xu Xiuhe replied.


    Shen Yin: ...


    Shen Tian watched silently from the side. He knew his judgment hadn''t been wrong - Xu Xiuhe was such a good man.


    In the afternoon, the family returned to Ziyue Manor. Shu Yi had just returned from the film set for a few days of rest.


    On the way, Shu Yi spotted Shen Yin but couldn''t talkfortably in the car, so she called Shen Yin directly.


    "Yin Yin, is that you in the car ahead?"


    Hearing this, Shen Yin turned and saw Shu Yi through the rear window.


    "When did youe back? Weren''t you filming a mystery drama?"


    "Yes, I am. But we need breaks too, right? Can''t keep filming non-stop."


    "What about you? Where are youing from? Why isn''t your husband at work today?"


    "Oh, he apanied me to the hospital this morning."


    "What''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? What did the doctor say?"


    "Why are you panicking? I''m not sick. I just went for a check-up, and the results are in. I''m pregnant."


    "Wow! So much has happened while I''ve been away," Shu Yi eximed. She hadn''t even been gone a month, and her two best friends were either having babies or getting pregnant. What had she missed?


    "It''s not that much. Qi Ji gave birth to two beautiful babies, and I just found out I''m pregnant today."


    "If that''s not big news, what is? I''ll visit Qi Ji and the babies tonight."


    As they spoke, Shu Yi parked in front of her house, and Xu Xiuhe pulled into their driveway.


    "I won''te over now. When Qi Ji''s finished her postpartum confinement, let''s take her to Qingfan Tower for a nice meal. She hasn''t been there yet."


    "Sounds good!"


    That evening, Shu Yi arrived at the Xue family''s grand house. She had been there before but had never gone inside. It was home to the highest-ranking official in Rong City.


    Shu Yi gathered her courage and knocked on the door. Someone promptly opened it. Shu Yi had informed Qi Ji of her visit, so Ye Rong was expecting her.


    "You must be Shu Yi. I often see you on TV. You''re even more beautiful in person."


    Shu Yi had brought expensive nutritional supplements for Qi Ji, cing them by the door. She knew Qi Ji didn''tck such things, given her family''s circumstances, but whether Qi Ji needed them or not was one thing, and whether Shu Yi should bring a gift was another.


    Ye Rong was very weing,plimenting Shu Yi from the moment she entered.


    "You didn''t have to bring so many things."


    "It''s not much. But Mrs. Xue, you look incredibly young."


    "Really? You girls always say such nice things," Ye Rong replied, immediately drawingparisons. Her son Jingrui would never say such things to make her happy. Thankfully, he had married Qi Ji, otherwise, she would have been quite upset.


    "How is Qi Ji doing?"


    "Come, I''ll take you upstairs. She''s been wanting to go out and y with you all, but she can''t right now. A woman must take proper care of herself after childbirth, or it could damage her health and lead to illness."


    They reached the second floor as they talked.


    "Qi Ji, Shu Yi is here."


    Since returning from the hospital, Qi Ji had felt like she was in prison. Her range of activity was extremely limited. She had just gone out for a short walk when Ye Rong called her back, saying she shouldn''t be out in the wind too long before her confinement period was over.


    Qi Ji didn''tin at all. She knew Ye Rong meant well and cared for her even more than her own mother. Her mother had visited her in Rong City once after she gave birth, then returned to Yang City.


    Ye Rong was different. She looked after Qi Ji every day, even neglecting herpany.


    So Qi Ji only hoped time would pass quickly, allowing her to "leave her cage" and taste the delights of the outside world again.


    "Sister Shu Yi!"


    "Did you miss me?" Shu Yi handed Qi Ji a small box.


    "What''s this?" Qi Ji asked as she took it.


    The small wooden box wasn''trge, but it looked very exquisite.

 Chapter 255

    Qi Ji opened it to reveal two beautiful small jade pendants. Though notrge, they were exquisite in their transparent luster and adorable shape, truly delicate pieces.


    "How cute," she remarked.


    "I bought them while filming in Xiangcheng. They have quite a lot of these things there. When I saw them, I thought these two little jade pendants would be perfect for our two treasures."


    After speaking, Shu Yi leaned over to look at the two babies in the crib.


    "They''re so beautiful. Cherry-like lips and such fair skin. You can tell they''ll be great beauties when they grow up."


    "You don''t know the half of it. When the babies were first born, she was quite disappointed," Ye Rong joked with augh.


    "They were all wrinkly then, like little monkeys," Qi Ji defended herself.


    "Hahaha, all newborns look like that. They improve once they fill out. How much space do you think there is in your belly? And there were two of them! They''d have to be a bit wrinkled to fit. Look how cute they are now, much prettier than Jing Rui was as a baby. When he was born, I almost wanted to throw him away," Ye Rong quipped.


    Her words sent Qi Ji and Shu Yi into fits ofughter.


    "Alright, you two have fun. Call me when the babies wake up. I''m going downstairs to check if the auntie has finished making the soup."


    The two nodded as Ye Rong left.


    After she was gone, Shu Yi said with a smile, "Your mother-inw treats you like her own daughter, taking care of you so meticulously."


    "Mm-hmm, Mom is really good to me. Sometimes, even Jing Rui himself wonders if he''s the one who married into the family instead."


    "That''s too funny!"


    Shu Yi was genuinely happy for Qi Ji. How wonderful to have no mother-inw conflicts. If there were such issues, someone with Qi Ji''s personality would probably be bullied to death by her mother-inw.


    "When do you leave next?" Qi Ji asked.


    "In three days."


    "And when will you be back?"


    "In about 20 days."


    "That''s great! By then I''ll be able to go out. We can go eat delicious food together. I''m craving spicy food so badly."


    "Just hold on a bit longer."


    "I''m so envious of you guys."


    "What''s there to envy? My constantte nights filming? Or that your sister Yin will soon be in the same boat as you?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Your sister Yin is pregnant!"


    Goodness, Qi Ji was stunned for a second. Just a few days ago, sister Yin hade to bring her some treats and even brought little silver bracelets for the two babies. Now sister Yin was pregnant? How did she not know? Sister Yin hadn''t told her.


    "Such big news, and I had no idea. You guys are keeping secrets from me again. Boo-hoo, I''m heartbroken," Qi Ji pouted yfully.


    "Stop, stop, darling. We weren''t hiding anything from you. I just got lucky. When I came back today, I happened to run into their family of three and found out they had just been to the hospital for a check-up this morning."


    "I can''t believe our Suisui and Niannian will be big brother and sister so soon after being born," Qi Ji said, looking at the two sleeping babies with a tender expression.


    "Suisui and Niannian?"


    "Yes, those are their nicknames. The boy is Suisui, and the girl is Niannian. Their full names are Xue Le''an and Xue Leyu respectively."


    "Those are lovely names!"


    Qi Ji smiled. She and Xue Jingrui had onlye up with the nicknames. The formal names were chosen by Xue Kai. How could names picked by Xue Kai be anything but excellent?


    "Do you like Suisui and Niannian?" Qi Ji asked, seeking Shu Yi''s approval.


    "Of course, they''re lovely. You know what little Zhengzheng once told me?"


    "What?"


    "He said his mommy''s name is Mimi."


    "Oh, is sister Yin''s nickname Mimi?"


    "Yes, yes! Later when I asked Yin about it, she waspletely stunned. She asked how I knew her childhood nickname, saying she had almost forgotten it herself."


    "My son-inw is truly impressive."


    "Yin said her nickname was Mimi, and her brother''s was Wangwang."


    "Her brother should find a girlfriend named Bingbing in the future," Qi Ji said, letting her imagination run wild.


    Shu Yi immediately caught on to Qi Ji''s joke.


    "Hahaha, anyway, I think they definitely shouldn''t let her parents name the baby in Yin''s belly."


    The next evening, Shu Yi said she wanted to see how Qingfan Tower had changed. She had been there for its opening, but now a month had passed. During her time on set, Qingfan Tower had quietly be popr, turning into a trendy spot for social media check-ins.


    It had gone viral on various short video tforms, attracting many tourists to visit and sightsee. However, many people only looked from the outside without going in, as it was too crowded. The tables inside and private rooms were impossible to book, with demand far exceeding supply.


    Qingfan Tower had be a tourist attraction in its own right, driving up real estate prices in the surrounding area. Fortunately, Xu Xiuhe had the foresight to buy up the nearby vacant lots with Chen Siming.


    Now they were proceeding with further development. There were also many people outside Qingfan Tower, with the pond full of green lotus leaves and lotus flowers in full bloom.


    Even more people were taking boat rides, as who wouldn''t want to experience the feeling of "wandering deep into a sea of lotus"?


    So when Shu Yi stood on the bridge, she was fully disguised. But it was no match for the sheer number of people here, including many of Shu Yi''s fans who could recognize her just from her silhouette.


    "Excuse me, are you Shu Yi?" someone asked.


    Shu Yi adjusted her sunsses, never imagining she would be recognized.


    The person asking was a pretty young girl, looking at her eagerly. Shu Yi smiled and made a shushing gesture.


    The girl instantly became excited. She had just randomly encountered her idol!


    "Can I take a picture with you?" she asked.


    "Like this?" Shu Yi pointed to her fully disguised appearance.


    "That must be Shu Yi, right? She looks just like her."


    "It is! Look at her figure, and the color and length of her hair. It''s definitely my goddess."


    "Even though her face is hidden by sunsses and a mask, you can still tell it''s her."


    "There was news yesterday saying Shu Yi had returned from Xiangcheng."


    "It''s her, it''s definitely her."


    Shu Yi was curious how people nowadays had such keen observation skills. The lighting wasn''t even good here, yet they recognized her instantly.


    "Can we take a photo together?"


    "Actually, I''d love an autograph too."


    Seeing that she had been discovered, Shu Yi decided not to hide anymore. She took off her mask and greeted them graciously.


    "One at a time, okay?" she suggested.


    "Of course, of course."


    "Everyone, let''s be orderly and show our quality as Shu Yi''s fans," someone said.


    Suddenly, Shu Yi felt the crowd around her be more organized, lining up to approach her one by one.


    "Goddess, you''re even more beautiful in person than on TV."


    "Thank you."


    "We love you, Shu Shu baby!" After taking photos, people conscientiously moved away.


    "Darling, we''ve taken enough photos. You''re here to eat, right? Hurry and go in, don''t let yourself go hungry," a fan advised.


    It was Shu Yi''s first time realizing her fans were like this.

 Chapter 256

    Shu Yi headed towards the private room that she had previously upied. To her surprise, Chang Zhiyuan was there as well. Shu Yi''s first instinct was to leave, but she noticed that Chang Zhiyuan''s gaze was fixated on her.


    "Shen Yin isn''t here?" Shu Yi asked as she was about to leave. Shen Yin and her family had just entered the room followed by Chang Zhiyuan''s sister, Chang Ningjing, and Tan Xiao who stood beside her.


    "Sis, you''re here too?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.


    "With all due respect, it was Tan Xiao who helped me get you home thest time you had too much to drink. It¡¯s only right that I invite him for a meal," Chang Ningjing replied.


    "What about you two?" Chang Zhiyuan pointed out. He was wondering why they¡¯d appear in this private room. After Shu Yi had sat here, he had exclusively reserved this room for a while. Even when he wasn¡¯t there, no one else would intrude.


    Chen Siming had implicitly agreed that this private room was for their exclusive use, thus, when Shen Yin and Shu Yi arrived, the waiter ushered them straight in.


    As it happened, Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe bumped into Chang Ningjing on their way in. Since the restaurant was bustling and there were no private rooms left, Xu Xiuhe suggested that if Chang Ningjing and Tan Xiao didn¡¯t mind, they could join them in their room.


    Chang Zhiyuan had invited Xu Xiuhe, unaware that Shen Yin had invited Shu Yi and vice versa. And so, after what seemed like a lengthy period, Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan found themselves in the same room once again.


    ¡°There were no private rooms left, and we ran into Xiuhe who said you had a room, so here we are." They exined.


    Chang Zhiyuan never imagined he would bump into Shu Yi here. Although it came as a pleasant surprise, the asion turned out to be quite awkward.


    "Why don''t we all sit down?" Chang Ningjing noted the tension and tried to break it. Shu Yi was left with no option but to stay.


    Reluctantly, she took a seat beside Shen Yin. On Shen Yin''s left were Xu Yunzheng and Xu Xiuhe.


    Chang Ningjing then sat next to Chang Zhiyuan and Tan Xiao also took a seat.


    There they were, six adults and one child, all around one table.


    Shen Yin shot Xu Xiuhe a re, wondering why he didn''t tell her Chang Zhiyuan was there.


    Xu Xiuhe leaned towards Shen Yin''s ear and whispered: ¡°You didn''t tell me you''d invited Shu Yi, either.¡±


    "Yin, I heard that you¡¯re the main nner for Qingfan Tower." Chang Ningjing stated, her tone full of appreciation.


    "It''s all right. It¡¯s just that I find the cultural spirit quite essential, so I recreated an ancient tavern."


    "The ce is a perfect recreation. It''s so dreamy, I felt like I had travelled through time the first time I came here."


    Chang Ningjing¡¯s attention then turned to Shu Yi.


    "Shu Yi, you must surely be familiar with such architecture. You must see it pretty often on set."


    Fearing Shu Yi might feel left out, Chang Ningjing attempted to engage her in the conversation. Having gotten to know Shu Yi, she liked the youngdy especially after learning about her inspirational journey in high school.


    She had told her parents about her admiration for Shu Yi to which Nie Ling replied that she no longer had any say over Chang Zhiyuan''s affairs. He was free to live his life as he saw fit.


    Later, Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi participated in a variety show together. The more she watched it, the better they seemed to fit together. Most importantly, this was the first time Chang Zhiyuan had ever pursued a girl so seriously in his life.


    But then again, she should stop thinking about it. She didn''t even know how to deal with her own feelings, let alone get involved in Chang Zhiyuan''s.


    "Do you guys drink?"


    Chang Ningjing took her own bag and took out a 1.5L bottle of Macan M Lalique crystal whisky.


    Shu Yi shook her head. She had driven to the ce and wouldn''t drink. Besides, she always thought drinking was bad for the body and heart.


    Shen Yin also shook her head.


    "None of you drink?"


    Shu Yi nced at the expensive-looking bottle of alcohol held in Chang Ningjing''s hand. It had a very refined look.


    "Just a little taste won''t hurt. This bottle of Macan is treasured in my collection."


    Chang Ningjing nced at the bottle of whisky. This bottle was not for sale. She had spent about 4 million to auction it from Hong Kong. Had it not been for tonight''s dinner with Tan Xiao, she would not have brought it out, especially not in her oversized handbag.


    After Chang Ningjing took out the bottle, she opened up the bottle cap and poured everyone a small cup.


    "Ningjing, I''m pregnant. You guys drink, I''ll pass."


    Shen Yin exined why she couldn¡¯t drink. Apart from Shu Yi and Xu Xiuhe, everyone else was taken aback, then began to cheer up and congratte her.


    "Pregnancy is wonderful. With a handsome husband like yours, your baby will surely be stunning," said Chang Ningjing. There was a touch of envy in her gaze. For a woman who adored children as she did, her infertility was a lifelong heartache.


    Shen Yin saw the envy in Chang Ningjing''s eyes and felt a surge of emotion. However, she decided not to say anything about it at the dinner table, especially with Tan Xiao, who was Chang Ningjing''s crush, present.


    "Thanks for the rescuest time," Shen Yin said to Tan Xiao.


    Tan Xiao, because of his job, looked mighty and heroic.


    "No need to thank me. It''s my duty. And you¡¯re friends with my schoolmate," Tan Xiao said, looking towards Chang Ningjing.


    Although Shen Yin didn¡¯t understand emotions and love, she now clearly saw the mutual hidden admiration between Tan Xiao and Chang Ningjing.


    "Looks like my son will have a little sister soon," Chang Zhiyuan interjected, trying to assert his presence.


    "Zhiyuan, you need to buckle up," Tan Xiao said. He knew Chang Zhiyuan had feelings for Shu Yi, but he did not understand why, like him, Chang Zhiyuan also chose to love her from afar.


    But Chang Zhiyuan was different. He had apany. Besides, if the information on the inte was correct, he was Shu Yi''s boss, so why would he choose to love her from afar?


    "Indeed, I should try harder. But this isn''t something I can decide on my own." Chang Zhiyuan''s gaze drifted towards Shu Yi.


    Shu Yi immediately lowered her head again and drew out a tissue to wipe her hands.


    Aware that he had upset Shu Yi again, Chang Zhiyuan changed the subject to Tan Xiao.


    "Tan Xiao, it''s a bit riching from you. If I remember correctly, you are a year older than me. You should hurry up too. You can''t follow my sister''s path. She''s been solo for 30 years now.¡±


    Among those present, apart from Tan Xiao and Xu Yunzheng, everyone else knew that Chang Ningjing had liked Tan Xiao for as long as 13 years.


    Thirteen years. How many thirteen years can one have in a lifetime?


    "People have never stopped chasing after my sister, it''s just that she has high standards." Tan Xiao responded.


    "My sister has decent taste, doesn''t she?"


    Chang Ningjing, sitting under the table, stomped on Chang Zhiyuan''s foot. This cheeky boy, he always managed to bring the conversation back to her.


    "Over these many years, haven''t you met a suitable boy yet?" Tan Xiao tentatively asked.


    Chang Ningjing stomped on Chang Zhiyuan''s foot again. It was all his fault. Otherwise, Tan Xiao would never have asked such a question.


    Shu Yi heaved a sigh of relief as she ced a piece of vegetable onto Yunzheng''s te, she was relieved that the conversation had finally moved on from her.

 Chapter 257

    Chang Ningjing only wanted to shift the topic away from herself. So she mentioned that it had been a long time since she had seen Xue Jingrui.


    "Jingrui is at home taking care of the children. They suddenly got two babies, twins - a boy and a girl," Chang Zhiyuan said.


    "That''s wonderful. The probability of boy-girl twins is very low," Chang Ningjing''s tone still carried a hint of envy.


    "Yes, Jingrui is now a stay-at-home dad," Chang Zhiyuan added.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe now felt that the food at Qingfan Tower didn''t taste as good anymore. The two couples in love were sitting right across from them, clearly in love with each other but hiding and concealing it. One couple was even more frustrating than the other, and the two of them had no appetite for their meal.


    For some reason, during these gatherings, Xu Yunzheng was always the only one at the table eating contentedly without a care in the world.


    "What are the two babies called?" Chang Ningjing asked.


    "Suisui Niannian," the little one mumbled while nibbling on a piece of chicken.


    "What do you mean by Suisui Niannian?" Chang Ningjing, who naturally loved children, started chatting with Zhengzheng upon hearing his words.


    "The little brother and sister are called Suisui Niannian."


    Shen Yin couldn''t bear it anymore and said with augh, "The two babies are named Sui Sui and Nian Nian. Their formal names are Xue Le''an for the boy and Xue Leyu for the girl."


    "Those names sound so nice. Jingrui is indeed more cultured than Zhiyuan."


    "Sis, is that how you talk about your own brother? Besides, haven''t you noticed that your name and mine are also cultured?"


    Ningjing yizhiyuan (tranquility leads to far-reaching goals) was indeed quite cultured, Chang Ningjing thought. At least they hadn''t named her something like Zhaodi or Laidi.


    "Yes, yes, they are. But it''s not like you came up with them. What''s wrong with me saying Jingrui is more cultured than you?"


    "When I have children in the future, I''ll definitely give them names that are no worse than Jingrui''s."


    "Ahem, you''re just talking big. You''re not even married yet, where are you going to get children to name?"


    The siblings'' daily banter continued, neither giving an inch. Chang Zhiyuan suddenly deted again.


    He wanted to get married too.


    "It''s nice to have siblings. You always have someone to bicker with. Unlike me, I''ve been alone since childhood, with no one to talk to when I wanted to," Tan Xiao said, taking a sip of his Macan whisky.


    "You only say that because you don''t have siblings. If you did, you wouldn''t think that way," Shen Yin remarked.


    "Yin Yin, don''t you have an older brother too?"


    "Yes, my brother has always thought I was ugly. Even now that I''m married, he still bickers with me."


    "That''s nice. If possible, it''s best for a family to have two children," Tan Xiao said.


    Hearing this, Chang Ningjing felt another pang of sadness. Tan Xiao was probably like her, fond of children, but...


    "How''s this whisky?"


    "It''s alright, quite mellow and fragrant," Xu Xiuhe said.


    The topic had dampened Chang Ningjing''s mood considerably, so she stood up and said, "I''m going to the restroom."


    Shen Yin watched Chang Ningjing leave the private room, her retreating figure seemingly revealing her loneliness. She tapped Xu Xiuhe on the arm.


    Xu Xiuhe naturally knew what Shen Yin wanted to do, so he nodded.


    "I feel like going to the restroom too. I''ll go now," Shen Yin said as she stood up and left the room.


    The restroom at Qingfan Tower was quite secluded, located in the farthest corner. When Shen Yin arrived, Chang Ningjing was already washing her hands at the sink.


    "Shen Yin, why did youe out?"


    "It was too stuffy in there. I came out for some fresh air," Shen Yin said.


    She actually had no intention of using the restroom, so she just went to the sink next to Chang Ningjing and washed her hands.


    While washing, she nced at Chang Ningjing''s hands and said, "Sister Ningjing, your hands are so beautiful, both fair and long."


    Chang Ningjing stretched out her hand, looked at it, and said, "Really? You''re just good with words. Look at your own hands, they''re beautiful too."


    Shen Yin also extended her hand. Her fingers were long and slender, like spring onions, indeed beautiful. But the issue at hand wasn''t whose hands were more attractive.


    "They''re fine, but I feel like your fingers are longer than mine. Why don''t we dry our hands andpare?"


    "Sure."


    The two dried their hands but didn''t leave. They stood in front of the sink outside the restroom and held out their hands.


    Both hands were beautiful, each with its own characteristics. As they ced them side by side, Shen Yin said, "See, your fingers are indeed a bit longer than mine."


    "But your hands are fairer than mine."


    "No way, I think your wrists are more slender than mine," Shen Yin said, taking the opportunity to grasp Chang Ningjing''s wrist.


    "Is that so? From my perspective, I think your wrists are more slender."


    "Let me measure," Shen Yin grasped again, this time cing her index and middle fingers on Chang Ningjing''s pulse point.


    There was indeed an issue with the pulse. Shen Yin put down Chang Ningjing''s left hand and then held her right hand.


    Not only was there cold energy in her body, but also a lot of dampness. It was probably the root cause of her illness. With such a body, how could she bear children?


    "Sister Ningjing, do you experience a lot of pain during your period?" Shen Yin asked.


    "How did you know? The pain is unbearable. I can''t even go to work for those few days each month."


    "Would you believe me if I said I could tell just by taking your pulse just now?"


    "Really? Is pulse diagnosis that magical?" Chang Ningjing was surprised. She had seen many traditional Chinese medicine doctors throughout her life, mainly because of the severe pain. The doctors'' answers were always that she had a cold constitution, and they prescribed Chinese herbal medicine for treatment. But even after drinking so much, there was no effect. The doctors could only say that it had been too long and couldn''t be cured. So she didn''t have much faith in traditional Chinese medicine.


    "It really is. Why else do you think the country is promoting traditional Chinese medicine and culture so vigorously now? There must be some illnesses that are better treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Pulse diagnosis has been well-established since the Jin Dynasty."


    "Have you studied it?"


    "I suppose you could say that. I''ve been interested in it since I was young, so I researched it and read all kinds of traditional Chinese medicine books. I know a little bit about it."


    Shen Yin was being modest. In fact, when she was in the Dasheng Dynasty, she did study it out of interest, reading books and asking imperial doctors. She only had a superficial understanding then, but who knew that aftering here, her skills would be amplified? On top of her basic knowledge, she learned a billion more little things.


    "Why is the cold energy so severe?" Shen Yin asked, already knowing the answer.


    "When I was young, I fell into a pond during my period," Chang Ningjing didn''t try to hide it.


    "Oh no, did it leave anysting effects?"


    "It did. I can''t have children," Chang Ningjing said in a small voice, as if she had shed her outer shell.


    "Have you sought treatment? I feel like your pulse doesn''t indicateplete infertility."

