《My Dad is My Mom's Mortal Enemy》


 Chapter 1: 01

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    On stage, the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was reaching its climax. In the corner, a small tree was sighing to another small tree.


    "Luckily my tears fell quickly, otherwise my butt would have been beaten swollen by my dad. As soon as I cried, he was at a loss what to do. I found out that although I''m not good at studying, I have a gift for acting sad. As soon as I cry, he can''t do anything to me."


    The tree that was speaking was called Shen Chuqi. Last night when his dad was taking a bath, he had unlocked his dad''s phone password, and sent a message to all the contacts that looked like women''s profile pictures: "Sister, are you Shen Chuqi''s mom?"


    But there were too many contacts in the phonebook. He had only messaged a few when his dad came out of the bath and caught him red-handed.


    The tree next to Shen Chuqi was called Cheng Liqi. It was she who had taught Shen Chuqi this method of finding his mom through WeChat.


    Cheng Liqi patted Shen Chuqi on the shoulder tofort him. "You said you''re so good at acting. Maybe your mom is an actress. Actresses are all very good at crying -- their tears flow down with a blink. Your talent for acting is probably inherited from your mom."


    When Shen Chuqi heard this, his big eyes lit up. "Cheng Liqi, you make a lot of sense! Do you happen to know which actress sister has a mole under her left eye?"


    Cheng Liqi was puzzled. "Why would she have a mole under her left eye?"


    "I have a mole under my left eye, in the corner here," Shen Chuqi pointed it out to Cheng Liqi. "When my dad gets drunk, he''s said before that this mole is the only thing on my body that resembles my mom."


    "Oh~" Cheng Liqi understood. "Let me go home and ask my grandma. She likes watching TV so she must recognize a lot of actresses. She''ll definitely know which actress surnamed Shen has a mole under her left eye."


    Shen Chuqi was confused. "Why does the actress have to be surnamed Shen?"


    Cheng Liqi exined, "Think about it. Your dad is called Li Peifeng, and you are called Shen Chuqi. You don''t share your dad''s surname, so like me, you must have taken your mom''s surname!"


    Shen Chuqi excitedly grabbed Cheng Liqi''s hand. "Cheng Liqi, you''re so smart! Then I''ll be able to find out who my mom is really soon!"


    Cheng Liqi was also happy for Shen Chuqi. He had been looking for so long and was finally going to find his own mom.


    Shen Chuqi and Cheng Liqi were preschool ssmates and best friends. Shen Chuqi had decided to be good friends with Cheng Liqi for a simple reason -- he had just learned the idiom "misery lovespany". He felt that he and Cheng Liqi were perfect examples of misery lovingpany, because he had never seen Cheng Liqi''s dad pick her up from preschool, so he assumed she didn''t have a dad.


    But after bing good friends with Cheng Liqi, he realized they weren''t aspatible in their misery as he thought. He didn''t have a mom, but Cheng Liqi had a "Dad Shi", even though her "Dad Shi" was very very far away. But he would still send her all kinds of tasty treats and fun gifts. She also had two tall and handsome uncles who took her to amusement parks, pushed her on the swings, and told her bedtime stories. She was like she had three "dads", while he didn''t even have one mom. They weren''t verypatible after all.


    Seeing how happy Shen Chuqi was, Cheng Liqi thought that finding a mom didn''t seem too difficult. Should she also try to find her own "dad"?


    But...she didn''t really feel like she needed a dad.


    She had a mom, grandparents, two uncles, and Dad Shi. She was extremely extremely happy every day. Her other best friend, Yun Qi, also known as Snow White on stage, had said that having a dad wasn''t necessarily a good thing. Cheng Liqi had seen Yun Qi''s dad before - he was a very very temperamental person. In front of many people, he had spoken harshly to Yun Qi''s mom, who cried because of it.


    What if she found her dad, but he turned out to be as bad-tempered as Yun Qi''s dad? What would she do then? She didn''t want anyone to make her mom Cheng Jinn cry. Although she couldn''t imagine anyone daring to be harsh to Cheng Jinn, because anyone who did would only get it worse back from Cheng Jinn.


    Oh right, Cheng Jinn was her mom - a very very beautiful woman. If Cheng Liqi had to name someone even prettier than Cheng Jinn in this world, it would have to be herself.


    On stage, Snow White finally got together with the prince, drawing the story to an end. The two little trees had also fulfilled their roles, holding hands as they walked off the stage. Cheng Liqi temporarily forgot her worries, rushing off with a head full of leaves to find her uncle, wanting to ask if she had performed well as a little tree.


    Cheng Jinchuan picked up the little tree and held out his phone. "Say hi to Mom."


    Cheng Liqi saw her mom''s face on the screen and happily waved to her mom. "Mom, were you watching my performance from inside the phone the whole time?"


    "That''s right, you and your little boyfriend performed so well as the little trees. Mom is so sorry I couldn''t watch your performance in person."


    Cheng Liqi was happy to be praised, but also a little shy. "Mom, you don''t need to apologize. Work is also very important." She moved closer to the phone screen and lowered her voice. "Mom, Shen Chuqi isn''t my boyfriend! He''s just my good friend right now."


    Cheng Jinnughed. "Alright, Mom knows. Mom bought a lot of gifts. You can pick some to give to your good friends when I get back, okay?"


    Cheng Liqi pped her hands happily. "Mom, when are youing back?"


    Cheng Jinn replied, "Mom is at the airport now, about to board the ne soon. You''ll see Mom first thing tomorrow morning when you open your eyes."


    Cheng Liqi''s eyes curved into crescents. "Then I''ll sleep early tonight so I can see Mom earlier tomorrow morning. I miss you so much, Mom!"


    Cheng Jinn''s heart melted. "Mom misses you too."


    Tang Yicheng nced at the time and had to speak up to remind them. "Boss Cheng, it''s time to board."


    Cheng Jinn nodded to indicate she knew. Just as she was about to say bye to Cheng Liqi, from the corner of her eye she noticed someone sitting down across from them, and her gaze froze. Then she looked straight over.


    Tang Yicheng felt that Boss Cheng''s previously gentle gaze had instantly sharpened, giving him a sense of the aura between destined rivals in old martial arts dramas - one look across the space was enough to stir up flying leaves, though unfortunately they were in an airport vip lounge without any trees.


    Tang Yicheng followed Boss Cheng''s line of sight to see a man...and a woman. They weren''t standing too close. The woman said something, bringing a faint smile to the corner of the man''s eyes. With that smile, the aloof coldness on him seemed to melt away, reced by a clear and gentle warmth.


    That man had an exceedingly good-looking pair of eyes. Tang Yicheng somehow felt they looked familiar, as if he had seen them somewhere before.


    In just a second, the sharpness in Cheng Jinn''s eyes disappeared, returning to tranquil calmness. She retracted her gaze, smiled and bid Cheng Liqi goodbye on the phone, then stood up. "Let''s go."


    Watching Boss Cheng''s long swift strides, Tang Yicheng felt like his tired mind was ying tricks on him - the earlier scene was just something he had imagined. He hurried to catch up, gulping down iced coffee to try and wake himself up properly.


    "Yicheng," Cheng Jinn called without stopping.


    Tang Yicheng swallowed the ice and moved closer. "Here, Boss Cheng."


    Cheng Jinn asked, "Could you hear my phone call clearly just now?"


    Of course Tang Yicheng would never eavesdrop on his boss. He shook his head. "Couldn''t hear very clearly. Your voice was very soft."


    Boss Cheng''s upbringing was undisputed - she would never speak loudly in public.


    If Tang Yicheng couldn''t hear Cheng Jinn''s words clearly, the people across from them would hear even less, even if they did overhear something, it was nothing major. She had been so engrossed watching the mess of a y Cheng Liqi and the others were in, she hadn''t noticed when that person sat down across from them.


    ...


    Kong YiChan was a little puzzled. All she had said was, "Why isn''t Yuan Zhongzhou back yet? Don''t tell me he got stuck in the bathroom?" Yet her boss'' face broke into a smile, the first time she had seen him smile in the half month since she started working for him. She had thought this cold-faced Lord of Hell only knew how to knit his brows and scold people.


    Now that she thought about it, a man with eyes like his should stay poker-faced at all times. Just a faint, fleeting smile was enough to send her heart fluttering unevenly. She had to silently chant her child''s father''s name to steady herself. If he fully unleashed his smile, Kong YiChan estimated the Shao''s corporation building would be the one fluttering! She could already picture the scene when the Shaodies met this new boss parachuted in - even with his icy demeanor, he would still attract people.


    Kong YiChan thought that since the boss liked crude jokes, maybe she should test the waters and tell more. But before she could decide on one, his face was impassive again. Kong YiChan promptly shut her mouth. Somehow she felt that after bestowing a transient smile, her boss'' entire being seemed to have frozen over even more, truly transforming into an eternally unmelting cier. She could feel the chill emanating from him even from three feet away.


    Kong YiChan silently took several steps back and obediently pulled out her phone to call Yuan Zhongzhou, urging him to hurry back.


    Yuan Zhongzhou had not gotten stuck in the bathroom, though it was pretty close. Last night a bunch of buddies had taken him out for a wild night of drinking and feasting that went on past midnight. This morning when he got up his stomach felt unwell, so did his bowels. If not for the looming flight, he would''ve liked to keep camping out in the bathroom.


    Dragging his weakened legs, he boarded the ne. He didn''t even have the heart to appreciate the sweet smile from the flight attendant. He had just steadied himself against the seat backrest to slump down when his eyes were drawn to the long legs in the window seat behind him, d in ck leather boots. His gaze traveled up the legs to the face with slightly tilted chin. His mind shouted Damn! With such bare makeup yet still so pretty, no, pretty was insufficient to describe her. It would be more urate to say a woman this full of vor was a rare sight. She reminded him a little of a veteran Hong Kong actress.


    Yuan Zhongzhou''s dizzy mind struggled to recall who it was. After sitting down, he discreetly nudged his old ssmate and new boss next to him, Shao Chengze. "Old Shao, Old Shao, there''s a goddess behind you on the left, look at those legs, that waist, that face--" Halfway through, the cold eyes ncing his way frightened him into swallowing the rest.


    With numb scalp, Yuan Zhongzhou retorted in a hoarse voice, "What are you ring at me for? You don''t like women, but you can''t stop me from getting excited seeing a beauty. Let me tell you, just because you''re my boss now doesn''t mean I have to fear you. I agreed to join yourpany and work properly, not fool around, but right now is my private time. You can''t control me properly pursuing women!"


    Shao Chengze snorted derisively and leaned back in his seat, crossing both arms over his chest and closing his eyes to rest. He didn''t speak again.


    Yuan Zhongzhou thought his well-reasoned rebuttal had scored the first-ever defeat for his former ssmate and current boss, leaving him speechless. Maybe diarrhea wasn''t entirely bad - at least it had brought out his courage.


    After a long while, as the ne slowly taxied down the long runway, the resting man coolly broke the silence.


    "She''s already a mother. If you want to be a third wheel, court her properly."

 Chapter 2: The 02

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    Even after getting off the ne, Yuan Zhongzhou still hadn''t asked Shao Chengze how he knew the woman was already a mother, whether he knew her, and if so, why he didn''t say hello. The beautiful woman looked no more than 25 at most, so how could she possibly be a mother already.


    Shao Chengze was annoyed by Yuan Zhongzhou''s nagging all the way, and threw his bag to the person who came to pick them up at the airport. He said impatiently, "If you want to know, go ask her yourself."


    Yuan Zhongzhou did have the audacity, but he was dragged around half dead and just sat on a ne for over 10 hours, so he knew without looking in a mirror that he currently looked ghastly.


    "How do I look?" He straightened his cor and smoothed his hair with both hands, and asked Kong Yichan.


    Kong Yichan looked him up and down and said, "Worse than a ghost."


    ...


    At that moment, a group of people happened to walk by. The woman he had been thinking about was leading them. Yuan Zhongzhou''s mouth opened a few times but he couldn''t get any words out. He watched her increasingly distant back like gazing at a faraway mountain, and regretted a bit that he hadn''t even asked her name, and didn''t know if he would have a chance to see her again.


    Kong Yichan didn''t have time to humor Yuan Zhongzhou''s lovesick mncholy. She only saw the coldness in her boss''s eyes. Yuan Zhongzhou grew up abroad since he was little so he didn''t understand the domestic situation. If she wasn''t mistaken, the woman who just walked by should be the second youngdy of the Cheng family, Cheng Jin.


    In fact, Kong Yichan wasn''t too clear about the major figures of the prestigious families either. It was only after she became Shao Chengze''s assistant that she crammed on Shao family history for a few days. Any matter involving the Shao family inevitably touched on the Cheng family.


    It was said that the Shao and Cheng families were mortal enemies, though no one knew exactly what enmity they had. But what outsiders did know were the Shao family''s three codes of conduct: the Shao family must not cooperate with the Cheng family, must not intermarry with the Cheng family, and absolutely must not appear together with the Cheng family at public events.


    Judging only by the boss''s expression, the rumors of deep resentment between the Shao and Cheng families seemed true.


    After Cheng Jin got in the car, she took off her ring and threw it in her bag, then threw the bag onto the seat next to her with a loud thud. Tang Yicheng thought his boss was just in a bad mood fromck of rest after the long flight. He quietly urged the driver through the window to drive faster and steadier.


    Cheng Jin said with half-closed eyes, "You get in too. Take you home first, then go to Cheng Garden."


    Tang Yicheng was about to say it was out of the way since they were going in opposite directions north and south. It would be too much trouble.


    Cheng Jin opened her eyes to look at him. "Don''t fuss. With your two big suitcases, it''ll be hard to get a taxi too. Go home early and rest today. There are still a bunch of things at the hotel tomorrow to take care of."


    So Tang Yicheng didn''t decline further. First he and the driver loaded the luggage into the car, then he got in the front passenger seat.


    This boss of his had the reputation outside as the arrogant, domineering Second Miss of the Cheng family. At first when he started working with her, he truly felt apprehensive, after all, apanying a princess was even harder than "apanying a lord is like apanying a tiger". As the sole treasure in the hands of the Cheng family across three generations, it was no exaggeration to call her a "princess".


    But after getting along for a while, Tang Yicheng discovered that this Second Miss of the Cheng family was not as the rumors described, haughty because of her status and background, yes, but seldom temperamental. She definitely wouldn''t yell at or scold people randomly as the outside world said, only when she didn''t sleep well her mood would fluctuate a bit, but she could calm down quickly without involving others.


    So Tang Yicheng didn''t know where those gossip and little tales about his boss came from, but she never cared about those rumors and validated or rified them, living her life openly and uprightly no matter how lively the outside chatter got.


    Cheng Jin adjusted her seat and had just closed her eyes when a figure emerged in the pitch ckness before her¡ªeyes slightly nted upward at the corners, smiling, melting ice and snow. She scoffed to herself, after so many years he still smiled just as unpleasantly.


    Some annoying shadows kept barging in, preventing her from falling asleep. With half her sleep-deprived brain clearly awake and the other half muddled and weak, she felt increasingly ufortable physically.


    In the seasonal transition from spring to summer, it was neither cold nor hot. The road into the city was congested during morning rush hour. It felt a little stuffy in the car so Cheng Jin rolled down her window halfway. Before the fresh air could rush in, she first saw through the simrly lowered car window beside her half a profile.


    Cheng Jin gritted her back teeth. She was about to roll up her window when the man had already turned to look over. Her hand paused¡ªshe didn''t want to lose momentum in their first eye contact across space in years. She moved her hand away from the button, imperceptibly averted her eyes, pretending she had seen an irrelevant stranger, or to be precise, a wisp of air that didn''t impede her leisurely continued appreciation of the spring scene outside the car. Cheng Jin''s only regret was taking off her ring earlier.


    Although she looked leisurely on the surface, inside she was tense. Even if she didn''t look, she could sense an inescapable gaze lingering on her face, extremely annoying her. She didn''t know what he was appraising, yet couldn''t make a scene. Fortunately the deadlocked traffic finally loosened up. Her car went first, making a turn at the next intersection based on taking Tang Yicheng home. Her line of sight and the man were tossed behind¡ªif possible, she hoped to never see him again for the rest of her life.


    When Cheng Liqi saw the car pull into the yard, she immediately jumped down from the swing and ran over. She had looked forward to her moming home today, waking up earlier than usual weekends. After eating, she practiced piano for half an hour before running outside to swing.


    As soon as Cheng Jin got out of the car, she was hugged around the legs by the little girl running over. She bent down to pick up the child, and scratched her perked up little nose. "How did you wake up so early today?"


    Cheng Liqi wrinkled her nose. Her eyes curved into smiles as she whined, "Of course it''s because I wanted to see Mommy sooner, so I woke up early early."


    Her bright eyes and brows containedughter, ovepping into a scene not long ago. Cheng Jin spaced out for a moment.


    Cheng Liqi tried hard to charm her, but didn''t get the expected response. She took the initiative to kiss her mommy. "Mommy, don''t you want to see me sooner?"


    Cheng Jin came back to her senses, and smothered her little face in kisses. "Of course Mommy wanted to see you sooner. Mommy almost thought herself to death missing you."


    Cheng Liqi giggled. She hugged her mommy''s neck and swayed. "Mommy, I helped Xiao Qi with a really really big favor!"


    Yesterday after Cheng Liqi came home from school, she pulled her grandma Fei Zuhui and asked if there was an actress big sister surnamed Shen with a mole under the outer corner of her left eye.


    Coincidentally, Fei Zuhui did know of one. The lead actress in the TV drama she most recently started watching, a freshly rising little starlet named Shen Xiwan. She had a beauty mark under the outer corner of her left eye, adding a touch of weakness to her already delicate and exquisite features. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to call her a incarnation of Lin Daiyu from the novel.


    Cheng Liqi stared at Shen Xiwan''s photo for a good while, and finally determined that Shen Xiwan must be Xiao Qi''s mom, because the red mole under their eyes looked so alike.


    Cheng Jin tidied her daughter''s hair, blown messy by the wind, and went along with her words. "What did you help him with?"


    Cheng Liqi''s big lively eyes shifted around. She moved to whisper in her mommy''s ear, "Secret, can''t tell Mommy."


    This was her and Xiao Qi''s secret. They only knew who Xiao Qi''s mom was now, but still had to find her. His dad couldn''t know about looking for his mom, because he didn''t like Xiao Qi finding his mom.


    Cheng Liqi had her own little ns in her little head, also knowing to change the topic to divert the adult''s attention. "Mommy, what gifts did you bring me?"


    There were many gifts, big and small, piled to fill up an entire suitcase. Seeing the gifts, Cheng Liqi forgot her dear mother. She yelled once, impatiently dropped from her mommy''s arms to go unpack the presents. Cheng Jinughed and scolded her a little greedy wolf.


    Aunt Qu followed behind Cheng Jin to take her clothes, urging her to hurry upstairs and shower, thene down to eat. Chicken soup was simmering on the stove, just waiting for her toe back and eat it. Fei Zuhui valued old traditions¡ªthe dumpling that left home was the noodle that returned home. For anyone in the family returning from a business trip, the first meal must be noodles.


    Cheng Jin first hugged Aunt Qu, then hugged Fei Zuhui. Pointing to another suitcase, she said, "These are for you two elderly, no one else gets a share."


    Fei Zuhui smiled at Aunt Qu. "She''s treating us two old folks like Cheng Liqi to coax."


    Cheng Jinchuan came downstairs, leaningzily on the railing. "It''d be nice to have someone coax me too, unfortunately no one does."


    Cheng Jin scoffed at him. "If you, Young Master Cheng, want someone to coax you, yell once and people lining from the south end of the city to the north end would be happy to coax you, just whomever¡ªdon''t keep pitifully waiting¡ª"


    Seeing his mother''s sinking expression, Cheng Jinchuan quickly cut her off. "Clear your schedule tomorrow night and apany me to a wine reception."


    Cheng Jin declined. "You have a bunch of girlfriends. Can''t you take any one of them instead? If nothing else, someone from your secretary office or PR department can stand in. The next few nights, all my time belongs to Cheng Liqi. I''m not free to apany you to some murky wine reception."


    If he wasn''t truly desperate, with an important reception tomorrow night and no one else left, Cheng Jinchuan wouldn''t be asking this auntie''s favor. He had been abstaining from meattely so none of his girlfriends could go. His secretary office was all men. The PR department...best not mention the PR department. All his currentwsuits were because of them.


    "If you help me out this once, the painting in my office is yours for the hotel to use." Cheng Jinchuan put out terms.


    Cheng Jin''s heart stirred. She had wanted that painting for a long time but Cheng Jinchuan always refused to relinquish it. The few paintings she brought back this time were good but didn''t particrly satisfy her.


    Cheng Jinchuan added more bait. "It won''t take too long. Show your face with me, mingle for a bit, and I''ll let you leave after an hour. It won''t disturb your mother-daughter time tonight."


    Cheng Jin replied, "Deal."


    Cheng Liqi in the living room listened to her mommy and uncleargue. She craned her neck to look at Cheng Jinchuan. "Uncle, didn''t the pretty big sister agree to go with you to the reception?"


    With this one sentence, three gazesnded on Cheng Jinchuan''s face. A girl actually rejecting Young Master Cheng''s invitation? Cheng Jinchuan gave a light cough. "Weren''t you and your little boyfriend nning to go look for someone?"


    Uh...Uncle''s ears were too sharp. She and Xiao Qi spoke so softly, but Cheng Liqi obediently and cleverly smiled at Uncle. "Uncle, I love you the most."


    Cheng Jinchuan felt he had won this round. He raised his brows arrogantly at his little sister. Cheng Jin scorned him for bullying a child.


    Fei Zuhui wanted to ask about that pretty youngdy, but Cheng Jinchuan sensed his mother''s intention and threw over his shoulder, "Dress nicely tomorrow", before slipping away.


    Dress nicely, huh. Cheng Jin thought she might as well wear a sack there tomorrow.


    In the end she didn''t get the chance to wear a sack. Cheng Jinchuan had dresses and jewelry delivered early. Cheng Jin casually flipped through them¡ªthetest brands she usually wore. Considering he had been quite thoughtful, Cheng Jin gave him this face and didn''t wear a sack.


    When she got out of the car, she saw Cheng Jinchuan and his scoundrel friend Li Peifeng standing at the entrance smoking around a trash can. Li Peifeng whistled at Cheng Jin. How twisted¡ªpeople who knew he was a slick boss wouldn''t think anything of it, but people who didn''t would assume he was some petty punk off the streets.


    Cheng Jin red at him and told him to quiet down. She just didn''t understand how someone as serious as Uncle Li could have a son like Li Peifeng, who was so silly and frivolous. It could only be exined by a gic mutation.


    Li Peifeng took out his phone. "I have to take a picture and send it to Shi Ran. I don''t believe he can stay in that remote wilderness after seeing this photo."


    Cheng Jin hurried to grab his phone. Li Peifeng had long arms and legs. He raised his hand up high while she was wearing a long dress and high heels, so she couldn''t reach it no matter how she tried.


    Li Peifeng was halfway through a smug grin when his eyes fixed on someone behind them.


    Cheng Jinchuan had been casually watching themotion while a cigarette dangled from his mouth. Seeing the new arrival, his eyebrows gradually knitted into a frown.


    Cheng Jin wanted to turn around to see who hade that provoked such a big reaction from them.


    "Excuse me,ing through."


    The clear voice drifted into the April night breeze, and Cheng Jin''s bare back involuntarily shuddered.

 Chapter 3: 03

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    Cheng Jinchuan put out his cigarette in the nearby trash can and took off his suit jacket to drape over his sister''s shoulders. He calmly retorted, "President Shao, what are you implying here? This ce is so big that we''re at most just blocking some mosquitoes, we shouldn''t be blocking your way."


    Shao ChengZe answered Cheng Jinchuan with equal calmness, "Just passing through to throw out trash, or--" he paused, and held out the tissue in his hand that was clearly stained with lipstick, "if Chief Cheng could help throw this away for me, that''d work too."


    Cheng Jinchuanughed coldly. "I don''t remember inviting President Shao to today''s party. Though the White family hosted it, anyone with eyes can see it was for my Cheng family. President Shao showing up uninvited, what are your intentions?"


    Shao ChengZe casually wrapped his arm around Shen Xi Wen''s waist. "I came to apany my friend Miss Shen. Miss Shen was personally invited by Director Li, I''m sure Director Li hasn''t forgotten."


    Shen Xi Wen had epted Shao ChengZe''s favor today, so she naturally was willing to act as his prop. She leaned into his embrace, more intimate than a bird nestling against a person.


    Li PeiFeng''s expression suddenly turned sinister,pletely different from his casual manner earlier. "Could it be that after studying abroad for years, President Shao has forgotten your family''s rules set by the elder? If word of youing to a Cheng family party reaches the elder''s ears, I''m afraid you won''t make it to tomorrow before the newly appointed Shao family head gets kicked out. That would be truly embarrassing."


    Shao ChengZe indifferently tugged his lips. "I''ll handle those matters, nothing is more important to me than apanying a beauty."


    As he finished speaking, Cheng Jinxuan shrugged off the suit jacket on her shoulder and threw it back into Cheng Jinchuan''s arms. "You guys talk, I''m going in first."


    She didn''t look back the entire time. The evening glow fell on her snow-white skin, which stood out even more against her ink green dress. In Shao ChengZe''s pitch ck pupils, the flickering light seemed to ignite a me.


    At the party, everyone''s eyes were busy.


    No one recognized Shao ChengZe at first, since he had disappeared from these social circles for so long. But Shen Xi Wen had been in the spotlight recently, so herpanion naturally attracted attention. Not to mention this man, from his brows and eyes to his build and temperament, stood out in any crowd.


    Someone went to chat with Shen Xi Wen and casually asked, "Who''s this?"


    Shao ChengZe slightly nodded. "Shao ChengZe."


    It was like a bolt from the blue, his one sentence blew up the party.


    For someone from the Shao family to be on the Cheng family''s territory was unprecedented. What''s more, it was Shao ChengZe, who had upended the Shao family and taken over as head in just a few months. No one knew how he did it or how long he had nned, but for the Shao elder to personally bring him back, he must have rightly inherited the position.


    Everyone guessed, was the newly appointed Shao Group presidenting to the Cheng party to provoke the Chengs, or to provoke the Shao elder? Or perhaps both.


    The discord between the Shaos and Chengs was public knowledge. But insiders also knew there was no shortage of conflicts between Shao ChengZe and the Shao elder. Otherwise, the elder wouldn''t have banished him across the ocean back then. So people said, he must have obtainedpromising material on the elder to force his way back to Shao Group. Otherwise, how could the elder let someone who had offended him take over the Shaos? There must be more to this story.


    While others spected, the man in question casually crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair, lightly swirling his wine ss. From sitting down until now, he hadn''t said a word. Shen Xi Wen didn''t know what he was thinking. Resting her chin in her hand, she murmured, "Are you really just here to be my bodyguard?"


    "What else?" Shao ChengZe nced at her. His gaze turned towards a certain spot in the venue.


    Shen Xi Wen said, "Then I owe you big time, this is like you venturing into a tiger''s den for me."


    Shao ChengZe''s face also softened into a smile. "You know it now, remember to ask for more endorsement feester, it''ll be helping me out too."


    One of Shao Group''s jewelry brands wanted Shen Xi Wen as their spokesperson, and they were still in negotiations.


    Shen Xi Wen bared her teeth in a grin. "Don''t worry, I''m naming a sky-high price."


    A newly appointed president chatting intimately with an up-anding starlet, the elegant man and alluring woman attracted eyes from all around, acting as if no one else existed.


    Li PeiFeng gritted his teeth so hard they nearly cracked. His face was so gloomy it seemed about to drip water. He asked Cheng Jinchuan, "What do you think she''s ying at?" Cheng Jinchuan impatiently retorted, "That''s your child''s mother, why are you asking me? Who could I ask?"


    He was also simmering with anger, thinking to intercept and beat the man senseless in a small alleyter, letting him know that swaggering in front of them like this would hurt more than skin deep.


    Cheng Jinchuan gestured at Li PeiFeng''s phone. "Did you send the photo to Shi Ran?"


    Li PeiFeng drooped his brows sorrowfully. "I did."


    Cheng Jinchuan sent another message to Shi Ran from his phone, [Shao ChengZe is back, hurry back too.]


    Unlike the other two with time to sit and chat, Cheng Jinxuan hade as a flower vase. But there were several VIP customers of her hotel at the party, so she had no choice but to split her attention and exchange a few words.


    Shen Xi Wen absently tapped her leg as she watched the slender figure swaying gracefully nearby. She softly eximed, "The Cheng family''s second miss is truly a beauty."


    The person across from her didn''t react.


    Shen Xi Wen leaned over and asked in a low voice, "I heard she''s married already, is that true or false? Have you met her husband?"


    Shao ChengZe''s lips quirked up. "You''re asking the wrong person. You should be asking your agent about this. Doesn''t she im to know everything under the sun? There shouldn''t be anything she doesn''t know."


    From his smile, Shen Xi Wen sensed stormy gloom. She rolled her eyes and eventually decided not to poke the tiger. She would just treat him as a well-meaning dark knight here to protect her. As the saying goes, the more you know, the faster you die. It was better she not be so gossipy.


    Cheng Jinxuan''s jetg hadn''t reversed yet, so she was quite tired already. After standing so long in nearly 8cm heels, her calves ached. She checked her watch, using the bathroom as an excuse to leave the lively party scene.


    There weren''t many people on the veranda. In thete April night, the spring breeze was gentle and the air faintly scented with flowers, invigorating body and mind. Cheng Jinxuan kicked off her heels and stepped barefoot onto the grass. Without the constraint of high heels, her body rxed from head to toe. She reached up and undid her half updo, letting the soft, glossy ck hair cascade freely down her back to her slender waist, obscuring the snowy skin. She leanedzily against the railing, gazing at the crescent moon in the distance night sky, and let out a long exhale.


    The footsteps were soundless. By the time she noticed, the person was already before her. They looked at each other in silence, even the air stilled for a few moments. But underneath the quiet, something seemed to roil, carrying years of chill. In the end, the roiling coalesced into ice, returning to stillness.


    Shao ChengZe took out a cigarette, as if greeting an old friend. Casually, he asked, "How long has Shi Ran been away?"


    Cheng Jinxuan turned the ring on her left ring finger, eyes full of amusement. "President Shao, you''re quite free to care so much. Was usurping the Shao family not enough to upy you? No need to worry about my husband''s schedule."


    Shao ChengZe silently chuckled. "I''m just concerned Second Miss Cheng might be lonely in her spring chamber."


    Cheng Jinxuan''s expression was cid, her posture even more rxed andzy than before. She shook her hair and revealed her swan-like neck, slightly bending at the waist. Arms on the railing, she tilted her head to look at him, a bewitching gaze flowing from her upturned eyes.


    "In the past when I was younger, I didn''t understand. I thought secret rendezvous were more thrilling. But--" she drew out thest word, letting her eyes drift below his waist for a moment, "after experiencing Shi Ran, I realized size, length, hardness, endurance...these are more important. If President Shao wants to offer his bed, I''m afraid you''d have to prove you''re up to standard."


    He should''ve had a heel flung at his face for those words. But Cheng Jinxuan''s expression was unruffled, her posture even more rxed andzy than before. She tossed her hair and turned to look out at the nightscape, the very image of nonchnce.


    Things were always more obscure at night reunions, the darkness concealing much--flushed faces, twitching eyes, white knuckles, racing hearts--thunderous in the spring air.


    Purely from anger!

 Chapter 4: 04

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    Jin Cheng wasn¡¯t the one who was angry, she was delighted, which made Jinchuan Cheng turn to look at her several times, and finally couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°Why are you so happy?¡±


    Jin Cheng was scrolling her phone, didn¡¯t even lift her head to reply to him, ¡°Why can¡¯t I be happy?¡±


    Someone was injured internally and needed to call 120 to get to the emergency room, how could she not be happy.


    Jinchuan Cheng pinched the frowned eyebrows into the shape of the Chinese character ¡°chuan¡±, wanted to say something, but eventually didn¡¯t say anything, just made up his mind to block that guy in a small alley and give him a good beating.


    When Jin Cheng got home, Liqi Cheng had already taken a bath and was video calling with Ran Shi. Ran Shi was in the deep mountains and old forests, with poor signal. Saturday night was the fixed time for the weekly video call between the elder and the youngster.


    Liqi Cheng called Ran Shi "Shi Dad", not "Dad". There was an extra surname to distinguish it. Jin Cheng didn''t specifically exin to Liqi Cheng, but Liqi Cheng already understood the difference. She knew Ran Shi wasn''t her dad. It wasn''t because she didn''t have the Shi surname. It was because every time Shi Dad came back, he never stayed overnight at home. Parents were supposed to sleep together, just like little uncle and little auntie.


    Liqi Cheng was sharing her little secret with Shi Dad. Seeing her mome in, she first shushed Shi Dad quietly and asked him to keep it secret for her. Then she turned her head and called out in her crisp voice, "Mom!"


    Jin Cheng ruffled her hair and greeted the person on the screen. She told them to keep talking while she went to remove her make-up, so as not to disturb their secret sharing time.


    Liqi Cheng and Ran Shi had already talked about most of it. They just did a hook-and-loop gesture one more time to reconfirm that Shi Dad wouldn''t tell anyone else about her and Chuqi Shen''s secret n. Ran Shi promised to keep it in confidence. Liqi Cheng blew him a big flying kiss, then ran off with her phone to find her mom.


    Jin Cheng leaned her phone against the jars of creams. She chatted casually with Ran Shi about recent developments.


    "ChengZe Shao came back?" Ran Shi asked.


    Jin Cheng''s hand removing makeup paused. "Your news is quite well-informed."


    Just as Ran Shi was about to say something, Jin Cheng met his eyes. "Are you nning to stay holed up in that godforsaken ce forever withouting back?"


    Ran Shi knew she was in a bad mood, but didn''t point it out. He just asked, "Do you need me toe back? If you do, I''ll book tickets right now."


    He asked earnestly, from his eyes to his tone. At this moment, Jin Cheng''s churning irritation that had been pent up since yesterday reached its peak. She covered her stinging eyes with a cotton pad, also concealing her loss ofposure. She said to Ran Shi, "No need. Just focus on your research."


    Things between them didn''t need a third party to intervene, besides, there would be no more things happening between them.


    That night, Jin went to sleep in Liqi Cheng''s bed. Liqi Cheng hadn''t slept with her mom for a long time and was very excited. She held her mom''s fingers and chatted away, jumping from one topic to another. Jin Cheng smelled the sweet fruity scent from her daughter''s hair. The ups and downs in her heart gradually settled down. Mother and daughter both had a good sleep. The next morning when Jin Cheng woke up, she felt her skin was a few degrees more moisturized than usual.


    However, her goodplexion dissipated entirely when she heard the report from Yicheng Tang.


    Yisheng Auction House held auctions once per season. It had been held in Lanzhou for five years. This spring it was scheduled for early May, less than two weeks from now. Today morning, there was news from Yisheng side that they wanted to cancel the booked venue, not just for this season, but all future ones. The penalty for contract breach would be as much as they demanded, not a cent less. The person in charge spoke very politely, also euphemistically. The coboration with Lanzhou had always been very pleasant. Changing venuesst minute was the top boss''s decision. As a small fry, he could only obey orders.


    As for the reason, Yicheng Tang didn''t listen to those mealy-mouthed excuses. He only asked his subordinates to check where the venue had been switched to. As expected, it was a club under Shao''spany. This was already the second client in this month that had shifted to Shao''s side.


    It wasn''t a big deal, Lanzhou wouldn''t miss a customer like Yisheng either. But switching to Shao''s side made things somewhat intriguing. So after reporting everything, Yicheng Tang mentioned this to the boss.


    Jin Cheng took off her sses and flung them onto the desk. She had mild myopia and habitually wore sses when looking at theputer screen.


    The metal frame collided with the ck office desk, making a crisp sound. Yicheng Tang automatically stood up straight. Whenever the boss tossed her sses, it meant her patience was nearing its end. And it was rare for Boss Cheng to toss her sses. Thest time was when the hotel kitchen manager was caught red-handed sexually harassing a server. Boss Cheng directly sent the man along with the evidence to the police station.


    "cklist Yisheng." Jin Cheng was expressionless, concise and to the point.


    Yicheng Tang nodded obediently. Seeing that the boss had nothing more to say, he was about to turn around to leave. When he reached the door, he heard her voice again from behind. Yicheng Tang looked back.


    "Forget it." Jin Cheng spoke. Her words contained some ennui. She slowly pulled out a tissue to wipe her lenses. "We''re in the service industry. Our doors are open to customers. What cklists. Get me two invitations to their auction from Yishengter. They ditched us and chose someone else. That someone must have advantages we don''t have. We''ll go take a look at Shao''s venue then, see where they are better than us, so we can learn something too."


    Yicheng Tang stared nkly for a moment, then asked a really silly question. "Are...are you sure?"


    It wasn''t actually silly. The discord between the Cheng and Shao families wasmon knowledge.


    For such influential families, even if they really disliked each other, they would still put on an act of smiling faintly, nodding slightly, and exchanging brief pleasantries when running into each other. Though their minds might be full of curses that epassed eight generations of ancestors.


    But not these two families. Let alone bumping into each other, even if their heads knocked together, their eyes wouldn''t even lift. And the Shao family had their irond three family precepts. Over the years, the two families had never set foot on each other''s turf, yet also never erupted into outright conflict. It was somewhat like two wells not disturbing the river water between them.


    Jin Cheng threw the tissue into the trash can. In her mind''s eye, she saw bone-thin knuckles clutching a tissue smudged with lipstick, like a crushed rose.


    She shifted her gaze and looked at Yicheng Tang. "Sure. Why not? They''vee knocking on our door. We have no reason to shrink back."


    If Yicheng Tang wasn''t mistaken, he detected a bone-chilling murderous aura in her words. He felt like they weren''t going to attend some auction, but to dig up the Shao family ancestral grave.


    He''d never done something like this before. Yicheng Tang thought he''d better search online for suitable tools and ce an order in advance, to be fully prepared.


    Jin Cheng didn''t know about the jumbled thoughts in Yicheng Tang''s mind. Her phone vibrated. It was a message from Ran Shi saying he would arrive on Saturday afternoon.


    Jin Cheng replied, [There''s really no need to make a special trip back.]


    Ran Shi said, [It''s not a special trip. I miss little Liqi. There''s also something at school that needs me to go back for.]


    Jin Cheng was about to ask if she should have Jinchuan Cheng pick him up, but was afraid Jinchuan Cheng would say things he shouldn''t, hurting his feelings.


    She deleted and modified the line several times, and finally changed it to: [Send me your flight info. I''ll go to the airport to pick you up with Liqi.]


    Naturally Liqi was ted to know Shi Dad wasing back. She hadst seen him on Children''s Dayst year. She started selecting what to wear to the airport days in advance, only deciding atst minute on a white bubble skirt. Chuqi Shen said she looked even prettier than Snow White in it. Her shoes were the silver leather ts Shi Dad had bought for her. She had her mom braid her hair into pretty little braids and wore her favorite butterfly hair clip. Liqi Cheng spun in front of the mirror a few times, very satisfied with today''s look. She went to her mom''s dressing room next door to pick out a long white dress for her too. Jin Cheng didn''t object to her daughter''s clothing choice for her. She simply braided her hair into a fishtail braid identical to her daughter''s.


    Liqi Cheng trotted to her mom''s jewelry cab and rummaged through it, but couldn''t find a single hair clip. It seemed like her mom never wore hair clips. Just as Liqi Cheng was about to go to her own little cab to get one for her mom, her eyes lit up. She saw a pale purple crystal hair clip deep inside the ss case, with bunches of little purple flowers clustered into a small row, glinting brightly. It was so beautiful!


    Liqi Cheng took out the hair clip and ran to Jin Cheng. "Mom, this is so pretty! Quick, put it on!"


    Jin Cheng looked at the hair clip in Liqi Cheng''s hand, somewhat stunned. She clearly remembered throwing it away.


    Seeing her mom silent, Liqi Cheng simply climbed onto herp and pinned the hair clip into her mom''s hair. She looked at her mom, then herself. Her mom''s clothes were the same as hers, their hairstyles were the same, and the hair clips were equally pretty. Anyone could tell with one look that she was her mom''s daughter.


    Her eyes curved into crescents. "Mom, you''re so beautiful."


    Jin Cheng stroked the corners of her eyes. Her smile was somewhat unreal. "Our little Liqi is more beautiful."


    Hearing what she wanted to hear, Liqi Cheng raised her little chin haughtily. "Of course I''m pretty. Because I''m Mom''s daughter."


    The corners of Jin Cheng''s lips quirked up as she finally smiled fully, kissing her chin. "Let''s go. Your Shi Dad is almost here."


    She wanted to take off the hair clip while Liqi Cheng wasn''t looking, but Liqi Cheng''s eyes were too sharp. Seeing her mom''s movement, she didn''t say anything else, just shook her mom''s arm coquettishly. "Mom, I really like you wearing this hair clip."


    In the end, Jin Cheng was unable to remove the hair clip. Liqi Cheng had gotten what she wanted. Her little calves swung back and forth on the seat. She wanted Shi Dad to see how pretty Mom looked with the hair clip on. Shi Dad would definitely find Mom especially beautiful too.


    Ran Shi was arriving at the regr exit. His flight was dyed, so more and more people gathered at the arrival gate. Afraid that her mom would get tired holding her, Liqi Cheng climbed down from her mom''s arms andnded on the floor. She held one of her mom''s hands, and held up high the handmade "Wee" sign she had made with the other, waiting for Shi Dad to emerge.


    Seeing such a cute, beautiful little girl, everyone automatically made way for the mother and daughter. Jin Cheng declined politely, bowing slightly to thank them. Behind her mom, Liqi Cheng also thanked each person who gave way to her, plus a sweet smile. Everyone''s anxious waiting for loved ones and friends was soothed by such a sweet smile.


    "Little Liqi!"


    A person emerged from the exit, carrying a huge hiking backpack. His hair was almost to his shoulders, and the beard obscured half his face. If they didn''t know better, they''d think he was some wild man who had run out from somewhere. Only his deep-set eyes were bright and vivid, shining like stars that had been quenched in light.


    Liqi Cheng let go of her mom''s hand and ran over, calling "Shi Dad!"


    Jin Cheng hurriedly followed behind her, afraid she might fall.


    Ran Shi first picked up Liqi Cheng, then reached to pull Jin Cheng into an embrace too.


    Jin Cheng didn''t resist his hug, but also didn''t struggle free. She tugged his grass-like hair. "Did you go do research or wilderness survival?"


    To onlookers, this scene looked like a wife and daughtering to wee the husband returning home from a long trip - a heartwarming picture of familial intimacy.


    ChengZe Shao walked over, surrounded by people. Seeing the three hugging not far away, he halted his steps. His eyes narrowed.


    His gaze was gloomy, just like the ancient green turtle king emerging from an abyssal millennium-old pond, as YuanZhong Zhou would say.

 Chapter 5: 05

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    Yuan Zhongzhou moved closer to Shao Chengze and said, "Last time I already felt it was odd how you knew she was already a mother, seems like there''s a story between you two. She''s your ex-girlfriend?"


    Shao Chengze didn''t even nce at him, just pushed his head away.


    Yuan Zhongzhou had just been pushed away when he moved closer again. "Or was she your first love?"


    Shao Chengze directly kicked him, telling him to get farther away.


    Even though he was kicked, Yuan Zhongzhou wasn''t angry. The more it hurt from the kick, the more he felt his guesses were correct. Whether she was an ex-girlfriend or first love, she was definitely one of the two.


    He stroked his chin and chuckled twice, it seemed his old friend wasn''t indifferent towards women, but rather had a great beauty hidden in his heart. The key was this beauty was already married and had a child. In this situation, he should at least feel heartbroken and shed some tears on his old friend''s behalf. But why was he so happy instead?


    Shao Chengze didn''t want to see Yuan Zhongzhou''s ugly face, and also didn''t want to see the happy family reunion over there.


    "Wait here to pick them up, I''m going to the restroom." He threw out a sentence and turned to leave.


    It was his grandma''s memorial day the day before yesterday. His grandfather had gone back to their hometown for a few days, saying he wanted to apany his old wife. His flight back was today and he insisted on flying economy ss, saying he wanted to "recall the hardships and think of the sweetness", to relive the journey of moving north with his wife from back then.


    He was originally toozy to act out this hypocritical show of deep affection with him, but he had just joined thepany and had to at least pretend to be a filial grandson and wise son in front of the board of directors. Since he had to pretend, he might as well do it properly. He arrived half an hour early with his staff to keep up appearances for the old man, soter if he tried to find fault with him again, he could shut him up.


    Shao Chengze stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, took out a cigarette and held it in his mouth without lighting it. He couldn''t smoke here, he just wanted to use the scent of tobo to relieve the restlessness in his heart a bit, but this restlessness probably couldn''t be calmed down with a whole pack of cigarettes.


    The two, one big and one small, didn''t seem to want to stop talking. Cheng Jin urged, "Save your words for when we get home. Don''t keep standing here. Aunt Qu has been busy cooking your favorites all afternoon, she''s just waiting for you."


    Shi Ran''s shoulders stiffened.


    Cheng Jin added another sentence, "Cheng Jinchuan isn''t at Cheng Garden tonight. He went on a business trip temporarily and probably won''t be back until Monday."


    Shi Ran pretended to smile casually, "He''s not a tiger, whether he''s at Cheng Garden or not I still have to go eat the food Aunt Qu made."


    Cheng Liqi whispered in Shi Ran''s ear, "Dad Shi, Uncle isn''t a tiger, he''s a fickle radish. Grandma said he won''t be able to marry his whole life and will have to stay a bachelor in the future." After speaking she imitated Fei Zuhui''s manner, sighing deeply and seeming very worried for her uncle''s future.


    Shi Ran''s smile reached his eyes. He also whispered in Cheng Liqi''s ear, "Let''s not mention anything else. You really don''t need to worry about this for your uncle. Anyone in this world might not be able to get married, but your uncle definitely will. In the future you''ll definitely have a beautiful aunt."


    Cheng Liqi tilted her head and thought for a moment. She felt Dad Shi made a lot of sense. "Dad Shi, you''re right. Uncle is still very attractive to girls."


    "Alright, it''s time to go. Grandma will call soon." Cheng Jin interrupted the two''s conversation. "Cheng Liqi, let mom hold you first. Dad Shi sat on the ne for a long time and is tired."


    As soon as Cheng Liqi heard this, she hurriedly had Dad Shi put her down.


    Shi Ran didn''t let go. Instead he lifted her up higher and said, "You''re really underestimating Dad Shi. Not just carrying one of you, even three or four more, Dad Shi can still lift you up. Let''s go, mom will lead the way, we''re going home to eat yummy food!"


    Cheng Liqi hugged Shi Ran''s neck tightly, her little butterfly knot barrettes bobbing up and down as sheughed. "I knew Dad Shi is the best!"


    Cheng Jin couldn''t do anything with these two and could only let them be. She didn''t bother with them anymore and walked forward by herself. A girl nearby saw her boyfriende out and hurried excitedly over, but in her haste she bumped into Cheng Jin, not holding her milk tea steady. It spilled all over Cheng Jin''s clothes. The girl was stunned for a moment, and kept saying sorry while taking out napkins and offering to pay for dry cleaning.


    Cheng Jin''s brows furrowed slightly, not because of the dirty clothes. The girl''s milk tea had ice in it. The icy wet clothes sticking to her skin felt very ufortable since she was about to get her period. But she didn''t say anything, just told the youngdy to hurry and find her boyfriend. Young love was most passionate, she could understand.


    She told Shi Ran and Cheng Liqi to go to the car first while she went to the bathroom to clean up a bit.


    Shi Ran only wore a t-shirt, otherwise he could have taken off his jacket to give to her. He asked if she wanted him to take some clothes from his backpack for her to change into, but Cheng Jin just waved her hand to say no need.


    She couldn''t ept his clothes, Cheng Jin just quickly wiped with some paper towels. Luckily most of the spilled drink was on her arms, so rolling up her sleeves a bit could cover most of it.


    While fixing her sleeves, Cheng Jin walked out of the bathroom. A pair of ck leather shoes entered her vision. She moved left to make way, but the shoes also shifted left. She moved right again and the shoes followed right. Clearly this was on purpose.


    Cheng Jin looked up to see who it was. Her feet stayed nted in ce. She didn''t care why he happened to be here. The first thing she thought of was the hair clip. That was the first gift he had given her, it shouldn''t be in her hair right now no matter what. Though he probably didn''t even remember it anymore, she still didn''t want him to see it. Cheng Jin turned her body, trying to slip past him.


    Shao Chengze took a long stride, blocking her path again.


    Cheng Jin nearly stumbled right into his arms. Annoyance rose in her heart and she took a step back to widen the distance between them. She spoke sarcastically, "Does President Shao not know there''s a saying that goes ''even a good dog won''t block the road''?"


    Shao Chengze didn''t speak, his thin lips pressed in a tight line, his peach blossom eyes staring fixedly at her, not revealing any joy or anger.


    There were always a lot of peopleing and going near the bathroom. Both of their looks and temperament were exceptionally outstanding, anyone who passed would take an extra nce. Cheng Jin didn''t want to continue entanglement with him. "My family is still waiting for me. If President Shao has any instructions for me, you can make an appointment at Lan Chuan''s front desk."


    Her implication was that if they had anything to discuss, it could only be business matters. And there was no business between the Cheng and Shao families.


    The word "family" made Shao Chengze''s brow twitch slightly. He suddenly smiled and his gaze dropped to her hair. He slowly said, "Miss Cheng and I are old friends, and I''m also an old ssmate of Shi Ran''s. It''s rare for him toe back once, so I was thinking, if it''s convenient, we could meet up for a meal together? I still haven''t seen your precious daughter, she must be very cute."


    Cheng Jin''s face turned icy. "No need."


    Shao Chengze nodded. "You''re right, there really is no need." His gaze swept over her hand, "Miss Cheng already took off her ring, afraid before long, this so-called family will cease to be family either."


    Cheng Jin''s thumb subconsciously moved to touch her ring finger. She had forgotten to wear her ring when going out today!

 Chapter 6: 06

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    Shao ChengZe saw her move and the corners of his mouth imperceptibly hooked up.


    Cheng Jin raised her eyebrows, "I didn''t expect Shao to care so much about me that he even noticed if I was wearing a ring," she held out her hand openly for him to see, "You''ll know when you get married, Shao, that forgetting to wear your ring is amon thing."


    Shao''s slight smile froze and the corners of his eyes lifted in an even brighter smile, but his eyes were shrouded with sharp des, "When I get married, I will definitely send Miss Cheng an invitation. Then I hope Miss Cheng can give me and my wife some advice on married life."


    Cheng Jin lifted her chin lightly, "No problem. As long as Shao sends me an invitation, I will definitely attend."


    There was a moment of silence.


    Shi Ran''s phone rang.


    "My husband is calling me to hurry back, so I won''t keep Shaopany anymore." Cheng Jin nodded slightly at him and walked away.


    This time, Shao ChengZe didn''t stop her. The untouched cigarette in his hand snapped in half in his palm, turning into powder that went into the trash can.


    Cheng Jin had wanted to answer the call but identally declined it instead.


    "Auntie, your pretty skirt is dirty," said a passing little girl in a sweet voice, pointing to the stain on Cheng Jin''s waist.


    The girl looked around the same age as Cheng Liqi. Cheng Jin stopped and bent down halfway to look the little girl in the eye, "Thank you little princess for letting auntie know. Auntie will change into clean clothes when she gets home."


    The little girl was a bit shy being looked at by such a pretty auntie. She smiled bashfully and jumped into her mother''s arms.


    The mother smiled at Cheng Jin, "She gets shy easily."


    Cheng Jin was reminded of Cheng Liqi. Her eyes softened and she bid the mother and daughter goodbye before quickening her pace.


    A weight fell on her shoulder. A suit jacket that carried a familiar crisp scent. Without looking, she knew who it belonged to. Cheng Jin was about to push it off when a hand pressed down on her shoulder and a low voice spoke by her ear, "Do you think your husband knows you''re wearing something I gave you on your head?"


    Cheng Jin''s breathing lightened. She didn''t know if it was because of his question or their close proximity. His breath tickled her earlobe, making her spine tingle.


    The man behind her didn''t need her answer. He brushed past her shoulder and strode forward.


    Someone had gone to the bathroom ande back with a face that could no longer be described as clouded. Yuan Zhongzhou fearlessly asked, "Did you leave your jacket in the bathroom on purpose?"


    Shao ChengZe ignored him and asked the man beside him, "How much longer until the nends?"


    "Boss Shao, 10 more minutes."


    Shao ChengZe had lost the mood to y the filial son and grandson. "You guys wait here. I''m leaving first."


    Everyone was stunned. Old Man Shao would definitely be angry if he got off the ne and Little Shao wasn''t there, but no one dared stop him.


    Yuan Zhongzhou was also stunned. He hurried after Shao ChengZe, "What about me?" He wanted to leave too.


    "You have legs, don''t you? Use them if you want to walk away."


    "But how can I leave a good impression on your grandfather if I walk away?"


    "Does he pay your sry? Do you need to leave a good impression on him?"


    Yuan Zhongzhou: ...


    Shao ChengZe was the one who brought him and now the same person was telling him to leave. Fine, he wouldn''t hold a grudge against this lovelorn turtle.


    "Want toe over to my ce and drink? I''ll crack open the good wine I brought back. That should be enough friendship right?"


    Yuan Zhongzhou was about to pat Shao ChengZe''s shoulder tofort his good buddy but Shao ChengZe was walking too fast. Yuan Zhongzhou stumbled and almost smashed his face into a pir.


    He clutched his precious liver. Phew, that was close. He couldn''t damage his face. He didn''t care about leaving a good impression on Old Man Shao but next Monday was his first day at Shao Corporation. He had to leave a good impression on the unmarried female colleagues there.


    Yuan Zhongzhou''s little heart was thumping rapidly. He saw clothes on top of the trash can beside the pir. They looked familiar. "Hey Shao, isn''t that your jacket? How did it end up in the trash?"


    Shao ChengZe didn''t want to turn back but he did anyway.


    What he saw wasn''t clothes but a purple hair clip.


    A tiny one, lying on the ck clothes.


    A very familiar scene, like many years ago.


    That day it rained. A rainbow appeared in the sky after. She and he walked one after the other on the wet stone-paved road. The wind blew her skirt and long hair.


    She was angry. Their meeting time was 3pm but he came at past 4pm. Her small face looked like it would puff up like a blowfish when she saw him. She didn''t say a word to him and walked away. She went quite a distance before a small roadside stall caught her attention. She picked something and then realized she didn''t bring her wallet.


    Mobile payment wasn''t popr that year. He handed the money over and took the hair clip from the auntie''s hand and gave it to her.


    She wasn''t appreciative. "Since you paid, shouldn''t you keep it yourself? Why give it to me?"


    He replied, "An apology gift."


    "This gift you chose is really..." She wanted to say cheap but seeing the auntie there, she gritted her teeth and said, "unique."


    The auntie helped plead his case, "Quick, put the hair clip on your little girlfriend. It will definitely look good on her."


    Because she heard a certain word, her fair ears and neck flushed pink. He moved closer and clipped the hair clip into her hair, taking the chance to hold her hand.


    In that corner of the small Jiangnan alley, he kissed her for the first time.


    In the end, the ck jacket on his shoulder fell to the ground and the hair clip in her hairnded on the ck jacket.


    Lingering and entwined.


    Only now, the lingering and entanglement was between her and someone else.


    Shao ChengZe looked away and said to Yuan Zhongzhou, "Weren''t we going to drink? Are we going or not?"


    Yuan Zhongzhou asked, "You don''t want your jacket?"


    Shao ChengZe said, "I don''t want it."


    His mouth said he didn''t want it but after not even taking two steps, he turned back. He didn''t take the jacket, only the hair clip.


    Yuan Zhongzhou was about to say something when Shao ChengZe looked at him, "If you don''t want me to call Uncle Yuan and say some things, keep your mouth shut."


    Yuan Zhongzhou immediately closed his mouth, tightly. His dad''s elbows were always jutting out. Shao ChengZe could say anything and his dad would listen. He still wanted to stay in the country and taste all the delicacies. He didn''t want to be dragged back so soon.


    The Shao Corporation boardroom had been under low air pressure for days. Young Shao and Old Shao quarreled openly at the meeting. It was the first time someone dared to talk back to Old Man Shao like that. Everyone at Shao Corporation, including Yuan Zhongzhou, tucked their tails between their legs.


    Cheng Liqi had been having a great past few days. Her little braids were almost standing upright. Shi Ran came to pick her up from school every day. Today she asked Shi Ran to bring her to the mall. Next week was Shen Chuqi''s birthday. She brought her little piggy bank. She wanted to buy Shen Chuqi a birthday present at the mall.


    "What kind of birthday gifts do boys like?" Cheng Liqi still hadn''t decided what to get Shen Chuqi. She wanted to ask Shi Ran''s opinion.


    Shi Ran smiled. "When I was your little boyfriend''s age, I liked models, guns, nes etc."


    "Shen Chuqi''s dad gives him those every year. I want to give him something different."


    A woman wearing a baseball cap and mask walked by. Hearing Shen Chuqi''s name, she stopped and nced at Cheng Liqi.


    Cheng Liqi noticed the look and turned to look back. The woman smiled at her before quickly walking away. Cheng Liqi hurriedly tapped Shi Ran''s shoulder, "Shi Dad, did you see that woman has a mole by her eye?"


    Shi Ran didn''t notice the woman who walked by at all. "No, what''s wrong?"


    Cheng Liqi lowered her voice as if afraid someone might overhear. "Shen Chuqi''s mom has a mole by her eye too. Do you think that woman could be Shen Chuqi''s mom?"


    Shi Ran stroked her little braid. "Lots of people probably have moles by their eyes."


    "Oh, okay." Cheng Liqi pouted. It would probably be the best birthday gift if she could help Shen Chuqi find his mother.


    After going up and down a few floors, Cheng Liqi still hadn''t found anything satisfactory. "Shi Dad, I''m tired. Can we take a break and have some ice cream?"


    Taking a break was secondary. Eating ice cream was the main objective. Shi Ran indulged Cheng Liqi in everything else but he couldn''t easily agree to ice cream. It wasn''t very hot now and she had a weak stomach. Eating ice cream might upset itter.


    "We won''t have ice cream. How about cake instead?"


    Cake was fine too. She liked eating cake as well. Cheng Liqi obediently nodded.


    The adult and child sat in the lounge area. Cheng Liqi scooped some cake and sighed, "Gift-giving is so hard. Shi Dad, how do you choose gifts for my mom every time? She really likes everything you give her."


    Shi Ran put on a profound look. "Probably because I can see into your mom''s heart."


    Cheng Liqi''s eyes shifted as she scooted closer to Shi Ran''s side. "Shi Dad, do you like my mom? Not normal like, but like how I like Shen Chuqi? Shen Chuqi gets sad when he can''t find his mom. When he''s sad, I feel sad too."


    Shi Ran looked at her seriously. "Why ask this?"


    "If you like my mom, I can help you pursue her. If you get together with my mom, you can get married. Then you''ll be my dad and I won''t have to look for my dad anymore."


    Shi Ran was stunned. He cautiously asked, "Do you want to find your dad?"


    Cheng Liqi propped her chin up. "Sometimes I do, sometimes I don''t. If I find my dad, will he bully my mom?" She revealed her deepest worry.


    Shi Ran scooped some cake and fed it to her. "Who''s your mom? Miss Cheng the second, with your grandparents, big uncle, little uncle, and Shi Dad. No one dares bully her."


    Cheng Liqi smiled brightly. "You''re right. And there''s me. I''ll protect mom too. I can even ask Shen Chuqi along."


    Shen Xi Wen sat not far from them. After finishing her coffee, she picked up her bag and left. Before leaving, she took another look at the little girl''s eyes. It seems the story between Shao ChengZe and that Miss Cheng was much deeper than she thought.


    At the evening banquet, Shen Xi Wen was still Shao ChengZe''s femalepanion.


    Shen Xi Wen''s mind wandered.


    Shao ChengZe''s mind wandered even more.


    Shen Xi Wen leaned on the bar. She couldn''t muster any energy at all. "Did you know Cheng Jin has a daughter?"


    Shao ChengZe was utterly disinterested. "What does it have to do with me whether she does or not?"


    So he knew.


    Shen Xi Wen found it a bit strange. "Haven''t you seen that little girl before?"


    Shao ChengZe sneered. "She''s not my daughter. Why would I see her?"

 Chapter 7: 07

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    Shen Xi Wen was about to kindly remind him, but seeing his current state, she swallowed her words back down. She rather enjoyed watching this kind of self-inflicted pstickedy. The more it hurts, the more delighted she feels.


    Her phone in her purse started vibrating. Shen Xi Wen took out her purse to take a look. It was an unknown number. The vibration stopped before she could decide whether to answer it or not. The ckened phone screen lit up again almost instantly. This time, Shen Xi Wen did not hesitate again. "Hello, this is Shen Xi Wen speaking."


    There was no voiceing from the other end of the phone. Shen Xi Wen thought the call might have been dropped. She pulled the phone away from her ear and saw the timer quickly changing numbers on the screen. Shen Xi Wen put the phone back to her ear, "Li Pei Feng, say something."


    Li Pei Feng''s voice was even less familiar than a stranger''s. "Shen Chu Qi''s birthday is next week. Why haven''t you sent over the gift yet?"


    Shen Xi Wen found a quiet corner and replied, "I haven''t decided what to give yet."


    "I gave you a list. Just buy ording to that."


    "It''s the same stuff every year. I want to give something different this year."


    It took a good while before Li Pei Feng finally responded, "Fine, you decide." And he was about to hang up.


    Shen Xi Wen called him to stop, "Hey, wait."


    Li Pei Feng sounded impatient. "What?"


    "Can I... see Shen Chu Qi?"


    Compared to Shen Xi Wen''s hesitant tone, Li Pei Feng agreed readily, "Sure, you can meet him. But have you thought about what identity you want to meet him as? He will definitely ask who you are. How will you answer him?"


    Now it was Shen Xi Wen who went silent.


    Li Pei Feng directly hung up the call.


    Shen Xi Wen leaned her head against the wall, banging it twice, suppressing the silent wail in her throat.


    ***


    Shi Ran looked back at the little girl in the back seat and pulled her nket straight.


    Cheng Jin asked, "Did she fall asleep?"


    "She''s asleep. She must be really tired from going around so many times."


    They circled around the mall four times but Cheng LiQi still couldn''t decide on a gift. It was only until Shi Ran suggested making a DIY gift that Cheng LiQi was willing to leave the mall to meet her mom for dinner.


    Cheng Jin felt a little jealous. "People all say that girls grow up and leave their families. She''s still so young but her mind is all on other people already. She has never been so devoted when picking out gifts for me."


    Shi Ranughed. As heughed, a thought came to him. He turned to look at the driver.


    "She told me today..."


    Shi Ran stopped mid-sentence, unsure if he would be pushed away after saying it out loud.


    Cheng Jin asked, "What did she say? Kids these days are so knowledgeable. She often says things that I don''t even know how to respond to."


    Shi Ran eventually switched to a different topic. "Shen Chu Qi, her best friend, she said he would feel sad not being able to find his own mother." He looked at the hazy night scene ahead, carefully choosing his words. "Have you ever considered letting Shao Cheng Ze know of LiQi''s existence? Kids, especially at her age, are naturally curious about everything. She may not say it but must be expecting her father''s presence in her heart."


    Cheng Jin gripped the steering wheel tightly without answering for a long time.


    In the backseat, Cheng LiQi''s eyelids fluttered.


    "Are you still unable to let him go?" Shi Ran asked the question that had been buried in his heart for a long time.


    "It''s not that."


    Her response came too quickly and decisively, unintentionally exposing her innermost thoughts.


    "Shao Cheng Ze, he--"


    Cheng Jin cut Shi Ran off. "There is no possibility between us. Let''s not talk about this anymore. Do you know Jiang Jiang got a divorce?" She abruptly switched the topic to the worst possible one.


    Shi Ran pulled his mouth into a smirk. "What, you think just because she got divorced, I should be eagerly chasing after her now?"


    Cheng Jin nced at him. "You know that''s not what I meant."


    Shi Ran said, "She''s already in the past for me, for a long time now."


    Cheng Jin was shocked. She had thought all these years of him traveling around the country, unwilling toe back, was because of Jiang Jiang.


    Shi Ran smiled bitterly. "Jin, not everyone stays stuck in the past, stagnating and unable to move forward. You should try taking a step forward too."


    Cheng Jin did not sleep well that night. Cheng LiQi also had many dreams.


    The mother and daughter both looked listless the next morning. Cheng Jin could maintain her usualposure with coffee and makeup, but Cheng LiQi waspletely deted. Cheng Jin was worried she might be sick. She touched her forehead and asked if she was ufortable anywhere.


    "Mommy, I''m not ufortable. I just didn''t sleep wellst night."


    "Had a nightmare?"


    Cheng LiQi shook her head. "I still haven''t figured out what gift I want to make for Shen Chu Qi."


    Cheng Jin felt helpless. Shen Chu Qi''s position in her heart now was probably far higher than her own as the mother. She thought for a bit, "Do you want to make a birthday cake for him? Mommy can help you."


    Cheng LiQi''s eyes lit up. "That''s a great idea! Mommy, can we make a Spiderman cake? He likes Spiderman."


    Cheng Jin poked her little nose. "That might be a bit tricky. We''ll probably need grandma and Aunt Qu to help out too."


    As long as there were people to help, having figured out one thing weighed on her mind, Cheng LiQi''s steps already felt much lighter. As soon as she entered the ssroom, she saw Shen Chu Qi.


    "Shen Chu Qi, I have a secret to tell you." Cheng LiQi ran over.


    Shen Chu Qi asked, "What secret?"


    Cheng LiQi whispered, "I think I might know who my dad is."


    Shen Chu Qi''s eyes widened. "Who is it?"


    "I only know one name. It seems to be Shao-Cheng-Ze. I''ve never heard this name before."


    Shen Chu Qi pulled Cheng LiQi''s little backpack. "I can ask my dad. My grandma said there is no one on this my dad doesn''t know, even ants on deserted inds."


    "Okay, okay!" Cheng LiQi pped her hands excitedly. "But how would he know ants on deserted inds?"


    Shen Chu Qi tilted his head. "I don''t know. I''ll have to ask my dad too."


    The two little friends looked at each other and giggled.


    At dinnertime, Shen Chu Qi slowly swallowed his rice and asked Li Pei Feng, "Dad, do you know someone called Shao-Cheng-Ze?"


    Li Pei Feng''s chopsticks stopped moving as he stared at Shen Chu Qi. "How do you know about him?"


    Seeing his dad recognizes Cheng LiQi''s father, Shen Chu Qi felt very happy. "I heard my ssmate say he is very awesome. So I wanted to ask if you know him."


    "Tsk, he''s not awesome at all." Li Pei Feng almost cursed but held it back in time.


    ...


    Shen Chu Qi pushed around the rice in his bowl with his chopsticks, eyebrows drooping down. Cheng LiQi''s dad is not awesome? How will he respond to Cheng LiQi tomorrow then?


    Li Pei Feng put down his chopsticks. He didn''t care about Shao Cheng Ze. His mind was upied with something else. "Son, you wanted to know how TV shows are filmed right? This weekend, dad will take you to visit a filming set to take a look, okay?"


    Shen Chu Qi immediately lifted his head. "Really?!"


    The actors should all be at the filming location right? If they are all there, wouldn''t he be able to meet his mom if that woman really is his mother?


    "When has dad ever lied to you?"


    Right now, Shen Chu Qi didn''t want to sit there counting all the times his dad had lied to him with his fingers.


    "Dad, can I bring Cheng LiQi with me?"


    "You can, but you''ll have to get permission from Aunt Jin first."


    Shen Chu Qi nodded happily.


    The next day, Shen Chu Qi told Cheng LiQi that his dad didn''t know Shao-Cheng-Ze either. He couldn''t let Cheng LiQi know her dad wasn''t awesome at all.


    Cheng LiQi did not feel too disappointed. She just thought, if even Shen Chu Qi''s dad had not heard of this name, then her dad probably wasn''t someone from Earth. It would be so cool if he was an alien. Her dad could take her flying around everywhere, like Superman.


    Cheng LiQi sank into her own imagination, happier the more she thought about it.


    Shen Chu Qi had to wave his hand in front of her several times before pulling her back from her imagination. As soon as Cheng LiQi heard they were going to visit a TV filming site, she immediately agreed. Finding Shen Chu Qi''s mother was still the most important. It would be best to find her before his birthday. That way, he could have both parents apanying him to celebrate his birthday.


    When Cheng Jin heard Cheng LiQi say she wanted to go to the filming site, she felt somewhat hesitant. Filming sites could get chaotic. It would be easy for Cheng LiQi to bump into things if they don''t pay enough attention.


    "Mommy won''t be avable this weekend. If you want to go, mommy can take you another time, okay?" Cheng Jin discussed with Cheng LiQi.


    "Daddy Shi can go with me!"


    "Your Daddy Shi has his own work and personal matters. He can''t apany you every day."


    "I already called Grandma during school dismissal and asked Daddy Shi. He said he can go with me. Mommy, you just focus on your own things."


    Cheng Jin thought about Shi Ran''s words from yesterday. She squatted down to look into Cheng LiQi''s eyes. "Do you want--"


    She didn''t know how to ask. As a first-time mother, many things were learned through attempts. She was confident she could give Cheng LiQi the best in every other aspect, but the vacancy in the father position was something she could never make up for.


    Cheng Jin stroked her soft hair. "Daddy Shi treats you so well. When you''ve learned how to make cakes, you should also make one for his birthday, okay?"


    Cheng LiQi softly agreed, "Mommy, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle, Auntie, and Aunt Qu, I will make cakes for all your birthdays."


    Cheng Jin hugged her daughter. This must be the feeling described in ''a daughter is all one needs''. She conceded, "I''ll ask Sister Wu to apany you to the filming site too. Otherwise mommy won''t feel assured."


    Cheng LiQi hugged her mommy''s neck and kissed her cheek. "Okay, thank you Mommy. I''ll make your birthday cake the prettiest."


    Cheng Jinughed out loud, hugging the little girl in her arms even tighter. Even with all the unfairness in her past, Cheng LiQi''s existence meant she had never once regretted it.


    Cheng LiQi and Shen Chu Qi''s visit to the filming site eventually came to fruition. The two little ones were very excited.


    Seeing his sonughing foolishly, Li Pei Feng said, "It''s just a TV filming location. Why are you so happy about it?"


    Shen Chu Qi nodded vigorously. He was just very happy. He was one step closer to finding his mother.


    Cheng LiQi said, "Uncle Li, Shen Chu Qi is very talented in acting. He can be an actor in the future."


    Li Pei Feng''s gaze paused.


    Shen Chu Qi looked to Li Pei Feng. "Dad, can I be an actor?"


    Li Pei Feng forced a smile. "Of course, as long as you like it."


    As soon as Cheng LiQi got off the vehicle, she couldn''t help looking around. There were so many people on site, and many good-looking guys anddies too. But she wanted to use the bathroom first. She drank too much juice in the morning. Shi Ran asked Wu Lin to apany Cheng LiQi.


    After using the bathroom, Sister Wu was taking a call in the hallway. Cheng LiQi went to the children''s sink herself to wash her hands. There was ady washing hands at the sink next to her. Cheng LiQi saw her appearance in the mirror. She looked even prettier than in the photos she had seen on the phone.


    Shen Xi Wen wedged her phone between her shoulder and ear, washing her hands while keeping her voice low to say to the person on the other end of the phone, "Secretary Kong, your boss''s second uncle''s son wants to take me out for dinner again tonight. After the meeting ends, please help me ask Shao Cheng Ze if I should go or not?"


    Cheng LiQi turned off the faucet. She turned around to look at Shen Xi Wen.


    The Shao Cheng Ze that Sister Shen mentioned, could he be her dad?!

 Chapter 8: 08

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    Cheng LiQi said to Wu Lin on the phone, "Wu sister, I''ve decided what gift I want to give to Shen ChuQi."


    Wu Lin helped wipe her hands clean and asked, "What gift do you want to give?"


    "I want to make a Spiderman birthday cake for him. Shen ChuQi loves Spiderman the most."


    Shen XiWen was rubbing hand cream when she overheard Cheng LiQi''s words. She looked up and happened to meet Cheng LiQi''s eyes.


    The little girl''s eyes were smiling, seeming to contain some slyness, just like when Shao ChengZe was up to some mischief. The bloodline inheritance was unmistakable.


    However, Shen XiWen also doubted she had seen wrong, after all, she had a guilty conscience.


    Her phone vibrated, and she threw the hand cream into her bag, casually answering the call without looking at the screen. She was startled when she heard the voice.


    Li PeiFeng asked, "You''re at Dewang Building?"


    Shen XiWen nodded and smiled at Cheng LiQi, then picked up her bag and walked outside with the phone, "Yes, I''m temporarily guest starring in a role here today, filming a scene. What''s up?"


    "I''m here too, with Shen ChuQi."


    Shen XiWen''s breath tightened.


    Li PeiFeng rarely spoke nicely as he exined, "Shen ChuQi said he''s grown up and wants to be an actor, kept moring for me to bring him to see a TV filming location. A friend of mine is the producer of this drama, so he brought me in. I only knew you were here after arriving. If you don''t feel good about it, I can take him away now."


    "No." Shen XiWen hurriedly said.


    "You don''t want me to take him away, so do you want to see him?" Li PeiFeng pushed step by step.


    Shen XiWen''s tone was flustered, "Can I see him?"


    Li PeiFeng''s voice turned cold, "I''ve never stopped you from seeing him. You just need to think through the consequences of seeing him in front of you. You only have one identity, his mother. If you want to see him in another identity, it''s better not to see him. Just continue as if you don''t have this son, go your starry path, and I''ll find him a stepmother. We won''t hinder each other."


    "We''ll be here until noon, call me if you make up your mind."


    Li PeiFeng threw out a bunch of cold words, then immediately hung up first, it was throw caution to the wind. If she still didn''t turn back, he might as well go register on a matchmaking site today and get married off in three days, bleh. Li PeiFeng pped himself, what get married, he was just too pissed off.


    Cheng LiQi came back from the bathroom and pulled Shen ChuQi to a corner, whispering with him.


    Wu Lin didn''t leave the two kids, chatting with others while keeping an eye on them. Their faces were equally serious, as if something big had happened. She apologized to her chatting partner before walking over to ask if something was going on.


    Cheng LiQi gestured for Dad Shao to bend down.


    Shao ChengZe bent down as told.


    "Dad Shao, we found Shen ChuQi''s mom, I saw her in the bathroom just now."


    Shao ChengZe didn''t want to discourage them, but it was better than them being hugely disappointedter. "We can''t determine that''s Shen ChuQi''s mom just based on a mole by her eye corner."


    "No, Dad Shao. When I mentioned Shen ChuQi, she looked at me. The sister we saw at the mall is her, she smiled at me back then too." Cheng LiQi spoke reasonably.


    Shao ChengZe didn''t expect her to be so observant. He couldn''t refute a kid''s thinking either. "So what''s your next n?"


    Cheng LiQi thought for a moment, "Shen ChuQi, pretend to be sick. Whenever I''m sick, my mom gets super anxious. If she''s your mom, she''ll definitely be anxious too."


    Shen ChuQi felt it was a good idea.


    Shao ChengZe felt it was not a good idea, and reminded Li PeiFeng in time what might happenter.


    Li PeiFeng justughed, "Little LiQi is a clever imp. I need to make Shen ChuQi try harder. He must marry into my Li family in the future, you try harder too, make Little LiQi take away ''Shao'' sooner and call you Dad directly. Then we can be inws."


    Seeing he was still in the mood to joke, Shao ChengZe understood. Li PeiFeng hade prepared today to bring his son to find his mother.


    All Shao ChengZe knew was that when Li PeiFeng graduated with his master''s degree, he not only brought home a diploma for his parents, but also a 4-month-old baby boy named Shen ChuQi.


    At that time it had caused great waves, because Li PeiFeng made no attempt to hide it at all. He brought Shen ChuQi everywhere, and no one could find out who the child''s mother was, even after going through all the girls Li PeiFeng had dated. Yet not one had the surname Shen. Some said the child possibly wasn''t his, if he was his own, why didn''t he have Li as a surname? But soon they were proven wrong, because as Shen ChuQi grew older, he looked more and more like Li PeiFeng. Anyone could see Li PeiFeng was his father, so his parents couldn''t not recognize their own grandson.


    As for who Shen ChuQi''s mother was, it remained an unsolved mystery among their circle. Shao ChengZe remembered Shen XiWen was quite close with Shao ChengZe, didn''t expect she was Shen ChuQi''s mysterious mother.


    Shen XiWen''s guest role was an absent-minded woman. She portrayed it very well, not needing to act at all, passing in one take.


    When Shen ChuQi saw Shen XiWen walk over, his entire body stood stiffly still, shocked. Cheng LiQi grew anxious and whispered, "Shen ChuQi, hurry and grab your stomach!"


    Shen ChuQi didn''t react, so Cheng LiQi forcefully jabbed his waist. Shen ChuQi''s mouth suddenly puckered as he cried without making a sound, withrge teardrops streaming down his face continuously.


    Cheng LiQi thought she had hurt Shen ChuQi with her jab, and anxiously asked, "Did I hurt you? I''m sorry, I didn''t do it on purpose. Does it hurt a lot?"


    Shen XiWen was already panicking when she first saw Shen ChuQi. Seeing him cry made her even more panicked. She ran in front of Shen ChuQi, grasping his hands. Her voice shook badly, "Little Qi, what''s wrong? Are you ufortable anywhere?"


    When she called out ''Little Qi'', Shen ChuQi cried even harder. His throat choked up as he gasped for breath.


    Cheng LiQi had never seen Shen ChuQi cry so sadly before. Her eyes also reddened as mist filled up her eyes, teardrops hanging on her eyshes, threatening to fall. She asked Shen XiWen in sobs, "Auntie, are you Shen ChuQi''s mommy? He really wants to find his mommy. He''s been looking for a long time, dreaming of finding his mommy every day."


    Shen XiWen couldn''t withstand Cheng LiQi''s words at all. She immediately hugged Shen ChuQi tightly in her arms, with tears streaming down her face like rain, "Little Qi, I''m mommy, mommy is sorry, mommy is sorry to you."


    Shen ChuQi let out a loud wail, hugging Shen XiWen''s neck tightly, with tears and snot dripping down together. Cheng LiQi also cried along softly. Shen XiWen pulled Cheng LiQi into the hug too. The three hugged and cried together in a blob, the scene was beyond chaotic.


    Fortunately Li PeiFeng had arranged for his people to block off the area, preventing prying eyes.


    Seeing Li PeiFeng''s reddened eyes, Shao ChengZe felt somewhat disgusted, "Don''t you dare cry in front of me, I won''t hug andfort you."


    Li PeiFeng grumpily told him to scram.


    Shao ChengZe patted his shoulder, "Little LiQi is the one who made this reunion scene go so smoothly, without her, your father and son melodrama wouldn''t have gone so well today."


    "As you say, she''s our Li family''s future daughter-inw. My mom already said, her shares will go to Little LiQi in the future."


    Shao ChengZe scoffed at him, "You think she cares about those few Li family shares?" Li PeiFeng lifted his leg to kick him. Does he have to say it so bluntly?