 Chapter 258

    Chang Ningjing''s eyes lit up as if she saw hope yet quickly dimmed again, "Is that so? I''ve seen all sorts of doctors, both Western and Chinese medicine."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She traveled to many cities, always on her own, getting secret treatments without anyone knowing, but she was still infertile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Gradually, she had given up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''ve seen so many doctors, and at first they all said there''s hope, but after the treatments, it''s always the same." <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Ningjing''s mood was extremely low, this experience of seeing light, and then having that light die out, was indeed crushing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is there a possibility that they didn''t treat the root of the problem?" Shen Yin spected.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ah, let''s leave it to fate." Chang Ningjing sighed. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Why don''t I give it a try? Don''t raise your hopes too high, if it can be cured, consider it an unexpected joy."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°All right then, I y the guinea pig for you.¡± <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After saying this, both Chang Ningjing and Shen Yinughed. Someone wasing to the restroom, so they didn''t stay there any longer and went straight back to their private room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the private room, Shu Yi was still taking care of Xu Yunzheng''s meal to ease her own awkwardness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan asionally stole nces at Shu Yi, while Tan Xiao and Xu Xiuhe started to chat while eating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Yunzheng raised his head and called out: "Mom."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "My dear." <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "My dear, what do you want to call me?" Chang Ningjing asked the little one with a smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Yunzheng looked at Chang Ningjing and Shen Yin, finally returned his gaze to Chang Ningjing. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Beautiful aunt.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Ah, so well-behaved.¡± <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Ningjing was overjoyed. Not only did he call her auntie, but he also called her beautiful auntie. The little darling really had a way with words. He would surely win the hearts of girls in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You two came back together?" Chang Zhiyuan asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What, Xu Xiuhe hasn''t said anything, the little guy hasn''t said anything, and you''ve started to inquire?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Fine, fine, you''re older, you have the final say." Chang Zhiyuan took another sip of his drink. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The table resumed its original atmosphere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Zhiyuan, drink less, this alcohol is strong, if you get drunk likest time, there will be no one to send you home."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sis."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Upon hearing Chang Ningjing say this, Chang Zhiyuan guiltily nced at Shu Yi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Shu Yi heard Chang Ningjing mention Chang Zhiyuan''s drinking and getting drunk, her heart started to fluctuate. Chang Ningjing knowingly or unknowingly took a peek at Shu Yi and could see the momentary pause in Shu Yi''s movements. She knew then she hit the nail.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Shu Yi, is it hectic filming recently? It must be tiring." Chang Ningjing asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s okay, I was on the set recently, just came back yesterday for some rest."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I love your shows, what is the theme of this recently one?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Ningjing intentionally tried to make friendly advances.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Thanks, Ningjing, the recent one is a suspense drama."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Can we connect on WeChat? When the drama airs, I will support it right away."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sure."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Ningjing took out her phone, opened WeChat, and Shu Yi also took out her phone, turned on her QR code. After adding each other, Chang Ningjing, contented, sent a knowing smile towards Chang Zhiyuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan hung his head, taking another sip of wine. Fortunately, everyone had eaten, and it was gettingte. Shen Yin nced at the time and suggested it was time to leave.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, we should go. Arrange for a driver since we¡¯ve had wine,¡± advised Shen Yin. Although Xu Xiuhe was not drunk, drunk driving was against thew.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As the captain of the SWAT team, Tan Xiao would naturally obey thew.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Zhiyuan, I¡¯ll get a driver for you. My assistant wille to pick me up and take Tan Xiao back. As for Shu Yi¡­¡±


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°I didn¡¯t drink. I can drive,¡± Shu Yi quickly stated.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Can you drive me back then? I¡¯ve had drinks.¡± Chang Zhiyuan uttered these words with torrent eyes, although he realized he might have crossed a line.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Never mind, consider it a dream. You wouldn¡¯t drive me, too heartless,¡± he said with an exaggerated whimper.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Ningjing rubbed her forehead, she felt so embarrassed. She wished she could disown her younger brother for his pitiful performance.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yet, what Chang Zhiyuan had just said, his tone, and expression softened Shu Yi¡¯s heart.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive you.¡±


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Really? Shu Yiru, I promise to behave. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A bit wobbly, Chang Zhiyuan staggered to Shu Yi¡¯s side.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The group headed down the building. Chen Siming, knowing they were leaving, personally saw them off.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Drive safe. Let me know when you¡¯re home.¡±


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Will do.¡±


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan sat on the passenger''s side, staring at Shu Yi.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Stop staring at me, I need to drive.¡± Shu Yi dared not meet Chang Zhiyuan¡¯s gaze.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°You know, you¡¯re beautiful. It¡¯s been so long since I saw you. Your photos don¡¯t do you justice,¡± Chang Zhiyuan muttered.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen my photos?¡± Shu Yi seemed interested.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Of course. Look at my phone. Your photo is my screensaver.¡±


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan unlocked his phone. Shu Yi¡¯s portrait was his wallpaper. Long hair, a ck gown, and a red backdrop. To describe in two words, stunning. Three words? Absolutely stunning.


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°How did you get this photo of me?¡±


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Shu Yiru, don¡¯t be silly. You¡¯re an employee of mypany, my artist. I¡¯m your boss. Isn¡¯t it normal for me to have your portraits? Your reaction is too exaggerated.¡±


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Was she exaggerating? Without her consent, Chang Zhiyuan had used her photo as his wallpaper. As the subject of the photo, wasn¡¯t it normal for her to be surprised?


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°I even have your portfolio at home. Would you like to see it? They are all beautiful, but none as beautiful as you. These photographers can¡¯t capture your real value, so annoying. Going back, I''m going to fire any photographer who couldn¡¯t take a good picture of you.¡±


    <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Chang Zhiyuan, can you stop being childish? It¡¯s normal for a photo to be slightly different than real life. You can¡¯t me the photographers.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s the photographer''s fault for sure. Everyone else has a normal photo, except for this one actress who can''t act. The photos she took look far better than she herself looks in person. I''m going to discuss this with them tomorrow," said Chang Zhiyuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi remained silent. This guy Chang Zhiyuan was behaving like a child, eager and spontaneous. And he was a bigpany''s CEO! If anyone were to find out how he behaves once drunk, it would be a great embarrassment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Give me the address," he demanded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What address?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your house address. I need to take you home, understand?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I don''t want to go home. It''s not easy for me to see you. I can''t bear to go back. I fear I won''t see you anymore if I go back," he confessed, sounding vulnerable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi''s patience was diminishing. What was she supposed to do? She liked him too. She felt weak-hearted now, and it was quite impossible for her to just abandon him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "So what do you want? I need to go home."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You could take me home, just like before. I want to go home with you," he pleaded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Alright! Shu Yi turned the ignition key, starting the car. On their way back, Chang Zhiyuan was jovial, non-stopughing and constantly gazing at Shu Yi. His eyes never left her face even for a second. He looked like the good-for-nothing heir of a wealthy family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Surely enough, Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe had reached home and given the child a bath. Theyy in the bed after putting the child to sleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Today, Xu Guimin visited me," Xu Xiuhe informed Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "He didn''te again asking for your help, did he? He left on his ownst time. Why is he calling you now?" Shen Yin inquired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe pulled Shen Yin closer into his arms, and Shen Yin adjusted her position forfort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No, he asked me about the remark I madest time. About his ident, that it was not as simple as it appears," said Xu Xiuhe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "He''s asking about that incident now? It''s been six months already. Is he still retaining that memory?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "He might be getting feelings about ittely."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I always felt suspicious about his ident. I always thought Yang Cui and Xu Zhengyang might have something to do with it. I''m just waiting to have a dream about it, then it will be confirmed," she mused.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Meanwhile, at a vi owned by the Xu family, Ge Xinxiny on her bed scrolling through videos on her phone. A call came in and her facial expression changed considerably. She was tentative but she answered it anyway.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hello, how many times do I need to tell you this? I have a boyfriend now. He''s very caring, wealthy too, can''t you guys stop bothering me?" demanded Ge Xinxin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xinxin, please hear me out. I didn''t mean to, it wasn''t intentional. My motive was purely to ensure a better lifestyle for us in the future. That''s why I had sent you to please Xu Zhengyang," the caller tried to justify.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "There''s no need for an exnation. I should be thanking you instead. Thanks to your scheme, I had the opportunity to meet up with the scion of a wealthy n and the chance to enter a privileged life!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Xinxin¡­¡± he trailed off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Enough already, I can also make decisions for myself. If you can betray your girlfriend for a petty coboration, then can''t I break up with you for future wealth and prosperity? I know how to choose between being a young mistress of a rich family and a g wife. Don''t disturb me anymore."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After finishing, Ge Xinxin hung up the phone. She did not regret her choice one bit. After all, a woman needs to be practical and live for herself. She is grateful that she is carrying Xu Zhengyang''s child, which puts her one step closer to the position of young mistress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, she is not a fool. She can see that Xu Zhengyang''s mother, Yang Cui, doesn''t want her to marry into the Xu family because of her humble background. Wealthy families would generally not ept someone like her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But she is not anxious, for the baby in her belly is her trump card. No matter how lowly her status is, didn''t Yang Cui also rise from being a mistress? To be frank, she is far more upright than Yang Cui. She is much younger than Yang Cui and as long as her child is on her side in the future, she doesn''t have anything to fear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She could always outlive the old woman. Her life wouldn''t be bad and she certainly won''tck money. She doesn''t care about being nameless and shareless because she knows that the Xu family values the baby in her belly very much.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Oh my baby, you will definitely help me, won''t you? I''ve had enough of the poor life. I don''t want to rent a house anymore, or go drinking with men for their sake. Here''s our opportunity, we have to seize it ourselves, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin caressed her belly as she spoke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In Xu Guimin''s room, Yang Cui was sitting in front of the dressing table, observing her skin carefully while applying a facial mask.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Suddenly, a face appeared in the mirror.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Oh my gosh, honey, you scared me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yang Cuiined, patting her chest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I just came to see how you are applying your mask, and you got scared? When did you be so timid?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin looked on with interest, observing Yang Cui''s expressions in his pajamas.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The way Yang Cui acted was clearly different from usual. Could it really be as Xu Xiuhe said?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Cui Cui, why are you so nervous, is it because you think I''m old and you have someone outside?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin probed deliberately, he knew that Yang Cui wouldn''t dare, and that she still needed him. He just wanted to see her reaction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Honey, what are you talking about? How could I possibly betray you? Besides, you''re so amazing, how could I possibly..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yang Cui started to y the pity card, almost in tears, while clinging onto Xu Guimin''s arm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I was just messing with you. Look at how scared you were, you were about to drop your phone. Just because my face suddenly appeared in the mirror, you were this terrified? Can I not be suspicious?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin justified his actions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Well, it''s a mirror. There are many horrifying stories about mirrors, isn''t it normal for me to be scared? After all, I''m just a weak woman."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yang Cui acted coy, her voice gentle and seductive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "My bad, I just wanted to tease you. Don''t worry, there''s nothing to be scared of."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin reached out and patted Yang Cui''s shoulder, his gaze changing. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When they went to sleep at night, Yang Cui was the one clinging to him, but Xu Guimin couldn''t sleep at all. He kept thinking about what Xu Xiuhe had said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had always been a good swimmer. How could he suddenly drown? He himself wouldn''t believe it if he told anyone. It was no wonder that the old man from the Shen family scoffed at him. It was downright embarrassing, to be a swimmer who ended up in the ICU because he had nearly drowned. Wasn''t that a joke?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But if he was victimized, then this matter would need to be reconsidered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unable to sleep, Xu Guimin got up and made his way to his study to think. Close to midnight, he mustered up the courage and headed for the yard of the Xu''s vi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The dream, and the figure of Sun Wenting, was constantly in his mind. He wanted to see what would happen when he went to the poolside this time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But halfway there, Xu Guimin faltered. He had to psych himself up, to bolster his courage, before making his way to the poolside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As he got closer, he grew more fearful. There were actually soundsing from the pool in the dead of night, and Xu Guimin was petrified.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, curiosity got the better of him. Thus, he lightened his footsteps and started moving slowly towards that direction. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The nearer he got to the pool, the faster his heart beat. It felt as if his heart was going to leap out of his chest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 259

    As Xu Guimin approached the swimming pool, he kept trying to muster up his courage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Finally, he could hear some voices more clearly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Zhengyang, slow down."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin turned on his phone''s shlight and shone it over. Hearing Zhengyang''s name made him feel a little less afraid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Who''s there?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There was a ssh from the pool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin moved closer, shining his light on the part of the pool where he had heard the voices. The water''s surface rippled with waves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin continued forward, determined to see for himself whether there were people or ghosts in the water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Come out!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin shone the light directly at that spot. Bubbles were stilling up from the water, but no one was responding to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If you don''te out, I''m going to call people to drag the pool," Xu Guimin said sternly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''ll count to three. One, two..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before Xu Guimin could reach three, someone emerged from underwater.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad. It''s me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin was startled. "What are you doing here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man clearly hadn''t expected to find his own son in the swimming pool, much less his son embracing a woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, it''s me. Don''t be angry."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What''s going on here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The woman in Xu Zhengyang''s arms clung to him, showing only her back to Xu Guimin. She was wearing a swimsuit, so Xu Guimin couldn''t make out her face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Zhengyang just called out once. As a man himself, Xu Guimin of course knew what his son was up to.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Who is she?" Xu Guimin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The woman buried her head even lower. Whoever she was, being caught like this was truly embarrassing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''ll turn around. You two get out and put some clothes on first, then we''ll talk."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After saying this, Xu Guimin turned his back to them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Two minutester, Xu Guimin heard movement behind him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, we''re ready."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin turned around. The two had wrapped themselves in towels. Xu Guimin focused his gaze on the woman, feeling she looked familiar but unable to ce where he had seen her before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Who are you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin kept his eyes fixed on the woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before she could finish, Xu Guimin realized who she was - the family''s housekeeper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What were you thinking? Isn''t the house big enough for you? Of all ces to go in the middle of the night, you choose the swimming pool. Is it for the thrill, or some other experience?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin was furious. He knew Xu Zhengyang always had girlfriends and didn''t usually interfere in his son''s personal affairs. But he never imagined his son would act so inappropriately in the family pool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Go back and reflect on your actions. Your girlfriend is pregnant, and this is how you behave? How inconsiderate can you be?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "And you," he turned to the woman, "as a housekeeper, don''t you know what you should and shouldn''t do? Tomorrow morning, pack your things and leave."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Meanwhile, at Ziyue Manor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi was lying awake again. After much thought, she realized it was her own fault. Her soft-heartedness had led her to agree to Chang Zhiyuan''s request to bring her back. She had brought this upon herself, making the same mistake over and over. But she couldn''t help it - seeing him in such pain made her suffer too. It wasn''t just Chang Zhiyuan who had been drinking; she had been drinking as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Usually, when she was working on set, she didn''t dare drink. Filming from dawn to dusk left her exhausted and with no energy to think about rtionship matters. But once she had some downtime, she couldn''t help but think of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had always known she was a hopeless romantic, trying her best to control it, constantly torn between reason and emotion. On her days off, she would have a little drink to help her sleep, but in the middle of the night...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She would still dream of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As usual, Shu Yi went downstairs to the kitchen cab where she kept her hidden stash of alcohol.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as she reached the first floor, she was startled. The lights were off, and Chang Zhiyuan was sitting on the sofa, just a dark silhouette.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Why aren''t you sleeping? What are you doing here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi put a hand to her chest, trying to calm herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Thinking about you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi was momentarily speechless, then said, "You''ve been drinking. Go to bed quickly."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan seemed not to have heard Shu Yi''s words and continued staring nkly at the TV.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi didn''t linger downstairs. After finding a bottle of alcohol in the kitchen cab, she went straight back upstairs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan followed her up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Why are you following me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "To look at you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What''s there to look at?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi, holding the bottle, turned her head and continued climbing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I want to drink too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan''s voice was small, like a child whining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''ve already had a lot to drink tonight. Go to sleep."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Can''t sleep."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi sighed. There was a bar next to the balcony on the second floor. She gave up trying to persuade Chang Zhiyuan to go to bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So, the two of them sat down on the chairs by the bar, facing each other, on the balcony at one in the morning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan started drinking, one ss after another.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I still like you, woman. I order you to unblock me immediately."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan used the meekest tone to say the toughest words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What? Blocked? When did I ever block you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi looked at her phone, shaking her head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hehe, you''re drunk," Chang Zhiyuan said, looking at Shu Yi with a silly grin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m not drunk. I''m perfectly sober. How am I drunk? Don''t say I''m drunk. Hmph!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After saying this, Shu Yi passed out, her face on the bar.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You say you''re not drunk, but look at you now. Stubborn girl."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Using hisst bit of consciousness, Chang Zhiyuan took Shu Yi''s hand and used her fingerprint to unlock her phone. He opened her contacts and scrolled through but couldn''t find his name.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I don''t even have a name in her phone." After saying this, Chang Zhiyuan had a sudden idea. He input his own phone number and, surprisingly, there was an entry with a note.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dog Man."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing these words, Chang Zhiyuan''s first reaction was anger. Why had shebeled him as "Dog Man"? How was he like a dog? But then he smiled happily. Having abel was better than having none at all. And "Dog Man" was special, wasn''t it? Dogs were great, after all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dog Man, ah, Dog Man~~"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan started singing to himself, then picked up his ss and took a couple of big gulps before passing out as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The two of them remained slumped at the bar all night until 9 am the next morning when Shu Yi finally woke up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She stretched her neck and yawned, opening her eyes to see Chang Zhiyuan''s face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her mind quickly recapped the events of the previous night: she couldn''t sleep, went downstairs for a drink, Chang Zhiyuan shamelessly followed her up, then they drank a lot, and after that... she couldn''t remember.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi felt sore all over. Who in their right mind would sleep sitting up all night? She must have some serious issues.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan suddenly opened his eyes, immediately seeing Shu Yi''s face. He instantly felt like he was dreaming or hallucinating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Can I kiss you, woman?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chang Zhiyuan wanted to take advantage of what he thought was a dream to do things he couldn''t normally do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As he said this, he leaned in, moving his lips towards Shu Yi''s face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi was dumbfounded. What was wrong with him so early in the morning? She quickly raised her left hand and pressed it against Chang Zhiyuan''s face, pushing him away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 260

    "Shu Yueru, oh Shu Yueru, you disobedient woman. You even resist me in dreams. I won''t allow it."


    As Chang Zhiyuan spoke, he leaned his face closer.


    "Chang Zhiyuan, this isn''t a dream!"


    Chang Zhiyuan was pushed away by Shu Yi once again before he realized. This wasn''t a dream; this was reality. How embarrassing. Just now, he had...


    "Ahem, I thought it was a dream," Chang Zhiyuan said, scratching his head.


    "Boss, you''re sober now. You can go home."


    "I don''t have a car."


    "You have a phone and an assistant."


    "I don''t want to leave."


    "You..." Shu Yi was speechless. How could someone be so thick-skinned?


    "Now that we''re both sober and have time, can we sit down and talk properly about our issues?"


    Chang Zhiyuan pleaded.


    Shu Yi also calmed down, her eyes fixed on Chang Zhiyuan. She could clearly see an unprecedented seriousness on his face.


    "How do you want to talk?"


    They sat face to face, their eyes locked on each other.


    "I know what you''re worried about. My parents won''t bother you again in the future."


    Chang Zhiyuan got straight to the point.


    "Do you know that there''s already a huge disparity between our social statuses? Most of the time, two people in love find it very difficult to end up together."


    Shu Yi spoke with equal seriousness.


    "I know, but problems are meant to be ovee. We like each other, so why can''t we be together? We''re not minors, nor are we married. We''re both single, so why is it so hard for us to be together? I know my parents approached you, and that''s my fault. But they can''t make decisions for me. I''m financially independent and I don''t live with them. If I insist, they won''t bother you again. You might say they still won''t ept you in their hearts, but so what? I''m the one who will be living with you, not them. You don''t need to care about what they think at all. As Xiu He once said, the only person who can apany you to the end is your partner."


    Chang Zhiyuan spoke at length, expressing all the thoughts he had been holding back.


    "Are you finished?"


    "Your turn. I want to hear your thoughts."


    "I don''t know what I think. My mind is a mess right now."


    "What''s there to be confused about? Our rtionship is between us and no one else. If we''re together, you don''t need to worry about your career at all. Your fans don''t care about your personal life. They just want you to be happy, no matter what. Besides, you''ve gotten to where you are today because of your acting skills and talent. What are you afraid of? Are you worried about the difference in our social status? Do you think your background isn''t good enough for me?"


    Chang Zhiyuan paused, and Shu Yi seemed to be pondering.


    "No one can choose their birth circumstances. That''s not our fault. But we have the right to pursue love. So what if my family has some money? I feel like I''m not good enough for you. You''re young and beautiful. As for me, I had a bad reputation before, and I''m older than you. I should be the one feeling unworthy. What''s wrong with you? You can earn money, and you''re smart. It''s just my parents'' outdated views that made them say those things to you. You''re excellent. Others might not know how you''ve made it this far, but I do. It''s not easy for a girl in the entertainment industry. You were just a little luckier than others, but everything else you''ve achieved, you deserve."


    Chang Zhiyuan hadn''t forgotten what he learned when he investigated her past, how she had risen from obscurity to her current position.


    She took notes while acting, repeatedly observed veteran actors'' techniques, constantly studied scripts to understand character profiles, workedte and rose early, neverined, never argued with directors, never deliberately tried to get close to directors. She just quietly did her job, neither fighting nor grabbing, but diligently practicing her acting skills.


    The hardships she endured behind the scenes, perhaps only she knew.


    "Marriages without parental blessings are often unhappy," Shu Yi finally said after a long pause.


    "You said ''often,'' not always. We can''t generalize like that. There are always exceptions. Sometimes, parents'' opinions aren''t always right. We''re adults now, capable of independent thinking and knowing what we want. Why should we give up something precious because of their opinions? Shu Yueru, let me tell you this: I won''t marry anyone but you in this life. We''ll get through this together. If you think it''s because of my parents, that''s okay. They''re 30 years older than us after all, and we''ll oust them. But I''ll say it again: we don''t need their blessing. As long as I firmly choose you, what does their opinion matter? I''m not using their money now, and they can''t control me. My sister likes you very much too. What else are you afraid of?"


    "You''ve said too much."


    Since waking up, Chang Zhiyuan''s mouth hadn''t stopped moving, spouting one rationale after another. He was just short of citing examples. But Shu Yi believed that with Chang Zhiyuan''s personality, he was capable of doing just that. He might go and find many examples of marriages that weren''t blessed by parents but turned out well, and present them to her.


    "Woman, do you see? This couple wasn''t blessed by their parents, but they grew old together happily. This couple had a huge status gap between their families, but they..."


    Shu Yi imagined in her mind.


    Chang Zhiyuan was observing Shu Yi beside her.


    "Have you made up your mind?"


    "About what?"


    "Marry me, date me, or have children with me. Choose one. It''s a must-answer question."


    "Can I choose none?"


    "No."


    Shu Yi''s mind was in a fog. Chang Zhiyuan had said too much today.


    "Can you give me some time to think about it?"


    Shu Yi said after nearly a minute of contemtion.


    "Alright, but I don''t want to wait too long. Rest assured, my parents will never bother you again. And don''t worry, if we really end up together and get married, we definitely won''t live with them."


    Chang Zhiyuan could guarantee this point. He wasn''t living with them now, so how could he possibly live with them after getting married?


    "I''ll give you three days to think it over slowly."


    After saying this, Chang Zhiyuan left Ziyue Manor on his own, giving Shu Yi private space to think.


    Shu Yi was indeed moved by Chang Zhiyuan''s words, but she felt there was still a hurdle in her heart that she couldn''t ovee.


    "Hey, Yin Yin."


    "I''m here."


    "I don''t know what to do anymore."