    With Shao ChengZe''s quips, the wetness in Li PeiFeng''s eyes faded away. At least the grown man didn''t cry out loud in public.


    When Cheng JinLan called, Cheng LiQi''s crying still hadn''t stopped.


    Cheng JinLan anxiously asked, "Why are you crying?"


    Cheng LiQi hupped with sobs, telling Cheng JinLan in fragments, "Mommy, we found Shen ChuQi''s mommy. He cried so sadly, his mommy also cried so sadly, I''m also so sad."


    "Good girl, don''t cry. Shen ChuQi finding his mommy is a happy thing."


    Cheng LiQi sniffed her little nose, "Mommy, Shen ChuQi''s mommy knows she''s his mommy, but why didn''t shee find him? She cried so sadly, she must have missed Shen ChuQi too. If she missed him, why didn''t shee find him? She''s clearly on Earth."


    She actually wanted to ask, does my daddy know he''s my daddy? If he knew, why doesn''t hee find me? Is it because he''s not from Earth? Shen ChuQi''s daddy knows everyone on Earth yet doesn''t recognize him, if he''s on Mars, isn''t that too far? Is he too far to miss me? Would he also cry so sadly when he sees me? Do Supermen cry?


    Cheng JinLan''s heart was thrown into chaos by her questions. She was asking on Shen ChuQi''s behalf, yet it seemed like she was also asking for herself.


    She suppressed the sourness in her heart, and told Cheng LiQi, "Shen ChuQi''s mommy must have wanted to find Shen ChuQi too, but there are so many people in this world. Finding someone is not an easy thing to do. Shen ChuQi''s mommy must have gone through a lot of difficulties before finding Shen ChuQi today."


    Cheng LiQi felt her mom made sense. Earth was so big, she nestled into Dad Shao''s arms and buzzed, "Mommy, I miss you so much."


    Cheng JinLan tapped the driver seat, signaling Tang Yicheng to make a U-turn. "Mommy wille find you now, okay?"


    "Okay." Cheng LiQi wiped her tears onto Dad Shao''s clothes, mimicking her grandma''s tone to tell her mom, "Mommy, drive slowly, I''ll wait for you."


    "Okay, Mommy will drive slowly."


    Tang Yicheng nced at the rearview mirror. He had an instinctive feeling Mrs. Cheng wasn''t in a good mood right now. He cautiously asked, "Mrs. Cheng, where are we going?"


    They were originally going to Yi Sheng''s auction today to mess up Shao''s event. Looking at the situation now, that was clearly not happening. In the Cheng family, even if the sky was falling down, nothing was more important than their "little princess".


    "Dewang Building." Cheng JinLan leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. For the first time regarding something, she was at aplete loss over what to do, unable to advance or retreat.


    In the nanny car at Dewang Building, Shen ChuQi leaned against Shen XiWen, not saying a word no matter what she said. He just hugged Shen XiWen''s neck tightly, silently shedding tears.


    Shen XiWen was afraid he would keep repressing it and cry himself sick, so she rolled down the car window to ask Li PeiFeng for help. Li PeiFeng clearly had no intention of helping her. Afraid he would also shed some tears if he got in the car, that would be too damn embarrassing. He pretended not to see her plea, turning his face coldly away.


    "Auntie, is Shen ChuQi still crying?" Cheng LiQi had just finished calling her mom. Hugged in Dad Shao''s arms, she could only see the back of Shen ChuQi''s head.


    Seeing Cheng LiQi, Shen XiWen felt like she saw a lifesaver. "Little niece, can you help auntiefort Little Qi?"


    Cheng LiQi climbed into the car and first introduced herself to Shen XiWen, "Auntie, I''m called Cheng LiQi, Shen ChuQi''s deskmate, and also his good friend. You can call me Little LiQi, that''s what my family calls me."


    Shen XiWen''s belly full of distress and unease was amused by Cheng LiQi''s serious self-introduction.


    "Hello Little LiQi, I''m..." Looking at the little person in her arms, Shen XiWen softly said, "I''m Shen ChuQi''s mommy."


    Cheng LiQi''s red eyes swept out a big smile, "Auntie, just let Shen ChuQi cry, he is happy, he has been looking for you for a long time, often hiding in the quilt and crying alone at night, and now that he has found you, he is too happy, that''s why he is crying like this."


    Shen ChuQi finally raised his head to refute Cheng LiQi, "I did not... hide in the quilt and cry secretly, I am a man, I seldom cry, once I fell to the ground, my knees bled, and I did not cry."


    He only looked at Cheng LiQi, but spoke to Shen Xi Wen, and after speaking he secretly nced at Shen Xi Wen.


    Seeing that he finally spoke, Shen Xi Wen quickly followed his words and said, "Which knee did little ChuQi hurt, does it hurt, let mom see, okay?"


    Shen ChuQi reluctantly stretched out his left leg, rolled up his pants, and pointed to a small scar on his knee, showing it to Cheng LiQi, "There was a lot of blood at the time, it hurt a lot, but I didn''t cry. Dad said this was the medal of honor for a brave man."


    Shen Xi Wen gently blew the knee of Shen ChuQi, "Our little ChuQi is really brave."


    Shen ChuQi''s face turned red like an apple, he pointed to a small red mark on his arm and said, "This is where I got hurt when I climbed a tree to save little Bai who climbed up the tree and didn''t dare toe down. I didn''t cry either. Little Bai is my pet kitten."


    Shen Xi Wen gently blew his arm again, "Our little ChuQi is so amazing."


    Cheng LiQi was about to expose him, that was clearly where he got hurt learning Sun Wukong climbing trees, but she saw Shen Xi Wen''s mobile phone on the seat next to her, the screen lit up, disying three words that she happened to recognize.


    Shao ChengZe, she thought, so Shao-Cheng-Ze was these three words, she silently remembered this name in her heart.


    Shen Xi Wen''s heart and eyes were full of Shen ChuQi, and she didn''t notice the iing muted call on her phone at all.


    "Auntie, someone called your phone," she pointed at the phone, blinking her big eyes and looking at Shen Xi Wen, "It''s Shao ChengZe."


    When Shen ChuQi heard this name, he hurriedly got up from Shen Xi Wen''s arms and craned his neck to look at the phone on the seat.


    Seeing the appearance of these two little guys, Shen Xi Wen intuitively understood something. She said to Cheng LiQi, "Little LiQi, can you help auntie answer it? Auntie is holding little ChuQi and can''t answer the phone."


    "Can I really answer it?" Cheng LiQi confirmed with Shen Xi Wen again. Mom said don''t take other people''s phones casually, but she really wanted to answer this call.


    "Of course you can, you''re helping auntie."


    Cheng LiQi nodded, picked up the phone, pressed answer, and put the phone to her ear, but she was in no hurry to speak.


    As soon as the call was connected, Shao ChengZe spoke up. Thinking it was Shen Xi Wen on the other end, he said, "You don''t have to go to Shao JingYun''s appointment, and in the future if he asks you out to eat again, you can refuse, no need to give him any more face."


    Cheng LiQi only had one feeling, his voice sounded so nice, but it was cold, he probably couldn''t tell good bedtime stories. She was a little nervous, only noticing his voice, and didn''t hear what he had just said. She said, "I didn''t hear your words clearly, can you say it again?"


    Shao ChengZe was taken aback, he looked at the number he had dialed, it was indeed Shen Xi Wen''s, and he asked, "Who are you?"


    "Are you Shao ChengZe?"


    The little girl''s voice was tender and milky, sounding like she had just cried.


    Shao ChengZe''s voice unusually softened a few degrees, and he replied to her, "I''m Shao ChengZe."


    Cheng LiQi exined why she answered the call, "Auntie couldn''t answer the phone, so I helped her answer it."


    Shao ChengZe didn''t have experience dealing with little girls, and just hmm''d to indicate he understood.


    Then, Cheng LiQi asked the question she most wanted to know, "Are you on Earth? Or on Mars?"


    Shao ChengZe: ......!

 Chapter 9: (Revised)

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    Shao ChengZe had just finished a stifling meeting and was in an extremely bad mood. Facing such an outrageous issue, he should have just hung up the phone.


    "I''m on Earth," he heard himself reply.


    Cheng LiQi breathed a small sigh of relief, "That''s great, I''m on Earth too."


    They were both on Earth. Even if they were far apart, they could still meet if they got on a ne.


    Shao ChengZe bent his fingers to massage his temples, leaning back in his chair with his long legs crossed on the desk. Listening to the delight in her voice, he found himself wanting to let this inexplicable phone call continue.


    Cheng LiQi had a line of questions waiting in her mouth. She had so many things she wanted to know.


    "I''m six this year. How old are you?"


    "Thirty."


    Oh~~ He''s the same age as big uncle, two years older than mom.


    Cheng LiQi continued asking, "Where are you now?"


    Shao ChengZe habitually took the initiative and asked back instead of answering, "Where are you now?"


    Cheng LiQi replied, "I''m on the set of the TV series I''m filming."


    Shao ChengZe figured she must be some child actor.


    There was a knock on the door, and Shao ChengZe said to Cheng LiQi, "I have to get back to work now, so I have to hang up."


    Afraid that he would hang up, Cheng LiQi hurriedly called out to hold him back, "Shao ChengZe."


    Shao ChengZe was startled. Few people called him by his full name. The one who called him like this the most, only that one.


    Forcefully, angrily, and very asionally, dragging out her voice coquettishly.


    The tender voice pulled him back from his memories. "You haven''t answered my question yet, where are you now?"


    Shao ChengZe patiently answered, "Do you know Shao Corporation?"


    "No, I don''t," Cheng LiQi had not heard of this name before, "Is that where you work?"


    "Yes."


    "Okay, I got it. You work at Shao Corporation. Then...can I call you again in the future?"


    Shao ChengZe had never known he could attract little girls to like him. In the past, little girls would only hide far away at the sight of him. This little girl actually wanted to call him again. Could it be that his voice was more likable than his face?


    "You can call at night." He casually said a sentence. Anyway, she didn''t have his number. Even if she did, whether or not he would pick up her call would depend entirely on his mood. He couldn''t possibly be free enough to chat idly with a little girl on the phone.


    "Then get back to work quickly. I''ll call you tonight."


    When mom was at work, she was always very busy too. She couldn''t disturb his work.


    "Mm."


    "Bye Shao ChengZe." Cheng LiQi softly bid him farewell.


    "Bye." Shao ChengZe was about to hang up.


    Cheng LiQi added, "You have to wait for my call, don''t go to bed early. I''ll call you at eight."


    "...Okay."


    "I''m hanging up now."


    "..Okay."


    Shao ChengZe felt like he had just gone through an borate ceremonial leave-taking with this phone call.


    When KONG YiChun heard the e in" after knocking, she entered to see her boss spacing out and staring at his phone. KONG YiChun found it a bit strange. Her boss had been spacing out more frequentlytely. That day he was holding something purple in his hand spacing out. He had put it away too quickly for KONG YiChun to make out what it was. In hindsight, it should have been a hair clip. She suspected that her boss had a woman.


    Of course these were just her suspicions. Other than Miss SHEN, she had never seen any other women around her boss. And Miss SHEN was Young Master Shao''s mother''s goddaughter, effectively Young Master Shao''s sister. She had also inadvertently overheard this when sending the drunk Miss SHEN home that day. No one had paid any attention to Young Master Shao''s mother, so no one knew about their rtionship.


    Regarding Young Master Shao''s family background, KONG YiChun had found out the gist of it during her time at thepany. Young Master Shao''s family background was not a secret at Shao Corporation. When work pressure was high, they would gather together and gossip quietly about their boss''s personal affairs. This was one of the ways these pitiful office workers rxed.


    The Shao family rtionships were quiteplicated. Old Chairman Shao YunZheng, Young Master Shao''s grandfather, had two wives.


    His first wife Yin ManQing built Shao Corporation together with Old Chairman Shao. Unfortunately she died in a car ident not long after giving birth to a son, Young Master Shao''s father, Shao ZhangKe.


    Old Chairman Shao''s second wife, Wu JingYao, was his secretary at the time. She married into the family a year after Yin ManQing''s death. She quickly became pregnant and gave birth to a son, Young Master Shao''s second uncle Shao ZhangTing.


    Young Master Shao''s father, Shao ZhangKe, had poor health since childhood. Rumor was he also did not have a good father-son rtionship with Old Chairman Shao. Because of marriage matters, he had directly fallen out with Old Chairman Shao. He refused the arranged marriage set up by Old Chairman Shao, insisting on marrying the nurse who had taken care of him, Young Master Shao''s mother. Old Chairman Shao was so angry that he threatened to sever their father-son rtionship. Shao ZhangKe directly announced publicly that he no longer had any ties to the Shao family. He brought his new bride to settle down in Jiangnan,pletely leaving the Shao family after that.


    When Young Master Shao was seventeen, his father passed away. That was also the year he returned to the Shao family. However, he only stayed at the Shao family for a few years before Old Chairman Shao sent him abroad. When he came back, it was as the new Shao Corporation CEO, fully taking over the corporation. Shao ZhangTing and his son Shao JingYun werepletely defeated in this power struggle, now only in charge of the peripheral Shao Jewelry business. To say they were banished was not an exaggeration.


    In the short month since Young Master Shao took over, Shao Corporation had taken several drastic actions,ying off whoever neededying off, withdrawing whatever needed withdrawing, reducing whatever needed reducing. For a time, everyone in Shao Corporation felt insecure about their jobs.


    The Board was split into two factions. Shao ZhangTing''s faction, the majority, said these painful reform measures were tantamount to destroying Shao Corporation. The other faction believed that in recent years, Shao Corporation''s development had stagnated due to cumbersome internal procedures and overly diversified business segments, not to mention all the useless people upying positions through nepotism who did nothing but create trouble. Young Master Shao''s actions were merely to unload the burdens weighing the massive Shao liner down so that it could embark on a new course.


    Outside gossip could be sensational, but no outside opinions could prevent Young Master Shao from continuing to implement his policies.


    Last week, Young Master Shao directly removed his step grandmother''s brother Wu JingFeng from his position in the corporation. Old Chairman Shao publicly berated Young Master Shao during the meeting, and Young Master Shao talked back directly. Old Chairman Shao was so angry that he flipped the water ss on the table. Everyone began specting that Young Master Shao''s tenure in this position probably wouldn''tst long. No one at Shao dared to disagree with Old Chairman Shao''s opinions.


    But ever since that re up, Old Chairman Shao had not publicly stated any opinions about Young Master Shao''s actions, which in such circumstances represented acquiescence. Everyone suddenly realized that Young Master Shao was personally brought back by Old Chairman Shao, meaning that Old Chairman Shao was on Young Master Shao''s side. Perhaps that scene between grandfather and grandson at the meeting was an act, to show everyone that Old Chairman Shao could not control Young Master Shao, so the people Young Master Shao removed were finalized decisions that would not be invited back.


    In recent years, relying on his step grandmother''s status, Wu JingFeng''s side of the family lorded over Shao Corporation arrogantly, pulling factions and bullying others, causing all kinds of trouble. With Shao ZhangTing and his son covering for them, even if things reached Old Chairman Shao, Young Master Shao''s step grandmother would shed a few tears and the matter would be dropped. In thest two years, quite a few middle management backbone members who did real work for the corporation chose to resign, saying on their way out that if the Wu family kept this up, Shao Corporation''s decline wasn''t far off.


    Perhaps Old Chairman Shao wanted to purge the Wu family people from the corporation but couldn''t bear to be the bad guy in front of the Wu family, so he had his grandson go on the offensive. After all, Young Master Shao and his second uncle, as well as the Wu family, never did get along. Rumor was it was his second uncle and the Wu family working together who had Young Master Shao sent abroad back then. Now Young Master Shao dealing with the Wu family could be considered fair and square.


    Whether it was an act or not, KONG YiChun didn''t know. She only knew that Young Master Shao really did not listen to Old Chairman Shao, and that grandfather and grandson really did not get along. Old Chairman Shao''s calls to Young Master Shao all went through her. Of those, nine out of ten Young Master Shao would not take, and for the remaining half call it depended entirely on his mood - if his mood was good he wouldn''t take it, if he was in a bad mood then he would, only to get into a loud argument.


    KONG YiChun didn''t know what had happened between grandfather and grandson, she only felt that these wealthy families, despite appearances that outsiders envied, were actually full of tangled interests and thorns without the slightest trace of familial love.


    Even this Young Master Shao himself, KONG YiChun couldn''t detect a shred of human touch to him. Other thanughing once at the airport that time, all other times he was either cold-faced, stiff-faced, or ck-faced. Times like this spacing out with a numb expression were truly rare.


    "Young Master Shao," KONG YiChun spoke up.


    Shao ChengZe came back to his senses, taking his legs off the desk. He asked casually, "Secretary KONG, I remember you already have a child?"


    "Yes."


    "Is your child a boy or girl?"


    ...KONG YiChun didn''t know why her boss would suddenly care about her child, but since her boss was rarely in such a gentle mood, she answered truthfully, "A girl."


    "How old is she now?"


    "Five."


    "Do girls this age ask a lot of questions?"


    It wasn''t asking a lot of questions, but asking endless endless questions. Why drink water, why sleep, why go to school, the only why she didn''t ask was why eat, because her little girl was a glutton. Her nickname was Fat Girl. Thankfully she was a glutton, at least when eating she could shut her mouth a bit, otherwise KONG YiChun felt she really would be driven crazy by her endless questions.


    KONG YiChun couldn''tin to her boss about her own daughter, so she thought of a more tactful way to say it. "Very curious, wants to know a little about everything."


    Not only was She curious and fearless, she was also able to chat with a stranger she had never met for so long on the phone. She must have taken after one of her parents. At such a young age, she could speak so well. Her upbringing must have been good. Asking him questions about himself first before asking anything else. But it was not good to be like this either. In case the person she met was a bad person, she would have sold all her secrets.


    Shao ChengZe felt he was rather free today. Not only did he take a strange call, he was also worrying about things that were none of his business. He pulled back his thoughts and asked Kong YiChuan, "What did you want to see me for?"


    It took Kong YiChuan a few seconds to react before she realized who the boss was referring to. Cheng''s second miss, the old boss of LanChuan Hotel.


    YiSheng was a major customer of LanChuan. But the hotel under Shao''s managed to snatch this major customer, and it was done with Shao''s consent, in a not very upright way. Kong YiChuan thought Shao, as the new boss, was just trying to make some big moves, not only internally in the group, but also externally.


    This move broke the bnce of non-aggression between the Cheng and Shao families over the years. It was equivalent to dering war on the Chengs. So when she heard from YiSheng that second miss Cheng was going to YiSheng''s auction, she immediately reported it to Shao. Just in case second miss Cheng was really going to disrupt the scene, they could be prepared.


    When she reported it to Shao, Shao did not react much, only responded rather coldly, "I see." Then added, "Keep an eye on the auction."


    She thought the boss had forgotten about it. After all it was not a huge matter, and he had been busy and swamped recently. She did not expect him to still remember clearly which day the auction was. She could only say the boss had a really good memory.


    She replied, "Miss Cheng did not go to the auction."


    Shao just nodded slightly, and said nothing more. Kong YiChuan saw he had no other instructions, so she left.


    At noon, Shao ChengZe received a call from Shen XiWen. He was reluctant to take the call. He had just finished a call with his mother. His mother could speak continuously for half an hour in one breath on the phone, and did not even need him to respond. She could naturally switch topics after finishing one. His father once said that even professional storytellers probably could not beat his mother. Her son did not inherit her gift of gab. Shen XiWen as a goddaughter, was better than her godmother. He had just finished listening to a storytelling session, and just wanted to eat in peace. He did not want to listen to another story immediately after.


    Even so, he still answered the call.


    Shen XiWen''s mother and his mother were sworn sisters. When Shen XiWen was in high school, her parents fell ill and passed away one after another. So his mother brought Shen XiWen home, and treated her like her own daughter. Also, when he was away from home all these years, it was Shen XiWen who apanied his mother. In his mother''s heart, Shen XiWen''s position was probably more important than his.


    "Did you call me?" was the first thing Shen XiWen asked.


    Shao ChengZe was distracted by the little auntie, and forgot what he wanted to say. He repeated that she did not need to go to Shao JingYun''s dinner.


    After saying that, when he was about to hang up, Shen XiWen stopped him. "The little auntie who helped me answer the phone seemed to like you a lot. She kept asking me all kinds of questions about you, and even asked for your number from me. Seeing that you rarely get a little girl to like you, I gave her your number."


    Shao rubbed his brow. It was toote now that she had given his number.


    "Don''t do this again in the future."


    Just as he was about to hang up, Shen XiWen spoke again. "She is Shen ChuQi''s ssmate, and also his best friend. If she calls you, you have to be nice and talk to her properly."


    "Who is Shen ChuQi?"


    "My son. Biological. He is six this year. Congrattions Uncle Shao, you need to prepare six years worth of red packets."


    Shao ChengZe felt it was absurd, but from Shen XiWen''s tone she did not seem to be joking. "....When did you have a son?"


    "Anyway I just have one now." Shen XiWen wanted to brush it off.


    Shao ChengZe''s brow furrowed tightly. "So where has your son been all these years?"


    "Where could he be? Not with me. We agreed back then that I would be responsible for giving birth, and he would be responsible for raising the child."


    "....Fooling around!"


    Shen XiWen felt guilty. "I will exin it to godmother myself. Don''t say otherwise in front of her."


    "You had better exin the situation clearly to her as soon as possible."


    Shen XiWen was still not very satisfied with his reaction. "I suddenly have a son out of nowhere, and you don''t seem surprised at all."


    "With your personality, I won''t be surprised by anything you do."


    ....


    Shen XiWen changed the subject.


    "Do you know whose daughter the little auntie is?"


    "I don''t know."


    He did not care whose daughter the little auntie was. Right now he only cared who the father of her son was. Six years old. Shao ChengZe calcted - there was a year when his mother said she was busy shooting a drama, and was gone for more than half a year without allowing visits, only video calls, not evening back for New Year. If she really had a son, it must have happened that year.


    Shao ChengZe tapped his finger heavily on the table, again and again. For this kind of scum who got a girl pregnant before marriage, should he break one of his legs, or break both?


    On the phone, Shen XiWen slowly said, "She is Cheng JinLan''s daughter."

 Chapter 10: 010

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    Cheng LiQiy on the bed while her mom blew her hair dry. Her eyes nced at the clock on the wall from time to time. When the minute hand pointed at ten, she patted her mom¡¯s hand.


    Cheng Jin turned off the hair dryer and asked, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Mom, go take a shower. I¡¯m going to call Shen ChuQi at eight as promised.¡±


    Cheng Jin smoothed her hair and looked into her distinctive ck and white eyes, hesitating over what to say.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m fine now,¡± Cheng LiQi thought her mom was still worried about her. ¡°You took me to the amusement park, let me eat my favorite fries and hamburger, and even let me have a tiny sip of coke. I¡¯m very happy now, extremely happy.¡± She stretched out her little arms to show how happy she was.


    The best part was that she now knew the Shao Corporation was very close. Auntie Shen said they didn¡¯t even need to take a ne, just a car ride and whoosh they would be there. Does that mean she could whoosh over to see him?


    Cheng Jinughed at her words. ¡°Even extremely happy, you can only have fries and a burger once a month. The coke today was an exception. Next time you can only have a tiny, tiny sip.¡±


    Cheng LiQi pouted. ¡°I know, Mom.¡± She shook Cheng Jin¡¯s arm impatiently. ¡°Mom, go shower quickly. It¡¯s almost time for my call with Shen ChuQi.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t your mom listen to your call with Shen ChuQi?¡±


    ¡°No, Shen ChuQi and I are going to talk about secrets that only the two of us know,¡± she suddenly remembered something. ¡°Mom, can I use your phone to call? My watch is charging.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Cheng Jin handed over her phone. ¡°Should I dial your Uncle Li¡¯s number for you?¡±


    ¡°Shen ChuQi is with her mom. I¡¯m calling Auntie.¡± Cheng LiQi could dial it herself. She nced at the clock again. The minute hand was past eleven, almost twelve. She was getting anxious. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s almost time.¡±


    Cheng Jin indulged her, pinching her earlobe. ¡°Okay, Mom¡¯s going to shower and won¡¯t listen to you and your good friend¡¯s secrets.¡±


    Cheng LiQi watched her mom leave the room and close the door before unlocking the phone password. She took a small slip of paper from under her pillow and pressed the numbers one by one. Then she patted her chest, took a deep breath, and hit dial right as the long minute hand struck twelve.


    But the ¡°beep¡± rang for a long time with no answer. Cheng LiQi rested her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands. Was he still busy or already asleep? They had agreed on eight o¡¯clock. He''d said he would wait for her call.


    Shao ChengZe''s phone buzzed but he gestured for the meeting to continue.


    The people on the big screen found it odd. It was the first time the boss hadn''t muted his phone during a meeting. Stranger yet, he paused the meeting but didn''t answer the call, just let the phone vibrate on the table as he stared at the screen in a daze.


    Little A felt something was off. This was clearly a woman calling. If it had been a man or work call, his boss wouldn''t have reacted that way. He was hesitating whether to answer. Little A had thought his boss was always firm and decisive, never knew the meaning of hesitation.


    Turns out he did know, just hadn''t met someone who made him hesitate.


    Cheng LiQi waited five minutes before deciding to call again. If no one answered this time, she wouldn''t call anymore. He had promised but didn''t keep his word, just like her big uncle. Her mom said that was called breaking a promise. Even if he bought her ten gifts in the future, she would have to think hard about whether to forgive him.


    The buzzing rang out again. This time the boss didn''t pause the meeting. Little A continued reporting while cocking an eye and ear to try and see who was calling his boss through the big screen.


    "Wrong," Shao ChengZe said.


    "Hmm?" Little A was confused. What was wrong? Wrong number?


    "The numbers you gave are wrong," Shao ChengZe told the others. "Take five. Let Little A wake up his brain. He''s out of it today."


    Little A lowered his head to check his files. Oh right...he had made a mistake even though the boss was the one out of it. But he was still the boss. Little A was about topliment him when he realized they had been muted. The boss and the vibrating phone on the table were both gone.


    Shao ChengZe went out to the balcony and answered just before the call went to voicemail. He put the phone to his ear but didn''t speak.


    "Hello, is this Shao ChengZe?"


    The voice was as tender and childish as this morning, only without the nasal tone and brighter instead.


    Shao ChengZe grunted in acknowledgment.


    "Do you remember me? In Auntie Shen''s car this morning, I said I would call you at eight tonight. That''s me."


    "Mm."


    "Were you busy earlier? I called at eight but you didn''t answer."


    "In a meeting."


    So he had been in a meeting. He wasn''t breaking his promise. Cheng LiQi immediately decided to forgive him.


    "Is your meeting over now? Did I interrupt you?"


    "It''s over."


    "Great! Does that mean we can talk for a long time on the phone?"


    Mom took really long showers. She could keep calling until Mom finished showering.


    Shao ChengZe: "......"


    He switched ears. "No, only ten minutes. I have another meeting soon."


    Oh, he was very busy, like Grandpa who was always in meetings.


    Still, ten minutes was okay. Cheng LiQiy on her stomach in bed. "Do you know my name?"


    "Don''t know."


    Cheng LiQi was puzzled. Why didn''t he know her name when Auntie Shen knew Shen ChuQi''s? If he was her dad, shouldn''t he know her name?


    Cheng LiQi suddenly knocked her little head in realization. Of course he wouldn''t know her name since he hadn''t met her yet.


    "I''m Cheng LiQi. You can call me Little LiQi. My mom is Cheng Jin." Cheng LiQi held her breath after speaking, even her longshes stopped fluttering.


    "Mm."


    Mm, just that. No crying? Auntie Shen had cried buckets when she met Shen ChuQi.


    Cheng LiQi was confused again. Was he really her dad? But...Big Uncle had said men couldn''t cry. He was the same age as Big Uncle so he was a grown up man too. Is that why he didn''t cry?


    Cheng LiQi asked again, "Do you know my mom?"


    Shao ChengZe didn''t want to answer that question. "Why did you call me?"


    Cheng LiQi asked back, "I can''t call you?"


    ...Were all kids'' minds this quick nowadays? She looked so young. Why did she talk like a grownup? Shao ChengZe wanted to end this call. "Does your mom know you called me?"


    "She doesn''t know. This is a secret between us that I can''t tell Mom."


    "......Why did you call me?"


    Of course it was because she wanted to know if he really was her dad and if he would be a good dad.


    Cheng LiQi thought for a bit. "I think your voice is really nice. Could you tell me a bedtime story?"......


    Shao ChengZe didn''t understand children''s logic.


    "....Where''s your mom?"


    "My mom''s in the shower."


    "....You...."


    Shao ChengZe had wanted to ask where''s your dad, or failing that, your uncles, grandparents, the auntie helper. Anyone could tell her a bedtime story. It didn''t have to be him.


    "I don''t know any stories." Shao ChengZe declined.


    How could he not know any stories, Cheng LiQi asked. "Don''t you know Snow White?"


    "Don''t know."


    "The Princess and the Pea?"


    "Don''t know."


    "Thumbelina?"


    "Never heard of it."


    Cheng LiQi thought some more. "What about Doggy and Teddy Wrestling?"


    "Never heard of it either."


    "Little Tadpole Finding Mama?"


    Shao ChengZe could sense her bright tone start to dim. He scraped a finger over his brow. Felt a helplessness he couldn''t control. Though the words weren''t out yet, he already regretted them. "I only know Journey to the West."


    Ahhhh Cheng LiQi''s eyes lit up. Looks like all boys liked Monkey King.


    "I like Monkey King too." Cheng LiQi flipped over in bed, hugging her teddy bear and pulling up her nket. "Okay, you can start."


    ......He had only said he knew it, not that he would tell it to her.


    "Shao ChengZe? Are you still there?" Cheng LiQi didn''t hear anything after waiting a while.


    After a few seconds of silence, Shao ChengZe''s thin lips parted. "Here."


    "I''m ready. You can start."


    ......Shao ChengZe lightly cleared his throat but still couldn''t get his voice toe out.


    He gazed at the distant lights, not quite understanding what he was doing right now. Why was he letting this little girl lead him by the nose? She wanted him to tell a story so he had to? She wasn''t anything to him. They weren''t even niece and uncle. He''d never told anyone a single bedtime story in his life.


    "Why did Monkey King make trouble in Heaven?" Cheng LiQi started prompting.


    After a few more seconds of quiet, Shao ChengZe''s lips moved. "Because Monkey King...."


    Listening to the t voice from the earpiece, Cheng LiQi thought, he really didn''t know how to tell stories, just like Grandpa. As Grandma would say, hard as a rock without any feeling. Were people who were always in meetings emotionless? Oh well, she would just have to amodate him since she was used to amodating Grandpa.


    Cheng Liqi listened for a while, then made little noises, "Ah~~~", "Oh, I see~~~", "Wow!!!", "What happened next?"...


    Under such exaggerated interjections, Shao Chengze tried to end the story several times but couldn''t. He could only continue. When he got to the part about Sun Wukong returning to Flower Fruit Mountain, Cheng Liqi suddenly thought of a question, "Can I call you again tomorrow?"


    "I''m busy tomorrow."


    "What about the day after tomorrow?"


    "I''m...busy the day after tomorrow too."


    "What about three days from now?"


    Shao Chengze felt that if he gave another negative answer, she could keep asking until next year.


    "Not sure yet."


    "Then I''ll call you at 8pm three days from now. If you''re busy, you don''t have to pick up. But if you''re free, you have to answer my call!"


    "Okay."


    "Alright, keep going with the story." Cheng Liqi patted the belly of the teddy bear as her eyelids grew heavy.


    ...He had clearly said he only had ten minutes.


    Little A and his buddies had been waiting for several five minute intervals. Little A had sobered up several times, but his boss still hadn''t returned. So that call must have been from a woman. Looks like they wouldn''t be having the meeting tonight. He waved his hand for everyone to log off and go wash up and sleep.


    Cheng Jin gently knocked on the door first. Hearing no response, she entered the room. The little one on the bed had fallen asleep, her head leaning against the teddy bear''s arm. Her hair was strewn across the pillow messily. The nket only covered up to her belly, askew. She would asionally mumble in her sleep, having just drifted off.


    Cheng Jin helped tuck her in properly again, and nted a kiss on her flushed cheeks. Her gaze fell upon the still-timing phone screen next to the pillow.


    She picked up the phone, "Hello, is this Little Seven? Cheng Liqi has fallen asleep."


    Shao Chengze was just about to hang up when his hand froze.

 Chapter 11: 011

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    On the other end of the receiver was only shallow breathing, no answer. It seemed the little friend had fallen asleep too. Cheng Jin was about to hang up when Cheng Jinchuan poked his head in from the door, ¡°Did Xiaoliqi fall asleep?¡±


    Cheng Jin hurriedly shushed him, telling him to keep his voice down. What was a drunk person who didn¡¯t go home doing here causing a ruckus!


    Shao Chengze heard the man¡¯s voice on the other end of the phone and hung up in the next second. He leaned his hands on the railing, gave a mockingugh, then turned and strode back into the house, leaving the heavy night behind.


    After downing half a ss of ice-cold water, Cheng Jinchuan finally suppressed the alcohol smell on his body somewhat. He loosened his tie, ¡°I''ve avenged you, didn''t they, the Shaos, want that piece ofnd in Nancheng? I got it for you. Now without thatnd, how are they going to build their so-called technology industrial park?¡±


    Cheng Jin couldn''t help but sigh, ¡°Why did you have to get involved? It was just about snatching a couple clients, I could have handled such a small matter myself.¡±


    ¡°You don''t need to worry about it, don''t get involved with anything concerning the Shaos. This is no small matter, does he think there''s no one left in the Cheng family, that he dares to bully you? Things won''t be resolved that easily now.¡± He finished the remaining half ss of water in one go, ¡°Let''s not talk about this. I originally wanted to tell Xiaoliqi a story to get her to sleep, but the little girl fell asleep too early.¡±


    Cheng Jin scoffed at him, ¡°With your whole body reeking of alcohol, you still want to tell her a story? She won''t even let you in her room.¡±


    Cheng Jinchuanughed when he thought of his little niece wrinkling her nose in disgust at him.


    Cheng Jin was afraid he would wake up her daughter, so she kicked and shoved him out to the front door. She seemed to recall something else, ¡°Do you just have no intention of seeing Shi Ran again?¡±


    Cheng Jinchuan was dissatisfied, ¡°What do you mean I don''t intend to see him, he''s the one who doesn''t want to see me. He wanted to steal my girlfriend and beat me up. I didn''t do anything to him, I don''t know what he''s so prickly about.¡±


    ¡°Stop right there. What do you mean he wanted to steal your girlfriend? Did you even consider Jiang Jiang your girlfriend at that time? You just took advantage of the fact that she liked you to bully her. If you ask me, the beating Shi Ran gave you was too light. He should have at least put you in bed for three months to teach you a lesson.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Cheng Jin, who''s sister are you? How can you say that about your brother?¡± The mention of Jiang Jiang made Cheng Jinchuan especially irritable. He waved his hand, ¡°I''m leaving. I''ve discovered that I''m truly a pitiful man that my father doesn''t love, my mother doesn''t care for, my brother looks down on, my sister is biased, and my friend doesn''t want to know either. I might as well just go home to my dog, at least it cares for me a little.¡±


    Seeing that he was truly drunk, Cheng Jin mmed the door shut. She didn''t want to bother with that drunken fool.


    Cheng Liqi had been counting down the days with her fingers. The day after tomorrow, right now it was already Sunday night. After getting through Monday, on Tuesday night, she could call him again.


    On that Saturday night call, she had fallen asleep without even saying goodbye to him. On Tuesday night, she must persist until she says goodnight before she can sleep.


    Cheng Liqi was thinking about what other questions she could ask him to confirm whether or not he was her dad.


    Shen Chuqi bounced into the ssroom excitedly, school bag on his back. Before he even sat down, he couldn''t wait to open his mouth, ¡°Cheng Liqi, my mom drove me to school today. My mom drives really well, and she cooks super well too, making all sorts of yummy food that makes my tummy all round like a watermelon.¡±


    As he spoke, he patted his little tummy to show Cheng Liqi.


    Cheng Liqi was even happier than Shen Chuqi, ¡°Isn''t it really great to have a mom?¡±


    Shen Chuqi nodded his head nonstop, ¡°Super, super, super great!¡±


    ¡°Have you been with your mom these past two days?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    ¡°What about your dad?¡±


    ¡°Dad''s at home. I''m at mom''s ce, mom has her own house. I''ve decided, I''m going to stay with mom forever and ever from now on. I thought about it, why didn''t mome looking for me for so long when mom is so nice. Mom must have left home because dad did something wrong. When grandpa makes grandma angry, grandma leaves home too, spending the whole day at the mall buying all sorts of stuff. Dad must have done something super wrong for mom to have note home for so long.¡±


    Cheng Liqi thought, maybe Aunt Shen didn''t leave home, but got divorced from Uncle Li. Mom said when two adults are unhappy living together, they separate, which is divorce.


    Cheng Liqi cupped her chin in her hands. Did mom and dad divorce because they were unhappy living together?


    Her little brows furrowed. That''s right, Shao Chengze couldn''t even tell stories well, he really didn''t seem like someone who could make a girl happy. Maybe she should have Uncle teach him a lesson. Uncle was great at making girls happy.


    Shen Chuqi pulled on Cheng Liqi''s clothes, ¡°Xiaoliqi, my mom said Shao Chengze is amazing, super amazing, managing such a huge, massivepany, the same as your grandpa and uncle.¡±


    Compared to dad, Shen Chuqi believed his mom''s words more. Cheng Liqi was so capable to have found his mom for him, so Cheng Liqi''s dad must be even more capable.


    Cheng Liqi sat up straight and shared her conundrum, ¡°But I''m a little unsure if he''s my dad or not.¡±


    Shen Chuqi didn''t understand, ¡°Didn''t you say your dad is called Shao Chengze? He is Shao Chengze.¡±


    ¡°But I had just woken up that day, I don''t know if I heard wrong. And he doesn''t even know my name. Your mom knows your name. If he was my dad, shouldn''t he know my name? Also, Aunt Shen said he was close to me, so close, then why doesn''t hee looking for me?¡±


    Shen Chuqi scrutinized Cheng Liqi''s face carefully.


    Cheng Liqi asked, ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    Shen Chuqi said, ¡°I''m looking to see if you have any moles, then we can go to that Shao Corporation ce to find him and see if he has the same mole. That way we can confirm if he''s your dad or not.¡±


    ¡°Do I?¡± Cheng Liqi asked.


    Shen Chuqi looked for a long time but didn''t find a single mole. ¡°Nope, your face is cleaner than a freshly peeled egg.¡±


    Yun Qi from the desk behind leaned over and whispered, ¡°You can do a DNA test to confirm if he''s your dad or not.¡±


    Cheng Liqi and Shen Chuqi turned back at the same time, ¡°What''s a DNA test?¡±


    Yun Qi''s little face was a bit pale. ¡°It means taking your hair and that Shao Chengze''s hair together to the hospital for testing. Then the doctor will know if he''s your dad or not.¡±


    ¡°Wow, sounds so amazing. Doctors really are the most amazing.¡± Shen Chuqi was in awe.


    Cheng Liqi noticed something off about Yun Qi. ¡°What''s wrong, Yun Qi?¡±


    Yun Qi''s eyes were red. ¡°My dad said he''s not my dad, that my dad is someone else. He took my hair and his hair to do that DNA testing.¡±


    Cheng Liqi grasped Yun Qi''s hand, very angry. ¡°He said he''s not your dad, then don''t call him dad anymore from now on, Yun Qi. You and your mom cane live at my ce. Your mom can work at my mom''s hotel. I''ll tell my mom when I get home today.¡±


    Yun Qi''s eyes got even redder.


    ¡°Alright kids, no more whispering. Sit properly, we''re going to start ss now.¡± The teacher pped her hands for everyone to quiet down.


    Shen Chuqi quickly turned back around. Cheng Liqi did turn her body around, but her hand was still holding Yun Qi''s hand. She couldn''t let Yun Qi be sad alone.


    Cheng Jin had something to do tonight, but Cheng Liqi had just called saying for her toe home early. She said she had something serious to discuss and wouldn''t say what over the phone. Hearing her grave tone, Cheng Jin cancelled her evening ns.


    When she got to the underground parking lot, she ran into an unexpected person. ¡°Jiang Jiang, what are you doing here?¡± Cheng Jin''s eyes were full of pleasant surprise.


    The short-haired woman in a white suit flushed slightly. ¡°Jin, I''m staying at your ce. I just got back from overseas, and haven''t gotten my ce arranged yet, so I''m crashing at Lan Chuan for a few days.¡±


    ¡°When did you move in? Why didn''t youe find me?¡±


    Jiang Jiang brushed back her hair. ¡°Jin...¡±


    Cheng Jin walked up to her and looped their arms together. ¡°It''s fine, I know you. Let''s not talk about anything else. It''s good that you''re back.¡±


    Jiang Jiang''s nose soured and she reached out to hug Cheng Jin tightly. ¡°Jin, since I''m staying at your ce, of course I wanted to see you. I just didn''t know...¡±


    ¡°Come now, do you really think I''m that petty? Or are you the petty one, things that are over are over,¡± Cheng Jin patted her shoulder. ¡°I think you shouldn''t keep staying at Lan Chuan either. Come back with me. My daughter only knows she has an Aunt Jiang who sends her gifts every year, pretty clothes, but has never met you before.¡±


    Jiang Jiang tidied her emotions a little. ¡°I can''t today, Jin. I have ns, I have to rush off now. Is tomorrow afternoon okay? I''ll go see Uncle, Auntie, and Xiaoliqi.¡±


    ¡°That works. Mom will definitely be super happy. You know she likes you best.¡± Cheng Jin wiped the wetness from the corner of her eyes. ¡°No more crying now. We said we''ll have a good long chat overnight, right?¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Jiang Jiang took a deep breath to keep herself from crying.


    Cheng Jin saw Jiang Jiang off before turning to her own parking spot. Seeing the person walking over from the opposite direction, she slowly stopped in her tracks.


    Alex was texting his girlfriend and mmed right into the person in front of him when they suddenly stopped. He almost teared up from the impact. This broad back of his boss'' was really too sturdy, even harder than a wooden bedboard.


    ¡°What are you guys doing at Lan Chuan?¡± Cheng Jin asked the person before her.


    Shao ChengZe originally wanted to pretend not to see her and walk straight past, but the moment he saw her, the rxation on her face was reced by wariness and vignce in an instant.


    Does she despise him that much?


    Seeing that his boss was just staring at her and not answering her question, Little A felt a little anxious for his boss. Staring at her like that, you should also be gentle. With such a fierce look, you will only scare the girl away.


    Little A lightly coughed and said, since the boss didn''t answer, he had to reply, "Ourpany is having a celebration banquet here."


    Cheng Jin said, "I don''t remember our Cheng Jinchuan taking any orders from the Shao''s."


    "It''s not the Shao''s, it''s QiongMiao Capital," Little A exined, then reached out his hand and introduced himself to Cheng Jin, "Hello, I''m Alex from QiongMiao."


    "You go in first," Shao ChengZe said to Little A.


    Little A could only reluctantly withdraw his hand, cursing to himself that he was being petty by not even letting her shake his hand. Judging by his boss''s expression, this beauty was likely the person who had called his bossst night. Could it be that the callst night did not go well, and now they were upset with each other?


    But his boss was already in a very bad mood, so he would not get in the way. Little A led the people behind him and ran away quickly.


    With her arms crossed over her chest, Cheng Jin said, "The Shao''s own quite a few hotels, why can''t Chairman Shao hold a celebration banquet in one of them? Why does Chairman Shao have toe to our Cheng Jinchuan, could it be that even the Shao''s think their service is inferior to ours?"


    Jiang Jiang''s car happened to drive by then, interrupting the confrontation between the two. She rolled down the car window and greeted Cheng Jin, "Jin, I''m leaving first. I''ll call you tomorrow."


    "Okay, drive slowly," Cheng Jin said, waving to Jiang Jiang.


    Seeing the softness on her face, Shao ChengZe sneered, "Shi Ran and his precious girlfriend have met secretly several times behind your back, yet you are still so intimate with him. Cheng Jin, I thought you were smart."


    Cheng Jin was taken aback for a moment before resuming herposure, "I know about their meetings. But Chairman Shao, why do you keep following our matters when you have nothing to do?"


    Shao ChengZe''s eyes bore into her, "You like him that much even when you know he has someone in his heart."


    Cheng Jin straightened her back, lightly lifting her chin, "Yes I like him. I don''t care who he likes, you?"


    Shao ChengZe was stung by the contempt in her eyes. He suddenly stepped forward, moving closer and closer to her.


    Cheng Jin didn''t dodge or avoid him, just looked at him coldly, "Shao ChengZe, do you dare?"

 Chapter 12: 012

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    Shao Chengze''s eyes flickered slightly, but he didn''t stop. His actions were even more resolutepared to before.


    There was no physical contact between them, but his scent rushed at her like the tide, pressing down the anger rising within her. With every step he took closer, the conviction within Cheng Jin was chipped away bit by bit. She tried her best to stand her ground, unwilling to lose this confrontation.


    His nose was barely an inch from hers, his lips no more than a thumb''s width from her own, yet he showed no intention of stopping.


    At the final second, Cheng Jin turned her head away. His breaths, light then heavy, grazed her neck. Memories buried in the past surged forth like ice floes splitting apart, throwing her heart rhythm intoplete disarray. Here in the quiet, empty underground parking garage, there was nowhere to hide it. She could hear it, and so could he.


    "Your neck''s turnedpletely red."


    The low, hoarse voice entered her ears. Cheng Jin was both embarrassed and enraged. She jabbed an elbow into his chest with all her might, still unsatisfied, she kicked out at him too. The sharp point of her stiletto nearly caught his leg. Had she made contact, it definitely would have broken the skin.


    Shao Chengze didn''t dodge. Instead, he purposefully moved his leg forward to meet her kick, fearing she hadn''tshed out fiercely enough. The white shoe tip scraped along his ck trousers before swiftly changing direction andnding back on the ground. Before Cheng Jin could even steady herself, she pivoted and walked away.


    "You see, the one who never dared was always you." Shao Chengze watched her retreating back, his deep eyes holding a trace of inconspicuous sorrow.


    Cheng Jin''s footsteps didn''t falter. She unlocked her car, opened the door, and sat inside. She tossed her bag onto the passenger seat, buckled her seatbelt, started the engine, turned the steering wheel, and the tires scraped jarringly against the ground as she rapidly pulled away. The departing car skidded to a stop at the parking garage''s first turn, then reversed back the way it hade.


    Cheng Jin partially rolled down her window and looked at the man outside. Her brows and eyes held the bleak severity of winter winds, the corners of her lips curving with cold mockery. "Yes, you always dared. What does a liar not dare to do? I hope this is thest time I see Chairman Shao in Lanzhou. If there''s a next time, Chairman Shao will learn that our Lanzhou''s security force for driving away human scum is first-ss, just like our services."


    After speaking her piece, Cheng Jin stepped on the elerator. This time, she drove straight out of the parking garage and merged into the endless traffic flowing down the boulevard. Her car stopped at a red light and she called Tang Yicheng.


    Tang Yicheng was hunkered down in his car. Hearing the ringtone, he jolted in fright, thinking his boss had caught him peeping. He swore in good conscience that he hadn''t meant to peek. It was rare for Madam Boss to get off work early today. Her assistant, on the other hand, had left the office right on her heels. He''d rushed down so quickly that by the time he reached the parking garage, she still hadn''t left. She was chatting intimately with a beauty. Fortunately, his parking spot was very far from Madam Boss''s reserved space. He''d stooped and slunk to his car like he was pulling some spy maneuver, getting in and pretending to y a handheld game while waiting for Madam Boss''s car to leave before he did.


    Then he''d witnessed that earlier scene.


    His eyesight was too good, his curiosity too heavy, his memory too outstanding. That man was the same one he''d seen at the airport. Judging from their entanglement, there was clearly some karmic bond between them. Before Tang Yicheng could analyze exactly what karmic bond it was, he received a call from his superior. It was still office hours, so he had no choice but to answer.


    Tang Yicheng heaved a deep breath and tapped ept.


    "Yicheng, reject any future projects from QiongMiao Capital from now on."


    "Oh, okay, Madam Cheng." His boss''s tone was still rtively calm. Tang Yicheng rxed a little, realizing she hadn''t caught him peeping, but had work matters to instruct him on.


    "Also, help me look into whatpanies Shao Chengze owns shares in. From now on, add any business involving hispanies to Lanzhou''s cklist. Refuse them all categorically."


    "Understood, Madam Cheng."


    Tang Yicheng was answering by rote. Plus, he felt rather guilty and wanted to end the call quickly. Only after hanging up did it dawn on him. QiongMiao Capital? Shao Chengze? Why did that name sound so familiar?


    Tang Yicheng pped his thigh. He remembered now. Wasn''t Shao Chengze the new appointed chairman of the Shao family? Could it be...was that man him?


    No way. Definitely not.


    The second young missus of the Cheng family and the new chairman of the Shao family?!!!


    Impossible. It had to be impossible.


    Tang Yicheng swiftly typed "Shao Chengze" into the search bar, but didn''t manage to find a single photo online, not even a side profile or back view that he could use as reference.


    Tang Yicheng pondered a moment. His ex-girlfriend had transferred over to Shao''spany recently. Should he...should he not...take this heaven-sent chance to contact her? After deleting and revising over and over, he finally organized the wording. Doing another five minutes of mental prep, he hit Send, only to discover he''d been...blocked!!!


    In that instant, Tang Yicheng lost all interest in gossiping about his superior''s affairs or finding out what Shao Chengze looked like. The only thing he wanted to know was why he''d been blocked. They''d agreed to remain friends after their breakup!


    After finishing her evening piano homework, Cheng Liqi ran to the door when she heard her mother''s car pulling into the driveway. She stood on the front steps, waiting for her mom to get out of the car.


    Seeing her, the chill in Cheng Jin''s eyespletely melted away, her face rxing into a warm smile. "Why in such a hurry? You even ran out to greet me."


    "No I didn''t. I just missed you so I came out to meet you." Cheng Liqi spread her little arms wide, like a baby bird waiting for its mother to return home.


    Cheng Jin bent down and picked her up. "Let me see just how much my little Liqi missed me. We only said goodbye this morning."


    Cheng Liqi sped her arms around her mother''s neck. "Big uncle said that not seeing someone for a day feels like being apart for three autumns. Three autumns is a really long time."


    A sweet mouth meant she definitely had some important business. Carrying the cunning little imp inside, Cheng Jin said, "It feels to Mom like we''ve been apart for four autumns."


    Cheng Liqi responded, "Mom, I was wrong earlier. Now it feels to me like we''ve been apart for five autumns."


    She had to miss her mom even more than her mom missed her.


    Cheng Jinughed aloud. "Since little Liqi misses Mom so much, whatever wish you have today, Mom will grant it. How''s that sound?"


    "Really?!" Cheng Liqi''s voice went up a notch.


    "Of course it''s true."


    Fei Zuhui chimed in from the side, "Mom''s going to be an Arabian genie today."


    Cheng Liqi pped happily. "Mom, can you get Yun Qi''s mom toe work at your hotel? Her cakes are super pretty and super yummy."


    Cheng Jin hadn''t expected this to be what she wanted to say. She had met Yun Qi''s mother a few times before. A beautiful, gentle woman who spoke in soft, lilting tones. Cheng Liqi was very fond of her and had brought her up several times. As far as Cheng Jin knew, she was a full-time housewife.


    Cheng Jin asked, "Did Yun Qi say she wanted her mother toe work at Lanzhou?"


    "No," Cheng Liqi said in a small voice. "Mom, Yun Qi''s dad is mean to her mom. He often bullies her. I was thinking if Yun Qi''s mom went to work at your hotel, wouldn''t her dad not be able to bully her anymore?"


    The reason Cheng Liqi had this idea was because once when she went over to Yun Qi''s house to y, Yun Qi''s father hade home drunk and yelled at Yun Qi''s mother for spending money recklessly and buying useless things. In Cheng Liqi''s mindset, if Yun Qi''s mom had a job like her own mother''s, able to earn her own money, then she wouldn''t have to put up with Yun Qi''s father''s bullying anymore. She could buy whatever she wanted and do whatever she pleased.


    Cheng Jin stroked her soft hair. She couldn''t exin it clearly to a child that they shouldn''t make decisions on others'' behalf based solely on their own ideas and wishes. Nor could she crush this desire to help her friend.


    "Little Liqi, how about this? I''ll give Yun Qi''s mother a call tomorrow and ask how she feels first. Like you said, the cakes Yun Qi''s mom makes are pretty and tasty. If she wants to open her own shop, then she couldn''te work at Lanzhou, right?"


    Cheng Liqi thought for a bit. "Oh, that makes sense." She giggled a couple times. "Mom is so smart."


    Cheng Jin patted her little bottom. "There, problem solved. Shall we go wash our hands and eat dinner?"


    "Yes!" Cheng Liqi said loudly.


    She''d thought the worry was resolved and the kid would be happy, but after lying down in bed at night, Cheng Liqi kept tossing and turning, listening to the bedtime story absentmindedly.


    Cheng Jin set the storybook aside and gathered her into her arms. "What''s wrong? Anything else you want to say to Mom?"


    Cheng Liqi snuggled into her mother''s embrace, slowly coiling and uncoiling strands of her hair around a little finger. "Mom..."


    "Mom''s here."


    Cheng Jin waited for her to continue, but after calling "Mom" once, she said no more. Cheng Jin poked her shoulder. "Could it be you have some other wish? Mom said whatever you wish for today, she can make ite true."


    Cheng Liqi looked into her mother''s eyes, her solemn expression tinged with gravity. "Mom, is my dad a bad person?"


    The question caught Cheng Jinpletely off guard.


    This was the first time she had asked about her father. Cheng Jin had prepared herself psychologically beforehand, evening up with a set narrative for when that day arrived and she could give a natural response. She had imagined Cheng Liqi would ask what was her father''s name, where was he, what did he look like, why doesn''t hee see her.


    Never had she thought the first question rting to "Dad" would be this.


    "Of course he''s not a bad person." Cheng Jin answered without hesitation.


    Cheng Liqi''s eyes curved into a smile, the tension on her little face easing somewhat. She asked again, "Did he ever bully Mom? Yelling really loudly and causing you to cry, like Yun Qi''s dad?"


    "No, he''s not that kind of person."


    Cheng Jin rubbed her little cheek. She had thought her a carefree child, not expecting her tiny heart to harbor so many worries.


    Cheng Jin''s eyes were filled with more smiles. "I knew it."


    "You knew what?"


    "I knew he wasn''t a bad person." Cheng Jin''s heart trembled. "How did you know?"


    Cheng LiQi buried her face in her mother''s neck. "It''s a secret, I can''t tell Mom."


    His storytelling was as boring as Grandpa''s, but he was as patient as Grandpa. It seemed like no matter what she said, he would eventually agree. Grandpa was the best, best grandpa in the world, so he must also be a very good, very good person.


    Cheng Jin looked at the ck little head and after rolling the words in her mouth for a while, she tentatively asked in a soft voice, "Does little LiQi want to know what Dad looks like?"


    Cheng LiQi lifted her head, the flickering big eyes filled with excitement. "When I find him, I''ll know what he looks like."


    She immediately covered her mouth with both hands. Oops... she identally revealed her secret because she was too happy.


    Cheng LiQi rolled from her mother''s body onto the bed and wrapped herself from head to toe with a small quilt. Her voice came out from inside the quilt, "Mom, I want to sleep now, you should go to bed soon too, we still have to get up early for work tomorrow."


    Cheng Jin''s heart was a mess, but her face remained rtively calm. She patted the cocoon-like bundle and said, "Don''t wrap your head with the quilt, you''ll suffocate."


    A pair of eyes emerged from the quilt. "Mom, I''m sleepy, I want to sleep."


    Cheng Jin bent down and kissed her. "Little LiQi, you don''t have to tell Mom your secret, but you have to promise not to do anything dangerous."


    Cheng LiQi nodded. "I''m Mom''s good girl, I won''t do anything dangerous to make Mom worry."


    No matter how uneasy Cheng Jin''s heart was, seeing her daughter''s well-behaved appearance calmed her down a lot.


    She gently half-closed the door and stood there for a good while before leaving. Her phone vibrated with an iing call from an unfamiliar number. Cheng Jin absentmindedly picked up. Before she could ask who it was, the other party had already spoken.


    "Cheng Jin, I really want to know what have I lied to you about?"


    Cheng Jin was shocked. "How did you get my number?"


    Shao Chengze said slowly, "You''ll have to ask your daughter about that."

 Chapter 13: 013

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    Cheng Jin leaned back against the wall, trying to give herself some support. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Your daughter, Cheng Liqi, called me the night beforest, using your phone.¡±


    The night beforest? Cheng Jin''s heart skipped a beat as she thought of the faint breathing on the phone. She grabbed her right hand holding the phone with her left, trying to keep her voice as calm as possible. ¡°Why did she call you?¡±


    ¡°You should ask her.¡±


    ¡°What did you say to her?¡±


    ¡°Sun Wukong Havoc in Heaven.¡±


    Cheng Jin was stunned. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She asked me to tell her a bedtime story, so I told her the story of Sun Wukong Havoc in Heaven.¡±


    Cheng Jin: ...


    ¡°I''ve answered your question, shouldn''t you answer mine now? What lie did I tell you?¡±


    The crisp sound of the phone hanging up was his only reply.


    Shao Chengze tapped his phone lightly on the railing, feeling something was wrong. On the phone, her voice had lost its previous aloofness and coldness, and was filled more with obvious tension. She was afraid of him talking on the phone with her daughter. Why would she be afraid of him talking to her daughter?


    Cheng Jin quickly looked up his number''s call log. Her finger froze on the screen. The night beforest, there was an outgoing call at eight o''clock, missed, and another outgoing call at eight fifteen, with a duration of nearly forty minutes.


    Inside the room, Cheng Liqi was curled up in bed, answering a call from Shen Chuqi on her smartwatch.


    "Cheng Liqi, I just video chatted with my grandma, and I found out I have a grandma too!" Shen Chuqi couldn''t even wait until tomorrow to share the good news with Cheng Liqi.


    "Wow, Shen Chuqi, you''re so lucky now, you have a mom, and a grandma too. You''ll get so many red envelopes during New Year."


    Shen Chuqi giggled. He also felt very fortunate. He suddenly remembered the most important thing he wanted to tell Cheng Liqi tonight. "Little Liqi, my mom said my grandma is Shao Chengze''s mom, so Shao Chengze is my uncle."


    "Ahhh!!" Cheng Liqi was a little shocked. "He''s your uncle? So is he your mom''s older brother?"


    "Yes, but my mom also said grandma is her biological mom, uncle is not her biological brother. But even if he''s not a biological uncle, I can still hug his leg."


    Cheng Liqi didn''t understand. "What does that mean?"


    Shen Chuqi scratched his head. "I don''t understand either. Anyway, I call him uncle, and his legs are very thick."


    There was a knock at the door outside. Cheng Liqi quickly said goodbye to Shen Chuqi.


    Cheng Jin gently pushed open the door. "Little Liqi, are you still not asleep?"


    The small stars on the ceiling cast dim lights and shadows. Cheng Liqiy in bed, pretending to have closed her eyes. "Mom, I''m already asleep."


    "If you''re sleeping, howe you can still talk?" Cheng Jin walked to the princess bed, drew back the curtains, and sat down at the edge of the bed.


    Cheng Liqi first opened one eye, then opened the other. "Mom, I was sleeping just now, and now I''m awake again."


    Cheng Jin didn''t expose her lie anymore. She gently and softly stroked her hair spread out on the pillow. "Were you on the phone with Shen Chuqi just now?"


    Cheng Liqi nodded. "Yes, Mom."


    Cheng Jin lowered her voice and spoke mysteriously. "Little Liqi, do you want to exchange secrets with Mom?"


    Cheng Liqi''s interest was piqued. She propped up her little body, eyes shining, and asked, "Mom, how do we exchange secrets?"


    "You can ask me a secret, and I can also ask you a secret. We''ll exchange fairly. Do you want to y this game?"


    "I do!" Cheng Liqi promptly pushed away the quilt and sat cross-legged on the bed. She wanted to know many of her mom''s secrets, she just didn''t know which one to ask.


    Cheng Jin asked, "What secret of mine do you want to know?"


    Cheng Liqi thought hard for a good while, before finally deciding what to ask. "Mom, do you like Dad?"


    "What?"


    This was the second time tonight Cheng Jin was caught off guard by her daughter''s question. She reflexively asked back.


    "Grandma said little uncle likes little auntie, little auntie likes little uncle, and that''s how Bean and Stinker came into this world. So did Ie into this world because Dad likes Mom and Mom likes Dad?"


    Cheng Jin seldom had the urge to cry. She didn''t like crying. In her usual mindset, the time spent shedding tears was better spent thinking of how to solve the problem.


    But because of her daughter''s words, the sourness in her heart suddenly rushed to her throat, and for a while Cheng Jin couldn''t get any words out.


    Cheng Liqi pulled on her mother''s fingers. "Is that how it is, Mom?"


    Cheng Jin held up her little face and kissed her eyes, then hugged her into her arms. "Baby, of course that''s how it is."


    Cheng Liqi wrapped her little hands around her mother''s back, a big smile on her little face. "Okay, I''m done asking, now Mom can ask me a secret."


    Cheng Jin gently patted her back. "Can Mom know what secret you told Shen Chuqi the night beforest?"


    Ah - Mom wanted to know that secret! Cheng Liqi''s little head tossed and turned in her mother''s embrace. She couldn''t lie to her mom, but should she tell the truth?


    Cheng Jin could tell she was struggling. "It''s okay if you don''t want to say."


    She probably knew something, otherwise she wouldn''t have asked so much about Dad these past few days. The question was how did she find out. Her father''s identity was only known to Shi Ran. Cheng Jin guessed that Cheng Jinchuan also had suspicions, but he never directly asked her. Shi Ran would not say anything like this in front of Cheng Liqi, and Cheng Jinchuan was ambiguous about trivial matters, but unambiguous when it came to major issues, especially those concerning Cheng Liqi.


    Cheng Jin thought back to that night''s conversation with Shi Ran. Could it be that she hadn''t been asleep then? But how did she get Shao Chengze''s number? Cheng Jin had too many questions in her mind, but she didn''t want to force her daughter to talk about things she didn''t want to. This little girl seemed to have many things hidden in her heart, she couldn''t add any more pressure to her.


    Cheng Liqi breathed a sigh of relief. She rested her chin on her mother''s shoulder, and spoke in a soft, sticky voice. "Mom, can I owe you a secret for now, and repay it to youter?"


    Cheng Jin pretended her tone was light. "Of course, but remember you have this IOU. You can''t go back on your wordter."


    "I definitely won''t go back on my word. Let''s pinky swear." Cheng Liqi held out her little finger. She wanted to be true to her word, and not break promises like her big uncle.


    After mother and daughter finished their pinky swear and sealed the promise, Cheng Liqi yawned. "Mom, I''m sleepy."


    This time she really was sleepy.


    "If you''re sleepy then let''s sleep. Mom will keep youpany tonight, okay?"


    "Okay." Cheng Liqi patted her little pillow. "Mom lies here, I''ll lie in Mom''s arms."


    The little one in her arms soon fell asleep, but Cheng Jin tossed and turned all night, unable to fall asleep. It was almost dawn when she finally dozed off briefly. As a result, she overslept that little nap.


    Fei Zuhui saw that mother and daughter still hadn''te over, figuring they must have forgot to set an rm and overslept. She went over directly to get them up.


    The three Cheng siblings and their parents lived in the same residentialpound. Eldest son Cheng Jinchuan wanted his own private life, so he lived in the building furthest in a straight line from his parents''. Youngest son Cheng Lichuan was already married and lived at the end of the street. Cheng Jin lived next door to her parents in a detached house.


    Fei Zuhui didn''t see anyone in the master bedroom, so she went to Cheng Liqi''s room. Cheng Liqi was already awake, her hair a mess, quietly and carefully getting dressed. Seeing Grandmae in, she softly shushed, signaling that Mom was still sleeping and mustn''t be woken up.


    Knowing her daughter managed a hotel and bore heavy burdens, Fei Zuhui understood it was rare for her to sleep in, so she didn''t wake her up. She quietly brought her granddaughter back next door.


    At the dining table, Cheng Shanhe was reprimanding Cheng Jinchuan, saying he was too reckless, he shouldn''t have taken thatnd in Nancheng. Cheng Jinchuan waspletely nonchnt. "I''ve already taken it, it''s a bitte for you to say this now. Don''t worry, I definitely won''t let thatnd crash in my hands. A threefold increase might be exaggerated, but I can definitely flip it for double the price."


    Cheng Shanhe''s frown grew deeper, about to say more, when he saw his granddaughtere in and immediately smoothed out his expression into a much gentler smile. "Little Liqi is awake."


    Cheng Liqi ran over to Grandpa and sweetly said, "Grandpa, did you sleep wellst night?"


    Cheng Shanhe beamed. "Grandpa slept very well. Did little Liqi sleep well?"


    Cheng Liqi nestled against Grandpa''s knee. She blinked at Big Uncle, then replied Grandpa, "I slept so well, I even had a sweet dream."


    Cheng Jinchuan chuckled lightly. At least he didn''t spoil this little girl for nothing, she still knew to get him out of trouble.


    Fei Zuhui urged from the side, "Alright, enough intimate chit-chat between you two. It''s veryte already, little Liqi will bete for school."


    Just because his niece knew to protect him, Cheng Jinchuan took the initiative to offer driving the "little princess" to kindergarten today. But the "little princess" still didn''t trust him. "Big uncle, why don''t you just let Sister Wu take me instead. She won''t make mete for school."


    Cheng Jinchuan carried the little princess to her car seat and buckled her in. "Don''t worry, with big uncle driving, you definitely won''t bete. Big uncle will take a shortcut and make sure you''re the first one at school."


    Oh well, since big uncle wants to drive her to school so badly, just let him.


    Cheng LiQi leaned sideways to look at the scenery outside. After a while, she asked a little uneasily, "Uncle, did you take the wrong route? The road you took is different from the one Sis Wen took." She didn''t recognize many of the words on the buildings outside.


    "Uncle already told you this is a shortcut. It''s a road you haven''t taken before. Why do you doubt your uncle so much?"


    Cheng LiQiughed twice without answering. Her expression said it all.


    Cheng Jinchuan nearly spit out his drink when he heard herugh without speaking - this was the status he had in his little niece''s heart.


    Watching her uncle''s angry nape, Cheng LiQi was about to cate him when her eyes fixed on a tall building outside. She asked anxiously, "Uncle, is that the Shaw Corporation?"


    Cheng Jinchuan nced out the window. "Oh, your kindergarten wasn''t wasted on you. You already recognize quite a few words. That''s the Shaw Corporation."


    Cheng LiQi didn''t notice the disdain in Uncle''s voice when he said "Shaw Corporation." Craning her neck to keep looking back, she said, "Uncle, thispany looks so big. I can''t even see the top. It''s like it runs into the clouds."


    Cheng Jinchuan scoffed. "How do you feel that way? Our family''s building is much taller than this shabby one, and at least ten times more magnificent. Little LiQi, you can''t be wishing for the Shaw''s prosperity and diminish our own family''s prestige."


    Cheng LiQi''s attention wasn''t on her uncle''s words. "Uncle, what''s the name of this road?"


    Cheng Jinchuan had long adapted to the girl''s erratic thoughts and answered all her questions. "Chunhui Road."


    "Can I ask Sis Wen to bring me this way too in the future?"


    "What, have you realized your uncle''s route is much faster than Sis Wen''s?"


    Cheng LiQi knew how to tter Uncle well. "Yes, Uncle is the best."


    On the oppositene across the railing, a ck car drove in the opposite direction and turned into the Shaw Corporation''s park.


    Shao ChengZe was on the phone with Shen XiWen. "You can hide from me and not answer my calls. I''m toozy to bother with you either. But when your mother-inwes to find you, you''ll have to deal with her yourself. Don''t ask me for help."


    "What?! Mother-inw ising?!"


    Shao ChengZe''s ears were grated by her shrill voice. He wanted to hang up but still had things to ask her, so he endured.


    "You suddenly have a son. Do you think she can stay put at home?"


    Shen XiWen wailed.


    Shen ChuQi hugged his mother''s arm. "Mom, what''s wrong? Are you ufortable somewhere?" Shen XiWen''s voice returned to normal as she smoothed her son''s short hair. "Mom''s fine. Your grandma ising. Mom is excited."


    Shen ChuQi bounced up. "Grandma ising! When? Mom, can we go pick up Grandma?"


    Hearing Shen ChuQi''s voice, Shao ChengZe asked Shen XiWen, "Can I speak with your son?"


    "What do you want?" Shen XiWen was wary. "Don''t try to pry anything from my son. He won''t tell you who his dad is."


    Shao ChengZe was impatient. "I don''t care who his dad is. He''s close with Cheng LiQi. I have something to ask him."


    "Oh~ Little LiQi ah, what do you want to ask? Let me pass it on." Shen XiWen didn''t want to miss this gossip.


    "When is Cheng LiQi''s birthday? Does your son know?"


    Shen XiWen rejoiced. The Shao boss wasn''t so dense after all, catching on so quickly. Good that he noticed. Then when mother-inwes, she won''t be settling scores with her.


    Shen XiWen asked Shen ChuQi, "Son, when is Little LiQi''s birthday? Do you know?"


    "I know. My birthday is the seventh day of the lunar new year. Little LiQi is just half a year younger than me. Her birthday is the seventh day of the fifth lunar month."


    Shen XiWen''s voice contained hidden excitement. She asked the person on the phone, "Did you hear that? Little LiQi''s birthday is the seventh of the fifth month. She''s six this year."


    She eagerly anticipated his reaction. A typically unppable person hearing such an explosive, cosmic revtion - how would he loseposure?


    "Oh, I see. Your mother-inw arrives the day after tomorrow. Get ready to receive her. I''m going on a business trip the day after tomorrow."


    Shen XiWen was somewhat stunned. That''s it? So nd??? Did his reflex arc take too long to process that he might have a daughter?


    Kong YiChun had just gotten out of the car and saw the boss''s car enter the parking lot. She happened to have something to discuss with the boss, so she stood by and waited. But after waiting a while, the boss still hadn''t gotten out of the car. Kong YiChun looked at her watch, then at the driver Sun Bei. If this went on, she would bete for the meeting. Sun Bei waved his hand indicating he also didn''t know what the boss was doing in the car. When he got out of the car, the boss had been spacing out.


    Shao ChengZe caressed his phone screen, finding his own thoughtsughable and preposterous.


    Six years old, born on the seventh day of the fifth month. She was already separated from him for over half a year when she got pregnant. It couldn''t be his daughter no matter how it was calcted. And...there was one fact he had to admit whether he wanted to or not - to her, he was at most a dalliance. How would she be willing to bear his child? Her unease was probably just his illusion. After all, he didn''t understand her well either. His supposed understanding was merely self-delusion.


    Shao ChengZe buttoned his suit and got out of the car. Kong YiChun saw the boss get out and immediately went up to him. "President Shao, thatnd in Nancheng. Old Mr. Shao called early this morning and said you must call him back as soon as possible."


    Kong YiChun steeled herself to emphasize "must" and "as soon as possible." She was afraid the boss wouldn''t call Old Mr. Shao back. Then the only one to suffer would be her, with Old Mr. Shao practically blowing up her phone.


    "Got it." Shao ChengZe took out his phone and dialed the old man''s number.


    Er... Kong YiChun said "as soon as possible" but didn''t expect the boss to be this soon. She quickly took out her phone to ry the message to the secretariat, signaling them to be alert. Judging by how fast the boss called Old Mr. Shao back, his mood must be especially unpleasant today.


    Cheng Jin felt very dazed this day. There were some things she definitely needed to discuss with Cheng LiQi, but she still hadn''t figured out how to say it, or how much to say. The adult world was tooplicated, while a child''s feelings were too pure. She didn''t want Cheng LiQi to be hurt in any way because of adult matters.


    Jiang Jiang called and Cheng Jin suddenly remembered Jiang Jiang wasing over today. She almost forgot about it. She hurriedly asked Cheng Jinchuan about his ns tonight and felt relieved knowing he had a drinking gathering so wouldn''t be home for dinner. Jiang Jiang probably didn''t want to see him.


    But when she brought Jiang Jiang home and picked up Cheng LiQi from school, not only was Cheng Jinchuan there, Shi Ran was too.


    The frozen air was filled with awkwardness. Jiang Jiang and Shi Ran were still normal. The abnormal one was Cheng Jinchuan.


    Jiang Jiang got up mid-meal to use the restroom. Cheng LiQi swallowed her food and looked at Uncle. "Uncle, you''re so quiet today. Do you like Auntie Jiang?"


    This was her first time seeing Uncle not say a word during a meal. Grandma said before that getting Uncle to shut up was harder than reaching heaven, unless it was a girl he liked. The only female guest today was Auntie Jiang, and Auntie Jiang was so pretty. So was Uncle quiet because he liked Auntie Jiang?


    Cheng Jinchuan was raising his wine ss to drink and heard Cheng LiQi''s words. He used the greatest might in his life to hold in the wine in his throat, flushing red and bulging out his neck to keep from spewing his drink.


    Seeing his son''s predicament, Fei Zuhuiughed out loud. Shi Ran lowered his head so his schadenfreude wouldn''t show too obviously.


    Cheng Jin put arge chicken leg on Cheng LiQi''s te and ruffled her little head. "Isn''t this your favorite chicken leg that Nanny Qin made? Mom picked the biggest one for you. Eat up."


    How could she tear apart Uncle''s face so unforgivingly right off the bat?


    Cheng LiQi nced at the wall clock, no longer concerned with who Uncle liked. Uncle liked many girls anyway, and those he liked today he would dislike tomorrow. She buried her head and gnawed on the chicken leg. She had to eat quickly. It was the day before the day after tomorrow. She had to call Shao ChengZe.


    Uncle hurriedly left after the meal. It was almost eight o''clock. Grandma and Mom were chatting with Auntie Jiang. She couldn''t interrupt them, that would be rude. Cheng LiQi poked Shi Ran''s arm. "Dad, can I use your phone to call Shen ChuQi?"


    "No problem." Shi Ran took out his phone and unlocked it before handing it to Cheng LiQi. "Should I dial the number for you?"


    "Thanks Dad, but I can do it myself."


    Cheng LiQi took Shi Ran''s phone and took out the small slip of paper from her backpack. She ran to the dining room and slowly pressed in the phone number digit by digit. Cheng LiQi hadn''t thought of what to say first when the call connected.


    "Who is this?"


    Cheng LiQi waved at the phone screen in greeting before realizing they weren''t on video and he couldn''t see her. She spoke up, "It''s me, Cheng LiQi. Weren''t we going to call today? Are you busy now?"


    Shao ChengZe threw the documents in his hand onto the table. Was the little auntie so bored that she took to bothering him daily for amusement? His tone wasn''t good. "I''m very busy and don''t have time to tell you stories today."


    Cheng LiQi couldn''t detect the distance he deliberately pulled back in his tone. She cradled the phone in both hands. "Since you''re busy, we''ll skip the story today. But I have a question I want to ask you, can I?"


    Shao ChengZe rubbed his brow. "Go ahead."


    "Is yourpany on Chunhui Road?"


    "Yes."


    Cheng LiQi was thrilled. "Yourpany is on the road I take to kindergarten. Very close by. Can Ie to yourpany to find you?"


    Shao ChengZe didn''t understand what this little kid was trying to do. Right, he never even figured out her mother, how could he figure out her daughter now?


    "I''m not necessarily at thepany."


    tags:


    <tranted>


    ¡°When will you be at thepany?¡±


    ¡°I have a business trip for half a month starting the day after tomorrow.¡±


    The day after tomorrow on a business trip, so tomorrow he will be here, is that what he means?


    Shao ChengZe moved the phone away from his ear and looked at the number on the screen, ¡°Whose phone did you use to make this call?¡± He wondered if he should reject calls from unknown numbers in the future.


    ¡°Shi Ran¡¯s phone.¡±


    Shao ChengZe was startled, ¡°Who is Shi Ran? Shi Ran?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Shi Ran¡¯s name is Shi Ran.¡±


    Shao ChengZe sat up straight, ¡°Why do you call him Shi Dad?¡±


    ¡°Shi Dad is just Shi Dad, if I don¡¯t call him Shi Dad what do I call him?¡±


    Cheng LiQi didn¡¯t understand, ¡°He¡¯s not my dad, so I can¡¯t call him dad.¡±

 Chapter 14: 014

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    Shao ChengZe''s pupils suddenly shuddered. Something rushed towards him amidst the sparks and lightning. He wanted to grab it but failed to do so. His hand reached for the cigarette next to him, but quickly moved away. There seemed to be a thousand-pound boulder stuck in his throat that made it hard for him to speak for a long time before he was able to ask, "Then... who is your dad?"


    Cheng LiQi''s long eyshes drooped down, covering the emotions in her eyes. She was a little unhappy now. Who is or isn''t my dad? Why does he want me to call someone else dad and then ask who my dad is? I also want to know who my dad is!


    She suddenly didn''t want to talk to him anymore. Cheng LiQi pouted her little mouth. "I''m going to hang up now. I''m busy too. I have homework to do, piano to practice, and I need to call Shen ChuQi. So I don''t have time to answer your questions."


    After Cheng LiQi finished speaking, she pressed the end call button once, then twice more when it didn''t work right away. She put her phone down on the dining table and buried her face in her arms on the table, kicking her legs up in the air, feeling more aggrieved the more she thought about it.


    How could he be like this? Aunt Shen recognized Shen ChuQi right away. She had already called him twice, but he seemed to be just like Yun Xi''s dad, not wanting to admit he was her father. If that was the case, then she didn''t want to call him dad either! She had her big uncle, little uncle, grandpa, and Dad Shi. She had so many people who could tell her stories. She didn''t need to listen to his Journey to the West stories. She liked Snow White!


    Shao ChengZe stared at the disconnected phone screen nkly for a second before getting up from his desk, grabbing his car keys, and striding out of his office. Yu Zhongzhou was just about to knock on his door and jumped in fright when the door suddenly opened and someone rushed out. Good heavens! With this kind of momentum, whoever got in his way was doomed, whether they were gods or Buddhas! Fortunately, he got out of the way quickly enough.


    "Where are you going?" Yu Zhongzhou yelled, afraid that his voice wouldn''t catch up to Shao ChengZe''s footsteps if he spoke too slowly.


    Shao ChengZe only replied with one sentence, "Something came up." Then he entered the president''s exclusive elevator.


    "Who angered him?" Yu Zhongzhou muttered to Kong Yichan, still trying to catch his breath and gather his wits from the shock. He wished he could pat his own head to calm himself down.


    Kong Yichan was also unclear. Other than arguing with Old Mr. Shao on the phone this morning, President Shao seemed to be in an alright mood today, definitely not as bad as she had expected. He just didn''t eat much at lunch or dinner, processed work with extremely high efficiency, and had the managers from the various departmentse to his office for tea one after another. They all came out looking dejected. Thanks to the boss''s high work demands, she was still working overtime now. It should be that he had angered others, not the other way around. Even Old Mr. Shao couldn''t provoke him, who else dared to?


    Cheng LiQi remained slumped over the dining table for a good while before getting up and going to the music room to practice piano for a bit, finally feeling slightly better, but only a little.


    Shi Ran walked into the music room and sat down next to Cheng LiQi. Lowering his head to look at her, he asked, "What''s wrong? Did something unhappy happen?"


    Cheng LiQi turned her little fingers over each other and spoke in a muffled voice. "Dad Shi, why do some dads not recognize their own babies?"


    Shi Ran''s eyes flickered. He touched her drooping ponytail gently and said in a soothing voice that could calm hearts, "There are many reasons why a dad might not recognize his own baby."


    Cheng LiQi looked up at Dad Shi, waiting for him to tell her what the reasons could be.


    Shi Ran continued, "For example, he simply doesn''t know he has a baby."


    "Dads don''t know they have babies?" Cheng LiQi didn''t understand.


    "Of course it happens," Shi Ran said very surely.


    Cheng LiQi felt a little less unhappy. Dad Shi never lied. If he said it happens, then it must happen. That meant Shao ChengZe possibly didn''t know she was his baby, so that''s why he didn''t recognize her.


    Cheng LiQi asked again, "Then how would he know he has a baby?"


    Shi Ran looked into her eyes. The words slipped out, "Maybe... he''d know after seeing her face to face."


    Only after speaking did he feel like he might have said too much. But she probably wouldn''t get much out of that, Shi Ran thought. Still, he should mention it to Jin. The little one was already showing a longing for a father''s existence now.


    Seeing face to face... then he''d know. Cheng LiQi blinked. She pursed her lips in a smile. She knew what to do now. She jumped down from the chair and ran towards the door, calling to Dad Shi as she left, "Dad Shi, I have something very important to do and can''t chat with you!"


    Shi Ran told her, "Slow down, watch your step, don''t trip and fall."


    "I know!"


    Shi Ran watched the small back rushing anxiously out the door. He wondered whether she had caught on to something.


    Cheng LiQi took out her watch from her schoolbag, trotted up to the second floor, and closed the door behind her before calling Shen ChuQi.


    "Hey, Little LiQi, what''s up?" Shen ChuQi''s voice was muffled since she still had food in her mouth.


    "Shen ChuQi, are you with Aunt Shen?"


    "Mm hmm."


    "Can you ask Aunt Shen if she has a photo of Shao ChengZe?"


    If he was Shen ChuQi''s uncle, Aunt Shen should have a photo of him, right? She had to know what he looked like before she could find him tomorrow.


    As it turned out, Shen XiWen did have one photo, just one. Shao ChengZe disliked taking photos. This one on Shen XiWen''s phone was secretly snapped by her. Mother Shao had wanted him to go on a blind date but had no recent photo of him, so Shen XiWen had secretly taken one. The angle was very good, a front portrait, one hand in his pocket, eyes cast down, leaning against a desk while taking a phone call. Afternoon sunlight streamed in, casting a halo on his face that added some warmth to the otherwise cold-looking face, nothing too scary for a child.


    Shen XiWen first sent the photo to Shen ChuQi''s watch, then Shen ChuQi forwarded it to Cheng LiQi. Shen ChuQi stared at the photo carefully. "Little LiQi, I feel like his eyes look a lot like yours."


    Cheng LiQi was also staring at the photo. Her little finger slid across his face. Did they? His eyes were downcast. Cheng LiQi just felt that he had really long eyshes. He was so handsome, even more so than her big uncle! Cheng LiQi ran to the mirror and looked at herself, then looked back at the photo, at the photo then at herself in the mirror. Her resolve grew firmer.


    She was going to find him. If he didn''t recognize her, she''d take a strand of his hair for that DNA test to make the doctor uncle tell him.


    "Shen ChuQi, I''m going to go find him at Shao Corporation tomorrow."


    "Great, great! I''ll go with you. You went with me to find my mom, so I should go with you to find your dad too," Shen ChuQi always fully supported whatever Cheng LiQi wanted to do. "But...how do we get to Shao Corporation? We don''t know where it is."


    "I know. It''s on the road I take to kindergarten, Spring Sunshine Road. Uncle drove past it with me this morning. The building is so tall. I can ask Sister Wu to take me there. Sister Wu drives so well, she can find any road."


    But Shen ChuQi still had doubts. "If we go, can we get inside? Aren''tpanies not allowed to let kids in, only adults?"


    Shen XiWen had been listening anxiously to the two children''s conversation. She quickly moved forward to join in. "You''ve got me! I can take you on a tour of Shao Corporation."


    "Really, Mom?!"


    "Really, Aunt Shen?!"


    The two children on both sides of the call spoke at the same time.


    Shen XiWen replied, "Of course it''s true."


    She was very willing and eager to facilitate this matter, best if it could be done before Mother Shao arrived. Not only did Mother Shao suddenly gain a young grandson out of nowhere, she might also suddenly gain a granddaughter. This could help divert some of her anger so it wouldn''t all be directed at her. Shao ChengZe was even thinking of going away on a business trip. She wouldn''t let him take that trip. Going on a business trip was nothingpared to recognizing one''s daughter!


    Cheng LiQi thought of something. "Aunt Shen, if we go find him at hispany, will it affect his work?"


    Shen XiWen waved her hand grandly. "It won''t affect anything. He''s the boss of the Shao Corporation. Whether he works or not is up to him."


    "What''s a ''boss''?" Shen ChuQi didn''t understand.


    Shen XiWen flicked her son''s forehead. "It means he''s the president of Shao Corporation! I told you, your uncle has very thick thighs."


    Oh~~ So he was a president too, just like her big uncle. Her big uncle could work if he wanted or not work if he didn''t want to.


    With Aunt Shen around, things would be much easier. Cheng LiQi happily spun around on the floor twice, thinking about what dress she should wear tomorrow. She had to wear a really pretty, beautiful dress!


    Downstairs, after seeing thete hour, Jiang Jiang got up to take her leave. She held Cheng Jin''s hand and said, "I wanted to chat with you all night tonight, but I still have some things to take care of early tomorrow, so I''m afraid I can''t make it tonight. After I finish tidying up at home, you have to bring Little LiQi to stay at my ce for a couple of days."


    After Jiang Jiang left, Cheng Jin could sense her preupied state of mind. Facing Shi Ran, she no longer had the ease from before. Outsiders couldn''t rify matters of the heart. Even after so many years, the entanglements and estrangements between the three hadn''t been resolved.


    In her private thoughts, Cheng Jin actually leaned more towards Shi Ran. Although Jinchuan was her elder brother, he was too fickle and didn''t know how to love someone, only hurt them. Jiang Jiang had already been hurt by him once. She didn''t want her to be hurt a second time. Although Shi Ran said his feelings for Jiang Jiang had be a thing of the past, ording to Shao ChengZe... He had privately met with Jiang Jiang several times. Most of the time, people contradict what''s in their hearts. Their mouths might say they no longer love someone, but their hearts have never let go.


    Since Jiang Jiang was leaving, Cheng Jin didn''t stay either. She signaled to Shi Ran, hoping that Shi Ran would see Jiang Jiang off. Shi Ran''s home was on the way to Lanzhou, so more time together would be good, but Shi Ran never offered. Cheng Jin could only sigh to herself - you can lead a horse to water but you can''t make it drink. Forget it, she could barely figure out her own affairs, let alone manage someone else''s.


    "Auntie Jiang, you''re leaving?" Cheng LiQi ran over from upstairs.


    Jiang Jiang bent down to look at Cheng LiQi. "Yes, little LiQi, Auntie Jiang is leaving. Next time when you go to Auntie''s house with your mom, I''ll make you something delicious."


    "Yay, yay! Auntie Jiang is so pretty, your cooking must be delicious too."


    With just a few words, the gloom in Jiang Jiang''s eyes disappeared, leaving only a joyful smile.


    Cheng Jin rubbed her forehead. Her little girl was too sly with her words. She called every pretty older sister, auntie, and granny the most beautiful. She wanted to charm them all.


    After seeing Jiang Jiang off, Cheng LiQi pulled Shi Ran towards her home. "Dad Shi, I have to wear the prettiest dress to school tomorrow. You have to help me pick one."


    Shi Ran happened to have something to say to Cheng Jin. He picked up Cheng LiQi high in the air. "No problem, Dad Shi has great taste in clothes."


    Cheng LiQi patted Dad Shi''s shoulder. "Dad Shi, take me on an airne ride."


    Not just an airne, even a rocket ride Shi Ran would agree to. He lifted her onto his shoulders and ran off into the evening breeze.


    Cheng Jin called from behind, "You two, slow down!"


    Cheng LiQi hugged Dad Shi''s neck and giggled. "Mommy,e chase us!"


    Not far away, a ck car was parked on the side of the dimly lit road. Barely noticeable, the eyes of the person inside were one with the night''s darkness, so dense it couldn''t dissipate.


    He dialed Little A''s number.


    Little A picked up quickly. "Boss, what can I do for you?"


    "Help me find out the exact birth date of Cheng Jin''s daughter, including which hospital she was born at, and which doctor delivered her."


    Little A asked, "Second Miss Cheng Jin of the Cheng family?"


    "Yes."


    "Got it, Boss." Little A held the phone with one hand while typing the name with the other. Seeing the photo on theputer screen, a hint of gossip shed in his eyes. Wasn''t this the beauty they met at Lanzhou parking lot, that the Boss couldn''t take his eyes off?


    "Also," Shao Chengze paused, "check if she''s...married."


    Back then, he had only seen her present two fresh red marriage certificates to Shi Ran''s mother at the hospital door. Afterwards, despite intentionally avoiding all news about her, he knew she and Shi Ran hadn''t held a wedding ceremony.


    Shi Ran watched the little girl admiring herself in the mirror. He whispered to Cheng Jin, "She asked me about her dad again today. I feel like she knows something."


    Cheng Jin slowly nodded. "I guess so. She called Shao Chengze before."


    Shi Ran''s gaze sharpened. "Shao Chengze knows?"


    "Not yet."


    Shi Ran looked at her. "What do you n to do now? It probably can''t stay hidden for long."


    Cheng Jin pulled her lips into a bitter smile. "If it can''t stay hidden then it can''t. What can he do even if he knows? I''m not afraid of him fighting me for her. She''s my flesh and blood, raised by me. The Cheng family''s team ofwyers aren''t vegetarians either. My only fear is...Cheng LiQi getting hurt," she hugged herself, a sign of her unease. "I want to find a chance to talk to her properly."


    Her expression was cold, tone calm, as if mentioning that person no longer stirred any emotion. But some things could deceive others but not herself. When she spoke Shao Chengze''s name, her voice unconsciously caught, some names were harder to say the more they tugged at her heart.


    Shi Ran''s gaze fluctuated, but ultimately he didn''t say anything more.


    Cheng LiQi finally chose the dress for tomorrow, a fluffy pinkce dress. She looked at herself from all angles in the mirror - front, back, left, and right. No matter which way, she looked extremely pretty.


    The next day, Cheng LiQi woke up half an hour earlier than usual. She brushed her teeth herself, washed her face snowy white, dabbed on some fragrant cream, then put on the pretty dress, waiting for Mommy to tie her hair in beautiful little braids.


    "Mommy, after school today, I want to y with Shen ChuQi for a bit before going home."


    Cheng Jin smoothed the undisturbed cream on her chin and said, "Wearing such a pretty outfit today, turns out you have a date with little ChuQi tonight."


    "No date, Mommy. Auntie Shen is treating us to yummy food."


    Seeing Mommy''s hesitation, Cheng LiQi shook her arm. "Pleaaase, Mommy. I won''t be toote, when the clock hands point to six I''ll be home, I still have to practice piano at night."


    "Alright, Mommy will allow it, but Sister Wu has to go with you."


    Wu Lin was the personal bodyguard arranged by Cheng Jinchuan for Cheng LiQi. Despite looking small and slender, her fighting skills were top-notch. Five or six burly men wouldn''t get near her. She had been responsible for Cheng LiQi''s safety when she first learned to walk. With Wu Lin apanying Cheng LiQi, nothing would go wrong.


    Cheng LiQi happily smooched her mommy''s face twice. "Thank you Mommy, I love you the most. Mommy is the most beautiful in the whole universe."


    Cheng Jin thought, having a daughter with too sweet a mouth wasn''t the best. She found it hard to reject whatever her daughter asked. Her little mouth had her wrapped around her finger.


    Cheng LiQi listened attentively in ss today, not letting her mind wander at all. She was the sort of kid who was more focused when excited.


    Right after school ended, Cheng LiQi and Shen ChuQi ran out hand in hand. The teacher handed Shen ChuQi to the fully armed Shen Xi Wen, and Cheng LiQi to Wu Lin.


    Cheng LiQi pulled Wu Lin to introduce her to Shen Xi Wen. "Sister Wu, this is Auntie Shen, ChuQi''s mommy. Auntie Shen, this is my Sister Wu. She has awesome kungfu."


    Shen Xi Wen took off her mask and smiled at Wu Lin, then quickly put it back on. "Hello there, little Sister Wu."


    The nk expression on Wu Lin''s face cracked a little, though she concealed it well. She couldn''t help but be shocked. Shen ChuQi''s mother was actually Shen Xi Wen?!


    Now that Shen Xi Wen had acknowledged Shen ChuQi, she no longer intended to hide anything from anyone. Thepany was strategizing a public statement that woulde out soon. As for how this would impact her career, she was already mentally prepared. If it came down to it, she could go back to being an extra. As long as she could still act, life wouldn''t be too bad.


    Wu Lin followed behind Shen Xi Wen''s car with Cheng LiQi. They quickly arrived at the Shao Corporation. Security recognized Shen Xi Wen''s car and let both cars in after she said the one behind her was with her.


    Wu Lin felt confused. They had actuallye to Shao''s territory. She looked at Cheng LiQi, "Little LiQi, what are we doing here?"


    Cheng LiQi smiled at Sister Wu. "We''vee to find ChuQi''s uncle. He''s treating us to yummy food."


    "Her uncle works at Shao Corp?"


    "Yup."


    Wu Lin thought, little darling, you probably don''t know your family and the Shaos are like water and fire. If the Cheng master knew she had brought Little LiQi to Shao''s territory, she''d probably be skinned.


    Wu Lin kept pressing redial on her phone while responding absently.


    Cheng LiQi''s big eyes kept surveying her surroundings, hoping to spot someone who looked exactly like the photo of Shao Chengze, but she didn''t find him among theing and going crowd.


    Wu Lin couldn''t get through to Cheng Jin, so she called Cheng Jinchuan. His assistant picked up, saying Director Cheng was in a meeting. Wu Lin exined their current situation to the assistant, asking her to report to Director Cheng immediately after his meeting ended.


    During the window when Wu Lin was on the phone, Cheng LiQi couldn''t wait any longer. She walked right up to the front desk and politely told the receptionist, "I want to see your Shao Corp CEO Shao Chengze."


    The receptionist saw a cute little girl dressed in a pinkce dress, pink hair clip, and pink backpack, like a miniature doll. She assumed the child was from some rich and powerful family, boldly asking to see their CEO by name. She must be the precious daughter of some high-level executive at Shao.


    The receptionist gave her kindest smile. "Little one, can you tell me your mommy and daddy''s names?"


    Cheng LiQi tilted her head. "My mommy is Cheng Jin."


    Cheng...Jin?!


    Second Miss Cheng Jin of the Cheng family?! She might witness a miracle in her life, seeing a member of the Cheng family step into Shao Corp!


    "As for my dad, I''vee today to get some of Shao Chengze''s hair. After I get his hair to do a DNA test, I''ll know if he''s my dad or not."


    Cheng LiQi''s crisp words at the bustling first floor lobby spread out in circles, rippling through all who heard. Including Wu Lin on the phone, everyone around the front desk froze with jaws dropping. Just what was going on here?!


    Shao ChengZe was surrounded by a group of people as he walked out of the elevator. He lifted his narrow eyes and looked towards the little pink girl not far away.


    Cheng LiQi recognized Shao ChengZe. She covered her mouth with her little hand and let out an "Ah-Oh" sound.


    She decided that even if Shao ChengZe was not her dad, she had to help Cheng Jin get this man, to be her dad.


    She liked his eyes, they were just like hers, so pretty.


    Cheng LiQi took a step forward, revealing a sweet smile, and waved at Shao ChengZe, "Shao ChengZe, hello, I''m Cheng LiQi."


    Shao ChengZe stared at her motionless, his phone vibrated in his hand, the iing call disy showed it was little A.

 Chapter 15: 015

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    Shao ChengZe thought the tsunami rolling in was nothingpared to this. He remembered that chaotic and indulgent night after drinking too much. He thought it was just a dream... But it wasn''t.


    Shao ChengZe couldn''t see the growing crowd or hear the increasing noise. To him, everything around was still. He could only see her as she said, "Shao ChengZe, hi, I''m Cheng LiQi."


    She was called Cheng LiQi. He didn''t even know her name or which two characters it was. How could a little girl call a stranger out of nowhere and ask him to tell stories to coax her to sleep?


    He even asked her who her dad was...


    Shao ChengZe''s legs felt like they were filled with lead. He took a step towards her, then another. He knelt down on one knee and looked into her eyes.


    Cheng LiQi was also looking at him. Hisshes were even longer than in the photos she had seen. His nose was straight and proud. His lips were thin. He was so handsome, just a bit cold, no wonder his stories were cold too. He must be a cold person.


    "Are you my dad?" Cheng LiQi looked up at him and asked.


    Shao ChengZe''s Adam''s apple bobbed up and down a few times before he squeezed out a "Yes" from his throat, with some barely detectable tremors.


    He didn''t need to listen to Little A''s investigation results. She was his daughter, and he was her dad. He was certain.


    Cheng LiQi''s eyes curved into happy crescents. "I think so too."


    She wanted to keep smiling, because uncle said she looked the prettiest when smiling. But as she smiled, she also felt like crying a little. She didn''t want to find him, but she did find him in the end.


    The corners of Cheng LiQi''s mouth drooped uncontrobly. She tried to lift them up, but they drooped again. She opened up her little arms and asked Shao ChengZe, "Don''t you want to hug me?"


    Even if mom was away from her for a day, as soon as she saw her, she would take her into her arms, hugging and kissing her again and again. They had been apart for so many days, even counting to a hundred on her ten fingers couldn''t cover it. Didn''t he want to hug her?


    Seeing the mist welling up in her eyes, Shao ChengZe felt like his heart was being pulled. A dull pain slowly crept up and submerged his five viscera and six bowels. He leaned forward, gently and carefully, like she was a priceless treasure, and lightly pulled her into his embrace. His hands hovered lightly over her thin, small back, wanting to hold her tight but dared not.


    Cheng LiQi buried her face in his shoulder, rubbed against him slowly, and softly called "Dad".


    Shao ChengZe''s eyes instantly turned red.


    "Yes, I''m dad," he said to her.


    Shen Chuqi, who had just returned from the restroom, saw this scene and cried out "Wow", bursting into tears. He didn''t know why he was crying either. He just really wanted to cry. Shen Xiwen also wanted to cry, but seeing her son bawling made her want tough too. Thinking of the scene when the godmother arrived tomorrow, her head started hurting. She hoped the godmother didn''t mean well but cause trouble.


    Wu Lin wanted to cry even more. She felt like she wouldn''t make it out alive today. Weren''t they here to eat good food? How did it be finding dad and finding the Shao Corporation?


    Yuan Zhongzhou was petrified. He mechanically moved his stiff neck and looked at Kong Yichan. Who could tell him when Old Shao had such a cute daughter? How could he have a daughter this cute?


    Kong Yichan sniffed her sore nose. As a mother, she couldn''t stand watching this. If it wasn''t work hours, she really wanted to go home and hug her chubby baby.


    But now was not the time to think about her daughter. Kong Yichan quickly collected herself and started fulfilling her duties as the director''s chief secretary. She first gestured for the watching employees to return to their posts, then sent messages to the various work groups that what happened today was not to be spread externally, and any photos taken were also not to be disseminated externally. Until she received clear instructions from President Shao, she had to minimize the impact of this incident as much as possible. Shao probably didn''t have the state of mind to give any instructions now.


    When Cheng Jinn returned from outside and saw Wu Lin''s several missed calls on her phone, she had a bad feeling. She called back right away, "What''s wrong, Wu Lin?"


    "Sister Cheng LiQi and I are at Shao Corporation now. Cheng LiQi said Shao ChengZe is her dad. They''ve met." Wu Lin sinctly exined the situation.


    Cheng Jinn grabbed her car keys from the desk. "I''ll be right there."


    She should have talked to Cheng LiQi earlier. She didn''t expect Cheng LiQi to find Shao Corporation at all.


    Shao Corporation''s employees had gone crazy. Not only were the junior employees unable to concentrate on work, even the senior executives had lost the mood to work. Mainly because this was too shocking. Although the executive office had ordered them not to spread it externally, they didn''t say they couldn''t discuss internally!


    Young Master Shao and second miss Cheng... had a daughter???!!!!


    ording to Shao Corporation''s veteran employees, the Shao and Cheng families hadn''t interacted for at least forty to fifty years. With nearly half a century of grudges between them, now a little girl who had both Cheng and Shao blood had appeared. My god, were they about to witness a historic reconciliation between the two families?


    Groups of people were gossiping softly in various corners of thepany. Suddenly, an employee near the window let out a shout, "Cheng Jinn is here! Cheng Jinn is here! Cheng Jinn hase to ourpany!!!"


    Everyone rushed to the windows, craning their necks to look outside. The woman stepping out of the car, white suit, wavy ck hair down to her waist, distant mountain brows, almond eyes, swan-like long neck - as if noticing their stares, she looked over, aloof yet exquisite.


    They couldn''t help sighing inwardly, she really matched their President Shao, whether in looks or temperament. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say they were a match made in heaven.


    Just as that employee let out a shout, he shouted again, "Cheng Jinchuan is here! Cheng Jinchuan is here! Cheng Jinchuan hase to ourpany!!!"


    Another ck car arrived downstairs in a beautiful drift. Cheng Jinchuan got out and strode in, or rather stomped in anxiously, still in the process of buttoning up his suit jacket.


    In one day, first the little miss Cheng walked into Shao Corporation, then the second miss Cheng walked in, followed by young master Cheng.


    It looked like the former "never crossing paths" rtionship between the Cheng and Shao families was gone for good.


    Cheng Jinn and Cheng Jinchuan arrived one after the other. Kong Yichan, who was waiting downstairs, weed them to the president''s private elevator straight to the top floor.


    Cheng Jinchuan tore off his tie and said to Cheng Jinn, "Don''t be scared, Cheng LiQi''s surname is Cheng, she has no rtion to the Shao family. If that Shao ChengZe dares to try anything funny, there''s no need to hire anyone, I''ll break his legs myself. I''ve wanted to beat him up for days anyway, this is a good chance to settle old and new grudges together."


    Kong Yichan kept her eyes on her nose and nose on her heart, pretending not to hear Cheng Jinchuan''s words. If possible, she just wanted to merge into one with the elevator.


    Cheng Jinn''s eyes were a little unfocused. The current situation probably wasn''t them doing whatever they wanted, but depended on Cheng LiQi. Since Cheng LiQi managed to find her way here, it meant she wanted this dad. She couldn''t deprive her daughter of the desire to have a father.


    Cheng Jinchuan had wanted to kick the door open, but remembering there was a child inside, he stopped his leg and pushed with his hands instead. But he used too much force, and the door was lighter than he expected, causing him to nearly fall inside.


    Cheng Jinchuan pretended nothing had happened and straightened up, tidying his clothes. He cursed inwardly, damn, this entrance totally ruined the Cheng family''s image.


    Inside the office, Cheng LiQi sat on the sofa, feet dangling. The coffee table in front of her was full of food, from fruits to snacks to desserts. Whenever Cheng LiQi pointed at something, Shao ChengZe would take it over to feed her.


    Seeing unclee in, she happily waved at uncle. "Uncle, I found dad!"


    Cheng Jinchuan, who had just straightened up, nearly crumpled again. Right, he had forgotten. Their little princess loved nothing more than boosting the Shao family''s morale and crushing her uncle''s prestige. He came here to beat someone up, not bear witness to her finding her dad.


    Cheng Jinn followed behind Cheng Jinchuan into the office. Seeing her mothere in, Cheng LiQi hopped off the sofa and ran to her mother''s side, pulling her mother''s hand and pointing to Shao ChengZe, "Mom, I found dad!"


    Cheng Jinn forced a smile and stroked her little head, saying softly, "Our LiQi is amazing."


    Cheng Jinchuan strode up to Shao ChengZe and said in a low voice through gritted teeth, still smiling, "Let''s find a ce to talk."


    "I won''t talk to you." Shao ChengZe didn''t look at him, eyes falling on the spedrge and small hands by the door. He replied absentmindedly.


    Cheng Jinchuan red up. "Why won''t you talk to me?"


    "You don''t have the qualifications."


    Cheng Jinchuan directly ripped off his tie and flung it over his shoulder. Was he looking to get beat up now or what? "I''m her uncle, why don''t I have the qualifications?"


    Shao ChengZe gave him a cold nce. "I''m her father. I''ll only discuss her matters with her mother."


    Cheng Jinchuan was about to lose control of his temper. He had only been a dad for a few minutes and was already soposed and justified that Cheng Jinchuan took another step forward, blocking his line of sight to the door. "Her mother won''t talk to you."


    Shao ChengZe looked at him, their gazes shing. He asked, "Are you sure you can represent her?"


    ...Cheng Jinchuan really wanted to smash his chest. Why wasn''t he sure? He was very sure. He didn''t understand how someone as unlovable as him gave birth to such a lovable Cheng LiQi. He should make sure if he really was the child''s father first.


    "Uncle, dad, what are you whispering about?" Cheng LiQi saw uncle and dad getting closer and closer, their heads were about to knock against each other. She was very curious what they were talking about.


    The somewhat dazed Cheng Jinn shuddered heavily at the sound of Cheng LiQi calling "dad". Once again confirming that this wasn''t a dream.


    Shao ChengZe''s face, full of anger, was masked by ayer of fake smiles. He spoke to Cheng LiQi very kindly, "Didn''t say anything, we were just discussing what to eat for dinner tonight."


    Speaking of dinner, Cheng LiQi raised her wrist to look at her watch. It was almost six o''clock. If they didn''t go back soon, grandma would start to worry. She pulled her mother''s hand, "Mom, let''s go back. Granny Qu should have almost finished cooking. She said she would make my favorite spinach beef rolls tonight."


    Shao ChengZe was happy. He turned around and walked over to take Cheng LiQi''s hand, "Okay, let''s hurry home to eat the big meal Granny Qu made."


    He had to get back home quickly. He couldn''t stand being in this Zhao Corporation building for another second or he would be angered to death.


    But Cheng LiQi avoided Shao ChengZe''s hand and looked towards Chong Chengze on the sofa. She reached out her hand to him, "Dad, let''s go. Granny Qu''s cooking is so tasty."


    Shao ChengZe looked at his hand left hanging in midair. The blood that had been blocked in his seven orifices by his beloved niece, whom he had cherished since she was little, suddenly gushed out.


    The coldness in Chong Chengze''s eyes faded away. He strode over and held her plump little hand. His voice was gentler than it had ever been, "You have to ask your mother first, if she will let your dad eat the meal Granny Qu made."


    Cheng Jin shot a cold nce at him in her eyes, cursing him for being despicable.


    Chong Chengze didn''t feel guilty at all. His eyes never left her, moving from her eyebrows, to her eyes, and then to her lips.


    Cheng LiQi shook her mother''s hand, "Mom, can Dad eat the meal Granny Qu made?"


    Looking into her daughter''s innocent eyes, Cheng Jin couldn''t say no. There really seemed to be something like blood ties and familial love. She had only seen him for a short time, yet they could interact so intimately and naturally, as if he had always lived with them.


    She steeled her heart and said to Cheng LiQi, "He has to work overtime and is very busy. He can''t leave yet."


    Cheng LiQi turned her head and asked Chong Chengze, "Dad, do you have overtime?"


    Chong Chengze said, "Dad doesn''t have overtime. I can leave now."


    Cheng LiQi happily looked at her mother, "Mom, Dad doesn''t have overtime. He can leave."


    Whenever Cheng LiQi called "Dad", a nerve in Cheng Jin''s mind tightened. She bent down to pick her up and patiently exined, "But you didn''t tell Granny Qu in advance that we would have a guest over for dinner tonight. Granny Qu is not prepared. How about next time? We can invite him over to eat at home next time."


    Cheng LiQi replied, "But Dad is not a guest. Dad is Dad. He is family."


    Cheng Jin''s shoulders stiffened and her face instantly turned ghastly pale.


    Seeing her bloodless face, Chong Chengze''s eyes flickered. He said to Cheng LiQi, "Little LiQi, let''s not go eat at Granny Qu''s tonight. Dad will take you to a restaurant to eat, okay?"


    Cheng LiQi blinked, "Is Moming too?"


    Before Cheng Jin could speak, Chong Chengze had already answered for her, "Of course your mom ising too."


    Cheng LiQi pped her hands, "Great! This is the first time I''m eating with Mom and Dad together."


    Cheng LiQi''s words blocked all the words Cheng Jin had prepared to say. She couldn''t refuse her daughter this "first time" that she wanted.


    Chong Chengze held his hand out to Cheng LiQi, "Does my darling want Dad to carry you? It will be tiring for Mom."


    "Okay." Cheng LiQi climbed onto her dad''s arm from her mom''s embrace.


    "Let''s go," Chong Chengze said to the somewhat dazed people.


    Cheng LiQi took her mother''s hand, "Mom, let''s go."


    Cheng Jin could only follow along.


    Cheng Jinchuan was left alone in the office. No one cared how he would eat or how he would leave. So why did he evene today? Was he going to die in this Zhao Corporation building?


    It was currently after work hours, but none of the Zhao Corporation employees had left. Some were pretending to linger at their workstations, some were wandering around on the first floor lobby, some were sitting in their cars looking around. Everyone was waiting for the boss toe out and see how the story would continue. But after waiting for a long time, there was no movement.


    A message popped up in the "Cheng-Zhao Century Long Friendship" WeChat group formed on the spot: [Stop waiting. The boss already left with his daughter from the underground parking lot.]


    Everyone wailed. Why couldn''t the boss satisfy their gossip-loving worker mentality?


    The next second, another photo popped up in the group, stopping everyone''s wails. The photo came from an anonymous little assistant in the Board of Directors office.


    In the photo, Boss Zhao was holding a little girl while walking in front. The little girl was holding the hand of Miss Cheng Er behind her. She was smiling sweetly, seeming to be saying something. Boss Zhao''s usual cold brows and eyes were so gentle they seemed to be dripping water.


    Yuan Zhongzhou jumped in and said: [Wow, I never noticed before that our eternally icy Boss Zhao actually has the potential to be a daughter ve.]


    With Yuan Zhongzhou taking the lead, everyone below +1''ed.


    Now that Boss had a daughter, would he change his ways and stop being cold-faced and scolding people all day? Was their happy work life about to arrive?


    Shao Chengze parked the car in a quiet alley. It was a private kitchen. The owner came out himself to greet them. Seeing the scene before him, he was somewhat stunned.


    Shao Chengze briefly introduced the person behind him, "Cheng Jin." Then he said to Cheng Jin, "This is the owner, Mr. Wei." Mr. Wei quickly greeted, "Hello Miss Cheng."


    Cheng Jin expressionlessly nodded slightly in response.


    Mr. Wei lightly coughed. His eyes seemed to ask: How did you bring Miss Cheng Er here? And you''re holding a little girl too. What''s going on?


    Shao Chengze ignored Mr. Wei''s meaningful nces and introduced Cheng LiQi: "My daughter, Cheng LiQi."


    ...


    Mr. Wei had lived most of his life and was used to all kinds of spectacles. But in the end, he still couldn''t control his facial expression. His mouth automatically opened in a daze.


    Cheng LiQi found the private chef owner''s dazed look very funny. Sheughed and waved at him, "Uncle, hello."


    Mr. Wei snapped back and gave Cheng LiQi an even bigger smile, "Hello, little missy."


    The two little people in Mr. Wei''s heart were already chatting behind a 10-foot high wall. Judging by this little missy''s looks, she was undoubtedly the child of these two people. Her eyes looked exactly like her dad''s, and you could see traces of her mom in her features. But...these two adults were both so cold. How did they give birth to such a sweet little missy? This was truly a puzzling question.


    At the dinner table, Cheng LiQi sat in the middle with Shao Chengze on her left and Cheng Jin on her right.


    The atmosphere was quiet, but also not quiet.


    It wasn''t quiet because of Cheng LiQi. She asked Shao Chengze one question after another. As Shao Chengze fed her peeled shrimp into her mouth, he answered her questions and used a napkin to wipe the oil from the corners of her mouth. When she swallowed the food in her mouth, he brought over the ss of water beside him and asked if she wanted to drink some water.


    Although this was the first time the two of them ate together, their interactions were exceptionally natural and smooth.


    It was quiet because of Cheng Jin. She sat aside, poking at the food in her bowl, and hadn''t uttered a word. In all this time, she had only swallowed one leaf of bok choy.


    Cheng LiQi looked at her mom, then her dad, "Dad, help pick a piece of fish for Mom. Mom likes fish. That fish is too far for Mom to reach."


    The chopsticks in both Cheng Jin and Shao Chengze''s hands paused at the same time.


    Cheng Jin lifted her head and said to Cheng LiQi, "It''s okay. Eat your food like a good girl. Mom can reach it herself."


    Right after she finished speaking, the public chopsticks had already ced the tenderest piece of fish in her bowl.


    Cheng Jin softly uttered a polite "Thank you", and said no more.


    The fish in her bowl was left untouched even when it turned cold.


    Cheng LiQi looked at the pitiful piece of fish, then at her mom. Finally she scooted next to her dad and whispered, "Dad, did you make Mom angry? Is that why Mom doesn''t want you anymore?"


    Cheng Jin and Shao Chengze''s chopsticks paused again at the same time.

 Chapter 16: 016

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    Cheng Jin put down her chopsticks and looked at Cheng LiQi, "He didn''t make your mom angry. Little LiQi, not all fathers and mothers live together. Some live separately after divorce. You understood what divorce means when mom exined it to you before, do you still remember?"


    Cheng LiQi nodded, "It means two adults who are unhappy living together will be happier separated, so the baby will be happy too." She thought carefully about the meaning of those words again, "So mom, divorce is a good thing, not a bad thing, right?"


    Cheng Jin nuzzled her little cheeks, "Our little LiQi is really smart. Although your dad and I don''t live together, we both love you very very much."


    Cheng LiQi''s mouth curved up happily, "I love you too mom, super love, way more than ''very much''."


    Cheng Jin''s eyes softened with smiles.


    Shao Chengze identally knocked over his chopsticks on the te as he watched her gentle profile.


    Throughout the meal, the two adults didn''t say a word to each other.


    After the meal, Shao Chengze drove towards Cheng Garden. Cheng LiQi''s eyelids were getting heavy. For a six year old kid, she had experienced a bit too much today with lots of emotional ups and downs. After eating her fill, she was starting to feel sleepy. Cheng Jin gently patted her back. Soon, Cheng LiQi fell asleep.


    The car stopped steadily at the entrance of Cheng Garden. Shao Chengze turned off the engine and looked at the two people in the back from the rearview mirror, "Can we talk?"


    "I''ll take her back first." Cheng Jin reached out to carry Cheng LiQi.


    After what happenedst time, even if Cheng LiQi was asleep, Cheng Jin would be careful not to talk about anything inappropriate in front of her.


    Shao Chengze got out of the car and opened the back door, leaning in to take the girl from her arms, "Let me carry her."


    Cheng Jin got out of the car and shifted sideways to avoid his hands, "No need, wait here for me."


    She didn''t want him to enter her home.


    Shao Chengze watched her walk farther and farther away until she disappeared through the entrance.


    He took out a cigarette but before he could light it, he crumpled the whole pack in his fist and threw it in the trash can. He sent a few messages to Kong Yichan and Little A respectively.


    Cheng Jin came back out quickly and got straight to the point, "I don''t want to see any news about Cheng LiQi online tomorrow. Her family background shouldn''t be gossip fodder for others."


    "I''ve had someone take care of it already."


    "Thanks."


    With that the conversation ended, leaving only the intermittent chirping of crickets in the roadside bushes.


    After a long silence, Shao Chengze spoke, "Why didn''t you tell me? At the very least...I''m the child''s father."


    Cheng Jin straightened out the creases on her sleeve left by Cheng LiQi, her tone indifferent, "No need. That night I got drunk, it could have been anyone, not just you." She looked him in the eye, "In other words, you just happen to be the father by coincidence, nothing more."


    Shao Chengze''s face darkened, the veins on his forehead bulging, "Cheng Jin-n," he pronounced each syble of her name heavily, the first heavily and thest softly, conveying his helplessness, "Must you say it like that?"


    Cheng Jinughed indifferently, "If not, then what? The facts are just so. Now that you know, when she wants to see you, I won''t stop her. But it''ll just be seeing you, not anyone else from the Shao family. Shao Chengze, I''m warning you, if you dare use her for anything, I won''t let you off and neither will the Chengs."


    Shao Chengze took a step forward. If he could, he wished he could cut open his heart for her to see. "Why would I use her? She''s my daughter. Do you think so little of me?"


    Cheng Jinughed coldly, "Yes, in my eyes you''re not just unworthy, you''re also despicable, shameless. Don''t try anything funny or fight me for custody. I don''t want to tear faces with you in front of Cheng LiQi but if we reallye to that, we''ll tear as much as needed."


    When anger peaked, it brought calmness. The churning volcanoes in Shao Chengze''s eyes receded into lifelessness. He looked towards the light behind her and said heavily with despair, "I won''t fight you for custody. Even if I''m as despicable and shameless as you say, I know that having not fulfilled a father''s duty for a single day while she grew up, what right do I have to fight you for custody?"


    "Good that you know."


    With that, words were exhausted and nothing more needed to be said. Cheng Jin turned to leave.


    Shao Chengze called out to stop her, "Can I pick her up from school tomorrow?"


    Cheng Jin didn''t reply.


    "If not, can I at least call her tonight?"


    Cheng Jin finally responded, "I''ll ask her when she wakes up tomorrow."


    Shao Chengze watched her walk farther and farther away until her silhouette disappearedpletely. "You and Shi Ran didn''t get married, why did you lie to me?"


    Cheng Jin stopped in her tracks but didn''t turn back. "I never lied to you."


    That''s right, she never lied to him. She just didn''t deny it when he had asked.


    "Besides, who I marry or not has nothing to do with you."


    With that, she quickly strode through the gates and vanished from his sight.


    Cheng Jin got up in the middle of the night for water and stood by the window for a bit before returning to bed. She thought she wouldn''t be able to sleep but contrary to expectations, she slept through the night without dreams.


    In the morning, after Cheng Jinbed Cheng LiQi''s hair into braids and sat her down on the sofa, she said, "Little LiQi, you were very happy to see dad yesterday, right?"


    Cheng LiQi nodded, rubbing her still groggy eyes. She had lots of dreamsst night. "Shen ChuQi found her mom and I found my dad. Now we''re just like the other kids, with a mom and dad both."


    Cheng Jin lovingly stroked her head, "Dad said he wants to pick you up from school today."


    Cheng LiQi''s eyes lit up as she looked at Cheng Jin, "Can he, mom?"


    "Of course he can. Although dad and I don''t live together, whenever you want to see dad, you can tell mom. But for now, meeting dad will be our little secret, especially from grandpa and grandma, ok?"


    Cheng LiQi thought for a bit then nodded, "Ok mom." She hooked pinkies with mom. She was best at keeping secrets.


    Cheng Jin brought Cheng LiQi next door for breakfast. As soon as they entered the yard, they saw Cheng Jinchuan.


    Cheng LiQi let go of mom''s hand and ran to her uncle, "Uncle, good morning!"


    Cheng Jinchuan sulkily turned his head away, ignoring his niece. He was still upset!


    Cheng LiQi went around trying to see her uncle''s face, "Uncle, did you sleep wellst night?"


    Cheng Jinchuan turned his head the other way again. As if he could have slept well!


    Cheng LiQi ran to his other side and held his hand, "Uncle, can I sing you a song? I just learned it at school yesterday. You''ll be the first one I sing it to!"


    Since it was the "first" one, Cheng Jinchuan reluctantly gave his niece a nce, "Go ahead, let me hear how it sounds first."


    Cheng LiQi made up a song called "Only My Uncle is Good in the World".


    Cheng Jinchuan was defeated by his niece''s singing. He picked her up and asked in a low gravelly voice, "Since only uncle is good in the world, do you like uncle more or Shao Chengze more?"


    Without any hesitation, Cheng LiQi said, "Of course I like uncle more!"


    Humph, even if it''s a lie, Cheng Jinchuan was soothed.


    Cheng LiQi hugged Cheng Jinchuan''s neck and softly asked, "Uncle, you don''t like my dad?"


    Cheng Jinchuan pinched her little nose, "Uncle only likes you."


    Alright, so that means he doesn''t like dad.


    Just as Cheng Jinchuan was leaving, he murmured to Cheng Jin, "I''ll try to keep things down on dad and mom''s side but I can''t do it for long. You''ll have toe clean to them soon."


    "Mm, thanks bro."


    The few times Cheng Jin called him "bro" could be counted on one hand. Cheng Jinchuan slicked his hair back with both hands. If he had been wearing a coat, he would have flicked thepels back dramatically. Humph, as the eldest brother, he had to shoulder more than others afterall.


    Shao Chengze received a call from Shao Yunzheng first thing in the morning. Even if they tried to suppress this matter further, there''s no way Old Master Shao wouldn''t find out. This time, Shao Chengze didn''t reject the call but answered it directly.


    Shao Yunzheng''s anger had already reached a boiling point but the moment Shao Chengze answered, his anger deted like a firecracker doused in water. He hadn''t expected Shao Chengze to answer his call so quickly. This was the first time he had picked up so fast. Shao Yunzheng cleared his throat and worked up his anger again. "Shao Chengze, do you take my words as farting? Or do you take our family rules as farting?!"


    Shao Chengze fidgeted with his lighter, "Saying farting is going too far."


    Shao Yunzheng''s blood pressure started shooting up. Just going too far? So it''s about the same as farting? "You think just because you''ve got some backbone now, I don''t dare do anything to you?"


    "I''ve never thought that way. You''re free to kick me out of the Shao Corporation again. I don''t want to deal with this mess anyway."


    The ss of water Shao Yunzheng was holding was raised up high before he mmed it heavily back onto the table. If not for his useless second son and grandson, he wouldn''t use this wolf cub that bites back when not fed properly. And it''s not even sneaky biting but openly biting back at you. Yet he was helpless against Shao Chengze.


    He softened his tone, "Son, I can overlook you deliberately going against me in the past to provoke that Cheng girl but I can''t ept you having a child with her. I won''t recognize that child."


    Shao ChengZe scoffed, withplete mockery, "You''re speaking too self-importantly. Her surname is Cheng. Do you think the Cheng family will let you recognize her? They''d be thrilled to have nothing to do with your Shao family. Let me make this clear first: if you just drink your tea and y your chess in peace, and don''t meddle in my affairs, we''ll have nothing to do with each other. If you insist on making trouble out of nothing and nagging her, then however the Shao family affairs end up, it''ll have nothing to do with me. My father''s been gone for years already, so even if I don''t obey his dying wish, I''m sure he won''t me me."


    Shao YunZheng was so angry he couldn''t get a word out. Shao ChengZe didn''t waste time chatting with him further, just directly hung up the phone. Then he texted Shen XiWen, telling her not to b anything about Cheng LiQi to her stepmother.


    Shen XiWen called him right back. "What, the young Miss Cheng wouldn''t let you recognize your daughter?"


    "When the time is right, I''ll handle it myself. You and your son better watch your mouths."


    Shen XiWen wasn''t about to take a loss on this deal. If she kept quiet, she''d have to face her stepmother''s temper alone today. She had to get somepensation for emotional distress. "Then I expect double hush money, right?"


    Shao ChengZe put his foot down. "Double the double."


    "Deal!" Since he agreed so readily, Shen XiWen was happy to agree too. Let her stepmother''s angere on stronger! She could withstand anything now.


    Around noon, Shao ChengZe received a text message from Cheng JinLan. It had the address of the kindergarten and pickup time, along with a name, Wu Lin, and her phone number.


    [You can have dinner with her. Wu Lin will apany her. After dinner, just hand her over to Wu Lin.]


    Shao ChengZe stared at the message on his screen, typed out a response, then deleted it word by word, until only "Okay" remained to send back.


    He checked the time. He couldn''t sit still any longer. He put on his coat, went out, and knocked on Kong YiChuan''s desk. "Have Yuan ZhongZhou take that business trip for me. And unless it''s extremely urgent today, handle everything yourself."


    Kong YiChuan stood up. "Yes, President Shao."


    She automatically interpreted what her boss meant: Don''t call me.


    Shao ChengZe walked out a couple steps, then turned back. "I remember you said your daughter is seven?"


    "Yes."


    "What kinds of food, toys, and stories do girls that age like?"


    Kong YiChuan knew this question was important. "Why don''t I summarize it and send it to your phone?"


    She pushed aside all her other work and made this her top priority. In the end, she sent the boss a concise, clear report.


    First Shao ChengZe went to buy a child safety seat, then he went to the specialty store and bought half a carload of stuffed animals. Then he drove to the kindergarten entrance and quietly sat in the car, looking at the photo Yuan ZhongZhou had turned in to him, tracing his finger over her face inch by inch. He probably wouldn''t get to see her smile like this again in his life.


    When it was time, Shao ChengZe got out of the car. Wu Lin was already waiting at the kindergarten entrance. Seeing Shao ChengZe approach, she took the initiative to introduce herself.


    Shao ChengZe held out his hand. "Hello, Wu Lin."


    Wu Lin hadn''t expected to get such a formal handshake from the new head of the Shao family. She quickly stretched out her own hand in response.


    Li PeiFeng came over wearing sunsses, smiling as he greeted Wu Lin.


    Today Shen XiWen had gone to pick up her stepmother, so he was here to get his son after school. Speaking of which, recently he hadn''t been too happy. He''d set things up well, getting his son to recognize his mother, but who knew, the mother only wanted her son and not him. He used to have Shen ChuQi to keep himpany at dinner, but now his son had gone into his mother''s embrace, leaving Li PeiFeng utterly alone. This n had cost him both his wife and his troops.


    When Li PeiFeng saw Shao ChengZe, the smile left his face. "What are you doing here?"


    Cheng LiQi came running out holding her teacher''s hand. Seeing Shao ChengZe from afar, she shouted loudly, "Dad~!"


    She was about to add another "Dad," but seeing Uncle Li, she hurriedly closed her mouth. She just took Shao ChengZe''s hand instead.


    Li PeiFeng felt this was odd. "Little LiQi, why are you holding his hand?"


    He looked back and forth between Cheng LiQi and Shao ChengZe, finding it even stranger. He hadn''t noticed before, but seeing them side by side now¡ªdamn, their eyes were carved from the same mold!


    Cheng LiQi exined to Uncle Li, "He''s my dad''s friend."


    Li PeiFeng thought she meant Shi Ran. "Since when were Shi Ran and him friends?"


    Shao ChengZe''s face darkened.


    Shen ChuQi also came running out. He''d originally wanted to call "Dad," but seeing Shao ChengZe, he shouted loudly, "Uncle!"


    Uncle?!


    Li PeiFeng was about to yank his son''s ear. "Why are you calling him uncle? What uncle is he?"


    He''s trying to steal your mom, and you call him uncle?!


    Shen ChuQi replied, "He''s my grandma''s biological son, so of course I should call him uncle."


    His grandma''s biological son?!! Then wasn''t he his big uncle?! Li PeiFeng''s expression twisted. He didn''t know how to react. He nodded curtly at Shao ChengZe, grabbed Shen ChuQi, and ran off. He decided to first figure out the rtionship between Shao ChengZe''s mother and Shen XiWen before deciding his next step.


    Shao ChengZe watched Li PeiFeng''s fleeing back with narrowed eyes. Looks like this was the cheap dad of Shen ChuQi.


    Cheng LiQi tugged Shao ChengZe''s hand. "Dad, Mom said we have to keep it secret from others for now that you''re my dad, so I can''t tell others you''re my dad yet."


    Shao ChengZe bent down and picked her up. "So this will be our secret between you, me, and Mom?"


    Cheng LiQi nodded.


    Shao ChengZe''s eyes smiled. "Dad likes having secrets between the three of us."


    Cheng LiQi had the same smiling eyes. "Me too!"


    "Dad, where are we going?" Cheng LiQi sat in her dad''s car, stroking the half-carload of stuffed animals, only settling down after a good long while of excitement.


    "We''re going to eat."


    "Just the two of us? What about Mom?"


    Seeing her worried look, Shao ChengZe couldn''t help stroking her little braided pigtails. "Then let''s go eat a dessert to fill up your tummy first, then you can go home and keep Mompany for dinner. How''s that sound?"


    Cheng LiQi smiled. "Good! I love eating sweet stuff the most."


    At the dessert shop, Cheng LiQi and Dad sat facing each other.


    Shao ChengZe scooped up a bite of cake and brought it to her mouth.


    Cheng LiQi took the cake and spoon into her mouth together. "Dad, do you like Mom?"


    Seeing the innocent purity in her eyes, Shao ChengZe said softly, "I like her."


    "If you like Mom, you have to make her happy!"


    Shao ChengZe gave a wry smile. "Dad doesn''t know how to make her happy."


    She didn''t like him, so no matter what he did, he probably couldn''t make her happy.


    It was so easy to make a little girl happy. Cheng LiQi hooked her little pinky with her dad''s. "Big Uncle said he has a hundred tricks to make girls happy. I''ll tell Big Uncle to be your teacher, okay?"


    But then she immediately rejected her own idea. "But Big Uncle doesn''t seem to like you very much either, so he probably doesn''t want to teach you."


    Cheng LiQi looked her dad''s face up and down. She seemed a little worried. Mom didn''t want Grandpa and Grandma to know yet that she''d found Dad, so that meant Grandpa and Grandma didn''t like Dad either.


    She propped her head in one hand and sighed. Then she asked a question straight from the depths of her soul.


    "Dad, you''re so good-looking, so why don''t people like you?!"

 Chapter 17: 017

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    Shao ChengZe''s face stiffened slightly, but it wasn''t too bad. At least in his daughter''s heart, he could still upy a good-looking position.


    He used a napkin to wipe away the cream from the corner of her mouth, not knowing if he wasforting her orforting himself, "It''s good enough that little LiQi likes her dad."


    Hearing her dad say this, Cheng LiQi felt even more worried. She rested her other hand on her chin too, "But I don''t really like dad much right now either. Today is only the second time I''ve met dad. I feel...hmm..." She carefully weighed dad''s current position in her heart, then held out her little hand. Her thumbnded on thest joint of her pinky finger. She didn''t stop and kept going up until she barely had less than a millimeter left on the tip of her pinky finger, "This much liking for dad."


    Sitting not far away, Wu Lin had been holding it in the whole time. But now, even with all her effort, she couldn''t keep it in. Her coughs pushed their way out from her throat, and she couldn''t stop them no matter what. Even tears were coughed out.


    "Wu Jiejie, what''s wrong?" Seeing her like this, Cheng LiQi was a little worried.


    Wu Lin waved her hands repeatedly, holding in her bright red neck as she said, "I''m fine, the cake was too sweet, stuck in my throat."


    "Wu Jiejie, drink some water."


    "Okay, okay." Wu Lin hurriedly picked up the water and took a sip, pretending she couldn''t see President Shao''s face that looked like he was bleeding internally.


    Shao ChengZe probably wouldn''t need to eat dinner today. Two rocks had already pressed down in his stomach, one heavier than the other.


    "Little LiQi, do you want to be dad''s teacher and teach dad how to get people to like him?"


    Cheng LiQi''s worried look dispersed, and bright twinkling stars shone in her eyes, "I can be a teacher?!"


    Shao ChengZe smiled, "Of course, mom likes you the most."


    That''s right, mom likes her the most, so of course she can be dad''s teacher. But she had never been a teacher before and didn''t know how to teach little kids, let alone big kids. Cheng LiQi''s eyes fell on the smile at the corner of dad''s mouth, and she suddenly had inspiration.


    She sat up straight, lightly cleared her throat, and spoke seriously, imitating what teachers look like when they''re teaching ss, "Dad''s big friend, you have to smile more, don''t keep your mouth corners like this." She imitated dad''s manner, lowering her own mouth corners, "Your brows are furrowed sometimes too, like a big tiger, very scary. You''re good looking when you smile, like me. Mom is happiest when I smile. When I smile, mom smiles too."


    The smile at the corner of Shao ChengZe''s mouth grew bigger. "Like this?"


    "Mm-hmm." Cheng LiQi nodded heavily. "Just like this."


    "Your mom has also said...she likes seeing me smile."


    Shao ChengZe''s voice revealed a hint of absent-mindedness. That was when they were happiest, when she held his face and said she liked his smile the most. But now she didn''t even want to look at him. No matter how good he smiled now, he wouldn''t get her liking anymore. No, he had never made her like him before.


    "That''s right, so dad, you have to smile more. Do whatever mom likes, only then will you get her to like you."


    Shao ChengZe epted the teaching humbly, "Dad understands now, thank you Teacher Little Cheng."


    Cheng LiQi also felt she had seeded very much as a little teacher. She put thest bite of cake into her mouth as a reward for herself.


    Shao ChengZe asked her, "Do you want another piece?"


    Cheng LiQi shook her head. "No more. I like sweet things, but I can''t eat too much. Mom said it''s bad for the teeth. I want white, neat, orderly teeth."


    Looking at the little young miss''s serious manner, she really had educated her very well.


    "What are you going to do with mom this weekend?" Shao ChengZe passed the water to her mouth. Kong Yichan said little kids like to go to amusement parks.


    Cheng LiQi drank a big gulp through the straw and thought of what she was going to do this weekend. "This weekend is Shi Ran Dad''s birthday. Li PeiFeng Uncle said he wants to throw a party for Shi Ran Dad." She leaned in secretively toward Shao ChengZe and said, "I prepared a surprise for Shi Ran Dad."


    The delight in her brows and eyes, Shao ChengZe asked, "Little LiQi...really likes Shi Ran?"


    Cheng LiQi didn''t hesitate at all. "I like him a lot. Shi Ran Dad is so nice to me, buys me yummy food, buys me all kinds of toys. He ys the piano so so amazing," Cheng LiQi thought of something else, "Shi Ran Dad tells the best stories. After he finishes telling me stories every time, I sleep and have beautiful dreams."


    Shao ChengZe''s heart felt sour, but he also knew he didn''t have the right to be jealous.


    "Dad...ys the piano really well too, especially amazing."


    President Shao praised himself for the first time ever. It wasn''t very skilled, he even paused in the middle, but he was definitely more amazing than Shi Ran at piano.


    "Really?!"


    "When there''s a chance, dad will y for you."


    "Okay!" Cheng LiQi pped.


    "From now on, dad can call you at night and tell you stories, okay?"


    Cheng LiQi stopped pping, a little hesitant. "But dad, I don''t like Journey to the West, I like the stories Shi Ran Dad tells, like Snow White, Frozen, The Princess and the Pea. And dad doesn''t tell stories as well as Shi Ran Dad."


    Cheng LiQi had no idea she had put another rock on her dad''s already internally bleeding heart as she counted off her favorite fairy tales on her fingers.


    "Dad can also tell those stories." Shao ChengZe took her hand. "Dad told it badlyst time because that was dad''s first time telling a story. Dad will definitely tell it very well next time."


    Cheng LiQi was a little doubtful, because grandpa could never tell stories well. But she obediently nodded her head, "If dad''s not busy at night, you can tell me stories."


    "From now on, dad won''t be busy."


    Cheng LiQi replied, "Then when I want to listen to storiester, I''ll call dad."


    "Okay." Shao ChengZe spoke solemnly.


    Wu Lin silently turned around to look out the window, pretending not to hear the conversation between father and daughter. She felt that if Shao ChengZe had paper and a pen in front of him right now, he would take it without hesitation and write a whole contract of promises - promising he wouldn''t be busy at night, promising he would definitely tell good stories - then sign his name, stamp his seal, effective for preferably ten thousand years.


    Cheng LiQi was full, she carefully wiped her mouth with a napkin. "I''m done eating, dad. Let''s go buy some more cake. I want to bring some back for mom, grandma, and Nainai to eat."


    Shao ChengZe picked her up from the chair with one arm and brought her to the disy case. Wherever she pointed, he took that one. When Cheng LiQi was done, Shao ChengZe took out a tiramisu from the case as well.


    Cheng LiQi thought dad wanted to eat this cake. "Dad, do you like eating this cake?"


    Shao ChengZe replied, "Your mom likes eating this the most."


    Cheng LiQi was confused. "Mom doesn''t like eating this. I''ve never seen mom eat this before. The ones I said earlier are what mom likes to eat."


    Shao ChengZe''s hand paused. He forced a smile and said, "Then she must''ve liked it before but doesn''t anymore now."


    "It''s okay, dad. Just remember what mom likes to eat now."


    "Okay. Dad remembered everything little LiQi said just now."


    Shao ChengZe didn''t hand Cheng LiQi over to Wu Lin, but drove with her to Lan Chuan. He really wanted to see her, and excuses were easy to find too, but he also knew she wouldn''t want to see him.


    "Little LiQi, dad can''t send you up. Go up with Wu Jiejie to find mom, okay?"


    "Okay, dad." Cheng LiQi couldn''t wait to get out of the car. She missed her mom.


    "What should we do with these stuffed animals? Should dad help you bring them up?"


    Shao ChengZe didn''t hope for his daughter to say yes.


    Cheng LiQi thought for a bit. "Dad, can the stuffed animals stay in your car? I''ll just bring one this time. Next time I see dad, I''ll take another one. That way, I''ll be really happy after seeing dad every time."


    Shao ChengZe gently stroked her hair. "Our little LiQi is so smart."


    Cheng LiQi gave dad a big smile.


    Shao ChengZe watched Wu Lin bring Cheng LiQi into the elevator and didn''t leave. He took out his phone and dialed the number, hesitating for a few seconds before pressing down.


    The call connected very quickly.


    "Hello, who is this?" Her tone was answering an unfamiliar number.


    Shao ChengZe paused, then replied, "It''s me, Shao ChengZe."


    "What''s up?"


    "I brought little LiQi back to Lan Chuan. Wu Lin took her up. They should get to your office soon."


    "Alright, thanks." Cheng Jin was about to hang up after saying that.


    Shao ChengZe called out to stop her. "Can I...add you on WeChat? It''ll be more convenient to contact each other about Cheng LiQi''s matters in the future."


    She had blocked him on WeChat who knows how many years ago.


    "No need," Cheng Jin put down her pen and tossed it onto the table. "If you have anything in the future, contact Wu Lin directly. She will ry it to me. And," she warned him, "If she doesn''t actively look for you herself, you''d best not keep showing up in front of her."


    "Mom!" Cheng LiQi ran into Cheng Jin''s office. "I missed you so much!"


    "That''s it." Cheng Jin hung up Shao ChengZe''s call and got up to wee Cheng LiQi.


    "You''re back so quickly? Haven''t eaten dinner yet?" Cheng Jin held her as she sat down on the sofa. "Saving your stomach to eat dinner with mom?" She pointed at the bag Wu Jiejie was holding. "I bought cake for mom, grandma, and Nainai too. But dad paid, I''ll be able to buy with my own money after I start earning money."


    Cheng Jin kissed her red little face. "What a good daughter to mom."


    Cheng LiQi climbed onto her mom''s neck and whispered in her ear. "Mom, dad said he likes you and wants to get you to like him. He wants me to be his teacher because you like me the most."


    Cheng Jin didn''t care about these words. He had always been good at deceiving people, moreover deceiving a child. She changed the topic. "Because mom likes you the most, I''m taking you today to your favorite restaurant for a big meal, okay? Mom..."


    "Mom and grandma have already said that we won''t be going home for dinner tonight."


    "Great!" Cheng LiQi immediately forgot who her dad was at the prospect of getting to eat something delicious.


    Tonight, Cheng LiQi went out to eat a big dinner with her mom. When they got home, she was already sleepy. After Cheng Jin gave her a bath and was halfway through drying her hair, she fell asleep. She didn''t even think about asking her dad for a bedtime story. Shao ChengZe didn''t get a phone call from his daughter that night.


    On Friday night, after eating dinner, Cheng LiQi wanted to prepare a surprise for Shao Dad and also forgot to call her dad for a bedtime story.


    He Wei had said it twice but her son didn''t respond at all.


    She knocked on the table. "Are you even listening to me? What are you daydreaming about? Let me tell you, don''t brush me off. When your dad was your age, you were already working. You don''t even look as good as one tenth of your dad. Yet you''re running a lousypany, working yourself to death. With the way you''re working overtime every day, you''ll probably go half bald before you''re forty. With your situation, which girl would be willing to marry you?"


    "If there''s a girl you like, you have to take the initiative. Don''t keep a straight face all day, you''ll scare her away. Your dad loved tough and I love to talk, how did you end up with a face like a block of ice? I can''t even get a full sentence out of you. It''s just unbelievable. Even gic mutations don''t result in this. Because of you, I''m worried to death. Now I get more wrinkles on my face every month."


    When He Zhiwei spoke, she hated being interrupted. Scolding her son, she wished she could talk for a whole day and night.


    Shao ChengZe put his phone down on the table, cutting off his mother before she could continue. "There''s a girl I like. I''m thinking about how to pursue her."


    He Zhiwei already had the beginning of her next sentence on the tip of her tongue. Hearing her son say this, her expression instantly changed, as if she couldn''t believe it. "Really?! You''re not lying to me."


    Shao ChengZe stood up. "I may not take after Dad in many ways, but lying is one thing I did inherit from him."


    He Zhiwei also knew her son. If there was nothing going on, he wouldn''t lie about it. Since he said it was true, then something must be up.


    She chased after him. "Should I tell you how your dad pursued me back then?"


    She was really worried that her son didn''t know how to pursue girls. She was afraid that he already liked a girl so much, but the girl had no idea, and that would be a disaster. She was afraid the girl would end up holding hands and living happily ever after with someone else, while her son regretted it for the rest of his lonely life.


    "No need." Shao ChengZe declined his mother''s good intentions.


    Alright, He Zhiwei thought. He''s right. If he needed his mother''s help pursuing a girl at this age, then her son would be too hopeless.


    Still, she couldn''t help worrying. "If you like a girl, you have to smile at her more. Don''t keep a straight face all the time, that won''t work."


    "Got it, Mom."


    It was rare for her son to respond so obediently. This convinced He Zhiwei that it was true he had a girl he liked. Having a crush on someone would change his personality.


    Shao ChengZe stood by the window in the study, looking out into the night. He tried to smile but felt it was awkward, and eventually gave up.


    He called Shen Xi Wen.


    Shen Xi Wen was putting on a face mask. She answered vaguely, "What''s up, Uncle Shen ChuQi?"


    Although the godmother had hidden the fact that she gave birth and Shen Xi Wen was quite angry about it, the gifts she gave to Shen ChuQi were very generous. Her uncle must have had a hand in that. So Shen Xi Wen had been quite attentive to her uncle these past few days, answering his calls almost right away.


    Shao ChengZe asked, "What is Shen ChuQi doing tomorrow night?"


    "He''s going to a friend''s birthday party."


    Shen Xi Wen didn''t want to bring up Shen ChuQi''s dad, so she said it was a friend of Shen ChuQi''s.


    "You''re busy these days. I happen to be free tomorrow night so I''ll take him there."


    Shen Xi Wen was wary. She didn''t want him to run into Shen ChuQi''s dad. "No need for that. You''re a busy man. Every minute of your time must be worth tens or hundreds of thousands. I can''t afford it. My assistant can handle it."


    Shao ChengZe replied, "You don''t have to keep hiding it. I already know who Shen ChuQi''s dad is. And I''m not going to confront him tomorrow."


    His own situation was a mess right now. He was in no position to confront Li PeiFeng, let alone after arguing with Cheng Jinst time that he had no right to talk to Li PeiFeng. Now in his current circumstances, he was even less qualified to talk to Li PeiFeng.


    "Then what do you want?" Shen Xi Wen wondered. He wasn''t the type to give her son rides for no reason.


    Shao ChengZe lightly coughed. "Little LiQi will probably be there tomorrow too."


    Shen Xi Wen was silent for a second, then burst outughing. "President Shao, you''ve changed. Missing your daughter must be eating away at you. You were stubbornly pretendingst time, saying you were just being my escort to the Bai family''s party. You were clearly hoping to see the young Miss Cheng. The moment you returned to the country, you anxiously tried to get close to her. Hey, why don''t you tell me, what did you do to wrong her back then? Let me think about it and see if there''s still a chance to salvage things. That way, next time you want to see her, you won''t have to use me or my son as an excuse."


    Shao ChengZe didn''t take her teasing and simply said, "Didn''t you want me to invest in your director friend''s movie?"


    Shen Xi Wen had a director friend who was talented and had good scripts, but he was aloof and investments for his films kept falling through. His production ns kept getting dyed again and again. Of all Shen Xi Wen''s reliable contacts, Shao ChengZe was the only tycoon, but he wasn''t interested in investing in films and had declined so far.


    Shen Xi Wen immediately jumped up from the sofa and ripped off her face mask. "It''s a deal. You take Shen ChuQi to his dad''s ce tomorrow night, and you can''t go back on your word to invest in my friend''s movie."


    "Have your friend contact Kong Yichan tomorrow."


    Ah, Shen Xi Wen just loved his decisive attitude. She kindly reminded him, "Brother-inw, you have to be decisive like this in front of the young Cheng Miss too. Since you like her, you have to say it outright. Don''t hide it or keep it to yourself, you know?"


    Her reply was the sound of him hanging up.


    Shen Xi Wen tsked. He wanted to tear down the bridge before even crossing it. Here she was imparting the truths of love to him, but did he get it?


    The next day, Shen ChuQi wore a little ck suit with a ck bow tie. His hair was styled up in a big pompadour with hair wax, looking very handsome. Though he was a little nervous. This was his first time riding with his uncle, and his uncle looked as stern as Cheng LiQi''s grandpa.


    "Uncle, why do you have so many stuffed animals in your car?" Shen ChuQi started up a conversation. Could it be that his uncle, like Cheng LiQi, also liked stuffed animals?


    Shao ChengZe''s expressionless face looked up into the rearview mirror and he forced an awkward smile. "Little LiQi likes stuffed animals. You can take some if you''d like."


    Seeing his serious uncle''s smiling face, Shen ChuQi was a little stunned. Somewhat shyly, he said to Shao ChengZe, "Uncle, you look very nice when you smile, just like Cheng LiQi."


    Shao ChengZe''s smile became a little bigger. "You''re good friends with Little LiQi?"


    "Mm-hmm." Shen ChuQi nodded vigorously. "We''re super good friends. When we grow up, I''m going to be her groom."


    Shao ChengZe''s smile froze. The car once againpsed into silence.


    Shen ChuQi still didn''t sense anything wrong and continued, "I''ve been saving up money for a long time now. In the future, I''m going to buy her the most beautiful wedding dress for her to wear."


    The corners of Shao ChengZe''s mouth turned down. "You''re both still young. It''s too early to talk about these things now."


    Shen ChuQi shook his head. "It''s not early at all. Cheng LiQi said some things require early nning."


    Hearing "Cheng LiQi said", Shao ChengZe''s impending words were choked back.


    For the rest of the ride, Shen ChuQi kept talking about his and Cheng LiQi''s ns for the future, starting every sentence with "Cheng LiQi said". Shao ChengZe''s face visibly darkened until it was ck as the bottom of a pot when they reached their destination.


    Of course, seeing it was him who brought Shen ChuQi, Li PeiFeng''s face wasn''t very friendly either, but he endured and didn''t let it get too unfriendly. Shen Xi Wen had said not to pick up their son, so he assumed she was the one sending Shen ChuQi over. He had even gone specially to the barber shop to get a haircut in preparation for today. He didn''t expect it would be Shao ChengZe instead.


    One part of him thought, the Shao family were not good people. He had to draw a clear line with Shao ChengZe. Another part thought, Shao ChengZe would be his uncle-inw in the future. He was the godmother''s own son. He was a big mountain he would have to get over in order to marry Shen Xi Wen.


    Li PeiFeng pulled Shen ChuQi to his side and said, neither shady nor straightforward, "Thanks for bringing him over."


    Shao ChengZe replied, "It was no trouble."


    He just wanted to punch you, but he couldn''t punch the son, so he could only punch the dad.


    Shen ChuQi was pulled inside by his dad. He looked back at Shao ChengZe and said, "Uncle, aren''t youing in? Cheng LiQi is here too."


    He immediately covered his mouth after saying that. His mom said not to tell other people for now that Cheng LiQi''s dad was his uncle.


    Shao ChengZe declined, "I won''t go in."


    He only wanted to catch a glimpse of Cheng LiQi from afar. He didn''t want to annoy her. She had told him not to keep hovering around her, so he wouldn''t hover.


    Cheng LiQi was carried out of the car by Shao Dad. She was hugging a box, which contained a surprise gift for Shao Dad. Cheng Jin was on the phone, gesturing for them to go inside first.


    Shao ChengZe leaned back in his seat, feeling irritable. He had no cigarettes on hand to help him relieve this irritation. He was trying to quit smoking. He thought quitting would be easy, just like how he once thought getting over her would be easy.


    Their separation at the time had been so sudden. That period of darkness was something he seldom looked back on.


    Now she wasn''t with Shi Ran, she still said he deceived her. He could feel her hatred towards him, not only because he didn''t say he was Shao ChengZe''s grandson, he suspected there was another hidden reason... He was also afraid he was being overly sensitive.


    Cheng Jin had just hung up the phone when she noticed the person sneakily taking photos in the corner. She quickly walked over, it didn''t matter if she was photographed, she didn''t want Cheng LiQi to be photographed as well.


    Someone behind her brushed past her shoulder and strode forward, grabbing that person!

 Chapter 18: 018

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    Shao ChengZe pinned down the person secretly taking photos with one hand, and snatched the camera from him with the other hand, passing it to Cheng Jin behind him.


    Cheng Jin took the camera and flipped through the photos inside. The paparazzo became anxious. These were photos he had finally managed to sneak today after much difficulty. He had originally beenpletely immobilized by Shao ChengZe, but in his anxiety, he suddenly erupted with strength, freeing his hand from Shao ChengZe''s grip. His hand formed a fist and swung towards Shao ChengZe.


    Shao ChengZe could have easily avoided it, but he suppressed his instinctive reaction and did not move or dodge. The fist collided with his cheekbone with a loud "p", making everyone who heard it wince.


    At least the paparazzo thought it should hurt a lot. He looked at his own fist, then at the red swelling on the corner of Shao ChengZe''s eye, somewhat dumbfounded. Since when did he be so fierce that, based on his many years of fighting experience, he could tell that Shao ChengZe''s initial move to subdue him had left him no chance to counterattack whatsoever. He didn''t even know how he had broken free andnded a punch on his face.


    Why did he feel like Shao ChengZe had gone easy on him? Why would he go easy on him? The paparazzo looked at Shao ChengZe, his eyes filled with grief and indignation. He wouldn''t be trying to scam him right? Where''s the justice in this, when he''s the one doing something illegal like sneaking photos, yet he doesn''t even have money to be scammed out of!


    Shao ChengZe looked at Cheng Jin with his swollen eye corner and asked her, "Did you get anything?"


    There were some photos of Shi Ran hugging Cheng LiQi from behind. Cheng Jin removed the memory card from the camera, nced over him without pausing on his face, and just asked the paparazzo, "Do you have any other photos?"


    The paparazzo wilted. "No, I only started following today." How unlucky, to get caught right on his first job.


    Cheng Jinchuan had noticed the situation here as soon as he got out of the car. He mmed the car door shut and strode over in three quick steps.


    "Why are you everywhere?" Cheng Jinchuan''s tone towards Shao ChengZe was very unfriendly.


    The paparazzo panicked, thinking he was talking to him. This paparazzo, known in the circle as Brother K, had followed and photographed Cheng Jinchuan for a period of time before, trying to substantiate a scandal between Cheng Jinchuan and a female celebrity. But he didn''t get the photos he wanted and had been caught red-handed by Cheng Jinchuan at the time. Cheng Jinchuan had warned him then not to appear in front of him a second time.


    He didn''t recognize Shao ChengZe, since Shao ChengZe had never appeared in public before. He assumed him to be a new bodyguard hired by the Cheng family, so he didn''t take him seriously. But he was familiar with Cheng Jinchuan''s methods, and knew that the eldest Cheng son was all smiles on the surface but ruthless underneath. He hadn''t wanted to take this job, but the price offered was too high while he was desperate for money. He never expected to be so unlucky as to get caught again so quickly. Cheng Jinchuan probably wouldn''t let him off easy this time. Should he give up the camera and run? At least he had to get away from Cheng Jinchuan.


    His mind raced to assess the situation, then he took a deep breath and mustered all his strength to charge recklessly at Shao ChengZe. Brother K was half a head shorter than Shao ChengZe, so his head rammed right into Shao ChengZe''s nose bridge.


    Shao ChengZe only felt his nose go sour as a stream of warmth flowed from his nose. He had to lift his head up to prevent the nosebleed from continuing downward.


    This was the moment Brother K had been waiting for. He wanted to break free while Shao ChengZe was distracted, but Cheng Jin stuck out her foot and tripped him up before he could escape. Shao ChengZe easily grabbed hold of him with one hand again.


    Seeing this, Cheng Jinchuan couldn''t help but mutter inwardly that they coordinated quite seamlessly, though they were useless for letting a single person break free and injuring themselves in the process, requiring his own sister to step in to assist.


    He felt it was pathetic. He nudged Shao ChengZe with his shoulder, taking Brother K from his hand. "That''s enough, let go. Don''t get involved with our family affairs in the future. You''re useless in helping yet liable to scam us instead."


    Men understand men best. Cheng Jinchuan had witnessed Shao ChengZe''s skills before. Even if two more Brother K''s came at him, they probably wouldn''t get near his body. For him to get a swollen face and bloody nose now, Cheng Jinchuan knew he must be plotting something.


    At this time, Brother K finally cleared his muddled head and realized - he was trying to scam the Cheng family, not scam me! The Chengs are loaded!


    Shao ChengZe had to turn aside to stop his bleeding nose. He had anticipated Brother K''s actions but didn''t expect his head to be so hard. The blood was flowing heavily so he lifted his head higher. The sunlight was ring. He peered at the people around him through half-closed eyes.


    "Lower your head."


    The cold voice rang out beside him.


    Shao ChengZe nced over, a barely noticeable gleam in his dark pupils.


    Cheng Jin was impatient. "Lower your head and pinch your nose."


    "Alright." Shao ChengZe did as she instructed.


    Cheng Jin took out a pack of tissues from her bag and threw it to him. "Go to the hospital in ten minutes if it doesn''t stop bleeding."


    Her voice held not an ounce of warmth or excess words.


    Shao ChengZe gripped the pack of tissues. "Okay," he responded gently.


    Cheng Jinchuan couldn''t stand watching this anymore. He said to Cheng Jin, "You go on ahead first. I''ll handle the rest here."


    "Mm," Cheng Jin had no worries with Cheng Jinchuan present. She handed him the camera and walked towards the restaurant entrance.


    After Cheng Jin entered the restaurant, Cheng Jinchuan released his hold on Brother K. Brother K didn''t expect to be let go. He had just tried to run when Shao ChengZe, who was tending to his nose, blocked him from behind. The two men, who were usually at odds, became perfectly in sync at this moment.


    By now, Brother K realized that even without them restraining him, he couldn''t escape now. Both men were over six feet tall, one in front and one behind, leaving him boxed in like a trapped chick, only able to gasp for breath against the wall.


    Cheng Jinchuan lit a cigarette and held it in his mouth. "Speak. I''m still in a mood to talk nicely now. Who gave you this job?"


    Brother K wiped the sweat from his face. "I really don''t know. As you know, those of us in this line get jobs and money through middlemen. The price offered was high this time, just to follow and photograph your second sister''s daughter.


    Hearing this, both men''s expressions chilled.


    "Who''s the middleman?" Shao ChengZe asked sharply.


    Nothing left to hide at this point, Brother K told the truth. "I only know his name is Da Meng, definitely not his real name. He always contacts me for jobs via texts from different numbers."


    Hearing this name, Shao ChengZe''s brow twitched slightly.


    Cheng Jinchuan noticed it. Since they couldn''t get any more useful information out of Brother K, he waved for his driver toe take the man to the police station.


    "You know this Da Meng?" Cheng Jinchuan asked.


    "I''ve dealt with him once."


    Cheng Jinchuan''s eyebrows twisted into a knot as he gnashed his teeth and said resentfully, "Don''t tell me it''s your Shao family who got Da Meng to take these photos and you''re just pretending to be good now."


    "Impossible." Shao ChengZe stated firmly.


    "How do you know? What despicable things can your family not do?"


    Shao ChengZe replied, "Da Meng is at odds with the Shao family. Even if they needed someone, they wouldn''t use Da Meng."


    Cheng Jinchuan gave a derisive snort. "The number of people at odds with your family really is substantial."


    "I''ll look into Da Meng."


    "No need for you to handle it."


    Shao ChengZe''s expression was solemn. "President Cheng, this concerns little LiQi. We shouldn''t quarrel over this. The sooner we find the person behind it the better."


    Cheng Jinchuan gave a cold humph, which counted as acquiescing. "If you can''t find out anything by tomorrow morning, don''t get involved with this anymore." Having said that, he left.


    Shao ChengZe threw the bloodied tissues into the trash can, a ferocious chill lurking in his eyes as he dialed a number.


    Cheng LiQi had eaten arge slice of cake after dinner, leaving her tummy a little bloated. It was past nine o''clock but she wasn''t sleepy yet. Her mom was taking a bath while she sat on a nket in the living room, ying with jigsaw puzzles. Her phone on the sofa suddenly vibrated. Cheng LiQi ran over and was about to bring the phone to her mom when she saw the string of numbers on the screen. Her eyes curved into crescent moons as she tapped Answer.


    "Daddy, you called Mommy but I picked up! I knew it was you as soon as I saw the number."


    To present-day Cheng LiQi, Shao ChengZe was more like an exciting new friend. She had be very curious about him and epted him readily, but he didn''t hold too much significance in her heart yet. She wouldn''t miss him terribly if she didn''t see him, just feel very happy when she did.


    Hearing her clear voice, Shao ChengZe''s cold expression softened. "Little LiQi, what are you doing? Why aren''t you asleep yet?"


    Cheng LiQi patted her small tummy. "I ate too much tonight so my tummy feels bloated. I can''t sleep. I''m ying with jigsaw puzzles."


    "What picture are you piecing together?"


    "A huge castle and a big grassy field. Daddy, do you want to see? I can video call you." Cheng LiQi wanted to share her masterpieces with her dad.


    "Daddy would love to see it. I''ll hang up first, then video call you, okay?"


    "Okay!" Cheng LiQi nodded happily.


    As soon as the video connected, Cheng LiQi waved excitedly at the screen, then noticed her dad''s red nose bridge. She peered closer at the screen. "Daddy, what happened to your nose?"


    The swelling around Shao ChengZe''s eye had gone down after icing it, and wasn''t very noticeable anymore, but the bridge of his nose had taken a hard hit and would probably remain bruised for a day or two. He told Cheng LiQi, "I bumped it by ident."


    Cheng LiQi was very concerned. "Does it hurt, Daddy? Let me blow on it for you, blow on it and it won''t hurt anymore."