 Chapter 261

    After listening to Shu Yi''s words, Shen Yin was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Listen to your own heart, follow what you feel inside."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi instantly understood on the other end of the line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In reality, Shen Yin hadn''t said anything specific, yet she had said everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She couldn''t interfere in this matter. As the saying goes, "Advise reconciliation, not separation." But what ifter on, the two of them ended up unhappy? Wouldn''t she then be the one to me?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So Shen Yin could only tell her to make her own choice and follow her heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mommy, look at the picture I drew!" Zhengzheng came running over on her little legs, holding a sheet of A4 paper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What is this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin had just hung up the phone. She crouched down and took the drawing from Zhengzheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This is Flower and me, and this is Mommy," the little one pointed at the figures in the drawing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin held up the picture andpared it. Flower didn''t look like Flower, Zhengzheng didn''t look like Zhengzheng, and she didn''t look like herself either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But children have their own ideas and imagination, and Shen Yin didn''t want to discourage her little one''s enthusiasm for drawing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So she praised her, "Zhengzheng, you did a great job."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Who''s this?" Shen Yin pointed to another small figure in the drawing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That''s my little sister."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After saying this, Xu Yunzheng looked at Shen Yin''s belly. The pregnancy was still in its early stages, not showing yet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Who says children don''t understand anything? Children actually know everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Where''s Daddy?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Daddy went out to earn money to support us," the little one said very seriously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How about Mommy goes out to earn money too?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No, Daddy told Zhengzheng to take good care of Mommy and little sister."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Oh, you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin gently tapped the little one''s nose.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She then took the child to Qingfan Tower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Business at Qingfan Tower was getting better day by day, even surpassing some small tourist attractions. Many people came specifically to experience the daily life of ancient people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Listening to music, ying chess, reading books, appreciating paintings, watching dances.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As the flow of visitors increased, the surroundingnd was already being expanded. Chen Siming was already a clever person, and with Shen Yin''s ideas, the local economy had been stimted. It had truly be a dark horse in the recent restaurant industry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At this time, Xu Xiuhe was busy at Heyuan Group. Others might not know why he had been working overtime recently, but Shen Yin knew that Xu Xiuhe just wanted to get Xu Group back as soon as possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He wanted to present Xu Group as a gift to Shen Yin before she gave birth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, acquiring a group wasn''t an easy task. The first thing Xu Xiuhe did was to negotiate partnerships, contacting all thepanies that had stable cooperation with Xu Group before, openlypeting for Xu Zhengyang''s business.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Zhengyang wasn''t particrly stupid, he could see that Xu Xiuhe was intentionally suppressing him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin had also returned to Xu Group. He hadn''t been to thepany for half a year. When he arrived at thepany, he toured every floor, observing thepany''s recent development. He could naturally see that thepany had been on a downward trendtely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After careful consideration, he called Xu Xiuhe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Xu Xiuhe saw the iing call, his first reaction was to hang up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thinking this, he actually did it, directly pressing the red disconnect button.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin didn''t give up and called again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hello, Xiuhe."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If you have something to say, just say it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''ve been suppressing Xu Group recently, haven''t you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How I do things doesn''t seem to have much to do with you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Why are you doing this?" Xu Guimin asked in a calm tone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe clearly hadn''t expected Xu Guimin''s tone to be so calm on the other end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What I do has nothing to do with you. How did Xu Group end up in this state? Don''t you know in your heart?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xiuhe, why are you doing this? I''m your father. In the future, thispany will definitely belong to both of you. What''s the point of what you''re doing now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Who says it belongs to both of us? It can only be mine. Oh, I forgot to tell you, that son of yours really isn''t suited for business. In the past six months, Xu Group hasn''t even ranked."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Was what you saidst time true?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Do I have any reason to deceive you? Let me give you a warning, be careful or you might not even know how you died in the end."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe hung up after saying this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had be so strong that he felt no ripples when facing Xu Guimin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After hanging up, Xu Xiuhe called Shen Yin. Before Shen Yin was pregnant, he used to call only two or three times a day. Now, he called whenever he had a free moment, afraid that Shen Yin might identally bump or knock into something.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He even had the idea of making Shen Yin stay at home all day without moving. To be honest, he was a bit envious of Liu Bo outside, whose wife was always right in front of him, how nice that must be.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hello, this is the second time."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''re even keeping count?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Of course."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is it almost lunchtime?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe asked. Ever since Shen Yin became pregnant, he hadn''t even discussed it with her before hiring many housekeepers and nutritionists at home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before, Shen Yin didn''t want many people in the house, but now she had no choice but to agree. Being pregnant, how could she go into the kitchen and smell the cooking fumes?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Not yet, I''m at Qingfan Tower with Zhengzheng."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It seems like Qingfan Tower is your home now. Before it was Qinghe Vi, now it''s Qingfan Tower, who knows which tower it''ll be next."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe teased.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Not at all, I have nothing to do. I''ve already listened to you, I don''t even go to the martial arts gym myself now, I only go to the studio once every two weeks, and I have nothing to do with the Chinese furniture business. I''m bored every day."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is it boring to see me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ahem, Zhengzheng is hungry, we''re going to eat now." Shen Yin hung up the phone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After having lunch with Yunzheng, Shen Yin began to ponder again about how to manage all these newly built Song dynasty-style buildings around her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Should they be directly categorized and separated into tea houses, restaurants, and other leisure ces?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Originally, she and Chen Siming just wanted to create a unique restaurant, but clearly now, it had gone beyond just being a restaurant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Suddenly, Shen Yin had an idea. After she and Xu Yunzheng finished lunch, she wanted to rest, but Qingfan Tower didn''t have amodation. The restaurant also didn''t offer lodging services.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But this area was already remote, with few nearby amodation options, and the environment was generally average. So, they absolutely needed to build a hotel.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If the hotel was built like Qingfan Tower, it would definitely have to be in the Song dynasty style. Even the interior decoration andyout should be like ancient times. That way, it would be more attractive and show more cultural charm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the afternoon, Shen Yin recorded all her ideas and then sent them to Xu Xiuhe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Honey, I originally wanted to give you Xu Group, but now I find that you''re too powerful. In the future, you might not even care about Xu Group."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The more the merrier, I don''t mind having more money," Shen Yin joked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Daddy, what are you giving Zhengzheng?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m sending Zhengzheng to kindergarten."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Great, great! Go to kindergarten, make new friends."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin was amused by the conversation between father and son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little one had never been to kindergarten before, but isn''t there a joke online? It suggests sending children to kindergarten because you can''t stand seeing them so carefree.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin thought Xu Yunzheng still looked silly and happy even after being tricked by his own father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 262

    In August, Rong City was sweltering. Shen Yin was three months pregnant and had started to feel drowsy often. Xu Xiuhe would return home before 8 PM every evening.


    Upon arriving home, his first task was to bathe Zhengzheng. After that, he would put Zhengzheng to sleep, and then take a bath with Shen Yin.


    Since Shen Yin became pregnant, he had be particrly sensitive, not daring to let her go to the bathroom alone. His reason was that the bathroom was too slippery and unsafe.


    After bathing Shen Yin, he would then lull her to sleep. It was simple: he would massage her legs and rub her waist to prevent her from feeling tired or ufortable during the night.


    Fang Yue often shuttled between two ces. Initially, she wanted to go to Ziyue Manor to take care of Shen Yin, but Shen Yin didn''t agree. If Fang Yue came, Shen Tianzheng would certainly not be able to manage alone at home.


    Fang Yue seemed to have thought of this concern, so she suggested that their family of three move to Yun Manor to live, as the house was big enough to amodate them.


    But Shen Yin had concerns again. Putting aside whether Xu Xiuhe would be willing or not, she didn''t really want to go to Yun Manor. Firstly, it was too far from Heyuan Group. If they went there, Xu Xiuhe would have to spend 4 hoursmuting to and from thepany every day, which was an hour and a half more than before. It wasn''t realistic; it would be too exhausting for him.


    Shen Yin refused again, but Fang Yue insisted on taking care of her. So, she came every other day. In reality, when she came, there wasn''t much for her to do. The house had several housekeepers, all carefully selected and hired at a high price by Xu Xiuhe.


    So when Fang Yue came to Ziyue Manor, she would y with Zhengzheng, keep Shen Yinpany to prevent her from getting bored, chat with her, and prepare some desserts for her.


    "Mom, have you and Dad always had such a good rtionship?" Shen Yin asked, eating the fruit Fang Yue had peeled for her.


    "Haven''t I told you before? Rtionships are often cultivated over time. Married couples need to nurture their rtionship. Don''t worry, your rtionship with Xiuhe will only get better in the future. Xiuhe is a sentimental person."


    Fang Yue felt that while she might not excel in other areas, she had a particrly good eye for men.


    Xu Xiuhe was quietly making big moves. During this time, he had been buying up shares from Xu Group''s minor shareholders. Xu Zhengyang had noticed and was angry, but he was helpless.


    The biggest difference between him and Xu Xiuhe was that Xu Xiuhe was spending his own money and could do whatever he wanted, while he had always been spending family money.


    "Mom, what should I do? Dad doesn''t trust me to run thepany anymore, and Xu Xiuhe is still buying up shares."


    Yang Cui''s face darkened at these words, but she was much calmer than Xu Zhengyang.


    "Don''t panic yet. Let''s think of other ways. See if we can start with Heyuan Group."


    "Mom, what do you mean?"


    "Hmm, I''ll handle this. You focus on working well and performing well recently. Also, put your personal matters aside for now. Look at what you did that night. We still have Ge Xinxin at home, and you were in the poolte at night... Your father was angry when he came back."


    "Alright, Mom. I understand."


    During her pregnancy, Shen Yin did nothing but eat and sleep, asionally drawing blueprints for furniture needed in the restaurantter, and having Chen Siming find people to make them.


    She didn''t ask Kang Guopeng. Kang Guopeng''s craftsmanship was suitable for making those exquisite, million-dor pieces of furniture, while the tables, chairs, and beds needed for the restaurant didn''t need to be that refined. The wooden furniture in the restaurant just needed to be slightly better than regr furniture.


    Now, whatever Shen Yin said, Chen Siming would do without question. He knew that Shen Yin was much more reliable than him. Following her lead was never wrong.


    Several buildings had already risen nearby within two months. Chen Siming even had the illusion that this ce would be more prosperous and lively in the near future, rivaling the old town and bing a scenic spot.


    At 8 PM, Xu Xiuhe was going to take Shen Yin and Zhengzheng out for dinner.


    "Where are we going?"


    "You''ll know when we get there."


    The night in Rong City was brightly lit, with bustling streets and various advertisements ying onrge billboards.


    Suddenly, all the advertisements in the city went dark.


    Sitting in the car, Shen Yin looked at therge electronic screens outside and said, "Has Rong City been hacked?"


    Xu Xiuhe: ...


    Many passersby also noticed that all the advertisements had stopped, which was unusual.


    After about three minutes, all the billboards in the city lit up again. All the screens were filled with images of Shen Yin.


    It was aption of Shen Yin''s photos, including pictures of her receiving awards, attending charity events, and at embroiderypetitions. Each photo was eye-catching, each frame dazzling. Then came Xu Xiuhe''s voice.


    "Meeting you in this life brings joy to my brows; you are indeed my beloved."


    Shen Yin was clearly surprised by the images on the advertisement screens. What kind of operation was this?


    "How is it? Are you satisfied?" Xu Xiuhe asked smugly. He hadn''t read those domineering CEO novels for nothing. Weren''t they all like this in the novels?


    After a while, Shen Yin spoke, "How much did it cost?"


    "What do you mean, how much?"


    "How much did these advertisements cost?"


    "200,000 yuan for one night. It''s quite reasonable, I think it''s pretty cheap."


    "Honey, we should save where we can and spend where we should."


    "That''s right, and this is where we should spend. Don''t you remember? Today is the Qixi Festival. You should value this holiday, right?"


    With Xu Xiuhe''s reminder, Shen Yin realized it too.


    Xu Xiuhe felt he had been quite low-key. At least he hadn''t said to Shen Yin, "Woman, are you moved?" like in the novels.


    "I owe you a wedding ceremony," Xu Xiuhe said. He had always known that the red wedding dress in Qinghe Vi would look particrly good on Shen Yin. He wanted to see her wear it, wanted to give her a proper wedding ceremony.


    "But we''re about to have our second child."


    "Why don''t you say we got married first and then fell in love? There are many people now who have children first and then get married. Let''s set the wedding for the end of the month, while the baby in your belly hasn''t grown too big yet."


    "Dad, Mom, are you getting married?" Xu Yunzheng asked.


    "Yes, Dad and Mom are having a wedding ceremony. Mom will look beautiful as she marries Dad. Would Zhengzheng like that?"


    "Like Aunt Qi Ji''s wedding, and Uncle Liu Bo''s wedding?"

 Chapter 263

    "It might be a bit different," said Xu Xiuhe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In reality, he had already started preparing for their wedding. He just hadn''t told Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    One night, everyone in the city knew that the president of Heyuan Group had rented all the big screens in the entire city for his wife, continuously looping messages of love.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Most people were envious, saying, "So this is how the rich express their love." Despite being quite high-profile, it was very desirable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin had no idea about the event at Qingfan Tower. Chen Siming hadn''t discussed with her what he was nning to do. However, she was genuinely amazed when she arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The streets were filled with colorful lights and banners. Boats on theke released floatingnterns, and many people strolled on the bridge in Song Dynasty costumes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Crowds bustling, peddlers calling¡­<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Do you feel like it''s simr to home?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Did you get Chen Siming to do this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Indeed, the bustling streets were very simr to their hometown.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This Qixi Festival, Shen Yin was truly moved, by the omnipresent billboards in the city and the splendid scene at Qingfan Tower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Tree branches held the moon aloft,nterns lit the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fireworks filled the sky, all meticulously prepared by Xu Xiuhe for Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Inte-August, as the weather cooled, Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin held another wedding ceremony.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A traditional Chinese wedding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Upon hearing the news, Shu Yi rushed back from the drama crew to attend Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe''s wedding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They chose Qingfan Tower as the location for the traditional wedding and hired the most famous (and most expensive) wedding nner in Rong City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin wore the wedding gown from the Qinghe Street store to the wedding. Dasheng Dynasty wedding gowns were not like those from the Song Dynasty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the Song Dynasty, women typically wore green while men wore red. Green was considered lucky in the Song Dynasty, but red is the color for both men and women in Dasheng Dynasty, so the rest of the ceremonies were simr.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Normally, the groom would pick up the bride from her family''s home, and after they arrived at the groom''s home, they would perform a bowing ceremony. Afterward, they would perform the "spreading the coverlet" and "joining the hair-pins" rites.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe were unique. They merely wanted to go through the wedding ceremony and didn''t feel the need to follow the previous wedding procedures exactly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Buildings near Qingfan Tower were already starting to spring up. They weren''t high-rise, and it didn''t take long to build. The whole street was a living snapshot of history.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Red carpets lined the streets, and red silk hung in the grand hall of the Qingfan Tower. Everyone including Qi Ji, Xue Jingrui, Chang Zhiyuan, Shu Yi, Chen Siming, and Fang Ningning had arrived, all dressed in Song Dynasty attire, as if they had amon understanding or perhaps Xu Xiuhe had specifically instructed them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even their makeup matched the clothing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On her wedding day, Shen Yin did indeed sit in a pnquin. Eight bearers in festive red attire carried Shen Yin from the entrance of the street to the front gate of Qingfan Tower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe, in his red wedding suit, paled inparison to Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin''s red wedding dress was too exquisite, whether it was the quality of the fabric or the craftsmanship, it was much more superior than any ordinary wedding dress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin was lifted down from the bridal sedan chair by Xu Xiuhe. After they steadied their steps, the two hand in hand proceeded towards Qingfan Tower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even Qingfan Tower had closed for a day, but many people hade to witness this wedding. They filled the streets on both sides. A Chinese wedding, Chinese wedding attire, Chinese architecture, and a group of friends dressed in Song Dynasty wear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Undoubtedly this wedding was special. It might not have been the grandest, but it certainly was a wedding that everyone would remember.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zhengzheng was also wearing Song Dynasty attire. He was initially standing beside Shu Yi and was led by her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, the crowd was toorge. When Xu Xiuhe led Shen Yin towards Qingfan Tower, the sides were filled with even more people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Being short-statured, Zhengzheng was constantly blocked by the people standing next to him. He had put up a tough fight, pleading others to make way for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You are blocking my view of my parents'' wedding!" Zhengzheng''s voice was rather loud as he said that to the people standing beside him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, the people then noticed that standing right under their feet was the son of the two newlyweds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They naturally knew that the wedding of Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin was a make-up ceremony. Previously they were just betrothed, married in secret. Now that the time hade, it was time for an borate wedding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How lucky, to be able to witness your parents getting married and attend your parents'' wedding," someonemented.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Lucky? Haven''t you witnessed your parents getting married?" Zhengzheng lifted his head, questioning the person who spoke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    People attending the wedding and standing so close to the couple were all high-status individuals from Rong City. Furthermore, they had a good rtionship with Xu Xiuhe and were also acquainted with Shu Yi nearby.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi burst outughing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How adorable is this kid''s train of thought? Not many kids like him get a chance to attend their parents'' wedding, yet he was counter-questioning others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Haven''t you ever attended your parents'' wedding?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I actually haven''t."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Well, you are pitiful indeed for not witnessing your parents'' wedding," Zhengzheng said with a saddened face, feeling sorry for the person who questioned him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But this onlysted two seconds, just two seconds. After all, it was his parents'' wedding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Godmother, I can''t see them."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On hearing this, Shu Yi picked Zhengzheng up, and they followed the pace of Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin into the main hall of Qingfan Tower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mutual respect and unity of two families result in this auspicious marriage. May the poetry of peace embellish your home, and tranquility bless the couple for a hundred years. Now, this is a vow!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Once the master of ceremony finished, Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe stood face to face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Bow to heaven and earth."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After several bows, it was finally time for the couple to bow to each other.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Tianzheng and Fang Yue sat nearby, their faces full of joy as they watched their daughter and son-inw pay respects to each other.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Upon the conclusion of the rites, apuse filled the room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zhengzheng climbed down Shu Yi and rushed towards Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin, whose face was initially hidden behind the fan, put the fan down as Zhengzheng rushed towards her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Next was the entry into the bridal chamber. However, after the master of ceremony announced it, Shen Yin did not go in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She and Xu Xiuhe were already an old couple, even had their second child. To have or not to have a bridal chamber, she was no longer bothered about it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But this lively scene was indeed worth watching.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There was joy andughter at Qingfan Tower; it felt as if everyone there was getting married. It had been a long time since theyst saw a wedding as grand as this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The entire hall was filled with happiness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Thinking of having a little fun in the bridal chamber, huh, Xiuhe? You guys need to step it up,¡± Chang Zhiyuan joked from the side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    People around them burst intoughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Zhiyuan, are you envious?" replied an elderly man. "You''re the only one left among us who''s not married."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zhiyuan scanned the crowd for Shu Yi. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shu Yi, watching Xu Yunzheng, dared not meet the gaze she felt directed at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Once the wedding ceremony concluded, guests filled Qingfan Tower, still entranced by the wedding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If one were toment on this wedding, they''d say it was incredibly authentic. In Rong City, countless people had had traditional weddings over the years, but none quite as grand and heartfelt as this one.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Many guests noticed the wedding outfit Shen Yin wore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not only was the wedding outfit elegant, but its embroidery was also impressively luxurious. Su Jin sat in a nearby chair, her heart filled with satisfaction. She knew the outfit would be a hit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Su Jin, with her silver hair and leaning on a cane, startled Shen Yin. She didn''t even realize that Su Jin had attended.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mother-inw," Shen Yin greeted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I never expected that it would be you wearing this wedding outfit in the end," Su Jin said, smiling kindly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Neither did I," Shen Yin admitted. She had never even imagined that she''d be a bride, experiencing a wedding of her own.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In mid-August, Xu Xiuhe announced their ns to hold a wedding. By the end of the month, it took ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The nning was all done by Xu Xiuhe, who urged Shen Yin not to lift a finger, telling her all she needed to do was wear the bridal outfit from Yunyin Clothing Workshop.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A dutiful bride, Shen Yin didn''t expect Xiuhe to pull off a ceremony like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The wedding was richly traditional, filled with charm. She''d be lying if she said she wasn''t moved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even the guests were intrigued; those unaware might even have thought they''d time-traveled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That night, the news about CEO of Heyuan Group''s wedding hit the trending list again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The kind ofments showing up were like, "They are deliberately ishing their joy in front of us. Knew that we''ve been deprived of ''sugar'' for so long, so they quickly got married for us to see."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Or, "Isn¡¯t this outfit the treasure of Yunyin Clothing Workshop, rumored to be handcrafted by Shen Yin herself?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Also, "Didn¡¯t you know? Shen Yin is the national champion of embroidery."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, all of these happenings were unbeknownst to Shen Yin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin stared at the news on his phone, falling into deep thought. When Xu Xiuhe got married the first time, he didn''t go. Now, with this additional wedding, he still wasn''t invited.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Honey, look, how could he treat us this way? We were so good to him back then, and now he¡¯s forgotten all about us, didn¡¯t even send us a wedding invitation.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yang Cui said resentfully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Mom, Dad, is it Xu Zhengyang¡¯s brother who¡¯s getting married today?¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin asked, sitting on the sofa nearby.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Yes, Xu Zhengyang¡¯s brother is getting married and didn¡¯t even let us know. And why decide to have the wedding now? Didn¡¯t they already get married before? And who has a wedding in such hot weather?¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°It¡¯s simple, the bride is pregnant. If they waited until the weather cooled down, she¡¯d be showing.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin suddenly remembered seeing them at the hospital before. At the time, she hadn¡¯t thought much of it, but now it made sense why they were in such a hurry to have the wedding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Are you saying Shen Yin is pregnant?¡± Xu Guimin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yang Cui suddenly gave Ge Xinxin a look. Was this woman foolish? Why blurt out everything? If Shen Yin was pregnant, so be it. Why announce it?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Realizing Yang Cui¡¯s displeasure, Ge Xinxin quickly waved her hands and said, ¡°I¡¯m not sure, just guessing.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin didn¡¯t say anything else and took his phone upstairs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Ge Xinxin, talk less in the future. You don¡¯t have much say here, and you better hope the child you¡¯re carrying is a boy.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After saying that, Yang Cui also went upstairs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin didn¡¯t go straight to his room but entered his study instead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had been pondering what Xu Xiuhe had told him before, especially about why he had nearly drowned recently. He had checked the swimming pool¡¯s surveince footage, and there was indeed no one around him at the time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It didn¡¯t seem like foul y.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Business at thepany had been declining day by day, and he was feeling his age, truly struggling to keep up. Yet, he couldn¡¯t just hand over thepany to Xu Zhengyang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He felt more and more that Xu Xiuhe was suitable, but Xu Xiuhe had always been reluctant to engage with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Husband.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yang Cui knocked on the study door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°I wanted to remind you, you haven¡¯t taken your medicine today.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yang Cui held a water ss in one hand and the medicine in the other.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Guimin took them, drank some water, and swallowed his pills.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°You, what are you thinking about? Don¡¯t overthink things. Xiuhe will understand eventually. You mean well. Now, it¡¯s time to sleep.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yang Cui watched Xu Guimin take his medicine and didn¡¯t leave, waiting for him to join her back in the bedroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At Ziyue Manor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It waste when Xu Xiuhe and Shen Yin returned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although Shen Yin was pregnant, she hadn¡¯t felt tired at all that day. Xu Xiuhe had taken such good care of her, not letting her worry about anything. She just followed the proceedings andpleted the wedding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Tired?¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Not at all.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°You should still rest properly; it¡¯s been a tough day.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°We still have something left to do.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After saying this, Shen Yin hugged Xu Xiuhe¡¯s neck.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Get it? There¡¯s no wedding without the bridal chamber.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°Cough, isn¡¯t it a bit risky now?¡± Xu Xiuhe said, looking at Shen Yin¡¯s belly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His face was full of concern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, we¡¯re past the first three months.¡±<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After speaking, Shen Yin leaned in for a kiss.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They spent the night peacefully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Early the next morning, Xu Xiuhe brought breakfast upstairs from the ground floor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Let''s have breakfast."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mmm, did you see Grandma Su yesterday?" Shen Yin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You saw her, of course, I saw her too," Xu Xiuhe responded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I always feel that Grandma Su is extraordinary, there''s a story in her eyes, I even feel that she can see right through me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What makes you think so?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "When I first saw her, she gazed at me so kindly, as if she wasn''t looking at the Shen Yin she knew. Yesterday, she told me that this type of wedding was indeed special, and that it suited me perfectly."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin, in her red wedding dress from yesterday, noble yet unapproachable, coupled with the grand bridal makeup, truly dazzled everyone present.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Maybe she thinks you''re good at embroidery, so it''s fitting for you to wear a wedding dress she embroidered," Xu Xiuhe suggested.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Maybe, I might be overthinking."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the afternoon, Su Jin came to Ziyue Manor. Upon seeing Shen Yin, she asked, "Are you adapting well to this world?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Grandma?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin was surprised. Her sixth sense was indeed very strong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Don''t be afraid, I''m just like you. From the beginning, when I saw the wedding dress, I had a feeling it might end up this way."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 264

    At first, Shen Yin didn''t understand what it meant. Was Granny Su like her? Someone who had traveled through time from ancient times? Like her,ing from the Dasheng Dynasty?


    "Granny?"


    "Seeing the Dasheng wedding dress again brings up indescribable feelings." Su Jin looked at Shen Yin, meeting a fellow countryman from another time and space.


    "Granny, how long have you been here?" Shen Yin asked.


    Su Jin said in an exceptionally calm tone, "45 years."


    Even for someone asposed as Shen Yin, hearing "45 years" was truly shocking.


    "You must have just arrived recently, right? Two years?" Su Jin asked.


    "Not quite two years."


    Shen Yin calcted that from March ofst year to early September now, it had only been a year and a half.


    In that short year and a half, so much had changed. She had gone from being the daughter of a Duke''s Mansion to now being the wife of a CEO. She had adopted a baby and even had another on the way.


    "How did youe here?"


    "I fell into the water and drowned my way here." As Shen Yin said this, she felt embarrassed. Who pretends to jump into a river only to actually drown?


    "Hahaha, not badpared to my time. Indeed, the methods ofing here are always strange."


    Su Jinughed.


    "Do you know how I came here?" Su Jin asked.


    Shen Yin shook her head. She was very curious about how Granny Su had arrived here, after all, Su Jin hade so many years before her.


    "I drank poisoned wine given to me by the emperor. That year, I was 25, yet I had never left that grand yet not-so-grand pce."


    As Su Jin recounted that story from half a lifetime ago, her tone remained t, without hatred or love. It was as if she were telling someone else''s story.


    "Granny Su, you couldn''t be Empress Rongyuan, could you?"


    "Oh, you little girl, you actually know about Empress Rongyuan." Su Jin became interested. She, a powerless, forgotten empress, was actually known byter generations.


    "Yes, legend has it that Empress Rongyuan passed away due to severe illness, having exhausted herself managing the six pces."


    Shen Yin recounted the story her adoptive father had once told her.


    "Hahaha, I had no idea my death was portrayed so nobly by you all."


    "Was it not like that?"


    "Of course not. I was just a discarded empress. From the age of 18 when I entered the pce as empress, I never left again. Can you imagine? I spent five years in the Cold Pce, just a forgotten empress, even dying by drinking poison given by the emperor."


    "What?"


    Shen Yin was indeed shocked by this information. The rumors were wrong.


    "The world just believed the news that I died from exhaustion managing the six pces. He really went to great lengths, for the woman he loved."


    "Perhaps even the heavens felt it was unfair to me, so they gave me another chance, letting mee to this world. So, I think you must have also encountered injustice. Little girl, tell me how you drowned."


    "Can I really talk about that?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Why not? It''s just the two of us here. By the way, where''s your baby? I don''t see him."


    "My mother is watching him downstairs."


    "That''s perfect. At my age, I''d like to hear some interesting stories."


    "I didn''t want to be forced by my family to marry a prince, so I jumped into the water."


    "Such a strong-willed girl," Su Jin smiled.


    "Not really. I pretended to drown, but I can''t swim at all. The person arranged to rescue me didn''te in time, so I ended up here."


    In front of Su Jin, Shen Yin indeed seemed like a child.


    "Indeed, from ancient times to now, there have always been bad people. Actually, it''s not good to say that. People are multifaceted, but some people''s hearts are just dark."


    Su Jin sighed.


    Shen Yin strongly agreed with these words.


    "So, Granny Su, when you first came here, how did you adapt to life here?"


    "When I first arrived, I thought this ce was poor and rundown. That era was particrly difficult. I even felt thating here was to suffer, living in a small broken house in the countryside. I thought it wasn''t as good as my Cold Pce back then. Fortunately, development was quite fast, and I got to witness the progress of this era."


    "Granny, why did wee here? Why is our dynasty never mentioned in this era?"


    Shen Yin had guessed most of it herself, but still wanted to ask Su Jin, after all, Su Jin was her elder both in the Dasheng Dynasty and here.


    "Why we came, I don''t know either. But when I came here, like you, I met the person I loved. After many hardships, we finally ended up together. So I believe that lovers are destined to be together."


    "Love is mutual. Granny, I''m really happy to have met you here."


    "You have an extraordinary demeanor. Which family were you from in the Dasheng Dynasty?"


    "The Shen family."


    "The Duke''s Mansion?"


    "Yes."


    "I was also the daughter of a Duke''s Mansion. From a young age, I was told I would marry the emperor. I thought that after entering the pce, I would enjoy endless glory and wealth. Butter, I realized I was wrong."


    As Su Jin said this, her tone carried a sense of eptance.


    "Maybe this is the legacy of daughters from the Duke''s Mansion."


    Shen Yin could only exin it this way.


    "Live well in this era. The baby in your belly will surely be healthy and safe."


    After saying this, Su Jin left Ziyue Manor.


    Shen Yin stood at the doorway, watching Su Jin leave. It turns out that some encounters are destined for a reason.


    When Xu Xiuhe returned, he felt that Shen Yin was particrly happy today.


    "What''s going on? You''re in such a good mood today."


    "I''m not telling you."


    "Alright, if you won''t tell me, I won''t ask. I''ve found a kindergarten for Zheng Zheng."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin was stunned. Xu Xiuhe''s efficiency was indeed impressive.


    "Where is it? Is it far?"


    "Not far, just a half-hour drive."


    "What, Zheng Zheng can go to kindergarten now?" The little one eximed, jumping up excitedly.


    "Yes, we''ll take you to kindergarten tomorrow."


    "Yay, yay!" The little one pped his hands.


    Going to kindergarten meant he could y with brothers and sisters. Mom had said that going to kindergarten meant he could y with Aunt Qi Ji''s two babies.


    "Can we go now?" The little one was too excited to sleep.


    "No, it''s dark now. Zheng Zheng needs to sleep. We can go tomorrow morning."


    The little one became disappointed, but only for two seconds before bing happy again.


    The next morning, Xu Yunzheng woke up especially early, earlier than both Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe.


    "Dad, Mom, Zheng Zheng wants to go to kindergarten."


    The little one stood by Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe''s bedside, hands on his hips, shouting loudly.


    Shen Yin was still groggy.


    "What kindergarten? Who''s going to kindergarten?"


    "Mom, I want to go to kindergarten."


    Shen Yin finally woke up. How was this baby so different from her? She used to be sozy about going to school. How could anyone want to go to school?


    "Stop shouting, your sister isn''t awake yet."


    Hearing this, Xu Yunzheng immediately covered his mouth. His eyes were wide open.


    "Mom, Zheng Zheng didn''t mean to. You and sister keep sleeping." Zheng Zheng removed his hand and said softly.


    Zheng Zheng obediently ran to the door, waiting for Xu Xiuhe to get up.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe couldn''t sleep anymore, so they got up and changed clothes.


    It was Xu Yunzheng''s first day of school, and Shen Yin insisted on going with Xu Xiuhe to send their baby to school.


    Xu Xiuhe drove, with Shen Yin and the little one sitting in the back seat. Xu Yunzheng wore his small backpack, full of anticipation for school.


    On the first day of school, other children were crying at the gate, not wanting to go to kindergarten. Only Zheng Zheng was smiling foolishly at the entrance.


    "Dad, Mom, you can go back together now. Zheng Zheng is going to kindergarten. Don''t worry about me. Bye-bye."


    Shen Yin looked at Zheng Zheng, who had an expression of "I''m grown up, I can do this."


    The old mother instantly felt proud.


    "We''re just leaving like this?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Should we stay here with him?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    The two stood outside the window looking in. Many parents were standing outside the window. This kindergarten was a noble kindergarten, and those who coulde here were people with status and decent economic conditions in Rong City.


    But now, these parents were all standing at the entrance, just like ordinary people.


    "Why aren''t you crying?" A little boy looked at Xu Yunzheng sitting on a small chair, motionless, watching the other children.


    "Why should I cry? And why are you all crying?"


    Xu Yunzheng asked.


    The little boy next to him cried and said, "Waa waa, I didn''t want to cry at first. I came here happily, but they''re all crying, so I feel like I should cry too."


    "They''re crying because they''re too young and miss their parents, but I''m a big boy, so I don''t cry. You''re one too, so you shouldn''t cry either," Xu Yunzheng said.


    The little boy beside him suddenly stopped crying and kept staring at Xu Yunzheng.


    "Then I won''t cry anymore. I''m a big boy too. Are we friends now?"


    "Yes, we are."


    Xu Yunzheng sat like a little adult, hands on his knees, nodding. Even the teacher noticed this unusual little fellow.


    But Zhengzheng didn''t notice the teacher''s gaze.


    He propped his chin on his hands, watching the other children in the room crying, feeling quite bored.


    "Don''t cry anymore. It''s not like your parents have abandoned you. Why are you crying?"


    Xu Yunzheng said.


    "Waa waa waa, boo hoo hoo, waa waa waa, Mommy and Daddy don''t want me anymore." After Xu Yunzheng spoke, the other children cried even more heartbrokenly.


    "Stop crying. Crybabies are naughty children," Xu Yunzheng shouted.


    Finally, the ssroom quieted down, and the other children looked over at him.


    "Who are you? Why aren''t you crying?" someone else asked.


    "My name is Xu Yunzheng. Mommy says boys can''t shed little pearls, so boys aren''t allowed to cry. Girls can cry."


    There were quite a few little girls in the ssroom, and hearing this, they started crying again.


    They were girls, so they were allowed to cry. They weren''t big boys after all.


    The teachers were getting headaches too. They''dfort one child only to have tofort another, never getting a break. It was good that the boys weren''t crying anymore, but now the girls were crying even harder, their voices seeming to lift the roof off.


    "Sweetie, you''re so good. Can you think of a way to stop the girls from crying too? Girls shouldn''t cry either," a teacher came up to Xu Yunzheng and said.


    "You shouldn''t cry either. Don''t be afraid, we won''t bully you. Daddy says girls are to be protected. If you keep crying, the daddies outside will think we''re bullying you. Then we''ll get scolded."


    Xu Yunzheng had been seeing people watching them from outside, but he hadn''t seen his own parents. He knew they had gone home, so he wasn''t sad at all.


    Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe were watching their little one from the window behind him.


    "Did you teach him that?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I didn''t teach him anything. I just said boys should be gentlemen and not bully girls."


    Shen Yin felt proud again. Why was her son so excellent, obedient, and sensible?


    The ssroom indeed quieted down significantly. The teachers breathed a sigh of relief. Every year, they dreaded the babies'' first day of kindergarten the most. No amount offorting seemed to have much effect, and they just had to tough it out for half a day until the little ones got used to it and things got a bit better.


    "That''s the child of Heyuan Group''s CEO, right?"


    "Yes, he looks like him. I heard he''s called Xu Yunzheng, it must be him."


    "This child really takes after his father, he has leadership skills."


    "Indeed. If my child kept crying, their voice would probably go hoarse. Sigh, there''s nothing we can do. Isn''t the first day of school always like this?"


    They weren''t short of money, but not all problems could be solved with money, especially when it came to children''s issues. They felt helpless. There was no way around it. The children had been pampered since they were little, so suddenly going to kindergarten was certainly not easy for them. But they had to go to kindergarten.


    "Children, hello. We are your teachers. From now on, you are big kids. We can y games together, watch TV together, and learn together. Okay?"


    "Okay."


    Finally, introductions began in the ssroom. There were four teachers and twelve students.


    Outside, the parents started to feel relieved that the crying had finally stopped.


    "Let''s go home," Shen Yin suggested.


    Looking at Xu Yunzheng now, she really felt that her baby was great, strong, and independent. What did she have to worry about?


    "Okay, I''ll drop you off at home, then I''ll go to thepany. I''ll pick up Zhengzheng and bring him home in the afternoon."


    "Don''t take me home, take me to Qi Ji''s ce. I want to see her and the two babies."


    Xu Xiuhe did as she asked.


    Qi Ji was at home, ying with her two babies.


    Since giving birth, Ye Rong had been taking even more meticulous care of her. The state of being loved was different, for example, Qi Ji was glowing with happiness.


    When Shen Yin was in the car, she had already told Qi Ji that she wasing over to see her.


    At first, Qi Ji didn''t agree. She was worried about Shen Yin''s pregnancy and wanted to bring the two children to Ziyue Manor to see Shen Yin. But Shen Yin said she was already on her way.


    When Shu Yi found out, she also wanted to join in, saying she wanted to go see what the two babies looked like now, since it had been a long time since she''d seen them.


    Xue Le''an and Xue Leyu were lying in their cribs, with Qi Ji rocking them nearby. The two babies were ying by themselves, not disturbing each other.


    Shen Yin leaned over to look at the babies, and was once again amazed.

 Chapter 265

    Babies really do change with each passing day. The two little bundles grow more and more vibrant, their eyes as big and round as grapes. Their skin is young and smooth. Qi Ji stands by, rocking the baby crib.


    Shen Yin is also captivated. She had never seen Zhengzheng when he was this small. When she first arrived, Zhengzheng was already talking. Now, looking at such a big baby, she can''t help but think about the baby in her own belly.


    "Yinyin, how is your healthtely?" Qi Ji turned to ask Shen Yin.


    "Quite normal actually," she answered.


    Shen Yin didn''t feel any diforttely. Unlike the morning sickness and insomnia that Qi Ji experienced, she didn''t feel any difort during her pregnancy, except for a slightlyrger belly. Other than that, there was no differencepare to before her pregnancy.


    "Wow, that''s great. I had severe morning sickness back then."


    "You have these two beautiful babies now," Shen Yin pointed out.


    Just as she finished talking, Shu Yi entered from outside.


    "I came to see my two little treasures."


    "What about me?" Qi Ji''s voice was sweet. Shu Yi couldn''t resist the sweetness even after Qi Ji gave birth.


    "I''ll see you first." Shu Yi yfully pinched Qi Ji''s face.


    "That''s more like it."


    After giving birth, Qi Ji was pampered by Ye Rong and Xue Jingrui. Her skin was supple, glowing, and she was in great spirits. Shu Yi pinched her cheek and couldn''t resist touching it again.


    "Aren''t you going to see me?" Shen Yin asked with a smile.


    "Look here, I''ll spread the love around." Shu Yi turned around and patted Shen Yin''s belly.


    "Wait a minute, I think I felt the baby move in your belly." Shu Yi was surprised.


    Shen Yin also patted her belly, indeed she could feel the baby''s movements. However, she remained calm, having felt it several times before.


    "It''s amazing, in another four or five months, the baby in your belly wille to this world just like Le An and Le Yu. At that time, it will be so lively."


    Shen Yin''s hand rested on her belly. Yes, Zhengzheng will soon have a ymate, with the addition of Le An and Le Yu, four children will certainly liven things up.


    "Speaking of which, where is my godson? Why haven''t I seen him today?"


    Shu Yi scanned the room but didn''t spot Zhengzheng.


    "He''s at school."


    "Ah, pre-school. So sudden. I heard that when kids first start pre-school they usually cry. Did my godson cry today?"


    Shu Yi seemed a bit eager. He had never seen his godson cry much, and the idea of him crying at the start of preschool must be exciting.


    "I have a video, would you like to see it?" Shen Yin took out her phone, she had secretly filmed it at the door of the ssroom.


    Hearing this, Shu Yi teased that Shen Yin was Zhengzheng''s biggest haters. These videos are all in high definition. In the future, all of Zhengzheng''s embarrassing moments may be revealed by Shen Yin.


    "Quick, quick, I want a copy of my godson''s embarrassing past. Once Zhengzheng gets married, it can be yed in a loop at his wedding."


    Shu Yi said with augh.


    Qi Ji was in a daze at the two''s antics. How could they tarnish the reputation of her son-inw like this?


    "I disagree. My son-inw''s image should not be tarnished unless you give me a copy too."


    Swiftly raising her head, Qi Ji pouted, her cheeks puffing out a bit. Regardless of how you looked, she didn''t seem like a woman who had children.


    Shen Yin was confused about what was happening between these two. Why are they so eager to see Zhengzheng cry? Well, she would just let the two see some of Zhengzheng''s remarkable moments then.


    "A real man doesn''t cry."


    Shu Yi and Qi Ji huddled next to Shen Yin''s phone. However, they were disappointed. Zhengzheng wasn''t crying. Instead, like a little gentleman, he sat obediently on the chair. Initially, he seemed slightly caught off guard by the multitude of crying people surrounding him. In a while, the little guy became calm, even telling another boy next to him not to cry.


    The other child really stopped crying.


    "I never realized, my godson is so strong. He didn''t cry when he started school."


    Shu Yi kept scrolling.


    "Not only does he not cry, he also has great leadership skills," Qi Ji praised Zhengzheng again.


    Shu Yi''s eyes were filled with envy as she spoke. How great it was that her two friends had such happy families.


    "How have you beentely, Shu Yi? I mean, in terms of rtionships," Qi Ji asked, serious as she sat next to the baby''s cradle.


    "Rtionships. He''s still in the evaluation period."


    "What! You and Chang Zhiyuan have a chance now?" Qi Ji gasped.


    "Previously, we spoke honestly and he asked me to reconsider him. So I did."


    Shu Yi felt a bit embarrassed. After all, Chang Zhiyuan and she had aplicated history, and considering getting back together now was somewhat awkward.


    "When do you n to get married? Thest time during Shen Yin''s wedding, I didn''t get enough hugs. I want to hug everyone again."


    "You''re just interested in the banquets, aren¡¯t you? You wouldn''t care who the groom was as long as I was marrying."


    "I¡¯m not serious! Shu Yi, you''re a star. Plus, I ship you and Chang Zhiyuan. But If a more handsome, richer man who loves you more and is more suitable than Chang Zhiyuan appears, I won''t object! As long as you''re happy."


    Qi Ji got up, grabbed Shu Yi''s arm and spoke earnestly.


    "If I were a man, I would certainly marry you and take you home."


    Shen Yin alsoughed. Qi Ji really had a way of attracting people.


    "Shen Yin, Shu Yi, don¡¯t go back at noon. The house is pretty empty and I asked the maid to cook. Have lunch here."


    Ye Rong knocked and popped her head in to tell them.


    Shen Yin had intended to return home, for Xu Xiuhe had arranged a driver to fetch her in the afternoon, but Shu Yi came again who was likely to give her a ride home, but now, Ye Rong had insisted they stay.


    "Sister Shen Yin, Sister Shu Yi, please stay here. It''s been awhile since west had a meal together."


    "Alright, but I feel like we''re inconveniencing Auntie Ye," Shen Yin said.


    "Not a turn-off at all, you continue having fun, I''m heading downstairs first. Oh yes, Qi Ji, don''t forget to feed the babiester," cautioned Ye Rong as she left.


    "I know, mom."


    "Do the babies consume breast milk?" Shu Yi asked.


    "Yes, mom said it''s healthier for the babies and they would feel closer to me. Luckily enough, my nutrition has kept up and I haven''t starved the little ones."


    Shen Yin helped Qi Ji hold up Le Yu, one of the babies. Qi Ji sat down, and Le Yuy on herp, enjoying her lunch.


    Watching Qi Ji, Shen Yin couldn''t help but think of herself in a few months'' time, and Zhengzheng... Zhengzheng had been drinking cow''s milk since he was a child, hadn''t he?


    At Heyuan Group, Liu Bo was reporting on the affairs of Xu Group in Xu Xiuhe''s office.


    "How much of Xu Group''s shares do I control now?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    "About 18%."


    "A bit short still." Xu Xiuhe lowered his head, deep in thought.


    "Any movements from Xu Zhengyangtely?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Liu Bo understood. Xu Xiuhe wouldn''t have asked about anything else.


    "He''s lost quite a bit of his say in thepany. Basically, everything''s been recaptured by Xu Guimin."


    "How''s the driver who got into the identst time?"


    "She passed away in May."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xiuhe paused.


    "Has her daughter returned?"


    Xu Xiuhe asked. As far as he could recall, the driver had a daughter who was out of town.


    "She returned for the funeral and then left. The insurancepanypensated her after the ident," Liu Bo said.


    "Oh? What do you mean, aren''t they supposed topensate after an ident?"


    " Thepensation she received was disproportionately high, way more than your average traffic ident. It was several million at the very least," Liu Bo exined.


    "Why so much?"


    "Last year, the driver suddenly bought a lot of insurance for himself - illness, ident, car ident."


    "And he got into an ident at the end of the year?"


    "I suspect that he discovered at the beginning of the year that he might be terminally ill, so he bought various insurances to leave something behind for his daughter before he passed. Then, at year end, he had an ident intentionally, but he didn''t expect to survive."


    "Hold on, you''re suggesting that the ident was not caused by a loss of control due to his illness as he had said, but was intended for insurance fraud?"


    Liu Bo nodded.


    "No, if he wanted tomit insurance fraud alone, there would have been no need to have an ident when I was in the car."


    He had had the driver for several years and he had been kind to him, and the driver didn''t seem like a bad person.


    "Search for the insurances he has bought, and check if there''s any link between the insurancepany and Xu Zhengyang." Xu Xiuhe directed.


    In the Xu residence, Ge Xinxin and Yang Cui kept out of each other¡¯s way.


    Both Xu Zhengyang and Xu Guimin were at thepany, leaving the house rtively vacant.


    Ge Xinxin received another call from her ex-boyfriend.


    "Come out in the afternoon, I must see you."


    After hanging up, Ge Xinxin became nervous. She sweet-talked Yang Cui during lunch. After much cajoling, Yang Cui finally agreed to let Ge Xinxin go out.


    "You must return before four. And, be careful about your safety. You''re not alone now."


    Ge Xinxin walked out with a cynical smile. She muttered about the false pretense- if it wasn''t for the child in her belly, would she still warn her about safety? How hypocritical, she wanted nothing but money. She didn''t wish to stay here where she had lost herself.


    Mengxi Teahouse.


    "The tea here is pretty good." Shu Yimented.


    "The decor isn''t bad either. Although not as luxurious as Qingfan Tower, it''s still quite impressive. Look at these private rooms, you can''t see inside from the outside, but those inside have a clear view of the exterior. It''s quite innovative."


    Shen Yin was sipping her tea and looking outside when she suddenly saw a familiar face.


    "Yinyin, what are you looking at? Do you know those two people outside?" Shu Yi asked.


    "I don¡¯t know them, but I''ve seen the woman before."


    "She''s pregnant, isn''t she? Seems like her term is about the same as yours." Shu Yi took a sip of her tea and evaluated.


    "What''s this? She''s pregnant and yet in a tug of war with the man. This man definitely doesn''t love her, he''s about to be a father and yet he''s not concerned about the woman''s safety. Poor woman."


    "The man isn''t the father of the child in her belly." Shen Yin added, taking another sip of her tea.


    "Wait, he''s not the child''s father? Then what''s their rtionship? Is he her ex?"


    Shu Yi, fascinated by such scenarios after reading too many CEO romance novels, loved to make wild spections about the story.


    "That woman, she was at the hospital with Xu Zhengyang for a prenatal check-up when Xu Xiuhe and I ran into them. She and Xu Zhengyang then had the audacity to show up at Qingfan Tower to freeload off the treasure box, only to be driven away by Chang Zhiyuan."


    "Holy crap!" Shu Yi was utterly shocked.


    "What do you think that man wants to do?" Shen Yin asked.


    After observing closely, Shu Yi concluded that the man was trying to cling on to the woman, but she was constantly trying to break free.


    "A clingy ex-lover?"


    "Why don''t we gear up, sit next to them, and eavesdrop on them?"


    Shen Yin too was intrigued. She wouldn¡¯t have bothered if this was any ordinary person. But this woman, she was connected to Xu Zhengyang.


    Both Shu Yi and Shen Yin put on their masks, stepped out of their room, and settled at a booth next to the couple''s table.


    Both of them kept their masks on, took out their phones, and lowered their heads. It seemed like they were ying with their phones, but their real attention was on the conversation taking ce at the table beside them.


    "Xin Xin, I was wrong, please forgive me. I will work hard to support you, pleasee back, okay?"


    "Now you want me to go back? What were you doing earlier? Are you even a man? You even let your girlfriend serve drinks to men, are youcking a brain? I told you, stop bothering me. I''m not stupid, I know how to choose."


    "Xin Xin, trust me, I had a hard time. I was wrong, please forgive me ande back to my side." The man pleaded.


    "What hardship? You can''t handle it and want a woman to face it? If you send me to another man''s bed once, there will be a second time. Why should I trust you?"


    The woman''s expression was cold, not willing to look into the man''s eyes.


    "It won''t happen again, I will definitely treat you and our child well in the future."


    "Our child? Do you have the audacity to mention it? Shut up, don''t mention it again, this child is mine, it''s between me and Xu Zhengyang, it has nothing to do with you."


    The woman became angry; her voice was a bit louder.


    Upon hearing this, Shu Yi felt like she had just bitten into another juicy gossip. Was it that explosive?


    [Yin Yin, what''s happening with them? Is it what I''m thinking?]


    [The child is hers and this man''s, but she deceived Xu Zhengyang.]


    "How can there be no connection? You''re carrying my child, living in someone else''s home, and have my child call another man "dad"? You tell me, is there a connection or not?"