    She then blew softly towards the phone screen twice. "Does it still hurt, Daddy?"


    Shao ChengZe''s heart melted at her actions. "After little LiQi blew on it, Daddy feels much better already. It doesn''t hurt at all now."


    Cheng LiQi found it strange. "How did Daddy bump your nose?" She had bumped her legs and head before but never her nose.


    Shao ChengZe gave an awkward little cough and abruptly changed the topic. "Where''s Mommy? What''s Mommy doing? Daddy has something to discuss with her."


    "Mommy''s taking a bath."


    Cheng Liqi suddenly had a sh of inspiration and thought of something. She called Shao Chengze in a very soft voice, "Dad."


    "Yeah, what''s up? Daddy is here."


    She spoke so softly that Shao Chengze thought she was going to tell him some secret.


    Cheng Liqi''s finger touched the red nose on the screen, "Dad, are you using a bitter trick? Did you deliberately bump your nose, and then want Mom to feel distressed for you?"


    When Grandpa wanted to coax Grandma, and Grandma didn''t want Grandpa to coax her, Grandpa peeled an apple and cut his hand, bled, and deliberately turned in front of Grandma. After Grandma saw it, she immediately felt extremely distressed.


    Big uncle said that Grandpa was using a bitter trick.


    So, Dad, are you also using a bitter trick like Grandpa? Otherwise, how could an adult bump his nose like that?


    Facing his daughter''s sincere eyes, Shao Chengze couldn''t say a word.

 Chapter 19: 019

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    Cheng LiQi could tell from her father''s silence that she had guessed correctly. In a softer voice, she said, "Dad, I''ll keep your secret. I''m really good at keeping secrets. I kept secrets for Uncle Tai and Grandpa. I have lots of secrets."


    Shao ChengZe gently replied, "Thank you, little LiQi, for keeping Dad''s secret."


    Cheng LiQi said, "You''re wee, Dad." She thought for a moment and decided she should remind Dad, "Dad, Mom is much smarter than me. If I could guess it, Mom can probably guess it too, right?"


    Shao ChengZe was silent for a moment before stiffly changing the subject again. "Little LiQi, do you want to hear a story? Dad will tell you a story, okay?"


    "Okay, Dad!" Cheng LiQi remembered her agreement with Dad to tell each other stories. "Wait, let me go back to my room and hug my teddy bear while I listen to the story."


    The camera shook as Shao ChengZe told her, "Walk slowly, no need to run."


    "I know!" Cheng LiQi yelled loudly to Dad, her mouth saying she understood but her little legs still running, dashing through the long hallway until the very end. She pushed open the door and climbed onto her pink princess bed, catching her breath. She held up her phone to show Dad, "Dad, look! The stuffed animal you bought me and the one Mom bought are sleeping together, keeping mepany at night. I won''t be scared of tigers anymore."


    The two little bears, one pink and one brown,y side by side next to the pillow, arms linked.


    Shao ChengZe''s voice turned hoarse as he softly called out, "Little LiQi..."


    He had wanted to ask if she missed... missed him. He missed her so much. Just thinking that he had a daughter with her meant he couldn''t sleep at night.


    But he changed his words to, "Little LiQi''s room is so pretty."


    Cheng LiQi puffed out her little chest proudly, chin up, very smug. "Dad, do you know? Mom is so amazing. I told Mom what kind of room I wanted and she gave me exactly the room I described. My mom is the most amazing mom in the world."


    "Yes," Shao ChengZe''s gaze softened. "She''s the most amazing mom in the world."


    Cheng LiQi held the phone with both hands, smiling and making eye contact with Dad on the screen. She loved hearing people say her mom was amazing.


    Shey back on the pillow, cing the phone between the two little bears. "Dad, let''s not tell stories today. Will you sing for me instead?"


    Dad wasn''t good at telling stories but Dad''s voice sounded nice. Singing would probably sound nice too.


    "Is there anything you want to hear?"


    Cheng LiQi looked up at the little stars on the ceiling, thinking for a bit. "I want to hear Elsa''s Let It Go."


    Shao ChengZe was silent again for a moment. On Cheng Jin''s advice, he had watched the movie and knew what song Cheng LiQi meant. He was quite sure he couldn''t hit those high notes.


    "How about Dad sings something else first? See if you like it?"


    "Okay, sure!" Cheng LiQi didn''t insist on any particr song. Whatever Dad sang, she would listen.


    Outside the window was a quiet night. Inside, warm yellow light. The low humming slowly started, an unknown luby in some unrecognizablenguage. It had simple tones but sounded unexpectedly nice, full of maic vocals that carried a soothing power, like morning and evening waves lightlypping the beach, or a summer breeze blowing through green waves of wheat.


    Cheng LiQi''s eyelids gradually grew heavy. She turned over, her little arms hugging both little bears to her chest, entering a deeper dreand in her father''s singing.


    Cheng Jin pushed open the door and heard the low humming luby from the room. Her hand froze on the doorknob, her steps halted at the entrance, unable to proceed.


    The luby was ending and Shao ChengZe started over from the beginning.


    "Stop singing," she said coldly, interrupting him. The doorknob dug into her tightly clenched palm but it didn''t hurt. It was just enough to make her sober. "She''s asleep."


    The singing stopped abruptly and the room became quiet. Cheng LiQi made some soft mumbledughs in her sleep, clearly having a sweet dream.


    The phone screen was face down on the bed. Shao ChengZe''s view was pitch ck darkness. He couldn''t see anything.


    This was the second time he had sung this luby.


    The first time was during a stormy night. They were stranded on an ind due to the weather. She had woken up in the middle of the night, unable to fall back asleep because of the thunder. He held her in his arms, gently patting her back, clumsily humming a luby. Her ears were pressed to his chest, her arms around his waist, curled up against him like azy kitten, a rare moment ofplete reliance on him. She listened to his heartbeat and fell back asleep. She seldom clung to him like that.


    Days of heavy rain left them isted, even cell signals failed. They lived as if cut off from the world. He even thought thatter, when they were old, they could find an obscure ind and live there, sunrise and sunset, sea breeze and silver sand. Even in bad weather, she could still snuggle in his arms as he sang her lubies.


    But then the storm stopped and Cheng Jin called to say Shi Ran had returned. They rushed back overnight. Everything happened so suddenly yet not suddenly. She found out his identity as a Shao then, although he had never meant to hide it from her. She just never asked so he clung to that thin thread of hope.


    When she found out, she was very calm, calmly suggesting they break up. He agreed.


    Perhaps his surname being Shao or not was irrelevant. With her personality, if she truly loved someone, old grievances might hinder them but wouldn''t make her decisively end things without even trying.


    He had seen her smiling sweetly, eyes shimmering, as she practiced confessing to Shi Ran. It was the first time he realized that cold and aloof girl could smile so sweetly thinking about confessing to her crush.


    She said she wanted to be together. He thought it was just a woman scorned findingfort in hispany since he happened to be there and was good enough for her eyes. She stated it very clearly that she disliked entanglements. If one day she suggested breaking up, that would be the end.


    Already thinking about breaking up before even starting, this was destined to be a short-lived rtionship.


    She said break up, he epted. He could be her distraction but wouldn''t cling if she saw him as one.


    Later, when his sister passed away, he no longer cared about the Shao family mess. He went abroad directly. Before leaving, Li Peifeng and the others wanted to see him off with drinks. He epted drinks from everyone that night, unusually willing to get drunk to numb his nerves. He preferred to stay sober and in control. That night was an exception.


    The dreamscape had felt so real. Waking up the next morning to crisp clean sheets, for a moment he felt annoyed without knowing why, whether it was annoyance at a disappearing erotic dream or at himself for having such a dream. His finger hovered over her name on his favorites list, hesitating to call.


    Later, when Li Peifeng''s father became critically ill, he returned to visit him at the hospital. In the hallway, he saw her walking into a patient''s room with Shi Ran. On impulse, he followed them and saw her take out a marriage certificate to show Shi Ran''s mother. In that moment, he felt how ridiculous he was to not want to hear even a word about her from others after that.


    He sealed her away in the past for years after, cutting off all contact. But now, he regretted not making that call that morning. If he had, would everything have been different?


    Cheng Jin strode to the bedside in two or three steps, picking up the phone, about to hang up. She didn''t expect it to be a video call and was taken aback seeing the profound eyes on the screen.


    Shao ChengZe was also startled for a second before immediately turning his head away, murmuring a soft "Sorry."


    She had just finished showering, only wearing a champagne colored silk slip dress. Her long ck hair like seaweed draped over her shoulders, coveringrge areas of exposed skin but unable to hide the glistening corbones. Under the light, her neckline resembled a pool of spring water, so fair it dazzled the eyes.


    Cheng Jin red at him resentfully, about to tap End Call when he spoke up again, brows and eyes lowered, only the red nose facing the screen. "I called to talk about the paparazzi incident today."


    Cheng Jin stopped her hand and angled the camera at the floor, walking out of Cheng LiQi''s bedroom and closing the door.


    "Speak."


    "Do you have an employee named Cao Yanshen at your hotel?"


    "Yes."


    Cao Yanshen was the one arrested for sexual harassment of a server. She had a deep impression of him as it was the first such incident at her hotel.


    "He hired the stalker. He recentlytched onto a rich woman."


    Cheng Jin understood. Back then it had been a huge scandal. Surname Cao must resent her and wanted to stir up trouble using Cheng LiQi now that he had backing.


    Shao ChengZe went on, "I''ve already had someone handle it."


    Cheng Jin gave a curt thanks, polite yet distant.


    "It''s what I should do," Shao ChengZe paused briefly before tentatively continuing, "Miao Miao, I¡ª"


    Cheng Jin''s even voice suddenly turned sharp as she urgently cut him off. "Don''t call me that, Shao ChengZe."


    In the past, she didn''t like drinking odd concoctions or coffee, only water. On a whim, he gave her this weird nickname, calling her that intimately at times.


    Cheng Jin hated him using that name now.


    "Alright, I won''t call you that, but I want to discuss that night with you." Afraid she would hang up, he continued without waiting for a response. "I just want to say one thing. That night I was drunk but I didn''t see you as just anyone. I thought it was a dream, a dream with the real you, and only because it was you would I dream something like that. If I had known it was real, I definitely would have¡ª"


    Cheng Jin no longer kept the camera aimed at the floor. She held up her phone, looking at the screen, eyes cold and contemptuous without concealment. "You make it sound so much like you still care for me."


    Cheng LiQi gave a coldugh. "Of course, you must like me. Being with me will make your old man furious enough to have smokeing out of his seven orifices. I don''t think anyone else could have this effect on him. Am I right, Shao ChengZe?"

 Chapter 20: 020

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    Shao Chengze''s eyebrows froze for a moment as he thought of where those words came from.


    The morning after getting drunk, the old master had a sudden whim to invite him for morning tea at a local old tea house that he went to at least three times a week. The headache from the hangover made his head feel like splitting, so drinking tea and having some hot soup was actually a pretty good cure for the alcohol.


    He thought the old master had called him over just to lecture again about those dog-stirring business tactics, but instead he asked why he was provoking the young Miss of the Cheng family. It was no surprise that the old master knew - the people who asionally hung around Shao Chengze were, other than Shao Zhangting''s people, the old master''s sentries.


    He gulped down half a cup of hot tea and casually brushed it off, "Anything that displeases you, esteemed elder, I don''t mind doing over and over again. As for Second Uncle, whatever I do, he believes it, falling in love is just one thing, and I can lead him by the nose for it. Why wouldn''t I take this opportunity?"


    He asked, "Were you there at the time?"


    Cheng Jin was indifferent. "Does that matter?"


    He said, "I can exin."


    "No need," Cheng Jin didn''t need to hear an exnation, she just asked him, "Can you say that you''ve never had such thoughts before, or that you''ve never taken advantage of me even once?"


    Shao Chengze replied, "I can."


    But he knew she wouldn''t believe him after hearing the words from his own mouth with her own ears. It was impossible for her to trust him again.


    Cheng Jin gave a mockingugh. "You think I''d believe you again." She had wanted to directly hang up the call, but still couldn''t contain her anger. "Shao Chengze, I knew from the very beginning which Shao family you belonged to."


    She knew, yet she had tacitly allowed his overtures.


    She had given him a deadline toe clean, but from beginning to end he had never mentioned a word. In the end, it was through someone else''s mouth that she learned of this fact. Even when she brought up separating, he was unruffled, simply saying "Ok," and not another word more.


    It seemed this was a predetermined ending. He had foreseen it early on, or rather, this ending had been in his ns from the start. If it wasn''t for his sister''s departure interrupting his ns, the Shao family would have been wrapped around his finger years ago.


    She should praise his cunning, using her to pull the wool over the Shao family patriarch''s eyes, using her on one hand to anger the old master, and on the other hand to lower Second Uncle Shao''s guard, making them think he was just a profligate son only greedy for love, with no interest inpeting for power, who didn''t know how to delight the old master and just wanted to oppose the old master out of a little grievance,pletely controlled by his own emotions. Naturally, they wouldn''t think someone so ipetent was worth their effort to plot against.


    He had always known how to act. He could fool the Shao family patriarch, he could fool Shao Zhangting father and son, and he could also fool her.


    She hadn''t wanted to ask these things or say them. Her self-esteem didn''t allow it. But what right did he have to keep ying the role of a man passionately in love after using her? It was extremely hypocritical.


    Cheng Jin hung up the call, still unsatisfied, and blocked his number.


    She admitted she was being petty. She rarely ever blocked anyone - he was the first, and she didn''t mind him being the second, either.


    Early the next morning, Cheng Jin told her parents the truth about who Cheng Liqi''s father was. She had always been unsure of how to broach the subject before. Strangely,st night''s phone call had given her courage. She might as well get it over with since sticking her head out was just asking to get chopped either way.


    She exined the past affair in a few words, skipping over Shao Chengze''s deception, only saying they had parted because they each felt unsuitable.


    After hearing it all, Cheng Shanhe only said one thing: "Liqi''s surname is Cheng. She''s my Cheng family''s most treasured granddaughter. You and her have the Cheng family behind you. As for who her father is, or what his surname is, it''s unimportant. You only need to know that if anyone dares bully you, it''s the same as opposing the entire Cheng family."


    Cheng Jin''s eyes grew damp.


    After Cheng Shanhe left, Fei Zuhui sat down in front of her and gave her a scolding look. "I thought you''d never tell us about this in your whole life."


    Cheng Jin was somewhat startled as she looked at Fei Zuhui. "Mom, you guys knew already?"


    When she had been with Shao Chengze, you could say it was a secret affair - no one around her had known, she hadn''t introduced him to any of her friends, and Shao Chuan had only found outter.


    Fei Zuhui stroked her loose hair hanging by her ear. "When ites to you, how could your dad not investigate everything clearly? Do you think the chaos in the Shao family all these years, and the obstacles your brother secretly arranged for the Shao family, could have happened without your dad''s tacit approval? He facilitated it."


    Cheng Jin looped her arm around Fei Zuhui''s and leaned on her shoulder. To outsiders she could be strong and decisive, but in front of her parents she was still a little girl who wanted to act cute. "I''m sorry, Mom, for worrying you."


    "Silly girl, what do you have to be sorry for? No matter who you fall for, falling in love itself isn''t wrong, nor are the feelings it brings you wrong. As for the results it leads to, do you regret having Liqi?"


    "Of course not!" Cheng Jin hurriedly sat up straight and looked steadily at Fei Zuhui. Her gaze was firm.


    "That''s right. You have a lovely daughter, and we have a precious granddaughter. As for everything else, I won''t judge that Shao Chengze, falling in and out of love is natural, and a past parting should teach you to view matters of the heart more cautiously in the future. That''s a good thing, and shouldn''t keep you stuck in the past. I wanted to talk to you about this long ago - you should go out and date, meet some nice boys, eat meals together, go on dates. If you don''t like older ones try younger ones, don''t just keep going around the hotel."


    Fei Zuhui had originally looked favorably on Shao Chuan. The two had been close since childhood. In thest stretch of Shao Chuan''s mother''s life, she had constantly worried over his future marriage. His father passed early, and she had single-handedly raised him, so his marriage and having children was her greatest wish. But the cancer cells had spread too quickly, leaving no time at all. She definitely wouldn''t live to see grandchildren. Cheng Jin had helped fulfill her dying wish, letting her close her eyes in peace.


    At first Fei Zuhui had felt they were messing around, butter thought it wouldn''t be bad if the act became real. She had watched Shao Chuan grow up and knew him inside and out. His conduct, looks, everything was top-notch, and Cheng Liqi liked him, too. But over these years there had been no progress between the two, and she didn''t hold out hope any longer.


    "I know, Mom. I''m hungry, let''s go eat." Cheng Jin hugged Fei Zuhui as they walked out of the study. She knew her mom had been restraining herself from urging her over the years. Today she finally had a chance, and Cheng Jin couldn''t let her keep going or she''d never stop.


    "I''m serious about this. There are advantages to younger ages - Sister Chun''s younger sister has a son your age who graduated from the same school as you. He''s awyer, four years younger than you. I''ve seen pictures, he looks really good. Do you want to meet him?"


    Cheng Jin exaggerated her reaction. "Four years younger?! Mom, you really dare to think of it. Three years age difference is already a generation gap, and four more years! Are you trying to find me a boyfriend or a little boy to y with? Let me make this clear first: I don''t like little puppies or wolf cubs. Even if you want to introduce someone, they should at least be the same age!"


    Cheng Liqi was standing at the top of the stairs and happened to overhear this sentence. She looked up and asked, "Mommy, what do white little puppies and little wolf cubs look like?"


    Cheng Jinchuan couldn''t help himself from enlightening his niece. Cheng Jin had already shot him a piercing re. "Cheng Jinchuan, shut your mouth!"


    Cheng Liqi said to her mommy, "Grandma said big uncle knows everything except how to shut up."


    Cheng Jinchuanughed heartily. "Little Liqi, let uncle teach you another idiom: there''s no one who knows a child better than their mother. It means that of everyone under heaven, mothers rank first in understanding their children."


    Cheng Liqi asked, "Then who understands daughters the best?"


    Cheng Jinchuan pinched her little nose. "Still the mother, of course."


    Cheng Liqi agreed. "Mommy always knows what I like to eat the most."


    At her current age she had learned to generalize and draw connections. "Uncle, ''there''s no one who knows a child better than their mother'' has the same meaning as what you said before about grandma knowing what fart you let out as soon as you lift your butt, right?"


    At this point Fei Zuhui couldn''t hold back either, and went to hit her son for saying such things in front of a child and teaching her bad habits.


    The solemn confession that morning ended with Cheng Jinchuan scrambling to flee like dogs and chickens.


    When Cheng Jin reached the office door, Tang Yicheng was standing outside waiting for her. She noticed his expression was a bit strange, almost like...constipation.


    She asked, "Did something happen?"


    Tang Yicheng reported in a low voice, eyes constantly ncing toward the conference room. "Boss Cheng, President Zhou from Changyun is here. He''s in the conference room right now."


    As soon as Cheng Jin heard, her footsteps changed direction. "Why did President Zhoue at this time? Did he say what it was about?"


    Changyun was one of Lanzhou''s major clients. They held all receptions for Changyun''s A-level clients at Lanzhou. But for work matters, they were usually handled by the staff below. There was no need for Zhou An toe personally, especially this early in the morning.


    Tang Yicheng followed behind Cheng Jin, gritting his teeth to quickly add, "President Shao from Qingmiao Capital also came with him."


    Tang Yicheng had just confirmed that the Shao Chengze he saw in the parking lot was the head of Qingmiao Capital and the Shao family business empire, and even more importantly, the man who had an entanglement with his boss.


    Cheng Jin''s steps slowed. The formerly mild expression on her face was reced with coldness, though when the conference room door opened her eyes filled with smiles again. She greeted Zhou An, "Brother An, what brings you here this early?"


    Zhou An was the same age as Cheng Jinchuan, childhood friends from the same preschool.


    Zhou An smiled as he stood up, half joking and half serious, "Of course I came to bring business opportunities to Boss Cheng."


    He introduced the man beside him first. "Shao Chengze." Then he pped Shao Chengze on the shoulder. "Cheng Jin, the general manager of Lanzhou."


    Shao Chengze reached out his hand, a standard business etiquette, as if the two were meeting for the first time, "Mr. Cheng, hello, I''m Shao Chengze."


    Cheng Jin just nodded slightly, did not shake hands, but her smile remained unchanged, "Mr. Shao is good."


    Zhou An, seeing the storm brewing between the two, did not say much, and went straight to the point, "Our Changyun and Qiongmiao want to co-host a small summit, tentatively scheduled for early June, and the invited guests are quite important, the reception standards are very high, and the time is also urgent. We want to set it at your Lan Chuan. I wonder if your side can arrange it?"


    It wasn''t a big deal that he, the old boss, had toe in person to say this. Naturally, it couldn''t be declined, let alone anything good to decline.


    "No problem, Brother Zhou An, then let Yicheng and June discuss the detailster?"


    "June is busy with other cases. This time Qiongmiao is the main contact person. Let Old Shao exin the specifics to you. I have to go downstairs first to get some breakfast. I left home too hurriedly this morning and didn''t even eat breakfast. I''m starving." After speaking, he didn''t look at Cheng Jin''s reaction, and pulled Tang Yicheng out, "Assistant Tang, I still have to trouble you to take me there."


    How could it be easy for him to be pulled over by Shao Chengze so early in the morning to do this kind of thing? Where would he have thought that these two people had past involvement, the Cheng family and the Shao family? He thought the two families wanted to die without seeing each other again.


    If Cheng Jinchuan knew that he was working with Shao Chengze, he would have to torment him to peel off ayer of skin before it could be over. If it wasn''t for the sake of the new project, where the Shao family gave him three percent of the profit, he wouldn''t have done this tactless thing.


    Only two people were left in the conference room. Cheng Jin threw her bag on the conference table, the metal chain collided with the tabletop, making a crisp sound, demonstrating that the owner''s patience had reached its limit.


    She asked him, "What exactly do you want to do?"


    Going through so much trouble, and bringing Zhou An along, she really didn''t know what else they had to talk about.


    Shao Chengze wanted to do a lot, but he had to make his position clear first, even though words were the most pale now, at least he had to say it out.


    "I know that no matter what I say now, you won''t believe it, but in my almost thirty years of life, I''ve only had that time with you. Before you, and after you, I never thought about taking the initiative to get close to anyone again. I admit that at first I didn''t say I was from the Shao family, I did harbor some false hopes. I just didn''t want a surname to cut off the possibility between us."


    "I never thought about using you, or using our rtionship to do anything. Even if I don''t like the old master again, and I''m at odds with him again, I would never take my own feelings to spite him and use tricks. He''s not worth it, and I''m not that stupid."


    "For me, the Shao Group really isn''t that important. The reason I wanted topete with my second uncle at the time was first, my father left a will saying that the Shao Group was founded by my grandmother and the old master together, and it was unreasonable for it to benefit others in the end; second, only by bing the decision maker of the Shao family, would I have a chance to stand in front of your father and talk about the grievances between our two families, and talk about our future."


    "As for that morning, I didn''t need to bare my inner feelings to someone I didn''t care about at all and have him listen. Because he would never understand. If I provoked a girl, it was only because I liked her and wanted to get her attention, it had nothing to do with gains and losses."


    The air condensed into a deathly silence.


    Over the years, he was used to giving orders and rarely exining anything to others, let alone such a long confession. He didn''t feel it when he was saying it, only feeling somewhat ufortable after finishing speaking. His hand unconsciously stroked the back of the chair.


    Cheng Jin across from him had a taut face and was expressionless.


    It was a reaction that was to be expected.


    Shao Chengze was also in no hurry to resolve or facilitate anything. There was too much dust umted in the old stories, and it had to be brushed away bit by bit before the sunshine could be seen again.


    Some things have to be taken slowly, no rushing.

 Chapter 21: 021

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    In recent days, Tang Yicheng''s life has been a bit bitter. It''s not really bitter, just tiring, mentally tiring.


    The main reason is the small summit Cheng Yun is organizing.


    In fact it''s not a big deal at all. In terms of scale, Lanzhou hosts so many conferences and events every year that are evenrger than this one. You say the timeline is tight, but there are many with even tighter timelines. Five-star hotels focus on service - whatever requirements the client raises, no matter how difficult, they can make it happen. After being tempered over so many years, Lanzhou''s conference department has seen all kinds of storms, a small summit won''t make them lose theirposure.


    They haven''t lost theirposure, but they have a sword hanging over their heads, for no other reason than the silence of three bosses in the temporarily created work group.


    To exin this, we have to go back to a few days ago, when Tang Yicheng took Long Yun''s Zhou Director to the restaurant and arranged a special server for him before returning upstairs to the office. Director Zhou didn''t ask him to have breakfast with him, he just wanted to keep him out of the conference room.


    But before Tang Yicheng could even sit down properly at his desk, he saw the door to the small conference room open and Director Chenge out. Her high heels sank into the thick shag carpet without a sound, and her face was as calm as ever. Seeing this, Tang Yicheng thought the two must have had a rtively smooth talk.


    "Call the conference department people up to discuss the summit with Shao Zong," said Cheng Jin, stopping in front of him.


    "Okay, Director Cheng," Tang Yicheng replied.


    His eyes inadvertently saw Director Cheng''s white knuckles gripping her purse strap, and Tang Yicheng realized things had not gone well.


    Although Director Cheng always gave a sense of distance, and her work requirements were extremely high, she was a very emotionally stable person. Only after entering society and starting work did he realize what a fortunate thing it was to have a leader with such emotional stability.


    But no matter how stable one is, there are always moments of fluctuation, just not very noticeable on the surface. Having worked with Director Cheng for a few years, Tang Yicheng was somewhat familiar with her little habits. When she was especially upset inside, her fingers would unconsciously tap the table; when her mind wandered during meetings, her hands would caress the water ss; when she was extremely disgusted with someone but had to deal with them, her smile would be more pronounced - it looked like she was listening carefully to the other person, when in fact she hadn''t heard a word.


    In the current situation, judging by the whiteness of her knuckles, she must have been extremely angry, so there was only one conclusion - the talk had copsed.


    He led the conference department manager into the conference room. Shao Zong had his hand resting on a chair, looking out the window, with no visible abnormality on his face. Tang Yicheng secretly wondered to himself that these two really matched well, both very good at hiding their emotions, making it impossible to see what they were thinking.


    The people from the Lanzhou Conference Department and the project leaders from Long Yun didn''t know the twists and turns involved. They were racking their brains figuring out a project the bosses were personally overseeing - needless to say how important it was. They were giving it 120% every day, agonizing over every sentence they posted in the group.


    The person in charge from Qiongmiao, Wu Tongtong, was also nervous, but more excited, because when her boss Alex handed her this job, he said one thing - this project was rted to their boss''s happiness in the second half of his life.


    With that icy face of their boss that no one dared get near, she had thought he would just end up dying alone in the second half of his life. She never imagined there could be a happy life, so she carefully observed everyone''s profile picture in the group, still unable to figure out who could bring happiness to her boss.


    Cheng Jin leaned back in her chair, lost in thought. The May weather was already like midsummer, the sunlight outside scorching and dazzling. She hadn''t been sleeping well these past few days, dreaming a lot at night but unable to remember the dreams when she woke up. Sleeping was tiring, and not even coffee could rouse her spirits.


    That day, after hearing what he said and looking into his pitch-ck eyes, anger suddenly rose in her heart. She had spent a long time convincing herself to ept a fact, and now he was telling her that fact was wrong. The words came out of his mouth, so whether ck or white, it was naturally all up to him. She never knew he was so eloquent - when they were together before, he had always been so silent.


    She came out of the conference room and told herself not to believe his words, even if he came to Lanzhou for ten more conferences it didn''t matter. The work could be handled by the staff below, she didn''t want to have any more contact with him.


    Her phone on the desk vibrated and rang, but she didn''t look to see who was calling and just let it vibrate. She was feeling a littlezy and didn''t want to answer it. Today was the second day of her period, her stomach felt uneasy and the difort couldn''t be relieved even with hot water. She also wasn''t used to taking medicine.


    The vibration had just stopped for a second before starting up again. She was afraid it might be a call from Cheng Liqi''s teacher about something, so she picked up the phone and saw it was Jiang Meng.


    "Not bad, you actually remembered to call me. I thought you''d be stuck in your husband''s tender loving care, unable to get out," Cheng Jin saidzily and mockingly.


    Jiang Meng was Cheng Jin¡¯s college ssmate. Cheng Jin didn''t study abroad for college, but went south domestically instead, as she preferred China over overseas. She was rather cold in temperament, liked being alone, and didn''t actively make friends. But she couldn''t resist Jiang Meng''s warm and outgoing personality, and Jiang Meng was one of Cheng Jin''s few close female friends in college. She had gotten married at the beginning of the year and was still in the honeymoon phase of her new marriage.


    Jiang Mengughed. "Of course I called because I missed you. No matter how good my husband''s tender loving care is, it''s not as important as my good sister."


    Cheng Jin scoffed at her conscienceless words. "Go on, what''s the matter? If you didn''t have anything going on right now, there''s no way you''d think to call me."


    Jiang Meng didn''t beat around the bush. She was pregnant, just diagnosed at three weeks. She couldn''t wait three months to share this good news, so the first thing she did was call Cheng Jin.


    Cheng Jin was very surprised. She knew how much Jiang Meng loved kids, and because of this good news, the difort in her body had lessened considerably. The two chatted on the phone for almost half an hour. As someone who had been through it before, Cheng Jin told Jiang Meng a lot of things to pay attention to during pregnancy, and asked if she had any reactions yet.


    Jiang Meng said, "Nothing else, just sometimes I really, really crave a certain food. Do you remember, our freshman year winter break, when I went home with you and you took me to eat at that private kitchen, the time I was going to confess to Shi Ran but didn''t seed? We ate that spicy fried pork dish, and now I suddenly really want to eat it. It''s so strange, it''s been so many years, yet I still remember that taste." She pretended to be heartbroken. "It must be because Shi Ran left too big a scar on my heart."


    Cheng Jin knew herst sentence was a joke. "Don''t ever let your husband hear you say that, or he''ll be so jealous the Yellow River will flood."


    "It''s simple if you want to eat that dish. Their peppers are homegrown, so I''ll get some peppers and the recipe from the boss and send them to you. Have your husband try making it to see if he can recreate the taste."


    "You can do that?" Jiang Meng was about to shriek in excitement, showing just how much she wanted to eat it.


    "I can. That restaurant, Cheng Jinchuan is half owner."


    Cheng Jinchuan loved good food. When he came across talented chefs who wanted to open their own restaurants butcked funds, he liked helping them out a bit. The restaurant Jiang Meng mentioned was one he used to go to a lot, though it had been several years since hest went.


    Maybe it was because of Jiang Meng''s call, but that restaurant appeared in Cheng Jin''s dream that night, or rather, what happened that day.


    During freshman year winter break, when Jiang Meng went home with her, Jiang Meng saw Shi Ran as soon as they put their luggage down. It was love at first sight for her, and she directly said men like Shi Ran, gentle yet with a hint of mncholy, were just her type.


    At that time, Jiang Jiang and Cheng Jinchuan had just gotten together, so Shi Ran''s mncholic air was naturally obvious. Rather than mncholy, it was more like heartbreak. Jiang Meng knew there was someone in Shi Ran''s heart, but she didn''t back down. In her opinion, as long as he was single, pursuing him wasn''t against thew. She swore she would make him hers during this winter break, and talked big about it, but when it came time to actually confess, she lost her nerve and couldn''t even speak coherently. Cheng Jin helped organize all the things Jiang Meng had been chattering about Shi Ran in front of her into a script, giving her a model to follow so she''d know what to say when the time came.


    Everything was ready for Jiang Meng''s confession, but Shi Ran had somethinge up at thest minute and didn''t show up. Having somethinge up was just an excuse, backing out was the truth. Jiang Meng channeled her grief and anger into her appetite, devouring a te of spicy fried pork, and forced Cheng Jin to eat with her. After two tes of spicy fried pork, Jiang Meng had already put Shi Ran to the back of her mind. Jiang Meng''s philosophy on love was that feelingse and go quickly, so why cling desperately to someone who doesn''t reciprocate. There are so many men in the world, if one doesn''t work out, there will always be another. No need to hang yourself on a crooked neck.


    After leaving the restaurant, both of their noses and eyes were red from the spicy food. Jiang Meng stood in front of the trash can, blowing her nose into tissues, while Cheng Jin went to get the car.


    She had been really into ck Audis recently, and by chance an identical model was parked next to her car. She took an extra nce and saw the man leaning against the car door talking on the phone.


    He seemed to sense her gaze and looked up, their eyes meeting briefly before casually looking away again.


    Cheng Jin got into her car and sat down, then looked out the window one more time. She had seen his background check on her father''s desk before, though she didn''t know exactly what grievancesy between their families, or why her father was investigating him. But in the business world, where there were alliances there was also opposition, and knowing yourself and knowing your opponent was never a bad thing.


    At the time she had only thought his eyes in the photo were too pretty, but seeing him in person let her know that a photo could only capture the shape of the eyes, not the spirit within them.


    Her memory of their first encounter gradually faded into a confused blur, with scene after scene flipping past as if turning pages in a book, until a wave of nausea in her stomach jolted her awake.


    Cheng Jin woke with a start, while Cheng Liqi had already been awake for a while, lying next to her mother quietly reading a fairy tale book. Seeing her mother wake up, her eyes curved into crescents and she rested her head on the pillow to talk to her mother. "Mama, you were talking in your sleep just now."


    Cheng Jin pulled her into her arms, kissing the corner of her mouth, "What did mama say?"


    "You called out daddy''s name."


    Cheng Jin froze for a moment.


    Cheng Liqi cupped her mother''s face and asked, "Mama, do you miss daddy?"


    "No, it was just a dream." Cheng Jin stroked her hair.


    Cheng Liqi didn''t understand. Dreaming about someone meant you were thinking about them, right? When she missed her mother on business trips, she would dream about her mother and couldn''t wait to see her after waking up.


    "I thought you missed daddy, so I called daddy over."


    The doorbell ringing in the living room broke the quiet of the morning.

 Chapter 22: 022

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    ¡°Daddy is here!¡± When Cheng Liqi heard the doorbell, she jumped up from the bed, ¡°Mom, I told Daddy to bring your favorite chicken soup dumplings that you love to eat. I told Daddy toe quickly because Mom likes to eat the dumplings hot, they won¡¯t taste good when they¡¯re cold.¡±


    Mom¡¯s stomach hurts for a few days every month, and when she¡¯s in pain she likes to eat the chicken soup dumplings from Maple Grandpa¡¯s house - the plump white dumplings that you can pop into your mouth whole, and wash it down with a sip of the fresh chicken broth. Nothing tastes better, Cheng Liqi thought about the taste and swallowed, slipping off the bed and running on her little legs to open the door for Dad.


    Cheng Jin didn¡¯t even have time to stop her. She rolled over after getting out of bed, and decided to just go with it instead of worrying about what was happening outside or what Liqi had said to him on the phone. She went straight to the bathroom without thinking about it any further.


    By the time she came out, the person who was supposed toe in had already entered. On the coffee table in the living room there were tworge bags. Cheng Liqi saw Mome out and happily pointed to the bags, ¡°Mom look, there are dumplings that you love to eat, shrimps and sesame balls that Grandma loves, soup dumplings that Grandpa loves, sticky rice and red dates cake that Auntie Qiao loves, seafood congee that Uncle loves, and my most favorite custard buns! I asked Dad to buy them all.¡±


    She looked a little pale, her hair was loosely tied up with a clip, which made her fair face look even smaller. Shao Chengze didn¡¯t mention what Little Liqi had said to him on the phone, and gently asked her, ¡°Not feeling well?¡±


    Cheng Jin took out her wallet and pulled out some banknotes. While Liqi was busy taking things out of the bags, not paying attention over here, she handed the money over to him, ¡°Tell Liqi you have something to do and have to go.¡±


    Shao Chengze¡¯s hand reached over, but he didn¡¯t take the money. His fingertip brushed against the back of her hand, just for a moment, before quickly pulling away. Her hand was icy cold.


    ¡°Stomach hurts?¡±


    She was usually fine, but would get cold hands and feet during those few days every month.


    Cheng Jin''s brows furrowed as she stuffed the money directly into his suit pocket, then took two steps back, putting a clear distance between them.


    ¡°No matter what Liqi said to you, those are just a child¡¯s thoughts, don¡¯t take it seriously.¡±


    Shao Chengze looked into her still sleepy eyes. He knew that even if she had dreamed of him and called out his name in her sleep, it was impossible that it was what Liqi had said.


    But hating someone in your dreams is also a type of thought, isn''t it? If she hated him, didn''t it mean that he had once entered her heart?


    "Second brother, whose car is parked in the yard?" Fei Zuhui''s voice came from the entrance.


    Cheng Jin''s ce was right next to her parents'' house, with a connecting door in the adjoining wall that they usually used. Fei Zuhui knew her daughter wasn''t feeling well these past two days, so she brought food over to this side to avoid more back and forth.


    The door to the foyer was half open. Fei Zuhui pushed it open and called into the living room, "Whose license te is that? Coming so early in the morning."


    Cheng Jin reacted quickly, grabbing a pair of sunsses she had casually left on the table and putting them on him before he could refuse.


    Fei Zuhui paused at the foyer, looking at the tall man wearing ck sunsses standing in the middle of the living room. She was stunned for a moment, "Who is this?"


    No matter what was said, Fei Zuhui would probably misunderstand. Cheng Jin could only use his hotel coworker identity to cover for now.


    Before Fei Zuhui could react, Cheng Liqi eagerly answered her grandma, "Grandma, this uncle is a delivery person. I suddenly wanted Maple Grandpa''s custard buns this morning, so the delivery uncle brought over the buns for me. And foods that Mom, Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Qiao, and Uncle love too! He''s amazing to be able to deliver so many things by himself."


    After exining, Cheng Liqi sneakily winked at her parents.


    Mom said Grandma can''t know yet that he''s my dad.


    Dad said it''s a secret between the three of us that he''s my dad.


    She''s so smart, letting Dad pretend to be a delivery uncle so their secret won''t be exposed to Grandma.


    Shao Chengze had already halfway raised his hand, originally nning to take off the sunsses and introduce himself. But now he could only put his hand back down. After all, he couldn''t sabotage his own daughter''s story.


    Cheng Jin helped cover their clumsy story, "He''s a new employee at the hotel. I''m going over a bitter, he came to discuss some work matters. Liqi wanted custard buns, and he happened to be passing by, so I had him bring some food from Maple Uncle''s ce."


    After exining to Fei Zuhui, Cheng Jin turned to Shao Chengze, "You go back first, we''ll talk about the rest when I get to the hotel."


    Her clear, limpid eyes were full of warning.


    Shao Chengze cooperated with her threatening look and acted like an obedient employee, "Alright, Boss Cheng, I''ll head back first then."


    Cheng Jin indifferently hmm-ed in response.


    Cheng Liqi happily waved goodbye to Dad. She loved this game, it felt like ying hide and seek, with only her and Mom knowing where Dad was hiding.


    "Mrs. Cheng, hello." Shao Chengze stopped by Fei Zuhui as he walked out, greeting her.


    "Hello." Fei Zuhui nodded slightly.


    Yet she somehow felt something was off, but couldn''t pinpoint what exactly. The young man looked quite spirited and polite, but why was he still wearing sunsses inside the house on such an overcast day?


    Shao Chengze left and Cheng Jin took the things from Fei Zuhui''s hands to distract her from looking outside. "Mom, did brothere over to eat? I have something I want to ask him."


    "No," Fei Zuhui grumpily replied, "I called but he didn''t pick up, who knows if he was out drinking against night and still hasn''t sobered up. I''m toozy to bother with him anymore. He''s almost 30 but still acts like a kid, how long can I keep managing him? Let him do as he likes, less headache for me and him."


    Cheng Liqi swallowed the custard bun in her mouth and said to Fei Zuhui, "Grandma, you have to keep an eye on Uncle, or he''ll fly away to Mars if you don''t watch him."


    Hearing her granddaughter''s soft, childish voice made Fei Zuhuiugh so hard her eyes disappeared. "Of course I''ll keep an eye on him, can''t have your Uncle flying off to Mars where we''d never see him again."


    Cheng Liqi nodded, that''s right, Mars was too far. She wanted to see Uncle every day.


    Cheng Jin stood at the window, nced at the car driving out of the yard, and casually said to Fei Zuhui, "Mom, I''m going to wash up first."


    Fei Zuhui only had eyes for her little granddaughter at the moment and didn''t even hear what her daughter said.


    Cheng Jin was halfway through washing her face, bubbles all over, when the person suddenly appearing behind her gave her a fright. "Mom, you scared me half to death."


    Fei Zuhui walked into the bathroom and leaned against the cab next to her, calling her name, "Cheng Jin."


    With the look on her mom''s face, Cheng Jin''s heart thumped, thinking she had been found out. Her mom shouldn''t have seen him before, how did she recognize him? Or did Liqi let something slip?


    "Did something happen? You look so serious," Cheng Jin calmly continued washing her face.


    She had to look serious for the intimidation tactic to work. Fei Zuhui said, "Do you still remember what you told me a couple days ago, that you don''t like younger men and wanted me to introduce men your age? You said that, right?"


    "Yes."


    "Well I happen to have a boy around your age now. Do you want to meet him?" Fei Zuhui didn''t want her to make excuses, "These were your own words, not me forcing you. You can''t say it, get my hopes up and find him for you, then brush me off with being too busy at work. That would be no different from ying with your mother''s feelings! "


    Fei Zuhui was about to continue when Cheng Jin rinsed the bubbles off her face and wiped herself dry with face towels. She replied, "I''ll meet him."


    Fei Zuhui was stunned. "Really?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    "Then when do you want to meet?"


    "Check his schedule, I''m free evenings these days."


    Fei Zuhui didn''t expect it to be this easy. Since her daughter had finally loosened up, she had to strike while the iron was hot before she changed her mind again. "How about tonight then?" Then remembering she wasn''t feeling well, "Nevermind, better give it a couple more days since you''re not feeling well right now."


    "No need, tonight is fine. Just a meal."


    Fei Zuhui looked at her suspiciously, feeling something was off about her easy agreement. "You''re not nning something bad, are you?"


    Cheng Jinughed, "What bad thing could I be plotting? Weren''t you the one who said I should meet more boys and date more."


    "It''d be great if you really thought that way. Then it''s decided, tonight it is. I''ll give him your number and he can contact you when he arrives."


    "Okay." Cheng Jin set Fei Zuhui''s mind at ease. "Mom, I promise I''ll go."


    Only then did Fei Zuhui feel reassured.


    When Cheng Jin arrived at Lan Chuan and stepped out of the elevator, she saw the conference room directly opposite full of pastries and drinks from a certain brand.


    Seeing Cheng Jin, Tang Yicheng quickly came over to exin the situation. "Boss Cheng, Chairman Shao from Qiongmei sent over desserts and coffee, as thanks for our conference team''s hard work."


    Cheng Jin nodded to indicate she understood, and told Tang Yicheng, "Reply in the group chat to thank Chairman Shao for his support of Lan Chuan''s work."


    "Got it." Tang Yicheng held out a box with both hands, "Boss Cheng, this one is for you."


    Cheng Jin didn''t even nce at the box. "I won''t be having it, you can share it among everyone."


    She was on her period and sweets helped with the pain, but she didn''t want to eat what he sent.


    Tang Yicheng was about to say something when Cheng Jin had already entered her office.


    Looking at the box in his hands, Tang Yicheng knew Shao had gone through much difficulty to send over the desserts. But judging by the current situation, Shao wanted to reconcile but Cheng didn''t give him the chance. Given Cheng''s personality of saying one thing and meaning it, once she decided something it was hard to change her mind. Shao''s road ahead didn''t seem easy.


    Cheng Jin felt a little better today. She handled some of the work that had piled up over the past two days. In the meantime, she received a WeChat friend request from the other party and confirmed the time and location for dinner tonight.


    Without even asking for the other person''s basic information, she agreed to this meeting. She didn''t know who she was trying to brush off - probably just herself, Cheng Jin thought.


    Cheng Jin left the hotel early in the afternoon and went to pick up Cheng Liqi from kindergarten first before heading to the restaurant. Ever since the paparazzi incident, she tried to pick her up herself whenever possible.


    There were many cars and people gathered at the kindergarten gate during school pickup time.


    As soon as Cheng Liqi saw her mother, she happily cried "Mommy!" while running towards her. Cheng Jin squatted down to wee her. A chubby little boy also spotted his mother and charged out like an airne, identally bumping into Cheng Jin in his haste.


    Wearing high heels, Cheng Jin was easily thrown off bnce with just a tilt. She was about to fall when someone behind her reached out to support her waist.


    Without looking back, Cheng Jin knew who it was. Some people''s breaths and scents were engraved in her bones. She relied on his arm strength to stand firm, then swiftly left his embrace.


    "Mommy, did you get hurt anywhere?" Cheng Liqi asked anxiously.


    Cheng Jin reassured her, "Mommy is fine, didn''t get hurt anywhere."


    The little boy''s mother brought him over to apologize. Cheng Jin waved her hand and said it was nothing, it wasn''t the little boy''s fault, she just lost her bnce.


    Seeing that her mother was okay, Cheng Liqi finally rxed. She held her mother''s hand with one hand and her father''s with the other. Her parents had bothe to pick her up from school today, making her very happy.


    "Mommy, Daddy was so amazing just now, he rushed out and hugged you in an instant."


    Cheng Jin stroked her little braid but said nothing, just smiling at her.


    Cheng Liqi looked towards Shao Chengze again, "Daddy, was your work not busy today, so you came to pick me up from school?"


    Shao Chengze also stroked her little braid, "Yes, Daddy wasn''t busy with work today."


    "That''s great." Cheng Liqi swung her little braid happily. "Mommy, can we go shopping at the mall today? Our school holiday ising up soon, and I want to buy presents for Shen Chuqi and Yun XiLi."


    Cheng Jin replied, "Mommy has something to doter and can''t go shopping with you today. How about next weekend?"


    "Oh...okay." Cheng Liqi sounded a little disappointed.


    Shao Chengze didn''t know if she really had something on or if that was just an excuse to avoid him.


    He suggested, "Can I take her shopping while you take care of your errand, then bring her to find you afterwards?"


    Cheng Liqi perked up again, "Can we do that, Mommy?"


    Children''s Day was in ten days after the uing school holiday, and she still hadn''t chosen a birthday present for Mommy yet. If Daddy apanied her shopping, she could pick out a birthday gift for Mommy with him today.


    Seeing the excitement on her face, Cheng Jin agreed, "Alright, Mommy will call you when I''m done."


    "Okay, Mommy. I''ll be good and stay with Daddy, I won''t run around. You take care of your errand without worrying about me."


    Cheng Jin squeezed her little hand, "Such a good girl."


    In the end, Cheng Jin didn''t say a word to Shao Chengze or even nce at him. Cheng Liqi waved goodbye to Mommy from Daddy''s arms, telling Mommy to drive slowly.


    After Mommy''s car had driven far away, Cheng Liqi hugged Daddy''s neck and asked, "Daddy, you still don''t know how to make Mommy happy?"


    "Not yet for now."


    "I see." Cheng Liqiforted Daddy, "Don''t worry Daddy, even if you can''t make Mommy happy, there will surely be other boys in this world who can make Mommy happy."


    Shao Chengze''s expression changed.


    "Just like me - when I''m unhappy, Zhou Jiaheng tries to cheer me up but I''m still not happy. But when Shen Chuqi cheers me up, I be happy right away."


    Shao Chengze''s expression changed again.


    "Daddy, isn''t this the difference between liking someone and not liking them?"


    Shao Chengze''s face no longer showed any discernible color.

 Chapter 23: 023

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    Cheng Jin had an appointment and, as usual, arrived a little early - about 10 minutes in advance. When she got there, the other party was already present, which didn''t make for a terrible first impression. She liked people who were punctual and hated when people werete.


    The other party was an ABC, from an overseas family business, now into the third generation taking over domestic business expansion. It goes without saying that Fei Zuhui had already vetted him, so his looks were certainly up to par. He was quite the gentleman, not pretentious at all, and though he had grown up abroad since childhood, he didn''t insert countless English words into his speech. His conversation starters were also rxing - chatting about food and local customs.


    Cheng Jin was upfront with him. "I have a 6 year old daughter."


    He replied, "She must be very cute."


    He should have known this in advance, so he wasn''t surprised.


    It was a pleasing response, not off-putting at all.


    He seemed great in every aspect, but even so, she just couldn''t focus. She kept spacing out.


    He noticed, but didn''t seem bothered. When she spaced out, he would quietly sip his wine and eat, and Cheng Jin felt a little apologetic. She had decided toe to this meal, so she should at least show him a modicum of respect.


    "Sorry, I''m not feeling great today." Cheng Jin smiled ruefully.


    But He Zhiqian said, "Ms. Cheng, no need to apologize. Eating is supposed to be rxing. When I''m tired, I also like zoning out."


    Cheng Jin''s thoughts stirred - his response was just right to put her at ease.


    She asked, "Why did Mr. He agree to this blind date?"


    She knew many ABCs around her who didn''t like using blind dates to meet a partner. Moreover, with He Zhiqian''s status, even if he wasn''t proactive, there should still be nock of admirers around him.


    He Zhiqian answered, "Firstly, if I didn''te, I''d probably get bombarded with overseas calls from my mother every day for the next month, pushing me to get married before 30 - that was her new year''s goal she set for herself."


    Cheng Jinughed at his frankness.


    "Secondly," He Zhiqian raised the wine ss in front of him and gently swirled it, looking at the flickering light reflecting off the ss, his thoughts seeming to drift elsewhere as well, "I don''t want to look back on my past."


    Cheng Jin was taken aback. "Hm?"


    "There are some doubts in my heart, but I don''t want to be gued by doubts, so I''m eager to take a step forward." He Zhiqian looked at Cheng Jin, his eyes seeming to peer into her soul. "I guess Ms. Cheng''s reasons are the same as mine."


    He Zhiqian prided himself on being a good judge of character. This second miss of the Cheng family seemed to be cut from the same cloth as him - proud, guarded with her emotions, so she couldn''t tolerate any deception or exploitation. Once trust was shattered, it was hard to convince herself to trust again.


    Cheng Jin''s smile faded and disappeared, until she was silent.


    The rest of their conversation was superficial. Neither delved deeper into what had just been said.


    It was Cheng Jin who ended the date early. As thedy, she paid the bill, making her intentions clear.


    He Zhiqian apologized for his directness just now. "I hope I didn''t offend Ms. Cheng." His mother was right - he had to learn to see but not say, especially in front ofdies.


    Cheng Jin shook her head. "No offense taken. Mr. He just returned to the country, so I should be the host and treat you to this weing dinner."


    He Zhiqian said with a smile that he would definitely have to return the favor next time.


    Cheng Jin replied, "Of course."


    But they both knew that unless they met again for business, there likely wouldn''t be another dinner.


    Cheng Jin didn''t feel offended at having been seen through. She just didn''t want to be used as a stepping stone for others to gauge her inner heart, just as she didn''t want to do that to others on her own search for answers.


    Cheng Jin declined He Zhiqian''s offer to have his driver drop her home. She was afraid she''d be drinking tonight and had already asked her family''s driver to wait for her.


    After parting with He Zhiqian, Cheng Jin called Cheng Liqi, but no one picked up - her watch must be out of battery. Then Cheng Jin dialed Shao Chengze''s number.


    He picked up very quickly - it was Cheng Liqi''s voice. "Mom! Are you done with your errand?"


    "Yes, are you done shopping at the mall?"


    "I finished shopping at the mall. Now daddy and I are doing something else."


    Cheng Liqi and daddy were making pottery as a birthday present for mommy, but mommy couldn''t know yet.


    "How much longer until you''re done?"


    Cheng Liqi asked daddy, "Daddy, how much longer until we finish?"


    Shao Chengze replied to Cheng Liqi and Cheng Jin, "About half an hour left."


    Cheng Jin rubbed her temples. She''d had some wine and her head felt a little dizzy now. "Then mommy will head home first. When you''re done, have daddy bring you back. Don''t be toote, you still have school tomorrow."


    "Okay, mommy." Cheng Liqi held the phone and nodded. "I''lle straight home after I finish this. Don''t miss me too much, mommy, but I''ll miss you!"


    Cheng Jin''s eyes crinkled into a smile. Her daughter''s sweet words never failed to melt away some of the troubles in her heart. After hanging up with mommy, Cheng Liqi said to daddy, "Daddy, let''s hurry and finish so we can go home and see mommy."


    Shao Chengze used his finger to wipe away a speck of y on her nose. If only he could learn even a tenth of his daughter''s sweet words, things between them wouldn''t be like this. She also wouldn''t ask him such piercing questions.


    Cheng Liqi was very excited making the pottery. As soon as she got in the car, her eyelids grew heavy and she fell asleep on the way to the Cheng residence.


    When Cheng Jin heard the doorbell, she came out to get Cheng Liqi. Shao Chengze carefully undid the seatbelt and lifted his daughter into his arms. Cheng Liqi woke up halfway and saw it was daddy holding her and mommy next to them. Still dazed, she first called "Mommy", then "Daddy", before hugging Shao Chengze''s neck and falling back asleep.


    "There are things I bought in the passenger seat, you grab those and I''ll carry her in." Without looking at the person beside him, Shao Chengze said this then carried Cheng Liqi up the stairs, a guilty conscience that only he knew.


    Cheng Jin shot his retreating back a sideways nce, then turned and opened the car door to grab the pile of stuff from the passenger seat.


    Shao Chengze stood holding Cheng Liqi at the door, waiting for Cheng Jin toe open it. As she entered the password, he automatically turned his back - the epitome of a gentleman.


    Once inside, Cheng Jin jerked her chin at the living room sofa. "You can put her down on the sofa."


    Shao Chengze replied, "Okay."


    As soon as Cheng Liqi''s back touched the sofa, her eyes opened again. She mumbled to Shao Chengze, "Daddy, are we home?"


    "Yes, we''re home. Sleep now." Shao Chengze gently patted her shoulder.


    Cheng Liqi blinked blearily at the air. Just woken up, she was still a little dazed. After a few seconds, she let out a small yawn, big eyes brimming with sleepy tears. "I haven''t brushed my teeth yet. I can''t sleep now."


    You have to brush your teeth before sleeping, or else they''ll turn ck.


    Cheng Jin gently told Cheng Liqi, "Good girl Liqi. Wake up a bit first, then mommy will take you to wash up." Then she lightly kicked Shao Chengze''s foot, signaling him to hurry up and leave. "Daddy has to go now too. Say bye to daddy, Liqi."


    Cheng Liqi sat up from the sofa and rubbed her eyes. She asked Shao Chengze, "Is daddy going back for a meeting?"


    Shao Chengze smoothed her messy hair. "No meeting."


    "Then can daddy help me wash up and tell me a story and tuck me into bed? Mommy''s tummy doesn''t feel well. She can''t get too tired and needs to rest early."


    Shao Chengze looked at Cheng Jin. "I''ll tuck her in then leave."


    After a moment of silence, Cheng Jin nodded. "Alright."


    Since he wanted to be a good dad, then so be it.


    It was Shao Chengze''s first time helping his daughter wash up. Rather than him helping her, it was more like she was teaching him - where the toothpaste and toothbrush were, which facial wash to use, the water couldn''t be too cold or hot, wipe her face gently, and not just her face, her hands and little feet needed scent too, but a different scent.


    A simple washing up left Shao Chengze drenched in sweat.


    After washing and brushing up, Cheng Liqi changed into pajamas herself and got into bed, hugging her two little bears. "Okay daddy, you can tell me a story now."


    Shao Chengze squatted by the bed and cleared his throat. This time he chose a princess story.


    Cheng Liqi stroked her bear''s arm as she watched her daddy''s mouth open and close. She thought to herself - she really hadn''t guessed wrong. Storytelling required talent. No matter how hard daddy tried to learn, like grandpa, he just couldn''t tell good stories. But daddy sang pretty well. Next time she''d just have daddy sing instead.


    Daddy told stories without much ir. To humor daddy, she had to chime in every so often, asking questions and reacting. Her earlier sleepiness hadpletely disappeared, reced by growing liveliness.


    Cheng Liqi told daddy, "Daddy, I want some water."


    "Okay, daddy will go pour some for you." Shao Chengze tucked her nket around her and got up to leave the room.


    The living room was empty. The floor-to-ceiling windows were open, the curtains fluttering in the breeze. He saw the slender silhouette sitting on the balcony.


    He walked over. Hearing movement, Cheng Jin looked back. Her gaze was somewhat unfocused.


    On the round table was a wine bottle and ss with just a sip left at the bottom. He picked up the bottle and set it aside. "You shouldn''t be drinking now."


    It took Cheng Jin some time to react to what he was saying. She said, "It''s none of your business."


    "You''re drunk. Go inside and sleep, okay?" Shao Chengze crouched down to her eye level, coaxing her like he did with Cheng Liqi. She couldn''t handle more than one or two sses of wine. She''d had too much tonight.


    Cheng Jin looked into his eyes, then suddenly softly called out his name. "Shao Chengze."


    "Yes, I''m here."


    "I''m not drunk. You''re the one who''s drunk. I''m sober."


    That night, he was drunk and she was sober. She hated her soberness and the softness of her heart at that moment. She hated even more that, when she had found countless excuses for him and was ready to forgive him, he had pped her heartlessly with those words that morning.


    "Whether your words are true or false, I will not forgive you," she murmured, looking into his eyes.


    She would not forgive him again.


    "Fine, then don''t forgive me."


    She was satisfied with his response. Her head slowly leaned against his shoulder. After a few seconds, she fell asleep due to the drunkenness.


    Shao Chengze brushed aside the hair covering her cheek. Her breath carried a faint scent of red wine, hitting his neck again and again, tugging at his nerves. Looking at the alluring red lips so close to him, Shao Chengze slowly gave in to the urge to shorten the distance between them.


    "Dad," Cheng Liqi said softly, standing barefoot not far away with her hands covering her eyes. There was an obvious gap between her middle and index fingers. "You don''t have Mom''s permission yet. You can''t kiss her."

 Chapter 24: 024

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    Cheng LiQi said, then closed up the gaps between her fingers, covering her eyes tightly.


    Shao ChengZe retreated a step awkwardly, gritting his teeth as he tried to exin the situation to his daughter, "Mom is asleep. Dad wanted to carry Mom to the bedroom."


    Cheng LiQi opened up the gaps between her fingers again. Her long eyshes fluttered as she looked at everything with her big eyes. She was considerate of her dad and didn''t poke holes in his story further. She just went along with his words, saying, "Mom''s room is next to mine. Dad, you have to carry Mom gently and not wake her up."


    "Okay, will little LiQi lead the way for Dad?"


    Shao ChengZe couldn''t make eye contact with his daughter now. This was the first time in his life that he felt so awkward.


    "Okay, Dad." Cheng LiQi turned around and walked in front, leading the way for her dad.


    Shao ChengZe supported Cheng Jin by the waist and carried her horizontally in his arms. Cheng Jin frowned and opened her blurry, drunk eyes. Seeing the person in front of her, the creases between her brows smoothed out. Her fingers lightly touched his jaw, going upwards until they reached his ears. She mumbled softly, "Shao ChengZe, why are your ears red?"


    Shao ChengZe''s shoulders stiffened. Her voice was so slurred that he couldn''t help but call out softly, "Miao Miao."


    "Mm." Cheng Jin responded indistinctly. She wriggled around in his arms to find afortable position and fell back asleep.


    She was really drunk, otherwise she would never have let him get so close to her, let alone initiate such intimate touches.


    Cheng LiQi led her dad into her mom''s room. She tiptoed and stretched out her little arms to flip open the nket. She patted the pillow, "Dad, you have to put Mom down gently and slowly."


    "Okay."


    Shao ChengZe gently and slowly ced the woman in his arms onto the bed. He took the thin quilt to cover her body, tucking in the corners neatly. Cheng Jin''s back touched the soft bed. Her arms hugged the nket as she fell into a deep sleep.


    Cheng LiQi stood at the side watching her dad''s actions. She nodded in satisfaction.


    "Okay, Dad. Let''s not disturb Mom''s sleep now." Cheng LiQi took her dad''s hand and said softly, "Let''s go out."


    Shao ChengZe bent down to carry his well-behaved little one. He turned off the lights and left the room, leaving the door ajar.


    Cheng LiQi drank a big ss of water andy back in bed. She didn''t want to listen to Dad tell stories anymore. To use her big uncle''s words, she wouldn''t make things difficult for him or herself.


    "Dad, sing me a song. Sing the nursery rhyme you sang the other day. Dad''s singing is the best."


    "Okay." Shao ChengZe patted her shoulder gently as he sang the low, melodious tune that slowly filled the room.


    Cheng LiQi felt veryfortable being patted by her dad. Listening to her dad''s singing by her ear was better than listening to it on the phone. The ovepping drowsiness made her whole body rx. Her heavy eyelids slowly drooped down.


    Suddenly, there was a loud rumble of thunder and lightning outside. The gloomy sky all day seemed to burst open as heavy rain poured down.


    Cheng LiQi was just about to fall asleep. She was startled awake by the thunder, sitting up in bed anxiously as she looked at her dad, "Dad, it''s thundering outside."


    She was most afraid of thunderstorms.


    Shao ChengZe covered her ears and held her in his arms, gently coaxing her, "Little LiQi isn''t scared. Dad is here. Dad will stay with you."


    Cheng LiQi asked Shao ChengZe, her voice aggrieved, "Dad, can you not go back home tonight? I''ll be scared."


    "Okay, Dad will stay here tonight."


    Hearing her dad''s words, Cheng LiQi slowly calmed down. She hugged her dad''s arm, "With Dad apanying me, I won''t be afraid. After I fall asleep, Dad can sleep on the sofa in the living room. The sofa is soft andfortable to sleep on." She thought of something else, "If Dad stays over, you can also take care of Mom in the morning. Mom hasn''t been feeling well these two days."


    Shao ChengZe''s eyshes were gentle, "Our little LiQi is so smart."


    Cheng LiQi smiled. Her clear eyes looked earnestly at her dad, "Dad, boys cannot secretly kiss girls."


    Shao ChengZe''s expression froze again, but he also knew he couldn''t deny it anymore. He sincerely promised his daughter, "Dad remembers."


    Teacher Cheng nodded, "Dad, do you want me to keep it a secret and not let Mom know you wanted to secretly kiss her?"


    Shao ChengZe stroked her hair, "If little LiQi is willing."


    Cheng LiQi thought about it, "I can only keep this kind of secret for Dad once. There''s a phrase ''this will not happen again''. It means that if you make a mistake, you only get one chance. I''ll forgive you this time, but you can''t do it again next time."


    Shao ChengZe felt utterly ashamed, "Thank you little LiQi for giving Dad a chance."


    "You''re wee, Dad."


    Cheng LiQi covered her mouth as she yawned drowsily. She really was tired. Today was already an hourter than her usual bedtime. Although the thunder outside was still continuing, Mom was sleeping next door and Dad was by her side, so she had nothing to fear. Before long, her breathing evened out.


    Only when his daughter was fast asleep did Shao ChengZe slowly withdraw his arm and get up. His legs were numb from squatting, so he stood in ce for a while to recover. The thunder was getting louder and louder, as if wanting to split the sky open. She didn''t like thunderstorms. He turned and went to stand by the door of the next room to check on the situation inside.


    Cheng Jin was half-asleep. There was an indescribable difort in her body. Her stomach felt unwell from drinking too much, and her lower abdomen felt uneasy because of her period. With the loud rumbling thunder, she tossed and turned in bed, flipping around like a pancake. No matter how shey, she felt ufortable.


    Shao ChengZe walked to the bedside, leaning down to ask softly by her ear, "Where does it feel ufortable?"


    Cheng Jin mumbled, "Stomach."


    Shao ChengZe''s hand covered her stomach, gently massaging it, "Does this feel a little better?"


    His hands were big. As he moved, the warmth from his palms passed through her thin pajamas. The tearing pain in her stomach alleviated significantly. Cheng Jin sank her head further into the pillow, "Press harder."


    Shao ChengZe exerted more strength with his hands, "Like this?"


    Cheng Jin let out a soft moan. This feltfortable. She was toozy to respond.


    After a while, Cheng Jin mumbled, "Thirsty."


    Shao ChengZe leaned in closer to listen, "Where else feels ufortable?"


    "Thirsty." Cheng Jin unconsciously responded ording to his words.


    "I''ll go get you water."


    Just as Shao ChengZe was about to remove his hand, Cheng Jin reached out to press his hand back down, dissatisfied, "Don''t stop."


    Shao ChengZe continued massaging her as he asked, "Do you still want to drink water?"


    "Want. Thirsty."


    Shao ChengZe smiled helplessly, "Let me go get water for you first. Very quick, won''t even take a minute. Then I''ll continue massaging, okay?"


    Cheng Jin contemted for a moment before reluctantly agreeing to his proposal, "Then be quick."


    "Okay." Shao ChengZe responded.


    Though he said it would be quick, it still didn''t end up very fast. Shao ChengZe had to find a cup and honey to mix a cup of warm honey water.


    With a cup in each hand, he supported her up, "Miao Miao, sit up to drink water."


    "You''re so slow." Cheng Jin grumbled dissatisfiedly with half-closed eyes.


    Shao ChengZe admitted his mistake, "Sorry."


    When the water was brought to her lips, Cheng Jin took a small sip first. It was slightly sweet and not bad tasting, so she slowly drank it in small mouthfuls.


    In the end, she still drank too hurriedly, causing water to flow from the corners of her mouth.


    Shao ChengZe ced the cup on the bedside table. His fingers on her cheek intercepted the trickling honey water, sliding upwards from her cheek to stop at the corners of her lips without leaving.


    Her cherry lips glistened with the honey water under the dim, warm yellowmplight, shining with a rosy luster.


    It was a bright, overt temptation, hooking people towards an abyss of no return.


    As if knowing his thoughts, her hands wound around his neck as she lightly tilted her head up, gazing at him hazily as if waiting for his kiss.


    This scene was extremely simr to a rainy night many years ago.


    The beast in his heart slowly awakened, breaking out of its shackles and cage, howling and roaring.


    However, his daughter''s words were like a tightening spell around his head, repeatedly sounding by his ear.


    In the end, Shao ChengZe turned his head away.


    Cheng Jin seemed dissatisfied. Her fingers gripped his chin to make him face her again. She kissed him in a manner that did not allow him to evade.


    Shao ChengZe hesitated for a moment, but it was just a moment. The next second, he took control, caressing, embracing, and gently nibbling those cherry red lips that had appeared countless times in his dreams.


    The dreamscape had entered reality. He couldn''t distinguish whether this was currently a dream or if the softness in his arms, the warmth on his lips, the breath in his mouth, were truly his to possess.


    The moment their tongues touched, Cheng Jin suddenly opened her eyes. The drunkenness seemed to clear from her eyes. Her fingers touched his face as she frowned. Her tongue retreated and her teeth bit down on the corner of his lips without holding back any strength. The taste of blood spread. Her lips pressed against his lips...as she fell asleep.


    The heavy rain turned to a light drizzle that continued through the night. On the clear morning after the early summer rain, there was dazzling sunlight, the fragrance of flowers, and birdsong.


    The doors of the two adjoining rooms opened simultaneously. A big and small figure stood in the doorway in identical postures.


    Cheng Jin had woken up groggy. One hand grasping the doorknob and the other rubbing her messy hair, wanting to make herself more awake.


    Cheng LiQi had just woken up and was still in a daze. One hand grasping the doorknob and the other rubbing her messy hair, unclear about where she was right now.


    Shao ChengZe walked over from the living room wearing a white shirt and apron, still holding adle in his hand.


    The mother and daughter duo were stunned seeing him. Their blurry vision gradually became clear. Both pairs of eyesnded on the obvious wound at the corner of his mouth at the same time.


    There was bewilderment in Cheng LiQi''s eyes.


    There was murderous intent in Cheng Jin''s eyes.


    Then...the memories that had died amidstst night''s thunder began attacking her muddled brain.

 Chapter 25: 025

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    Cheng Liqi rubbed her eyes and looked up, carefully examining the wound on her father''s lips. "Dad, what happened to your lips?"


    The injury looked quite severe. Dad had been getting hurt in such strange ces recently - first his nose bridge, and now his lips. Was Dad using the bitter flesh strategy again?


    "Dad identally bit himself."


    Shao Chengze stroked Cheng Liqi''s disheveled bangs away from her forehead, ncing around to meet the other person''s gaze. She immediately looked away whenever their eyes met. The corner of Shao Chengze''s mouth imperceptibly curved up - she hadn''t lost her memory and still remembered what had happenedst night.


    Another "ident" -st time it was identally bumping into something, this time it was identally biting himself. Cheng Liqi now confirmed this was another of Dad''s bitter flesh tactics. She felt the need to impart her grandfather''s wisdom to Dad - whenever Grandpa used the bitter flesh strategy, he would only injure his fingers. As soon as his fingers were hurt, Grandma would hold his fingers, blow on them, rub them, apply medicine, and stick on a bandaid. Then Grandma would forgive Grandpa, just like that. There was no need to injure his nose or lips - she was a little worried that if Dad kept using this bitter flesh strategy, who knew what he would hurt next time.


    "Mom, there was heavy rainst night and loud thunder. I was very scared, so I asked Dad to sleep with me. I told Dad that after I fell asleep, he could sleep on the sofa in the living room. The sofa is soft and just asfortable as the bed," Cheng Liqi exined to Mom why Dad was here, "Mom, was it good of me to arrange it like this?"


    "Little Liqi arranged it very well." Cheng Jinn gave her a bigpliment.


    Cheng Liqi looked at Mom and eximed, "Mom, why are your ears red?"


    That one sentence instantly made both adults'' expressions turn awkward.


    Cheng Jinn thought back tost night, leaning against him with her hand stroking his ear, asking why his ears were red.


    Shao Chengze also thought back tost night, her cool fingers rubbing and tickling his ears, hooking his soul.


    Then both of their minds simultaneously shed back to that abruptly halted kiss.


    Cheng Jinn put her arm around Cheng Liqi''s shoulder, pushing her towards the bathroom. "It must be because the weather is too hot. Let''s hurry up and wash, or you''ll bete for school and Mom will bete for work."


    As Cheng Jinn pushed her to walk, Cheng Liqi kept talking. "Mom, Dad was so awesomest night. He picked you up from the chair on the balcony so gently, like he was holding a precious treasure. Mom, did you not even feel it when Dad carried you from the balcony to the bedroom?" Cheng Liqi was speaking up for Dad, because she felt Dad was too dumb and didn''t even know how to use the bitter flesh strategy.


    Cheng Jinn replied, "Yes, Mom didn''t feel anything at all. I slept so deeplyst night that I slept until daylight without even knowing it rained."


    This kind ofme excuse that tried to deceive herself was probably only able to fool Cheng Liqi.


    Shao Chengze watched her panicked footsteps that she couldn''t conceal even as she tried her best to maintainposure. The corner of his mouth slowly curled up.


    The flustered woman who had fled into the bathroom poked half her body back out to look at him. Her gaze no longer heldst night''s soft warmth, and had reverted to the previous aloof detachment. Even her voice carried chilled airiness. "Don''t you have a morning meeting? You''ll bete if you don''t leave soon."


    He didn''t even know he had any meeting this morning. How did she know? She just wanted him to leave but didn''t dare say it outright because of Little Liqi.


    "I''ll leave after I finish cooking the soup. Little Liqi gave me orders that you''re not feeling well and I have to take care of you."


    Since she always said he was shameless and despicable, then he would shamelessly use Little Liqi''s words as an excuse. It would only make him a little more shameless and despicable in her heart, and he couldn''t get any worse than he already was. The morning was so warm and intimate, who knew when they would have such a chance again. He was reluctant to leave so soon.


    Cheng Liqi also peeked out from the bathroom, her mouth full of toothpaste foam, and spoke unclearly to show off to her mom, "Mom, it was me who said Dad had to take care of you. I''m still small and can''t take care of you when you''re sick, so I could only ask Dad to help me take care of you. When I grow up, I can take care of you myself."


    Her daughter''s mouth was Cheng Jinn''s weakness. She pinched her petite chin, "Then hurry up and brush your teeth well, eat a lot, and grow up quickly."


    Otherwise I''ll have to sell you off before you grow up.


    Cheng Liqi nodded vigorously. "Mom, I''ll eat two bowls of rice this morning, then whoosh, grow up immediately. Once I''m grown up I can take care of you."


    Because of her daughter''s thoughtful childish words, a smile crept onto the corners of Cheng Jinn''s mouth.


    Seeing her mom smile, Cheng Liqi''s eyes curved happily as she giggled too.


    The morning sunlighting in through the windowttices shone on the smiling faces of mother and daughter, intense and dazzling.


    Shao Chengze could barely restrain himself from walking over and taking the little girl into his embrace as well.


    Just then, the doorbell rang, followed by Cheng Jinchuan''s loud voice, "Little Liqi, are you still sleeping in? It''s sote already, hurry up ande see what nice things your uncle brought you!"


    Cheng Jinn''s heart jumped. She asked Shao Chengze, "Is your car parked in the yard?"


    Shao Chengze replied, "I already had the driver take it away."


    He knew his identity couldn''t see the light of day. Early this morning, he had the driver bring a change of clothes and take away the car as well.


    Cheng Jinn breathed a sigh of relief. She threw Shao''s coat, watch, and shoes into the bedroom and closet before going to open the door. "What''s with youing over so early in the morning?"


    Cheng Jinchuan tsked. What kind of sister was she, calling her big brother crazy.


    "Here, look." Cheng Jinchuan shook what was in his hand. "Little Liqi was moring a few days ago that she wanted to fly a kite, Elsa''s kite. She''ll definitely love it. Where is she? Still not awake?"


    Cheng Jinn replied, "She''s using the bathroom, she just went in and will take a while toe out."


    Cheng Jinchuan felt a little regretful. He was in a rush and had to leave immediately. Otherwise he really should at least wait for Little Liqi toe out and personally hand her the kite. When she saw this kite, she would definitely hug his neck and excitedly yell that the person she loved most in the world was Uncle.


    "I heard Mom say you had dinner with He Zhiqinst night?" As Cheng Jinchuan was about to leave, he suddenly remembered this matter.


    "Mm." Cheng Jinn didn''t want to talk much about it.


    "This He Zhiqin is decent. He''s the third son of the He family. Back then his school was next to mine. He''s quite famous in the Chinesemunity, clean and upright, not the reckless type. His family''s reputation is also clean from top to bottom, no shady business whatsoever. Their family wants to expand into the domestic market and he''s responsible for this part. He''ll certainly be staying long-term in the future. If you really got together with him, you also wouldn''t need to worry about living apart in two ces."


    If He Zhiqin wasn''t set on staying domestic, Cheng Jinchuan would not agree to his sister meeting him. Their family''s daughter definitely could not marry far away. Marrying into the groom''s family would be best.


    Cheng Jinn cut him off before he could continue. "It was just a meal. Nothing''s happened. You''re thinking too far ahead."


    Cheng Jinchuan also knew he was thinking too far. But he was anxious. Ever since Little Liqi found out her dad was Shao Chengze, he''d been anxious. He kept feeling like things would develop in unpredictable directions.


    "He Zhiqin isn''t bad. If you feel the first impression is decent, you can try gradually developing it further. If he''s no good, we still have others. I have plenty of outstanding young men around me. If you''re willing, I''ll organize a party for you in the future with lots of men for you to pick from. I refuse to believe we can''t find an absolutely perfect brother-inw."


    In short, anyone but Shao Chengze. There were no good people in the Shao family.


    Cheng Jinn red at him. Still lots of men for her to casually pick from? "Keep quiet. When you talk properly you can''t even string a few sentences together. You''re just a confirmed old bachelor but you''re rushing me?"


    Cheng Jinchuan felt like he''d been shot through the heart, blood gushing out. He stumbled out the door. Outside he was known as the "single noble diamond king number five" yet his own little sister was calling him a confirmed old bachelor.


    Cheng Liqi couldn''t hear very clearly what Uncle and Mom were talking about. She was diligently brushing her little teeth white.


    Shao Chengze stood in front of the half-closed bathroom door, his expression murky.


    After seeing Cheng Jinchuan off, Cheng Jinn called Fei Zuhui to say something suddenly came up and she had to leave early, so wouldn''t be going for the meal. She would take Cheng Liqi to eat at the hotel. She couldn''t let him swagger out of her home, in case they ran into someone at the door. That would blow up. She had to hide him in the car and take him out with her.


    Following an online recipe, Shao Chengze cooked a pot of red date and snow ear soup. It wasn''t a total sess but also not a total failure. Cheng Liqi really propped up her dad by drinking two bowls.


    Under her daughter''s watchful gaze, Cheng Jinn reluctantly drank a couple sips first. The hot sweet soup slid down her throat into her hungover stomach, unexpectedly making her feel much morefortable. Even her queasy stomach didn''t feel as bad. She leisurely finished a whole bowl, then refilled it for another.


    Shao Chengze''s eyes softened slightly.


    This was the first time Cheng Liqi was seen off to school by both her mom and dad together. At the door she lingered for a long time, first telling her dad the soup he cooked was delicious and she wanted to drink the soup Dad cooked next time too. Then she told her mom she would miss her every second.


    Her mouth was sweeter than drinking ten jars of honey. She insisted on watching her parents get in the car before following the teacher in.


    Cheng Jin stopped the car at the next intersection from the kindergarten and let the passenger get out of the car, "Jinchuan and Shao don''t go the same way, let your drivere pick you up."


    Shao Chengze turned his head to look at the driver, with his injured mouth facing her, "Could you please stop at a pharmacy door, my lips hurt badly and need some medicine."


    It''s just a small wound, how bad could it hurt.


    As if Shao Chengze knew what she was thinking, he said, "You were drunkst night so you may not remember, actually this wound on my mouth wasn''t from me biting myself, it was from you biting me. Last night when your stomach felt ufortable, you held my hand to help massage your stomach. Halfway through you said you were thirsty, so I went to get you water but you didn''t let me. You probably mistook my lips for a cup, pressing and biting me. I struggled but couldn''t resist, so I could only let you do as you wished."


    "Bullshit." Cheng Jin was embarrassed and furious, he was spouting nonsense, what did he mean let her do as she wished, "It was clearly you--" She hurriedly stopped herself halfway, he had set a trap for her.


    Shao Chengze smiled, "Remember now?"


    She pretended not to remember, and he didn''t intend to expose her, but he changed his mind now.


    "Get out," Cheng Jin''s expression was indifferent, but her ears and neck were flushed red.


    Shao Chengze unfastened his seatbelt but didn''t move, "You used my hand and mouthst night, you can''t just take advantage and leave. But I guess bridges can be demolished quickly after crossing the river."


    Cheng Jin squeezed the words through clenched teeth, "Yes, President Shao is so precious, I certainly won''t take advantage for nothing. But first, you have to let me think carefully about how to repay President Shao for this favor. I''ll give you a reply before I''m off work today, I don''t know if President Shao can wait that long?"


    Shao Chengze raised his eyebrows, surprised that she agreed so readily. He consented to this n, at least she would be thinking of him all day today.


    Just after Shao Chengze entered his office, his phone buzzed with an iing message from Tang Yicheng at Jinchuan, it was a red envelope transfer of 0.01 yuan.


    Following that was a message, "[President Shao, our President Cheng said this is the service fee paid to President Shao.]"