 Chapter 266

    Shu Yi and Shen Yin didn''t dare make a sound, fearing that the two people next door would discover they were eavesdropping. Shu Yi wanted to speak, so she could only send Shen Yin a message.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    [Yin Yin, are wealthy families really thisplicated?]<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    [Probably, possibly, should be, maybe? But don''t worry, you''re part of a wealthy family now.]<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    [Once my drama series airs, I''ll be part of a wealthy family.]<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Where''s your shame? How dare you? Can you support me and the child in my womb? Can you give us a good life?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man looked at Ge Xinxin, his face almost turning ck. No man could endure such an insult.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I don''t agree."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Name your price, and from now on, don''t ever appear in front of me again." Ge Xinxin crossed her arms, though in reality, she wasn''t sure if the man opposite her would agree.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "One million."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin thought for a moment. He really was asking for a lot, demanding one million right off the bat. For the sake of her future life, she decided to endure it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Fine, deal. I''ll transfer it directly to your card, but remember what you said. From now on, disappear from my world."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin spoke seriously, emphasizing thest few words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You gave it so easily, one million, huh? Looks like your current life really is extraordinary. One million, just like that."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin widened her eyes, ring at the man, then picked up her bag and walked out without looking back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man sat in his seat, taking a sip of tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin and Shu Yi had both left, so they returned to their private room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Wow, your husband''s good-for-nothing brother, what a perfect cuckold!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What do you think he''ll do if he finds out?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''re not thinking of telling him, are you? That''s not allowed. Let him wear the green hat a bit longer. After all, didn''t you suspect him of kidnapping you before?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If Shen Yin hadn''t mentioned it, Shu Yi would have almost forgotten that she had been kidnapped before. But it was that crazy man who had kidnapped her; there was no evidence linking her abduction to Xu Zhengyang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Do you want to start with this woman and see if you can find out some bad things that good-for-nothing brother has done? I think that guy has some dirt on him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin hadn''t initially thought of this, but after Shu Yi''s suggestion, she suddenly became interested. Now that she had leverage on this woman, she should be able to extract quite a bit of information about Xu Zhengyang from her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "As expected from someone who''s read so many novels. I''ll give it a try."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin asked Liu Bo to find Ge Xinxin''s number, and the next day, she called her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin was very surprised when she received the call.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hello, who is this?" Ge Xinxin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Who I am, you should have seen before, but that''s not important. What''s important is that I know who you are, and whose child is in your belly." Shen Yin deliberately lowered her voice, making it sound very different from her usual tone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Ge Xinxin heard thetter part, she indeed became scared. Apart from her and that useless man, no one else knew about this. How did the woman on the phone know? Could it be that the bastard had received the money and then immediately broke his promise, leaking the information? Had she wasted one million for nothing?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What exactly do you want?" Ge Xinxin''s tone was extremely unsteady, even a bit hysterical.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I don''t want anything. I just want to meet with you for a chat. You should agree, right? After all, it wouldn''t be good if certain things became public knowledge, would it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As Shen Yin spoke, she looked at her nails. Having lived in the pce for so many years and watched so many TV dramas here, she was all too familiar with this infuriating tone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "When?" Ge Xinxin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This afternoon, at the tea house in Qingfan Tower. You should know it, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin became even more frightened. She did indeed know Qingfan Tower; she had been there before. But how did this woman know? Had she been following her?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Have you been following me? Or do you know me very well?" the woman asked again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin thought for a moment. Did she count as following? Not really. Knowing her well? Even less so. She had just been lucky enough to overhear such information when she went out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You don''t need to know that. See you this afternoon."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin hung up after saying this and checked the time. It was still early, and she was alone for lunch. Her little one had gone to kindergarten and wouldn''t be back for lunch. She was getting bored at home by herself; she needed to find some entertainment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the afternoon, when Shen Yin arrived at Qingfan Tower, she sent Ge Xinxin the name of the private room, then entered it herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin hadn''t arrived yet, but Shen Yin wasn''t in a hurry. She made herself a cup of osmanthus tea and ate some pastries.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin was in the Xu family''s vi, trying to figure out how to find an excuse to go out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mom, can I go out for a while this afternoon?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Can''t you stay at home and take care of your pregnancy? Why go out again? Didn''t you just go out yesterday?" Yang Cui looked disapproving.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Since you''re calling me mom, I have to be responsible for your safety. You''re not alone now; you have a child in your belly. You''re quite far along now. What if something dangerous happens when you go out?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin lowered her head. Since she had moved into the Xu family''s home, apart from going out yesterday, she hadn''t been out at all. She couldn''t even spend money. Every day she stayed in her room, feeling like her life had no meaning, like a bird in a cage or a beast in a prison.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I really have something urgent to do. I''ve been at your home for so long without going out. My family will be worried about me and want to know how I''m doing."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin kept her head down. It wasn''t entirely made up; her parents would indeed be concerned about her. But she wasn''t from Rong City, and her parents lived far away, making it inconvenient for them to visit. However, she wasn''t thinking about this now; she had to go to the meeting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This is thest time. After youe back, you''re not going out again until you give birth to the child in your belly."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Yang Cui finished speaking, Ge Xinxin turned and left the Xu family''s vi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fortunately, Yang Cui was concerned about the baby and had assigned her a driver.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the car, Ge Xinxin began to feel uneasy. Regarding the child in her belly, she had never been certain whose it was. It was fifty-fifty, she supposed, since during those days, she had been intimate with both Xu Zhengyang and that scoundrel. She had always clung to the hope that the child was Xu Zhengyang''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Until that scoundrel told her the child was his, she was willing to believe it. She hadn''t used protection with that scoundrel, but with Xu Zhengyang...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So Xu Zhengyang was extremely happy about having this child, never even doubting if the child was his. He always thought he was quite capable. Ever since Yang Cui had urged him to have a child quickly, he hardly ever used protection when being intimate with those women.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But that night, he had drunk a little, and this woman had intentionally seduced him. Ge Xinxin didn''t know what she was thinking at the time, but she had made him use protection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    From the moment she found out she was pregnant, she had always clung to the hope that it was Xu Zhengyang''s, but the scoundrel''s words made her understand what self-deception meant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin sat in the private room, waiting until Ge Xinxin arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You should recognize me, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin sipped her tea, asionally swirling the cup in her hand, and looked up as Ge Xinxin entered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin thought for two seconds and realized. She would be a fool not to know.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''re the wife of Heyuan Group''s CEO?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin took another tactical sip of water and nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Do you know why I called you out here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I don''t, but I want to know," Ge Xinxin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was too terrifying. This woman, like her, was also pregnant, yet she had called out another pregnant woman. What exactly did she want?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I want to make a deal with you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What kind of deal? I''m not a businesswoman; what is there to discuss?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Xu Zhengyang doesn''t know that the child in your belly belongs to someone else, right?" Shen Yin asked directly, getting straight to the point.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin nodded. She had only found out recently herself. Xu Zhengyang still thought he was going to be a father and was happy about it every day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What do you think will happen if he finds out?" Shen Yin looked at Ge Xinxin, smiling as she asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How did you find out about this? What exactly do you want?" Ge Xinxin grew increasingly nervous, her voice bing shrill.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I don''t want anything, I just want you to help me a little."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Me? Help you? What do you need help with?" Ge Xinxin didn''t understand. The person sitting across from her was the envy of all the girls in Rong City. Rich, beautiful, and loved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Tell me, when the child in your belly is born, who do you think it will look like? Paper can''t wrap up fire. I see you''re not that young anymore, trying to climb the socialdder with a child. But from what I know, the Xu family doesn''t seem to have any intention of marrying you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin had seen the thoughts of that old woman Yang Cui - selfish, vicious, deep, and capable of anything for her own benefit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin continued, "What do you think will happen if one day the truthes out? If Yang Cui and Xu Zhengyang find out the child in your belly isn''t from the Xu family, do you think they''ll let you off?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin was furious upon hearing this. She had always known Yang Cui didn''t want her to marry Xu Zhengyang, and she knew Xu Zhengyang''s interest in her was just a passing fancy. She had identally overheard about Xu Zhengyang''s pool incident from the family''s maid, and she was also aware of her own worth. But now she was in a desperate situation, trapped. Her only bargaining chip was the pregnancy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But now the problem was that the child wasn''t Xu Zhengyang''s. If they found out...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin didn''t dare to think further. If they knew, not only would the child suffer, but she might not even be able to support herself in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin held her head in her hands, beginning to regret why she had risked everything for a moment of gain, doing such a thing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Do me a favor, and I''ll give you a sum of money. I believe you''re a smart person and should know how to choose."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Choose? Choose what?" Ge Xinxin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin: "Choose whether you want to help me, or if I should tell the Xu family about your child."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Without a second thought, Ge Xinxin immediately replied, "I''ll help you, but after it''s done, I want 10 million."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Deal."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For Shen Yin, 10 million was just the cost of two designer dresses, but for Ge Xinxin, it was a fortune. After all, that scumbag had already swindled her out of 1 million, which was all her savings. She suddenly felt that this life without freedom wasn''t worth living. With 10 million, she could run far away, no longer living in constant fear and having to watch others'' faces for approval.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Escaping this impossible situation and living the life she wanted, Ge Xinxin suddenly felt hope for the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I want you to get information, get Xu Zhengyang to talk. Ask him if he''s ever kidnapped me before, and try to find evidence of other bad things he''s done. You know, someone like him must have done plenty of bad deeds. You''re living in the Xu household now, right? Keep a close eye on their daily lives and see if there''s anything suspicious."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is that all? So simple?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin seemed surprised that earning 10 million could be so easy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s not that simple. If you can find evidence of his past misdeeds, it''ll be 20 million."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ge Xinxin was truly shocked. Are all rich people this impulsive?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Alright, deal. I''m leaving now." Ge Xinxin didn''t dare stay out too long, after all, there was still that old woman at home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    From the moment she left, Ge Xinxin had made up her mind. For her future life, for 20 million, she knew what she had to do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin watched Ge Xinxin''s retreating figure, took a sip of water, and stood up to leave as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Meanwhile, Xu Xiuhe was also reviewing the documents collected by Liu Bo. As expected, the car ident involving Wang the driver wasn''t so simple. The problemy with the insurancepany.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The money was paid by the insurancepany, but the flow of funds came from Xu Zhengyang. In other words, the ident wasn''t an ident at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Can we find more detailed evidence? Concrete proof that Wang the driver did it intentionally, and that the insurance might just be a cover?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the same time, he knew that such evidence wouldn''t be easy to find. They could only get detailed evidence from Xu Zhengyang himself, as the driver was already dead, leaving no leads to follow from that end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If they could, it would be enough to send Xu Zhengyang to prison.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin took a tour of Qingfan Tower. Business was good, and it was time toe up with new dishes for the menu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the afternoon, on her way back, Shen Yin asked the driver to pass by Zhengzheng''s kindergarten to pick her up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mommy!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin stood at the kindergarten entrance. As soon as the little one came out and saw Shen Yin, she ran towards her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Did Zhengzheng make any new friends today?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin lowered her head, took Zhengzheng''s hand with her left hand, and turned to walk towards the car.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The driver opened the back door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, I made new friends. They all like to y with me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin was happy too. Zhengzheng was indeed great - not only did she not cry, but she was also popr.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 267

    After Shen Yin returned home, Xu Xiuhe had not yet arrived. As soon as the little one got home, he went to the shoe closet to get slippers for Shen Yin, then entered the living room to serve her tea.


    "Mommy, the teacher said you work very hard, so we should be extra nice to you," said Xu Yunzheng as he approached Shen Yin and began massaging her legs.


    "Mom, are you tired? Dad says pregnancy is exhausting. Let me rub your legs and shoulders," the little one said, climbing onto the sofa to knead Shen Yin''s shoulders.


    When Xu Xiuhe came home and saw this scene, he was a bit puzzled. Wasn''t massaging legs and shoulders supposed to be his job? How had it be Yunzheng''s task now?


    "Dad, praise me!"


    "Yunzheng, you''re amazing!"


    Father and son exchanged their lines.


    "Was work busy today?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Were you tired today?" Xu Xiuhe inquired.


    They each asked about the other, but neither received an answer.


    Late that night, Ge Xinxin snuck into Xu Zhengyang''s room. He wasn''t back yet, but she knew he had a safe that likely contained important clues.


    The safe had abination lock. Ge Xinxin tried manybinations ¨C Xu Zhengyang''s birthday, her own birthday ¨C but nothing worked. Finally, she had to give up.


    However, Ge Xinxin now knew for certain that the safe held crucial information. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be so difficult to crack.


    Since brute force didn''t work, she''d have to use her wits. Ge Xinxin bought a type of drug online that would lower people''s guard when consumed.


    The next evening, knowing Xu Zhengyang would return, Ge Xinxin slipped into his room while the old witch wasn''t paying attention.


    When Xu Zhengyang came back, he found Ge Xinxin lying in his room, gazing at him seductively. He had already had a few drinks.


    Ge Xinxin had also lit some incense in the room.


    "Darling, have some water. You must be feeling unwell after drinking. Some water will make you feel better."


    After drinking it, Xu Zhengyang felt unusually excited. Ge Xinxin''s ploy had worked.


    In the depths of night, after a passionate encounter, Ge Xinxin finally managed to extract information from Xu Zhengyang.


    "What''s the password?" she asked.


    "What password?"


    "The one for your safe."


    "Why are you asking so many questions?" Xu Zhengyang mumbled groggily.


    "I''m just curious. I''m the mother of your child. Can''t I ask?"


    Xu Zhengyang seemed to soften.


    "You''re still keeping secrets from me? I''m your lover, the one who will be by your side for life. We''ll grow old together," Ge Xinxin said with a smile.


    To Xu Zhengyang, Ge Xinxin''s smile appeared to be that of a content, happy woman.


    If only Ge Xinxin knew what kind of smile it really was. Men might make empty promises and use honeyed words, but she could y that game too. Anyone could say nice things.


    "You''re right, you''re my lifelongpanion. I love you so much, of course I won''t keep secrets from you. The password is 0712."


    "Why 0712?"


    Xu Zhengyang didn''t answer this question. Why 0712? Perhaps it was the birthday of the woman by his side at that time.


    Xu Zhengyang fell asleep.


    To be safe, Ge Xinxin didn''t immediately open the safe.


    Instead, she crept back to her own room in the dead of night, massaging her sore waist. She had really put her all into tonight''s performance, but it had paid off with this vital information.


    The next day, after Xu Zhengyang left for work and with few people in the Xu Family home, Yang Cui went out shopping. Ge Xinxin tiptoed into Xu Zhengyang''s bedroom.


    0712.


    The safe opened.


    Inside were several pieces of fine jewelry and some documents.


    There were insurance bills, transfer records to a woman named Zhou Man, and personal information about Wang Zhihao.


    She wasn''t sure if Xu Zhengyang would remember what she had donest night. She also didn''t know which of these documents would serve as evidence.


    To be thorough, she photographed all the documents in the safe and sent them to Shen Yin.


    After receiving the files, Shen Yin looked them over briefly before forwarding them to Xu Xiuhe.


    [Where did thesee from?] Xu Xiuhe replied. He had recently hired a private investigator, but those findings were superficial and not substantial evidence.


    However, what Shen Yin sent him perfectly matched what he had been looking for initially. This information would be devastating to Xu Zhengyang if revealed.


    [Do you believe in luck?] Shen Yin texted.


    [I do.]


    Xu Xiuhe had always believed in luck. If losing his mother, being unloved by his father, and being sabotaged by his stepmother in the first half of his life was bad luck, then meeting Shen Yinter was incredibly good luck. One could even say he had used up all his luck from his first 25 years just to meet her.


    [You''re not going to tell me that you got lucky and someone just handed you this evidence, are you?]


    [What if I did? Would you believe me?]


    Xu Xiuhe was momentarily speechless. Could anyone really be that lucky?


    He sent a shocked emoji in response.


    [Remember that pregnant woman we saw with Xu Zhengyang at the hospitalst time?]


    Xu Xiuhe thought for a moment.


    [Vaguely.]


    [The child she''s carrying isn''t Xu Zhengyang''s. Shu Yi and I went out and happened to see her with her ex-boyfriend. We identally overheard this important conversation. You know me, I''ve never been a saint. When evidence falls into myp, why not take it?]


    [How are you so sure that woman would get this evidence?]


    [You have to believe that Xu Zhengyang isn''t very smart. He''s actually quite a mama''s boy. And you should also believe that a woman''s pillow talk can be very effective.]


    [My wife is formidable.]


    [The rest is up to you now. From what I saw, the kidnapping case from before is very likely rted to him. But I don''t understand what that insurance policy means.]


    [I know what it means. It''s rted to my previous car ident.]


    Xu Xiuhe instructed Liu Bo topile all the evidence, organizing each charge meticulously.


    Finally, on a day inte September, a group of police officers stormed into the Xu Group building. In front of everyone, they put handcuffs on Xu Zhengyang.


    "Why are you arresting me?" he demanded.


    "Take him away," an officer ordered.


    "What''s going on?"


    Xu Guimin, rmed by themotion, came down from upstairs to inquire.


    "Xu Zhengyang is suspected of involvement in multiple criminal cases. He needs to be detained now."


    "Dad, save me!"


    Xu Zhengyang called out repeatedly as two officers escorted him away.


    Xu Guimin had no idea what was happening. When Ge Xinxin received the news, she immediately packed her bags. Pulling her suitcase, she headed for the door of the Xu Family home.


    "Ge Xinxin, what are you doing? Where are you going with that suitcase?" Yang Cui asked, still watching TV.


    Without looking back, Ge Xinxin tossed out a reply: "Check the trending topics."


    Yang Cui picked up her phone from nearby and opened it. The top Weibo headline read: "Xu Family Crown Prince Xu Zhengyang Arrested."

 Chapter 268

    The woman covered her mouth, and her phone dropped to the ground. She then chased after her.


    "Ge Xinxin,e back! You''re carrying Zhengyang''s child in your belly. You can''t leave!"


    Yang Cui ran outside, grabbing Ge Xinxin''s suitcase.


    "Old woman, let go! Your son is a murderer now. Do you really think I''d let my child have a killer for a father? Besides, who told you the baby in my belly is Xu Zhengyang''s?"


    After saying this, Ge Xinxin didn''t care about Yang Cui''s reaction. She pulled her suitcase and got into the taxi she had already called.


    Yang Cui immediately called Xu Guimin, asking him what was going on.


    "What''s happening with Zhengyang? Why was he suddenly taken away?"


    "I should be asking you that. You''ve always spoiled him, and now he''s involved in criminal cases, multiple ones at that? What on earth is going on?"


    Xu Guimin demanded.


    After hearing this, Yang Cui began to feel guilty, but the current situation didn''t allow her to dwell on it.


    "Honey, what are we going to do? Zhengyang is our only son. If he goes to prison, how will I go on living?"


    Yang Cui asked, crying.


    "Shut up, stop making a fuss. I''m going to the police station."


    Xu Guimin hung up the phone but didn''t immediately go to the police station. Instead, he dealt with somepany matters first.


    It was nearly noon when he finally headed to the police station with his people.


    Xu Xiuhe took advantage of the falling stock prices of Xu Corporation and bought another batch.


    At the police station, Xu Guimin sat outside while Xu Zhengyang sat inside.


    "Why did you arrest me?"


    Xu Zhengyang asked, pretending as if nothing had happened.


    "Why did we arrest you? Don''t you know what you''ve done? Any single one of your actions is enough to put you in jail for years."


    "I want to see my father. I want awyer."


    "Your father is waiting for you outside."


    Soon after, the father and son were in a separate room.


    Xu Guimin remained calm when he entered, but Xu Zhengyang was far from calm.


    Although he was handcuffed and couldn''t even stand up from his chair, upon seeing Xu Guimin, he acted as if he had caught thest lifeline.


    He struggled forcefully, trying to get closer to Xu Guimin.


    "Dad, you have to get me out of here. I''m innocent. They must have made a mistake. Someone must have paid to frame me. Dad, save me, use money to get me out."


    "Who framed you?" Xu Guimin asked.


    "It''s... it''s... it''s ourpetitors."


    "I''ve seen the evidence of all the things you''ve done outside. How can I save you? You fool."


    "Dad, I was wrong, I really was. I don''t want to stay here. You have to save me."


    "You had someone frame Xiuhe in a car ident, you sent people to kidnap Xiuhe''s wife. How am I supposed to save you? Now the evidence is irrefutable. You think I can just throw money at this? You think Xiuhe doesn''t have money? You''re on your own now. From today on, I, Xu Guimin, no longer have a son like you."


    After saying this, Xu Guimin turned and left the chat room.


    "Dad, don''t go, Dad..."


    Xu Xiuhe was very satisfied with the news online, but it wasn''t enough.


    At the Xu family vi.


    Yang Cui was almost on her knees before Xu Guimin, begging him to save Xu Zhengyang.


    "Save him? How? Every single thing he did is serious. We''re talking about intentional murder! Do you think I can save him with money?"


    Xu Guimin said impatiently. How the hell did he end up with such a son, useless in everything except causing trouble?


    "But he''s still our son."


    "Shut up! Tell me, did you know about all these things he did?"


    Xu Guimin raised his voice. He didn''t believe that Yang Cui, as his mother, knew nothing about it.


    "I didn''t know. As his father, you didn''t know either, did you?"


    "What a joke. Not only did she know, but she was also involved in every single thing."


    Xu Xiuhe''s voice appeared in the Xu family''s courtyard.


    "Why are you here?" Xu Guimin asked.


    "Well, I probably shouldn''t havee."


    As Xu Xiuhe said this, he looked around. The ce where he had lived ten years ago had changed quite a bit.


    "Then why did youe?"


    Yang Cui''s eyes looked as if they could kill Xu Xiuhe.


    "If I didn''te, were you nning to y innocent and then beg for your good-for-nothing son?"


    Xu Xiuhe walked up to Yang Cui, lowering his head to look at her frightened face.


    "Xu Guimin, look at how blind you''ve been for so many years. All this time, you''ve been living with a heartless, vicious woman. How''s your life been?"


    Xu Guimin remained silent.


    "Yang Cui, I admit your acting skills are quite good, excellent even. It''s almost a shame you didn''t go into the entertainment industry. Can you still remember how you treated me over a decade ago?"


    Yang Cui felt guilty upon hearing this.


    Xu Guimin turned his gaze towards Yang Cui.


    "I was so good to you in middle school and high school. How can you be telling on me now?"


    Yang Cui put on a soft act.


    "Good to me? One way to my face and another behind my back? You even fired all the original housekeepers. I bet you''ve forgotten how you used to curse me behind my back."


    Xu Xiuhe folded his arms.


    "That''s not true. When I scolded you, it was to make you study hard. It was a mother''s discipline towards her son. How could that be considered being unkind to you?"


    "Hahahahaha, what a joke. Xu Guimin, did you hear that? Her ability to twist ck and white has grown stronger. And you, has your ability to be blind to right and wrong also improved?"


    Xu Xiuhe said sarcastically.


    "You..."


    "What ''you''? Did you investigate what I asked you to? Do you want to know what she didst year?"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Xiuhe opened a video.


    On the screen was Yang Cui at Blue Mountain Cafe, pressuring Shen Yin.


    "Yang Cui, this isn''t unfamiliar to you, is it? Do I need to exin what this is?"


    Xu Xiuhe suddenly turned his gaze towards Xu Guimin.


    "My wife, because of some mental issues after giving birth, was manipted by a woman named Yang Cui while she was ill. She tried to persuade my wife to get rid of my son. Tell me, how vicious is this woman?"


    "I didn''t, Guimin, I didn''t. He''s ndering me."


    "Do I need to nder you? Do you dare say you didn''t know about a single thing your son did? I bet you not only knew but were also fully aware of everything."


    Yang Cui felt guilty.


    "You two are quite a pair. Don''t worry, you have something to look forward to. Cherish this time, because you won''t have such leisurely days in the future. A family of three, spending the Mid-Autumn Festival in prison cells, that''ll be quite an experience."


    "Which three?"


    "The daughter she personally sent to prison, herself, and that son who just got locked up."

 Chapter 269

    When Xu Guimin heard what Xu Xiuhe said, he turned his head directly to look at Yang Cui.


    Yang Cui was also stunned. When did she have a daughter? Howe she didn''t know?


    "Can''t remember?"


    "You should be able to recall that before you married him, you had a child."


    Xu Xiuhe''s words seemed to stir up that segment of Yang Cui''s memory. Her face wrinkled like a bitter gourd.


    Xu Guimin understood everything at a nce. Yang Cui indeed had a child before marrying him.


    "Why didn''t I know about this? Yang Cui, how many more things are you hiding from me?"


    Xu Guimin gritted his teeth in anger.


    "Honey, that''s all in the past. Let me exin." Yang Cui clung to Xu Guimin''s arm.


    "Shut up. Xiuhe, tell me, did that daughter also go in, or how did she end up there?"


    Yang Cui looked terrified. Zhou Man, Zhou Man was the one she sent in. Could Zhou Man be the girl she abandoned over 20 years ago?


    Realizing this, Yang Cui suddenly became aware of something else. Zhou Man was someone Zhengyang knew? Given Zhengyang''s personality...


    "Unbelievable? The sins youmit will always be repaid by someone." Xu Xiuhe said calmly.


    "Impossible, impossible!"


    Yang Cui shook her head and suddenly sat down on the ground.


    "What do you mean? What''s impossible?"


    Xu Guimin asked. Why did he feel like he knew nothing about what Yang Cui and Xu Xiuhe were talking about? He felt like an outsider,pletely in the dark.


    "Hahahahaha, how absurd! I never imagined it would end up like this. Hahahahaha, Xu Guimin, you coward! Your own son gets arrested and you''re not even trying to save him, you''re still here. I... you... why didn''t you just drown in that swimming pool back then?"


    Yang Cui''s words became somewhat incoherent.


    "What do you mean, Yang Cui?"


    "Hahahahaha, what do I mean? I''ve been sick of you for a long time. Where has your sincerity gone? I''ve been so good to you all these years, and you still won''t give thepany to Zhengyang. Tell me, how could I not be anxious?"


    Yang Cui seemed to have gone mad, sprawled on the ground, mumbling to herself.


    "Yang Cui, was it you who caused me to nearly drown?"


    "Yes, I added something to your water, but who knew you''d be so lucky? You didn''t even drown. How are you still alive? Fate really does y tricks on people."


    "Cough, cough, cough." Xu Guimin coughed continuously in anger.


    "Indeed, my intuition was right from the beginning. Xu Guimin, have you ever wondered why my mother appeared in your dream?"


    Xu Guimin carefully recalled that dream. In the dream, Sun Wenting threatened him, not allowing him to return.


    Was she trying to save him?


    As he pondered, Xu Guimin began to feel a bit dazed. How many years had it been?


    "You don''t deserve to think about it."


    After saying this, Xu Xiuhe turned and left.


    At the entrance of the Xu family vi, Yang Cui sat on the ground while Xu Guimin stood.


    Online, the hot search topics continued unabated, all about the Xu family affairs and Xu Zhengyang''s case.


    At Ziyue Manor.


    Shen Yin was also following the various online information, and at the same time, she received quite a few private messages. After all, she was one of the parties involved in one of the cases. Some were curious, some were concerned.


    [Yin Yin, all this evidence, it wasn''t all obtained from that woman Ge Xinxin, was it?]


    [Sort of, but not entirely? Ge Xinxin got some information, and Xu Xiuhe also did some investigation. When webined the evidence from both sides, it was pretty muchplete.]


    Shen Yin replied.


    [Impressive, you two really make an efficient team.]


    [So what''s the situation with Yang Cui now? Has she been taken into custody?]


    Shu Yi''s gossip instinct was ring up again.


    Shen Yin replied with a "don''t know" emoji.


    Xu Xiuhe had gone to the Xu family, but he hadn''t returned yet, so she really didn''t know.


    Just as she was thinking about it, Xu Xiuhe came home.


    "Honey."


    "You''re back!" Shen Yin trotted over.


    "Slow down, slow down. There''s still a baby in your belly." Xu Xiuhe was afraid Shen Yin might lose her bnce and reached out to catch her.


    "But you''re back now."


    "How''s Yang Cui? Was she involved in the things Xu Zhengyang did?"


    Shen Yin held onto Xu Xiuhe''s arm.


    "Not only was she involved, but she also confessed. The incident where Xu Guimin nearly drowned was her doing. She must have drugged Xu Guimin."


    "Oh my god, it really was her! A woman''s heart can truly be the most poisonous! What happened next? How did Xu Guimin react when he found out?"


    Everyone has a bit of a gossip-loving heart, and Shen Yin was no exception. She was quite curious about Xu Guimin''s reaction.


    How would a man like Xu Guimin react upon learning that he had been betrayed by his loved one?


    After Xu Xiuhe left, Xu Guimin called the police without a word. There were surveince cameras at the entrance, so when the police arrived, they watched the footage and arrested Yang Cui.


    In less than a day, the Xu family vi was empty. Xu Guimin sat alone on the sofa in the living room, feeling as if the world had be surreal.


    Online, the hot search topic had shot to number one.


    "Mother of Xu Zhengyang, wife of Xu Group''s CEO arrested."


    For a moment, everyone sighed. What does it mean for a mother and son to be arrested one after another? Out of a family of three, two were going to prison.


    Netizens even started to feel sorry for the CEO of Xu Group, Xu Guimin.


    [Why feel sorry for him? Better feel sorry for yourself. His wife and child are just going to jail, it''s not like he''s fallen from grace or going bankrupt.]


    [The person above, you can''t say that. How important are one''s wife and children?]


    [You don''t know? I heard that the woman was personally sent to jail by her husband.]


    [Wow, what did this woman do? Who would personally send their own wife to jail?]


    [Inside information, there''s a rumor saying that Xu Guimin''s near-drowning incident was caused by this woman.]


    Shu Yi suddenly felt that the gossip online was even more exciting than what she learned from Shen Yin.


    She took a screenshot and sent it to Shen Yin.


    [How about that? Aren''t I amazing? It''s alreadyte at night, but I''m still surfing the 5G waves. This Yang Cui is really ruthless, even more poisonous than Pan Jinlian. She actually tried to kill the man sleeping next to her.]


    Shen Yin had already fallen asleep, but when she turned over in the night, her leg cramped and was in pain.


    Xu Xiuhe woke up rmed, and realizing Shen Yin was ufortable, he immediately opened his eyes and started massaging her leg.


    "We should go to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow," the man suggested.


    "No need, this is normal. I''m already having fewer reactions than others. I should be grateful. Pregnancy has never been an easy thing since ancient times."


    "I''m sorry, let''s not have any more children after this." Xu Xiuhe started to regret. If he had known Shen Yin would be so ufortable, he wouldn''t have wanted a second child.


    "You weren''t thinking of having more, were you? Aren''t two enough for you?"


    "I just hate to see you suffer so much. If only I could take this suffering for you."


    "Hahaha, are you dreaming? But it''s not too bad. I only have one in my belly now. Think about Qi Ji back then, she had two in her belly, and Xue Jingrui wasn''t as attentive as you."


    Xu Xiuhe smiled at her words.


    "How do you know Xue Jingrui wasn''t worried? He wouldn''t tell others, would he? That would be losing face."


    Shen Yin''s drowsinesspletely disappeared. That made sense. People generally don''t show their vulnerabilities to others.


    Shen Yin casually picked up her phone from the bedside table and opened it to see the message from Shu Yi.


    So she replied with a sentence.


    [Be careful when surfing, don''t forget to switch to your alt ount.]


    [Damn, sis, you''re still awake? Isn''t the baby in your belly sleepy?]


    Shu Yi, who was originally lying in bed, sat up straight when she saw Shen Yin''s reply and responded.


    [It''s just that when you''re pregnant, you often feel a bit ufortable at night. I just woke up, otherwise I wouldn''t have seen your message.]


    Shen Yin replied.


    [What''s that sound on your end?]


    [This?]


    Shen Yin moved the phone to her leg.


    [It''s the sound of my husband massaging my leg. My leg just cramped a bit.]


    [Wow, I won''t disturb you lovebirds anymore. I''ll continue surfing.]


    Shu Yi went back to scrolling through Weibo.


    "Shu Yueru,e down."


    Chang Zhiyuan had called several times from downstairs, but there was no response.


    Chang Zhiyuan leaned against his car, at first thinking that Shu Yi was deliberately ignoring him again.


    Then he realized, damn, he was being stupid. It was already cool outside, who sleeps with their windows open? Moreover, Ziyue Manor was Xu Xiuhe''s property, the room quality wouldn''t be poor. With such strong soundproofing, it would be a miracle if Shu Yi could hear him calling.


    Chang Zhiyuan took out his phone and dialed Shu Yi''s number.


    "Hello."


    "Why are you calling me sote? I was already asleep."


    "Yeah right, I don''t believe you for a second."


    "What, you don''t trust me? Were all those things you said before just lies? Hmph, men."


    Chang Zhiyuanughed.


    "Shu Yueru, if you''re not next year''s Best Actress, I''ll wash your hair while doing a handstand."


    "Really? You better keep your word." Shu Yi perked up.


    "You''re not nning to buy the Best Actress award just to avoid doing a handstand, are you?"


    "Don''t be silly. I''mplimenting your acting skills. If I wasn''t standing outside your building right now, looking at your lit-up window, I might have actually believed you."


    Hearing this, Shu Yi ran to the window without even putting on her slippers.


    She pulled back the curtains.


    Chang Zhiyuan was standing downstairs, looking up at her. She leaned out, their eyes meeting.


    "Are youing down, or should Ie up?"


    "Youe up," Shu Yi said, toozy to go down and open the door.


    "How am I supposed to get up? You won''t let me in."


    "Don''t you know the door code?"


    Shu Yi said nonchntly.


    Chang Zhiyuan smiled again at her words.


    Shu Yi sat by the mirror to fix her hair, only unlocking her bedroom door after making sure it wasn''t messy.


    When Chang Zhiyuan came up, he knocked on the door.


    "It''s unlocked,e in."


    "I brought you some treats," Chang Zhiyuan said as he entered the bedroom, holding a small box of pastries in one hand and arge bag of skewers in the other.


    "Ohe on, aren''t you afraid I''ll get fat? If I can''t get any roles, you''ll earn less money too."


    "It''s fine, you''ll earn less, but my money is all yours anyway."


    "Sweet talk. I don''t believe you."


    Chang Zhiyuan didn''t respond. Whether it was sweet talk or not would be clear in the future. There was no point in saying more now.


    "Don''t worry, you won''t get fat. The pastries are from that special ce in the west of the city, and for the skewers, I''ll eat the meat, you eat the vegetables."


    "..."


    "You might as well not havee," Shu Yi pouted.


    "How could I note? I haven''t won you over yet, I have to keep working on it."


    "But it''s sote."


    There was a clock in the bedroom, its second hand ticking away. Shu Yi always had this habit of keeping a clock in her bedroom. Listening to the ticking of the clock as she fell asleep gave her a sense of security. She even brought a small rm clock with her when staying in hotels.


    "I''lle earlier next time. Something came up tonight that dyed me," Chang Zhiyuan exined.


    "You weren''t having dinner with some new starlet, were you?" Shu Yi said deliberately.


    As soon as she said it, she realized it sounded a bit off. Why did ite out so jealous? It didn''t sound like something she would normally say.


    "Are you jealous?"


    "Of course not, I''m just making a reasonable guess. After all, you''re usually so busy."


    Shu Yi started to get defensive, refusing to admit it no matter what.


    At the same time, she started to panic. Love really could change a person, imperceptibly making her act unlike her usual self.


    "You''re half right. I am busy, that''s true, but having dinner with a new starlet is false."


    Chang Zhiyuan was secretly delighted. The things left unsaid were often the most intriguing.


    "So busy, huh?"


    "Well, I am the CEO of a mediapany, after all. I just dealt with somepany business today."


    "What kind of business?"


    "Curious?"


    Chang Zhiyuanid out the food on a small table on the carpet.


    "Yu Dan''s rtionship almost got exposed."


    "No way!"


    Shu Yi was shocked. Yu Dan was a top-tier celebrity at the peak of her career. Although Shu Yi herself was quite famous now, Yu Dan had been a force in the entertainment industry for many years. To think she had a rtionship.


    "You didn''t know?"


    "I had no idea! Who''s the lucky one? Are they good-looking?"


    Shu Yi had met Yu Dan before. Her style had be increasingly powerfultely, even a bit like Chang Ningjing. To think she had a partner now, a rtionship.


    "It''s not someone from the industry. Yu Dan was photographed going out with him."


    "Then what happened?"


    "Thepany''s PR team intercepted it. That''s what I was dealing with at thepany tonight."


    "How did you handle it?"


    "We bought the news. With money. Otherwise, tomorrow''s top trending topic would have been ''Best Actress''s Rtionship Exposed''."


    "Sister Yu Dan is such a veteran, does she still care about this kind of public opinion?"


    "Of course she does. Female actors have always been very restricted. Limited roles, limited by age, and even rtionships can''t be freely made public. The fans certainly wouldn''t ept it. She''s in the middle of transitioning her image, and if a rtionship was exposed, it would definitely affect her career to some extent. Her transition hasn''t beenpleted yet, so she can only maintain a single persona for now. She wants to go public, but the price is too high. It''s not the right time yet."


    Shu Yi sat down too, and they started drinking beer and eating skewers.


    "Sigh."


    "What are you sighing about? You don''t have any worries. If you wanted to go public, you could do it right now. Us going public would be what everyone''s been waiting for."


    ...


    That''s right, she and Chang Zhiyuan were in what he called an "adjustment period". She hadn''t acknowledged Chang Zhiyuan as her partner yet, but Chang Zhiyuan felt that he was already Shu Yi''s boyfriend. But outsiders didn''t know this. At most, only Shen Yin and Qi Ji knew.


    The hashtag for their "couple" had never stopped trending, and their fan forum was always bustling with activity.

 Chapter 270

    "Did I agree to that?" Shu Yi looked up suddenly while eating barbecue skewers.


    "You let me into your room, didn''t you? Isn''t that agreement enough?"


    Shu Yi remained silent.


    "If you don''t say anything, I''ll take it as a yes."


    Chang Zhiyuan was overjoyed. He took out his phone, opened Weibo, and posted at 1:30 AM.


    [She finally agreed, so I''m making it official. @Shu Yi]


    "What are you doing? The skewers are getting cold."


    "Announcing it officially. Didn''t you just agree?"


    "What?"


    Shu Yi was so shocked that she dropped her skewer on the ground. She had just agreed to be together, and Chang Zhiyuan was ying with words.


    Panicking, Shu Yi didn''t even bother to wipe her hands before grabbing her phone.


    In just a few seconds, Weibo went wild.


    "She finally agreed, so I''m making it official" went viral, reaching the top of the trending topics.


    "Geez, Chang Zhiyuan, your announcement is so cheesy."


    Chang Zhiyuan looked down at the Weibo post he had just made. Cheesy? How was it cheesy?


    "What''s cheesy about it? I had thought of so many options before, like ''From now on, one umbre for two.'' But I got so excited just now that I couldn''t remember any of them. Isn''t this good enough?"


    Shu Yi held her forehead. How were there still so many night owls at this hour? How could she control the situation now?


    "If it''s really necessary, you should make an announcement too," Chang Zhiyuan suggested.


    "How am I supposed to do that?"


    Shu Yi was at a loss. Normally, celebrity announcements had to go through their studio andpany, with the manager''s approval. But their situation was special. Shu Yi didn''t have a studio, and her direct boss at thepany was the one she was announcing a rtionship with.


    "Give me your phone."


    Shu Yi handed over her phone.


    [Yes, it''s just as he said. @Boss Chang Zhiyuan]


    Shen Yin was still awake, scrolling through videos when she suddenly got a Weibo notification. She was about to swipe it away when she caught a familiar name: "Shu Yi."


    She clicked on it.


    The trending topic "Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan Announce Rtionship" was at the top of the list. Below were the two announcement posts from Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi.


    The top few trending topics were all about the two of them. Shen Yin was so shocked that she dropped her phone beside her.


    "What''s wrong? Are you tired or did you see some bad news? Good thing the phone didn''t hit your face, that would have hurt."


    Xu Xiuhe grew concerned and moved from the foot of the bed to Shen Yin''s side.


    "Neither. Take a look."


    Shen Yin picked up the phone from the bed and handed it to Xu Xiuhe.


    "They''ve announced their rtionship."


    "Wait, didn''t you already know? Howe you''re so calm about it?"


    Shen Yin furrowed her brow, looking at Xu Xiuhe with suspicion.


    "I didn''t know. But wasn''t it just a matter of time before they got together?"


    Shen Yin nodded. Indeed, she also knew that the two getting together was inevitable, no matter how long they tried to resist.


    It was just that the announcement was quite sudden.


    Just an hour ago, Shu Yi was still surfing the inte, enjoying other people''s gossip. And now, in such a short time, she had be the subject of others'' excitement.


    "Their announcement posts are quite interesting. One says ''She agreed, so I''m announcing it,'' and the other says ''Yes, it''s just as he said.'' Straightforward, not bad."


    "Jealous?"


    "No, I just find it interesting."


    A pregnant woman''s emotions are quite peculiar. Now, Shen Yin was wide awake. She decided to read through the Weiboments.


    "Why is it still so active in the middle of the night? Don''t these people sleep?"


    "For some people, nightlife might just be starting now."


    "They have so many CP fans."


    Xu Xiuhe pulled Shen Yin into his arms. "They had that many fans from their TV drama already. It''s a good thing they announced it in the middle of the night, otherwise, the tform might have crashed."


    [Holy crap, this came out of nowhere! Good thing I wasn''t asleep yet.]


    [I knew it was true. The way he looked at Shu Yi was definitely not innocent.]


    [When they were on that variety show together, I knew there was something between them. But I always thought the girl didn''t like the guy enough, like water flowing past indifferent flowers. I never expected this...]


    [Guys, who can rte? The CP I shipped actually became real.]


    The next morning, the buzz hadn''t died down.


    "The Xu family should really thank Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan," Shu Yi said, waking up close to noon.


    "Those people''s poprity has certainly taken a hit."


    "Why aren''t you at work today?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe brought a bowl of porridge to the bedside, not answering the question. Instead, he sat on the edge of the bed.


    "Here, open your mouth."


    Xu Xiuhe held a spoon, scooped some porridge, and brought it to Shen Yin''s lips.


    Shen Yinplied, opening her mouth and swallowing the porridge.


    Since bing pregnant, she felt increasingly pampered, treated like a princess by Xu Xiuhe.


    "It''s Sunday, thepany isn''t busy, so I''m keeping youpany," Xu Xiuhe said while continuing to feed her.


    "Mom, the auntie downstairs called Zheng Zheng for lunch, so Zheng Zheng came up to call you both down to eat."


    Hearing about lunch, Shen Yin checked her phone. It was already 11:30 AM. Indeed, it was time for lunch.


    "Honey, I think we forgot something just now," Shen Yin suddenly realized, then quickly climbed out of bed and rushed to the bathroom.


    She grabbed her cup, rinsed her mouth, and started brushing her teeth. She had just eaten porridge without brushing her teeth or washing her face!


    "Slow down, it''s my fault. I shouldn''t have fed you."


    Father and son stood at the doorway, posture perfect, waiting for Shen Yin to finish brushing her teeth before speaking.


    "Mom, let''s go downstairs together."


    Xu Yunzheng took Shen Yin''s hand.


    When the family of three reached the lower floor, the housekeeper had already set the table for lunch.


    "It''s almost lunchtime, why did you feed me porridge earlier?"


    "You needed to eat something."


    Just as they finished eating, both Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe''s phones rang. It was Shu Yi and Liu Bo calling respectively.


    "Are you awake, my dear Yin?"


    "How did you know I just woke up?"


    "Because you went to bedtest night. I saw you liked my Weibo post."


    "Tell me, what''s going on with you two? This announcement came out of nowhere. Even we didn''t know when you got together."


    "Last night, he went from zero to a hundred."


    "!!!! You two???"


    "No, no, don''t get the wrong idea. By ''zero to a hundred,'' I mean getting together and announcing it happened at the same time. Can I say that I was even more behind on the news than manyizens? When the announcement was made, I, the person involved, wasn''t even the first to know. How ridiculous is that?" Shu Yi asked.


    "What happened? Didn''t you post the announcement yourself? Were you announced on?"


    "Gosh, sis, you''re spot on. I was indeed announced on. When he made the announcement, I had no idea. The Weibo post had been up for two minutes before I realized I''d been announced. That dog of a man tricked me with a word game."


    Shu Yi now didn''t dare to leave her house. Who knows how many paparazzi were camped outside thepany? Chang Zhiyuan, excited, hadn''t slept all night. Before dawn, he had already gone back to thepany, saying he needed to handle their affairs.

 Chapter 271

    "Liu Bo said there''s news from the Xu Group."


    After Xu Xiuhe returned from the call, Shen Yin also ended her call with Shu Yi.


    "What''s going on with Xu Guimin?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe wasn''t sure what was happening on Xu Guimin''s side as he hadn''t been keeping tabs. He had no feelings left for Xu Guimin. He used to harbor hatred, but now, he was indifferent. Whoever Xu Guimin chose to be with didn''t bother him.


    "I''m going to the old vi today, would you like to join me?" Xu Xiuhe asked.


    Shen Yin nodded, and Xu Xiuhe began to worry, looking at Shen Yin''s belly.


    "It''s fine, I''m not that delicate. It''s just having a baby. Some people are still teaching on stage at eight months pregnant, and I''m just over five months."


    Shen Yin lightly touched her stomach, and Xu Yunzheng also ran to Shen Yin''s belly to feel it.


    "Mama, Yunzheng will be with you. Yunzheng will carry your bag, and if you get tired, you can hold Yunzheng''s hand."


    Xu Yunzheng walked to Shen Yin''s side and once again took Shen Yin''s hand.


    Xu Xiuhe wondered, had his little guy grown up so quickly after just a few days of kindergarten? The lessons must be very effective, but could he really handle carrying her bag?


    "I''m going to change. Can you wait for me?"


    Shen Yin looked at Xu Xiuhe. She knew that he would obviously agree, but she just wanted to ask. She wasn''t sure where this habit came from.


    "I''ll go with you."


    In the end, Shen Yin wore a milky blue sweater, a pair of loose white pants, and t shoes. No matter how you looked at her, she seemed gentle.


    "Do you feel I''ve changed a lot recently?"


    In the car, Shen Yin asked.


    "There''s no change. You''ve just be prettier." Xu Xiuhe saw Shen Yin''s reflection in the mirror and remarked.


    "I''m serious!"


    "I''m serious too. If you don''t believe me, take out a mirror and see for yourself. Isn''t your skin whiter and softer?"


    Shen Yin took her mirror from her bag and observed herself.


    "It seems a bit, but what I want to ask is, do you feel my personality has changed?"


    Shen Yin closed the mirror.


    That caught the man driving the car off guard. Perhaps pregnancy had made her more sensitive.


    "Not at all."


    "I always feel like I''m not the same as I was before. I used to be able to handle several men by myself, but now I feel so fragile."


    "That''s because mama hasn''t encountered any bad guys. When you do, you''ll fight back."


    Xu Xiuhe agreed wholeheartedly with his son''s words. People adapt to their environment, molding their personalities ordingly. During this period, Shen Yin indeed appeared gentle, but human personality is diverse.


    "Actually, your personality has always been this way. It''s just that before, you felt you needed to be strong, so you showcased your tough side. But now, things are different. You remain strong, but there are some things you no longer need to worry about."


    Shen Yin admitted that all these things Xu Xiuhe said were right. Theck of love made her protect herself, just like a hedgehog using its hard armor to protect its soft body.


    She felt that she had changed a lot because Xu Xiuhe treated her very well. She came to realize love is armor, it gives her a sense of security; love is mutual tolerance and understanding.


    He would stay upte with her, massaging her legs and shoulders, feeding her porridge in the morning, reassuring her that everything is fine, he was there for her.


    "Then I won''t worry anymore."


    "Don''t worry your head, feel at ease, I''ve got everything."


    "And me too!"


    There were several reporters at the gate of the Xu''s house.


    When they saw Xu Xiuheing with his family, they wanted toe over for an interview. Yet, as they feared to offend Xu Xiuhe, they didn''t dare to approach. So, they could only watch as their potential earnings walked into the vi.


    "Why didn''t they chase after us?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Maybe because you''re pregnant, they didn''t dare. If something happened, they wouldn''t be able to bear the responsibility."


    Xu Xiuhe started to fabricate.


    "No one."


    It was Xu Yunzheng''s first visit here. He looked at the yard, which wasrger than his own, and spoke.


    "Wait for me here for a moment."


    Xu Xiuhe ran into a small room in the yard. When he came out again, he was holding a shovel and a hoe.


    "Why is this here?" Shen Yin looked at the tools in Xu Xiuhe''s hands.


    "These are what my mother bought when I was very young."


    There was a patch of grasnd in the yard. He noticed it when he came yesterday. This patch remained a grasnd, unlike other ces where trees and flowers were nted.


    "You''re not going to dig something, are you?" Shen Yin looked at Xu Xiuhe and asked.


    "Yes, my mother buried something here, said it was for her future granddaughter-inw and grandson."


    As Xu Xiuhe spoke, his hands did not stop digging bit by bit.


    "Would it still be there after all these years?"


    Shen Yin doubted.


    "Have you all returned home?"


    Xu Guimin came out of the vi and saw the family of three. He looked excited, but the vicissitudes of life on his face could not be concealed. The man in his fifties looked a lot more exhausted after going through such major events.


    "Home?"


    Xu Xiuhe filled his tone with iprehension. What was Xu Guimin thinking, daring to say that this ce was his home? Was it? From the moment Yang Cui stepped in, it was no longer his home.


    "What are you digging, Xiuhe?"


    "I don''t need you to worry about it."


    "Xiuhe, I am your father."


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t want to deal with Xu Guimin anymore. Despite the cold treatment, Xu Guimin didn''t feel discouraged. He turned his gaze to Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng.


    "What is your name? Would you like grandpa to hold you?"


    Xu Guimin walked towards Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng. When he reached Yunzheng, Yunzheng stepped back and hid behind Shen Yin.


    "He doesn''t know you and doesn''t want to talk to strangers."


    Shen Yin stood in front of Yunzheng.


    "You are Xiuhe''s wife, right? Good choice. But how could I ever be a stranger? I am Xiuhe''s father, Yunzheng''s grandpa. The blood flowing in Yunzheng''s veins is that of the Xu''s."


    "Xiuhe has been away for so many years, and you''ve also gone to see him, saying he''s your family''s child. Let alone Zhengzheng."


    "No matter what you say, it is an indisputable fact that Xiuhe is my son."


    Shen Yin still paid no mind, she would always stand on Xu Xiuhe''s side. No matter right or wrong, whatever decisions Xu Xiuhe made, she would support him, just like how he supported her.


    "Xiuhe, you see, you¡­"


    "We''re just here to take back what''s rightfully ours and we''ll leave soon. We don''t want to talk if you''re not in the best shape, you can go in."

 Chapter 272

    Xu Xiuhe continued digging in the patch of grass, noticing that the hole was getting deeper, but still nothing had been unearthed.


    "Xiuhe, what are you digging for? Do you need my help?" Xu Guimin asked from the side.


    "No need, you can go inside. We''ll leave after we finish digging," said Shen Yin.


    Xu Xiuhe kept digging, going deeper and deeper until he finally couldn''t dig anymore.


    "Have we found a treasure?" Xu Yunzheng ran to the edge of the dug-up hole.


    "Zhengzheng, be careful. If you fall in, you''ll be covered in dirt."


    "It''s okay, Dad''s here. Zhengzheng won''t fall in," the little one said, not worried at all.


    "Zhengzheng is right. Dad''s here, so Zhengzheng won''t fall. Come on, Zhengzheng, move aside a bit so Dad can bring up the treasure Grandma left."


    Xu Xiuhe picked up Zhengzheng and put him to the side, then jumped down into the hole he had just dug and brought up a box as big as Zhengzheng.


    The box looked quite old, wrapped in ayer of waterproof and moisture-proof paper.


    "This box is so big," Shen Yin said.


    "It''s been passed down from my mother''s ancestors. The Sun Family used to be a wealthy household, as you saw in South Cityst time."


    Shen Yin recalled that when they were in South City before, she did feel that the Sun Family had a deep heritage.