    While sending the message, Tang Yicheng wondered what kind of service Shao provided that was only worth 0.01 yuan, it seemed a bit too cheap.


    Shao Chengze''s face turned ck as charcoal.

 Chapter 26: 026

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    After a heavy rain, the sky was as blue as washed silk, the clouds as white as satin, even the air carried a refreshing scent that ddened one''s heart.


    Tang Yicheng felt that Boss Cheng was in not too bad a mood today. In the past few days, worries weighed heavily on his mind no matter how calm he appeared on the surface, and irritation crept up that he couldn''t suppress fully. Since following Boss Cheng, Tang rarely saw such obvious emotional fluctuations from him. Tang couldn''t help wondering if Boss Cheng''s sudden uplift in mood had anything to do with Chairman Shao''s gift that''s worth a penny.


    Cheng Jin attributed her good mood to her period being over, definitely not because thinking of Shao''s expression when receiving that red envelope inexplicably exhrated her. Even her daughter Cheng Liqi wouldn''t do something so childish, and she''s Cheng Liqi''s mother, how could she be more childish than Cheng Liqi?


    Unlike Lancheng, it was unusually quiet today in Shao''s executive office. When Kong Yichan went in this morning to report work, she came out and signaled to the group of assistants that it''s best to keep it down today, the boss wasn''t in the best mood, a mood so bad that his face looked somewhat blue. Blue wasn''t urate though, Kong was from the countryside, at her grandma''s they cooked with a big stove made byying cement bricks, after long use, the fumes made the area around the stove ashy, not quite ash-colored, not quite ck, the boss''splexion was just like the color of that stove.


    Although the office was silent, the group chat was on fire.


    Although the boss didn''t show it on the surface recently, everyone knew his mood had been quite good, saying it was just quite good was an understatement, it should be said the boss was in an excellent mood. Not to mention whatever past Senior Shao had with the second miss of the Cheng family, having a daughter like her gifted in both looks and intelligence suddenly descend from heavens, anyone would be delighted, and would probablyugh themselves awake even in dreams.


    They didn''t know if the boss hadughed himself awake from dreams, but the consistent sternness in the boss''s eyes unmistakably softened these days, a change that made them overjoyed, because when the boss was happy, their days naturally became easier. They thought this good life would continue, but unexpectedly the boss''s mood took a drastic downturn today.


    The junior assistant asked, shouldn''t it be like this? Lately things had been peaceful in thepany, those that needed to be cleared out from the Wu family were mostly gone, Senior Shao also let go of his power, the Shao''s nowpletely listened to Boss Shao, what was there for him to be upset about? How could he be in a bad mood?


    The second assistant said, could it be because of that piece ofnd in Nancheng?


    The senior assistant said, that can''t be right, the Nanchengnd was taken by the Chengs, although there was old resentment between the Shao and Cheng families, that was the previous generation''s business. Now Boss Shao obviously harbors feelings for Second Miss Cheng, and their daughter''s already grown. With Boss Shao in charge now, even if there were ten more family precepts, with Boss Shao''s decisiveness and vigor, whatever he wanted to do even the heavenly king couldn''t stop him. These two families wille together sooner orter, so what does it matter which family owns that piece ofnd now?


    Kong Yichan gently coughed, and the three assistants immediately put away their gossiping and cking thoughts, pretending to start working diligently.


    When Boss Shao walked by this morning, the three assistants also pretended to be diligently working, not daring to lift their heads to look, so they didn''t notice the conspicuous wound at the corner of Shao''s mouth, which was on the outer edge of his lips, definitely not caused by him biting himself identally. The only person who dared bite her boss, other than Second Miss Cheng from the Chengs, Kong couldn''t think of anyone else. Then thinking of the stove-coloredplexion on Boss Shao''s face, a word shed across her mind¡ªunsatisfied, this was probably the reason the boss was in a bad mood.


    The office phone rang, Kong looked at the number, straightened her back, cleared her throat, and picked up the receiver, ¡°Boss Shao.¡±


    Shao Chengze instructed, ¡°Assistant Kong, help me arrange some time with Cheng Jin.¡±


    Kong Yichan was silent for a second, thinking she misheard. She confirmed it once more, ¡°Boss Cheng from the Chengs?¡±


    ¡°Yes, just say I want to discuss that piece ofnd in Nancheng with him, it¡¯s not super urgent. You can call Cheng¡¯s side every morning before work, and once more after work every day, until we can arrange a time with him.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Boss Shao.¡± Kong thought, this would be a protracted war.


    ¡°Also, I sent you a photo of a pair of sunsses, help me check the price.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    Kong already received the photo on herputer. They were clearly women¡¯s sunsses, with brand and model number. The price could be found with one search on the official site¡ªalmost half of what she made in a month. Kong sent the price to Boss Shao.


    Boss Shao replied with two words, ¡¾Very good¡¿.


    For a moment Kong didn''t understand the meaning behind these two words, was he saying her work efficiency was very good, or the price of the sunsses was very good. She assumed he meant her work efficiency was good.


    Today Lancheng had an art exhibition, by a painter Cheng Jin was very fond of, who was also her bosom friend. She specifically cleared her afternoon to go see the exhibition. Most of the paintings were sttered ink in ck and white, pushed to such dreary extremes that it looped back to being mboyant. Cheng Jin slowly walked through the exhibition hall, finally stopping in front of a painting. This was the only oil painting done in thick, vibrant colors¡ªthe blue sea, pink glow of dusk, golden sunset, a man and woman walking on the silvery beach. She could almost smell the scent of sea breeze.


    Her phone vibrated. Cheng Jin looked at the string of numbers on the screen and was dazed for a moment. She had never saved this number in her contacts, when she blocked him on WeChat initially, she didn''t block his mobile number. She couldn''t say whatpelled her. But ever since they broke up, this number had never called again.


    Later she changed phones, changed her number, thinking it also meant changing things from the past. But she didn''t realize memories weren''t things that could be changed. After so many years, she could still recognize this number instantly. She also didn''t expect he still kept this same number.


    Cheng Jin muted her phone. His calls only came once, if not picked up, he wouldn''t call again.


    She bought some paintings, her friend came to thank her specially, pointing at the oil painting and said, ¡°That is my gift for you, the most beautiful sunset in your memories, I''ve painted it out for you.¡±


    During an afternoon tea with this painter friend before, the two sat on the cafe balcony watching the sunset. The sunset that day was gorgeous, sunset glows flooding the sky in gorgeous fiery reds. The painter marveled at the wonder of nature, while Cheng Jin stirred her coffee with a straw, half resting her cheek in hand, watching the sun gradually set, and said she''d seen more beautiful sunsets. Only after she finished did she realize what she said, immediately changing the topic. She didn''t expect her friend still captured that moment of oddness.


    Cheng Jin said, ¡°What I described is different from your painting.¡±


    Her friend added people into thendscape she only described.


    Her friend replied, ¡°A scene so romantic must have love, paintings should depict what the painter sees, hears and feels. From your expression when you talked about it then, I saw love in your eyes. My intuition is always right.¡±


    Cheng Jin denied, ¡°The word love can only be used to fool teenage girls. At our age, talking about feelings and love anymore, it''s a bitughably delusional.¡±


    Her friendughed, ¡°Why do you make it sound so gloomy and world-weary? Then tell me, what should we talk about at our age?¡±


    Cheng Jin thought for a moment, ¡°Money, careers, and daughters¡ªwhich of these isn''t more reliable than love?¡±


    Her friend also had a daughter, two years younger than Cheng Liqi.


    Her friend agreed, ¡°That''s true, but you''re missing one thing.¡±


    ¡°Missing what?¡±


    Her friend put an arm around Cheng Jin''s shoulder, leaning to her ear and said, ¡°Sex. You can do without love, but can''t do without making love. At our age, we already know how to make ourselves happier, so we should seize the day. Cheng, don''t take this the wrong way, but your days seem a little too dull. Which wealthy family''s miss your age lives like you¡ªdevoted only to work, daughter, and home everyday? You can do without love, but must have men. If one doesn''t satisfy, find another. They don''t serve much purpose, but helps sweat out a summer, warm the sheets in winter. If you find one with better skills, he can even take you to thend of peach blossoms to roam a few rounds. Life needs some enjoyment to go on, don''t you think?¡±


    Cheng Jin looked seriously at her multi-colored hair and asked, ¡°Can you give me your stylist¡¯s contact? Cheng Liqi really likes your hair, I''m thinking of also changing my hairstyle to add some interest to life.¡±


    Her friend pretended to pinch Cheng Jin''s flushed neck. Each time this topic came up, she could divert it somewhere else, yet insist talking about love was daydreaming. Clearly she was the one daydreaming, but built a wall for herself¡ªdidn''t want to climb over, and had no ns to.


    In the end, Cheng Jin didn''t take the painting home either. It was a memory she desperately tried to discard, so how could she bring a painting back as a constant reminder?


    But by the time she picked up Cheng Liqi from kindergarten and returned home, the painting had also been delivered home, with a note from her friend, ¡¾Avoidance is futile for some matters. Since you can''t let go, you might as well bravely confront it.¡¿


    Cheng Liqi circled around the painting, ¡°Wow, mom, is this painting of my little ind?¡±


    That remote ind originally belonged to Cheng Jin. After Cheng Liqi was born, she transferred it to her name. She never returned after that. In recent summers, Fei Zuhui would take Cheng Liqi there to stay for a period.


    ¡°Yes, it depicts your little ind.¡± Cheng Jin didn''t want Cheng Liqi to look too closely at this painting, carrying it towards the basement storage.


    Cheng Liqi followed excitedly behind, asking, ¡°Are the people in the painting mom and dad?¡±


    Cheng Jin answered, ¡°No,¡± afraid she wouldn''t believe it, she added, ¡°It''s your maternal grandparents when they were young.¡±


    Cheng Liqi made a long ¡°oh¡± sound. Grandpa said Grandma had short hair when she was young, but the woman in the painting clearly had long hair like mom. But she wouldn''t poke holes in mom''s story.


    Before going to bed, Cheng Jin thought of something and asked, "Mom, is Dading to watch my performance tomorrow?"


    Tomorrow was Children''s Day, and Cheng LiQi and Shen Chuqi were going to perform a four-hand piano duet on stage. Mom would be there, grandma would be there, uncle Tang Yicheng always said he wouldn''t go watch her performances but ended up showing up every time, and Shao Chengze would alsoe, but grandpa Fei Zuhui was too busy to attend, though grandma would record a video for grandpa to watchter.


    She had been so focused on trying to figure out how to trick Dad earlier that morning that she forgot to invite him.


    Cheng Jin kissed her forehead and said, "Your dad has to work tomorrow, so he probably can''t make it. But don''t worry, Mom will record a video that you can send to himter, okay?"


    Cheng LiQi nodded. "Mom, you have to film me looking very beautiful and pretty!"


    "My little LiQi is already so beautiful, there''s no need for Mom to do anything special," Cheng Jin said with a smile.


    "If Mom is beautiful, then of course I''m beautiful too!" Cheng LiQi dered.


    "Alright my little sweetheart, it''s time for bed. Sleep well tonight, and you''ll look even more beautiful tomorrow."


    "You''re right, I need to sleep well so my skin will be nice." Cheng LiQi patted her little nket. "Mom, will you sleep with me tonight?"


    "Of course, Mom loves sleeping with her little LiQi the most."


    Cheng LiQi giggled happily and snuggled into her mother''s arms. Children fall asleep quickly, and though she had been chatting animatedly just moments before, within two minutes her little chest was rising and falling as she drifted into dreand.


    Cheng Jiny in bed for a while but couldn''t fall asleep. She slowly slipped her arm out from under Cheng LiQi, got up and put on a cardigan before going out to the balcony.


    When she couldn''t sleep, she liked to sit on the balcony for a bit. The summer nights were cooler outside than in the air-conditioned room, and the roses on the balcony were in full bloom. Cheng Jin dimmed the lights on the balcony and put on some soft music, then reclinednguidly on a deck chair.


    Her phone lit up on the table and she stared at the number for a while before picking up. She didn''t say anything.


    The person on the other end of the line seemed surprised that she had answered, and was momentarily at a loss for words. Both sides were silent.


    Just as Cheng Jin was about to hang up, Shao Chengze spoke. "Still not asleep?"


    "If I was asleep could I have answered your call?" Cheng Jin retorted.


    Shao Chengze chuckled, conceding it was a silly question. "Are you able toe out for a bit? I''m at your gate."


    "If you have something to say, say it over the phone. If not, I''m hanging up." Cheng Jin had no intention of going out.


    "It''s Children''s Day tomorrow. I have some gifts for little LiQi." Shao Chengze leaned against his car, looking at the lights within thepound. "You probably don''t want me showing up at the kindergarten tomorrow, so I came to deliver them tonight."


    She did indeed not want him appearing at the kindergarten tomorrow. After a long pause, Cheng Jin got up and walked down the stairs to open the small gate in the yard.


    She took the gifts from him and turned to leave, but Shao Chengze called out to stop her.


    Cheng Jin looked back at him. He seemed to have juste from some business dinner, still in a formal suit though his tie was loosened and two shirt buttons undone. Her gaze lingered for a moment on the cut on his lip before quickly shifting away. "Anything else?"


    "I''d like to give youpensation and an apology."


    Cheng Jin looked at him suspiciously. "Apologize for what?"


    "The sunsses you lent me to cover my eyes yesterday - I was going to return them today but identally broke them. I had my secretary order a recement pair but they were limited edition and sold out. "


    "If they''re broken then they''re broken, no need to rece them." Cheng Jin sensed a trap.


    Shao Chengze smiled gently. "That won''t do. You didn''t get my mouth and hands for free, so naturally I can''t take your sunsses for free either. I have to do something for you - money is too vulgar." His voice was measured and faintly husky. "Judging by how things wentst night, it seems you were quite satisfied with my...services. I think this makes up for it fairly."


    Cheng Jin looked at him silently.


    Shao Chengze went on. "Those sunsses of yours cost tens of thousands. My services are worth a penny. So I''ll have to serve you millions of times to make up for it. Once a day, that''s thousands of years."


    "Mr. Shao is so good at math." Cheng Jin''s words held a sharp edge.


    Shao Chengze smiled amiably. "No math required here, just a calctor to figure it out. Even if I live out my full lifespan, I can''t make it to a thousand years old. So I can only devote the rest of my life to you. Any time you need, I cane over to be of service. Quite a good bargain, wouldn''t you say?"


    Cheng Jin looked at him with amusement. "I don''t know where Mr. Shao got the idea that I was satisfied with his services. There''s a saying - you get what you pay for. The penny I paid means your services are only worth that penny. With skills like yours, no amount of sessions will be of any use. I''m notcking for money - if I have needs, I''d rather spend hundreds of thousands to get quality service that''s worth more than your millions of times."


    Before Cheng Jin could finish, she was pulled swiftly into his embrace, barely avoiding crashing into his chest since she was holding the pink gift box.


    Sensing his intentions, she put a hand against his shoulder and warned harshly, "Don''t you dare, Shao Chengze."


    Shao Chengze looked into her eyes. Thest time, in the parking garage, she had asked "Do you dare, Shao Chengze?"


    Did he dare?


    Of course he dared. He always dared.


    That day in the parking garage, he thought she was married so as long as she dared, there was nothing he wouldn''t dare either.


    Let alone now.


    She knew what family he was from yet still let him get close. What did that imply? Shao Chengze had an inkling, though he intended to discover it slowly. She shouldn''t provoke him like this.


    The mouth may lie but other parts are surely soft - her teeth, for example.


    Shao Chengze gripped her chin tilting upwards and leaned down, giving her no chance to retreat.


    Cheng Jin began to lift her knee but he trapped her legs with his. Not only was there a disparity in strength between men and women, he knew her sensitive spots all too well. His hands remained proper, just holding her waist tightly, but his lips and tongue roamed freely. For some reason, though her teeth should have been clenched shut, her jaw rxed.


    Unlikest night when he was in a daze and she drunk, they were both clear-headed now, yet equally losing themselves.


    The gift box in her hands dropped to the ground with a soft thud, jolting the entranced people back to awareness. Cheng Jin opened her eyes and bit down again on the cut she had madest night until fresh blood came out.


    "Let me go." She was angry and ashamed at her brief loss of control. Her hands had even gripped his neck instead of pping him like they should have.


    But Shao Chengze did not release her, his lips still pressed to hers as he asked softly, "How much do you think this session of my services is worth? On par with those hundreds of thousands ones?"


    Voices could be heard faintly in the distance - it seemed to be her parents, Fei Zuhui and Cheng Shanhe, who liked taking an evening stroll after dinner, though they usually returned by 9pm. She didn''t know why they were out sote today.


    Cheng Jin was about to speak but Shao Chengze''s warm breath lingered teasingly at the corners of her mouth. "Think carefully before you answer."


    If she couldn''t think clearly, he didn''t mind just kissing her until she did. The night was long after all.


    "A million, a million! Are you satisfied?" Cheng Jin was exasperated, afraid he might kiss her again. Being caught kissing a man by her parents at their front door was a scene she dreaded imagining. She felt like she was seventeen or eighteen again.


    Shao Chengze was not entirely satisfied with this answer.


    He wanted her to explicitly admit he was expensive.


    Yet she had acknowledged it.


    On second thought, he felt it was better to be cheap.


    A million was too much. Exactly one dor would be perfect - more than a penny, yet still able to tie him to her for the rest of his life.

 Chapter 27: 027

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    The force around her waist¡ªloosened, and Cheng Jin retreated back into the yard, then reached out to grab his cor and pulled him into the yard as well, leaving only the pink gift box at the empty doorway. Cheng Jin wanted to go pick it up but it was toote, she could only resign herself to fate and hope that her mother wouldn''t see it.


    Of course it was impossible that she wouldn''t see it. The pink of the box was especially eye-catching in the night, and Fei Zuhui''s eyes were looking towards her daughter''s home as she talked about Cheng Liqi''s amusing stories.


    "Oh, why is there a box at the old Cheng''s doorway?"


    Fei Zuhui''s voice rang out just one wall away, and Cheng Jin''s breath had just been stolen away moments before, she hadn''t recovered yet. Now hearing her mother discover the box, her already unsteady breathing became even more urgent. The lights on the balcony and doorway were still on, meaning she hadn''t gone to sleep yet. Her mother would probably take the box, enter the passcode ande in to ask about it.


    Cheng Jin first used her eyes to warn Shao Chengze not to make any noise, then pulled his wrist, thinking about where in the yard would be best to hide him.


    She pulled, but he didn''t move.


    She pulled again, but he still didn''t move.


    Cheng Jin turned her head to look at him. "Let''s go," she whispered through gritted teeth. What was he staying put for? To confront her parents face to face at the doorway?


    But Shao Chengze still stood in ce, his gaze deep and obscure.


    She had rarely lowered her defenses, revealing such a flustered girlish side.


    Probably because her mind was tense, her hand gripped his wrist tightly, not rejecting such natural intimacy with him.


    She should have already showered, her hair clipped up in a shark fin style was a bit messy from their earlier tussle, and a few loose strands hungzily at her neckside, her porcin white face was like jade, her brows and eyes a dark ck, a hint of passion at the corners of her eyes, her delicate red lips were dotted with smudges of crimson, that was his blood, under the clear moonlight, it aroused a person''s very soul.


    Shao Chengze''s fingertip rubbed at her lip beads, the light in his eyes growing deeper bit by bit as his fingertip moved.


    He was...kissing her with his eyes.


    Cheng Jin was furious, and bit down hard on his fingers, as hard as she could, wishing she could bite his fingers right off.


    The warmth and wetness enveloping his finger, Shao Chengze felt a fire ignite through his body in that moment, burning away thest shreds of reason left in his eyes. His blood rushed swiftly to one ce, if it were possible, he really wanted to use the door in front of them as a bed, and pin her against it.


    He reached out to circle her waist, with the force he used to grab someone, Cheng Jin should have mmed right into his body, but at thest moment, he controlled her shoulder with his other hand, leaving a barely discernible gap between their bodies.


    He wanted to be a gentleman, but couldn''t be a gentleman, so he could only pretend to be one. No wonder she called him despicable and shameless.


    His hand was in her mouth, his lips buried in her neck.


    Her long, fair neck under his hot lips couldn''t help but arch high, facilitating his actions even more. Cheng Jin was wearing soft slippers, even stomping down hard on his leather shoes wouldn''t produce much force. The two of them silently pulled back and forth.


    Sometimes, silent entanglement was more intoxicating than loud intimacy.


    Outside the door, Fei Zuhui was just about to enter the passcode, but Cheng Shanhe stopped his wife.


    Fei Zuhui looked back at him. "What''s wrong?"


    Cheng Shanhe pointed at the car parked not far away in the darkness. "Don''t go in, looks like someone''s here."


    Only then did Fei Zuhui notice the car concealed by the night. She peered at the license te number, very unique digits, somewhat familiar, but she couldn''t recall where she had seen it before.


    She was happy inside, and unconsciously lowered her voice. "Could she be dating a friend? Don''t tell me it''s that He family boy I saw yesterday? I thought at first nce of his photo that he would be the type my daughter likes, didn''t expect them to progress so quickly."


    No matter how low Fei Zuhui kept her voice, the two people inside the door could hear very clearly.


    Because of the phrase "the type she likes", Shao Chengze''s biting grew heavier.


    Cheng Jin was tormented by the feeling that was neither ticklish nor painful, letting out indistinct noises from her throat, like a cat hiding by the wallte at night. She hurriedly tried to stop it, venting all her irritation onto her teeth, biting Shao Chengze until he also let out a muffled grunt, which was then quickly muffled by a pair of white hands.


    "You don''t understand your own daughter. Since when has she been the type to bring a man home after one meal together?" Cheng Shanhe poured cold water on his wife''s ideas.


    Fei Zuhui was curious. "Then who could it be?"


    Cheng Shanhe looked at the car, lost in thought, but he didn''t voice his suspicions aloud. "No need to worry so much about it, let''s go home. Don''t end up with wrinklester and me it on me."


    Fei Zuhui scolded him. "How can you say that, do I have wrinkles on my face?"


    Cheng Shanhe immediately apologized to his wife. "Madam doesn''t have any wrinkles, wrinkles have to detour when they see you."


    Fei Zuhui punched him hard. "What should we do about this box then?"


    "Leave it at the doorway, it''s not like it''ll get lost. Whoever it belongs to will naturallye to collect it."


    The two voices gradually faded away until they could no longer be heard.


    Cheng Jin gathered her strength in her knees and thrust upwards at the spot between his legs.


    Shao Chengze''s eyes flickered slightly, his legs started to shift back but ultimately didn''t move, only turning slightly to the side. The expected pain came, he bent over and leaned into her shoulder, the veins on his forehead bulging as his face turned purple.


    "Serves you right," Cheng Jin panted heavily, vigorously wiping her lips with her hand. If not for seeing beads of sweat appear on his face, she would have kicked him again, best if it hurt him to death.


    Their heavy and gentle breaths intermingled, quickening and slowing in the quiet night, sounding especially ambiguous.


    Cheng Jin pushed the person leaning on her shoulder. "Don''t pretend to be dead."


    The person leaning against her shoulder didn''t move or respond. Cheng Jin lowered her head to look at him. His skin was on the pale side. Under the light from the doorway, theyers of sweat beaded on his temple were especially obvious. She knew best how much force she had used, enough to make him lose the ability to continue his family line.


    "Do you need me to call a doctor?" Her fierce voice carried a few unnatural notes.


    Shao Chengze hugged her waist, his breath weak. If one didn''t know better, they''d think he was on the verge of death.


    "No need, let me rest against you for a while and I''ll be fine."


    Cheng Jin wanted to say, go ahead and lean, but get your hands off me. But when the words reached her throat, she swallowed them back down again, turning her head the other way to stare nkly at the pattern on the big door, pretending to be an unfeeling wooden post.


    A dog was barking in the distance at someone''s home, the moon hid behind the clouds and the night sky darkened. The light cast the shadow of their embracing figures flickering unsteadily on the big door, giving off a somewhat lingering feeling.


    Cheng Jin''s eyshes quivered, she closed her eyes, then quickly opened them again. The unnameable emotions in her eyes dispersed, reced by impatience. "Still not feeling better? How much could it have hurt?"


    Shao Chengze didn''t want to tell her just how much that kind of pain hurt. He lifted his pale lips to look at her.


    The pitiful look in his eyes was exactly the same as Cheng Liqi''s expression when she got hurt by ident and soughtfort.


    Cheng Jin slept very uneasily that night, dreaming of someone she shouldn''t have dreamt about. Her body was covered in ayer of sticky sweat, making her very ufortable. She flipped off her nkets and stared nkly up at the ceiling for a while, feeling that this dream was entirely due to being influenced by her best friend''s words, and had nothing to do with anyone or anything else.


    She got up and went to the bathroom to rinse off with cold water, washing away the sweat on her body, but unable to rinse away the restlessness in her heart. This restlessness grew stronger upon seeing her damp neck reflected in the mirror.


    Cheng Liqi climbed groggily out of bed and saw her mothere in. She stretched out both arms for her mother to carry her.


    Cheng Jin sat at the head of the bed and ced her on herp, pinching her chubby little cheeks. "Little one, happy holiday!"


    Cheng Liqi circled her arms around her mother''s neck, smiling until her eyes were little crescents. "Mama best friend, even happier holiday!"


    Cheng Jin patted her little bottom. "Time to get up, the living room is full of presents for you, waiting for you to unwrap them."


    When Cheng Liqi first woke up, she loved nestling against her mother to act coquettish, rubbing her face here and there against her mother''s neck, like azy little piglet. Even presents couldn''t make her leave her mother''s embrace.


    As Cheng Liqi nuzzled, she suddenly realized something was off. "Mama, your neck has so many red spots."


    Cheng Jin brushed the stray hairs from her forehead and carried her outside. "It''s summer, the mosquitoes are out. Mama got bitten by mosquitoes."


    Cheng Liqi was afraid her mother was in pain, and blew on the red marks to soothe them. "Mama, I don''t like mosquitoes."


    Cheng Jin replied, "Mama doesn''t like mosquitoes either."


    "Next time mosquitoese, I''ll help Mama get rid of them and not let them bite you."


    Cheng Jinughed. "Our little Liqi has really grown up, already able to protect Mama."


    Cheng Liqi nodded. "Of course! Mama protects me, so I have to protect Mama too." As soon as she finished talking, she saw the pile of presents in the living room. Her eyes lit up. "Wow Mama, are all these gifts for me?"


    "That''s right, they''re all for you." Cheng Jin told her one by one who had given each gift, finally pointing at the pink box and saying, "That one is from your dad."


    Cheng Liqi was thrilled. She had her mother put her down so she could sit amidst the present fortress. Her mother unwrapped one for her, she would exim "Wow!", unwrapping another she would exim "Wow!" again. Upon reaching her father''s gift, her volume shot up a notch higher.


    "Mama look quick, it''s a princess crown, exactly the same as the one I saw in the fairytale book! The diamonds on it are pink and so shiny, so beautiful! Mama help me put it on."


    Cheng Jin put it on her head for her and held up a mirror for her to see.


    The more Cheng Liqi looked at herself in the mirror, the prettier she felt. "Mama, can I wear it on stage today to perform?"


    "You can. Mama will style your hair like a princesster, then you can wear this. It will definitely be even more beautiful."


    Cheng LiQi stood up straight and kissed her mother''s chin vigorously twice, "I love you mom the most."


    In addition to this princess crown, there was also a small box in the pink box. When Cheng LiQi saw that little box, her eyes shone even brighter, "Mom, this is a gift from dad for you."


    Because she saw it said "For Mom" on the box, and mom was her best friend, of course she should have a gift too.


    Cheng LiQi wanted to open the box, but Cheng Jin stopped her, "That''s enough, we''ll take a look at this giftter. You should go wash up now, otherwise there won''t be enough time to do your princess hair."


    Ah~ Cheng LiQi got up swiftly and ran to the bathroom. She wanted to have her princess hair done.


    Cheng Jin cleaned up the torn gift boxes and threw them all in the trash can. Then she sorted all the gifts and put them in Cheng LiQi''s room separately. She threw that small box in her bag to return it to him next time they met. She couldn''t ept gifts from him, in case he tried to take advantage of her again.


    Shen XiWen called Shao ChengZe first thing in the morning, but no one picked up. So she dialed another number, and this time it was answered right away.


    "Hey, are you going to the kindergarten today? XiaochuQi and little LiQi are having a piano duet performance."


    "Didn''t I tell you not to call me on this number unless it''s important?" Shao ChengZe''s voice sounded a little hoarse, as if he had just woken up.


    Shen XiWen was surprised. "It''s June 1st today. The sun must be rising from the west. Our ever so busy Boss Shao actually has time to sleep in. Are you sick or what?"


    "I just got upte, that''s all."


    "Alright, the perks of being the boss means you get to sleep in whenever you want. Are you going to the kindergarten? If you do, would you please help me record a video of my son''s entire performance?" Shen XiWen was on a film set and couldn''t make it back.


    "I have meetings, I can''t go."


    Shen XiWen clicked her tongue. "Meetings are less important than watching your daughter''s performance." She was about to say more when she suddenly realized - the meetings were a lie. "It''s Miss Cheng who doesn''t want you to show your face, right?"


    The only response was the heartless sound of her phone hanging up. And the more heartless it was, the more she knew she was right.


    Shao ChengZe had his arm over his eyes. Realizing the dream he was just having wouldn''t continue, he got up and went to take a cold shower.


    When he came out of the bathroom, his phone on the nightstand was ringing. It was a video call. Shao ChengZe tossed aside the towel and answered.


    A little figure appeared on the screen. "Daddy, look at my princess crown, isn''t it gorgeous?"


    Shao ChengZe''s eyes softened. "It''s very gorgeous. It''s because our little LiQi is so pretty that she makes the princess crown even more beautiful."


    Cheng LiQi giggled happily. "Daddy, you can''te to kindergarten to watch me perform today, right? Mommy said you''re busy with work."


    "That''s right, daddy owes you an apology. I can''t go watch your performance because of work."


    "It''s okay daddy, work is important too. I''ll have mommy record a video and send it to you, so daddy can still watch it."


    Shao ChengZe''s voice turned gentle as water. "Thank you for being so understanding, little LiQi."


    "I called daddy because I wanted to say thank you for the gift. I love it so much!"


    "Little LiQi can tell daddy anything she wants or likes in the future. Daddy will get it for you."


    "Ah~" Cheng LiQi happened to have something she wanted. "Then daddy, can you get that for me?"


    "Get what?"


    Cheng LiQi propped her chin and thought hard. What was that thing called again? Oh right, she pped her hands when she remembered. "An electric mosquito swatter. Mosquitoes bit mommy''s neck and left lots of red spots. Grandma Qu said electric mosquito swatters can eliminate mosquitoes. Daddy, please get me an electric swatter. Next time mosquitoese, I want to protect mommy and help mommy get rid of them without leaving a single one behind."


    Shao ChengZe: ......!

 Chapter 28: 028

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    Cheng LiQi and Shen ChuQi''s four-hand piano duet, as thest climax program, won thunderous apuse. After Cheng LiQi thanked the audience, she held Shen ChuQi''s hand and walked off the stage like a proud little princess. As soon as she got backstage, the proud little princess turned into a lively girl next door. She lifted her skirt and ran to her mother, hugging her mother''s neck and asking for praise, "Mom, did we y well?"


    Cheng Jin never stinted on praising her daughter. "Not just well, exceptionally well. You cooperated so seamlessly. Our little LiQi and little ChuQi are getting better and better."


    Shen ChuQi was praised by Cheng''s mother and felt a little embarrassed. He scratched his head and said, "I still need to keep practicing hard. I have to y as well as Uncle Shao before I''m satisfied."


    Cheng LiQi loved listening to Uncle Shao y the piano, so he had to practice hard and y as beautifully as Uncle Shao, or even better.


    Cheng LiQi said to Shen ChuQi, "Little ChuQi, let''s work hard together. Dad said that persistently practicing every day, we could be as good as him very quickly."


    Wearing a little tuxedo and a small ck bow tie with a standard three-seven hairstyle, Shen ChuQi looked like a little prince gentleman. He looked up at Cheng LiQi with his clear ck and white eyes full ofughter and said, "Okay, let''s work hard together."


    He had originally felt practicing the piano every day was very tiring, but with Cheng LiQi working hard together with him, it didn''t seem so tiring anymore.


    Seeing the interaction between the two children, Cheng Jinughed to herself.


    Cheng LiQi suddenly thought of something. "Mom, Dad said he can y the piano really well too. I''ve never heard Dad y the piano before. Have you heard Dad y, Mom?"


    Cheng Jin''s gaze darkened. She inexplicably felt that the red on her neck that she had barely managed to cover up with twoyers of concealer was itching again.


    Cheng LiQi craned her neck and peered closely at her mother''s ear. "Mom, your ear suddenly turned red. It was snow white just now, and in an instant it turned red, like magic. How amazing."


    Now not only were Cheng Jin''s ears red, a blush was spreading down her neck.


    She hastily came up with an excuse, "It''s too hot in here. Let''s hurry and go find Grandma. Your Grandpa came too."


    "Grandpa finished work?!" Cheng LiQi was delighted. She thought Grandpa hadn''te.


    Cheng Shanhe hadn''t finished work at all. As chairman, he simply kicked things down to his son Cheng JinChuan and told him to get busy so he coulde see his granddaughter''s performance.


    Cheng Jin replied, "Your uncle took care of your grandpa''s business matters, so your big uncle didn''te, but grandpa did."


    "Wow, let''s go quickly and find Grandpa and Grandma!" Cheng LiQi''s attention was quickly diverted. She didn''t need her mom to carry her anymore and slid down from her mom''s arms, grabbed Shen ChuQi''s hand, and ran off, forgetting that her mom still hadn''t answered whether she had heard Dad y the piano before.


    Cheng Jin had heard it before, once.


    It was the first birthday after they had gotten together.


    She hadn''t thought much of birthdays originally. She had one every year, nothing novel anymore. But that time, she had a bit more anticipation because he said he woulde over. With them living far apart in the north and south, they didn''t see each other often. It had been almost a month since theyst met, and as her birthday approached, she was practically counting down the days.


    She didn''t notice it at first until Jiang Meng saw the marks she made on the calendar and asked if she had any special ns this year for her birthday, since she had never seen her mark off each day leading up to an important day like this before.


    Only then did she realize it wasn''t that she was looking forward to her birthday, but rather, that he would be there to celebrate her birthday with her.


    The night before her birthday, he called and said something hade up at thest minute, so he could only send a gift and couldn''t make it himself. She said aloud that it was fine, but she did feel a bit stifled inside. It wasn''t like shecked people who would give her gifts.


    On her actual birthday morning, she didn''t pick up his call, only replying with a message that she was in ss. But her irritation didn''tst too long. Shi Ran, Li PeiFeng, Jiang Jiang and other good friends came noisily to her school, saying they wanted to tour the sights of Jiangnan and incidentally celebrate her birthday while they were at it.


    With friendsing over, who still remembered that man?


    That day her birthday was celebrated very boisterously. Li PeiFeng had booked an entire bar. Childhood friends, college ssmates, everyone gathered together. After Li PeiFeng livened up the scene, Cheng Jin as the birthday star was coaxed on stage. Her Cantonese wasn''t great, but she loved Cantonese songs, and was really into Eason Chan''s "No Conditions" at that time, especially the version with just piano apaniment. There happened to be a piano on stage, so Shi Ran went up to apany her on piano.


    The song was sung slowly to the veryst line, and then her phone vibrated with an iing call. Cheng Jin didn''t want to answer it initially, but picked up right before thest ring. She took the phone and stepped off stage.


    Li PeiFeng called out, "Hey, Cheng two, where are you going? With your voice plus Shi Ran''s piano, it''s practically the skill level of artistic masters. One song isn''t enough, give us another!"


    Without turning back, Cheng Jin said, "The master is taking a call. You guys sing first."


    "Outside?" the person on the phone asked. Cheng Jin pushed open the door and went out to the street. The night air was great, devoid of the day''s stuffiness, and the wind brought a touch of coolness. She smoothed down her wind-tousled hair. Her voice was full of delight, "Yeah, Jiang Jiang and the others came over to hang out together outside."


    If you won''te for my birthday, there will always be people who will celebrate with me. I''m still having lots of fun.


    "Shi Ran is there too?"


    "Mm, he''s here. I''ve always spent my birthday with them before."


    The phone went silent.


    Seeing he wasn''t speaking, Cheng Jin didn''t feel like talking either. What was the point of calling her if he had nothing to say? "If there''s nothing, I''m going to hang up. They''re still waiting for me."


    Shao ChengZe said, "I''m downstairs at your ce."


    "Huh?"


    "I came over."


    "Oh," Cheng Jin idly scuffed the stone patterns on the ground with her shoes. "Didn''t you say you couldn''t make it?"


    "I finished up my matters and rushed over immediately."


    "Oh." So he had rushed over.


    "How much longer will you be out?"


    "A while more."


    Shao ChengZe asked, "Where are you? I cane over."


    "Don''t bother." Cheng Jin rejected very swiftly.


    Her college ssmates were fine, Shi Ran and Jiang Jiang were also okay, but with Li PeiFeng there, with his big mouth, the moment he saw Shao ChengZe, Cheng JinChuan and her parents would know within a second that she was dating. Dating itself wasn''t an issue, the problem was who she was dating. His identity wouldn''t hold up to Cheng JinChuan''s probing questions.


    "You rushed over, you must be tired. Don''t bother anymore. Go upstairs first. I''ll be back soon too."


    She didn''t go back that soon either. All her friends were still there, why should she change her ns just because he came or didn''te?


    She knew she was being petnt, and petntly gambling at that, also gambling distractedly, sneaking nces at her phone from time to time, wondering if she should ask if he had eaten, then thinking he was a grown man, if hungry he could find food himself.


    At eleven, a message came in. ¡¾Come back, at least let me celebrate your birthday properly with you.¡¿


    Because of his words, Cheng Jin stopped Li PeiFeng''s intention to stay out all night. She first sent them to the hotel she had booked, then sent Jiang Meng and the others back to school. At 11:55, she walked in her own door.


    When Cheng Jin started university, afraid she wouldn''t adapt to dormitory life, Fei Zuhui had bought an apartment near campus, furnished identical to her room at home. Fei Zuhui knew she was sentimental about familiarity and didn''t like change. This ce was like her home transferred over. The only light on was a wallmp, casting dim lighting. A small cake sat on the coffee table. He was dozing off leaning against the sofa.


    Cheng Jin crouched down looking at him. They hadn''t seen each other for a month, he had lost some weight and looked worn out, brow furrowed even in sleep.


    He wasn''t sleeping heavily and woke up when he heard movement. Seeing her, before he was fully awake, his eyes already smiled. He reached to pull her into his arms.


    In that moment, all of Cheng Jin''s irritation dissipated. What was there to be angry about? He still came in the end.


    In thest minute of that day, he apanied her in blowing out the candles.


    Sitting together on the sofa, he idly stroked her hair and casually asked, "What all did you do? On the phone it sounded really lively."


    "What else could we do? Li PeiFeng booked a whole bar. We ate cake, yed games, sang songs."


    "I''ve never heard you sing before."


    Cheng Jin looked back at him. "It''s my birthday! If anyone should sing, it''s you who should sing for me." She had never heard him sing either.


    Shao ChengZe''s eyes fell on the piano sitting in the corner. "What song do you like? I can y piano for you."


    Cheng Jin was a bit skeptical. "You can y piano too?"


    The piano was just decor here. Her family''s rooms had a piano, so her mother had put one here too. She would asionally y a little when struck by a whim, but more than ying herself, she preferred listening to others y.


    She didn''t know why, but she felt he didn''t seem the type to y piano. Maybe because he was always stone-faced, she couldn''t imagine what he would look like ying piano. Though he did have hands suited for ying piano, slender fingers and prominent knuckles.


    Shao ChengZe directly picked her up and carried her over to the piano. He sat down and had her sit on hisp, effortlessly ying a segment of Autumn Whispers.


    Cheng Jin looked at him, eyes shining. "Really good."


    Shao ChengZe kissed the corner of her upturned lips. "What do you want to hear?"


    She wanted to hear a lot. He yed song after song until the mood changed, and besides the piano, other sounds emerged. Sitting across from each other, in the rocking up and down, her mind slowly dissolved into mist.


    Shao ChengZe nibbled her ear and asked, "Do I y better, or does Shi Ran y better?"


    Cheng Jin basically couldn''t make out what he was asking. She clung tightly to his neck, only able to let out hurried pants and soft whimpers.


    For a long time after that day, Cheng Jin spent all her time in the school dormitory. She couldn''t go home. As soon as she got home, she would see the piano, and the scene from that night would rey over and over in her mind as soon as she saw the piano.


    It wasn''t until Cheng LiQi left kindergarten that the heat in Cheng Jin''s ears finally dissipated. Cheng LiQi''s question, along withst night''s dream, made her think about too many things she shouldn''t have thought about.


    Shi Ran called her twice without getting a response before lightly patting her on the shoulder. Only then did Cheng Jine back to her senses.


    "What are you thinking about? You seem so spaced out?"


    Cheng Jin forced a smile. "Nothing much. I probably didn''t sleep wellst night. What''s up?"


    Shi Ran replied, "Something came up at school this afternoon, so I can''t go to the amusement park with you guys."


    Cheng Jin and Fei Zuhui were going to take Cheng LiQi to the amusement park after kindergarten let out that afternoon.


    "No problem. Go take care of your things. She was already very happy that you came to see her performance."


    Cheng LiQi was carried over by her grandfather. "Shi Dad, are you leaving?"


    "Yes, I''m sorry, little LiQi. Shi Dad has to work suddenly and can''t go to the amusement park with you."


    Cheng LiQi waved her hand. "It''s okay, Shi Dad. The amusement park isn''t going anywhere. Next time when you have time, we can go together again."


    Everyone burst outughing at her serious tone.


    Shi Ranughed and said, "Okay, the amusement park isn''t going anywhere, and my promise to go with little LiQi again isn''t going anywhere either. I will definitely go with little LiQi again."


    "Mm hmm, it''s a promise." Cheng LiQi hooked pinkies with Shi Dad to make the promise.


    Cheng Jin pinched her little cheek. She didn''t know where this little adult learned to talk like that, so well-spoken and mature.


    Cheng Shanhe alsoughed, but his gaze turned to a car parked in the shade of a nearby tree. He looked at the license te - it was the same car that had been parked outside Second Uncle''s housest night.


    Watching the happy family scene, Shao ChengZe gripped the door handle.


    He opened the door but didn''t get out.


    He couldn''t go out.


    His current identity was "underground dad." This identity might continue for quite a long time.


    Because he hadn''t even made it to "underground lover" yet.


    At least before he had been an "underground lover."


    The more he tried to advance, the more he regressed. That described him exactly.

 Chapter 29: 029

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    Shao ChengZe returned Shao''s firm in the afternoon.


    When Kong Yichan saw hime, she picked up a stack of files piled on the table, got up and called Mr. Shao. The boss didn''te for a long time. Things that needed to be dealt with had already piled up like a mountain.


    Shao ChengZe nced at her and asked, "Why didn''t you take time off?"


    A week before Children''s Day on June 1, Shao''s firm had sent a notice to all employees that those with children in sixth grade or below, including sixth grade, could take paid time off that day, and that one day off would not count towards annual leave or make-up days. Taking time off on Children''s Day would be apany convention and be included in thepany charter.


    When the notice was issued, it caused quite a stir in thepany. Those with young children all wanted to spend Children''s Day with their kids that day. If it wasn''t a Saturday or Sunday, they could only ask for leave, which meant less pay on one hand, and most importantly, they had to look at the leader''s face. What was supposed to be a happy day spent with the children became disheartening if they met an unamodating leader. Even if they got the day off, it left them feeling unhappy.


    This move won Shao ChengZe arge portion of the frontline employees'' hearts. Although Mr. Shao looked cold and stern on the outside, strict and ruthless, the things he did still had a human touch.


    Some said this must have to do with Mr. Shao''s newborn daughter, otherwise how could the high and mighty boss suddenly be down to earth and consider things on behalf of the employees. Others said, never mind what it''s rted to, we''re the ones who benefit from it in the end. What''s wrong with being able to apany your child for a day effortlessly? Why overthink it?


    Kong Yichan also felt it was good. She had nned for the day to be perfect, but she had an argument with her husbandst night. In a huff, she came to work to let him take time off without pay to apany their kid. She wanted toe to thepany, enjoy the air conditioning, eat in thepany canteen, and listen to gossip about the boss.


    The boss''s mouth injury hadn''t healed yet, and his fingers had new teeth marks. The three young assistants whispered among themselves, wondering if the boss was haggard these days because he over-indulged himself and was weakened.


    Kong Yichan didn''t think the boss''s poorplexion was due to over-indulgence. He was probably still quite far from that point. Miss Cheng probably only acknowledged him as her child''s father and refused to discuss anything else. Otherwise, he wouldn''t havee to thepany this afternoon and would have been happily spending the holiday with his daughter in his arms and her mother by his side instead.


    Kong Yichan followed the boss into the office and answered his question, "Her dad is with her. I happened to have some work to deal with, so I came to thepany."


    Shao ChengZe nodded slightly to indicate he understood, took off his suit jacket and casually draped it over the chair back, rolled up his sleeves halfway and asked, "What did you need me for?"


    "These are documents that need your approval."


    "Okay, leave them there."


    "Mr. Shao, Chairman Fang from Ling Cheng wants to move tomorrow night''s dinner to tonight because he has to go abroad temporarily. But tonight you have a family dinner with Old Mr. Shao, so I wanted to check with you?"


    "That works out just right. I''ll tell the old master that I''m having dinner with Chairman Fang so I can''t make it to his family dinner. That way you don''t have toe up with another excuse."


    Old Mr. Shao demanded that Mr. Shao have dinner at home every Friday. But if Mr. Shao could make it home once a month, that was considered good already. Whenever he didn''t go back, Old Mr. Shao would call her and Kong Yichan couldn''t ry Mr. Shao''s real reason of "toozy to go" to Old Mr. Shao. She had to painstakinglye up with an excuse each time to save Old Mr. Shao''s face.


    Kong Yichan replied, "Okay, Mr. Shao."


    She was about to take her leave when the boss called her back. "Oh right, Kong, please help me buy an electric mosquito swatter."


    Kong Yichan raised her brows slightly. Mr. Shao needed an electric mosquito swatter? Given his current icy expression, mosquitoes should give him a wide berth when they see him.


    "When do you need it by?"


    "Before I get off work today," Shao ChengZe flicked his lighter. "Get two."


    "Alright, Mr. Shao."


    Kong Yichan had always been very efficient. In less than an hour, she delivered two electric mosquito swatters to Mr. Shao''s office. Kong Yichan thought Mr. Shao bought two, one for the office and one for home. But in the end, Mr. Shao took both with him when he left the office.


    This was Kong Yichan''s first time seeing a boss carrying electric mosquito swatters. She felt that if the manufacturer saw this, they should pay a sky-high price to get him to endorse their product.


    When Mr. Shao came out, the assistants immediately packed up and followed behind the boss. Mr. Shao always took these two male assistants to various dinners and business asions. Kong Yichan''s ssmates envied her for getting such a good boss who didn''t drag her to all kinds of unsavory dinner parties. She also felt she had a decent boss. While the boss had high demands for work, and certainly wasn''t known for being sweet-talking, his integrity was undisputed.


    After the boss left, Kong Yichan also packed up and got off work. She was still mad at her husband, but she would go home early today and make a big dinner for their "little cutie" - that was the best holiday gift for her daughter.


    When she went downstairs, she saw her husband hugging their daughter waiting downstairs. Her daughter was also holding a big bunch of roses. When she saw Kong Yichane out, the little girl held out the roses to her mom. She said it was a Children''s Day gift from Dad to Mom.


    Kong Yichan''s remaining anger vanished when she saw her daughter and the flowers. She red at her husband, but her eyes were smiling.


    Sitting in the car, Shao ChengZe saw the bunch of roses in Kong Yichan''s arms. He tapped his knee pensively.


    Cheng LiQi had spent the afternoon ying in the amusement park with her grandpa, grandma and mom. After dinner at a restaurant, they went to the movies.


    Cheng Jin wanted to take Cheng LiQi to watch a cartoon while Cheng Shanhe rarely had time to go to the theater. So Cheng Jin got tickets for her parents to see another movie, giving them a chance to go on a long-awaited movie date.


    Fei Zuhuiined this was an old married couple going on a date, but her hand was already happily hooked onto Cheng Shanhe''s arm. Cheng Shanhe was very pleased with his daughter''s arrangement. He patted his wife''s hand and said, "Even when we''re seventy or eighty years old, we''ve still got to date."


    Cheng LiQi corrected her grandpa, "Grandpa, Grandma will never be an olddy. Grandma will always be eighteen."


    Because of what her granddaughter said, Fei Zuhui was all smiles, instantly ten years younger.


    Cheng Shanhe conceded defeat to his granddaughter''s silver tongue. He didn''t know who she took after. He knew his own daughter''s personality - outwardly cold but inwardly passionate, who did more and talked less. Just looking at the Shao kid''s photos, he could tell he wasn''t the sweet-talking type either.


    The cartoon ended early. Seeing Cheng LiQi''s eyes drooping with fatigue, Cheng Jin texted her mom and took Cheng LiQi home first. The little girl fell asleep in her car seat shortly after driving out of the theater.


    When Cheng Jin saw the car parked in front of her home, she felt irritated. This wasn''t even his home. Did he intend toe report in every day? And he parked so brazenly, afraid others wouldn''t see him?


    Cheng Jin stopped the car and got out. "If you keeping, can you park in the back?"


    Shao ChengZe was startled at first, then the corners of his lips turned up. "Okay, I''ll park in the back next time."


    Cheng Jin was annoyed with herself for speaking rashly, making it seem like she was looking forward to his visits.


    Shao ChengZe took the initiative to exin his purpose ining. "I came to deliver the electric mosquito swatter. Little LiQi asked me to buy this for her, said she wanted to help Mommy get rid of mosquitoes."


    Cheng Jin: ...


    She wanted to say, there''s no need to deliver it yourself, you swatting yourself would be best.


    Shao ChengZe opened the back door, his hand lingering over the flowers next to the electric mosquito swatter, but in the end he only took out the swatter.


    Cheng Jin didn''t take it. She remembered what she had put in her bag this morning. She took out the box from the passenger seat and returned it to him.


    Shao ChengZe didn''t take it either. He could tell without looking that she hadn''t even opened it.


    "Why didn''t you open and take a look?"


    Cheng Jin scoffed lightly. "Nothing worth looking at." She decided to have a calm discussion with him. "If you want to see Cheng LiQi, we can set a fixed time every week, Saturday or Sunday. You can spend a day with her. That way you don''t have toe here wasting time every day."


    Shao ChengZe sought out her gaze. "I don''t feel it''s a waste of time. I don''t just want to see her, I also want to see--"


    You.


    Cheng Jin cut him off. "Shao ChengZe, let''s not talk about the past. Just looking at the nearly seven years, many things could have changed. You have your life to live, and I have my life. A child''s healthy growth doesn''t require an intact family. If you work hard to be a good dad, I believe you will be one. And I will also strive to be a good mom. We maintain a peaceful rtionship in front of Cheng LiQi, so she can grow up happy and carefree. As for anything else, we really have no need to discuss further."


    Shao ChengZe took a step closer. "Alright, let''s not talk about the past, just the present. I can confirm that I still like you now, otherwise you wouldn''t appear in my dreams over and over. All these years, the only person in my dreams is you, it has never changed."


    Cheng Jin gritted her teeth. Needless to say, the dreams he was having were definitely not any good dreams. "That only shows you are a pervert."


    Shao ChengZe didn''t deny her assessment of him. He gently asked her in return, "What about you? Have you ever dreamed of me, even once?"


    Cheng Jin scoffed lightly. "Not even half a time, what nice dreams could you be having." She folded her arms, unwilling to lose this bout. "Don''t talk about liking or not liking anymore. I know what it feels like to like someone. Back then, the way you looked at me always carried a sense of detachment and appraisal. Don''t think I can''t feel it."


    The liking back then was already masked and disguised, let alone now after seven years.


    Shao ChengZe finally grasped the crux of the problem, "I behaved detached because I thought you liked Shi Ran, and you were willing to be with me only to pass the time, so I was always hesitating between moving forward and pulling back." He paused for a moment, his dark eyes fixed tightly on her, for the first timeying bare the questions that had been pressing on his heart, "Do you like Shi Ran?"


    Just passing the time? What exactly did he take her for?


    Cheng Jin''s face lit up with a bright smile, "Not only do I like him, as you already know full well, I love him so much I can''t stand it. Even knowing his heart is elsewhere, I still love him to death."


    Shao ChengZe''s taut jaw suddenly rxed, and a light shone in hisposed eyes. He knew the answer now, and was certain, "It''s me you like."


    Somewhere in the distance a dog started barking wildly, each bark louder than thest, yapping irritatingly.


    Cheng Jin felt a fire smoldering in her throat, burning all the way up to her heart, for histeing certainty. The fire burnt her until she began speaking recklessly, "I like dogs."


    Cheng LiQi was woken up by the barking, blinking open her eyes in a daze. Seeing her mom and dad outside the car, she called "Mama", then "Papa", reaching out her arms for a hug.


    Shao ChengZe passed the electric mosquito swatter and his jacket to Cheng Jin, then went around to the back seat to pick up Cheng LiQi. Cheng Jin reflexively took the things he handed her, but the moment she had them, angry at herself for the reflex, she threw his jacket onto the roof of the car. Then she made an effort to put on a gentle smile for Cheng LiQi, "Baby, did the noise wake you up?"


    In her papa''s arms, Cheng LiQi rubbed her eyes and leaned over, circling her mama''s neck with both hands, snuggling up to seekfort from mama in her sleepy state, "The doggie woof woofs woke me up, Mama. I like doggies too, but I like Grandma''s little milk doggy, the little milk doggy is so cute, it won''t woof so loud. Does Mama also like little milk doggies?"


    Cheng Jin: ......


    Shao ChengZe: ......!

 Chapter 30: 030

    Chapter 30


    Cheng Jin wanted to hug Cheng LiQi over, but she was holding something in her hand and it was a bit difficult to hug her over with one hand given their current position. She pressed her forehead against hers, "Were you scared by the loud barking?"


    Cheng LiQi shook her head, "With mom here and dad too, I''m not afraid."


    "Our good baby is really brave."


    Cheng LiQi had just woken up and was still a little groggy. She was easily distracted, "Because I''m a big baby now. Big babies have to be brave."


    Cheng Jin''s eyes softened as she leaned down to kiss the brave big baby.


    Shao Chengze felt like something was stuck in his throat, stiff and unmoving. He only hoped this night couldst a little longer.


    Cheng LiQi leaned against her mom''s neck, nuzzling her eyes like a little kitten. Then she saw what her mom was holding in her left hand. She had seen it this morning. She straightened up from her mom''s shoulder, excitedly pointing at the box and asking, "Dad''s gift for mom. Mom, what did dad get you? Is it a princess crown too?"


    Cheng Jin vaguely murmured "Mm", and showed her what was in her right hand, "This is what your dad got for you."


    "What is this?" Cheng LiQi blinked, then remembered, "Ah! An electric mosquito swatter!" She turned her head to look at dad, "Dad bought two, one for me and one for dad. Dad and I will get rid of mosquitoes together and protect mom."


    Shao Chengze stroked his daughter''s hair, looking at the girl''s mother, and said softly, "Yes, we''ll get rid of mosquitoes together and protect mom."


    This was a typical case of ''a thief crying thief''. The mosquitoes hiding in the grass made two whimpering sounds, as if to say they had nothing to do with this. It was clearly something he did himself, yet he was ming it on them.


    Cheng Jin put the things in her hands into the car, reached out to hold Cheng LiQi, "There are no mosquitoes tonight. You can protect mom when there are mosquitoes. It''s time to say goodbye to dad now. You''ve sweated quite a bit today and need to go home and take a bath soon, otherwise you''ll get sleepy againter."


    Cheng LiQi leaned against her mom''s neck, nuzzling her eyes like a little kitten, then looked at what her mom was holding in her left hand. She had seen it this morning. She straightened up from her mom''s shoulder, excitedly pointing at the box and asking, "Dad''s gift for mom. Mom, what did dad get you? Is it a princess crown too?"


    Cheng Jin vaguely murmured "Mm", and showed her what was in her right hand, "This is what your dad got for you."


    "What is this?" Cheng LiQi blinked, then remembered, "Ah! An electric mosquito swatter!" She turned her head to look at dad, "Dad bought two, one for me and one for dad. Dad and I will get rid of mosquitoes together and protect mom."


    Shao Chengze stroked his daughter''s hair, looking at the girl''s mother, and said softly, "Yes, we''ll get rid of mosquitoes together and protect mom."


    This was a typical case of ''a thief crying thief''. The mosquitoes hiding in the grass made two whimpering sounds, as if to say they had nothing to do with this. It was clearly something he did himself, yet he was ming it on them.


    Cheng Jin put the things in her hands into the car, reached out to hold Cheng LiQi, "There are no mosquitoes tonight. You can protect mom when there are mosquitoes. It''s time to say goodbye to dad now. You''ve sweated quite a bit today and need to go home and take a bath soon, otherwise you''ll get sleepy againter."


    Cheng LiQi leaned against her mom''s neck, nuzzling her eyes like a little kitten. Then she saw what her mom was holding in her left hand. She had seen it this morning. She straightened up from her mom''s shoulder, excitedly pointing at the box and asking, "Dad''s gift for mom. Mom, what did dad get you? Is it a princess crown too?"


    Cheng Jin vaguely murmured "Mm", and showed her what was in her right hand, "This is what your dad got for you."


    "What is this?" Cheng LiQi blinked, then remembered, "Ah! An electric mosquito swatter!" She turned her head to look at dad, "Dad bought two, one for me and one for dad. Dad and I will get rid of mosquitoes together and protect mom."


    Shao Chengze stroked his daughter''s hair, looking at the girl''s mother, and said softly, "Yes, we''ll get rid of mosquitoes together and protect mom."


    This was a typical case of ''a thief crying thief''. The mosquitoes hiding in the grass made two whimpering sounds, as if to say they had nothing to do with this. It was clearly something he did himself, yet he was ming it on them.


    Cheng Jin put the things in her hands into the car, reached out to hold Cheng LiQi, "There are no mosquitoes tonight. You can protect mom when there are mosquitoes. It''s time to say goodbye to dad now. You''ve sweated quite a bit today and need to go home and take a bath soon, otherwise you''ll get sleepy againter."


    Cheng LiQi had just taken a nap and was fully energized. She wasn''t sleepy at all now. "Mom, I just had a good sleep and I''m not sleepy now. Has dad seen the video of me ying the piano yet?"


    Shao Chengze replied to his daughter, "Dad hasn''t seen it yet."


    Cheng LiQi pped her hands together, "Then let''s watch it together, mom and dad. Mom, can we put the video on the TV to watch? It''ll be clearer that way."


    Cheng Jin looked at her watch. Her parents should be back soon. They couldn''t linger at the door any longer. "Then after watching the video we have to take a bath and sleep, okay?"


    Cheng LiQi nodded vigorously, "After watching the video with mom and dad, I''ll take a bath and sleep, and then have a beautiful dream."


    Shao Chengze couldn''t help pinching her pert little nose.


    Cheng Jin said to Shao Chengze, "Tell your driver to move the car somewhere else first."


    He had been drinking so he must have had a driver drop him off. The driver was probably waiting nearby.


    Shao Chengze looked straight into her eyes. The innocence in his eyes was exactly like Cheng LiQi''s. "The driver had a bit of an emergency at home so I sent him back first. I''ll call a hired driver toe pick me upter."


    ...Cheng Jin wanted to re at him but held back because of Cheng LiQi''s presence.


    "Little LiQi, take dad inside through the small door first. Mom will go park the car."


    "Okay!" Cheng LiQi directed her dad to walk forward, "Dad, when I put my face near the door, it opens automatically. It''s really magical, right? Big uncle said it''s called artificial intelligence."


    "It really is magical." Shao Chengze responded to his daughter while handing the car keys to the person beside him.


    Cheng Jin unceremoniously snatched the car keys. If she could, she really wanted to throw the keys at his face.


    She first parked his car in the yard, then parked her own car in the yard. Cheng LiQi had already brought him inside. She first took out mom''s slippers, then took out the slippers dad worest time and gave them to dad, and finally took out her own cute little bunny slippers.


    Shao Chengze wanted to help her change her shoes but Cheng LiQi waved her hand, "Dad, I can change them myself now. I''ve grown up and can do a lot of things."


    Shao Chengze praised her the same way Cheng Jin did, "Our good baby really is amazing."


    Cheng LiQi smiled brightly as she sat down on her own little stool beside them and nimbly changed into her slippers.


    Shao Chengze watched her beside him. Only after she finished changing did he start changing his own shoes.


    After changing their shoes, Cheng LiQi pulled dad by the hand into the bathroom. She stood in front of her own little sink and said, "Mom said the first thing to do whening home is wash your hands, to wash your little hands clean."


    Shao Chengze was always earnest and willing to learn when it came to his daughter. "Dad remembers."


    Cheng LiQi looked at dad''s hands then looked at her own hands. "Dad''s hands are so big, much bigger than mine. They seem even bigger than big uncle''s."


    Shao Chengze held out his right hand andpared palms with her small hand.


    Cheng LiQi eximed in surprise, "Dad, why are your hands so big?!"


    Shao Chengze replied, "Probably because...dad has to protect you and mom."


    Cheng LiQi suddenly understood and looked at dad with great admiration. "I know! Dad must be able to protect me and mom. Dad''s hands are so big, he must be better at killing mosquitoes than an electric swatter. Right, dad?"


    ...


    Shao Chengze couldn''t say she was wrong. He nodded, "Yes, dad is better than an electric swatter at killing mosquitoes."


    Cheng LiQi got excited. She wished there were mosquitoes now so dad could get rid of them all impressively.


    Cheng Jin had been standing in the hallway for a while. She called to them in the bathroom, "Little LiQi,e out after you finish washing your hands. Mom has put the video on the TV."


    When Cheng LiQi heard the video was already on the TV, she didn''t even dry her hands. She dragged dad by the finger out of the bathroom, "Mom, we''reing! Dad, hurry! Mom already put the video on the TV."


    Cheng LiQi pulled dad to the sofa. Cheng Jin pressed y and put the remote control down, about to leave. Cheng LiQi called for her mom and patted the spot to her left on the sofa, "Mom, sit here."


    Cheng Jin stood there. The big and small ones sitting on the sofa looked at her with identical eyes. She was stunned for a moment before quickly shaking herself out of it. "You and dad watch first. Mom hasn''t washed her hands yet. I''ll go do that first."


    "Okay, we''ll watch again after momes back."


    "Mm." Cheng Jin quickly turned and stepped into the bathroom.


    Shao Chengze watched her back. His deep eyes flickered. He understood some things toote and had also missed too much. He didn''t even know where to start making up for it now.


    Cheng LiQi leaned against dad, kicking her feet and tapping the sofa along with the rhythm from the video ying on the TV. Shao Chengze had his arm around her, eyes fixed on the TV, as if trying to reim all the lost time through the screen.


    When the video finished ying, Cheng LiQi tilted her head up to look at dad brightly.


    Shao Chengze squeezed her little hand and praised her tirelessly, "Little LiQi is so amazing. She yed so well, even better than dad."


    Cheng LiQi''s eyes shone even brighter. She climbed up dad''s arm, "Dad, I haven''t heard you y the piano before."


    Shao Chengze stroked the hair that had fallen by her little ear back behind it. "How about next time? It''s toote today. You still have to take a bath, or you''ll be azy little pig who gets her butt tanned by the sun tomorrow morning."


    Cheng LiQi giggled twice. She hadzed in bed many times not wanting to get up and slept until the sun tanned her butt.


    "Then next time dad will y for me and mom to hear."


    "Mm," Shao Chengze thought of what he saw at the kindergarten gate this morning. He held out his left pinky, "Dad pinky swears with you."


    Cheng LiQi loved making hooked pinky promises. She also held out her hand but dad didn''t seem to know how to do a hooked pinky promise. "Dad, you also have to hold out your thumb. After we hook pinkies, we have to stamp it to make the promise binding."


    Shao Chengze followed his daughter''s instructions and held out his left thumb to hook pinkies and stamp the promise with her.


    Cheng LiQi saw the ring of teeth marks on dad''s thumb. There was no need to ask. If she asked dad, his answer would definitely be that he identally bit himself. But who would identally bite their own finger? This must be another of dad''s bitter tricks. Dad had finally gotten smarter this time and knew the key to bitter tricks was the finger.


    Cheng Jin came out of the bathroom and asked Cheng LiQi, "Did you finish watching the video?"


    "Mm-hmm, mom, finished watching it."


    "Do you want to go take a bath then? If you don''t go soon, you''ll start to stink from all the sweat."


    "I do!" Cheng LiQi hurried to get up. She didn''t want to be stinky but she also didn''t forget about dad''s finger. "Mom, dad''s finger is hurt. It really hurts." She held up dad''s thumb to show mom the tooth marks. "Mom, do you want to blow on it for dad? If you blow on it, dad won''t hurt anymore."


    Cheng Jin looked at the teeth marks on the thumb and thought ofst night''s chaos. She felt she should have bitten down harder. Why didn''t she bite it off? She met her daughter''s expectant gaze with a gentle expression. "Go find some pajamas you want to wear tonight. Mom will put some medicine on dad''s finger. Medicine works better than blowing on it."


    Putting medicine on works too. When grandpa hurt his finger, grandma would also put medicine on for him.


    "Okay, I''ll go find pajamas. Mom puts medicine on dad''s finger." Cheng LiQi felt she had aplished something big. She left the living room for mom and dad to apply medicine and hurried off to the walk-in closet to find pajamas. She figured she should take more time today choosing what pajamas to wear since she had so many pairs and was torn between wearing this pair or that pair.


    Cheng Jin took out a tube of medicine from the medicine box and threw it to him to apply himself, then picked up her phone from the sofa and called her mom to confirm they were home.


    After hanging up, she was about to chase him out.


    Shao Chengze''s lips parted lightly and a single syble came out.


    A t voice sounded, with no discernible emotion in the low, dry tone.


    Cheng Jin did not hear clearly what hade out of his mouth at first, and it took her a few seconds to react.


    She looked at him doubtfully.


    Shao ChengZe''s ears turned a little red, and he lightly coughed, fist pressed against his lips.


    "You don''t like dogs."

 Chapter 31: 031

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    Cheng Jin was unable to sleep in the first half of the night, and had one dream after another in the second half. In each dream, a big ck dog kept barking at her. When she woke up the next day, the dark circles under her eyes were so heavy that even thick makeup could not cover them.


    Cheng LiQi''s eyes were half-closed as she looked up at her mother''s face and asked, "Mom, did you not sleep well?"


    Cheng Jin rubbed some fragrant cream on her face, then gently patted her daughter''s chubby cheeks twice before answering her question, "A little."


    Cheng LiQi opened her eyes wide. "Did you have a nightmare?"


    "Yes."


    "What did you dream about, Mom? Was a big tiger chasing you?"


    "No, it was a big ck dog."


    "Ah~" Cheng LiQi stroked her mother''s head tofort her, "Don''t be afraid, Mom. Dogs aren''t that scary. White puppies are very cute, and some big dogs can be cute too. Not all big dogs are frightening. The big dog in Mom''s dream must have been adorable."


    Cheng Jin picked up ab and started brushing her hair. "How does little LiQi know the dog in Mom''s dream was cute? Did you sneak into Mom''s dream?"


    Cheng LiQi tilted her head and thought for a moment before replying to her mom, "Because Mom is the best mom in the world, the prettiest mom, the cutest mom. So that big dog must have chased Mom because he liked Mom. A dog who likes Mom must be very cute, just like me."


    Cheng Jin had originally woken up in a terrible mood after a poor night''s sleep. But now she cupped her daughter''s chubby face in her hands and kissed her hard several times in a row. What was she to do with this little sweetie who was her daughter? Was she nning to melt her mom''s heart first thing in the morning?


    "No one is as cute as our little sweetheart. Our little sweetie is the cutest baby."


    The corners of Cheng LiQi''s mouth turned up. "Then please give your cutest little sweetheart, me, the cutest little braids."


    Cheng Jin did more than just the cutest little braids. She styled Cheng LiQi''s hair into a flower bun. Cheng LiQi spun around in front of the mirror several times and then happily went out the door holding her mom''s hand.


    As soon as she opened the door, she saw a huge bouquet of roses ced next to it.


    "Wow~~ Mom, who left these beautiful flowers at our door? They''re so pretty!"


    The bouquet was too big for Cheng LiQi to hold, so she could only squat down and lean in to smell the roses, then look up at her mom. "They smell so nice, Mom. Was it brought by a fairy?"


    Cheng Jin had seen the flowers in the back seat when she parked her carst night.


    During their rtionship, he had given her all kinds of gifts - the newest jewelry, bags, clothes. It was convenient and perfunctory. Sometimes she was toozy to even open them and look. But he had never given her flowers before. It wasn''t that she particrly liked flowers, she just couldn''t imagine what it would be like if he appeared with a bouquet. It really wasn''t his style, just as she had never imagined that the word "woof" woulde out of his mouth.


    Did he think that by barking "woof" he would get the dogs to recognize him as one of their own?


    Cheng Jin plucked a rose, snapped off the stem, and tucked it behind Cheng LiQi''s ear. She held her daughter''s chin and examined her carefully. "I feel like I''m looking at a beautiful little fairy."


    Cheng LiQi touched the rose on her ear. She jumped up happily. "I''ve be a little flower fairy!"


    Cheng Jin bent down to pick her up. "Our little LiQi has be a little flower fairy. Does she still want breakfast?"


    Cheng LiQi put her arms around her mother''s neck. "I do. Little flower fairies need to eat a lot to grow into even prettier fairies." She rubbed her little nose. "I can already smell the breakfast Grandma Qu is making."


    Cheng Jin carried her little flower fairy through the small door in the wall. The wind blew over the roses blooming on top of the wall, and their fragrance filled the June air.


    Summer had arrived before they knew it.


    It was Saturday today. Cheng Jin hadn''t gone to the hotel yesterday, so she needed to go over this morning to deal with some backlogged work. The hotel was also hosting two important conferences this weekend that she wanted to oversee.


    When she parked her car in the underground garage, she habitually took out her phone to check her messages. The red dots on WeChat had piled up. The liveliest was the conference group led by Chang Yunqiong and Miao. The conference was taking ce tomorrow, and they were doing a rehearsal today.


    Zhou An spoke for the first time in the group. He @Cheng Jin, then @Shao Chengze: [After the meeting ends tomorrow, we threepanies should get together. First, we''ve mostly just been in contact online recently, so we should have a  friends meetup" to match names to faces and build a good foundation for our next coboration. Second, to celebrate the sessful and smooth conclusion of our conference. I''ll y host and we can eat and drink to our heart''s content, not leaving until we''re drunk. What do you think?]


    Below, the other people in the group responded enthusiastically, agreeing that Boss Zhou had a great idea.


    The two people he @ had not yet responded.


    Cheng Jin typed in the chat box: [Boss Zhou is right, we should get together. But Boss Zhou shouldn''t have to y host. Boss Zhou has taken care of Meishui and Lanchen''s business, he shouldn''t have to spend more on treating us to a meal. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Boss Zhou''s team and Qiongmiao''s team for their care and coordination with Meishui''s work, as well as everyone''s hard work recently.]


    Right after Cheng Jin hit send, another message appeared in the chat at the same time. Hers was on top, the other below. The sender of the other message was Shao Chengze.


    The content was: [Boss Zhou is right, we should get together. But Boss Zhou shouldn''t have to y host. Qiongmiao is leading this conference, and Boss Zhou and his team have given Qiongmiao a lot of support and help. Boss Zhou shouldn''t have to spend more on treating us to a meal. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Boss Zhou''s team and Boss Cheng''s team for fully cooperating with Qiongmiao''s work and everyone''s hard work recently.]


    The others in the group looked at the messages above and below. For a moment they thought there was something wrong with their eyes. How could these two messages be so simr? Were they really written by two different people?


    Zhou An replied first: [You two are so in sync?!]


    But he recalled it in less than a second, immediately following up with: [No matter who''s treating, dinner is set! I''ll definitely be there tomorrow, you two who offered to host better not find an excuse to duck out on me.]


    Boss Zhou recalled his message quickly, but some had faster eyes.


    Wu Tongtong was one of those with fast eyes.


    She looked at Boss Shao''s message, then Boss Cheng from Meishui''s message.


    She covered her mouth with both hands. She felt like she had found the person who could give her boss lifelong happiness, the one Boss Alex had mentioned. Could it be... Boss Cheng from Meishui???


    However, Boss Shao, who never changed his profile pic, when did he change it? Next to the domineering German Shepherd was a cute little white dog nestled up to it. That domineering German Shepherd did look a lot like her boss, but this little white dog was far too cute,pletely inconsistent with her boss''s image. Since when did her boss like such adorable creatures?


    Wu Tongtong didn''t know whether to be more surprised that her boss liked such cute animals, that her boss actually knew how to change his profile picture, or the subtle rtionship between her boss and... Boss Cheng from Meishui??!!!


    Cheng Jin looked at the message, wanted to recall it, but felt that recalling it would seem more evasive. She simply threw her phone in her bag and stopped thinking about being in sync or what his profile picture was, or if he was trying topete with dogs or something.


    Shao Chengze stared at the two messages for a while. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly. Then he took a screenshot.


    Cheng Jinchuan, who walked over from across the street, pushed his sunsses further down his nose. He was seeing ghosts in broad daylight. This guy actually knew how to smile?


    Cheng Jinchuan hade to attend an industry conference held in the city. He knew Shao''spany was also attending, he just didn''t expect to run smack into them at the entrance. What a small world.


    Shao Chengze also saw Cheng Jinchuan.


    Cheng Jinchuan pushed his sunsses back over his eyes. Anyway, the entrance was only so big. He would not give way. He could give way to anyone, but in front of the Shao family, the Cheng family did not have the word "give way" in their vocabry. Not even a millimeter would they give way, and Shao thought he could discuss thend in Nancheng with him? What a joke.


    Shao Chengze signaled for the people behind him to take a step back, then said to Cheng Jinchuan, "Boss Cheng, please go ahead."


    He was showing a great deal of humility.


    Cheng Jinchuan''s subordinates recognized Shao Chengze and were shocked. Since when were the Shao family''s people so polite? Not to mention old man Shao, even Shao Zhangting and his son looked down on people like they were garbage. Moreover, this was the Cheng family they were facing. Not much was known about this new head of the Shao family who hadn''t grown up in the Shao household, but in the end he had the Shao blood in him. How could he be any different?


    Cheng Jinchuan was also stunned by Shao Chengze''s show of deference. He shook out his sleeves and gave a cold humph before going through the door first.


    The more he thought about it afterwards, the more he felt something was off. For Shao Chengze to show such humility, he must be seeking something. And what he sought was naturally his Cheng family''s treasure. Why did he go along with Shao''s "after you" just now and let him gain the upper hand in a tactical retreat?


    As soon as Cheng Jinchuan returned home, he picked up his little niece who came running at him and gave her a big hug. "Little LiQi, your big uncle lost a step in the game today."


    Cheng LiQi took the sunsses off her granduncle''s nose bridge and put them on her own head. "It''s okay, granduncle. If we''ve taken a wrong turn, we can just go back and start again. Even if we''ve lost this round of the game, we can just start a new round. How did grandpa put it again?" She cleared her throat and lowered her voice to mimic her grandpa''s, "Defeat is temporary, and so is victory. You must ovee arrogance and impatience to find the eternal path."


    Cheng Jinchuan''s bad mood all afternoon was dispelled by his dear little niece. She was right - no matter how humbly Shao ChengZe acted, it wouldn''t get past her stern grandfather Cheng Shanhe. The treasures of the Cheng family were not so easily obtained by just anyone.


    "Granduncle, Hu Grandpa''s family has moved someone into their home," Cheng LiQi shared thetest news.


    The Hu couple had moved abroad with their sonst year but kept their house.


    Cheng Jinchuan asked, "How do you know?"


    "I saw people moving things into their home when I came back from my ballet ss," Cheng LiQi replied.


    "That''s good news. You''ll have new neighbors and potentially a new little friend to y with if they have kids too."


    Cheng LiQi smiled happily. "I haven''t seen them yet, but I feel like they do have a kid, a super cute little girl."


    "Wow, you''re a little psychic aren''t you, a tiny fortune teller! Come tell granduncle how you know."


    Cheng LiQi shifted the sunsses down to her eyes and put on a mystifying expression. "Because a lot of the stuff they moved in are things us girls like. With such an obvious clue even I could guess it without being psychic."


    Cheng Jinchuan was amazed by his precious little niece. He would have to protect this adorable psychic gem well and not let her be tricked away by ill-intentioned people.

 Chapter 32: 032

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    When Cheng Jin returned home, she also noticed the movement next door. During the New Year when Uncle Hu and the others called to give New Year greetings, they also mentioned that they wouldn''t sell the house here. In the future if they wanted toe back, this house was still the mostfortable to live in. Now someone has moved in, she didn''t know if it was rtives and friendsing to stay temporarily, or if there were new neighbors.


    The evening sky was burned red by the afterglow, the evening breeze blew the clouds away. Before long, the clouds gathered together again, dreamy as if entering a fairytale world. Cheng LiQi took out the Elsa kite her uncle had given her and asked her mother to help fly Elsa princess into the sky.


    The wind wasn''t too strong, but the yard was big enough. The kite slowly flew up in Cheng Jin''s hand. Cheng LiQi took the kite handle from her mother''s hand, running backwards on her little legs against the wind. Cheng Jin was afraid she would fall down, so she jogged along behind her to protect her.


    Cheng LiQi looked at the kite and then at her mother. Her voice was excited, "Mom, Elsa princess flew into the sky!"


    "Yes, Elsa princess is going to make friends with the clouds. Baby, watch the road ahead, running backwards like this you''re likely to fall down."


    Just as she was speaking, Cheng LiQi''s little legs softened and she was about to fall left. Cheng Jin quickly reached out to support her back with one hand and scooped her waist with the other, catching her in her arms. She didn''t fall to the ground, but Cheng LiQi''s hand slipped and the kite handle fell from her hand. The kite slid down with the wind, nted and tilted from the sky. Elsa princess ran to the other side of the wall, the handle hung on top of the wall, about to fall down but not quite.


    "You''re not hurt anywhere are you?" Cheng Jin looked her up and down.


    Cheng LiQi shook her head and also looked at her mother, "Did you get hurt, Mom?"


    "Mom didn''t get hurt either." Cheng Jin held her and stood up, looking at the kite line. Next to Uncle Hu''s house against the wall was a crape myrtle tree. It should have gotten caught in the crape myrtle tree.


    "Mom, can Elsa princesse back?" Cheng LiQi was somewhat mournful.


    Cheng Jin squatted down to look at her, "Wait for Mom to go inside and get some strawberries your grandmother just picked. The kite falling into someone else''s house is considered an intrusion. We have to bring a gift to apologize before we can get your Elsa princess back."


    Cheng LiQi nodded, "Mom, bring more. Bring the portion I want to eat too. It was me who carelessly let the kite go."


    Mother and daughter had just walked to the gate with a basket of strawberries when the doorbell rang.