    "Shall we go back then?"


    "Yes, let''s go back."


    Xu Xiuhe had originally wanted to go look inside the vi, but then he thought that after so many years with Yang Cui living there, going in would be meaningless.


    "Are you leaving already? Won''t you stay a while longer?" Xu Guimin ran out.


    "This isn''t our home, you know. Dad just came to take back what belongs to him. We''re going home now, bye-bye," said Xu Yunzheng, tugging on Xu Xiuhe''s clothes as he walked to Shen Yin''s side. The family of three headed towards the gate of the courtyard.


    "Xiuhe, you''re my son. No matter what, our blood rtion can''t be severed. I''m old now, and thepany will have to be handed over to you eventually."


    "Not necessary. I''ll take back thepany on my own merit," Xu Xiuhe said. Xu Guimin wanted to say more, but the three had already gotten into the car.


    Once in the car, Xu Xiuhe ced the antique-looking box under the passenger seat.


    "Do you know what''s inside that box?" Shen Yin asked on the way home.


    "I don''t know. My mother and I dug the hole together back then. She said to dig up this box when I got married and had children in the future."


    After arriving home, Xu Xiuhe carried the box out of the car. He then removed theyer of paper from the box.


    "Let me carry it. You go throw away that paper," said Shen Yin.


    The paper, having been buried for years, was covered in ayer of ck soil.


    "You two go in first. This box is too heavy; it''s not convenient for you to carry."


    Hearing this, Shen Yin said no more and led Zhengzheng into the house.


    Shortly after, Xu Xiuhe also entered the house.


    In the living room, Xu Xiuhe set the box on the floor, and Zhengzheng squatted down beside it.


    "Is this from Grandma for me and Mom?"


    Xu Xiuhe rubbed Xu Yunzheng''s head.


    "Yes, it''s for you and Mom."


    "Can Zhengzheng open this box?" The little one looked at Xu Xiuhe, then at Shen Yin.


    "Sure."


    "Mom,e here. Open it with Zhengzheng." Hearing this, Shen Yin smiled and walked over.


    Zhengzheng carefully lifted the lid of the box, revealing a collection of jewelry.


    High-quality jade bracelets and rings.


    The rings had an antique style, showing the marks of age, but undeniably, the jade in the center was of the same excellent quality as the bracelets.


    Earrings, hairpins, nes ¨C aplete set of essories. Even Shen Yin, who was used to seeing such things in Dasheng, found it incredible at this moment.


    These were all antiques. While they might bemonly seen in Dasheng, nowadays, one would have to go to a museum to see such items.


    "Mom, what''s this?" Xu Yunzheng picked up a jade pendant.


    Shen Yin looked over. In the little one''s hand was a Zichen pendant, a traditional jade pendant design symbolizing peace and aspirations for children''s sess. The jade was of excellent quality, translucent, with a smooth surface and superb color.


    "This is what Grandma wanted to give to Zhengzheng."


    "What is it used for?" the little one asked.


    Shen Yin took a look. This jade pendant probably had several hundred years of history.


    "It''s worn around the neck. Jade nurtures people. One of these days, Mom will have this jade piece processed, and then Zhengzheng can wear it."


    "Yay!"


    Shen Yin looked again at the box full of jewelry, lost in thought. What exactly did the Sun Family''s ancestors do? This box of treasures could only be seen in museums now.


    "Mom kept such a low profile when she was alive. How did Xu Guimin not know about these?"


    From what Shen Yin knew of Xu Guimin, if he had known about these treasures, he wouldn''t have remained indifferent.


    "Maybe Mom always intended to leave these things for you two."


    "This box is worth several billion."


    "It''s all yours."


    "Then I''ll keep it and pass it on to my daughter-inw in the future."


    "It''s yours. You can do whatever you want with it."


    "Several billion, and you don''t even blink?"


    "I did blink. I''ve been blinking this whole time," Xu Xiuhe said, then blinked a few more times.


    ...


    "You have no sense of humor at all. I was using hyperbole."


    "I was wrong. I''ll blink some more."


    Shen Yin couldn''t help butugh at Xu Xiuhe''s words.


    "Let''s put these away for now. Zhengzheng can wear his."


    As Shen Yin was about to close the box, she suddenly noticed a piece of paper at the bottom.


    "Daughter, when you see this letter, it means that my child, Xiuhe, has found someone he loves and who loves him. As I write this letter, I already know I''m ill. Life is unpredictable, and fate is hard to foresee. Many people might think my life wasn''t worth much, but I don''t see it that way. I still believe that two people meeting, knowing, and loving each other is fate, but some people can see fate through to the end, while others change. If I''m not mistaken, after I''m gone, Xiuhe will have a tough time. Meeting you is his fortune. Of course, I don''t know who you are, but I believe you must be special. In the days toe, you must support each other and lean on one another. I don''t have much else to say. Once again, thank you for being by his side."


    The text wasn''t long, but the handwriting was neat and elegant. Shen Yin could imagine Sun Wenting''s feelings as she wrote this letter. It was both hopeful and a mother''s blessing for her son.


    "Do you want to read the letter Mom wrote?" Shen Yin asked.


    Xu Xiuhe shook his head.


    "She said the box was for my future daughter-inw, so naturally, the letter inside is for you. If I hadn''t met you, this box might have stayed buried forever."


    "Mom''s writing always gives me a sense of bygone times, like that of a wealthy youngdy. But you can also see that she had epted her fate. I never understood that dream Xu Guimin had."


    "Maybe she both hated and loved him. After you came into this world, there are many things we can''t understand anymore."


    Xu Xiuhe picked up the box and headed upstairs, while Shen Yin fell into thought.


    Online, news about Chang Zhiyuan and Shu Yi was already flying around. Love is so magical, bringing lovers together.


    Life returned to normal. As usual, when Shen Yin had free time, she would sit at Qingfan Tower, watching peoplee and go, observing the clouds gather and disperse. When inspired, she would update the menu.


    Of course, she didn''t forget about the studio at Qinghe Vi. The clothing studio had indeed established its brand.


    At the end of the year, Kang Guopengpleted another set of Chinese-style furniture. As soon as Shen Yin listed it on the website, it was ordered. As the months passed, Shen Yin''s belly grewrger andrger.


    Xu Xiuhe became even more cautious, not daring to let Shen Yin do anything, and helping to handle many things himself.


    In the news, there were new developments regarding Xu Zhengyang and Yang Cui. Xu Zhengyang was convicted of intentional homicide and kidnapping, sentenced to over 10 years in prison. Yang Cui received the same sentence.


    Of course, this was partly due to the efforts of Xu Guimin and Xu Xiuhe.


    Xu Guimin came to find Xu Xiuhe multiple times, even explicitly stating his intention to hand over thepany to Xu Xiuhe, seeking Xu Xiuhe''s forgiveness. But Xu Xiuhe never agreed.


    "Xiuhe, what will it take for you to forgive Dad? Dad was wrong before. Dad let you down. Dad will change in the future."


    At the entrance of Ziyue Manor, Xu Guimin stood blocking Xu Xiuhe''s car on his way home.


    Xu Xiuhe sat in the car and sighed. He had said he would never forgive him. Some mistakes were fundamental issues, and some principles couldn''t be changed.


    Seeing Xu Xiuhe like this, Shen Yin got out of the car and stood in front of Xu Guimin.


    "Child, please persuade Xiuhe. He''ll surely listen to you. Ask him to forgive me."


    "Mr. Xu, I can''t help you with this. Do you think you''re pitiful?"


    Shen Yin, with her pregnant belly, had a serious expression on her face, leaving no room for negotiation.


    Xu Guimin nodded, his face bitter, his hair noticeably grayer.


    He had been framed by his wife and son, nearly losing his life. After Yang Cui and Xu Zhengyang were sentenced to prison, Xu Group''s stock price plummeted. Now Xiuhe was unwilling to forgive him. It seemed everything had changed in an instant. How could he not be pitiful?


    "You should know, those who are pitiful often have detestable aspects. What use is it to seek forgiveness? To make yourself feel better? To ease your conscience? Saying ''sorry'' or ''I was wrong'' - can thatpensate for the harm my husband suffered? Why didn''t you think of him before? He rented apartments, shopped at markets, did all sorts of part-time jobs. Did you see him as your son then? Did you do right by his mother? She loved you so much, and you betrayed her. Aren''t all your current circumstances of your own making?"


    As Shen Yin spoke, Xu Guimin had no room for rebuttal.


    "You''re quite old now, and you should understand that people must bear the consequences of their mistakes. You reap what you sow. There''s no need to seek forgiveness, and you don''t need it. Xiuhe can just pretend he doesn''t have you as a father. Every time youe seeking forgiveness, it''s difficult for him. Firstly, he never intended to forgive you. Secondly, your pitiful appearance makes others think we''re bullying an old man. If you truly want Xiuhe to forgive you, just take care of yourself from now on. You''re not short of money, you can still live well. In the future, let''s each live our own lives without disturbing each other."


    After finishing, Shen Yin rubbed her belly. Xu Guimin hadn''t expected such harsh words from a pregnant woman.


    Shen Yin didn''t wait for Xu Guimin''s reaction and turned to get into the passenger seat.


    Xu Guimin seemed to have taken Shen Yin''s words to heart and moved to the roadside, no longer blocking their way.


    "Thank you," Xu Xiuhe said.


    "We''re family, aren''t we? No need to thank me. If it weren''t for the fact that he''s rted to you by blood, I would have hit him just now."


    Shen Yin felt like giving Xu Guimin a beating just thinking about how difficult Xu Xiuhe''s life had been before.


    "You''re due to give birth in a few days, and you''re still thinking about hitting people?" Xu Xiuhe smiled indulgently. Just a while ago, she had felt she had be too gentle, unlike herself, and now she was thinking about getting physical again.


    "It''ll be a few more days, probably after the New Year. Surely I won''t be spending New Year''s Eve in the operating room," Shen Yin realized btedly.


    "The due date is the first day of the lunar new year. As for where we''ll spend New Year''s Eve, we''ll have to ask the baby in your belly what they think."


    "Baby, what do you think? Please, not on New Year''s Eve," Shen Yin patted her belly.


    "Mom asked us to spend the New Year at her ce."


    "That''s fine. Isn''t Yunzheng still there? Should I pack some things? You could go over there in the next few days. I''ll be quite busy, and I''m worried about you being alone at home."


    "Alright."


    With that said, Xu Xiuhe did just that. After arriving home, he got out of the car and helped Shen Yin out.


    Shen Yin sat in the living room eating various fruits while Xu Xiuhe went upstairs to pack some clothes and daily necessities for her. When he came back down, he was carrying arge bag.


    "Why so many things?" Shen Yin asked.


    They seemed to have their things at Yun Manor, and Fang Yue was at home, preparing everything for them.


    "It''s not all yours. Some are for the baby. It''s better to prepare in advance. Otherwise, it''ll be inconvenient toe back and get things when you go intobor."


    "You''re not nning for me to spend the entire postpartum period at Mom''s ce, are you?"


    "No, I''lle back to take care of you during the postpartum period. Also, Aunt Song wille back after the New Year to look after you for a while."


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t tell Shen Yin why he was so busy during this time, and Shen Yin didn''t ask. But Xu Xiuhe had promised to acquire Xu Corporation and give it to the baby as a birth gift. With the baby''s birth approaching, it was time to speed up this matter.


    After Shen Yin arrived at Yun Manor, Xu Xiuhe went to thepany. With just a few days left before the New Year, only a few people were working overtime at thepany. The acquisition of Xu Corporation had been ongoing for the past six months, and now it was just the final step.


    The next time Xu Xiuhe met Xu Guimin was in the office of Xu Group.


    "You don''t have to do this. Thepany is yours. There''s no need for you to acquire it bit by bit like this," Xu Guimin sighed.


    "It''s necessary. Just sign it. After you sign, the money will be transferred to you. From now on, as my wife said, let''s each live our own lives. Use this money to take care of yourself in your old age."

 Chapter 273

    Xu Guimin frowned, wanting to continue, but Xu Xiuhe''s attitude was firm, his expression serious as if there was no room for negotiation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What I wanted to say, I''ve said to you before. You''ve also seen it, Xu Corporation isn''t what it used to be. You should be well aware of the losses Yu Corporation incurred during the time when Xu Zhengyang was managing thepany. Now more than half of the Xu Group''s shares are in my hands, you..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe didn''t continue, his eyes staring directly at Xu Guimin. Xu Guimin wasn''t a fool, he understood what Xu Xiuhe was implying.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is there really no room for discussion?" Xu Guimin asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "None."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe replied emotionless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man, aged over fifty, picked up the pen in his hand, and shakily wrote down Xu Guimin''s three characters. Xu Xiuhe handed over the ink pad, and Xu Guimin stamped his handprint.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Xiuhe took the document, turned around, and left. The rest was up to Liu Bo.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On New Year''s Eve, in Yun Manor, the decor was just as it had been the previous year. Festive reds dominated, full of New Year''s joy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "These few days, you must keep up with your nutrition, so when the timees for delivery, you''ll have the energy."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fang Yue served Shen Yin soup for her. Although it was a New Year''s Eve dinner, most of the dishes on the table were suitable for a pregnant woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I know, Mom."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin picked up the soup spoon and started to drink.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You should get some rest early tonight. Recovery is important."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fang Yue continued to remind her. This New Year''s Eve meal, which was originally supposed to be eaten close to midnight was prepared early because of Shen Yin''s condition. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "OK, I''ll listen to you, Mom."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Just as Shen Yin finished speaking, something seemed to be wrong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yin Yin, what''s the matter?" Xu Xiuhe was filled with worry and was the first to notice that Shen Yin''s expression was off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Just as he finished speaking, everyone else at the table looked their way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Yin nced at her belly and said in a weak voice, "I think... I might be about to give birth."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What? Isn''t your due date tomorrow?" Shen Lv put down his chopsticks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Birthing is never precise. I was inbor for a long time when your sister was born. Shen Lv, start the car. Xiuhe, help Yin Yin. I''ll go and grab some things."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Yunzheng, taken aback, quickly rose and followed behind Shen Yin and Xu Xiuhe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the car, the family of three sat in the back while Shen Lv drove. Seeing Shen Yin''s pained expression, he started the car without waiting for Fang Yue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You call Mom and tell her which hospital we''re headed to. I''ll call to have the hospital prepare."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The two made their respective calls. Shen Yin leaned her head against Xu Xiuhe''s shoulder, and Xu Yunzheng patted her hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mommy won''t hurt."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At nine o''clock in the evening, the car sped along the road. The traffic was lighter than usual, and as they passed residential areas, every house was brightly lit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This little one, not obeying me, hasn''t given me a chance to celebrate the New Year properly," Shen Yin said with a pale face but a smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Do you still feel ufortable? We''ll be at the hospital soon," asked Xu Xiuhe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m fine."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Fang Yue came downstairs, she saw that Shen Lv''s car had already left. She didn¡¯t say much and made straight for the garage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She hadn¡¯t entered when a car came out of the garage. Shen Tianzheng was sitting in the driver''s seat. Seeing Fang Yue standing at the side, he immediately got out of the car and opened the back door. He gently put the wrapped clothes and the newborn products from Fang Yue''s hands onto the backseat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Can you handle it? It''s probably very cold at the hospital tonight," said Fang Yue, looking at Shen Tianzheng who was only wearing a sweater.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I have a thick coat in the backseat."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On hearing his response, Fang Yue looked in the backseat and indeed, it was there.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Drive slower to Rong City Hospital. We''re not in a rush," Fang Yue reminded him earnestly, knowing that it had been a long time since Shen Lv had driven a car.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No problem, stop being so careful. I''m not sick now," Shen Tianzheng retorted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    While they were speaking, Shen Lv''s car arrived at the hospital. There were already people waiting at the entrance to help. Shen Yin was lifted onto a stretcher and taken directly to the delivery room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''ll go in too. Yunzheng, will you wait out here for mom and dad?" said Xu Xiuhe, before entering. He was a little worried and left a message for Xu Yunzheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Okay."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xu Yunzheng knew he shouldn''t cause trouble at this moment. He was familiar with the scene and had experience. He had been here with his mother once before, waiting for Aunt Qi Ji, whoter gave birth to two babies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Brother, please look after him," Xu Xiuhe said to Shen Lv.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Lv nced at the delivery room, inserted one hand in his trouser pocket, and with the other hand gently patted Yunzheng''s head. "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Xu Xiuhe entered, Xu Yunzheng ran to the door. Shen Lv sat restless on the chair outside. He felt somewhat guilty towards his sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Uncle, will brother and sister soon join this world to y with Yunzheng?¡± the little one asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Brother and sister?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, just like Aunt Qi Ji. She stayed in this room and then had brother Le''an and sister Leyu."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Kid, do you like brother or sister?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I like both."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Lvughed; how was he supposed to exin that not everyone in this room ends up having twins? Besides, Shen Yin was bearing a little princess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How are things?" Fang Yue and Shen Tianzheng hurried over. They were carryingrge bags in their hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "They''ve just gone in not long ago, doctors and nurses have already entered," Shen Lv reported.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Have you found the patient room? Your father and I can put all this stuff away."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''ll go. You and dad wait here. Yunzheng, do you want toe with me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little boy sat on the chair, his short legs dangling in the air, swinging back and forth. He rested his elbows on his thighs, holding up his chin with his hands. On hearing Shen Lv''s words, he said, "No, I will wait here for my mom and dad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Lv didn''t say much and went directly downstairs to arrange their things in the recently prepared hospital room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Granny Fang,¡± the boy asked ¡°when will my parents be out?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Just wait a little while, why don''t you have a nap, Yunzheng? By the time you wake up, you''ll be able to see your mom and sister.¡± <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fang Yueforted him, but she also had no clue when Shen Yin would be out. Everyone''s physical constitution varies in giving birth. Some women take as long as ten hours in the delivery room, others only two hours. But even in the quickest case, Shen Yin was likely to take quite a long time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yunzheng,e on, lean on Granny Fang." <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fang Yue draped a coat over Xu Yunzheng. Yunzheng obediently leaned towards Fang Yue''s arm. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fang Yue adjusted her position, trying to make Yunzheng morefortable. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the other side of the room, Shen Tianzheng was sat upright on a chair. His posture betrayed signs of tension. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yunzheng, why don''t you lean on Granny Fang and take a nap?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 274

    Xu Yunzheng once again insisted on refusing. He was not tired; he needed to wait for his mother toe out.


    Shen Tianzheng nced at his phone. It was already past 10 pm, and Shen Lv had also arrived.


    Time ticked by slowly. Being located on a high level, the birthing room had a window that provided a distant view at a nce.


    In the distance was an endless sea of lights. Rong City was economically advanced. Despite the decrease in permanent poption during the New Year, there was still irresistible enthusiasm on New Year''s Eve.


    Everywhere, there were big rednterns. From the window, one could gaze upon the iconic building of Rong City - The Glory Moon Tower.


    The tower was broadcasting the Spring Festival G. Although the sound couldn''t reach, the program was faintly visible.


    The little one struggled to keep his eyes open, but in the end, he couldn''t resist his sleep schedule. He fell asleep around New Year''s Eve.


    However, he didn''t sleep for long. Around midnight, the sounds of firecrackers and fireworks started ringing one after another.


    The sleepy toddler opened his eyes.


    Just after midnight, a baby''s cry was heard from the delivery room.


    Xu Yunzheng perked up at once. He jumped down from the chair. Shen Lv, Fang Yue, and Shen Tianzheng stood up as well. They finally made it. The time when Fang Yue had Shen Yin was fraught with difficulty, casting a shadow over the two. They sat by the door, the unease within them inexpressible.


    But now, they had finally rxed.


    "It''s the first baby of the New Year. This little princess has such perfect timing. As soon as the New Year''s bell tolled, she came into the world."


    A doctor joked as he walked out.


    Later, after having a series of checkups in the delivery room, Shen Yin was wheeled out by the medical staff.


    In the ward, Shen Yin was still weak. Fang Yue had used everything she had prepared, and the adults were eager to see the newborn baby.


    "This child is so handsome, just like Yin when she was a kid. Look at your small eyes and this mouth."


    Fang Yue was astounded.


    "Let me see."


    Shen Tianzheng impatiently leaned in.


    "The baby''s smiling."


    "I want to see my sister smile." The little one strained his neck, silently wishing he were taller.


    "Uncle, Yunzheng wants to see his sister."


    "What, I didn''t hear you correctly." Shen Lv, acting childishly, teased Yunzheng.


    "Uncle, lift me up now so I can see my sister."


    Xu Yunzheng pushed his feet upwards.


    "What''s in it for me?" Shen Lv asked.


    "I''ll introduce you to a girlfriend," replied Xu Yunzheng, straight-faced.


    "Deal."


    Shen Lv put his words into action and picked Yunzheng up.


    Yunzheng looked at the newborn baby and gave a smile.


    "Sis, I''m brother. Grow up quickly so I can take you to kindergarten."


    Xu Yunzheng had barely finished speaking when the darling in Fang Yue''s arms started to weep.


    Xu Yunzheng was dumbfounded, not knowing why his sister, who was just fine, suddenly started crying.


    "Yunzheng, who bullies their sister like that? She''s just been born, and already you are talking about kindergarten."


    After being chided by Shen Lv, Xu Yunzheng realized he had misspoke.


    "Sis, no kindergarten." Xu Yunzheng corrected himself hastily, trying to salvage the situation.


    The baby in the arms pouted.


    "Xu Xiuhe and I will stay here, Shen Lv, you and Yunzheng, and your dad, should go home first."


    "Alright, if you need anything, call me." Shen Lv knew that their whole family couldn¡¯t fit in this room. It''s more convenient for them to go back home. After all, Yunzheng is so young.


    "Dad, don''t worry, my mom and Xu Xiuhe are here, there won''t be any problem."


    "Okay, let''s go home then. We''lle back early tomorrow morning." As Shen Tianzheng finished speaking, he picked up his coat and left.


    Shen Lv, carrying Yunzheng, followed him out.


    "Uncle, what I just said is true."


    Xu Yunzheng said with all seriousness.


    "What''s serious?" Shen Lv asked.


    "What I said about introducing a girlfriend to you is serious," Xu Yunzheng whispered into Shen Lv''s ear.


    "Oh? Who does Yunzheng want to introduce to Uncle, Uncle likes the pretty ones."


    Shen Lv continued teasing Yunzheng


    "I want to introduce ''Strawberry teacher'' to Uncle, she''s beautiful and very nice to Yunzheng, she''s kind and gentle."


    "Really? Yunzheng likes ''Strawberry teacher'' a lot?"


    The little man nodded.


    "It''s gentle, not warm." Shen Lv corrected Xu Yunzheng''s pronunciation.


    "Yes, gentle."


    "Tell Uncle, why is there a ''Strawberry teacher''? Do you also have an ''Apple teacher'', and ''Orange teacher''?"


    "Uncle, how did you know? But Yunzheng likes ''Strawberry teacher'' the most because she said my mom is pretty!"


    "You naughty!"


    Shen Lv and Yunzheng''s conversation was very soft, and Shen Tianzheng who was walking in front of them could only hear them whispering, but couldn''t hear what they were saying.


    "You two, hurry up, why are you walking so slowly?"


    Shen Tianzheng turned his head around.


    "Dad, you should tell me to hurry up."


    Yunzheng fell asleep as soon as they got in the car.


    The following day, early in the morning, fireworks were set off in every household of Yun Manor. It was Chinese New Year, hence the sounds of fireworks. The New Year atmosphere was still very festive. Shen Tianzheng had ordered the maids in the kitchen to prepare breakfast. After the three generations had breakfast, they packed some to bring to the hospital.


    Shen Yin was still asleep in the morning, while Xu Xiuhe woke up pretty early. His phone was filled with messages and red packets from friends sent during the New Year countdown.


    "[Xiuhe, what''s going on with you and your wife? Neither of you said anything in the group chat.]"


    Chang Zhiyuan was the most brash, @ing Xu Xiuhe several times in the group chat.


    "[There''s nothing I can do. At the very first second of the New Year, we greeted our little princess.]"


    "[Whoa, your wife gave birth? After midnight?]"


    Xu Xiuhe sent an expression of ''of course.''


    Then he remembered something, walked to the couch inside, took out some documents from his bag.


    Fang Yue also woke up, seeing the baby, who was wide awake.


    "I''ll go out and call Shen Lv to bring some food over, we two can make do, but Yin Yin and the baby cannot."


    Shen Yin woke up just when Fang Yue left the room.


    "Where''s the baby?"


    Xu Xiuhe picked up the baby from the cot and handed her over to Shen Yin.


    "She''s pretty beautiful."


    "Shen Yin said truthfully.


    "Thank you for your hard work. This is for the baby, keep it safe for her."


    After saying this, Xu Xiuhe handed over the document he was holding to Shen Yin.


    "The acquisition document of the Xu Group?"


    Shen Yin held it in her hand. So the busy days before the Lunar New Year, was Xu Xiuhe busy all the time because of this?

 Chapter 275

    Shen Yin, due to her good health, only stayed in the hospital for two days before being discharged.


    On the day she returned home from the hospital, Qi Ji and Shu Yi came to Ziyue Manor to wee Shen Yin.