    Cheng Jin opened the door. Outside stood a woman in her fifties with white hair and a simple smile. She held the kite in one hand and carried several boxes of pastries in the other. She introduced herself first, "Hello, I''m the auntie hired next door to clean and tidy up. Is this your kite, little girl?"


    Cheng LiQi took it with both hands, with a sweet smile on her face, "Yes, thank you granny."


    "You''re wee," the middle-aged woman''s smile deepened. She picked up the pastries in her hand and handed them to Cheng Jin, "My employer said that the renovations and cleaning these days would be noisy and disturb your rest, so these are a small apology gift. You must ept them."


    "It''s okay, moving and cleaning up are unavoidable. It won''t disturb us."


    Cheng Jin also handed over the strawberries as an apology gift for the kite. The neighborly rtionship was thus established.


    Cheng LiQi looked at the things in her mother''s hand, puzzled, "Mom, the things Granny gave, there''s stuff I like to eat, stuff you like to eat, stuff Grandma likes to eat, and stuff Aunt Zhou likes to eat. How did the neighbor granny know what we all like to eat?"


    Cheng Jin had a vague guess in her mind, but felt it was impossible. He had always been rational and prudent in his actions, thinking things through carefully before deciding. He wouldn''t do something so crazy. Not to mention what would happen if the Shao Group''s board of directors knew he was living in the small district developed by the Cheng family, even if her father knew, he definitely wouldn''t let him off easy.


    On Sunday, the Chnagyun Qingmiao Group''s summit went rtively smoothly. There were sudden situations, but they were also dealt with safely. Overall it was considered sessful. The banquet was set at a restaurant near Lanzhou. Cheng Jin nned to make an appearance and then leave, excuses were already prepared.


    After arriving, Zhou An said Shao Chengze had somethinge up and couldn''t make it. Since he broke the appointment, then today''s meal would definitely go on his tab. Cheng Jin unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he wasn''t here, she didn''t care about eating this meal.


    After the high-intensity project ended smoothly, everyone was in high spirits. There were mostly young people in the three project groups, and after three rounds of drinking, the boundary line between boss and employee faded somewhat. Zhou An and Cheng Jin were both coerced into drinking a few rounds.


    While eating, Wu Tongtong observed the person at the head of the table.


    The second and third generations of prestigious families generally wouldn''t look too bad. Even if they didn''t have good innate conditions, they could still use money to build it up afterwards. But even with rebuilding, some things like bone structure were still hard to change. Some people looked beautiful at first nce, but that beauty would always make people feel like something was missing or extra.


    This second youngdy of the Cheng family was different. Her beauty radiated from the inside out, her temperament flowing between gestures and steps. Her face was only the size of a palm, her makeup light, her skin fair and lustrous. Her eyes were cold but when she smiled, she naturally exuded a kind of bright charm, charming but not vulgar.


    Her long hair was lightly pinned up, making her neck appear even more slender. She wore a sleeveless ck dress of unknown brand. The simple yet well-fitted cut outlined her figure. Her only essories were a pair of pearl earrings dangling from her earlobes, low-key and elegant. When listening to someone speak, her eyes would look at the other person attentively and earnestly,pletely unlike the rumored arrogance.


    Wu Tongtong regretted that President Shao didn''te. If President Shao hade, with her piercing eyes, she would definitely be able to discover some clues between the two if there really was something going on.


    Halfway through the drinking, Cheng Jin made an excuse to go to the restroom and came out to the rooftop terrace outside the restaurant. She called Cheng LiQi, saying she would be homete tonight. Cheng LiQi obediently told her to be careful, to remember to eat, and if she drank alcohol to have the driver unclee pick her up.


    After ending the call with her daughter, Cheng Jin leaned her arms on the railing, gazing into the distance at the city lights for a while beforeing back to her senses. She turned wanting to go back inside and found the person standing behind her. She didn''t know how long he had been standing there. She had been so lost in thought that she hadn''t noticed.


    In the vast night, their eyes met.


    This scene was extremely simr to their reunion at the Bai family wine event after he first returned to the country.


    The difference was that at that time, she pretended to be calm on the surface but was full of indignation and resentment towards him inside. Though it would be more urate to say that rather than resenting him, she resented the past her, resented how easily she had given her feelings in a rtionship, only to receive deception and exploitation in return.


    Now, it seemed like nothing was so important anymore. When people live to a certain point, they have to learn a very important skill - to reconcile with themselves.


    Cheng Jin shifted her entangled gaze and turned to look at the lights of thousands of households in the distance.


    "Shao Chengze," she called his name. Her tone was unusually calm for such a long time, with some ethereal vagueness in her voice, as if returning to the past times again, "I admit that I did like you before, otherwise why would I still allow you to approach me so tantly even when I knew who you were. I wasn''t bored enough to use someone for amusement."


    Shao Chengze was led by her words to take a step forward. His leather shoes touched the tips of her high heels. The distance between them was only an inch apart.


    Cheng Jin didn''t back away or shift her high heel position, allowing the two shoes to lean against each other. Maybe it was the alcohol, some words came out involuntarily. She gave a self-deprecatingugh, "Thinking back now, I really was childish. I was spoiled by my family, always feeling that liking someone was just between two people. As long as I liked him, my parents would always indulge me. But liking someone was never just between two people, let alone now, no matter how much I liked you before, misunderstandings fade over time, time also fades, faded to today where it''s all faded away. To me now, you''re no different than an ordinary stranger. But between us there''s Cheng LiQi. Beingplete strangers isn''t very realistic either. Maintaining an ordinary friendship is probably the best solution for the current situation."


    The air fell into silence.


    Shao Chengze looked at her tranquil side profile and spoke in a low voice, "Three times."


    Cheng Jin didn''t understand and turned to look at him, "What?"


    Shao Chengze looked into her eyes, "Kiss me three times. If after three times, you don''t have any feelings for me and feel that kissing me is no different than kissing a wooden post, then from now on I will no longer harbor any delusions and will wholeheartedly be a good father to Cheng LiQi, not taking another step forward."


    Cheng Jin was stunned for a moment, then red at him with her beautiful eyes, "What are you thinking."


    Kissing him three times, and in the middle of the night too. What a daydream.


    The two were very close. Shao Chengze reached out his long arm and pulled. Cheng Jin''s body stumbled forward a step and fell into his arms. She wanted to push him away but he had already grabbed her waist and leaned down to press his lips against hers.


    Their lips touched, two different temperatures, with a second of silence between them.


    Cheng Jin wanted to dodge but his hand pressed the back of her head down. His lips firmly sucked at the flesh inside her lips, from left to right, right to left, wanting to stop but unable to. His lips gently nibbled hers, his nose rubbing against hers. In a hoarse voice he asked, "No feeling?"


    Cheng Jin suppressed the irritability and heat rising in her heart, replying coldly, "None."


    Just as the words left her mouth, he pressed down again.


    This time it was no longer a shallow tentative gentleness. His tongue directly pried open her lips with an unstoppable forward momentum. Cheng Jin''s teeth were tightly closed but he was in no hurry to hook her tongue. His lips heavily wrapped around the flesh inside her lips.


    There was the sound of wind in her ears, raucousughter from the restaurant, the honking of cars from the street. Amidst all these noises was an intoxicating ambiguity that became more pronounced as the mor grew louder.


    Shao Chengze withdrew from her mouth, his voice changing from low to hoarse. "No feeling?"


    Cheng Jin panted lightly as she turned her head away. "None."


    The moment she spoke, Shao Chengze hooked her chin, plunging his lips and tongue together to delve deeply inside. Wherever her tongue hid, his followed, eagerly ying this game of cat and mouse with her.


    Shao Chengze nibbled on the tip of her tongue, murmuring indistinctly, "No dislike of me?"


    Cheng Jin''s mind went nk fromck of oxygen. She still replied with two words, "No dislike."


    Shao Chengzeughed hoarsely, "No dislike means liking."


    Cheng Jin rested her head on his shoulder, catching her breath and calming her racing heartbeats. She had no energy left to refute him.


    Shao Chengze brushed her disheveled hair behind her ear, bringing his lips close as he whispered, "You have to admit, the more you hate me now, the more it shows you can''t let go of me in your heart. You say you feel nothing for me, but your body clearly feels a lot for me."


    Cheng Jin inhaled sharply. "I think you''re crazy."


    Shao Chengze cradled her face, forcing her to look into his eyes. "I''m very sober. I know what I want. Jin, I''ll resolve the issue between our families, even if it''s a deadlock, there are always ways to unravel it. As for us, I don''t ask for status, above or underground, it doesn''t matter. I just want to devote the rest of my life to you, beckon and call, for you to do as you wish. If you don''t need me, I''ll lock myself away."


    After all these wasted years, presented with even a sliver of chance, he would never let it slip by.


    Cheng Jin: ......


    She felt like she was either drunk or dreaming. What was she hearing...!

 Chapter 33: 033

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    Cheng Jin looked into his dark eyes and murmured, ¡°How do you want to lock it?¡±


    These words slipped out, startling them both.


    Cheng Jin was shocked that those words hade from her mouth. It seemed she really was drunk.


    Shao Chengze''s brow quirked up, and a nearly imperceptible smile shed in his eyes. He held her face and leaned in again. His hoarse voice held satisfaction and delight. ¡°You want to know?¡±


    Far away, the sky lit up with bursts of gorgeous fireworks, making pedestrians on the street stop and cheer. People in the restaurant also took out their phones and went up to the rooftop, wanting to capture the splendor unique to this night.


    Cheng Jin pushed him away forcefully. Shao Chengze moved back two steps along with her force. He didn''t stop her as she strode away without looking back. Of all the times she¡¯d walked away from him since their reunion, only this once did he watch her leaving back with upturned lips.


    In the private room, Cheng Jin bid Zhou An farewell. She wanted to leave early to go home and lull her child to sleep. Since she was leaving, Zhou An decided to leave with her. With the boss present, the employees felt somewhat constrained even while rxing.


    Shao Chengze pushed the door open and entered. Seeing him, Zhou An''s face held suggestive meaning. ¡°You see, you''vee at this time. We were just about to leave, yet you''ve only just arrived.¡±


    The corners of Shao Chengze''s eyes crinkled withughter. ¡°The timing is just right for me to take care of the bill.¡±


    Zhou An looked at him suspiciously, then looked at him again. Shao rarely had such a happy expression. He felt like he was grinning like a cat who''d stolen cream, surely having done something naughty.


    Zhou An said, ¡°Well, you can''t just take care of the bill. Arriving sote, you ought to drink a punishment drink or three.¡±


    Shao Chengze replied, ¡°I really can''t today. I''ve had stomach problems these past few days. If I drink, I expect you''ll have to call an ambnce. Next time there''s a chance, I''ll make up for it.¡±


    With one look, Zhou An knew he was faking it, but didn''t expose him. ¡°Alright, stomach issues are no small matter. If you can''t drink, you can''t drink. But the bills for the second and third rounds today will all be yours.¡±


    Shao Chengze nodded lightly with a faint smile. ¡°Of course. All expenses for tonight will be put on my tab.¡±


    The employees cheered loudly.


    Since Shao Chengze had entered, Cheng Jin had quietly moved behind Zhou An. Zhou An was tall and broad, perfectly blocking her from view.


    Wu Tongtong looked between the second miss hiding behind Boss Zhou, and the usual cold and aloof expression on her elder sister, now unable to conceal the bloom of spring. She came to a conclusion.


    The second miss'' fair face held an enchanting blush that certainly wasn''t from the alcohol. Her lips were very red, not from lipstick, but a natural vibrant red. The lipstick on her lips had beenpletely eaten away. As for who had eaten it off, Wu Tongtong wanted to p her thigh. When had her boss sister ever had such a joyful smile? It could only have been that cat.


    Seeing that Shao seemed to have onlye to take care of the bill and wouldn''t stay long, just saying a few words to encourage everyone to rx and eat and drink well tonight, he left with Boss Zhou and Miss Cheng. Everyone was even more delighted. With the bosses gone, tonight would be a thorough revelry.


    In the elevator there were only three people: Zhou An in the middle, Cheng Jin on the left near the elevator wall, looking at a message from her driver saying he was stuck in traffic and not here yet. Cheng Jin didn''t say she had already left the dinner. She only said not to worry, she still needed some time here too.


    Zhou An was discussing ns with Shao Chengze about the Longyun anniversary celebration. Shao Chengze was listening, asionally chiming in a few words, while his eyes were looking elsewhere.


    Zhou An was aware. His gaze was full of ridicule. He knew why Shao was abstaining from drink today. He wanted to y the gentleman escort. Zhou An just didn''t know if this escort would seed or fail miserably.


    ¡°Jin, has your driver arrived? If not, ride with me.¡± Zhou An asked.


    Cheng Jin put away her phone. ¡°My driver is here. No need to trouble you, Brother Zhou.¡±


    Zhou An covertly raised a brow at Shao Chengze, signaling for him to give up his ideas sooner rather thanter.


    Shao Chengze paid no mind to Zhou An''s mocking. His eyes were only on that ear whose blush grew brighter and brighter.


    She knew he was watching her.


    The three of them walked out of the restaurant doors. Zhou An''s driver had already pulled up to the entrance to wait. Zhou An didn''t waste any more words ying the unwanted light bulb. He only urged Cheng Jin to be careful on the road and give him a message when she got home. Cheng Jin nodded in acquiescence.


    After Zhou An''s car departed, Shao Chengze took a step left and grasped the hand dangling beside him. Cheng Jin didn''t expect this move. She was caught firmly off guard. Not wanting to make a scene in front of others, she only struggled covertly, but even that concealed effort was no match for him, let alone an overt contest. In the end her hand remained trapped, and she was slightly short of breath from her own agitation.


    Sensing her stillness, Shao Chengze turned their hands, cing his knuckles along hers and stroking down until their fingers were inteced. The intimacy existing between entwined fingers was sometimes more evocative of yearning than a deep kiss. Shao Chengze''s long fingers sped tight, cradling her soft fingers in his palm.


    Cheng Jin didn''t dare meet his eyes now, because one look would automatically recall the question that had slipped from her own lips. She must have lost her mind, to be led astray by his words.


    She stared at his chin, cold-browed and cold-eyed. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±


    The tone was still fierce, but her voice had lost some of the aloof frostiness, and gained some unnoticed intimacy.


    Shao Chengze replied, ¡°Taking you home. You drank alcohol.¡±


    ¡°I have a driver.¡±


    ¡°Where is your driver? Didn''t you say he was already here?¡±


    Cheng Jin was annoyed at his exposure. ¡°He went to the bathroom. He''ll be right back.¡±


    ¡°I''ll wait with you until he gets back. The streets are unsafe at night.¡±


    As if he wasn''t the greater danger here.


    ¡°Then could Shao please let go of my hand?¡±


    Cheng Jin wanted to reopen the distance between them with the formal address.


    Shao Chengze looked at her. ¡°I''ll let go when your driver arrives.¡±


    The neon lights on the street shed and glimmered. Cheng Jin''s expression shifted through several changes before finally acquiescing in silence.


    Perhaps from the summer heat, or the heat in her heart, their sped palms grew damp with sweat. Sweat mingling with blood, blood mingling with heartbeats.


    On a summer night, the streets and alleys were especially lively. There were young couples walking hand in hand, elderly couples arm in arm, and nuclear families leading their children. The children skipped and bounced, peeking at thedy then the gentleman. They thought, the gentleman anddy are both so beautiful! The little girl smiled sweetly at the gentleman anddy.


    Meeting the little girl''s smile, Cheng Jin''s previously expressionless face revealed a gentle smile. The corners of Shao Chengze''s eyes lifted slightly, a smile spreading from his eyes. The little girl was stunned by the gentleman anddy''s smiles. She scurried over and lifted the rose in her hand high to Shao Chengze. ¡°Beautiful gentleman, a flower for you. You can give the pretty flower to the beautifuldy, to make her happy.¡±


    The little girl''s parents were helpless with their flower-loving daughter. They followed their daughter over and smiled apologetically at Shao Chengze.


    Shao Chengze crouched down to be at eye level with the little girl. ¡°Thank you, pretty little miss.¡±


    The little girl met the handsome gentleman''s eyes, suddenly shy. She stuffed the flower into his hand, grabbed her parents'' hands, and scurried away.


    Shao Chengze turned the flower in his hand, stood up, and without a word, tucked it into the hair by the person beside him.


    Cheng Jin red at his presumptuousness. She reached to take the flower out.


    Shao Chengze pressed her hand down. ¡°Leave it. It''s beautiful.¡±


    It really was beautiful.


    The vibrant flower, the dark hair, the snowyplexion.


    And a pair of seemingly aloof eyes, shimmering with rippling waves.


    She was vivid and lively like this, not an ethereal illusion like the flower in the mirror or moon in water.


    Shao Chengze wanted to step closer and embrace his beloved in this busy downtown street.


    A car suddenly stopped in front of them. The driver hurriedly opened the door and got out, then hesitated and quickly tried to get back in the car.


    Cheng Jin called out. ¡°Xiao Liu.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Miss Second.¡±


    Xiao Liu understood Miss Second''s meaning. He got out, walked around the front of the car, and opened the rear door.


    ¡°My driver is here.¡± Cheng Jin looked at Shao Chengze. The unspoken meaning was that he should let go now.


    Shao Chengze was as good as his word. He let go smoothly, seemingly without reluctance. His fingertips followed her departing direction, reaching forward slightly.


    Cheng Jin''s hand held the car door. She paused, remembering the flower on her ear, but ultimately said nothing. She bent down and entered the car. The door closed, the tinted windows blocking everything outside.


    Cheng Jin toyed with the flower in her hand, eyes vaguely unfocused, lost in thought.


    Xiao Liu nced in the rearview mirror. ¡°Miss Second, there''s a car behind us that seems to be following us.¡±


    Cheng Jin looked back at the license te. It was familiar. She told Xiao Liu, ¡°Ignore it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss Second.¡± Xiao Liu focused on driving.


    The car followed them all the way to the Cheng residence. Cheng Jin got out and stood in the yard for a while, watching the lights in the neighboring housee on, verifying her guess.


    She pressed that familiar number in one go. As soon as it connected, Cheng Jin said, ¡°You''re looking to die.¡±


    Was he afraid her father couldn''t find a reason to deal with him, so he had delivered himself to their door?


    Shao Chengzeughed low. ¡°Worried about me? Afraid I''ll be beaten by your father?¡±


    Cheng Jin choked on his casual tone. She immediately hung up. Whether he courted death was none of her business.


    Under the hawthorn tree, Shao Chengze watched the light in the neighboring house, eyes full of softness.


    He really liked this house. It had bright windows overlooking the pier and dark storage cers below.


    It took some time to persuade the Hus to sell it. They were notcking in houses or money. This ce was probably the mostfortable of all their properties, one they would have liked to keep for when they returned to China to live in retirement. The house was well maintained and the older Hus had good taste, so not much needed changing other than recing all the furniture to move right in.


    That night when he left her family home, he had already sized up her father, the captain of the Cheng enterprise.


    His car had barely made it through the gates when he saw someone waiting roadside for him. Shao Chengze got out of the car and called out, "Uncle Cheng," ready to introduce himself, but Cheng Shanhe cut him off before he could speak, looking him up and down. "I know who you are."


    Shao Chengze stood respectfully to one side and let the old man look him over. If his own father were still alive, he would be of a simr age and bearing. He had had an excellent father, inarticte perhaps but gentle and loving, who had taught him to y music and write calligraphy, and instilled in him life philosophies to live by.


    The elder said nothing unkind, merely stated a in truth¡ªthat a Cheng daughter would never marry into the Shao family.


    For Shao Chengze this was not a dead end but an open door. Her father had only said a Cheng daughter would not cross the Shao threshold, not that she could not be with him. If she would not marry into the Shao family, he would marry into the Chengs. He would be happy to join her family as a son-inw.

 Chapter 34: 034

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    Cheng Jin had been a little worried at first, though she didn¡¯t know what exactly she was worried about. After observing for a few days, she realized he didn¡¯t live on this side very often - onlying by asionally, and even then he would leave early ande homete, driving a different car than his usual one. The person seen most frequentlying and going from his home was the auntie who came to deliver kites. The neighbors just took Cheng Jin to be a new resident, and even Cheng LiQi didn¡¯t know he lived next door.


    These past couple days, Cheng LiQi had been sneaking off mysteriously right after getting out of school. She would hide away in her private little room for a whole hour, not letting anyone elsee in. She thought she was being covert, but Cheng Jin knew she was making a birthday present for her. Still, she yed along as if she were very curious about her daughter''s little secret but couldn¡¯t find out a single clue about it, acting quite regretful.


    Cheng LiQi reassured her mother, counting off on her little fingers, "Don''t worry, Mom, there''s only four more days until you find out what my secret is!" She stuck out her little belly, quite proud. "I''ve prepared a surprise for Mom, and a surprise for Grandma too."


    There were only four more days until Cheng Jin''s birthday. Ever since she was old enough to understand anything, Cheng LiQi had prepared two gifts every year for her mother''s birthday - one for her mother, and one for her grandmother.


    Cheng Jin smiled. "Grandma and Mom are really looking forward to our little watermelon''s surprise!"


    Cheng LiQi didn''t understand. She blinked her thick, curlyshes in confusion and asked, "Mom, I''m little LiQi. Why are you calling me little watermelon?"


    Cheng Jin felt her round little belly. "Because your tummy now looks just like a little watermelon. Come on, let Mom see if our little watermelon is ripe yet?"


    Cheng LiQi giggled and snuggled into her mother''s embrace, not letting her feel any more. Granny Qu''s cooking was so delicious that she had drank two whole bowls of porridge tonight, and her little tummy was about to burst. After piano practice, Cheng LiQi pulled her mother to walk around the yard, wanting to walk off her watermelon belly.


    Today''s weather was exceptionally hot. Even after the sun had set below the mountains and night fell, the sultry air remained when the evening breeze blew by, refusing to disperse. They hadn''t walked long before Cheng LiQi''s forehead was beaded with sweat. Cheng Jin used her hand as a fan, lightly fanning her daughter. "Sweetheart, let''s go back inside, okay? It''s too hot out today."


    Cheng LiQi nodded, copying her mother fanning her too. "Okay, Mom, let''s go back in. I''m really hot too."


    When Cheng Jin moved to pick her up, Cheng LiQi didn''t want her mother carrying her. Her mother was sweaty too, and holding her would make her sweat more. She could walk by herself.


    Cheng Jin squeezed her little hand. "Good girl."


    Cheng LiQi asked, "Mom, since I''m such a good girl, can I have a little ice cream?"


    Cheng Jin replied, "You just ate and haven''t digested your food yet. And you just sweated too. Eating ice cream right away wouldn''t be good for your body. How about Mom makes you some sweet strawberry juice instead?"


    Cheng LiQi''s little scheme didn''t work on her mother. But she wasn''t unhappy either - ice cream was delicious, but strawberry juice was also tasty. If she couldn''t have ice cream, then drinking sweet strawberry juice was fine too. She grabbed her mother''s hand and ran, "Let''s go, drink strawberry juice!"


    Cheng Jin didn''t hire a nanny at home. Usually it was just a housekeepering regrly to clean up. She didn''t want to leave caring for her child to others for what she could do herself, and with the help of her mother and Auntie Qu, she could manage it all.


    After returning home, Cheng Jin first brought Cheng LiQi to bathe, washing away the sweat and stuffy heat. After the bath, mother and daughter sat facing each other at the dining table, each holding a cup of strawberry juice. Cheng LiQi drank hers in one gulp, even letting out a satisfied "Ah" at the end - clearly still wanting more, but Cheng Jin didn''t let her have any more no matter how she sighed.


    Even being so careful, Cheng LiQi still developed a fever in the middle of the night. Cheng Jin first tried physical cooling, but it wasn''t very effective. Cheng LiQi hugged her neck, mumbling softly, "Mom, I feel awful."


    Cheng Jin didn''t hesitate anymore. She dressed her and decided to take her to the hospital. They had a family doctor for regr use at home, but it was toote now. The hospital was just a ten minute drive by car - it was more convenient to just go there directly.


    When Cheng Jin drove to the door, she saw the person standing outside.


    Shao Chengze hade homete today. After showering, he wasn''t sleepy at all and was just resting in the pavilion under the crape myrtle tree to cool off. The neighboring lights turned on and he heard noisy movement, realizing something was wrong. It was alreadyte into the night, so something must have happened. He was still wondering if he should ring the doorbell or not when the front door opened.


    Shao Chengze walked over. Cheng Jin lowered the car window halfway down. "What are you doing here?"


    "I saw your lights were on. Did something happen?" He immediately understood when he caught sight of Cheng LiQi in the backseat. "I''ll go with you. I''ll drive."


    Cheng LiQi was lying in the backseat with her eyes closed, quietly calling for "Mom" with her mouth.


    Cheng Jin got out and he took her spot, while she went to the backseat to hold Cheng LiQi in her arms, gently soothing her. Smelling her mother''s scent, Cheng LiQi felt a little better. She snuggled closer to her mom, eyes brimming with tears, and gradually fell asleep. Cheng Jin gently wiped away the teardrops, holding her even more steadily, inwardly ming herself. She should have been even more careful. Shao Chengze drove very quickly but also very steadily. He kept ncing in the rearview mirror, anxious as could be. Fortunately the roads were unobstructed thiste at night, and they soon arrived at the hospital. When getting out of the car, Cheng LiQi was transferred from Cheng Jin''s arms into Shao Chengze''s, and he strode fast into the hospital, holding Cheng LiQi steady in his embrace.


    Cheng LiQi awoke from her slumber, heaved dryly a couple times, and vomited everything in her stomach all over Shao Chengze in one go. Opening her eyes to see Dad, the corners of her lips drooped down. Feeling awful physically and emotionally, she reached out her little hands wanting to wipe him clean, sobbing, "Dad, I''m sorry, I got your clothes dirty."


    Shao Chengze''s heart ached. He could barely speak. "It''s okay, sweetie. They''re not dirty."


    Cheng Jin helped wipe the corners of Cheng LiQi''s mouth and gently asked her, "Do you still feel like throwing up?" Cheng LiQi grasped her mother''s hand. "No, Mom, don''t worry. I''m not as ufortable now."


    Cheng Jin pressed her forehead to her daughter''s, feeling that her fever had also gone down a little, probably because she threw up. The ER doctor said it was heat stroke, nothing serious. He prescribed some medication and told the parents to keep a close eye on the child''s condition tonight.


    Ever since vomiting once, Cheng LiQi''s spirits had lifted considerably, no longer listless. She could even tell the doctor, "Thank you, Doctor."


    Cheng Jin gave Shao Chengze a look. "Do you want to go to the bathroom to clean up a bit?"


    He was aplete mess from Cheng LiQi''s vomit. He had only hastily wiped it off with some paper just now.


    "It''s fine, no need to clean up."


    Seeing the hair stuck to her sweaty forehead, Shao Chengze''s throat moved several times. He had only experienced one night like this, but over the years, from pregnancy to Cheng LiQi growing this big, there must have been countless situations like tonight. If he hadn''t moved to this side today, she would have had to handle all these circumstances alone.


    Previously, he had always thought he could make up for the lost time over the years, but only now did he realize what exactly he had missed out on. This was what he owed her and owed LiQi - a debt he could never repay in this lifetime.


    Cheng LiQi tugged on her dad''s clothes. "Dad, we have Grandpa''s clothes at home. You can change into Grandpa''s clothes when we get back."


    Shao Chengze grasped her little hand. "Okay, thank you, LiQi. Does my LiQi feel a little better now?"


    Cheng LiQi nodded, looking to her mother. "Mom, I want to go home now. I miss my bed and teddy bear."


    Cheng Jin kissed her lovingly. "Alright, sweetheart, let''s go home."


    On the return trip, Shao Chengze carried Cheng LiQi. He kept holding her all the way to the car and didn''t switch even when they reached the parking garage. Cheng Jin drove, and when they got back to the Cheng residence, she stopped the car after passing by the neighbor''s.


    Shao Chengze also looked at her. In a low voice he said, "She fell asleep."


    Cheng Jin had no choice but to drive the car toward home. Shao Chengze carried Cheng LiQi into the house andid her down on the sofa in the living room, just as she had said. Before Cheng Jin could even open her mouth, he spoke first in a low voice, "The doctor said to keep a close eye on her condition tonight. I''ll take turns with you watching her. Don''t say it - when it''s light out, if she hasn''t run another fever, I''ll leave on my own."


    Cheng Jin stared at him for a moment before turning away. After a few minutes, she came out of the cloakroom with clothes in hand and threw them to him. "You know where the bathroom is."


    This was agreeing to let him stay. Shao Chengze''s eyes softened. "What about LiQi? Should we move her to the bed?"


    "I have to change her clothes first and wipe her down."


    "Let me help you." Shao Chengze put the clothes down.


    Cheng Jin impatiently said, "What help? You reek right now. Even if LiQi''s better, you''ll make her sick again with your stench."


    Shao Chengze also knew he didn''t smell too good at the moment. He picked up the clothes again. "Then I''ll hurry."


    Cheng LiQi had had a rough night and was sleeping very soundly now. She didn''t even stir when her mother changed her clothes, wiped her face and feet. She only asionally let out a couple whimpers in her sleep, perhaps the lingering distress from feeling awful earlier hadn''tpletely faded yet.


    After cleaning up, Shao Chengze tiptoed into the bedroom. Cheng Jin had already changed Cheng LiQi''s clothes. Cheng LiQi was hugging her teddy bear, with a fist pressed to her mouth. Her breathing was very even with each inhale and exhale.


    "I''ll watch her. You go shower," Shao Chengze said in a low voice.


    Cheng Jin had also sweated a lot earlier in her hurry. Her clingy clothes made her very ufortable. She nodded, agreeing to his arrangement this time.


    When Cheng Jin came out of the bathroom, Cheng LiQi was nestled in her dad''s arms, head tilted back drinking water. Seeing her mothere in, she smiled groggily at Mom. "Mom, in my dream I kept wanting water, kept wanting water. Then I woke up. I thought when I woke up Dad would be gone, but Dad is still here."


    Shao ChengZe put down the water ss and carefully wiped the corner of her mouth, "Daddy will stay with little LiQi tonight."


    Cheng Jin touched the water ss, it was warm.


    "Do you want more to drink? Mommy will go pour some more for you."


    "No more, I''m not thirsty now."


    Cheng LiQi looked at her mom, then looked at her dad, "Mommy, since Daddy is here tonight, can I sleep with Mommy, Daddy, and little bear? My little bed is so big."


    The more Cheng LiQi thought about it, the more she felt her idea was great. She first patted the spot to her left, "Mommy, you sleep here," then patted the spot to her right, "Daddy, you sleep here today," and finally hugged her little bear, and said to Cheng Jin, "Mommy, Daddy sings lubies so nicely, Daddy can sing us lubies to help us fall asleep."


    Cheng Jin paused, Shao ChengZe froze.


    Seeing the wet and wide eyes of their daughter, the two adults did not speak.

 Chapter 35: 035

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    Cheng LiQi was already lying in bed hugging her teddy bear, waiting for her parents toe to bed.


    Shao ChengZe looked at Cheng Jin, he had no say in this matter, whatever she said, he would do.


    Cheng Jin''s eyes shed, but she didn''t say anything.


    The room was too quiet, Cheng LiQi covered her mouth with her little hand and coughed a few times.


    Cheng Jin stepped forward and leaned over to ask her, "Does your throat feel ufortable?"


    Cheng LiQi pursed her lips and smiled, "My throat is not ufortable, I was choked by my own saliva."


    Cheng Jin''s eyes showed some smile, she stroked her forehead, her voice gentle, "Do you still feel unwell?"


    Cheng LiQi shook her head vigorously, "I''m not feeling sick anymore," she took her mother''s hand, "Mom, lie down quickly, you took me to see Doctor Uncle, you must be very tired, you need to rest well."


    Cheng Jin froze for a moment, and finally got into the bed on Cheng LiQi''s left side.


    Cheng LiQi helped her mother pat the pillow, watched as her mothery down beside her, she snuggled into her mother''s arms, turned her head to look at her father, and looked at the bed again. There were only two pillows on the bed, one was hers, and one was her mother''s. There was no pillow for her father. Her father could go to her mother''s room to get a pillow.


    Cheng Jin saw what her daughter was thinking and said, "It''s okay, your dad doesn''t need a pillow to sleep."


    Sleep without a pillow? Would that befortable? Little LiQi looked at her father doubtfully.


    To Shao ChengZe, Cheng Jin''s words meant that he could get on the bed.


    He spoke very affirmatively to his daughter, "Dad can sleep without a pillow."


    As he spoke, he got on the bed and took up the position on Cheng LiQi''s right side.


    It was the first time Cheng LiQi had her parents sleeping together with her. She didn''t notice the difference between the two adults'' thoughts. She just felt it was novel. She stroked her mother''s hair for a while, and yed with her father''s fingers for a while. Just now she was still drowsy, but now she was not sleepy at all.


    Cheng Jin hugged her and said, "Sleep soon, or you won''t be able to get up tomorrow morning."


    "Oh, okay, let''s sleep, we all have to be early birds."


    Cheng LiQi had heard her mother say once that the early bird gets the worm, but she didn''t remember it fully, and only remembered waking up early and worms. She leaned in her mother''s arms, her teddy bear leaned in her arms, she fiddled with the teddy bear''s ears, making the ears stand up, then held her father''s hand, "Okay, Daddy can sing a luby now."


    A gale was blowing outside, the sultry heat that had been pent up all day was going to wee a downpour in the early hours of the night.


    Cheng Jin gently patted Cheng LiQi on the shoulder, closed her eyes and pretended to sleep. Shao ChengZe stopped singing.


    Only the roaring wind outside came through the airtight windows and thick curtains into the house, proving that time was still moving.


    Cheng LiQi was not fully asleep yet. Hearing that her father was not singing the luby, she called out to her father vaguely, "I want to listen more."


    Shao ChengZe held the small and big hands, tightened them, tightened them again, and gently told his daughter, "Okay, Daddy will sing another verse."


    The singing sounded again in the room, drowning out the wind and rain outside.


    Cheng LiQi gradually entered a sweet dream, with a sweet smile on her little mouth.


    With the low singing, the steady breathing of the daughter, Cheng Jin didn''t know which sound made her feel more at ease, or...both did. She and her daughter entered the same dream.


    After a windy and rainy night, the sky cleared.


    Sunlight prated through the curtains into the room. Cheng Jin slowly opened her eyes and turned over, colliding into a pair of deep dark eyes.


    She was still in between waking and sleep, not fully returned from her dream to reality yet. Looking at his sunken eye sockets, she murmured softly, "You didn''t sleep all night?"


    Shao ChengZe reached out to pick away the long hair covering her eyes, his fingers slid down along the hair, past her ears, and gently stroked her cheeks. He propped himself up halfway, leaned over across the still sleeping Cheng LiQi, pressed his forehead against hers, and lightly kissed the corner of her lips.


    "I''m sorry."


    "And thank you."


    There was a lot he wanted to say, but in the end, only these two sentences came out of his mouth.


    Cheng Jin looked at the person up close, her eyes slowly filled with some rity. She moved her head back, separating the two lips with air, but her gaze did not move. Their eyes were fixed on each other. Her eyes kept looking into his. In the coagted air, there was a subtle indescribable taste.


    There were slight sounds in the quiet room, and their entangled gazes moved away at the same time, looking at the little person in the middle.


    Cheng LiQi''s tightly closed eyshes fluttered quickly, and her breathing was a little hurried too. After a few seconds, she slowly opened one eye first, then slowly opened the other eye. Her voice was soft and tender after just waking up, "Dad, are you done kissing Mom? Can I go to the bathroom now?"


    She had just woken up from her sleep and really couldn''t hold it in anymore. She didn''t want to be a bedwetting baby.


    Shao ChengZe immediately got out of bed, carried his daughter down, and took her to the bathroom, then closed the bathroom door and leaned against the door frame barefoot, waiting for his daughter toe out.


    Cheng Jin turned over and buried her face in the pillow, and didn''t move for a long time.


    In the morning light, the two adults'' ears remained red for a long time.


    Cheng LiQi¡¯s illness came and went quickly. After sleeping for one night, she was now full of energy. Cheng Jin had originally nned to let her rest at home for a day today. Cheng LiQi drank the white porridge her father cooked bit by bit, and said to her mother, "Mom, I¡¯m all better now, I don''t feel sick at all anymore, I can go to kindergarten."


    Cheng Jin looked at her rosy little face and said, "Then if you feel any difort at all in kindergarten, you must tell the teacher immediately, okay?"


    Cheng LiQi nodded, "I will, don''t worry Mom." She looked at her mother''s red ears, "Mom, you don''t have to be shy, I didn''t see anything."


    When she came out of the bathroom, she saw her mother''s red ears. Her mother''s ears were still red now. Grandma said that when Mom was shy, her ears would turn red.


    Cheng Jin almost choked on the porridge she had just sent into her mouth. She pulled out two tissues to cover her mouth and barely swallowed the porridge. She wanted to say something but didn''t know what to say.


    Cheng LiQi bent her hand into a semicircle, cupped it to her mouth as a little trumpet, and whispered to her mother, "Mom, I know, Dad likes Mom, and Mom also likes Dad, that''s why Dad kisses you."


    She thought she was whispering very softly, but her voice was not actually small. And she waspletely unaware that the two sentences she said contradicted each other.


    Shao ChengZe came out of the kitchen with the sandwiches he had just made and put them in front of Cheng Jin. The corners of his mouth smiled as he ruffled his daughter''s hair, "Eat up, after you¡¯re done eating, Dad and Mom will take you to kindergarten."


    Cheng LiQi shouted loudly, "Yay!" and happily concentrated on eating.


    It was a chaotic morning. Cheng Jin just wanted to pretend that nothing had happened and forget it allpletely. But some things, the more you want to forget, the more unforgettable they be, and continue to appear in your dreams every night.


    On Cheng Jin¡¯s birthday, it was a clear sky without a hint of cloud, the sky was as blue as washed. Considering there were young children, the birthday banquet was held at home. Although it was a home banquet, only rtives and friends were invited, business rtionships would not be involved, but there were still a lot of people, cars filled up half the yard.


    Cheng LiQi prepared two gifts for her mother. One was a ceramic vase she had made with her father earlier. It could be ced in her mother''s office, so whenever her mother saw the vase she would think of her. The other was a thick handmade greeting card she had made, with various scenes of her and her mother together drawn inside the card. One page also had a handwritten letter in Chinese characters and pinyin. The letter was titled "I Love My Mom the Most."


    After reading the letter, Cheng Jin closed the greeting card. Although she tried hard to restrain herself, her eyes were still a little red. She lowered her head and kissed her daughter''s face, "Thank you baby for the birthday present, Mom really likes it, Mom loves Little LiQi the most too."


    Cheng LiQi hugged her mother''s neck and kissed her mother hard.


    The crowd cheered and envied that this was not just a little cotton-padded jacket, this was a down jacket.


    Theter it got into the night, the more lively the banquet became. The livelier this side was, the colder the lights looked on the other side.


    Cheng LiQi was excited but not for long before she got sleepy when it was time. Fei Zuhui carried her back next door. She would sleep with her little granddaughter tonight, leaving the young people to have fun and rx.


    Cheng Jin was chatting with a friend when her phone vibrated. She nced at the screen and muted it, then put it back on the table and continued chatting with her friend. After a few seconds, she said excuse me to her friend, "Sorry, let me take this call," got up with her phone and left the room.


    Shi Ran and Jiang Jiang were talking in a corner of the yard. The distance between them was not close but also not far. Cheng Jin took a look at Cheng Jinchuan standing by the window holding a ss of wine and looking outside, sighed silently, and walked with her phone to another corner, and answered the call.


    "Why are you calling?" Very calm tone.


    Shao ChengZe said, "Happy birthday."


    Cheng Jin replied, "Thank you."


    The phone fell silent.


    After a while, Shao ChengZe tentatively asked, "Can I have thest hour tonight? I want to celebrate your birthday with you."


    Cheng Jin held the phone, her foot lightly kicked the wall. She couldn''t say yes, and couldn''t say no either.


    In the night sky, stars twinkled, and moonlight shone like water.


    There was only a wall between the two of them. She was on this side of the wall, he was on the other side.

 Chapter 36: 036

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    The courtyard was brightly lit, and a roar ofughter could be heard from the house, interrupting Cheng Jin''s reverie.


    "No, I can''t." She finally spoke up, answering his question. The guests were still there, so she couldn''t leave a room full of guests to meet up with him.


    Shao Chengze took a step back. "Half an hour?"


    Cheng Jin didn''t say anything.


    Shao Chengze continued retreating. "Fifteen minutes?"


    Cheng Jin was helpless. Could this matter be negotiated like this?


    "Or maybe just thest ten minutes." There was undisguised dejection in the hoarse voice.


    Cheng Jin was silent for a moment before giving her final answer. "Five minutes."


    As soon as she said it, she regretted it. She should have firmly refused him. What difference would five minutes make? She didn''tck someone to celebrate her birthday with her. It was just that before she could change her mind, Shao Chengze had already epted this agreement. "Okay, five minutes. I''ll wait for you."


    Thest three words were spoken very softly, with a hint of lingering attachment in the fading echoes.


    Cheng Jin looked up at the sea of flowersing over the wall. The night breeze blew by, and she could vaguely smell their fragrance.


    She gave a vague "hmm" in response, which counted as a yes.


    Thest person Cheng Jin saw off was Jiang Jiang. When she returned to the room, she nced at the man leaning against the sofa with his eyes closed to rest.


    "Alright, stop pretending. Everyone''s gone."


    Cheng Jinchuan opened his eyes. His gaze was somewhat sluggish, but not to the extent of being unable to stand up like he was pretending to be earlier.


    Cheng Jin gave a soft scoff. "Big brother, I didn''t realize you were such a coward."


    He didn''t even dare to see someone off.


    Cheng Jinchuan picked up the ss on the table and downed it in one go before sprawling back weakly on the sofa. He put his arm over his eyes. "You don''t understand."


    Cheng Jin said, "Yes, I don''t understand and I don''t want to understand what happened between you two. But over these years, you know very clearly who has been on your mind. Now that she''s finally back, if you can''t let go, then don''t shrink away so spinelessly without doing anything. You know very well how outrageously wrong you were back then. Let''s not even talk about anything else - you should at least give her a proper apology. She may forgive you, or she may not. Personally I hope it''s thetter, because what you did is simply unforgivable. But your apology will at least allow her to slowly move on from the past. This is what you owe her."


    She hadn''t intended to say these things originally. Emotional matters were not something outsiders should stick their nose into. But just now in the yard she had seen very clearly - Jiang Jiang was talking with Shi Ran, and her eyes would asionally drift towards the French windows over there. It was obvious who she was looking at.


    If the knots from back then weren''t untied, it would be very difficult for the three of them to move on.


    Cheng Jinchuan didn''t speak, just kept drinking with his head lowered. After quite a while, he poured himself another ss and gulped it down before heavily putting the ss back down. Then he got up and strode towards the door. Cheng Jin realized something was off. She hurried after him. Although he wasn''tpletely drunk, he was at least tipsy. And with his bad mood, the effects of the alcohol were probably hitting him faster. At the moment he was only semi-coherent, and Cheng Jin couldn''t be sure exactly how sober he still was.


    Cheng Jinchuan had arrivedte, so his car was parked outside. When Cheng Jin chased out, he was half crouching and half sitting next to the car with his head lowered, not knowing what he was thinking about. Fortunately he still knew better than to drive after drinking.


    Cheng Jin called out to him.


    Cheng Jinchuan looked up at her. "Take me to see her. I have something I want to say to her."


    Cheng Jin almost wanted to p him. He only remembered now that he had something to say, after the person had already left.


    She could only coax him like she would coax the drunk little Cheng Liqi. "I''ve been drinking too, I can''t drive you. Whatever you want to say, wait until you sober up tomorrow and then go talk to her, okay? Let''s go back and sleep now."


    Cheng Jinchuan didn''t budge.


    Cheng Jin was helpless with the drunk man. She took the car keys from his hand and threatened, "Fine, I won''t care about you then. You can just sleep here yourself. The weather now is just right for sleeping outside anyway."


    Shao Chengze walked out from next door and saw this scene. He came over and asked, "Drunk?"


    Cheng Jin met his gaze before looking away again. "Had a few too many drinks."


    Hearing the voice, Cheng Jinchuan looked over blearily, mistaking Shao Chengze for his driver. He swayed unsteadily to his feet. "Little Liu, take me to Yifeng Garden."


    Shao Chengze supported his arm and looked to Cheng Jin. "He lives in Yifeng Garden? Or should I drive him back?"


    Jiang Jiang lived in Yifeng Garden. Cheng Jin had known early on that her words would stir up trouble like this. It would have been better to wait until he sobered up before saying anything.


    "No need, sorry to trouble you but could you help me get him back inside?"


    Cheng Jin definitely couldn''t handle him alone, and she couldn''t just leave him out here either.


    "Alright," Shao Chengze put Cheng Jinchuan''s arm over his shoulder. "Let''s go, I''ll take you to Yifeng Garden."


    Supported half dragged by someone, Cheng Jinchuan was quite obedient for a drunk person and didn''t make any more trouble, just followed Shao Chengze''s footsteps towards the house. Cheng Jin wanted to help, but Shao Chengze said, "You don''t need to touch him, I can handle him."


    The night breeze sobered Cheng Jinchuan up a little. Hearing the voice was off, he turned and peered closely at Shao Chengze. His footsteps halted abruptly. "You''re not Little Liu, you''re Shao Chengze."


    Shao Chengze also hadn''t expected drunk Cheng Jinchuan to be like this. He patiently replied, "I''m Little Liu, I''m taking you to Yifeng Garden now."


    Cheng Jinchuan didn''t believe him. He put his arm around Shao Chengze''s neck and pulled him closer, wanting to see clearly just who this person was. But with that yank and pull, before he could make out who it was, the nausea hit. His head slumped onto Shao Chengze''s shoulder, and the alcohol in his stomach started toe back up. Although Shao Chengze dodged quickly, his back was still sttered a little. Fortunately Cheng Jinchuan hadn''t eaten much for dinner, otherwise Shao Chengze''s back would have been a horrific mess.


    Shao Chengze had already exerted strength in his arm, about to fling this drunkard away in the next second, but he forcibly suppressed that urge. His brows were twisted tightly into deep furrows.


    He couldn''t very well say, letting his daughter vomit on him versus her uncle vomiting on him were twopletely different concepts.


    Cheng Jin couldn''t help but take two steps back to keep some distance between them. She turned her head sideways, trying to force down the corners of her lips but really unable to. It seemed he had offended something these past couple days.


    Seeing her barely suppressed smile, Shao Chengze''s brows rxed as he slowly said, "If you want tough thenugh, don''t hold it in anymore."


    Cheng Jin gave a light cough and cleared her throat. "I''m very sorry on his behalf. I''ll take care of the clothester..."


    Shao Chengze cut her off. "Although he''s your brother, apologizing is still bettering from him directly."


    Whether he apologized or not didn''t matter. He would at least get back at Cheng Jinchuan a little.


    Oblivious in his drunken stupor, Cheng Jinchuan was fast asleep leaning on his shoulder. Shao Chengze''s brows knitted again. After a pause of two seconds, he bent down and picked the man up in his arms, then headed towards the house.


    "Which room does he sleep in?"


    Cheng Jin was astonished. Although she didn''t know Cheng Jinchuan''s exact weight, at one meter eighty plus tall and working out every day, touting himself as appearing thin clothed but fleshy unclothed, there was no way he could be considered light. How could Shao Chengze carry him so effortlessly?


    She was rather looking forward to what expression Cheng Jinchuan would have tomorrow after waking up and finding out he had been princess carried.


    Dumped onto the bed in the guest room, as soon as his back touched the bed Cheng Jinchuan hugged the nket and fell straight asleep. He had thrown up with such perfect aim, not a single drop hadnded on himself. Shao Chengze even started to suspect he was pretending to be drunk.


    Shao Chengze came out from the bathroom and softly asked the woman before him, "Little Liqi''s asleep?"


    "Mm. My mom took her over early to sleep next door." Considering he had helped bring the man in, Cheng Jin''s tone was still decent, otherwise she would have been the one vomited on.


    Shao Chengze checked his watch. The minute hand had already passed eleven, leaving only four minutes until midnight. He grasped her hand and strode towards the door, initially walking but soon breaking into a run.


    "What are you doing?" Cheng Jin couldn''t break free of his grip and could only follow his footsteps, running along.


    He was in front and she behind, the moon white and wind clear. The wind blew past his shoulders and her long hair and dress. The silhouettes of the two running figures were reflected on the road, connected by tightly sped hands.


    He looked back at her. "Didn''t you say you would give me thest five minutes? There''s less than four minutes left now."


    They had run too quickly and Cheng Jin was a little out of breath.


    Shao Chengze stopped and swept her up in his arms. Caught unprepared, Cheng Jin instinctively grabbed his shoulders to steady herself. As her hands made contact with the heat of his skin, she was about to pull away, but with the momentum of being carried, her body tilted forward and she wound up clinging onto his neck with both arms.


    She couldn''t help pounding him. "You''re crazy."


    Carrying her, Shao Chengze ran into the yard and stopped under the crabapple tree in the pavilion. His chest rose and fell slightly as he gazed at the woman in his embrace. He leaned down and lightly pecked the corner of her lips, murmuring softly, "I went crazy long ago."


    From the moment he realized there was still a possibility for them to be together again, he had already lost his mind.


    Cheng Jin''s breathing still had not steadied. She panted lightly, mingling with the rise and fall of his chest. The intertwining breaths of the two were woven together. Cheng Jin turned her face to hide against his neck.


    "Put me down."


    Shao Chengze directly set her down on the wooden chair. Next to them on the stone table was a small cake. He lit the candles on it and held it up to look into her eyes. "Happy birthday, Miaomiao."


    The crabapple tree enclosed this pavilion in its own ethereal paradise. Pink blossoms, orange light, ink ck eyes, a cake ugly beyond words.


    Cheng Jin lowered her longshes, concealing the thoughts in her heart as she blew out the flickering mes.


    "Thank you."


    She returned his well wishes, then stood up. "The five minutes you wanted, I''ve given them to you too. I should get going."


    Shao Chengze held his watch up to her eyes. "Still one minute left."


    Cheng Jin looked at him. "Can''t you smell your clothes?"


    He should go take a shower instead of quibbling over this one minute. And she really did need to leave too. She couldn''t stay here any longer.


    Shao Chengze lowered his head and smelled it. It was all the smell of alcohol from Cheng Jinchuan. He had just simply dealt with it a little in the bathroom door, and it didn''t have much effect at all. He took off his ck T-shirt with one hand and threw it into the trash can outside the pavilion.


    "That''s better now."


    Cheng Jin was stunned by his simple roughness.


    Shao Chengze was frank and calm. He picked up a spoon, scooped up a piece of cake, and brought it to her lips. "Try it?"


    Her eyes swept over his chest and turned to look elsewhere. "I don''t eat sweets after ten o''clock at night."


    Faint red appeared on her thin white earlobes. Shao Chengze moved closer imperceptibly. "Just a little bit."


    It was quiet for a moment before Cheng Jin opened her mouth and ate the cake off the spoon.


    "Is it delicious?" Shao Chengze asked seriously.


    Cheng Jin answered seriously, "Not delicious."


    Shao Chengze looked at the milky white on her red lips, his eyes turning from ck to dark, and he reached out to hold the back of her head and leaned down. "Let me try it."


    At first it was just a shallow taste, but the fiery breath lingered around the corners of her lips, eating away the cream on her lips little by little.


    "I think..." He wrapped her lip beads and sighed lightly, "It''s very sweet."


    Just as Cheng Jin was about to scold him as a bastard, his tongue followed her half-open lips and drilled in. He took her hand and circled it around his neck, gradually deepening the kiss from light to heavy, slowly.


    The deeper the night, the deeper the kiss.


    Shao Chengze stretched out his arm around her waist and lifted her onto the stone table, so she could rx a little more.


    The cool marble tabletop collided with the heat rising from her body, sending chills up her spine. Cheng Jin let out a low moan from between her lips. The long-absent arousal seemed to overwhelm her body. The numbness that existed in distant memories almost drowned her.


    Shao Chengze had only intended to stop at a kiss, but he simply couldn''t stop. Her taste, her voice, her breathing - everything led him to continue.


    His hand went up her skirt, stopping just short, yet he still had to ask, "May I?"


    Mist began to appear in her eyes. The Milky Way in the sky seemed to enter her tearful eyes. Shao Chengze couldn''t help but kiss her again.


    The itch that felt like ant bites drilled into her heart, so he couldn''t make so much small talk. Cheng Jin fiercely bit his lips and spat back at him, "No, you may not."


    Shao Chengze chuckled hoarsely. The next second, his fingers sank into the moist heat.


    Cheng Jin''s long neck tilted back slightly, arching into a curved arc. She firmly braced her palms on the marble tabletop to barely withstand this wave of impact, preventing herself from copsing onto the table.


    "Who am I? Miao Miao."


    He wanted her to submit under his hand.


    Cheng Jin couldn''t hold back her moans at all. She bit her mouth tightly, not wanting to make any sound. She didn''t care who he was.


    The harder she bit, the faster and deeper his movements became.


    Finally, the nerves in her brain were pulled up in an instant, fireworks exploded into a misty white, and long-absent pleasure rose.


    Shao Chengze kissed her lips again.


    Under the moonlight, among the floral scents, panting intertwined with panting, slowly returning to tranquility.


    A long timeter.


    Cheng Jin leaned against his shoulder, her voicezy and soft. "How much should I pay you this time? Boss Shao, name your price."


    Her old friend was right. It didn''t matter who the man was, the important thing was that his skills were good.


    Shao Chengze''s hand, which was about to reach into his pocket for the ring box, paused.


    He was thinking about how to tell her about their future together.


    She was thinking about how to dismiss him with money.


    In her heart... he was someone who could be dismissed with money?!

 Chapter 37: 037

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    Shao ChengZe lifted her chin, looking at the charming blush at the corner of her eyes, and asked her, "How are you feeling?"


    Cheng Jin felt soft and sore from her bones to her fingertips. Her mind was still lost in the dazzling fireworks just now and hadn''t recovered yet. Her reactions were a little sluggish as she murmured, "Hmm?"


    Shao ChengZe exined, "How much I charge depends on Ms. Cheng''s feelings."


    Cheng Jin felt it was a trap. She gave an ambiguous answer, "So-so."


    Shao ChengZe hooked her leg over hisp with one hand and wrapped his other arm around her waist, lifting her off the marble table.


    "Since this is a paid service, how can it be just so-so? It must be satisfactory for Ms. Cheng, or I won''t be able to set a price."


    With this posture, Cheng Jin felt the overture was over and the real show was about to begin. She struggled to get down, "I want to go back."


    Shao ChengZe strode steadily under the crabapple trees without stopping.


    The wind blew, and crabapple petals drifted down elegantly with the wind. Some fell on the jet-ck long hair, some on the pink cheeks, some in the snow-white neck, and some on the cherry-red lips.


    She was indeed more delicate than the flowers.


    Shao ChengZe''s unfathomable eyes concealed turbulent undercurrents.


    Cheng Jin sensed the danger. She called his name, "Shao ChengZe!"


    The harsh reprimand was meant to deter him, but her voice was soft and the forcefulness only revealed an unconscious charm.


    Shao ChengZe answered her in a low voice, "I''m here."


    He leaned in and first ate the petal lying on her neck, the moist sound mixed with subtle ambiguity. He slowly moved up and ate the petal on her cheek, finally urately capturing the one on her crimson lips.


    The petal lingered between their lips and tongues, carrying the sweetness of saliva, the taste of cream, desire and passion, hers and his.


    Cheng Jin unconsciously tightened her arms, her dangling toes curled and stretched open again. Her heart seemed to be teased by a wisp of floating fire, the mes growing bigger with her hurried breathing, making her heart itch unbearably and her mind dizzy.


    "I don''t want it here," she mumbled indistinctly during the gasps.


    There were stars, moon, insects chirping in the grass, and the hot wind caressing her body. She didn''t want it here, too embarrassing.


    Shao ChengZe pressed his lips against hers lightly again and again, wanting to reassure her, but unable to restrain his wicked thoughts. "Where does Ms. Cheng want? Back to the pavilion?"


    Going back to the pavilion, Cheng Jin was annoyed. She tugged hard at the stubble on the back of his neck, "Why don''t you just go up a tree?"


    Shao ChengZeughed hoarsely against her lips. "If you want, I will certainly satisfy you."


    Cheng Jin was furious. She buried her head in his shoulder and bit down hard.


    Shao ChengZe pressed his palm against the small of her back through her clothes, gently massaging. "Don''t rush, we''ll be back in the room soon."


    Cheng Jin bit even harder. Was she the one in a hurry? What was she hurrying for?


    As soon as they entered the brightly lit room, the sweat on her skin evaporated in the cool breeze from the air conditioner, and Cheng Jin couldn''t help but shudder.


    "Cold?"


    Shao ChengZe held her tight, leaving no gap between them. He found the remote control and turned up the temperature in the room.


    "Turn off the lights," shemanded.


    Shao ChengZe turned off the main light, leaving only a few wallmps on. Under the dim light, their shadows ovepped on the wall, more intimate. Cheng Jin closed her eyes tightly and continuedmanding, "All off."


    Shao ChengZe nibbled lightly on her neck, whispering, "Ms. Cheng has so many requests. I''ll have to raise my price to ensure satisfactory service."


    The darkness gave Cheng Jin a sense of security. Her tense body gradually rxed,zily leaning her chin on his shoulder. "Whatever you say."


    As soon as she got into bed, he was on top of her, not forgetting to reach for the bedside table.


    "You''re really well prepared." In the intervals between breaths, she mocked hoarsely.


    Shao ChengZe hmm-ed and didn''t deny his ulterior motives. But he justified himself, "It''s all prepared for Ms. Cheng. Of course I have to be fully equipped to ensure satisfactory service."


    After so many years, who knows whether this night woulde.


    Cheng Jin only felt like a leaf drifting on the sea, rising and falling with the turbulent waves, from the bed to the misty bathroom, then back to bed.


    She wrapped herself tightly in the quilt to stop him from approaching again. She was no leaf, but a fish thrown ashore, barely clinging to thest breath. She would surely die if tossed around more.


    Shao ChengZe wiped the sweat from her forehead, looking at her moist eyes, and asked that question again, "How does Ms. Cheng feel?"


    Cheng Jin conceded in time, breathless, "Quite satisfied."


    Shao ChengZe repeated her words, raising his tone at the end, "Quite satisfied?"


    Cheng Jin stared at him fiercely.


    Seeing her look, Shao ChengZe sincerely said, "I''m quite satisfied with your answer."


    "So I''ll set my price, then we''re even?"


    Cheng Jin''s gaze stalled for a moment, then she closed her eyes, tone nonchnt andzy, "Go ahead."


    Shao ChengZe replied, "I know Ms. Cheng is rich and can afford whatever price I set. And my satisfactory service isn''t something that can be settled with money."


    "Then what do you want?"


    Shao ChengZe said slowly, "I want the ce by your side as you sleep, from now on, every day." Then he added, "Or... a kiss from you will do as well."


    Cheng Jin didn''t hesitate. She hooked his neck and pulled him down, perfunctorily touching his mouth with her lips. "Even now?"


    Shao ChengZe smiled. "I said a kiss, not a peck."


    "What''s the difference? They''re the same."


    "Huge difference."


    Cheng Jin stared at him silently.


    "You don''t know? Let me teach you." Shao ChengZe''s gaze softened. He was happy to impart his knowledge without reservation.


    He lightly touched her lips. "This is a peck."


    His lips sucked hers in, demonstrating what a kiss was.


    The fading heat gathered again. Cheng Jin couldn''t take it and slowly retreated, but the bed was so small. As she was about to fall off the bed, she was pulled back into his arms.


    His lips against hers, he called her name huskily, "Miao Miao."


    This time, he wanted her toe to him.


    Cheng Jin didn''t move, just unable to control her quickening breaths. Shao ChengZe was patient. If she didn''t move, he wouldn''t either.


    But only their lips stayed still.


    Wave after wave of heat dried up her moisture. Cheng Jin''s mind grew blurry, only feeling extremely thirsty, unconsciously seeking the source of water.


    A sh of pleasure shone in Shao ChengZe''s dark eyes. He caught her approaching tongue and didn''t let go again.


    The night was long, yet short.


    Cheng Jin opened her heavy eyelids, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling, momentarily unaware of where she was until seeing the watch on the bedside table. Only then did shee to her senses, rememberingst night. No one was beside her, only the pattering of water in the bathroom.


    She wanted to get up, but her sore waist couldn''t support her body and she flopped back into bed, nearly cursing out loud. Her clothes fromst night were torn beyond repair. Fortunately there were new clothesid out by the bed. She put on the skirt with shaky, sore hands and tiptoed out of the room with her shoes, like a ghost.


    Shao ChengZe opened the bathroom door and went to the window, smiling as he watched her running figure in the yard.


    The morning sun shone on her flowing hair and fair hands. The ring on her ring finger sparkled brightly.


    Cheng Jin sneaked out of the neighboring vi and tiptoed back into her own, praying not to run into anyone. Cheng Jinchuan had left. Cheng LiQi was having breakfast with her grandma.


    But things never go as nned.


    Fei Zuhui was directing the cleanup ofst night''s mess. Cheng LiQi was in a pretty dress, asking grandma if it was suitable for school today. Cheng Jinchuan stumbled blearily into the living room, chicken nest hair and still hungover fromst night.


    All eyes turned to Cheng Jin. She had no choice but to pretend to be calm.


    Fei Zuhui looked her up and down. "Where did you go so early without your phone?"


    Cheng Jin casually lied unconvincingly, "I went for a run."


    Fei Zuhui looked at her doubtfully. Who goes running in a skirt?


    Cheng Jinchuan was still recovering fromst night''s drinking and couldn''t remember something important, though she couldn''t recall what.


    Cheng Jin didn''t care if her mom believed her or not. She kept up the act, fanning herself while hurrying to her room, "It''s so hot today. I need to shower quick." Turning to Cheng LiQi, she said gently, "Did you sleep wellst night, darling?"


    Cheng LiQi followed her mom into the bedroom, even helping to close the door.


    Looking up at her mom, she asked softly, "Mommy, did you go on a date with daddy? You''re justing home now."


    Cheng Jin was shocked and immediately denied, "No, sweetie. Mommy really went for a run. Mommy has been eating too muchtely and needs to lose weight."


    Cheng LiQi blinked her big eyes which clearly said, I know mommy is lying but I won''t expose her.


    Cheng Jin was almost ashamed of herself. She had not thought of a reasonable exnation to give her daughter yet. Just then, Cheng Liqi eximed in surprise and grabbed her hand.


    "Mom, is this the birthday present Dad gave you? What a beautiful diamond ring!"


    Cheng Jin saw the ring on her ring finger. She was so flustered just now that she did not notice when a ring was put on her hand.


    "Of course not. This was given by your Aunt Jiang." Cheng Jin wanted to take it off but could not get it off after trying.


    Cheng Liqi asked, "Didn''t Dad give Mom a birthday present?"


    If Dad did not give one, she would scold Dad. How could he forget to give Mom a birthday present?


    Cheng Jin squatted down and said to her daughter, "He gave other things, not this ring."


    Cheng Liqi rolled her eyes and giggled behind her hand. Mom still imed she did not go on a date with Dad. Without a date, how could she have received a gift from Dad?


    Cheng Jin sighed helplessly and ruffled her daughter''s hair. She whispered to her, "This is a secret. Little Liqi must not tell anyone else, okay?"


    Cheng Liqi smiled sweetly and nodded obediently, promising to keep the secret between Mom and Dad.


    Anyway, Cheng Jin managed to handle this shrewd little princess. She heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Mom," Cheng Liqi moved closer to Cheng Jin and peered at her neck carefully, "You got bitten by mosquitoes again!"


    The breath Cheng Jin just let out was sucked back in. "Yes, Mom got bitten by mosquitoes again. I''ll take a shower and put on some ointment. Can my little Liqi help pick out clothes for me to wear today?"


    Cheng Liqi was sessfully distracted. She loved picking out clothes for her mother the most.


    "Okay, I''ll pick a beautiful dress for Mom."


    She ran to the walk-in closet as she spoke.


    Cheng Jin rushed into the bathroom. As the hot water poured down on her, she covered her face with her hands and could not help letting out a groan. She was really bewitched and foolishly fell for his tricks.


    She looked at the ring on her ring finger again and wailed silently even more. She finally managed to take it off with the help of the slippery hot water after trying hard many times.


    It was difficult to take it off, but even more difficult to return it.


    The lights in the neighboring apartment had not been switched on since that day. Even the cleaning aunty had not shown up. Her calls went unanswered and her messages were not replied. The courier packages she sent within the city to Shao ChengZe and Qiong Miao were rejected and returned to her directly.


    Cheng Jin tapped her fingers on the table increasingly faster. Tang Yicheng gently coughed to remind Madam Cheng that the hotel department manager had finished his report and it was time for her to give feedback.


    Cheng Jin returned to the present. She gave a few simple but incisive points. The hotel department manager had thought Madam Cheng was spacing out just now, but it turned out she had not missed anything he said.


    However, Tang Yicheng knew very well that Madam Cheng was indeed distracted, it was just that she was very adept at multitasking.


    Madam Cheng had been rather restless these days. Tang Yicheng still had not figured out what was causing her restlessness. All he knew was that whenever he entered her office, he would see Madam Cheng fiddling with a sky blue box.


    If he guessed correctly, that box should contain a ring. He could not help thinking, was it because Madam Cheng''s marriage proposal got rejected that made her so restless? But he also felt this idea was too preposterous. In this world, who could possibly reject Madam Cheng''s proposal unless they were out of their mind? Shao President seemed quite normal though...


    Cheng Jin was unaware that her assistant was having all sorts of random thoughts because he was too free. As the meeting ended, she found the avatar of those two dogs in the WeChat group and sent an add friend request.


    Shao ChengZe saw the red dot light up on WeChat and the corners of his lips curved up slightly. He put down his phone and gestured for Kong Yichan to continue.


    Kong Yichan felt that the boss had been in an unusually good mood these days, to an extent beyond the norm. His good mood was so extreme that when a manager made an exceptionally low-level mistake, the boss did not even furrow his brows. He just clearly pointed out the mistake and reminded him not to repeat it again. That was it. Moreover, his tone was gentle.


    Everyone felt that the boss must have been possessed by some god or bodhisattva these days. Otherwise, how could the same person not act like his usual self?


    Kong Yichan had concluded reporting all the work matters. There was still one very important matter left.


    "President Shao, Madam Cheng Jinchuan wishes to have a phone call with you."


    This morning as per her routine, she called Cheng Corporation''s secretary office. She had expected to be rejected as usual. After all, she had been calling them twice a day for nearly a month, and Cheng Corporation''s secretary office always rejected her with the same excuse. Not a single word was different. Both sides understood the situation clearly but had to keep up this pretense. But today when she called, the other party told her to wait. Finally the call got through to Cheng Jinchuan herself, who said she wanted to speak with her boss.


    Kong Yichan felt that the bosses must have taken the wrong medication recently. How else could the eternally icy bosses start acting out of character, with Cheng Jinchuan actually taking the initiative to request a phone call.


    Shao ChengZe said, "Tell them I''m not convenient to talk over the phone. If Madam Jinchuan is willing to grace us with her presence, I will host a banquet at Changlong tonight to entertain her."


    Kong Yichan nodded. "Yes, President Shao."


    She felt that the boss was up to no good and did not seem to be nning anything decent.


    Cheng Jin did not want to keep looking at her phone but could not resist the urge. He was definitely doing this on purpose. There was no way he had not seen her friend request after 6 hours. Even if he was in a lengthy meeting, it should have ended by now. Cheng Jin walked out of her office, pondering if she should just head over to Shao Corporation directly to return that heated potato in her bag.


    Just then, her phone vibrated. The person who had been ying dead finally epted her request and even called her.


    Cheng Jin answered the call.


    Shao ChengZe dispensed with any pleasantries and got straight to the point. "You were looking for me?"


    Cheng Jin gave a coldugh. "Who else could it be, a ghost looking for you?"


    "That''s not impossible either, but I''m not afraid even if a ghost came looking for me since I have a clear conscience."


    Cheng Jin did not want to waste time chatting with him and asked directly, "Where are you now?"


    Shao ChengZe replied, "What does Madam Cheng want with me?"


    "To return something to you."


    "What thing?"


    He was deliberately feigning ignorance.


    "The ring." Cheng Jin squeezed out the two words.


    Shao ChengZe pretended to be puzzled. "Why return it? The ring was the price I asked for what happened that night."


    "Didn''t we settle it already?" She had kissed him after all.


    Shao ChengZe asked, "Are you sure? You only pecked me once. That wasn''t a kiss. Don''t you remember what I taught you, a peck and a kiss are different. Since you didn''t kiss me, I assumed you picked the first option, that you agreed to give me the position by your pillow, which means the second half of my life belongs to you. This ring serves as a witness to our agreement, so Madam Cheng can''t go back on her words."


    ...


    Cheng Jin reiterated, "I picked the second option."


    Shao ChengZe was very agreeable. "The second option works too. If I remember correctly, we did it six times...or was it seven times that night?"


    Where did he get six or seven times from?


    Cheng Jin interrupted him, "It was just four times."


    Only after she finished speaking did she realize she had fallen into his trap by recounting what happened that night with him.


    Shao ChengZe chuckled softly. "Madam Cheng remembers so clearly?"


    Cheng Jin kept quiet.


    "Since Madam Cheng said four times, then four times it is. In that case, you owe me four kisses. I''ll be away on a business trip tonight, probably for a week before I''m back. So, withpound interest, by the time I return, Madam Cheng will owe me a total of...512 kisses."


    Cheng Jin could not help but take his bait. "May I ask how thispound interest is calcted?"


    Shao ChengZe exined patiently, "It doubles every day. Since I''m the creditor, I get to decide how the interest is calcted. Isn''t that right, Madam Cheng?"


    Was he a bandit? Even bandits did not charge such exorbitantpound interest!


    Seeing that she did not respond, Shao ChengZe continued suggestion options. "How about this, Madam Cheng. If you are still unwilling to give me the second half of your life for now, and feel that kissing me so many times would be a loss for you, we canpromise and find a solution that meets in the middle. I''ll be your boyfriend for three months, you can consider it a trial period. After three months, you can decide if you want to officially date me. During these three months, no matter how many times you kiss me or I kiss you, it will help make up for your loss. What do you think, Madam Cheng?"


    Cheng Jin: ...


    Shao ChengZe''s low husky voice was full of temptation. "Madam Cheng, will you be my girlfriend?"

 Chapter 38: 038

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    Cheng Jin leaned back in her chair, fiddling with the teddy bear hanging in the car. The bear swayed back and forth in the air before settling back in its original position.


    She didn''t speak, and he didn''t rush her.


    In this stalemate where they could only hear each other''s breathing, a sense of peaceful tranquility was born.


    Cheng Jin blinked and pulled her wandering thoughts back, focusing her gaze on the teddy bear again.


    "I don''t know whether to say Mr. Shao is shameless or cunning," she said.


    Shao Chengzeughed. "You can say both. After all, being shameless is for your sake, and being crafty is also for your sake. I''m in no hurry for an answer. Ms. Cheng can think it over carefully. I''ll be away on a business trip, so Ms. Cheng can give me a reply when I get back in a week. It won''t be toote."


    After Cheng Jin hung up the phone and threw it onto the passenger seat, she was about to start the car but stopped. She picked up her phone again and changed the contact name with the profile picture of two dogs to "Jerk Man." Now she felt a little better. Since he liked dogs so much, this name suited him best.


    When Cheng Jinchuan arrived at Changlong, it was almost 10 pm, nearly three hourster than the agreed time. It couldn''t be said he waste either, because he hadn''t agreed to this dinner in the first ce. So whether he came or not, and when he came, depended entirely on his mood.


    "Well, Mr. Shao is still here," Cheng Jinchuan said breezily as he strode into the private room and sat down on the chair. He nced at his watch and asked knowingly, "You didn''t wait from 7 pm until now, did you?"


    Shao Chengze didn''t ask the server to step up. He got up and personally poured a cup of tea for Cheng Jinchuan. "I''ve been here since 6 pm to meet Mr. Cheng for dinner. Arriving an hour early to wait shows sincerity."


    Cheng Jinchuan sneered. Sincerity? Even if he had waited here since 6 am this morning, it had nothing to do with sincerity. This was a typical example of the wolf paying New Year''s call on the chickens with evil intentions.


    Shao Chengze remained calm and told the server to bring out the dishes now.


    Cheng Jinchuan crossed his legs arrogantly. "Forget the food. I don''t even dare drink a sip of your tea. As the saying goes, ''Bite not the hand that feeds you.'' I understand that much at least. Let''s not waste time. Mr. Shao, just get to the point about why you asked to see me."


    Shao Chengze replied, "Wasn''t it Mr. Cheng who said he wanted to talk to me? I thought Mr. Cheng had something to discuss with me."


    Cheng Jinchuan was rendered speechless for a moment. "Why do you call me Mr. Cheng?"


    Shao Chengze looked at him unhurriedly and answered, "What else should I call you if not Mr. Cheng? Should I call you Brother Chuan instead?"


    Cheng Jinchuan sat up straight. The fox finally revealed its tail. He hade today to be recognized as a brother.


    He blocked it right away. "I remember we''re the same age. I can''t be your brother, Mr. Shao."


    Shao Chengze pushed back, "The older one by birth month is still a brother. Mr. Cheng''s birthday is two months earlier than mine. You can still im that status as brother."


    Cheng Jinchuan frowned. "You even know my birthday?"


    He hated it when people investigated him behind his back.


    Shao Chengze exined, "I heard Jin mention it before. The few times she talked about Mr. Cheng to me, it was evident that in her heart, Mr. Cheng is the best brother in the world."


    Cheng Jinchuan fell silent for a moment and extricated himself from the sugar-coated cannonball in time.


    "I don''t need outsiders to tell me what I am in my sister''s heart. Also, stop addressing her so intimately as Jin. You don''t have that right."


    Cheng Jinchuan threw his own words back at him.


    Shao Chengze sincerely apologized, "I overstepped. I really don''t have that right now."


    Cheng Jinchuan gave a cold snort. "It''s good you know that," he took out a cigarette to hold in his hand, steering the conversation back to the main point, "Was it you who bought the Hu residence?"


    Shao Chengze nodded. "Yes."


    "What are you trying to do?"


    Shao Chengze replied, "Since I don''t have the right, I naturally tried to find ways to earn that right."


    Damn, Cheng Jinchuan cursed inwardly. Should he say Shao had thick skin, or should he say Shao knew how to y tricks?


    "You''re quite gutsy. Aren''t you afraid of getting beaten up?"


    Shao Chengze said, "If getting beaten up once could resolve this predicament, things would actually be simpler."


    Cheng Jinchuan was so angry he had tough. This guy really was impervious to coaxing or threats, wasn''t he?


    "Let''s set aside those business disputes for now. You should know why our families ended up at odds with each other in the first ce."


    "I know."


    "Then you should also know that my sister would never set foot in the Shao house. My father definitely won''t approve of you. You can''t get past that hurdle."


    "That''s why I bought the Hu residence."


    "Hm?"


    "I can enter the Cheng house."


    Cheng Jinchuan choked on the smoke and coughed heavily a few times. He epted the tea cup Shao Chengze handed over and took a sip to recover before confirming again, "Do you know what you''re saying?"


    "What I mean is, I''ll be d to be the Cheng family''s son-inw who marries into the bride''s family."


    Shao Chengze enunciated very clearly. He said this to Cheng Jinchuan, but more so hoping Cheng Jinchuan would convey it to Elder Cheng. That night, the old man simply refused to listen to him and shut the door in his face. First, he had to open up a path through Cheng Jinchuan before he could stand in front of the old man to negotiate.


    Cheng Jinchuan suppressed the urge to cough again and put on a stern expression. "Forget about being a son-inw marrying into the bride''s family. If you have even the slightest connection with our Cheng family, do you think your board of directors will tolerate you? Can you still remain as the Shao president? Don''t feed me this crap that doesn''t make any sense."


    Shao Chengze handed over a name card.


    Cheng Jinchuan didn''t take it, just nced at it briefly before quirking a brow almost imperceptibly. "The person behind Qiong Miao is you?"


    He naturally knew about Qiong Miao. It had rapidly risen in the Asia Pacific region in recent years. The multiple startups it invested in were moderate sesses, to put it conservatively. Some said Qiong Miao was able to establish a foothold in just a few short years due to the discerning and ruthless investment foresight of its mysterious boss.


    Indeed, from what Cheng Jinchuan knew, quite a few startups weren''t highly regarded by industry insiders initially. No one expected they would have so much potentialter on. Numerous veteran tycoons in the industry regretted missing out.


    Cheng Jinchuan hadn''t expected Qiong Miao to be his.


    Shao Chengze ced the name card on the table and looked straight into Cheng Jinchuan''s eyes. "I''ll try my best not to be a son-inw who eats soft rice."


    The way he said it, it seemed he had long nned to be the Cheng family''s son-inw.


    Aftering in, this was the first time Cheng Jinchuan looked at him properly. His gaze changed from initial anger to interest. To be honest, he didn''t know much about Shao Chengze, and he had no interest in getting to know him either. What good coulde out of their Shao family? Just because they had some family background, they thought they could reach the heavens. They didn''t have much capability, only underhanded means left.


    How interesting. Was there something wrong with the Shao family genes? Or was he simply not of Shao descent? For the Shao family to produce such an interesting person, their ancestral grave must have sprouted green smoke.


    But Cheng Jinchuan quickly hid his interest and said coldly, "You''re thinking too much. No matter if it''s bing a son-inw or whatever kind of son-inw, my sister will never agree. You seem to not understand her well. She hates eating regurgitated food the most. So move out as soon as possible, otherwise, be careful of getting dragged into a dark alley one night and beaten up."


    After acting tough and threatening the man, Cheng Jinchuan turned around and called Cheng Jin as soon as he stepped out, "Hey, sister, Shao Chengze said he wants to marry into our family."


    The reason Cheng Jinchuan attended this dinner with Shao Chengze tonight was to intimidate him and probe his bottom line. His sister didn''t return home on her birthday night. He knew her well. The only person who could make her stay out all night was none other than this Shao Chengze.


    Cheng Jin was silent for a second. "What?"


    "He said he wants to be a son-inw in our Cheng family. I think it''s fine. He''s probably the most outstanding one among the Shao family''s three generations, right? Otherwise, their old man wouldn''t have given him Shao Corporation. If he enters our Cheng house, let me tell you, it will twist his old man''s nose crooked. Just imagining that scene makes me want tough."


    Cheng Jin asked, "You met him tonight?"


    "Yeah, I got so drunk that night I felt like I forgot something important. It only urred to me this morning. That night, he came out of your neighbor''s ce. He even moved in next door to you. If I don''t step in to teach him a lesson, he probably thinks no one''s left in the Cheng house."


    "Brother, you can remember himing out of the neighbor''s ce, but you forgot he carried you upstairs princess style," Cheng Jin said.


    Cheng Jinchuan was stunned. "What?!" In a sh, something struck his brain. "Damn!!"


    The call was ended right after.


    Cheng Jin stroked the phone screen. After a while, she sent a WeChat message: [You said you went on a business trip].


    She shouldn''t have believed him. When he said he went on a business trip, she thought he really went. There wasn''t a single truthful word from his mouth.


    Shao Chengze replied very quickly with a video call.


    Cheng Jin epted the call and ced the phone on the table.


    Shao Chengze appeared on the screen, speaking to the ceiling with augh in his voice, "It was my mistake for not reporting my itinerary to you in time or making it clear when exactly I would be away on business. I''m taking a 1am flight and just had dinner with your older brother, and now I''ve just arrived at the airport. Thending time is..."


    Cheng Jin cut him off. "You don''t need to report your itinerary to me."


    "Of course I should, a prospective boyfriend should report his travel ns too. I''ll be more considerate next time."


    Cheng Jin didn''t want to go around in circles with him on this topic. She had sent that message on impulse just now, as if she really was checking up on him. She saw Cheng Liqie out from the bedroom and hand her the phone, "Your dad is on the phone looking for you."


    Cheng Liqi hade running out as soon as she heard her dad''s voice. She took the phone happily and told her dad everything she had done today at preschool - how many bowls of rice she ate for dinner, how long she yed the piano, and more. By the end of the call she had run over to the window, using the curtains as a makeshift castle to enclose herself as she whispered to her dad, "Dad, are you and Mom dating?"


    She thought she might have overheard something about a boyfriend just now.


    Shao Chengze replied, "I''d say I want to date your mom."


    "Ah!" Cheng Liqi threw open the curtains and yelled loudly to her mom, "Mom, Dad said he wants to date you!"


    Cheng Jin pretended to stay calm as she ate an apple and replied to her daughter, "Mom knows."


    Cheng Liqi ran back to her mom''s side and whispered, "Mom, do you want to date Dad?"


    No matter how soft she kept her voice, the person on the other end of the phone could hear everything crystal clear.


    Before Cheng Jin could think of how to distract the little princess''s attention, Cheng Liqi had already been drawn in by the words on the screen. As she was talking, her hand identally tapped the phone screen, minimizing the video call window and revealing the WeChat conversation screen.


    Cheng Liqi''s eyes went wide as she read the name on the chat screen. "Mom, why is Dad a ''bad man''?"


    Cheng Jin: ...


    "Oh, I get it now!" Cheng Liqi didn''t wait for her mom to answer before having a sudden realization, "This must be what they call loving insults! Mom, you and Dad are dating!"


    Her grandma sometimes called her grandpa ''stubborn old man'', and her big uncle said that was them flirting.


    Shao Chengze let out a softugh. "Little Liqi is so clever."


    Cheng Liqi excitedly pulled her mom''s hand and jumped up and down. She had guessed her dad and mom''s secret!


    "Mom, am I clever or not?"


    On the other end of the screen, Shao Chengze unconsciously held his breath.


    Cheng Jin wiped the sweat beading on the tip of her daughter''s nose and replied,


    "Yes, clever."

 Chapter 39: 039

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    Cheng LiQi was very excited. Tomorrow was Saturday and she didn''t need to go to school. She had already stayed upte tonight after video chatting with her dad, and now she was even less inclined to sleep. She snuggled up in her mom''s arms as they squeezed together in one bed, staring up at the little stars on the ceiling. She called out, "Mom!"


    Cheng Jin stroked her long hair. "Hmm? What''s up?"


    Cheng LiQi rolled over and leaned on her mom''s shoulder. "I''m so happy!"


    Cheng Jin gently asked, "Why are you so happy?"


    Cheng LiQi replied, "Because dad knows how to make you happy now!"


    Otherwise, why would mom want to date dad? He must have learned how to make mom happy. It was her who taught dad how to make mom happy! She really was an amazing little teacher.


    Cheng LiQi scooted closer to her mom. "Mom, were you very happy when you were with dad?"


    Cheng Jin put her arms around her little girl and pulled a nket over the two of them. "Little LiQi, aren''t you sleepy? Mom is so tired. Let''s sleep."


    Cheng LiQi wasn''t the least bit sleepy, but it seemed like her mom was shy. So she would just have to pretend to be sleepy too. She snuggled into afortable spot in her mom''s arms and had just closed her eyes when she thought of something else. "Mom, when dad gets back from his business trip, let''s go pick him up at the airport."


    Cheng Jin gently patted her back, murmuring indistinctly in agreement without definitively saying yes or no.


    Under her mom''s rhythmic patting, Cheng LiQi quickly drifted into sweet dreams.


    A phone screen lit up in the darkness. It was a long while before Cheng Jin reached out to grab her phone and nce at the iing message.


    [I''m boarding now, sweet dreams]


    Cheng Jin breathed a sigh of relief that he hadn''t kept asking what she meant by praising their clever daughter.


    Of course Shao ChengZe wouldn''t keep pursuing confirmation. That would just be hitting himself in the foot.


    He had automatically adjusted his position - reporting his safending, sending photos from the hotel, saying good morning in the morning and sweet dreams at night, right on time. Even though she gave no response at all, that was better than being blocked in some cases, during this gradual process of testing the waters.


    On the fourth day, Shao ChengZe had to transfer flights to another country for his schedule. The flight wasn''t supposed to be too long, but they encountered heavy rain at the destination and had to divert to another city for an emergencynding. By the time they finallynded, it was the middle of the night at home and she must have already gone to bed.


    Shao ChengZe debated for a second between sending a message or not, but in the end chose to exin the situation that day.


    After sending a long paragraph, surprisingly he got a response - just one line: [You''re so annoying].


    But that message was immediately withdrawn.


    A clear light shed through Shao ChengZe''s pitch dark eyes, and the corners of his lips slowly curved up. No response would have been better than taking back the response - at least it showed something, during this gradual process of testing the waters. He pretended not to have seen her message and asked, [What did you take back?]


    After a few minutes, Cheng Jin replied, [Nothing, wrong number].


    The smile at the corners of Shao ChengZe''s mouth deepened. [Why aren''t you asleep yet?]


    Cheng Jin also wondered why she still couldn''t fall asleep. She tossed and turned in bed but just couldn''t feel sleepy. She med it on drinking too much coffee during the day - definitely no other reason.


    Shao ChengZe called her. After ringing for a while, she picked up but switched it to a voice call. He spoke first, "Can''t sleep because you had too much coffee today?"


    There was a brief silence on the phone before Cheng Jin forced out a "Mm."


    Shao ChengZe asked, "Lying in bed?"


    Cheng Jin didn''t answer.


    Questions she didn''t answer were generally "yes". Shao ChengZe softened his voice alluringly, "Close your eyes now."


    His low, husky, maic voice took on an intentional coaxing tone that made people want to follow his words involuntarily, as if under a spell.


    Cheng Jin forced her eyes wide open. "Why would I close my eyes?"


    Perhaps because they had been apart for too long, with too many nks and barriers in between. No matter what he said, she would subconsciously retort to spite him.


    Her response was a gentle humming tune, transmitted through the wireless signals to sound exceptionally gentle in the dark night.


    Cheng Jin couldn''t help muttering sarcastically, "Don''t you only know this one song?"


    Shao ChengZe chuckled softly. "If you want to hear something else, I''ll learn more and sing them for you next time."


    Cheng Jin shut her mouth. She hadn''t realized before that he was probably the smoothest suck-up under the sun.


    Of course Shao ChengZe knew more than just the one song, but this one seemed most effective on her.


    The soft humming made the night even more tranquil. Cheng Jin''s eyelids gradually drooped until she fell into a dreamless, restful sleep, waking up feelingzy and rxed.


    She hugged her thin quilt and blearily gazed up at the ceiling, unusually wanting toze around a bit longer today. She didn''t want to move or get up until the shadow cast by the sunlight on the curtains shifted direction. Only then did Cheng Jin nudge the quilt off with her feet, wiggle her legs and shake her arms. She straightened her body to stretch out a satisfyingzy waist, arching her back and letting her loose ck tresses cascade onto the bed, revealing smooth, fair shoulders and a beautiful unfolding butterfly back as she unwittingly let out a soft hum.


    "Awake?" A voice suddenly came from the phone by her pillow.


    Cheng Jin froze and slowly turned her head to see a timer quickly flipping up on the screen.


    So this call had been on all night?


    Shao ChengZe asked, "Did I startle you?"


    Cheng Jin responded, "What time is it over there?"


    It should be veryte for him now.


    "Almost dawn."


    "Why aren''t you asleep yet?"


    Meaning, she was about to hang up.


    "I just got out of a meeting. I saw the time and thought I''d say good morning before going to bed since you''re probably about to wake up. Good morning, honey." He paused briefly before wishing her, "Good morning."


    Both sides fell silent. In this quiet, Cheng Jin seemed to hear the pitter-patter of water - not rain, more like...


    She asked lowly, "What are you doing?"


    Shao ChengZe replied, "I''m taking a shower." His voice was like whispering sweet nothings to a lover in the dead of night. "And...thinking of you."


    Cheng Jin took a deep breath, about to say something. Her lips moved a few times before she decisively pped her phone shut. There was no way he was thinking pure thoughts about her while showering.


    Two messages came in quick session on Shao ChengZe''s phone.


    [Don''t you dare think about me!!!]


    [You shameless dog!]


    Shao ChengZe dried his hair with a towel, looking at the messages on his phone. He couldn''t helpughing aloud.


    He had indeed been showering, but was already finished by the time she woke up. Although he missed her very much, and especially imagining her waking up, then hearing that alluring hum like a cat''s mewl, it would be unnatural not to react. But he still had enough self-control not to resort to self-relief over the phone. He just couldn''t resist teasing her a little.


    She probably didn''t even realize that she was growing more and more rxed around him, gradually epting him. This change made him extremely happy.


    He sent her flight details. [Shameless dog + shameless scoundrel, arriving afternoon after tomorrow. Coming to pick me up at the airport?]


    He still remembered the scene of her and little LiQi going to pick up Yan Ran. He had fantasized about that scene too, at the time.


    Cheng Jin coldly burst his fantasy bubble. [No, I''m not your chauffeur].


    Alright, Shao ChengZe didn''t insist. If not this time, there would be a next, and a time after that. Whether dreams or fantasies, there woulde a day they turned real.


    Today Cheng Jin had to take Cheng LiQi to get a haircut. The hot summer made the little girl dislike staying cooped up inside all the time. She loved frolicking around outside, but her thick hair clung heavily to her head and soon worked up a sweat. After consulting her daughter''s opinion, Cheng Jin decided to cut it shorter, getting a trim herself as well.


    Exiting the salon, the mother and daughter''s waist-length hair had be medium bobs at shoulder length.


    Cheng LiQi looked up at her mom. "Mom, you look so pretty!"


    Cheng Jin bent down to lift her into the car. "Little LiQi looks prettier."


    Cheng LiQi''s crescent eyes crinkled in a smile as she shook her new hairdo. She really liked this new style. "Mom, should we take a picture and send it to dad? Let''s see if dad can still recognize us."


    Cheng Jin buckled her in and tidied her skirt. "No need for pictures. He''ll be back tomorrow so he can see us then."


    Cheng LiQi''s eyes lit up. "Dad''sing back tomorrow? Mom, are we going to pick up dad?"


    Cheng Jin asked, "Do you want to go pick him up?"


    Cheng LiQi replied, "I miss dad! If we go pick him up, we can see him sooner!"


    Seeing her daughter''s bright eyes, Cheng Jin finally gave a slight nod of agreement.


    Cheng LiQi''s smile grew even bigger. She hugged her mom''s neck, the undisguised gossip glinting in her eyes. "Mom, you miss dad too, don''t you?"


    Cheng Jin twisted her little nose. "Do you want ice cream or not?"


    Cheng LiQi''s eyes widened. "I can have some today?!"


    "You can share one with mom today."


    Cheng LiQi cheered, "Yay! I love you most, Mom!"


    Not far away, a ck car was parked with a silver-haired elderly woman and middle-aged man inside.


    The silver-haired woman was Wu Jingyao, old Mr. Shao''s second wife. Wu Jingyao was over seventy now but looked barely over fifty thanks to meticulous maintenance. Her features were so stiff from procedures that her hooded phoenix eyes looked fierce when expressionless.


    The middle-aged man was Shao Zhangting, Shao Chengze''s second uncle. At first nce he seemed refined and gentle, but his eyes were perpetually bleary from indulging in wine and women, as murky as muddy rainwater.


    Shao Zhangting said resentfully, "Mom, you''re not letting us take any action, and we''ve been behaving ourselves these past few days without doing anything at all, but Dad doesn''t seem to have any reaction to what happened with Shao Chengze. If this continues, the Shao family will really be his. Once the old man passes away, there will be no one left to control him, and with his wolf-hearted, ungrateful nature, he will definitely kick us out of the house. You''ve served the old man for most of your life, but in the end you''ll just be left out in the cold. There''s no justification for this!"


    Wu Jingyao red at him. "Shut your mouth! I have my own ns. You just make sure Jingyun doesn''t go out causing trouble again. As long as he doesn''t stir up any more problems for me."


    Both her son and grandson were good-for-nothings who were all talk and no action. She had worked hard to get the cake, only to have it snatched away at thest moment. How could she have given birth to such a useless son, and even her grandson was useless?


    Wu Jingyao watched Cheng Jin''s retreating figure and let out a cold snort. She was a good judge of character. Shao Chengze didn''t take after his father at all. He was cold-hearted and unfeeling, but deep down he valued rtionships more than anyone. Otherwise, he would never have returned to the Shao family. She knew exactly how she had gotten rid of his father back then, and now she would do the same to get rid of him. She had prepared a big gift for Shao Chengze, she just needed to pick the right time to give it to him.


    That night after her shower, Cheng Jin was blow drying Cheng Liqi''s hair. Cheng Liqi was counting on her little fingers, asking her mother which dress she should wear to the airport tomorrow to pick up Dad. She had just spent time trying on all her new dresses and picked out her top three favorites, but she still hadn''t decided which one to wear tomorrow.


    Before she even picked out a dress, she suddenly remembered she also needed to prepare a bouquet of flowers. She started chattering excitedly again, but gradually fell silent as she drifted off to sleep mid-sentence. She had slept littlest night and was feeling drowsy earlier than usual today.


    Cheng Jin carried her daughter to bed and tucked her in quietly before slipping out of the room. She didn''t feel like blow drying her own hair and went out to the balcony to let it air dry naturally.


    Right on time at 10 pm, her phone lit up, but instead of a message, it was a phone call.


    He really was getting more and more presumptuous. She had only taken one phone call from himst night, yet today he confidently called her again.


    Cheng Jin picked up the call, about to make a sarcastic remark. But Shao Chengze spoke first.


    "Miaomiao, I''m back."


    Cheng Jin froze.


    Shao Chengze was standing outside the door, looking at the lit courtyard. "Are you going to let me in?"


    Cheng Jin: ......


    He was even more presumptuous than she had imagined!

 Chapter 40: 040

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    The moon was bright and the stars were sparse, the night wind blew gently.


    Cheng Jin tly refused, "No."


    Shao ChengZe coughed lightly twice, sounding very weak, "I was up all night, and flew for dozens of hours, my stomach feels very ufortable, I couldn''t eat anything on the ne, I just kept thinking about drinking a bowl of porridge cooked by you."


    Cheng Jin didn''t fall for his scheme, "If your stomach is ufortable go take medicine, if you want to drink porridge you can order takeout."


    Shao ChengZeughed gently, hitting his own face very quickly, "Alright, you saw through me, I admit that my stomachache is just an excuse."


    Cheng Jin scoffed, her meaning very obvious, scoffing that he was not only a rogue, but also a liar.


    "MiaoMiao," he sighed softly, the unfinished tenderness in his long drawn out voice, "I missed you, let me see you, okay?"


    The subtle breathing on the phone paused for a moment, followed by the sound of the call being hung up.


    Shao ChengZe looked at the yard, which instantly went dark, and couldn''t help but reveal a hint of a wry smile at the corner of his lips. He was too impatient.


    Under the bright moon, it cast long shadows of people, Shao ChengZe leaned against the wall with his palm on his stomach, thinking about where he should go next. His home was right next door, but he didn''t want to go back. He was already so close, yet he was still greedily wanting to be a little closer.


    After who knows how long, the moon hid behind the clouds, and the sparse stars could not illuminate much light. The night sky fell intoplete darkness, with dead silence all around, only asional dog barks in the distance to keep himpany.


    The door creaked open halfway.


    Shao ChengZe looked over abruptly.


    Cheng Jin leaned against the door with one hand, looking up at him lightly.


    "Why don''t you leave?" she asked him.


    He stood at the door for so long, and she watched him on the screen for just as long. Reason told her, whatever he was doing, let him stand for as long as he wanted, it would be best if he got bitten by mosquitoes all over his face. But in the end, she still stepped out one step at a time.


    Shao ChengZe wrapped his arms tightly around her, tightly without leaving a gap between them.


    "How could I leave and still get to see you?"


    Cheng Jin''s hands hung loosely around her waist, a familiar scent lingered around her nose, her gaze was slightly blurred, fixed somewhere behind him.


    "Now that you''ve seen me, you can leave."


    Shao ChengZe lifted his head to look at her seriously, "Seeing you... makes me want to leave even less."


    Cheng Jin met his gaze, quickly looked away again, her t tone revealed no emotion, "Then you can stand guard here yourself, I''m going back in."


    Shao ChengZe grabbed her hand and circled it around his waist, not letting her leave. His eyes swept over her hair, "Did you cut your hair?"


    He was very hot, the heat transmitted through his clothes was scorching.


    Cheng Jin lowered her longshes, shielding the emotions in her eyes, and replied, "What''s it to you?"


    Shao ChengZe chuckled softly, "I just wanted to say, it looks very good, it looked good before the cut, and it still looks good now," his slender fingers ran through the hair draped over her shoulders, caressing the fair nape of her neck, touching upwards bit by bit, holding the back of her head, leaning in close, and biting her red lips, murmuring in a low voice, "Our President Cheng looks good no matter what."


    Cheng Jin just lost herself for a moment under his gentle fingertips, and by the time she regained her senses, she had already fallen into his mouth.


    Not just their lips and tongues, but their breaths and heartbeats werepletely under his control.


    Cheng Jin struggled for a moment, but was soon engulfed by the turbulent heat, her breathing hurried and chaotic. Shao ChengZe felt her response, the stormy eyes instantly stirred up a raging storm, his arm gripped her slender waist tightly, wishing he could press her into his body, engraved on his heart, never leaving for even a moment.


    In this frenzy of dying, Cheng Jin''s hand touched his bare skin at his waist, noticing something wrong. She pinched his waist and exerted some force. Shao ChengZe''s breathing receded a little, and the delicate kisses went down along the corner of her lips, wrapping around her moon-white jade corbone.


    Cheng Jin gently tilted her neck back, catching her breath for a moment. She ced her palm on his forehead, confirming that his temperature was indeed abnormally high, "You have a fever."


    Shao ChengZe returned to her lips again, leaning against her breath. There was clear grievance in his still aroused eyes, "My stomach really is ufortable, I''m not lying to you, nor am I using crocodile tears."


    Cheng Jin was silent for a second, patting the arm sped around her waist, "Let me go."


    Shao ChengZe held her even tighter, "You don''t believe me?"


    She still hadn''t caught her breath, and being hugged so tightly by him again took her breath away. Cheng Jin forcibly pried his arms open, "If your stomach is ufortable you should take medicine, I''m not medicine."


    Shao ChengZe was stunned for a moment, thenughed out loud, lifting her by the waist onto himself. She was taller than him so he had to look up at her.


    The moon had escaped from the dark clouds and was recast over the earth, spilling silvery light that rippled into her eyes, entuating the smudge of rouge that overflowed from the corner of her eyes even more bewitching.


    To him, she was more effective than medicine. Compared to medicine, he wanted to eat her even more. But he probably shouldn''t say that, or she would surely get angry.


    "I''m out of medicine at my ce." He stated a fact.


    Cheng Jin denied him the possibility of entering the house, "You wait here, I''ll go get you some."


    "I want to drink porridge." He took her hand and pressed it against his stomach, "My stomach ispletely empty, I haven''t eaten anything sincest night."


    Cheng Jin stared at him motionlessly.


    Shao ChengZe stared back unwaveringly.


    After a long time, Cheng Jin spoke up, "I can provide you with a pot and rice. If you want to eat, make it yourself. Don''t expect me to make it for you."


    Shao ChengZe''s smile lit up half the starry sky.


    "Okay."


    Having done it once, the second try was much smoother. Shao ChengZe entered the house, put his suitcase in the entrance, changed into slippers by himself, washed his hands in the bathroom by himself. He didn''t need anyone to guide him, he even knew where the pots and rice were located, because this was the second time he had entered this kitchen.


    "Is little Liqi asleep?" He tied on an apron by himself.


    "Yes."


    Cheng Jin put the medicine and water on the table, then stopped bothering with him anymore, and went into the study to work on her own things.


    Not long after, a light fragrance drifted out from outside. Cheng Jin''s eyes lingered on theputer screen. Her stomach also growled in response. She had eaten very full at dinner, and didn''t know when her stomach had be socking in integrity that it could be enticed by a bowl of porridge.


    There was a light double knock at the door.


    Cheng Jin looked up to see Shao ChengZe push open the door, carrying two bowls of porridge as he walked over.


    Cheng Jin said, "I''m not eating, just go eat by yourself. After you finish eating, don''t clean up. The housekeeper wille to clean tomorrow. You can just leave directly."


    But as soon as she finished speaking, her stomach let out an untimely gurgle.


    Cheng Jin paused, and a little unease appeared on her originally cold face.


    Shao ChengZe pretended not to have heard and ced the porridge on the table before sitting down across from her.


    "I made too much, just keep mepany and eat a little bit with me. Eating alone always feels a little bleak."


    Cheng Jin''s eyebrows twitched slightly, "Don''t you eat alone at home?"


    "Eating alone at home is one thing, but you''re here with me now," Shao ChengZe stirred the porridge with a spoon, scooped up a spoonful, blew on it slowly, then held it across the table to her mouth, "It''s not hot anymore, have a taste?"


    Before Cheng Jin''s stomach could make another sound, she opened her mouth and the porridge was fed in. It really was just in porridge, without any vor. But... it smelled really good.


    "How is it?" He looked at her, his eyes full of anticipation.


    Cheng Jin doused him in cold water, "No matter how fancy you make in porridge, it can only be tasteless white porridge."


    Shao ChengZe used the spoon she had used to scoop himself a spoonful and put it in his mouth, "I feel like it smells really good."


    Before Cheng Jin could say anything, the bowl filled with porridge was held out again, "Have another taste, you''ll slowly be able to taste the vor."


    Looking at his earnest eyes, she suddenly felt irritated. Impatiently, she stretched out her hand to block the spoon, "I said I''m not eating anymore. Hurry up and leave after you finish eating."


    As a result, the porridge in the spoon spilled out, allnding on the back of his hand.


    Cheng Jin froze for a moment as she looked at the mess all over his hand, then got up, pulled out some paper towels, ced them over his hand, and haphazardly wiped him clean, also apologizing, "I''m sorry."


    "Don''t apologize." Shao ChengZe took her hand in his, went to her side to find her downcast gaze. "Let''s talk."


    Though he said he wanted to talk, he didn''t know where to start. Seeing her slightly furrowed brows, Shao ChengZe gently asked, "Jin, do you...hate me very much?"


    After a long silence, a hint of emptiness shed in Cheng Jin''s eyes. "If I really hated you that much, I wouldn''t let you bully me like this. I must be beyond saving."


    She saw through his probing and tricks, but knew she was slowly giving in to him approaching her again, even if she wouldn''t admit it to herself.


    Even if she knew that whaty between them was more misunderstanding than hatred, how could years of resentment dissipate in an instant? Rather than hate, she felt lost and confused about how to interact with him now.


    She didn''t know how to get along with him, and though she allowed him to get close, she wasn''t clear on how close or how much she should let him in.


    In their youth she could be reckless and fearless, but now older and more mature, she had lost that courage.


    She held his face in her hands, looking deep into his eyes. "ChengZe, don''t lie to me again."


    If there was a next time, it would only lead to death between them.


    In that moment, endless joy shed in Shao ChengZe''s dark eyes, a captivating light.


    He leaned in to kiss her lips. "Alright, I promise."

 Chapter 41: 041

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    It was a long kiss. Cheng Jin was standing on the floor at first, and then lifted onto the table by him. He leaned over her, their lips and tongues entwined. She gradually lost her strength, and leaned softly against him, allowing him to take as he pleased.


    Cheng Jin regained some rity, and stopped his wandering hands with a soft exhale, "Don''t."


    Shao Chengze''s hands stilled, his lips pressed against hers, vaguely kissing her - one kiss seamlessly beginning the next.


    Cheng Jin felt her heart stirred by something, both itchy and sour. Her consciousness grew hazy too. She wanted him to stop but also to continue, to be rougher yet also gentler.


    "Does it hurt?" Shao Chengze stopped and looked at her.


    Cheng Jin bit her lip silently, her bright eyes grew misty like the fog over a mountain stream. With a slight exertion from him, the mist stirred, raising captivating ripples.


    Shao Chengze''s fingertips pressed against her lips, rescuing the soft redness from between glistening white teeth. His voice grew increasingly hoarse, carrying fiery temptation, "Miao Miao, tell me what you want me to do."


    Cheng Jin ruthlessly bit down on his fingers, "I want you to go away."


    Shao Chengze chuckled hoarsely, "Of all Cheng''s body, her mouth...is the hardest ce to kiss soft." He gently sucked on the corner of her lips, "Since you won''t tell me what to do, I''ll just do as I please."


    Her thickshes fluttered rapidly, and Cheng Jin pushed his shoulders, wanting to escape from the table. Shao Chengze''s long legs came close to the table''s edge, blocking her path.


    Cheng Jin red at him. Shao Chengze kissed her angry eyes, one arm curled around her waist to lift her onto himself, and walked out of the study into the bedroom.


    Cheng Jin struggled, her voice unintentionally soft and coquettish, ¡°You can¡¯t, you have a fever.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve taken medicine and had porridge.¡±


    Cheng Jin continued shaking her head, refusing to let him touch her bed, ¡°You were on a ne all day without showering.¡±


    Shao Chengze headed straight for the bathroom, pushing open the door and cing her on the sink counter, one hand undoing the buttons of his shirt.


    ¡°Together.¡±


    The shirt came off, and under the lights, Cheng Jin¡¯s gaze froze briefly. She lifted a foot to block his approach, avoiding his gaze, ¡°No, we don''t have...¡±


    Shao Chengze grasped her fair hand, his dark gaze changing.


    ¡°So I¡¯ll help you. Does it hurt?¡±


    Steam filled the bathroom, fogging up the mirrors with condensation that obscured their lingering reflection. Muffled panting was interspersed with bewitching whispers.


    ¡°Did you miss me?¡±


    Hot air caressed her ear. Cheng Jin shook her head, a blush creeping up her cheeks. The snowy skin revealed an alluring pink hue, dewdrops threatened to fall from darkshes.


    Shao Chengze suddenly halted his actions, only using his lips to catch the beads of sweat on her forehead.


    ¡°I missed you very much. You didn¡¯t evene to the airport to pick me up.¡±


    Cheng Jin opened her eyes to look at him. They were misty like a shimmering springke under the dappled shade, revealing glimpses of a verdant green.


    Her arms, damp with perspiration, circled his neck and exerted a slight force. She vaguely called his name, ¡°Shao Chengze.¡±


    He lowered his head to ask again, ¡°Did you miss me?¡±


    Cheng Jin shook her head again. Tears welled up at the corners of her eyes, still refusing to utter the word ¡°miss¡±.


    Shao Chengze changed his question, ¡°Will youe to the airport to pick me up in the future?¡±


    Cheng Jin rested her head against his chest. Emptiness and itchiness consumed her mind and body. She took a sharp breath, biting back the soft plea that threatened to spill from her throat.


    Shao Chengze chuckled lightly. Her stubbornness and refusal to give in was truly arousing, making him want to...pamper her, and also torment her severely.


    He took a step back, extending an olive branch to himself, ¡°I¡¯m not asking for much, just once will do. Okay?¡± His lips brushed against the corners of her eyes, tasting the sweet yet sour tears.


    ¡°Who told you toe back early.¡± Every taut nerve in Cheng Jin¡¯s body was drawn to an almost unbearable point. Still, she forced out a mocking tone.


    Shao Chengze was stunned, seemingly unable to believe what he just heard. ¡°You¡¯reing to the airport to pick me up tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Not me, Cheng LiQi.¡± The sweat had ruined her fringe. Cheng Jin grew increasingly ufortable, kicking his arm with her foot. ¡°Get out.¡±


    The frustration in her voice could no longer be concealed. Liar, he said he¡¯d help her but left her hanging in this unresolved state instead, wanting her to beg him.


    The unexpected reply left Shao Chengze distracted for a moment. He felt somewhat regretful for pulling an all-nighter to settle all his work, then rushing back eagerly. Otherwise, he would''ve gotten a pleasant surprise at the airport tomorrow.


    But now, with the sweet softness in his arms, and the coquettish anger by his ear, it was something that nothing could rece. There were gains and losses. As long as he obtained what was at hand, the things lost could always be reimedter.


    Cheng Jin finally sumbed beneath the surging tides. Her scattered moans grew louder and more frequent.


    From the bathroom to the bed, the clock struck midnight as they returned to the bedroom. Cheng Jin covered herself with a thin nket, looking at the man by the bed. ¡°You should go.¡± Hernguid voice was hoarse, evidencing what had just happened in the bathroom.


    Shao Chengze looked at the woman who was about to go back on her word after getting her way. He got on the bed and gathered her into his embrace, ¡°Where would I go?¡±


    Cheng Jin currently had not an ounce of strength left in her body. She just wanted to fall asleep immediately. With great effort, she opened her eyes wide, ¡°Go back to your own home. You can''t stay the night here.¡±


    Not just for today, but never again in the future. She couldn''t let Cheng LiQi see him, otherwise with her astute personality, her daughter would surely ask many difficult questions.


    Of course Shao Chengze understood her concerns. He gently patted her shoulder, coaxing her to sleep, ¡°I¡¯ll be gone before LiQi wakes up, she won''t find out.¡±


    Cheng Jin could no longer keep her heavy eyelids open. ¡°You''d better,¡± she thought of something and forced her eyes open again, ¡°You have to leave before dawn. My dad goes jogging in the mornings, he can''t run into you.¡±


    Shao Chengze smiled helplessly, his low voice full of indulgence, ¡°Alright, shall we just dig a secret passage while we''re at it, to better facilitate such...elegant affairs.¡±


    Cheng Jin covered his face with a nearby pillow, shutting him up.


    Soon, her breathing grew steady and drawn out as she fell asleep. Shao Chengze leaned down to kiss her hair.


    Soft fingers brushed across his forehead. Half-asleep, she groggily asked, ¡°Does it still hurt?¡± Referring to his stomach.


    Shao Chengze''s heart melted into mush, but the mischievous part of him couldn''t resist. He slowly guided her hand down, nibbling her ear, ¡°It hurts a lot, want to help me?¡±


    Looks like he wasn''t hurting anymore. Cheng Jin wanted to kick him again, but her foot rose and fell back onto the bed weakly, not making contact. She just mumbled a soft refusal, ¡°No, I want to sleep.¡±


    Shao Chengze pressed his forehead against hers, their fingers inteced, ¡°Alright, I won''t tease you. Go to sleep.¡±


    Summer nights were short. It was barely 5am but the sky had already brightened. Cheng Jin lifted her eyelids to see the empty bedside, finally rxing. She went back to sleep, and when she awoke again, the sun was already nted halfway across the sky.


    Cheng LiQi was lying on one side of the bed, drawing something with a pen. Seeing her mother awake, she shifted over, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re up.¡±


    Cheng Jin pulled her into an embrace, ¡°Sorry, mommy woke upte. Are you hungry?¡±


    Cheng LiQi shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m not hungry yet. It¡¯s notte, weekends are for sleeping in. If you¡¯re still tired you can sleep some more.¡± Cheng Jin kissed her chubby cheeks. ¡°Mommy¡¯s slept enough, what are you drawing?¡±


    Cheng LiQi excitedly held up her sketchpad to show her mom, ¡°I¡¯m making a pick-up sign so when daddyes out he can see us right away!¡±


    Cheng Jin: ......


    The little princess still didn''t know her father had already returnedst night, wholly focused on going to the airport.


    Cheng LiQi hugged her mom''s arm, "Mom, I already decided which dress I''m wearing. I''m going to wear the pink rose dress. You have one the same color too. Let''s wear matching mother-daughter outfits, okay?"


    Cheng Jin stroked her daughter''s bedhead hair, seeing how expectant she was, she didn''t know how to break it to her. Maybe she should let him exin to their daughter. It was his fault foring back early after all. The little princess had prepared so much, she would surely be disappointed.


    Cheng Jin''s phone on the bedside table vibrated, and she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the caller ID disy. The timing of this call really couldn''t be better.


    Shao Chengze looked at the screen as the call connected. This was the first time in a long while that his call had been picked up so quickly. He wondered if she was still half-asleep.


    "Did I wake you?" he asked gently.


    Leaning against the headboard, Cheng Jin said, "No, go ahead and exin to LiQi about picking you up from the airport."


    She was about to hand the phone to Cheng LiQi.


    "Wait a moment," Shao Chengze stopped her.


    "What is it?"


    Shao Chengze replied, "I''m in Beilin now. I came to inspect a factory here, and I''ll be heading back this afternoon. I sent you the flight details on WeChat."


    Cheng Jin fell silent.


    Shao Chengze cleared his throat to cover his unease. "MiaoMiao,e pick me up."


    Cheng Jin couldn''t help scoffing, "You really are..."


    Childish.


    "It''s a scheduled trip, I''m just a week early," Shao Chengze rubbed his brow with his fingertips. He admitted he was being childish, but he also came up with a legitimate-sounding reason. "I couldn''t disappoint LiQi, could I?"


    Cheng LiQi vaguely heard her dad''s voice from the phone. She went over to her mom and loudly asked, "Dad, have you gotten on the ne?"


    Cheng Jin turned on the speakerphone and handed the phone to Cheng LiQi to let father and daughter speak directly.


    She got out of bed, quickly washed up, and had intended to cook something to eat. But the dining table was already set with breakfast¡ªboiled eggs, sandwiches, and there was congee simmering in the sandpot on the stove. It was simple yet still meticulously prepared. He had gotten up early to cook and then rush to catch his flight. It must have been quite tiring.


    After finishing her call with Dad, Cheng LiQi ran out and saw the food on the table. "Wow!" she eximed, "Mom, you''re so amazing to have breakfast ready so quickly!"


    Cheng Jin let her daughter assume she was the one who made breakfast. In LiQi''s eyes, after all, her mom could do anything.


    "Mom, I didn''t tell Dad we wereing to pick him up. We''re going to surprise him!" Cheng LiQi excitedly shared her surprise n with her mom after swallowing half a boiled egg.


    If it wasn''t the weekend today, Cheng Jin really would have been toozy to y along with his little act.


    The airport was crowded with people, some rushing anxiously, some parting reluctantly with loved ones, some reuniting joyfully with family.


    When Cheng LiQi saw people emerging from the gates, her eyes lit up. Clutching the flowers in her hand, she ran over shouting "Dad!"


    Shao Chengze strode over quickly and took the flowers from her hand. Bending down, he scooped up his little girl. "How did LiQi get here?"


    Cheng LiQi giggled. "We came to pick you up, Dad! Were you surprised to see me and Mom?"


    The corners of Shao Chengze''s mouth turned up. "Very surprised. Dad would never have expected LiQi and Mom toe to the airport."


    Cheng LiQi was even more delighted now. Her surprise had been a sess!


    Cheng Jin wore sunsses and folded up the pick-up sign she had brought, stuffing it into her bag. She stood far away with her arms crossed over her chest.


    Mother and daughter wore matching pink dresses. Their exquisite features and loosely tied braids gave them a casual yet natural beauty¡ªthe daughter sweet and cute, the mother aloof and elegant. They had already attracted many gazes. And then the tall, handsome man with an air of elegance walked over to them. Passersby sighed to themselves that this family of three looked as if they had stepped out of a painting, far too good-looking.


    Carrying Cheng LiQi, Shao Chengze walked over and reached out to the expressionless woman, a smile in his dark eyes as he looked at her.


    In just one night, so many things seemed to have changed.


    Cheng Jin''s eyes behind her sunsses blinked. She was more awkward than unnatural. "What do you want?"


    Cheng LiQi covered her mouth, giggling. "Mom, Dad wants to hold your hand."


    Cheng Jin turned and started walking forward. "Let''s go, it''ll be dark soon."


    Shao Chengze strode up and grasped her hand, holding it tightly in his palm.


    Cheng LiQi whispered in her dad''s ear, "Dad, Mom is shy."


    Shao Chengze whispered back to his daughter, "Don''t say it out loud, or Mom will be even more shy." Cheng LiQi nodded that this would be a secret between her and Dad.


    Cheng Jin pretended not to hear the father-daughter conversation. The sunsses may have hidden her eyes, but they couldn''t conceal how her earlobes had flushed red, which looked especially charming against her pink dress.


    From a distance, Lv Siwei followed behind her son, confirming that she had not seen wrongly or misheard. The little girl her son was carrying had clearly just called him "Dad".


    The Dragon Boat Festival wasing up soon. Lv Siwei had originally nned toe bring her son some zongzi and see if he was eating and resting properly, instead of just obsessing over that rubbishpany of his.


    But as soon as she got off the ne, she saw this scene unfold.


    She felt both thrilled and angry¡ªher heart was racing so fast it felt like it would burst out of her chest, and her hands were shaking uncontrobly.


    She was thrilled that she actually had such a well-behaved little granddaughter.


    But she was angry that her granddaughter was already so big, yet she hadn''t even gotten a clear look at what the girl looked like. She shouldn''t have let him return to the Shao family back then. Nevermind anything else, he had clearly picked up all the rotten habits of those young masters¡ªhis daughter was already so big, yet he still had nomitment to the girl''s mother. He had told her before that there was someone he liked, and she had been so happy to hear it. Who would have thought he nned to fool around and then abandon the girl in the end? Or was he trying to y the field and keep both women? She figured he was trying to anger histe father enough for his ghost to rise from the grave in the middle of the night to settle ounts with him.


    Lv Siwei didn''t dare call out to her son, mainly because she was afraid of suddenly appearing and startling the young woman and that sweet, well-behaved little girl. She left the airport, hailed a cab, and hurried to the supermarket. She bought three feather dusters and twoundry paddles before returning to the Songlin Apartments. Her son had many properties, so he definitely wouldn''t keep the woman at this apartmentplex, knowing his mother might stop by asionally.


    She nned to wait until dinner was just about finished, then call her son over. Today she had to, on behalf of histe father and all their ancestors, properly discipline this unfilial descendant.


    Sitting on the sofa and catching her breath, Lv Siwei thought again of the scene she had glimpsed at the airport. Although it had only been a brief, distant look, that young woman was truly beautiful, with an even better temperament. And the little girl was also cute, looking so well-behaved. On second thought, it seemed her son deserved even more of a beating. She regretted not buying more feather dusters¡ªeven ten would not be enough to properly hit him.


    The car drove steadily along the highway. From the backseat, Cheng LiQi happily unwrapped the gifts her dad had brought back one by one. Cheng Jin asked the person in the back, "Where are you headed?"


    Shao Chengze''s gaze met hers in the rearview mirror. Cheng Jin looked away first. The smile lurking in Shao Chengze''s eyes had not disappeared since he got off the ne.


    He replied, "Cheng Garden."


    Cheng LiQi hadn''t heard her parents'' conversation. She saw the bracelet in the box, eyes wide open. "Dad, it''s so pretty! This one is for Mom, and this one for me, right?"


    "That''s right," Shao Chengze took out a bracelet from the box. "Should I put it on for you, LiQi?"


    Cheng LiQi nodded eagerly.


    After putting on the bracelet, she kept turning her wrist this way and that, peeking at it and admiring it. Her little feet asionally gave a couple kicks. Dad really knew how to pick gifts¡ªit was just too beautiful!


    "Dad, put one on for Mom too," Cheng LiQi urged her father.


    Cheng Jin replied to her daughter, "Mom is driving right now, so I can''t wear it yet."


    Shao Chengze picked up the other bracelet and said to both daughter and mother, "I''ll put it on for Mom at the next red light."


    And so the bracelet did end up on Cheng Jin''s wrist after all. Shao Chengze had figured out the trick to gift-giving.


    Cheng LiQi was overjoyed. She loved matching clothes and essories with her mother.


    "Dad, are youing home with me and Mom?" Cheng LiQi saw the car pulling into Cheng Garden. She assumed her mom was going to drop Dad off at his own home, since she had never been to Dad''s house before.


    Shao Chengze nced at the driver before pointing to the house outside. "Dad lives here now," he told his daughter.


    Cheng LiQi was puzzled for a moment. So the new neighbor who had just moved in next door was Dad?!


    She looked at her dad, then at the neighboring house, and thought about her dad''s current "secret identity" situation. After a long pause, she finally spoke up, "Dad, did you move here because it makes it convenient to sneak over at night when you miss me and Mom?!"

 Chapter 42: 042

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    Cheng LiQi saw that her dad and mom were not saying anything, thinking she had guessed right, she shook her finger at her dad, "Dad, you can''t climb over the wall, it''s dangerous, you might hurt your leg," she whispered into her dad''s ear, "Dad, you can use adder, with adder you don''t have to worry about hurting your leg."


    Shao ChengZeughed out loud, amused by his precious daughter''s uncanny words, he ruffled her fluffy bangs, "Dad knows, we happen to have adder at home, when Dad wants to see little LiQi, I''ll just climb over with thedder."


    Cheng LiQi happily nodded, it would be so fun to have Dade over on adder to see her.


    Shao ChengZe didn''t actually need to climb over walls now, but it was barely any better than that,ing and going in the dark of night, not allowed to be seen by anyone, he was still a man that couldn''t stand the light of day.


    But things had to be taken one step at a time, at least now he had some "status" with her, legitimate reasons, if she epted his ring, it would be even more legitimate.


    Too bad...the ring was returned, this box had been sitting in Cheng Jin''s bag the whole time,st night was too chaotic, she forgot to give it to him, when the father and daughter were talking about climbing over walls versus usingdders, she remembered.


    Seeing the small box pushed over to him, Shao ChengZe knew what was inside, it was the expected result. Rejected this time, next time he''d look for an opportunity to propose again. For a proposal, his psychological expectation was to try at least ten times, with no upper limit.


    Seeing the small box, Cheng LiQi thought it was a gift Mom gave Dad, she scratched her forehead, feeling a little awkward, "Dad, I didn''t prepare a gift for you."


    She had only received so many gifts from Dad, with nothing prepared to give back.


    Shao ChengZe squeezed her little hand, "Little LiQiing to the airport with Mom to pick up Dad is already the best gift, you even gave Dad flowers, it was Dad''s first time receiving flowers from someone else."


    The corners of Cheng LiQi''s mouth curled up high, oh right, she gave Dad beautiful flowers.


    "I picked the flowers, Mom paid, it was from me and Mom together to Dad."


    The corners of Shao ChengZe''s mouth bent into the same arc as hers, "Dad really liked them."


    They didn''t eat dinner together, Shao ChengZe said he had a dinner appointment that night, would put down his luggage and immediately head out. This line finally got a proper look from Cheng Jin, he was sensible enough to know to make an excuse on his own, without needing her to say anything.


    Although Shao ChengZe really wanted to have a family dinner with the three of them, sometimes you had to advance inch by inch, sometimes you also needed to quit while you were ahead. Her agreeing toe to the airport to pick him up was already an unexpected joy, if he insisted on having dinner together now, it would likely cause her to resent it.


    After Shao ChengZe returned home, just as he finished showering, he got a call from his mom telling him to go to Songlin Apartments as soon as he finished his business, she would be waiting for him there.


    From his mom''s tone, Shao ChengZe thought something had happened with Shen XiWen. As soon as he entered the door without even changing his shoes, a face full of feathers greeted him.


    With one hand blocking the feather duster, and the other supporting his mom, he didn''t know where her anger came from, "Unlike other mothers who would hit their kids, you specifically aim for the face, what offense has my face caused you?"


    Lv Siwei spat at him, "You still have the cheek, your dad''s face, and our Lv family''s reputation have nearly been ruined by you."


    "What''s happened?" This was the first time Shao ChengZe saw his mom so furious.


    Lv Siwei pointed at his nose with the feather duster, "Don''t you have a daughter?"


    Shao ChengZe was stunned, "Who told you?"


    Lv Siwei whacked him hard on the back with the feather duster, "Just answer yes or no. No need for all that extra chatter."


    If he dared to keep hiding it from her, she would beat him into a pig head today.


    Shao ChengZe answered firmly, "Yes. She''s six this year, named Cheng LiQi, beautiful and cute, extremely well-behaved."


    After hearing this, Lv Siwei hit him fiercely, hands shaking.


    "She''s already six, the girl gave you a daughter, already six, and you still haven''t offered the girl amitment till now, Shao ChengZe how did your dad teach you, do you even know how to write the word responsibility, when that well-behaved little girl calls you dad, you happily agree, don''t you feel ashamed!"


    Shao ChengZe sighed, letting the feather duster fall on him.


    "Because I made mistakes back then, causing our separation, I found out about my daughter''s existence only a few months earlier than you, I''m now working hard to take responsibility, but I was absent for seven years, for the child and for her, it''s not easy for them to ept me again, so you probably can''t meet your granddaughter for now."


    The feather duster stopped as Lv Siwei looked at him, "Then what''s the story with you telling me before you had a girl you liked?"


    "It''s her." He felt a little awkward, not used to talking about his feelings in front of elders, but his expression was also solemn, "All these years, I never got over her."


    Lv Siwei wanted to hit him again.


    "Never got over her, yet you made mistakes, never got over her, so many years yet you never went back to find her. Making mistakes means you should apologize, exin, kneel, which have you done? She was unlucky to be liked by you, keeping everything bottled up, you like her yet you refuse to make it clear, what kind of liking is that, who would know you like her? Even your introverted dad still remembered to tell me ''I like you'' three times a day when pursuing me."


    Lv Siwei seemed to recall something as she raised the feather duster again, "No wait, what mistake did you make back then? If you did anything indecent, forget taking responsibility, you should get as far away from the mother and daughter as possible, granddaughter, how could I im she''s my granddaughter."


    Shao ChengZe felt utterly ashamed from his mother''s words, she was right, if it wasn''t for him bottling everything up back then, perhaps there wouldn''t have been so many misunderstandings, they wouldn''t have missed out on so many years together.


    "It''splicated, but not what you think, in short it was my mistake."


    Only then did Lv Siwei breathe a slight sigh of relief, leaning on her knees as she sat on the foyer chair, "You''re not lying to me?"


    "No." He sat next to the old woman, patting her back to help her calm down, "How did you find out?"


    Lv Siwei red at him, still annoyed, "How I found out, I saw when I got off the ne, I was debating whether or not toe over, fortunately I did." Her tone softened, "You said your daughter is called Cheng LiQi, what characters?"


    "Cheng as in future, Li as in clever, Qi with the water radical."


    "Good name. I saw her from afar, could tell she was a clever little girl, voice crisp and lively like a little milk bun, fair and tender as a steamed bun, so beautiful, her mom is beautiful too, one look and you know she''s a good girl. Shao ChengZe, listen, you need to admit your mistake with the right attitude, and pursue her with the attitude of pursuing someone, none of that putting on airs and thinking about face or acting cool, and especially no shady tricks, if she can ept you then good, count yourself lucky, if she doesn''t ept you, then you can''t continue disturbing the mother and daughter''s peaceful life, and materially you have topensate them as much as you possibly can, otherwise I''ll have your dade out and teach you a lesson."


    "Alright, if you can get my dad toe out, he probably won''t have time to teach me a lesson, only thinking about getting intimate with you."


    "You little brat, still have the heart to tease me." Lv Siwei gave him another whack with the feather duster, she felt her son was different than before, his eyes were lively now, even making cheeky jokes, she cleared her throat, unable to resist asking, "Seeing you like this, the situation now isn''t a dead end?"


    Shao ChengZe picked off the feathers stuck to his clothes, "Not exactly, I''m trying to turn the dead end into an open end."


    "Not trying, you must turn the dead end into an open end."


    If it didn''t be an active situation, ording to ChengZe''s temperament, he would probably end up alone for the rest of his life. The key was that he didn''t care about being single, but she still wanted to see that well-behaved and clever little girl, as well as that girl as beautiful as a fairy that she didn''t even get a clear look at in the airport.


    Shao ChengZe said, "She is the youngdy from the Cheng family."


    Lv Siwei was startled, "The Cheng family? That Cheng family?"


    "Mm, her father didn''t say anything else, just that he would not let his daughter enter the Shao family, so I thought, can I marry into her family instead?"


    Lv Siwei pped his shoulder, "Marry in, your dad just said to get back what your grandmother deserved from the Shao family, he didn''t say to sell your life for them! If you ask me, just take back everything you deserve, then take that as a dowry and marry into the Cheng family. That way you might still have a glimmer of hope." The olddy looked at him disdainfully, "The girl''s father is reasonable enough, how could he not beat you half to death?"


    Shao ChengZe smiled and asked the olddy, "Do you want to see the photos?"


    Lv Siwei was excited, "You have them?"


    Shao ChengZe took out his phone. They were screenshots he took of the TV when watching LiQi''s Children''s Day performance. There were a few of her holding LiQi.


    "Her name is Cheng Jin."


    Lv Siwei held the phone with both hands, swiping through one by one. When she got to thest one, she took a deep breath, "Shao ChengZe, hurry up now, do you hear me, hurry up and take action. A girl this good, if you don''t make a move there will be countless people chasing her. Use every skill you''ve got, don''t hold anything back," she thought for a moment, "Seems you don''t actually have that many skills. Should I order some how-to guides online about chasing girls?"


    Shao ChengZe pressed the olddy''s hand, "No need for guides, since you''re here this time, stay a few more days. If you have time, you can make some candied haw fruit, she likes eating them, LiQi probably would too."


    He had brought her some before, and she really liked them.


    Lv Siwei was happy, "Great, I have plenty of time. I''ll go to the supermarket tomorrow to buy ingredients, I can have them made by noon." The olddy stood up as she spoke, and went to the study to find a pen and paper to write down what she needed to buy tomorrow.


    Shao ChengZe sent Jin a message, [Want to eat candied haw fruit?]


    After a short while, Jin replied, [Are you making them?]


    Shao ChengZe''s eyebrows quirked up, [I can try making them, but can''t guarantee the taste]


    [Then I won''t eat them, you can keep them for yourself]


    Shao ChengZe''s smiling eyes spilled over, [I''lle pick you up after work tomorrow?]


    [I have a cocktail party tomorrow night, don''t know when it will end]


    [Where?]


    Right before going to sleep, Jin replied, [No need for you to pick me up, I have a driver]


    Shao ChengZeughed to himself, this was her passive aggressive way of scolding him, saying she has a driver so doesn''t need him to speciallye pick her up from the airport that one time.


    His phone vibrated again, it was a message from Yuan Zhongzhou, sending a few photos of who JingYao had been meeting with recently. Shao ChengZe''s gaze turned cold, this aunt-inw of his was not so simple. She knew he had a daughter now, and that it involved the Cheng family, yet she had been holding herself back without making any moves. That in itself was abnormal. He had been having people keep an eye on her and Shao Zhangting, seeing her recent string of actions, it seemed she wanted to drain the pond to catch the fish. Since she wanted to y this game, he was very willing to entertain her.


    The cocktail party was not an excuse from Jin, it was real. Originally her brother JinChuan was supposed to attend, but he went on a business trip to Lin City, so the job fell onto her. It was simple enough, she only needed to make an appearance representing the Cheng family.


    She didn''t expect to run into someone unexpected at the party, He ZhiJian. They had been on a blind date once before.


    He ZhiJian was also surprised to see her, walked over with a wine ss raised and took the initiative to chat, "Miss Cheng, long time no see, I thought your brother would being today."


    Jin was poised and casual, "My brother is away on business, so I''m here in his ce."


    He ZhiJian expressed understanding, "Right, the restaurant you mentioned, I went. The taste is great, I really liked it."


    When they went out for a meal, most of the time was spent talking about food. He ZhiJian wanted authentic Cantonese cuisine, so Jin rmended a ce. Their conversation was just small talk, she didn''t expect he would actually go eat there.


    Jin replied, "That''s good that you liked it."


    "Does Miss Cheng have any other rmendations? I feel like Miss Cheng''s taste is very simr to mine, anything Miss Cheng likes, I would probably like too."


    Jin''s eyes shifted slightly. He ZhiJian was acting very odd. They had only shared one meal together, with no contact after that, barely more than strangers. But looking at where He ZhiJian''s gazended, Jin seemed to understand something. A short-haired woman in a ck fish tail dress, probably the one who made him waver that he mentioned.


    Jin asked, "Mister He, are you trying to use me as a tool?"


    Not that she was unwilling to be a tool, but she couldn''t do it unknowingly.


    He ZhiJian was startled, seeing where her gaze went, his expression a little embarrassed at his rudeness, "Sorry, of all thedies here besides her, I only know you."


    Jin clinked sses with him, indicating it was fine, "If you like Cantonese food, Jin Yue in the east side is pretty good too."


    He ZhiJianughed openly, "Miss Cheng really is different from the rumors."


    Jin also smiled, "Rumors are mostly false rather than true."


    Her smiling face froze when she saw the person raising a ss to her from the corner of the room. Then her phone lit up, Jin apologized to He ZhiJian and went to a quiet corner to answer the call.


    "Chatting about something happy?" The tone was undisguised sourness. From some point on, she had never smiled at him again.


    Jin asked, "How did you get here?"


    Cheng family events basically would not invite the Shaos, and vice versa, so it was rare they would run into each other at these kinds of asions.


    "Here to drink free wine, and to steal a driver''s job, to take my girlfriend home."


    He emphasized "girlfriend".


    "Oh, then please drink up Mister Shao. Unless you''re afraid your stomach will get upset and run a fever again." Jin did not take his bait about "girlfriend", and was about to hang up after speaking.


    Shao ChengZe chuckled lowly, "I''m not drinking alcohol, just water. How can I drink if I''m going to drive? When are you leaving?"


    Jin replied, "Whenever I feel like leaving."


    "Leaving in my car?"


    "My driver is already waiting for me outside."


    "Then I''ll leave in your car?"


    Jin refused, "My car doesn''t have your seat."


    The two were in the same venue, standing in different corners, talking on the phone about this meaningless conversation. It was very strange, strange enough that Jin kind of wanted to leave this boring party and continue this pointless chat. So, in the next second, she hung up the call. She couldn''t indulge that thought any further.


    When the party reached intermission, Jin bid the host farewell. Seeing her about to leave, He ZhiJian chatted with her a couple more meaningless pleasantries before she left. She didn''t look back at the person behind her. Right as the elevator doors were slowly closing, someone stretched out a hand to stop the doors, and they opened again.


    The owner of the ck leather shoes walked in and came to stand beside her, grasping her hand. "Not even waiting for me."


    Jin''s hand twitched slightly, but Shao ChengZe didn''t use force, only saying, "Just until the first floor."


    Slender snow-white fingers rested between long articte ones. ck suit and white silk dress were reflected on the smooth elevator walls.


    Others boarding the elevator after them would inevitably steal a nce at the man and woman in the corner. Between them there was nomunication, yet it seemed something was flowing between them.


    Even when seated in the car, the warmth in her hand still hadn''t dispersed. Jin rubbed at the empty palm, gazing out at the city lights outside the window.


    Driver Xiao Liu took another look in the rearview mirror, and finally confirmed that the car following behind them was the same one asst time, which had been parked next to Miss''s homest time.


    When Jin got home, LiQi was already asleep. With no child around, she drank half a ss more red wine with the lingering cocktail party buzz before going to shower. After the bath she still went out on the balcony to air dry her hair.


    The balcony light had been on for less than half a minute when Cheng Jin''s phone received a WeChat message.


    [Want some candied hawthorn?]


    Cheng Jin didn''t reply to him. If she did, he would only try to trick her into opening the door again, and nothing good ever came of that.


    Leaning back in a deck chair, she gazed at the stars in the sky, losing herself in thought. Some distance away, she could hear the faint twittering of birds, which puzzled her. Where were theying from? Just then, she noticed a figure appear atop the neighboring wall.


    He satzily on adder, surrounded by crape myrtle blossoms. The moon seemed to hang right above his head. Give him a jug of wine, and he would look just like one of those carefree knights-errant of old, gazing at the moon and drinking wine on a rooftop.


    Cheng Jin ambled slowly to the base of the wall and craned her neck to look up at him, the hint of a smile ying about her lips. "What exactly are you doing up there? ying the honorable man on the beam? I could call for help and have you arrested as a thief."


    Shao Chengze peered down at her intently. "You didn''t reply to my message, so I had toe over the wall to bid you goodnight."


    "Mr. Shao is too kind to bother bidding me goodnight." From the moon-shaped gate across the yard, Cheng Shanhe''s deep, ominous gaze fixed Shao Chengze in ce atop thedder, his hands sped behind his back.

 Chapter 43: 043

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    Shao ChengZe gathered up the smile in his eyes and his expression became solemn. He straightened his back and lowered his head over the garden wall and moonlight to say, "Uncle Cheng."


    He waspletely unruffled at being caught like this, as if he could ignore that he had just stumbled and nearly fallen off thedder when he first heard the voice. He would seem even more nonchnt if that hadn''t happened.


    Cheng Shanhe''s face was icy cold. "I can''t ept that ''uncle'' from Mr. Shao."


    Shao ChengZe immediately switched to a more formal address. "Director Cheng."


    Cheng Jin''s whole body was rigid and the heat nearly burnt her face off. If there was a hole at her feet, she would bury herself in it right now. She pretended to stay calm and called out, "Dad."


    "Son, go to bed," Cheng Shanhe ordered Cheng Jin. His daughter had always been a little cold, and only called him so tenderly in rare moments of acting spoiled.


    Cheng Jin nced at Shao ChengZe, then left without looking back. If she stayed any longer, her dad would just get angrier, and the situation would be harder to resolve.


    Seeing his daughter leave, Cheng Shanhe''s expression softened a little. He said to Shao ChengZe, "Mr. Shao, since you can''t sleep,e join this sleepless old man for some tea."


    Shao ChengZe replied, "Alright, Director Cheng, I''lle over right away."


    Cheng Shanhe said coldly, "No front door for you, Mr. Shao. Since you could climb the wall, I''m sure you can also jump down from it."


    Shao ChengZe stood on thedder, realizing that his future father-inw had given him a difficult problem. He couldn''t jump down from this wall, but he also couldn''t not jump down.


    If he didn''t jump down, there was no way he could enter the Chengs'' home tonight. If he couldn''t get in tonight, he probably would never get in again.


    Jumping down wasn''t a problem for him in terms of the height, but the old man was looking at him right now like he wanted to hack him into a thousand pieces. If he really dared to jump down, the old man would probably want to boil him in hot oil. Of course, before that, he''d have to break Shao''s legs first.


    After weighing the options, Shao ChengZe still jumped down from the wall with a muffled groan, as if he had sprained his ankle when hended.


    Hearing the groan, Cheng Jin''s shoulders tensed, but she still didn''t look back and went straight into the house.


    Cheng Shanhe gave a cold humph, no longer looking at that annoying yboy smile. He turned and walked deeper into the yard, taking out his phone to call Lao Qu. "Tomorrow, have someone raise the height of the wall on the left side of Er''s house, and embed ss on top of it. Also add iron wiring. Don''t let even a flye over from next door."


    Hearing these clear jabs at himself, Shao ChengZe sighed. It seemed his attempt to win them over hadn''t worked on anyone in the Cheng family.


    Although Cheng Jin had returned to the house, she was standing by the window watching the situation outside. Shao ChengZe limped over and smiled at her through the window, signalling her to stop worrying and go back to sleep. Cheng Jin didn''t know if his injured foot was real or fake, since she had seen him jump down from even higher walls.


    Cheng Shanhe let out another cold humph. He was no longer interested in looking at that annoying yboy smile, so he turned and walked deeper into the yard.


    Soon after, Cheng Jin''s phone received two messages from her mother.


    The first said: [The young man looks decent, just not very nimble with his feet and legs.]


    The second said: [I said it was odd, that time at your ce, seeing your new employee wearing sunsses indoors. So it turns out it was him. Little LiQi''s eyes are just like his.]


    Cheng Jin felt she might as well dig a hole now and bury herself. She was already a mother, yet she still had to experience the awkward embarrassment of a teen romance being uncovered by her parents. It was so awkward she just wanted to die.


    Shao ChengZe was led by Cheng Shanhe into the study. Cheng Shanhe sat at the desk, silently reading documents. Shao ChengZe stood right in the middle of the study. Whenever he wanted to speak, Cheng Shanhe would turn a page of the document, blocking his words.


    Shao ChengZe understood. This was leaving him hanging.


    Time passed second by second, while Shao ChengZe stood frozen without moving an inch, though sweat did form on his palms from the pain. He really had twisted his ankle.


    He had to injure himself jumping down. If he couldnd safely and unharmed after jumping from the wall, wouldn''t that just tantly announce that he snuck over the wall night after night? Although this was the first time he had climbed adder and the wall, and he really had no intention of trespassing over it - he just wanted to say good night - they probably wouldn''t believe his exnation. It would just add to his crimes, pinning him with shameless behavior.


    After an hour, Cheng Shanhe put down the documents in his hands. He slowly drank a sip of water from the cup next to him, ncing at Shao ChengZe with slight astonishment. "Why doesn''t Mr. Shao sit?"


    Before Shao ChengZe could answer, Cheng Shanhe put down the cup and said in realization, "I see, Mr. Shao doesn''t like sitting on chairs. He only likes sitting ondders. Or should I bring over adder for Mr. Shao to sit on?"


    The biting sarcasm made Shao ChengZe understand for the first time what it meant to be utterly ashamed.


    He steeled himself and answered, "Uncle."


    Cheng Shanhe''s gaze sharpened.


    Shao ChengZe corrected himself. "Director Cheng," he paused, then continued, "I was rash and reckless tonight. I''m anxious to redeem myself to Jin, so I acted without thinking and used the wrong methods."


    Cheng Shanhe asked, "How long have you been living next door, Mr. Shao?"


    "Almost half a month."


    Cheng Shanhe''s thick brows furrowed deeply. "I remember telling you before, Mr. Shao, not to disturb my daughter. Do you have a bad memory, or are my words unimportant to you?"


    Shao ChengZe replied, "You said you wouldn''t let your daughter through my door. So if I leave the Shao family, can I ask for a chance at the Chengs'' door?"


    Cheng Shanhe''s brows shifted imperceptibly.


    When Shao ChengZe had invited Cheng Jin to dinner, he wanted to use her to convey his intentions to Cheng Shanhe. But Cheng Jin didn''t fall for it. Not only did she not pass on Shao ChengZe''s words of determination to her father, she didn''t even let her parents know that Shao ChengZe had moved in next door. She knew that theter her father found out about this, the greater his anger would be. The more trouble Shao ChengZe had to go through after the truth came out, the happier she would be. She was perfectly willing to watch Shao ChengZe suffer. The more cruel and miserable it was, the better. Why would she be his free go-between?


    Cheng Shanhe leaned back in his chair, looking into Shao ChengZe''s eyes. "ording to my knowledge, barring idents, the entire Shao Corporation will be yours in the future."


    Shao ChengZe said, "I''m not interested in the Shao Corporation. I''ll only take what I''m due. I don''t think my grandmother would have wanted to see her assets carry the Shao name either."


    Cheng Shanhe''s eyes flickered. "Do you know...how your grandmother died?"


    Shao ChengZe nodded. "I know."


    "Who told you?"


    Let alone the outside world, even within the Cheng and Shao families, very few people knew about this. Shao Yunzheng wouldn''t have had the chance to hide it yet, much less let his son and grandson know the truth.


    Shao ChengZe replied, "I investigated it myself."


    Cheng Shanhe tapped his fingers on the desk twice. "Since you already know the truth, you should understand even more clearly that no matter who is entering whose door, I will not agree to this. I fundamentally don''t trust your Shao family. Mr. Shao, your house must have many more. Whether you sell this one or leave it empty, in short, I don''t want to see you next door anymore."


    Shao ChengZe stepped forward. "I know I have no credibility with Director Cheng, but if I can prove my sincerity to Jin, in the past and present, could I ask Director Cheng to give me a chance?"


    Cheng Shanhe smiled sardonically. "How will you prove it? The Shao family has no such thing as sincerity."


    Shao ChengZe replied, "Director Cheng can watch and see."


    Cheng Shanhe stared at his eyes in silence for a long time before speaking heavily, "When the dayes that you feel you''ve seeded,e back to ask me for that chance. It won''t be toote."


    Shao ChengZe secretly rxed. "Alright. I won''t make Director Cheng wait too long."


    By the time Shao ChengZe walked out of the Chengs'' home, it waste into the night.


    Fei Zuhui red at Cheng Shanhe. "Look at you. The young couple was having a romantic time under the moon. Their budding romance was going so well, yet you just had to stick your nose in tonight."


    Cheng Shanhe frowned. "If I didn''t show up, that brat would have no restraint at all. He dared to climb thedder today. Tomorrow he''d dare to hop the wall, really thinking this was his own home,ing and going as he pleased. Thankfully he was tactful enough to know to sprain his own leg. Otherwise I''d have to find a stick to break his legs myself."


    Fei Zuhui took his arm to soothe his anger. "What do you think of him?"


    Cheng Shanhe pursed his lips silently for a long time before speaking. "More like his grandmother."


    Fei Zuhuiughed, "It seems to me it''s not just looking a bit alike, but very much alike, in appearance and temperament. I rather feel this is destined by fate."


    Cheng Shanhe''s frown grew tighter, "What destined by fate, I see it''s just this brat relying on a handsome face and slick mouth, strutting around everywhere deceiving people. You didn''t see his profligate behavior on thedder with that young master, using my daughter to say goodnight when he''s free."


    "Of course, saying goodnight every day is very romantic. I also want someone to say goodnight to me, unfortunately no one does. s, I''ve lived over half my life in vain." Fei Zuhuimented with a sigh, and went upstairs.


    Cheng Shanhe didn''t expect the ending of tonight''s drama to hit him in the foot again. He followed his wife upstairs and said in a low voice, "If you want to hear it, I can say it to you every day from now on. Not just goodnight, but good morning and good afternoon too, however you like."


    However you like, not one bit. Only when reminded did he know, can saying it voluntarily be the same as taking initiative?


    Inside was whispered sweet nothings, outside was the night insects'' chorus.


    Suddenly a "creak" sounded, Shao Chengze stopped in his tracks, and looked over. A figure walked out of the half-open small door.


    Shao Chengze''s eyes curved down, slowly walking over to her, "Waiting for me all this time?"


    Cheng Jin leaned against the door, lightly replying, "I wanted to see if you got beaten to death."


    Shao Chengze smiled, "Won''t go as far as getting beaten up, your dad is civilized, I just sprained half my leg jumping over the wall."


    Cheng Jin said, "Serves you right, who told you to stay upte at night instead of sleeping, insisting on climbingdders and scaling walls. Spraining just one leg got you off easy."


    Shao Chengze agreed, "Yes, messed up in strategy, shouldn''t have climbed thedder. Should have dug a tunnel, or at least hide in the tunnel to make a date, then I wouldn''t have gotten caught red-handed by father-inw and scared half to death just now."


    Cheng Jin red daggers at him, "Who''s your father-inw."


    Shao Chengze half-embraced her, bringing her into his arms, and whispered by her ear, "You guess."


    Cheng Jin jabbed him in the chest with her elbow, "Looks to me like you don''t want your other leg either."


    "Shhh," Shao Chengze gently rubbed her earlobe, "just let me hold you for a while. After tonight, wanting to hold you will be difficult."


    Cheng Jin poked him again, but didn''t move anymore, letting him hold her tight. Her chin rested on his shoulder as she looked at the tree shadows on the roadside, tly asking, "Does your leg need the hospital?"


    "No need, just a pulled tendon. I''ll wrap it when I get back, have to take a little damage when I jumped to let your dad vent. Can''t be too serious or you''ll worry."


    Cheng Jin twisted the skin on the back of his hand. He didn''t have one proper sentence.


    Shao Chengze asked her, "You''re not worried about me?"


    Cheng Jin replied, "Not worried."


    "Not worried waiting here for me all this time?"


    ...


    Cheng Jin didn''t want to split hairs with him. "My dad... what did he say?"


    "Father-inw said a lot. What does darling Mingming want to hear?"


    Cheng Jin was annoyed. She kicked out at his shin. Even if he wasn''tme, she had tome him now.


    Shao Chengze pretended to be very hurt, bending at the waist. "Done for, leg reallymed by you. I''ll depend on you to support me the rest of my life."


    Cheng Jin pushed him away, refusing to let him hold her anymore.


    Shao Chengze chuckled lowly, no longer teasing her. "I think your dad doesn''t dislike me that much. I feel I''ll still have a chance to drink tea with him in his study again."


    Cheng Jin didn''t know where his confidence came from.


    "What eye did you use to see him not disliking you so much? Just now he almost tore you limb from limb."


    "Tearing limb from limb is still better than ignoring my existence. He was willing to call me into the study to talk, there''s still room to maneuver."


    Cheng Jin looked at him suspiciously, "Why do I feel you''re actually happy getting caught red-handed?"


    Shao Chengze couldn''t deny he was indeed happy. "For me this isn''t a bad thing. Otherwise I''d be forever your secret boyfriend you can''t bear to make public. With things brought to light, there are always ways to smooth it over."


    Cheng Jin used her arm to force distance between them, expression serious. "When did I say you were my boyfriend?"


    Shao Chengze couldn''t resist wanting to kiss her pursed lips. How he loved that mouth of hers, saying the opposite of her heart. He just did as he thought, hooking her waist and moving in close, iron lips and stone tongue, he''d still have a day to kiss her soft.


    "Whose boyfriend am I?" In the space between breaths, he asked pressing against her.


    Cheng Jin hurried to suck in fresh air, answering him breathlessly and brokenly, "Who knows... love whoever..."


    Shao Chengze leaned down again.


    After some time, he nibbled her swollen lips, asking again, "Who is your boyfriend?"


    Cheng Jin scratched his neck, "Dog."


    Shao Chengze sucked the sweetness in her mouth, asking vaguely, "Who''s... the dog?"


    Cheng Jin answered him clearly and inly, "You."


    Breathing stopped, his first, then hers.


    Shao Chengze pressed his lips against hers,ughing hoarsely, "See, you admitted it yourself, the dog is your boyfriend. I''m the dog, so I''m your boyfriend, can''t take it back now."


    Cheng Jin violently bit down on the corner of his upturned mouth. She didn''t admit anything, he took advantage of her oxygen deprived state to set a trap.


    Shao Chengze held her waist tightly against him. "Don''t bite, or something will happen if you keep biting."


    She felt the obvious heat against her waist, and Cheng Jin''s mind nked a moment, then flushed with anger and shame. "Shao Chengze, can you not get aroused so casually..."


    Aroused.


    Shao Chengze''s face could thicken to rival a city wall only in front of Cheng Jin. "You have to forgive it. Seven years now, only used one night on your birthday. Idle the rest of the time, no wonder it has excess energy."


    Cheng Jin decided she might as well just bite him to death.


    Even in dreams that night, Cheng Jin kept biting him, biting until she broke out in sweat. She woke up and took a cold shower. Cheng Liqi also rubbed her eyes and came out of the bedroom, looking for mama to hold her when she saw her mother.


    Cheng Jin picked her up and used her hand to smooth her messy slept-on hair. "Did little Liqi sleep well?"


    Cheng Liqi nodded, her fluffy hair swaying along. "I slept very very well."


    Sounds and voices came from the yard. Cheng Liqi pricked up her ears, perking up too. "Mama, who came?"


    Cheng Jin said, "Maybe it''s your grandpa Qu over."


    She heard her dad calling uncle Qust night. With uncle Qu''s efficient working style, the wall would probably be up by this morning.


    "Mama, I want to go out and see."


    Cheng Jin took her to the door. Uncle Qu was in the yard directing the workers carrying materials.


    Cheng Liqi yelled in her childish voice, "Grandpa Qu, morning!"


    Uncle Qu looked back, "Little Liqi morning! Second miss, hope we didn''t disturb your rest?"


    "You didn''t disturb us, Liqi and I just happened to wake up. Grandpa Qu, what are you and the worker uncles doing?"


    Uncle Qu told Cheng Liqi, "Your grandpa said to build this wall a little higher."


    Ah, oh.


    Cheng Liqi looked at mama. "Mama, is it because papa was caught by grandpa climbing the wallst night?"


    Cheng Jin flicked her little nose, not wanting to answer this question.


    Cheng Liqi tilted her head. "It''s okay, mama. Even if the wall goes up, papa can still dig a tunnel from next door. Our side is grass, easy to dig."


    Cheng Shanhe could hear his granddaughter''s words from afar, coughing loudly twice.


    Cheng Liqi saw grandpa, looked around, then yelled loudly to uncle Qu standing below the wall supervising: "Grandpa Qu, you can rece the grass with cement so even if someone wants to dig a tunnel, they can''t get through!"


    Hearing his granddaughter''s words, Cheng Shanheughed out loud.


    On the other side of the wall, Shao Chengze propped his forehead.


    Cheng Jin turned around and went into the house.

 Chapter 44: 044

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    The wall had been erected, not built very high, just twoyers of bricksid symbolically, no ss installed, no barbed wire pulled, and of course, thewn hadn¡¯t been reced with cement either, but these twoyers of bricks clearly demonstrated an attitude from Cheng Shanhe - if Shao Chengze dared to climb adder and scale the wall again, it would mean he had no respect for Cheng Shanhe at all.


    Would he dare show no respect for Cheng Shanhe? Of course he wouldn¡¯t dare, Cheng was his future father-inw, unless he didn¡¯t n on marrying into the Cheng family anymore.


    So whether it was scaling the wall, digging a tunnel, or even just walking through the front gate at night, Shao Chengze absolutely could not do those things again. He obediently returned to the role of a neighbor, and temporarily moved back to his apartment in Songlin.


    That night during a video call with her dad, Cheng Liqi heaved a long sigh, ¡°Dad, how could you be so careless? When doing bad things, of course you should do it secretly! Look how miserable you are getting caught by Grandpa.¡±


    Shao Chengze looked at the delicate little figure on the screen, his eyes shining like water, ¡°Yes, Dad should have been more careful. Next time Dad will know to do bad things secretly, no one can find out.¡±


    Cheng Liqiforted her dad, ¡°It¡¯s okay Dad, Grandpa is so easy to coax. Every time Grandpa gets angry, I just need to hug his neck and tell him he¡¯s the best grandpa in the world and I love him the most, then Grandpa¡¯s face turns into a big smile. Don¡¯t worry Dad, I¡¯ll help coax Grandpa for you.¡±


    Someone couldn¡¯t hold in theirughter.


    Cheng Liqi heard it, ¡°Dad, is there someone else there with you? I heard someoneugh.¡±


    Lv Siwei, leaning in the doorway, waved her hand at Shao Chengze and turned to leave the study. She just wanted to hear the little girl¡¯s voice, she couldn¡¯t show herself to the young miss before her son was formally epted by the Cheng family, or it would be disrespectful to the youngdy and her family.


    But just hearing the voice from such a close distance made Lv Siwei extremely excited, she couldn¡¯t sit still and paced circles around the sofa. The young girl was so well behaved, and her voice was so sweet, at least her son was good for producing such an adorable little girl.


    Shao Chengze responded to Cheng Liqi, ¡°It was the sound from the TV, the TV in the living room is on.¡±


    ¡°Oh, does Dad want to talk to Mom?¡± Cheng Liqi had said everything she wanted to say to her dad, she had to go practice piano now.


    ¡°Yes, Dad wants to talk to Mom.¡± He wanted to talk to her, he just didn¡¯t know if she wanted to talk to him.


    Cheng Liqi understood. She crawled off the bed, phone in hand, and ran to the living room to find her mom. ¡°Mom, Dad says he misses you and wants to talk to you. I¡¯m going to go practice piano now, won¡¯t eavesdrop on your secret talk with Dad.¡± She handed the phone over to her mom in the living room, then dashed off to the piano room.


    Cheng Jin nced at the screen, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Shao Chengze replied, ¡°Like Little Liqi said, Dad misses Mom.¡±


    ¡°Boring.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Mom miss Dad?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s just me with hopeless one-sided love.¡±


    ¡°Good that you know.¡±


    Shao Chengze smiled, ¡°Can you let me see you for a bit, to cure my lovesickness?¡± On the screen he could only see the ceiling light.


    Cheng Jin covered the camera with a piece of paper. Now even the ceiling light was invisible, only pitch ck darkness on the screen.


    ¡°Don¡¯t disturb me while I¡¯m working.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Shao Chengze didn¡¯t insist, ¡°Then I¡¯ll keep youpany while you work.¡±


    The phone became quiet, only asionally hearing the tapping of keyboard and rustling of documents. Amidst these soft sounds, Cheng Jin looked up from the documents, slightly distracted. This scene was just like before, in the past, when they would be on the phone together, her doing homework on this side, him working on the other side.


    She rarely thought about the past, but had been frequently reminiscing recently.


    Cheng Jin set down the documents in her hands and looked toward the paper covering the phone camera. ¡°How is your foot now?¡±


    The tapping of the keyboard stopped. Shao Chengze looked at the pitch ck screen and replied, ¡°Still a little swollen. Do you want to see?¡±


    Cheng Jin didn¡¯t fall for his teasing. ¡°If it¡¯s still a little swollen then go see a doctor. What can I see from here?¡±


    Shao Chengze wasn¡¯t ashamed at being seen through. On the contrary, he became even more shameless. ¡°I feel like it would be more effective if you saw it.¡±


    ...


    Cheng Jin didn¡¯t want to respond to him anymore. ¡°Then just let it stay swollen. It doesn¡¯t hurt me anyway. I¡¯m hanging up now, Cheng Liqi needs to take a bath.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Shao Chengze replied with a smile, waiting for her to hang up.


    But the expected hang up never came.


    After a while, Cheng Jin spoke up. ¡°This Saturday morning, I¡¯m taking Cheng Liqi to get vinations. Come along if you¡¯re free, if not then don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m free on Saturday, anytime is good,¡± she hadn¡¯t even finished speaking before Shao Chengze already replied. ¡°Should Ie pick you up then?¡±


    ¡°No need, we can just meet up at the hospital. I¡¯m hanging up now.¡±


    Not waiting for a response from the other end, Cheng Jin immediately ended the call, then threw the phone onto the sofa and quickly walked away, the further the better.


    The corners of Shao Chengze¡¯s lips slowly curved up, his dark pupils filling with warmth.


    Lv Siwei looked at her son who had finally emerged and couldn¡¯t help teasing him. ¡°You¡¯re finally done with the call. I thought it would go on until tomorrow morning!¡±


    Shao Chengze lightly coughed to cover up his unnatural expression.


    Lv Siwei rarely saw her son look embarrassed and found it amusing. After enjoying it for a bit, she suddenly remembered something. ¡°That¡¯s right, I don¡¯t know how, but your step-grandmother found out I was here and called to invite me over for the Dragon Boat Festival. I directly rejected her. Don¡¯t know if it was her own idea or the old master¡¯s intention, but I was quite blunt and didn¡¯t leave her any face at all, must have pissed her off good.


    The Shao family didn¡¯t recognize her as a daughter-inw, and she had never nned on stepping foot in that household. Even when Shao Zhangke was alive, she had never eaten a meal there. Now that Shao Zhangke had passed, she would go there even less. Who knew what they were scheming.