    Of course, Qi Ji''s two babies also came, as they were on their New Year''s holiday, and Xue Jingrui naturally came along too.


    "Let me see the baby," Qi Ji leaned in.


    "She''s so beautiful! I never thought that little Le''an and Le''yu would be an older brother and sister so soon."


    Qi Ji was a bit excited.


    "Her name is Yunmo, Xu Yunmo," Shen Yin said.


    Everyone had brought gifts, and Shu Yi had prepared another present for Xu Yunmo.


    "I feel like I''m the biggest winner, bing a mom without any pain," Shu Yi said, looking at all the children with great joy.


    "Godmother, when are you going to have a baby? Aunt Qi Ji and mom have both had babies," Xu Yunzheng asked.


    "Godmother''s not in a hurry," Shu Yi squatted down and patted Xu Yunzheng''s face as she spoke.


    "Then when will godmother be in a hurry? Why doesn''t godmother have her own baby? That way, Zheng Zheng would have many brothers and sisters," the child persisted.


    Shu Yiughed awkwardly. How could she exin to a three-year-old that babies aren''t born just because you want them, and that it takes more than one person?


    "I understand! Aunt Qi Ji and mom both had weddings before they had babies," Xu Yunzheng suddenly eximed.


    Shu Yi was quite impressed. Xu Yunzheng was so clever. But before she could fully appreciate the child''s insight, she was caught off guard by his next statement.


    "Godmother, you need to have a wedding," the little one dered.


    Qi Ji was so amused she could barely keep her mouth closed.


    "We''ll wait a bit longer. Godmother''s not in a hurry," Shu Yi felt like Zheng Zheng was acting like a little adult, seeming to understand everything.


    After giving their gifts to Xu Yunmo, the visitors left, as the new mother needed rest and shouldn''t be disturbed too much.


    During Shen Yin''s postpartum confinement, Aunt Song took care of her. Aunt Song had arrived in Rong City from her hometown right after the New Year celebrations, on the third day of the first lunar month.


    Aunt Song had cared for Shen Yin during her first pregnancy, and being quite professional with experience in caring for postpartum women and grandchildren, Shen Yin felt at ease with her.


    "Madam, this child looks just like you," Aunt Song said, holding Xu Yunmo and admiring her with increasing delight. She had been away for a year and a half, and now she was back to care for Shen Yin during her confinement.


    "Really? I can''t tell if babies look like anyone," Shen Yin said with a smile.


    "Look at her nose, her mouth, they''re so much like yours," Aunt Song insisted. Fearing Shen Yin might not believe her, she went to the nearby dressing table and brought a small makeup mirror, holding it up to Shen Yin''s face.


    Shen Yin looked in the mirror and then at Xu Yunmo, and indeed saw the simrities.


    "You''re right," she admitted.


    "When this little girl grows up, she''ll definitely be beautiful. The old madam would be overjoyed if she knew," Aunt Song said.


    "Aunt Song, you''re from South City, right?" Shen Yin asked.


    "Yes, and you know, the winters in South City are a bit warmer than in Rong City."


    Shen Yin didn''t have much of a reaction to this. She rarely went out, and with air conditioning and floor heating in the room, she didn''t even need to wear a sweater indoors.


    "Grandma Song, I want to see my little sister," Xu Yunzheng ran in from outside. Since Shen Yin hade home, Xu Yunzheng woulde in to see Xu Yunmo about eight times a day.


    "Of course, Grandma Song will hold the baby lower so Xu Yunzheng can see," Aunt Song said, adjusting her hold on the baby.


    As Xu Yunzheng gazed at Xu Yunmo, Aunt Song watched Xu Yunzheng. She couldn''t hide her happiness. When she had arrived, she had spotted Xu Yunzheng immediately. She had thought he might not remember her, as he was only two weeks old when she left. Now he was almost four years old, a big boy, and she thought he might not have any impression of her.


    Indeed, Xu Yunzheng didn''t recognize Aunt Song at first nce. After sneaking a few more looks, he became a bit shy. After two minutes, Xu Yunzheng asked, "Grandma, have we met before?"


    Aunt Song was a bit surprised and nodded.


    Shen Yin, who was nearby, said, "She''s Grandma Song. When Zheng Zheng was little, Grandma Song took care of you all the time. Don''t you remember?"


    The little boy stood there, seeming to think. After a few seconds, he said, "I remember now. Grandma said she''de back to see me, and she really did."


    "Grandma Song always keeps her promises. What I promised Zheng Zheng, I will definitely do," Aunt Song said, patting Zheng Zheng''s head.


    Zheng Zheng shyly left the room.


    Shen Yin smiled, and Aunt Song chuckled happily.


    During Shen Yin''s confinement, Xu Xiuhe had originally nned to stay at home with her, but circumstances didn''t allow it. Xu Xiuhe had directly renamed the Xu Corporation to Yunmo Group.


    He said he was giving it to Xu Yunmo, and he meant it. Heyuan Group had been intended for Xu Yunzheng from the beginning. What the son had, the daughter should have too.


    There was a major staff reshuffling at Yunmo Group. Xu Xiuhe transferred some leaders from Heyuan Group, and Heyuan Group recruited some new ones. To outsiders, it looked as if the two groups had merged.


    In reality, the profits of the two groups were kept separate. Xu Xiuhe made a clear distinction: the current profits of Yunmo Group all belonged to Yunmo, to be her dowry in the future.


    Recently, during the winter holiday season, many new TV series and movies were released. Yet Yunmo Group managed to cut through the flood of entertainment news and topped the trending topics.


    Everyone knew that Yunmo Group was formerly the Xu Corporation. They also roughly guessed that the Xu Corporation had changed owners. As for why it was called Yunmo, there were various spections.


    Some people guessed correctly. Rumors spread that the CEO of Heyuan Group had weed a second child, and Yunmo must be the name of the Heyuan family''s daughter.


    For a time, people marveled that some are born in Rome, with a worth of billions at birth, owning their ownpany from day one.


    When Shu Yi saw the news, her first reaction was toe and cling to little Yunmo. Who wouldn''t love a baby born as a little rich girl? She just wondered which lucky boy would benefit from this in the future.


    Shen Yin usually took care of Yunmo and couldn''t do much else, but fortunately, the empire she had built earlier stood firm.


    Qingfan Tower had been rated as arge-scale scenic area and was often featured in short videos, bing andmark of Rong City.


    This cultural aspect was not only praised by the authorities but also strongly supported. It was frequently promoted, attracting more and more visitors. Chen Siming was thrilled; in such a short time, he had created an entire street. He had initially nned to open a private kitchen, but identally, it had grown into something much bigger.


    To Chen Siming, Shen Yin was like a living Bodhisattva, a god of wealth.


    Shen Yin''s monthly share was already in the seven figures, and with her studio on top of that, she was quite satisfied. It wasn''t about having a lot of money, just enough to use.


    As for the future, they''d cross that bridge when they came to it.


    In March, Shen Yin received a call from Su Jin, informing her that her award-winning work, the double-sided embroidered painting, had been included in the National Folk Art Museum.

 Chapter 276

    Shen Yin didn''t have much of a reaction, but then Su Jin continued, saying that after being selected, there would not only be certificates of honor and various awards, but also prize money.


    Shen Yin wasn''t particrly interested in the small amount of prize money. The main thing was that being selected would further elevate her reputation.


    Sure enough, Su Jin''s next words brought even better news. The gist was that because of her excellent work, Shen Yin could represent their country on the international fashion stage, stepping onto the world scene.


    Shen Yin now regarded Su Jin as a respected senior, speaking to her with the familiarity of a friend or family member. Su Jin reciprocated, genuinely delighted for Shen Yin''s sess.


    Just as they finished speaking, the baby Yun Mo''er began to cry in her crib. Hearing this, Su Jin suddenly realized how quickly time had passed ¨C in the blink of an eye, Shen Yin''s baby had already been born.


    At the one-month celebration for the Heyuan Group''s little princess, everyone who could attend did so, including Xue Kai and Ye Rong, as well as representatives from major corporations and even media reporters.


    Xu Xiuhe was already well-known in Rong City. At a young age, he had amassed billions in assets and founded a conglomerate, catapulting him to the status of Rong City''s wealthiest individual. To him, Shen Yin was a capable partner, a friend, and the person he loved most in the world.


    "Mama, Grandma Su is here. She says she''se to see little sister," Zhengzheng ran up to Shen Yin, who had justpleted her month of postpartum confinement. Thanks to the excellent care she had received, she was radiant and glowing.


    Standing there, she was the center of attention in the crowd.


    Xu Xiuhe stood beside Shen Yin, his face wreathed in smiles,pletely unlike the rumors about him. Now he was just an ordinary husband, carrying his wife''s bag and tidying the stray hairs at her temples.


    The Sun Family from South City had also sent representatives. The entire hall was filled with the sounds of conversation and admiration.


    "Yun Mo''er, this is your great-uncle," Shen Yin said, carrying her baby to Xu Xiuhe''s uncle and aunt.


    Unable to speak, Yun Mo''er''s eyes darted around. Seeing so many people for the first time, she wasn''t quitefortable and tilted her head to nestle against Shen Yin''s chest.


    "Haha, Mo''er is feeling shy!" everyoneughed. After seeing little Xu Yun Mo, the guests didn''t linger, moving off to chat with friends.


    Xu Xiuhe, worried that Shen Yin might tire, took Yun Mo from her and escorted Shen Yin to the presidential suite upstairs.


    Shu Yi and Qi Ji followed, each carrying a child. When they reached the top floor, they encountered Xiao Li''er, who was also holding a baby.


    With four children and three mothers, there was no end to their conversation topics. The group chatted in the room for a long time, with only Shu Yi unable to contribute much, instead entertaining the babies.


    "Sister Shu Yi, you should listen carefully. Who knows, it might be your turn next year," Qi Ji joked.


    Shu Yi blushed for just a second before retorting, "Who says? I''m not even married yet."


    Qi Ji and Shen Yin shared a secret smile. Soon, perhaps by the end of the year, she would be.


    That evening, when they returned home, Aunt Song had been waiting for them. Dinner was ready in the kitchen, and Xu Yun Moy in her crib nearby as the family of three sat down to eat.


    Xu Yunzheng regaled them with amusing stories from kindergarten, and the family enjoyed a warm, harmonious meal together.


    Aunt Song stood to the side, watching the scene with a contented smile. How wonderful, she thought. The wish from two years ago seemed to havee true.


    That night, as Shen Yin slept, she unconsciously kicked off the nket. Xu Xiuhe, half-asleep, noticed and habitually pulled the cover back over her.


    Perhaps sensing this, Shen Yin opened her eyes to see Xu Xiuhe and gently stroked his eyebrow. In a soft, almost murmuring voice, she said:


    "Through distant years, a lifetime of tenderness."


    Although the original phrase described brotherly affection, it conveyed exactly what Shen Yin wanted to express. It could apply to familial love, friendship, or romantic love.


    In the long journey of life, feelings remain as they were. No matter how long the years, there will always be someone waiting for you in the depths of time, loving you. They will transcend time and space, cross mountains and seas, to save each other. There''s a gentle tenderness, ordinary yet eternal, like a quiet stream flowing endlessly.


    Nestled beneath the moonlight, theypanionably gazed at each other in silence. Tomorrow would be another new day.

 Chapter 277

    After Little Yunmo turned one month old, Chang Zhiyuan prepared to propose. Everyone was helping him keep it a secret from Shu Yi.


    Ever since the couple went public with their rtionship, their fans went crazy. The two asionally shared sweet moments on social media, and Chang''s parents stopped interfering, letting things run their course. After all, they still wanted their son to be happy.


    From the moment they announced their rtionship, Shu Yi had decided to transition her career. Fans would flood Chang Zhiyuan''s social media, wishing for him to return to acting. Now that they were invested in the couple, it didn''t seem appropriate for Shu Yi to act in romantic dramas with other male leads.


    When Chang Zhiyuan saw these messages, he had already begun looking at scripts. Shu Yi''s career transition needed a gradual process. She couldn''t suddenly stop acting in the sweet romantic dramas that young girls loved. After all, she was already 26, and with waves of younger actressesing in, she couldn''t keep ying middle school or high school students anymore.


    The right roles should go to the right people.


    As Labor Day approached, Shu Yi had just returned from a film set. Chang Zhiyuan asked Shen Yin to help him arrange for Shu Yi to meet at a scenic spot in Rong City.


    On the day of the proposal, Chang Zhiyuan wore a very formal suit. When Shu Yi received Shen Yin''s call, she didn''t suspect anything and rushed over.


    Upon arriving at the destination, she thought Shen Yin had made a mistake. This scenic area was more of a resort, with beautiful scenery and fresh air, mountains and water, though the mountains weren''t very high. Usually, it was crowded and brightly lit, but when Shu Yi arrived, she found it pitch ck and seemingly deserted.


    Shu Yi suddenly realized that her attire had been unnecessary. She had originally worn a mask and hat to avoid being recognized, but now in the darkness, she could barely see her hand in front of her face.


    Shu Yi began to feel scared. She was in an unfamiliar ce, it was so dark, and she worried about potential dangers.


    Her first reaction was to take out her phone and call Shen Yin.


    After a few rings, Shen Yin answered.


    "Yin Yin, did Ie to the wrong ce? Why did you choose such a remote location, and there are no lights," Shu Yi whispered, covering her mouth.


    "Where are you now?" Shen Yin asked.


    "I''m at the entrance of the Panshan Resort. It''s pitch ck, and there''s no one around. Is the scenic area closed today?"


    "Yes, it''s closed. Enter through the gate and keep walking straight ahead."


    Shu Yi didn''t hang up but turned on her phone''s shlight and continued walking as Shen Yin instructed.


    Inside the resort, there were artificial mountains and fountains. When Shu Yi reached the fountain, water suddenly began to spray, apanied by music.


    Then, all the lights in the scenic area came on at once. Shu Yi was stunned by the sight before her. The ground was covered with flowers, adorned with star-shaped lights, and beside it was a rose waterfall. The entire scene was both dreamy and magical.


    Chang Zhiyuan emerged, wearing a white suit and holding a bouquet of flowers.


    Shu Yi seemed to have guessed what was about to happen. Chang Zhiyuan walked up to her and got down on one knee.


    "Will you marry me?"


    Shu Yi looked around and saw that everyone who should be there had arrived ¨C her friends, Chang Zhiyuan''s friends, and Chang Ningjing.


    Shu Yi covered her mouth. A woman''s intuition was indeed urate; she had guessed that Chang Zhiyuan might propose, but she hadn''t expected it to be so soon.


    "When did you start nning this?" Shu Yi asked.


    "At the beginning of the year," Chang Zhiyuan answered honestly.


    "After we''re married, will I still be free?" Shu Yi asked.


    "Of course. You can still act, travel... it''s just that when you travel, you''ll have me with you. Wherever you want to go in the future, I''ll apany you."


    "What if I want to go to Tibetan City?"


    "No way," Chang Zhiyuan answered firmly. They could go anywhere else, but definitely not to Tibetan City. It was too dangerous. Although the scenery along Route 318 was beautiful, life was more important.


    Their conversation made everyone around themugh. They all knew about Shu Yi''s altitude sickness incident in Tibetan City, and bringing it up in this context was indeed quite challenging for Chang Zhiyuan.


    Chang Zhiyuan seemed to realize that his answer had been too abrupt, so he tried to exin himself.


    "Tibetan City is too dangerous. We can go anywhere else. I''ll go with you."


    "You promise?"


    "I promise."


    They both smiled as they finished speaking. Shu Yi extended her hand, and Chang Zhiyuan slipped the ring onto her ring finger.


    At that moment, everyone around them breathed a sigh of relief. The couple had been through so much to get to this point.


    Fortunately, true love prevailed in the end.


    "Zhiyuan, if you ever mistreat Shu Yi, I''ll be the first to punch you," Chang Ningjing said as she approached.


    Shu Yi lowered her head shyly. She still remembered the first time she met Chang Ningjing ¨C she was efficient and decisive, a true career woman, and even seemed to dislike her. Now, she would send her red envelopes during holidays and even visit her on set when she was filming.


    The scenic setup, which cost hundreds of thousands of yuan, wasn''t dismantled the next day. When the scenic area reopened, the resort had be a popr spot for visitors. However, the tourists never knew that this was a scene set up by a wealthy young man, probably to make his beloved smile.

 Chapter 278

    "Bro-bro, Momo hungry hungry."


    Xu Yunmo sat on the carpet, looking expectantly at Xu Yunzheng. Xu Yunzheng was already five and a half years old, about to start first grade, but he was at aplete loss when it came to his one-and-a-half-year-old sister.


    "Just hang in there a little longer."


    Xu Yunmo shook her head.


    "Can''t hang on anymore."


    Her voice was soft and milky, her eyes watery, her mouth pouting as she crawled to Xu Yunzheng''s feet.


    "But you can''t go down the stairs."


    Xu Yunzheng said. Mom had told him to stay upstairs and y with his sister, but he wanted to go downstairs too. Momo had just learned to walk and couldn''t manage the stairs.


    "Bro-bro carry."


    Hearing this, Xu Yunzheng picked up Xu Yunmo, a small person carrying an even smaller one.


    "Let''s go downstairs."


    Xu Yunzheng could carry Xu Yunmo on t ground, but going down the stairs was still quite difficult.


    So he carried Xu Yunmo to the top of the stairs and called out, "Mom, Momo wants toe down."


    Shen Yin was cooking in the kitchen. Hearing this, she looked up towards the second floor.


    "You and Momo wait a bit longer, I''ll wash my hands ande up."


    Just as Shen Yin finished washing her hands, the doorbell rang.


    "Wait a little more, okay? Mom''s going to answer the door."


    Shen Yin went to open the door, and three little tots rushed in: Le An, Le Yu, and Xiao Li''er''s son, Xing Yi.


    "Auntie, where''s Momo?" Le Yu looked at Shen Yin.


    Le Yu, Le An, and Xing Yi were all older than Momo. Le Yu and Le An, the two children, hadpletely opposite personalities.


    Le Yu was more talkative and optimistic, but Le An was different. Le An was very quiet, just like his name suggested. He didn''t like to talk much since he was little. At first, Qi Ji even thought there might be something wrong with Le An and took him to see doctors. After a series of check-ups, nothing was found. He was perfectly healthy and even a bit smarter than average.


    Xing Yi was only a month older than Momo. The four little tots weren''t far apart in age and could y well together.


    "Mommy, Mommy, Momo wants toe down," Xu Yunmo called loudly from the top of the stairs on the second floor.


    "Coming,ing."


    Xu Yunzheng felt a headacheing on. Why did he have to be so much older than them?


    After Shen Yin brought Xu Yunmo down, Le Yu trotted over with her little steps.


    "Momo!"


    The two little girls hugged each other, with Le An and Xing Yi standing nearby.


    Qi Ji and Xiao Li''er suddenly felt liberated. They rushed to the kitchen to help Shen Yin, while the children yed by themselves in the living room.


    Le Yu and Yunmo got along for about three minutes before it started.


    "Yunzheng is my brother," Le Yu said.


    "No no, Yunzheng is my bro-bro," Yunmo shook her head.


    "An-An is your bro-bro," Yunmo pointed at Le An.


    Le An was building blocks with Xing Yi,pletely ignoring the two little girls.


    "An-An is your brother too," Le Yu refused to give in.


    "No no," Yunmo was confused, unsure for a moment if what Le Yu said was right or not.


    "Momo, I''m the big sister," Le Yu pointed at herself.


    "I''m the big sister!"


    Suddenly, the living room became lively.


    Seeing that she was about to lose the argument to Le Yu, Yunmo ran to Xing Yi''s side and said, "Star-star, am I the big sister?"


    Liu Xing Yi looked up, then nodded and said in his baby voice, "Big sister."


    Having seeded, Yunmo turned to Le An: "An-An bro-bro, am I the big sister?"


    "I''m An-An''s big brother," Le An replied.


    "Yes, I''m Momo big sister," Xu Yunmo didn''t care what An-An said.


    Having sorted it out in her mind, Xu Yunmo ran back to Le Yu and said, "Star-star and An-An bro-bro say I''m the big sister."


    It was all mixed up. Xu Yunzheng held his forehead. Why did Yunmo, the youngest, always want to be the big sister?


    "Yunzheng, can you open the door? It''s probably your godmother."


    Xu Yunzheng got up and ran to the door to open it. Outside was another group of people.


    "Godmother, Aunt Ningjing."


    "Oh, godmother missed you so much!" Shu Yi pinched Xu Yunzheng''s cheeks again.


    "Xu Yunmo, your little brothers and sisters are here."


    Hearing this, Xu Yunmo immediately trotted over with her little steps.


    "Big sister is here."


    "Ah, Momo has be even prettier!" Shu Yi stroked the little ponytail on top of Yunmo''s head.


    "Where are my little brothers and sisters?" Xu Yunmo looked at Xu Yunzheng with her big eyes.


    "They''re in the tummy, feel it."


    Shu Yi took Xu Yunmo''s little hand and ced it on her belly.


    "Yin Yin, I have good news for you," Chang Ningjing rushed straight into the kitchen.


    Shen Yin turned to face her.


    "I can marry Tan Xiao now!"


    Chang Ningjing''s face was full of joy.


    Hearing this, Shen Yin smiled too. Since she became pregnant with Yunmo, she had been reading books and studying. Combining the books she had read in the Dasheng Dynasty with her enhanced skills in this era, she finally found a prescription to remove the old cold energy in Chang Ningjing''s body.


    In the blink of an eye, Chang Ningjing had been taking the medicine for a year, and it was time to see results.


    "Did you go to the hospital for a check-up?"


    "Yes, I didn''t have high hopes originally. Yesterday, when I went for a routine physical, I had it checked. The doctor said my gynecological condition was much better than before. They did aprehensive examination and called it a miracle."


    Chang Ningjing was so happy, not a trace of her usual strong, career woman demeanor remained.


    "Qi Ji is here," Qi Ji said as he helped Shen Yin set the dishes, sneaking a bite.


    "Oh right, we have Qi Ji right here with us," Shen Yin wiped her hands. As soon as she made this gesture, Chang Ningjing knew what Shen Yin was about to do. She obediently stretched out her hand.


    Shen Yin''s fingers moved slightly. A minuteter, she said, "It''s almost there. Keep taking the medicine for a few more days to consolidate the effect."


    "Yin Yin, tell your sister, was your family in the medical profession in the past?" Chang Ningjing joked.


    "My ancestors might have been militarymanders."


    Shu Yi''s pregnancy was already showing. When she tried to enter the kitchen, she was shooed out by the others. So, in the living room, there were five children plus Shu Yi.


    After hearing that there might be little brothers or sisters in Shu Yi''s tummy, Xu Yunmo ignored everything else and kept close to Shu Yi, talking to her belly.


    "I''m the big sister, my name is Xu Yunmo. Grow up quickly," Xu Yunmo patted Shu Yi''s belly.


    Shu Yi was still trying to figure out the situation.


    "She was just asking An-An and Xing Yi to call her big sister earlier," Xu Yunzheng said. He never imagined that one day he would have so many younger brothers and sisters. If nothing unexpected happened, more people were likely to arrive soon.


    Just as he was thinking this, there was another knock at the door.


    Xu Yunzheng ran to open it again.


    "Aunt."


    "Yunzheng, are they all here?" Fang Ningning asked.


    Xu Yunzheng nodded. See? He knew it. Who knew how many more little brothers and sisters were yet toe? Aunt Ningning had another one in her belly too.


    At mealtime, more than a dozen adults gathered around the table. Yunzheng also sat at the table, while the four little ones didn''t join the table for the meal.


    "Daddy, hungry hungry."


    Xu Yunmo, tired from ying, came to Xu Xiuhe''s leg and tugged at it.


    "Daddy, hungry hungry."


    Xue Le Yu also came to Xue Jingrui''s leg.


    "Xing Yi, An An, are you hungry?"


    The two boys didn''t say anything, continuing to y with the blocks in their hands.


    Le Yu and Yunmo only ate two bites of the dishes Shen Yin had specially prepared for them before wanting to get down again.


    Tottering back to the carpet, they continued their argument.


    Xu Yunzheng was used to it by now. It was still okay with just four of them. In the future, with two more... well, that would be very nice.


    "Yunzheng, do you remember the wish you made when you were three? You wanted to have many younger brothers and sisters in the future."


    Xu Yunzheng hadn''t expected that everything he wished for back then woulde true.


    "Let''s have Aunt Apple open a kindergarten and send them all there," Xu Yunzheng said.


    "Hahaha, you just graduated from kindergarten yourself, and now you''re thinking about sending your little brothers and sisters to kindergarten?"


    Chang Ningjing heard this idea and actually thought it wasn''t bad. She was considering investing. With six little ones soon, opening a kindergarten waspletely feasible.


    "Who''s Aunt Apple?" Qi Ji asked. Yunzheng had always had peculiar logic since he was little, and once again, "apple" had entered his blind spot.


    "It''s his kindergarten teacher, Miss Apple. He introduced her to my brother, and now she''s be Aunt Apple," Shen Yin exined.


    "Yunzheng must have learned this from the boss," Liu Bo chimed in.


    Everyone in the room burst intoughter.


    [End of the full text]


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