    Lv Siwei looked at her son. ¡°I didn¡¯t make any trouble for you right? But even if I did, don¡¯t worry about it, you can smooth it over yourself.¡±


    She didn¡¯t understand anything about the business world, but Shao Zhangke¡¯s biggest regret on his deathbed was that things that should have belonged to his mother ended up in that woman¡¯s hands instead. That was his biggest grievance in life. So she agreed to her son returning to the Shao family to do what he needed to do, but that didn¡¯t mean she would pretend to get along with those people over there or engage in those fake courtesies.


    Shao Chengze sat down next to Lv Siwei and took her phone, directly adding that number to the cklist.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much about making trouble or not making trouble. For dealing with those people, just remember this one thing - no need for any courtesy. In the future, as soon as you hear her voice, just directly hang up. No need to listen to her nonsense.¡±


    Lv Siwei held her son¡¯s hand and leaned on his shoulder. ¡°I knew I didn¡¯t raise my good boy for nothing.¡±


    Just when they were having this tender moment, Lv Siwei thought of something. She straightened up and pped his arm. ¡°When will you finally be able to enter the Cheng family¡¯s doors? Just hearing the little girl¡¯s voice makes me itch with impatience!¡±


    Shao Chengze held his arm out to her again.


    Lv Siwei was puzzled. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Hit me a few more times.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯ll probably be a while before I can enter.¡± His original difficult task became even harder after the failed proximity n that angered the future father-inw. The Cheng family''s doors were even farther from his reach now.


    Lv Siwei: ......


    She couldn¡¯t believe she gave birth to such a useless fool who didn¡¯t even know how to pursue a wife.


    That Saturday, a fine drizzle fell from the sky. In Cheng Liqi''s heart, however, it was pouring rain. She had been unhappy since waking up that morning, because today she had to go to the hospital for vinations. Cheng Liqi really disliked getting shots. Even when she was sick, she would rather take bitter medicine than get a shot. The nurse aunties always said it wouldn''t hurt, but it really did hurt a lot.


    When they arrived at the hospital, Cheng Liqi didn''t want to get out of the car, or let her mom get out either. She leaned over to cling onto her mom''s hand and act cute. "Mom, do I really have to get it today? It''s raining today, isn''t it not good to get shots on a rainy day?"


    Cheng Jin pointed outside. "Look who''s here?"


    In the rain, Shao ChengZe walked over with a ck umbre and tapped on the car window.


    When Cheng LiQi saw her father, she was instantly delighted. She hadn''t seen her father for several days.


    "Dad! You look so handsome holding the umbre. It''s like a dark knight descending from the sky."


    Shao ChengZe rested his elbow on the car window and said, "Does the little princess want the dark knight to carry her out of the car?"


    Cheng LiQi stretched out her arms and shouted loudly, "Yes!"


    Shao ChengZe opened the car door, undid her seat belt, and picked her up with one arm. Cheng Jin also got out of the car and went to take the umbre from him. Shao ChengZe didn''t hand it to her but shifted the handle towards himself and tilted the canopy towards her.


    "No need. Juste a little closer."


    Cheng Jin looked down at his feet. Sensing her gaze, Shao ChengZe''s eyes smiled deeper and he took two steps to show her. Cheng Jin gave him an annoyed look.


    Cheng LiQi didn''t notice the silent exchange between her parents. She hugged her father''s neck and said to her mother, "Mom, you have to stay close to Dad, or you''ll get wet. Getting wet makes you sick. If you get really sick, you have to get a shot."


    The more she spoke, the softer her voice became. She had temporarily forgotten about the shot, but now she remembered again.


    "Dad, are you afraid of getting shots?"


    "Dad is afraid of shots too."


    Cheng LiQi''s eyes widened as she looked at her father. Shen Chuqi had told her boys aren''t afraid of pain. Is Dad afraid of pain too?


    Shao ChengZe''s eyes told her, "Dad is very afraid of pain."


    Cheng LiQi patted her Dad''s shoulderfortingly, "It''s okay Dad. Next time you get a shot, Mom and I will be with you, so you won''t be scared."


    Shao ChengZe bumped his chin against her hair and said, "Thank you, little LiQi." Then he added, "This time, Mom and Dad will both be with little LiQi, so little LiQi won''t be scared either."


    Cheng LiQi thought about it and nodded. She wasn''t scared at all anymore.


    The three huddled under one umbre as the raindrops pattered down. Sheltered beneath, soft whispers were exchanged. A gust of wind blew by and Shao ChengZe shielded both his daughter and the woman beside him in his embrace.


    Nestled between her parents, Cheng LiQi giggled gleefully, "Dad''s back is so broad, it blocked all the rain in an instant. Mom, isn''t Dad amazing?"


    Cheng Jin helped straighten her daughter''s windblown skirt and wiped the raindrops off her white shirt. She answered dismissively, "Very amazing. Let''s get going, the rain is getting heavier."


    Shao ChengZe''s eyes flickered as her fingers brushed his thin shirt, leaving a trail of warmth on his skin.


    Cheng LiQi said she wasn''t afraid anymore but that didn''t mean it wouldn''t hurt. She leaned against her father and held her mother''s arm as the nurse gently assured her "it''ll be over soon". She held back her tears but once they left the hospital, pearls began streaming down her cheeks. She didn''t make a sound, just silently wiped her tears with her hand.


    The rainbow after the rain stopped couldn''t distract her. This was the first time Shao ChengZe had seen his daughter cry in a long time. Unsure of how tofort her, he could only catch her falling tears in hisrge hand and turned to the girl''s mother for help.


    Cheng Jin spoke gently, "Little LiQi was very brave today. As a reward, little LiQi can tell Mom what she wants for lunch. But no ice cream today since you just had a shot. You can have it tomorrow."


    Cheng LiQi''s tears hung from hershes. Hearing her mother''s words, more threatened to fall.


    "Do you want pizza?"


    Cheng LiQi asked with red-rimmed eyes, "Can I have fruit pizza?"


    "Of course."


    Cheng LiQi''s sobs gradually subsided but she still choked out, "Mom, if I cry one more minute, can I still have the fruit pizza?"


    Cheng Jin stroked her cheek and said, "Of course you can. Little LiQi can cry five more minutes but no more after that or your eyes will be swollen tomorrow."


    Cheng LiQi nodded with a hup, "Okay, I''ll just cry three more minutes. I don''t want swollen eyes because they won''t be pretty."


    Listening to the soft exchange between mother and daughter, Shao ChengZe''s heart ached and softened. He took the hand of the woman beside him and stroked Cheng LiQi''s hair. "If little LiQi wants fruit pizza, Dad can make it."


    Hearing her father''s words, even Cheng LiQi''s hups stopped. "Really, Dad?"


    "Yes, does little LiQi want it?"


    Cheng LiQi''s red-rimmed eyes were full of anticipation. "I want it!" But a question urred to her. "Where will you make it, Dad?"


    Her grandfather was still angry at her father for sneaking over the wall. She definitely couldn''t bring him home.


    Shao ChengZe tentatively asked the woman beside him, "Shall we go to Songlin Apartments? That''s where I''m staying now."


    He added, "Just me alone, no one else." His mother had already gone back yesterday.


    Cheng Jin gave him a look.


    The rain that had stopped briefly started up again. Cheng Jin''s gaze fell on their sped hands. "Do you even have the ingredients at home? Don''t make rash promises."


    Shao ChengZe''s eyes crinkled in a smile and he squeezed her palm. "We can stop by the supermarket first."


    Cheng LiQi''s tears had dried and her sobs ceased. She cheered, "Let''s go shopping at the supermarket, then go eat the fruit pizza Dad makes at his home!"


    But the little princess didn''t remain excited for long. The effect of the shot plus her crying exhausted her. She fell asleep in her mother''s arms before they even reached the supermarket.


    Shao ChengZe looked in the rearview mirror. "Asleep?"


    "Yes."


    "Then I''ll drop you off at Songlin first. I''ll go to the supermarket after."


    Cheng Jin said, "She''s sleeping. We won''t go to your ce. Stop the car, I''ll have the drivere get us."


    But Shao ChengZe didn''t stop driving. "I already promised her. If she wakes up and can''t eat it, she''ll think I lied. I swore to you I wouldn''t lie and I certainly can''t lie to my daughter either."


    Cheng Jin fell silent for a moment before speaking again.


    At the door, Shao ChengZe held Cheng LiQi in one arm and punched in the passcode for Cheng Jin to see with the other. She deliberately looked away so he recited it aloud. "The password is still your birthday. It''s never changed."


    Cheng LiQi wasid down on therge bed. Her eyelids and mouth twitched before she fell back into deep slumber. Shao ChengZe led the woman behind him out of the bedroom. "The supermarket is right downstairs. I''ll be back soon. You can take a nap if you''re tired. There are drinks in the fridge if you''re thirsty. The studyputer can be used if you have work to do. The password is your birthday. Every password in this home is your birthday."


    Cheng Jin couldn''t help but roll her eyes at him. "Are you done? Hurry up and go."


    Shao ChengZe smiled. "I''m going?"


    "Go." Cheng Jin said impatiently. It was just a trip to the supermarket, not a decade-long voyage to outer space.


    Shao ChengZe pulled her into his embrace. "One hug before I go." He said one but it was just one brief hug before promptly letting go.


    He had left but his scent lingered¡ªa faint, crisp fragrance. Cheng Jin briefly nced around the living room. She had been here before. The furnishings werergely unchanged. The vase she had bought still adorned the table. She went to the window and gazed motionless at the rain outside, somewhat lost in thought.


    The doorbell rang, jolting Cheng Jin from her reverie. Thinking it was him with hands too full to open the door, she hurried over and opened it. Seeing the person outside, she froze for a second.


    Shao Yunzheng narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing here?"


    Cheng Jin answered, "Shao ChengZe isn''t here but he''ll be back soon."


    Shao Yunzheng was dissatisfied with her attitude. He rapped his cane heavily on the floor. "You haven''t answered my question. What are you doing here?"


    Cheng Jin lifted her chin. "I don''t see how it''s any of your business why I''m here. As far as I know, this isn''t your home."


    Shao Yunzheng''s eyes narrowed further. "As expected of the daughter raised by the Chengs. Years have gone by but you''re still the same as before¡ªnot an ounce of manners in front of your elders."


    "Grandpa," Cheng Liqi, who had just woken up, walked over with her hair half-sticking up. She held her mother''s hand, her voice was soft, and her expression was extremely serious. "You were so mean to my mom. Why should my mom be polite to you? My grandpa taught me a word called reciprocity. It means if someone is polite to me, I must also be polite to them. But if someone is not polite to me, then I don''t need to be polite to them either. If you want my mom to be polite to you, then you need to be polite first."

 Chapter 45: 045

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    After Cheng LiQi finished speaking, she crooked her finger at her mother and looked at her mother, "Mom, am I right?"


    Cheng Jin stroked her hair gently and smiled at her, "Little LiQi is very right."


    Seeing her mother smile, Cheng LiQi''s originally serious big eyes also curved into a smile.


    Shao Yunzheng stared fiercely at Cheng LiQi, his sunken eye sockets bursting with anger. But if you look closely, you can see that in those filthy eyeballs there is still a trace of fear. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly, and all the words were stuck in his throat without saying anything.


    Cheng Jin leaned sideways to protect Cheng LiQi behind her back, and said to the people outside the door, "Shao ChengZe went to the supermarket downstairs and will be back soon. The owner is not at home, so I won''t invite you in. You can wait for him outside, or call him."


    After finishing speaking, Cheng Jin closed the door.


    Cheng LiQi poked her head out from behind her mother''s back, "Mom, who was that old man?"


    Cheng Jin held her back to the living room and put her on the sofa, "An irrelevant person." She looked at her arm, "Does your arm still hurt?"


    Cheng LiQi shook her head, "It doesn''t hurt anymore."


    Usually injections would also hurt, but she didn''t know why today she would feel particrly painful. Maybe it was because her mother was here, and her father was here too. She wanted to cling to her parents and act coquettishly for a while longer.


    "Mom, where''s Dad?" Cheng LiQi looked around the house with her eyes.


    "He went to the supermarket because you wanted to eat pizza."


    "Oh~~ Mom, is this Dad''s house?"


    "Well."


    "Dad''s not here, can we visit his house?" She was very curious about her father''s residence.


    "You can visit, but don''t mess with anything."


    Cheng LiQi nodded happily. However, looking at her bare little feet, she wrinkled her nose, "Mom, can I visit barefoot?"


    It was her first time at her dad''s house, and her dad probably didn''t have her slippers here. She actually preferred walking barefoot on the floor, but her mother didn''t really like it.


    "You sit down, and Mom will get you slippers."


    When they entered the door earlier, he pointed out the slippers in the shoe cab, summer and winter models, arranged in two rows, onerge and one small. Cheng Jin took out a pair of pink slippers from the small row.


    Just as she was about to turn around, her eyes fell on the white slippers at the very bottom of the shoe cab, and her eyes stalled for a moment.


    Seeing the slippers, Cheng LiQi''s eyes lit up, "Wow, Dad prepared slippers for me, I like them so much."


    Cheng Jin put on her slippers and Cheng LiQi got off the sofa. Holding her mother''s hand, she visited from the living room to the study.


    Cheng LiQi thought, Dad really likes ck. The sofa is ck, the floor is ck, the bookshelf is ck, and the desk is ck. Coming out of the study, she entered the next room. Cheng LiQi''s eyes widened. This was a pink room full of dolls, toys, and fairy tale books. There was even a pink piano in the corner.


    Cheng LiQi turned to look at her mother, "Mom, is this the room Dad prepared for me?"


    Cheng Jin stroked her rosy red cheeks with her fingers, "You can ask him when hees back."


    "When will Dade back?"


    Cheng Jin replied, "It should be a while."


    Shao ChengZe received Shao Yunzheng''s phone call and was rushing back from the supermarket. In fact, the property manager could also prepare these things, but he wanted to choose them himself. He regretted leaving the mother and daughter at home alone and going out. No one answered when he called back, so he wasn''t sure if she would still be there when he returned.


    Shao Yunzheng was waiting downstairs, his brows deeply furrowed, his hands tightly grasping his cane.


    Very simr, not just the eyes, but also the expression when lecturing with a stern face, and the smiling appearance when eyes curved. He thought Shao ChengZe already looked very much alike, but Shao ChengZe only resembled her in superficial appearance, while the little girl resembled her in temperament. So many years had passed that he thought he had long forgotten what she looked like, but he hadn''t forgotten, he just didn''t dare to remember.


    Shao ChengZe mmed the brakes and stopped to one side, got out of the car inrge strides and stood in front of Shao Yunzheng, "Why did youe over?"


    Shao Yunzheng snorted heavily through his nose, "What, I can''te over? If I don''te over again, are you going to get married and start a family?"


    Shao ChengZe said, "Don''t worry about that, it hasn''t reached that step yet. I do want to get a license with her as soon as she agrees, unfortunately she doesn''t agree."


    Shao Yunzheng stared at him viciously, pronouncing each word, "I said, anyone is fine, but absolutely not anyone from the Cheng family."


    Shao ChengZe replied seriously, "For me, there is no one but her."


    "Good, very good," Shao Yunzheng''s chest rose and fell rapidly a few times, "Then get out of Shao''s immediately."


    Shao ChengZe nced at his watch, "Okay, the board will receive my resignation by 8pm tonight."


    Shao Yunzheng''s face had already turned iron blue.


    "If there is nothing else, please go back. It''s going to rain again soon. If you catch a cold from the rain, and your wife mes it on me again, I can''t afford that responsibility. My ce is small, so I won''t invite you upstairs," Shao ChengZe was about to leave, then stopped, "Oh, when you have time toe over, it would be better to pay more attention to what your wife has been busy withtely, there may be surprises, and very big ones."


    Shao Yunzheng directly threw his cane at him. The cane hit Shao ChengZe''s chest and fell to the ground with a ng.


    Shao ChengZe brushed his clothes and bent over to pick up the cane. Looking at the cane, he smiled, "Grandpa, although you don''t want to admit it, you really are old. In the past, a hit like this from you would leave me bruised for two or three days. Now it feels like leaves falling on me, no different."


    "Uncle Wang, send the old master home." Shao ChengZe threw the cane in his hand to the driver next to him. The smile on his face disappearedpletely as he turned and strode away.


    Seeing that the shoes were still in the foyer, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Hearing the sound of the door opening, Cheng LiQi ran over, "Dad, you''re back."


    A warm smile flowed from Shao ChengZe''s eyes. He bent down to look her in the eye, "Dad is back. Did little LiQi sleep well?"


    "I slept very well, and my arm doesn''t hurt anymore. I''m just waiting to eat the pizza you''re going to make, Mom doesn''t feel well, so let her rest quietly at home."


    Shao ChengZe understood, "I''ll go buy things for her."


    "No need, I brought them." Cheng Jin''s bag always had backup supplies out of habit. She looked at him, "Did you see the person? I didn''t let him in."


    "He''s gone now. Sorry, I didn''t know he woulde over."


    Cheng Jin didn''t want to discuss these things in front of Cheng LiQi, so she interrupted him, "Where are the things you bought?"


    Cheng LiQi giggled, "Mom, Dad was so eager to see you that he left the things in the car and forgot to bring them up." She put her arm around her dad''s neck and whispered in Dad''s ear, "Dad, just now a very fierce old man came, ring with a pair of eyes, and was so fierce to Mom. I told the old man that it was because he was impolite to Mom first, so Mom was impolite to him."


    Shao ChengZe''s face stiffened for a moment. He stroked her hair, "Little LiQi did very well. Were you scared by the old man?"


    Cheng LiQi shook her head, "No, with Mom here, and in Dad''s house, I won''t be afraid."


    The bathroom door opened, and Cheng Jin walked out. She nced at him without saying anything.


    Shao ChengZe carefully looked at herplexion, it was clear and in, and he couldn''t see anything out of the ordinary, just a little pale. He walked towards her, "Do you feel unwell?" Cheng Jin reluctantly nodded. Her period came two days early.


    Shao ChengZe understood, "I''ll go buy things for you."


    "No need, I brought them." Cheng Jin''s bag always had backup feminine products out of habit. She looked at him, "Did you see the person? I didn''t let him in."


    "He''s already left. I''m sorry, I didn''t know he woulde over."


    Cheng Jin didn''t want to discuss these things in front of Cheng LiQi. She interrupted him, "Where are the things you bought?"


    Cheng LiQi giggled, "Mom, Dad was so eager to see you that he left the things in the car and forgot to bring them up." She put her arm around her dad''s neck and whispered, "Dad, let''s go downstairs together to get them. You''re going to make pizza for me, and I want to help. Mom doesn''t feel well, so let her rest quietly at home."


    "Okay, little LiQi will go downstairs with Dad."


    This was exactly what Shao ChengZe wanted to hear. He was afraid that Cheng Jin would leave with little Cheng LiQi while he went downstairs to get things. It was perfect that he could take the little one away, forcing the big one to stay at home. When they got back, Cheng LiQi would still be there.


    Cheng LiQi really did want to help. As her dad carried up two big heavy bags of stuff, she helped carry a carton of milk. As her dad washed his hands, she brought him a towel. As her dad went into the kitchen, she followed him in. As her dad brought her mom a cup of hot water, she covered her mom''s belly with a nket. As her dad peeled apples, she stood by, eating raisins. She thought they were so sweet that she cupped a whole handful in her little hands and ran into the living room to offer some to her mom. "Mom, eat these. They''re really sweet."


    Cheng Jin tried a couple and said, "You''re right, they are very sweet."


    Little Cheng LiQi smiled sweetly and sat down next to her mom, leaning on her mom''sp. She looked at the cute little cat mug in front of her mom. "Mom, your mug is so pretty. Dad said it''s your special mug."


    Cheng Jin''s eyes lingered on the mug for a moment before taking another raisin and putting it in Cheng LiQi''s mouth. "Your special mug is very pretty too. You love Elsa the most."


    "That''s right," Cheng LiQi sat up straight and took a big gulp from her own little mug. Then she called towards the kitchen, "Thank you Dad for buying me this mug. When I drink from it, the water tastes sweet."


    A low, smiling voice came from the kitchen, "As long as little LiQi likes it."


    The rain continued to patter outside, raindrops hitting the window in long streaks, obscuring the cloudy sky. No matter how hard it rained or how windy it was outside, it could not affect the warm, orangemplight glowing inside.


    Cheng LiQi was immersed in her cartoon, eyes glued to the screen without blinking. Cheng Jin carried her empty mug into the kitchen. Shao ChengZe looked up and took the mug from her hands, refilling it with hot water before cing it back in front of her.


    "Do you remember this mug?"


    They had bought this set of mugs, white for her and ck for him, on a trip to the supermarket long ago.


    Cheng Jin was silent for a while before answering, "You kept all this stuff?"


    The slippers at the bottom shelf of the shoe cab, the vase on the table, and the mug she held in her hand right now.


    "I put everything away before. I was going to have the cleaning service throw them out but kept forgetting to tell them, I guess subconsciously I wanted to keep some memories and couldn''t bear to throw them away. I took everything back out when I was tidying up over the past couple days. I thought that if by some chance I could get you toe over someday, and you saw them, I might earn back some points."


    Cheng Jin quirked her lips. "You''re very honest."


    Shao ChengZe looked at her earnestly. "The things that happened in the past taught me a painful lesson. I don''t want there to be any more misunderstandings between us, so I can''t hide any thoughts from you anymore."


    Cheng Jin met his gaze directly without looking away.


    "I''m sorry," Shao ChengZe said softly.


    "Sorry for what?"


    "No matter what he said, before or now, don''t take it to heart."


    Cheng Jin''s eyes shifted. "Some words are hard not to take to heart, especially since I''m petty."


    Shao ChengZe moved to meet her gaze. "Are you angry?"


    Cheng Jin didn''t reply.


    Shao ChengZe took her hand. "Hit me or yell at me, let your anger out. Don''t make yourself sick being mad."


    The oven dinged crisply.


    "Go check your pizza," Cheng Jin pulled her hand away, wanting to leave.


    Shao ChengZe blocked her path, slipped on oven mitts, and took the pizza out. The delicious aroma wafted out along with it. He sliced the pizza and blew on a piece before lifting it to her lips. "Try it? It''s not hot anymore."


    She didn''t open her mouth, so his hand didn''t move.


    Finally, Cheng Jin took a bite from his hand.


    Shao ChengZe looked at her expectantly. "How is it?"


    Cheng Jin answered, "So-so."


    "Really?" Shao ChengZe bit into the spot she had just bitten. Looking at her, he said, "I think it''s pretty good."


    "It''s not good at all."


    Shao ChengZe epted the criticism. "Then I''ll keep working at it, and do even better next time."


    "You have to, not just try to."


    Shao ChengZe raised a brow.


    Cheng Jin''sshes fluttered as she looked at him. "You want to marry into our family, little LiQi is easy to coax, but my parents are tough critics. Your cooking skills still have a long way to go."


    Since the old master of their family already detested her so much, she didn''t mind making him detest her more. Just like what Cheng JinChuan said, stealing their most outstanding grandson into the Cheng family would probably make him hopping mad.


    Shao ChengZe was taken aback.


    Just then, Cheng LiQi smelled the aroma and ran into the kitchen. "Mom, what does marrying into our family mean?"


    Cheng Jin pushed him away, but Shao ChengZe grasped her wrist. His dark brows and eyes lit up as he locked eyes with her. He replied to Cheng LiQi, "It means...your dad wants to marry your mom."


    Dad wants to marry Mom? Does that mean Dad wants to be the bride?


    Cheng LiQi was excited and curious. "Dad, will you wear a wedding dress?!"

 Chapter 46: 046

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    The rain had been falling continuously, sometimes heavily and sometimes lightly, bringing some rare coolness to the hot weather.


    The pizza came out of the oven. Shao ChengZe stir-fried some dishes and also cooked a small pot of apple sweet soup. Thebination Chinese and Western meal was eaten by Cheng LiQi until her little belly was round like a puffed bun. She even patted her belly to let her dad hear the sound, so that her dad would know how delicious his cooking was and that she was about to eat herself to death.


    Cheng Jin didn''t eat much of the meal. She did however drink two bowls of the soup. The warmth of the soup entered her stomach and heat rose through her body, easing the ufortable heaviness in her belly.


    Cheng LiQi cupped her cheeks in her hands and looked at her mom. With a small sigh of admiration she said, "Mom, you really are so beautiful."


    Her fair white face was tinged with tender pink. Her pert little nose had beads of sweat on it, making her look as soft and sweet as a juicy honey peach. It made people really want to take a bite.


    Cheng LiQi turned to ask her dad, "Dad, isn''t mom really beautiful?"


    Shao ChengZe replied to his daughter, "She''s not just very beautiful, she''s especially beautiful."


    Cheng LiQi and her dad smiled at each other, both looking towards mom.


    With the gazes of the big and little ones focused on her, Cheng Jin pinched her daughter''s chubby little face and said, "We''ve eaten the pizza now, shouldn''t we get going and head home so you can still have your afternoon nap?"


    Shao ChengZe lightly coughed into his curled fist by his mouth. Cheng LiQi understood her dad''s hint.


    "Mom, it''s raining hard outside. It''s dangerous to drive in the rain. Let''s wait until it stops before we leave, okay?"


    Shao ChengZe chimed in after his daughter, "She can nap here, and when the rain stops I''ll take you both home."


    Just as Cheng Jin was about to respond, Shao ChengZe picked up her soup bowl in front of her, "Do you want more soup? I''lldle you some more."


    Cheng LiQi also held out her little bowl, "Me too, dad. I want a whole bowlful."


    "Okay, dad will fill up a whole bowl for little LiQi." Shao ChengZe would be smiling even in his dreams with how cooperative his daughter was being.


    Cheng Jin couldn''t resist lightly poking her daughter''s little belly, "Can you drink any more?"


    Cheng LiQi didn''t understand her mom''s meaning. She clung to her mom''s arm and whispered, "Mom, after I finish the sweet soup I''ll go take a nap, then you and dad can have a nice date."


    She knew her mom liked her dad, though she couldn''t say how she knew. It was just a feeling. She always had very urate instincts that were never wrong.


    Cheng Jin''s face grew hot at her daughter''s words. How could little kids nowadays understand so much?


    Shao ChengZe came back with two bowls of soup, cing one in front of Cheng Jin and one in front of Cheng LiQi. Seeing his very happy daughter, he asked, "What are you two whispering about?"


    Cheng Jin stuffed a strawberry into Cheng LiQi''s mouth and replied, "Just saying how tasty your sweet soup is."


    "Is that so?" Shao ChengZe''s eyes held pleasant surprise and slyness. "I wonder if your parents will like it."


    Cheng Jin red at him.


    Having swallowed the strawberry, Cheng LiQi answered her dad''s question. "Grandma will definitely like it. Grandma loves eating sweet stuff the most. Grandpa doesn''t like sweet food. He likes fish best, especially steamed."


    Shao ChengZe stroked his daughter''s head and looked at Cheng Jin. "Then dad will have to practice making steamed fish well."


    Cheng Jin lowered her head to drink her soup, excluding herself from the father-daughter conversation. Let them say whatever they wanted. She shouldn''t have spoken in the first ce, he always took an inch when given an inch.


    Having eaten her fill, Cheng LiQi was getting drowsy. Along with the pitter patter rain outside acting like a luby, she rested her hands on her little belly with the corners of her mouth curved in a crescent moon smile. Soon she fell asleep on the soft big bed.


    The sky outside was gloomy, looking more like dusk than noon. In this kind of weather, along with her physical condition, Cheng Jin was also feeling sleepy. But she didn''t want to fall asleep here, so she forcefully stayed alert sitting on the sofa nkly watching some variety show on TV that she didn''t know what was about.


    After tidying up the kitchen, Shao ChengZe came out and sat next to her. "Go lie on the bed for a bit?"


    Cheng Jin was a little slow to react due to her drowsiness. She first nced at him, then after hearing what he said, shook her head. Her hair draped over her shoulder swayed lightly with her movement. Her fair earlobe peeked out temptingly from beneath her dark tresses.


    Shao ChengZe''s fingers brushed that tantalizing patch of fairness. He asked in a low voice, "Then watch a movie?"


    "Okay," Cheng Jin answered vaguely. She didn''t want to think about anything right now.


    Shao ChengZe smiled lightly, ruffled her hair, got up and picked up the remote control, selecting a very old Hong Kong movie.


    A man and woman reunited on an esctor without any dialogue, their feelings conveyed entirely through their expressions. Cheng Jin hugged a cushion in her arms with her head resting against the sofa back, eyes watching the screen while her thoughts drifted elsewhere. Shao ChengZe had his arm draped over the sofa backrest. The two of them weren''t sitting too close, but it looked as if she was nestled in his embrace.


    More than halfway into the movie, there was a wedding scene. The bride wore a white wedding dress and held a bouquet, smiling brightly and radiantly on the green grass.


    Shao ChengZe moved closer. "Want to see me wear a wedding dress?"


    Cheng Jin''s hand stroking the cushion pattern stilled. In her mind''s eye she substituted his face onto the bride''s face in the movie, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously floated up in a smile.


    Shao ChengZe leaned into her. "You smiled?"


    Cheng Jin reined in her smile and nted him a look. "I can''t smile?"


    Shao ChengZe held her face in his hands, looking into her eyes, gently pleading, "Smile again. It''s been so long since you''ve smiled at me. Sometimes I even think, if only I were little LiQi."


    Their eyes met. Cheng Jin''s gaze flickered. She used the cushion to separate some space between them, her eyes turning back to the TV screen. "You''re not good looking or cute, and don''t know how to make people like you. Why should I smile at you?"


    Shao ChengZe moved his arm from the sofa backrest to her shoulders, circling her into his embrace. "My unattractive face is innate and can''t be changed. I''ll probably never manage to be cute in this lifetime either. So I''ll just have to work hard at learning how to make you like me."


    Cheng Jin cut him off. "Stop talking. I want to watch the movie."


    She rested her head on his shoulder, shifting until she found a veryfortable position. With eyes half-closed, she listened to the Cantonese dialogue from the movie and the pattering rain on the window, drowsy and on the verge of sleep.


    Shao ChengZe draped a nket over them and lightly patted her shoulder, looking down at her with the gentlest smile in his eyes.


    In her drowsiness, Cheng Jin mumbled, "Will it cause you a lot of trouble?"


    Shao ChengZe didn''t catch what she said. He brought his ear to her mouth. "What?"


    "Will your family''s patriarch give you a hard time?"


    Shao ChengZe looked at her. "That''s unimportant." He hesitated briefly before continuing, unsure if now was the right time to bring up the past. "Back then..."


    Cheng Jin leaned in to seal his lips, stopping his words. She knew what he was going to say and didn''t really want to bring up anything about that day.


    The soft lips only brushed against his for a moment before leaving. Shao ChengZe sighed inwardly but his expression was yfully improper. "When I kiss you, I''m not nearly so perfunctory."


    Cheng Jinzily leaned into him. Blinking her sleepy eyes she said, "I don''t want to move."


    Her slightly parted red lips glistened temptingly, as ifnguidly inviting him. Shao ChengZe''s adam''s apple tensed. He slowly lowered his head, since she didn''t want to move, he would move for her.


    The muffled sound of water stirred faintly, drowned out by the rain. Gloomy rainy days always made people feel listless. After a long time, Cheng Jin covered her mouth with a nket, breathing rapidly as she looked at him with misty eyes full of usation.


    Shao Chengze brushed aside her stray hair and asked her seriously, "Did I... satisfy you, Miaomiao?"


    Cheng Jin pressed her bent knees against his chest. Shao Chengze pretended to grunt in pain as he fell on top of her, pushing her into the sofa.


    She was below, he was above her, using his maic voice to seduce her, "Do you want toe here again next Saturday for another day trip? I can show you if my cooking skills have improved."


    Cheng Jin closed her eyes, blocking out everything she saw, and replied coldly, "I''m noting."


    Shao Chengze said, "Otherwise I''ll really dig a secret tunnel from next door in the middle of the night."


    Cheng Jin didn''t care. "Go ahead, it''ll be easy for you to dig, but if my dad finds out, it won''t just be a broken leg."


    Shao Chengze twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. "I feel like I''m being treated worse than a high school romance. At least they can pass notes in ss, secretly hold hands between periods, and go to cafes or KFC after school to do homework together. Now I can hardly even see you."


    Cheng Jin lifted her eyelids and looked at him with a hint of a smile. "You seem experienced. Have you passed notes to someone before? Held someone''s hand? What did the coffee taste like after school, sweet or bitter? I''ve never had any."


    Shao Chengze was startled, thenughed and leaned on her. "That coffee was probably neither sweet nor bitter," he whispered, biting her ear, "it was probably sour, even more sour than vinegar. Were you... jealous?"


    Cheng Jin closed her eyes again, not wanting to entertain his baseless spection.


    Shao Chengze''s lips touched her fluttering eyelids. "I''ve never passed notes to anyone, never held anyone''s hand, and I don''t know what coffee tastes like after school.


    Cheng Jin scoffed softly. As if.


    Shao Chengze smiled. "I really haven''t done those things, but I''ve seen them happen often." His breath blew her tremblingshes. "Has anyone ever passed you a note?"


    She answered with silence.


    Shao Chengze''s hand rested on her waist, her ticklish spot that would make her shudder at the slightest touch. Cheng Jin pressed down firmly on his hand to keep him still.


    But she couldn''t stop him at all. Shao Chengze''s hand went under her shirt along her waistband, and he asked again, "Miaomiao, has anyone ever passed you a note?"


    Cheng Jin opened her eyes, her cheeks already flushed from his movements. Her voice trembled. "I''m going on a business trip next week."


    Shao Chengze''s hand paused as his gaze sharpened. "Where to?"


    Taking advantage of his distraction, Cheng Jin pushed him off the sofa. She quickly got up and stepped away, straightening her disheveled clothes and looking down at the man lying on the carpet.


    "To Mars."

 Chapter 47: 047

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    First thing on Monday morning, Shao Corporation was thrown into chaos. The Board of Directors received Shao Chengze''s resignation letter, but he didn''te to work and his phone was unreachable. All calls were forwarded to Kong Yichuan.


    Kong Yichuan took a sip of water, took a deep breath, and gave the same exnation for the 101st time to the person on the other end of the line, "I also don''t know the specifics. I can''t reach President Shao either."


    Shao Zhangting was woken up by the barrage of phone calls amidst the embrace of a beauty. He scrolled through the pile of messages on WeChat, then leaned into the beauty''s arms again to hurriedly call his mother back, "Mom, what''s going on? Shao Chengze resigned? Have you made a move? Wow mom, you''re too amazing. If you weren''t going to make a move, then don''t, but once you do, you silently got rid of that brat. What do you need me and Jingyun to do now?"


    Wu Jingyao impatiently interrupted him, "He resigned on his own initiative."


    "Huh? Why would he resign, is he sick?" Shao Zhangting had just woken up and his mind wasn''t very clear yet. The words slipped out before he could stop them. He had been scheming and plotting his whole life to obtain something he could never get, yet Shao Chengze could just say he didn''t want it anymore.


    Wu Jingyao didn''t want to listen to his nonsense. "Tell Jingyun to go to thepany immediately. Your dad is already on the way there to hold a board meeting."


    Shao Zhangting had the beauty hold his phone while he got dressed. "Mom, what about Shao Chengze? Is he participating too?"


    "Who knows? No one can find him now. He''s not answering his phone and there''s no one at his home. No idea where he ran off to. Hurry up, you and Jingyun have to get there before your dad." Wu Jingyao hung up after saying her piece, then took out another phone to make another call.


    While some were in deep water, others were enjoying peace.


    Yuan Zhongzhou walked out with a head of bedhair and eximed "F*ck" when he smelled the fragranceing from the kitchen. "Thepany''s exploding right now with everyone looking for you, yet here you are making me breakfast." He looked at the dining table, then the pots on the stove, cursing again. "What kind of blessed life did I have in myst life to deserve chicken soup for breakfast? What time did you get up?"


    Shao Chengze didn''t even spare him a nce.


    Yuan Zhongzhou sat down, content to wait for the food. "Boss Shao, what''s our n now? It''s so hot out, want to go on vacation somewhere? You just got a new private ind right, let''s go there?"


    Shao Chengze turned off the stove. "Where I go for vacation is my business. You go wash up and get to work."


    "Why do I still need to work when everyone knows I''m your man? If you''re gone, what''s the point of me staying there?" Yuan Zhongzhouined.


    Shao Chengze retorted, "Firstly, you''re not my man. Secondly, I resigned, you didn''t."


    Yuan Zhongzhou deted. He thought he could take advantage of this to go on a nice long vacation since the weather was too hot for work.


    "And why are you packing food? I''ll go to thepany after eating. With the chaos today, it''d just be walking into an ambush if I went early." Yuan Zhongzhou watched Shao Chengze packing the cooked food into lunchboxes.


    Shao Chengze nced at him. "Did I say this was for you? If you want to eat, there''s a restaurant downstairs and a cafeteria at thepany."


    Yuan Zhongzhou was dumbfounded. Then who was he bustling around cooking for?


    Cheng Jin drank a cup of coffee first thing upon entering her office. She wasn''t feeling well today after a poor night of sleep, and her upset stomach prevented her from eating much breakfast either.


    The phone rang but she was toozy to answer it. Yet she couldn''t ignore itpletely since she hade to work, and she couldn''t bezy about work matters. Her back straightened, but upon seeing the name on the screen, all her energy deted again.


    "What do you want?" She answered apathetically.


    "I''m downstairs at Lan Chuan Tower." Shao Chengze leaned against the car with one hand in his pocket, head tilted back to look up at the building.


    Cheng Jin got up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the ant-sized people and cars below. Yet she felt like she could sense which one was him.


    "Why are you here instead of at thepany at this time?"


    "To deliver breakfast/lunch. Are you busy? Should Ie up or youe down?"


    "I already ate breakfast, not hungry yet." Cheng Jin turned away from the window and returned to her desk, typing "Shao Corporation" into the search bar. Rows of thetest news rting to Shao Corporation popped up and she skimmed through them briefly.


    Over the phone, Shao Chengze replied, "It won''t fill you up, I simmered some chicken soup. Isn''t there a saying that simmering chicken soup best tests a chef''s skills? I''m working hard to improve my cooking so I can be a good husband. I want you to try my chicken soup and tell me how it is."


    "So you''re aiming to be a good husband now?" Cheng Jin paced around slowly, heading for the exit.


    Shao Chengzeughed. "That''s a good direction to work towards. I''ll strive towards it. But there''s one key question, who would be my wife?" He paused before continuing slowly, "How about you?"


    Cheng Jin rejected bluntly, "No."


    Shao Chengze''sughter deepened. "Coming down?"


    "No, why would I? I already said I ate breakfast."


    "I heard the door open," he called out her lie. "See, you''re always contradicting yourself like this. Should I just take whatever you say as the opposite from now on? No means yes, don''t like means..."


    Cheng Jin briskly hung up.


    Shao Chengze listened to the lifeless beeps, regretting that he had been too forward and should have used a more tactful way to expose her lie. After waiting for a while without anyoneing out, she had likely stormed off in embarrassment, refusing to see him.


    Couldn''t see the person, but at least had to deliver the soup. He scrolled to find Tang Yicheng''s number, finger hovering over the screen as his eyes fixed on the figure walking out of the revolving doors not far away, lips curving up slowly.


    Cheng Jin wore all ck today - wide leg pants on bottom, linen zer up top. To improve her sicklyplexion, she had applied a matte, true red lipstick. Though she wore ts, her aura seemed even stronger than usual.


    Shao Chengze leaned against the car without moving, waiting for her to approach step by step until she stopped half a meter away, meeting his gaze.


    Shao Chengze straightened and closed the distance by a step, greeting her, "Morning, President Cheng."


    Cheng Jin''s expressionless face reddened slightly at his words, reminded of certain moments when he had addressed her like that, albeit in a deeper, raspier voice.


    "Don''t call me that anymore." She didn''t want to hear that title from him again, regardless of when.


    "Why not?" Shao Chengze feigned ignorance, but theughter in his eyes gave him away.


    The two were too eye-catching. Passersby would inevitably nce their way. Shao Chengze opened the passenger door. "Let''s talk in the car. Cheng--" Meeting her re, he smiled and corrected himself. "Miaomiao."


    Cheng Jin threw him an icy look. She bent down to get in the car and Shao Chengze also bent down, leaning inside. Cheng Jin pressed back against the seat warily, watching him. "What are you trying to do?"


    Shao Chengze hadn''t originally nned anything, but hearing her say that made him feel obligated to do something. He leaned closer. "What do you want me to do?"


    Cheng Jin pushed him. "We''re under mypany building."


    There was a "click" as the seatbelt fastened. Only then did Cheng Jin realize her mistake in misunderstanding him. But why buckle up?


    Shao Chengze answered her unspoken question. "I''m not trying anything. Since we can''t stay under yourpany building, we should find a quiet ce to talk."


    Cheng Jin lifted her leg to kick him.


    Shao Chengze pressed down her leg, rubbing her hair gently while soothing in a tone used for cating a temperamental child, "Be good, no rush." His actions made Cheng Jin want to kick him even more.


    He held her hand, asionally ncing over with a smile. With the morning rush hour past, traffic wasn''t too congested and the car rode steadily. Her heart inexplicably sped up and even her palms grew damp, giving her the mistaken feeling that they were eloping to do something naughty.


    The car finally stopped in a small alley. The dense sycamore trees on both sides of the road covered the alley, forming a natural shade. There was no one on the road, but a dog from someone''s yard kept barking. The barking, along with the constant cicadas chirping in the sycamore trees, made it anything but quiet.


    Shao ChengZe reached back and took out a bag. With a serious look, he said, "What did you think I was going to do? Didn''t I say I was going to treat you to chicken soup? I couldn''t possibly let your employees see their bosse out to ck off during work hours. That wouldn''t look good."


    Cheng Jin felt like she had been tricked and wanted to pour the chicken soup over his head.


    However, the soup smelled delicious. She didn''t have much of an appetite originally, but when he opened the thermos, Cheng Jin felt like drinking a bowl wouldn''t be so bad. He had brought along bowls and spoons. Cheng Jin took them and drank a spoonful. The soft, soothing soup slid down her throat and warmed her stomach. She temporarily forgave him for his earlier behavior.


    "How is it?" he asked, looking at her expression.


    Cheng Jin replied, "It''s terrible."


    Her mouth said it was terrible, but her hand lifted the spoon for two more sips.


    Shao ChengZe reached out to gather her stray hair behind her back. "If it''s so terrible, drink more. With soup this bad, no one else would drink it except to give me face."


    Cheng Jin red at him, then drank another spoonful. "Did you get kicked off the board of directors by your grandfather?"


    "I resigned voluntarily."


    "What''s the difference?"


    "My version sounds better."


    Cheng Jin: ...


    She could never get a straightforward word out of his mouth.


    Shao ChengZe moved closer to her. "Worried about me?"


    Cheng Jin didn''t deny it. "Didn''t you say you wanted to reim what belonged to your grandmother? How will you do that after getting kicked off the board?"


    Shao ChengZe leaned in closer. "Guess what I''m best at?"


    Looking into his deep eyes, Cheng Jin replied, "I guess the only thing you''re best at is being a scoundrel."


    Shao ChengZe broke into a smile, his nose brushing against hers. "You''re so clever, that''s the right guess."


    Hooking her chin with his hand, his lips came down on hers. Cheng Jin was holding a bowl and couldn''t push him away. She worried the soup would spill on the car, and worried someone might walk by. But before long, those worries were tossed aside as all her nerves and senses followed his tongue.


    Suddenly, his tongue stopped moving and retreated from her lips. He just lightly sucked on her lip line, breathing out her name between breaths, calling her "Cheng Miaomiao" over and over.


    Cheng Jin felt a burning thirst in her throat. She reached out with the tip of her tongue. When it touched his softness, a bright gleam shed through Shao ChengZe''s dark eyes. Pressing the back of her head, he entered again, conquering and plundering.


    In the end, the surging tides receded back to still waters.


    Cheng Jin looked at him with swollen lips and dewy eyes. He fed her a spoonful of chicken soup, saying, "See, besides being a scoundrel, I''m also best at strategic retreat. So don''t worry about me. What''s meant to be mine, I''ll get in the end."


    Whether he could get it in the end was uncertain. But she wouldn''t let him take advantage again in the meantime. He went back on her cklist, both his numbers blocked. Shao ChengZe could only call his daughter.


    Cheng LiQi held up her smartwatch phone, chatting excitedly with Dad about what happened at kindergarten. Shao ChengZe listened attentively to his daughter and to any sounds from the other end of the call. But he didn''t hear another voice.


    He asked, "Where''s Mom?"


    "Mom''s packing. She''s going on a business trip tomorrow."


    "Where is she going?"


    Cheng LiQi thought for a moment but couldn''t remember the name of the city. "I think it''s where Mom went to college. Mom said she''ll bring back tasty treats for me, and lots of gifts too."


    After Cheng LiQi finished, her tone became a little solemn. "Dad, you haven''t been dating Mom seriously, have you?"


    "Why do you say that?"


    "Otherwise you wouldn''t not know about such an important trip. You haven''t been paying attention to Mom, have you?"


    Shao ChengZe exined, "Dad has been dating Mom very seriously. But Dad upset Mom, so that''s why she didn''t tell Dad about the business trip."


    Cheng LiQi couldn''t ept this exnation. "If you were seriously dating Mom, how could you still upset her?"


    Shao ChengZe: ...!

 Chapter 48: 048

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    Cheng Jin was on a business trip this time to attend an internal exchange meeting for the hotel industry, and to visit Jiang Meng, who had been suffering a lot due to her pregnancy and was in dire need offort from a good friend.


    On the first day of the conference, Cheng Jin only made a brief appearance, leaving the rest to Tang Yicheng while she went straight to Jiang Meng¡¯s home. Upon seeing her, Jiang Meng¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears as she pulled Cheng Jin into a tight 5-minute embrace. Before getting pregnant, she knew pregnancy would be grueling, but only after bing pregnant did she realize the suffering she had imagined wasn¡¯t even one-thousandth of the actual agony. She had no idea when she would make it through this phase.


    Cheng Jin patted her shoulder tofort her, ¡°I brought you some tasty food made by Aunt Qu.¡±


    Jiang Meng¡¯s tearful eyes instantly snapped back as she eximed, ¡°What is it? What is it? Hurry, take it out! Jin, you¡¯re here to save me. I¡¯ve been craving Aunt Qu¡¯s cooking even in my dreams!¡±


    Cheng Jin had specifically brought an insted box full of food, enough to cover the table so they wouldn¡¯t have to cook dinner separately. Jiang Meng¡¯s husband was also away on a business trip, so Jiang Meng wouldn¡¯t let Cheng Jin leave tonight. They hadn¡¯t seen each other in so long and definitely needed to catch up all night.


    Jiang Meng reluctantly ate thest rib, patting her belly as she reclined on the sofa. ¡°Jin, when you leave, pack me in your suitcase and take me home with you. I¡¯m easy to care for, just feed me Aunt Qu¡¯s cooking three times a day.¡±


    Cheng Jin brought her a ss of water, ¡°Sure, as long as you¡¯re willing to leave your husband behind. The trip back, my suitcase is all yours.¡±


    Jiang Meng wrapped her arms around Cheng Jin¡¯s neck, ¡°What¡¯s there to be reluctant about? Just let him keep the empty house, I¡¯ming with you on a honeymoon.¡±


    Cheng Jinughed, ¡°Sounds good. Little Liqi has been missing her Auntie Meng like crazy, asking me every day when she can meet Auntie Meng¡¯s little baby.¡±


    Jiang Meng stared intently at Cheng Jin¡¯s neck, squinting her eyes before letting out a shriek.


    Cheng Jin jumped in fright, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Does something hurt?¡±


    Jiang Meng grabbed her cor, and Cheng Jin immediately understood. There were marks left on her neck yesterday in his car that she had covered up with concealer during the day, but she had forgotten about it after showering at night. Sharp-eyed Jiang Meng had spotted it.


    ¡°You have a man now?!¡± Jiang Meng refused to let go, peering closely at her neck while making continuous tsk tsk sounds. ¡°This force, this intensity, don¡¯t tell me you found yourself a little wolf pup?¡±


    Cheng Jin couldn¡¯t break free lest she hurt Jiang Meng, so she could only sit down on the carpet beside the sofa. Annoyed, she shot Jiang Meng a re, ¡°What little wolf pup. I don¡¯t like little wolf pups.¡±


    ¡°If not a little wolf pup, then a little puppy? Gentle and innocent under the sheets but a ravenous wolf on the bed pressing you down unable to get up?¡±


    Cheng Jin pped her hand. ¡°Stop with this nonsense, watch the baby¡¯s prenatal education.¡±


    Jiang Meng waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my darling baby is full and asleep. Don¡¯t try to change the subject, and don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s just mosquito bites either. I¡¯m not little Liqi,e on, tell me, if not a little wolf pup or little puppy, then who is it?¡±


    Cheng Jin picked up the water ss from the coffee table, fingers stroking the rim, taking a long time before responding softly, ¡°Someone from the past.¡±


    ¡°From the past?¡± Jiang Meng was puzzled for a second before realizing, tentatively asking, ¡°Little Liqi¡¯s...dad?¡±


    Cheng Jin lowered her head to drink some water, not denying it.


    Jiang Meng got excited again. ¡°Damn, Jin, you definitely have to let me meet him this time. A man who could make you willing to reconcile after so long, he must be some kind of godly figure. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re about to get married?!¡±


    Jiang Meng knew Cheng Jin had a mysterious long-distance boyfriend in college that none of them had met. She was supposed to bring him to their dorm¡¯s farewell party after graduation, but before that party happened, she and that mysterious boyfriend had already broken up. Later, she became pregnant, and although Jiang Meng never asked, she could guess little Liqi¡¯s father was him.


    All these years, with her status, she could have had any man she wanted, and many pursued her, yet she never dated anyone again, not even a hint of flirting. There could be only one reason¡ªher heart still held someone from the past she couldn¡¯t reach.


    Cheng Jin told her not to get agitated. ¡°He¡¯s no godly figure, just a very ordinary man, and who knows when we¡¯ll separate again.¡±


    Jiang Meng didn¡¯t believe her at all. ¡°I don¡¯t care, a pregnant woman¡¯s wishes must be fulfilled. Before you separate again, let me meet this very ordinary man.¡±


    Cheng Jin was helpless against her. ¡°Fine, when the opportunity arises, okay?¡±


    ¡°Then when my darling baby has his one-month celebration, if you two haven¡¯t separated yet, bring him along.¡± Jiang Meng created an opportunity herself.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Cheng Jin finally agreed.


    Beside them, the phone screen had darkened after being bumped around in the earlier chaos.


    The next morning, Tang Yicheng came with a driver to pick up Ms. Cheng. Today''s schedule was important, and Ms. Cheng still had to give a speech on stageter.


    Upon receiving Tang Yicheng¡¯s call, Cheng Jin headed downstairs. Jiang Meng followed to send her off and take a short walk outside. Cheng Jin was chatting andughing with Jiang Meng when she saw the person standing with Tang Yicheng and her eyes wavered as she stopped mid-sentence.


    Tang Yicheng gave a little cough to clear his throat, unsure how to exin the current situation to Ms. Cheng. Because he also didn¡¯t know what was going on. The car had been arranged by the hosts, but when he came downstairs earlier, seeing who was sitting in the driver¡¯s seat gave him a huge shock.


    He knew the CEO of Shao Group had suddenly resigned, and Shao Group¡¯s stock was crashing badly as a result. What he didn¡¯t know was that after resigning, Shao Group¡¯s CEO had be a driver, and was now Ms. Cheng¡¯s driver no less. What were the odds?


    Jiang Meng recognized Tang Yicheng and greeted him. Her bright eyes naturally slid to the man standing beside Tang Yicheng. She couldn¡¯t help but notice him. ¡°Jin, is he from yourpany too?¡±


    Tang Yicheng didn¡¯t answer, because he didn¡¯t know how to answer.


    Cheng Jin opened her mouth to speak but closed it again, still unsure how to introduce him to Jiang Meng.


    With no one making introductions, Shao ChengZe took the initiative to step forward and introduce himself. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Ms. Cheng¡¯s temporary driver today.¡±


    Jiang Meng thought, with his looks, temperament and elegance, she would believe it if he said he was the CEO of any listedpany. She couldn¡¯t restrain herself from blurting out her thoughts. ¡°You¡¯re the most handsome driver I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±


    Shao ChengZe¡¯s lips quirked up into a faint smile. ¡°You tter me, I¡¯m just an ordinary driver.¡±


    Jiang Meng found this statement oddly familiar, but her baby brain failed to recall where she had heard it before.


    Cheng Jin patted Jiang Meng¡¯s arm. ¡°I have to go. There¡¯s a morning meeting, can¡¯t bete. Let¡¯s contact each otherter.¡±


    Jiang Meng nodded. ¡°Before you leave, we must meet up for another meal. Otherwise we won¡¯t see each other again for months.¡±


    ¡°Okay, definitely another get-together. I¡¯m going now.¡±


    Just as Tang Yicheng was about to open the car door for Ms. Cheng, the man beside him had already stepped up first, opening the door and keeping his hand above it to prevent her head from bumping. Tang Yicheng wondered if he should say this temporary driver was quite considerate in doing his job.


    The car ride was silent. Cheng Jin rested with eyes closed in the backseat while the temporary driver in the driver¡¯s seat concentrated on driving. Tang Yicheng quietly faded into the background as a passenger.


    At a red light, Cheng Jin opened her eyes, meeting the gaze of the driver in front of her through the rearview mirror. Their eyes tangled briefly before quickly looking away again.


    Upon arriving at the venue, the driver would normally wait outside, but considering this driver¡¯s special status and the leaders not having voiced otherwise, Tang Yicheng took out his phone, intending to contact the organizers for an extra entry pass.


    But the driver beside him had already taken out an event badge from his suit pocket and hung it around his neck. It was the official event badge from the organizers.


    Cheng Jin looked at him coldly.


    Shao ChengZe generously held it up for her to see. ¡°Any questions?¡±


    Cheng Jin asked, "Are you very free?" The Shao family was now in a mess, but he seemed to be doing well, working here as a driver for a while, and then as a staff member for the event organizer.


    Shao Chengze nodded, "Not very free, extremely free. I was kicked out of thepany and lost my job. I''m just an unemployed vagrant now, with nothing much to do but kill time." He took the work pass from Tang Yicheng and walked closer to her, hanging it around her neck. "Did I embarrass you?"


    Cheng Jin was puzzled. "What do you mean?"


    Shao Chengze''s fingertip gently caressed her neck, helping her straighten thenyard. "Because I''m an unemployed vagrant now, you don''t even want to introduce me to your friends."


    Tang Yicheng had already retreated two meters away. He was practically bursting a blood vessel holding it in. He really wanted to point out that although Shao had been kicked out of the Shao''s, he still had Qiongmiao. He was still the boss of Qiongmiao. And he had even transformed into a part-time driver. No matter what, he could never be an unemployed vagrant. Acting pitiful and aggrieved really didn''t suit him.


    Cheng Jin raised her brows. "How do you want me to introduce you?"


    Shao Chengze replied, "It shouldn''t be about what I want, but what you want. Of course, you can introduce me however you like."


    "Since it''s all up to what I think, why are you still yapping away?" Cheng Jin snatched her pass back and turned to walk into the conference hall.


    Tang Yicheng pretended he hadn''t heard anything. He quickly followed General Cheng, while Shao Chengze smiled to himself and leisurely trailed after the two, thumb caressing his forefinger which still held her warmth and fragrance.


    The attendees were all leaders in the hotel industry. Cheng Jin was scheduled to speak first. Unlike others who stuck to their script, Cheng Jin was used to speaking off the cuff.


    In an ash grey knee-length skirt suit paired with a simply tailored white blouse, her ck hair lightly twisted up to reveal her elegant neckline. Pearlescent earrings shimmered brightly on her petite earlobes, making it hard to discern whether the pearls or her translucent earlobes were whiter.


    She was rxed in her posture, her voice gentle and limpid. Her clear gaze asionally swept across the audience, settling on one spot, then casually shifting away again. A hint of shy red seemed to appear on her fair ear tips, slowly fading from sight.


    Shao Chengze loungedzily in his seat, eyes fixed unwaveringly on the woman on stage, the smile at the corners of his mouth deepening.


    Sitting beside Shao Chengze, Tang Yicheng wondered if it was his imagination, but the air in the hall seemed rather viscous, carrying the sour, rotten scent of romance, making this newly heartbroken man, blocked by his ex, feel a twinge of jealousy.


    After the meeting was a cocktail party. With Miss Cheng''s status drawing attention on its own, and her impressive speech earlier, people kepting up to toast and chat with her.


    Holding a wine ss, Cheng Jin effortlessly conversed and socialized. Tang Yicheng followed behind her to collect name cards. Shao Chengze stood to the side, taking her ss from her hand and recing it with a fresh one, which observant onlookers could discern held water rather than alcohol.


    His actions were overly familiar and intimate. Plus, with his outstanding looks and noble temperament, it was hard not to prompt the question, "And you are...?"


    Shao Chengze just smiled faintly, not answering. Tang Yicheng and the rest of the spectators pricked up their ears.


    Cheng Jin''s hand clenched around the stem of the ss hesitated briefly before she responded, "My boyfriend."


    Tang Yicheng was thrilled. The crowd contained excited, gossipy, and sourly disappointed ones. They had hoped to chat her up and try their luck at winning the fairdy''s affections, only to discover she was already taken. Someone had already captured the beauty''s heart.


    Shao Chengze''s expression remained gently smiling as he inconspicuously shifted closer to Cheng Jin until their shoulders touched. Dressed in a silvery grey suit and white shirt today, they had unintentionally matched in couple outfits.


    Standing together, one tall and stately, the other gentle and delicate, they looked extraordinarily well-matched to anyone''s eyes.


    Someone introduced themselves and shook Shao Chengze''s hand. Shao Chengze likewise extended his hand.


    Cheng Jin nced at him. Everyone present was familiar with the name Shao Chengze, but since he rarely appeared publicly, few knew his appearance. If he was exposed as Shao Chengze in this setting, given how quickly gossip spread nowadays, everyone would know the identity of Miss Cheng''s boyfriend within the hour, likely causing huge waves.


    Shao Chengze briefly sped the proffered hand before letting go, reporting his name as, "Cheng Gou, Cheng as in ''mission aplished'', Gou as in ''sleep on brushwood and taste gall''."


    Tang Yicheng nearly spat out his mouthful of wine. He had no idea where this bizarre name had materialized from, but hearing Shao''s exnation, it suddenly sounded like an excellent name.


    Cheng Jin seemingly indifferently took a sip from her ss, thoughughter leaked from the corners of her lips before she smoothly hid it.


    The other party was first taken aback, then remarked, "What a nice name. Mr Cheng is also in the hotel business?"


    Cheng Jin answered for him, "No, he''s my chauffeur."


    "Yes, I''m her driver," Shao Chengze chimed in, the very image of a henpecked husband.


    Everyone unanimously let out a drawn out "oh~~", with varying vivid reactions written across their faces as they imagined the implications. Tang Yicheng couldn''t bear to keep watching this scene. Did all bosses havepulsory acting sses? Or were the two bosses he knew just exceptionally gifted at acting without needing to learn?


    Over half the cocktail party had passed and Cheng Jin was getting tired of socializing. Shao Chengze leaned in to ask her, "Go out for some air?"


    Cheng Jin nodded.


    The two walked out to a cafe outside the event hall. It wasn''t very crowded inside, and the air-conditioning was turned up high. Shao Chengze took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders, bringing her to a secluded corner.


    "What would you like?" he asked.


    Cheng Jin propped her elbow on the table, cupping her cheek in thought before replying, "Americano, iced."


    He stood while she sat. Shao Chengze''s gaze dropped to her as he gently tucked the hair by her cheek behind her ear. "You shouldn''t drink iced when you''re unwell. It''ll make you feel worseter."


    Cheng Jin batted hershes at him defiantly. "I''m done with my period already. I want iced." Though she kept Xiao Liqi on a tight leash, she liked cold drinks in summer.


    Shao Chengze''s eyes grew dark. His thumb stroked her earlobe as he murmured huskily, "I see."


    The cafe was very quiet. Both spoke in hushed voices, as if exchanging sweet nothings between lovers.


    Shao Chengze returned with the coffees, sitting opposite her. Two cups, one iced, one not. He ced the un-iced one before her, raising the iced cup to her lips. "You can only have one sip, or it''ll bother youter."


    Cheng Jin red at him. Shao Chengze''s lips curved as he held her gaze. Finally Cheng Jin conceded defeat and took a sip from his hand. The cup was promptly confiscated after that one sip, as if she might cheat and drink more. She idly stirred her coffee with the straw, sulky over her defeat. Gentle music drifted through the cafe. Shao Chengze wrapped his lips around the straw stained with lipstick and took a sip, before releasing it to softly ask her, "Do you like my new name?"


    After a long pause, Cheng Jin finally spoke, though she had guessed as much, she hadn''t expected him to actually exin it so seriously. "Shao Chengze, I never realized you were so shameless."


    Shao Chengze''s hand reached across the table and tweaked the corner of her mouth. "Why suppress your smile if you want tough?"


    Cheng Jin pped his hand away, but the smile at the corner of her lips did not fade again, instead growing bigger. After a while, she covered her mouth and eyes with her hand, lowering her head so that only her shaking shoulders could be seen.


    Shao Chengze grabbed the hand she had resting on the table and squeezed her soft palm. "It''s fine tough for a while."


    It took Cheng Jin a good while to raise her head again. The smile had notpletely faded from her pink cheeks, and the light swirling in her almond eyes was like flowing water. "You''re so nosy, telling me whether to eat ice cream, and now telling me tough or not."


    Her soft voice was sweet and cool, but also carried a touch of charming coquettishness.


    Shao Chengze''s heart stirred. He leaned over to tightly sp their hands and sought her gaze. "Then will you watch over me? I''ll do whatever you say, if you tell me to go east, I definitely won''t go west."


    Cheng Jin offered him the pink side of her neck, averting her eyes out the window as she spoke to the ss. "I''m toozy to watch over you."


    Shao Chengze''s eyes lingered on that tempting shade of pink. He rapped the table with his knuckles and picked up her bag beside her.


    Cheng Jin looked back at him. "What are you doing?"


    "Let''s go."


    "Where to?" Cheng Jin got up to follow him.


    With him walking ahead and her behind, Shao Chengze held her hand as they left the cafe and headed straight for the parking lot.


    Once in the car, Cheng Jin asked again, "Where are we going?"


    Shao Chengze picked up her hand and brought it to his lips for a fleeting touch. His tone was half-teasing, half-serious. "Running away to elope. Do you want toe with me?"


    The warmth from his lips seared Cheng Jin''s hand, making her heart tremble. She retracted her hand, staring straight ahead. "You''ve already lured me into your car before asking if I''d go with you or not."


    Shao Chengze locked the car doors. "Anyway I''ve kidnapped you onto my pirate ship. Whether you want to go or not, you have toe with me now."


    Cheng Jin scolded him lightly. "Robber."


    Though it sounded like a reprimand, to Shao Chengze''s ears it was more like she was acting cute. He stepped on the elerator.


    The buildings and trees along the road kept retreating as the scenery outside grew increasingly familiar. Over seven years, some things had changed while others remained the same. She hadn''t been back here since graduating. Even when she had business in this city, she would purposely avoid these few streets.


    Cheng Jin looked at him questioningly, unsure of his intention in bringing her here.


    Shao Chengze parked the car in front of a small shop and gestured out the window with his chin. "Want to eat red bean cake?"


    Following his line of sight, Cheng Jin''s eyes lit up with pleasant surprise. This shop was still here! When she was a student, she really loved their red bean cakes and would buy some almost every day for snacks during summer.


    Understanding her reaction, Shao Chengze undid his seatbelt and got out of the car. "I''ll go buy some."


    Cheng Jin rolled down her window and rested her elbow on the open frame, propping her chinzily on her arm as she watched outside. Dappled sunlight filtered through the ovepping tree canopies, falling on the ground and that tall, straight figure.


    He suddenly nced back, his dark eyes directly colliding with hers. Basking under the zing sun, she momentarily forgot to look away.


    Shao Chengze strode back to the car. He held her face in both hands and leaned down to nt a kiss at the corner of her mouth, featherlight and fleeting. "Wait for me, I''ll be right back."


    There were no passersby on the street, but his unexpected action still left Cheng Jin blushing to her neck. She quickly rolled up the window to block out the sunlight and his dazzling smile.


    He returned swiftly. The heat had yet to fade from her face when the cool, sweet red bean cake entered her mouth, cooling her down somewhat.


    Watching her slowly chewing on those red lips, Shao Chengze asked, "Still the same taste as before?"


    Cheng Jin nodded. It was still the taste she remembered, unchanged. "Do you want some?"


    Shao Chengze started the car. "I''ll eatter."


    Cheng Jin''s gaze fell upon the bag he had tossed onto the center console, and the heat that had just receded from her face began climbing again.


    The car eventually pulled into a small neighborhood and stopped in front of a red brick, white walled townhouse.


    "We''re here." Shao Chengze undid his seatbelt first before undoing hers.


    Cheng Jin didn''t move. "What are we doing here?"


    When she graduated, she had hired an agent to sell this house, along with all the memories of her and him inside.

 Chapter 49: 049

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    The house looked the same as before, with the umbres by the entrance, stuffed animals on the sofa, photos on the wall, and even the sulents on the balcony.


    Cheng Jin stared at the grown sulents and asked softly, "Did you buy this house?"


    "Yes," Shao Chengze stood behind her, following her eyes to look over everything in the house. Although he had bought the house, he hadn''te back even once. He only had the housekeeper maintain it, keeping everything as it was originally.


    "Why?"


    Shao Chengze looked at her downturned profile and said, "Probably because you really liked the red bean cakes here, so I thought that one day you woulde back."


    Cheng Jin picked up the watering can and carefully watered each of the sulents. She didn''t say anything, so Shao Chengze quietly apanied her. Back then, she had given each sulent a name, and had even insisted that he remember all their names. She said that when watering them, you had to call them by name andmunicate with them often so they could grow faster. He didn''t know where she had gotten this silly notion, but he had indeed remembered all their names.


    Shao Chengze scrutinized the sulents, trying to match them with the names in his memory. Suddenly, he noticed something amiss. Falling on the sulents, in addition to water, were her tears, silently trailing down her cheeks and dropping into the quiet air, sshing into his heart.


    Shao Chengze panicked a little and hurriedly turned her shoulders towards him. "Why are you crying?"


    Cheng Jin held up her shoulders, not looking at him. She messily wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. Her voice was calm without any crying, "Shao Chengze, stop trying to coax me with your nonsense."


    For as long as she could remember, she rarely ever cried. She didn''t like shedding tears in front of anyone, much less hide alone somewhere to cry quietly. Not during the breakup, not that chaotic night when she heard those words from him, not even when she gave birth to Cheng Liqi. She prided herself on handling her emotions smoothly, without needing tears as an outlet.


    She didn''t understand what triggered these sudden tears, perhaps it was the ring sunlight, or perhaps...she was least able to resist memories of the past.


    Once the floodgates opened, it became difficult to stop the tears. Cheng Jin was annoyed at her own weakness and loss ofposure. She was also annoyed that he had brought her back here. She tried to avoid him and head to the bathroom.


    Shao Chengze blocked her path, leaning down anxiously to look at her.


    "Go away," Cheng Jin shielded her eyes with her arm.


    Shao Chengze gently wiped away her continuous tears. He confessed to her frankly, "I''m sorry. What I said earlier was mostly to cate you. If I''m being honest, I bought this house more out of spite than to keep a memento. You wanted a clean break from the past to start a new life. I insisted on keeping everything, out of stubbornness."


    Looking at her flushed nose, his tone was astringent, "Miaomiao, wasn''t I really stupid? I had time to be petty with you, but never asked you why you wanted to break up. If you had said you wanted to break up and I had simply asked why, we wouldn''t have ended up like this. It''s all my fault."


    Back then they were too young, with too much pride and ego. They constantly tested each other, silently jealous, endlessly nitpicked, and pretended not to care. But they could never bring themselves to ask the most important question - why are you with me? What is the answer? They feared knowing the answer yet couldn''t control their longing to know. These tortured feelings were too painful to bear. When she proposed breaking up, he readily agreed without hesitation, as if it were a relief. As if it were no big deal, just a fling, just a crush on someone with feelings for another. He told himself that in a long life, he would forget her eventually.


    His mouth imed he would forget, his heart imed he would forget, yet countless sleepless nights and restless dreams reminded him ceaselessly that forgetting her was merely self-deception. No matter how long he lived, he could never forget her, no matter who she loved. He loved only her, or more precisely, he was in love with her.


    Cheng Jin leaned against his shoulder, hiding her face from his view. Her endless tears seeped through his white shirt, dampening his warm skin. Sweat beaded her flushed face, and her muffled voice caught with emotion, "What''s so bad about how things turned out? I have Cheng Liqi now, she''s priceless."


    Shao Chengze''s thumb gently caressed the skin behind her ear. His eyes were gentle, "You''re right. I''m so grateful to Cheng Liqi for bringing me back to you." He reached out to touch her face, growing wetter by the moment. All he could do was hold her tighter, "But whenever I think about you going through the pregnancy and raising Cheng Liqi alone all this time, moments that I should have shared with you, I just want you to p me a few times. Please don''t cry anymore. If you''re upset, just hit me to let it out. Don''t keep it bottled up."


    Cheng Jin''s voice caught on a sob, "Why don''t you hit yourself? Your bones are so hard, it would just hurt my own hand to hit you."


    Shao Chengze leaned to her ear, "Then should I hit myself while you watch to vent your anger, or just listen to the sounds to make you feel better?"


    Cheng Jin quickly covered his mouth with her hand. Her voice was still muffled against his shoulder, "You''re so annoying."


    Shao Chengze chuckled lightly. He pulled her hand from his mouth and held it gently in his palm, massaging it, "Miaomiao, are you still unsure about me? Last night, you must have identally dialed me. I heard you tell your friend that you didn''t know when we would break up."


    Cheng Jin first tensed up, then gradually rxed under his unhurried massage.


    Sensing her rxation, Shao Chengze continued, "Can you tell me all the ways you feel uncertain about me?"


    She had many uncertainties about him, both now and in the past.


    When they were together before, there were too many concealments between them. As time passed, those concealed doubts grew like a snowball along with the uncertainties, until she suddenly developed an uncertain certainty - neither of them were frivolous people, so if this rtionship was just a casual game, there was no need to drag it out so long. Did that mean his feelings for her were the same as hers for him?


    So she proposed breaking up as a test, wanting toy their cards on the table. If they wanted to continue, what they needed wasplete honesty, not moreyers of concealment.


    But he didn''t give her any opportunity to test or reveal their hands. Without a second of hesitation or doubt, he readily agreed to break up. This made her "certainty" into a joke, both about him and herself.


    Later that night, she learned his sister had passed away. She could clearly see his grief and despair as he held her and didn''t let her leave. As he spoke of his sister''s life and their breakup, she knew he was drunk, and his words couldn''t be taken seriously. But his red-rimmed eyes and barely suppressed tears made her wonder if they could try again.


    Her two fledgling certainties were immediately crushed, leaving her bruised and battered. She could pretend to others that she was fine, that it didn''t hurt one bit. But only she knew the truth.


    After they reunited, he slowly eliminated her doubts and uncertainties. But a voice inside still warned her not to trust himpletely. So when talking to Jiang Mengst night, she had casually said they might break up anytime.


    Cheng Jin looked up at him, with shining tears clinging to the corners of her eyes. "I''m uncertain about you in many ways. What will you do?"


    Shao Chengze stroked her face. "As long as you don''t mention breaking up, I can turn all those uncertainties into certainties."


    "What if I suggest breaking up?"


    His kiss fell, "I won''t give you the chance to break up with me again, Jin. I''ve made some mistakes once, and that''s enough."


    After a long time, Cheng Jin murmured under his lips, "In fact, no matter what the reason is, I''m a little happy that you bought this house and kept the things in the room. I often dream about these sulents, I thought they already had other owners."


    Shao Chengze gently touched her lips, "I''m also very happy to finally do something that makes you happy. I should have brought you here earlier," he immediately denied his own words, "No, if I had known it would bring you so many tears, it would have been better not to bring you here. There are still other ways to make you happy."


    Cheng Jin''s dizzy head from crying slowly sobered up. She pushed his shoulder, "I want to wash my face, it feels so ufortable." She had full makeup today, her face must look terrible now.


    Shao Chengze heavily kissed the corner of her lips, then picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. He put her on the counter, looked at the bottles around, "Which one should I use to help you wash?"


    Cheng Jin refused, "You go out, I''ll wash it myself."


    Shao Chengze had one arm around her shoulders, and the other hand brushed over the bottles and jars, finallynding on a bottlebeled makeup remover. He had seen her remove makeup before, relying on his previous memory, he also found cotton pads, then squeezed some makeup remover onto them.


    "This is such an old makeup remover, it''s probably expired. You''re just going to put it on my face?" Cheng Jin blocked his hand.


    "It won''t be expired. I just had someone prepare it this morning."


    Cheng Jin: ......


    "Close your eyes."


    The cool cotton pad fell, and Cheng Jin reflexively closed her eyes. His voice rang in her ears, "If you want to say that I have ulterior motives, or impure motives, I admit to all of it. Jin, I do have indecent thoughts about you, I never deny this point."


    Cheng Jin was left speechless by his shamelessness. "You should just be called Hooligan, this name suits you better."


    Shao Chengze lifted her chin with his fingers, and changed to a new cotton pad to wipe her other eye, "You can call me whatever you want. Anyway I''m under your management."


    His actions were too gentle, causing tingling over Cheng Jin''s body. Her fingertips curled on the cold countertop.


    "Does it feel ufortable? Then I''ll be even more gentle." Shao Chengze''s movements became lighter.


    Cheng Jin couldn''t stand his teasing. She grabbed his wrist and urged him, "Don''t be gentle, be firmer and faster. Otherwise I''ll just do it myself, at this rate when will you ever finish."


    A lowugh sounded in her ear, and Cheng Jin suddenly stopped talking.


    Shao Chengze said hoarsely, "Then I''ll be firmer and faster."


    Cheng Jin kicked his leg, "Shut your mouth." Her voice was nasal after crying, and her harsh words had no deterrent effect at all.


    "Okay, I''ll shut up." Shao Chengze was very cooperative.


    But without sound in the enclosed space it was even more unbearable. She had just finished crying, and her throat would still twitch slightly from time to time. Mixed in with their ovepping breathing, she didn''t know if it was the heating in from outside, or if the heat from her body had dissipated into the air. Cheng Jin only felt she was surrounded by suffocating heat.


    She couldn''t help but call him, "Shao Chengze."


    "Hmm, I''m here." His voice was hoarse like sandpaper.


    "I''ll wash it myself."


    "Okay."


    Shao Chengze said okay, but didn''t let her go. Instead he carried her to the shower. As water flowed down, the bubbles on her face were washed away, and her clothes were also stripped off.


    He wrapped his arm around her slender waist that he could grasp with one hand. His lips and tongue directly probed into the depths of her throat. Cheng Jin couldn''t withstand his fierce and intense attack. Her body bent back with the utmost flexibility and leaned onto the white wall. The lights projected an alluring arc on the wall.


    Shao Chengze pressed against her curves, closely chasing her rapid breathing.


    Blurry mist filled the bathroom, Cheng Jin quivered her eyshes wet with water, and whispered softly, "Unfair."


    "What''s unfair?" Shao Chengze took her hand and ced it on the cor of his shirt. His lips didn''t leave hers, and his low hoarse voice passed through the water curtain into her ears, "Whatever you think is unfair, just make it fair."


    Cheng Jin shook her head. She didn''t want to.


    Shao Chengze gnawed on the tender flesh inside her lips. He led her hand and unbuttoned his shirt one by one, until reaching the cold metal.


    Something fell to the ground.


    Finally he asked her, "Is it fair now?"


    How could it be fair? Cheng Jin was absolutely the suppressed side. From the sun high in the sky to the setting sun, she fell into the soft bed, already having fallen asleep. But deep inside her body there was still residual heat and numbness, lightly shivering.


    Shao Chengze hugged her in his arms, kissed her swollen lips, and gently patted her shoulder to lull her to sleep.


    Close to 8 pm, Cheng Liqi called. Shao Chengze answered.


    Hearing it was Dad''s voice, Cheng Liqi felt happy but also puzzled. She ran to her bedroom and asked in a small voice, "Dad, I called Mom''s phone, howe you answered?"


    Shao Chengze gently replied, "Because I''m with Mom."


    Cheng Liqi suddenly realized, "Oh~~ Dad, did you chase after Mom on her business trip to coax her not to be mad at you?"


    "Little Liqi is so smart."


    Cheng Liqi was happy, "So did you manage to coax Mom?"


    "I guess I coaxed her sessfully?" Shao Chengze gently opened the bedroom door and looked at the person still sleeping in bed. He wasn''t sure if she was even angrier now, after all he had been too rough just now. She wanted to stop but he couldn''t stop.


    "Where''s Mom? I want to ask Mom if you really coaxed her sincerely."


    Shao Chengze slowly closed the door again and told the little princess, "Mom is still sleeping."


    Just as he was about to head to the kitchen, a faint sound came from the bedroom. Shao Chengze returned, turned on the light, and walked to the bedside. Stroking her hair, he gently asked, "Jin, what''s wrong?"


    "I want to drink water." Cheng Jin was half asleep and felt terribly thirsty. She looked at the sky outside but the heavy curtains blocked her view. "What time is it?"


    "Almost 8 o''clock." Shao Chengze propped her up with pillows, then fed her water from the bedside ss.


    On the phone, Cheng Liqi was getting anxious. She wanted to ask why Mom was sleeping this early, was she unwell? She also wanted to ask who this Jin was, wasn''t Dad with Mom? How could he be with a strange girl?


    She called loudly into the phone, "Dad!"


    Hearing the voice, Cheng Jin opened her eyes, "Is that Little Liqi?"


    "Yes, she called." Shao Chengze wiped the water from the corner of her mouth, and put the call on speakerphone. "Little Liqi, Mom is awake now."


    Cheng Liqi hurriedly asked, "Mom, are you not feeling well?"


    Cheng Jin buried her face in the pillow and cleared her throat. She replied to the little princess, "No, Mom was just tired so I took a nap."


    Hearing the oddness in Mom''s voice, Cheng Liqi wasn''t convinced, "Mom, you''re lying. You obviously cried. Did Dad bully you? Dad said he went to coax you but instead bullied you. I''m going to tell Grandpa and Big Uncle to go beat up Dad."


    Cheng Jin quickly stopped her, "No, to coax Mom, Dad prepared a surprise gift for me. I was so touched that I cried."


    Cheng Liqi seriously confirmed with Mom, "Really, Mom?"


    "Of course it''s true. I''ll show you the gift Dad gave me when I get back."


    Only then was Cheng Liqi reassured. But she still had one more question, "Dad, who is Jin? I heard you call that name just now."


    Shao Chengze told her, "Jin is Mom."


    "Jin? Why does Dad call Mom Jin?"


    "Because she doesn''t like being called Kitty, so I call her Jin instead."


    Cheng Jin wanted to change the topic, but her body was sore and weak that she could not get up to cover Shao Chengze''s mouth. Her mind went nk and she could not think of anything to distract them, so she could only lie on the pillow and continue listening to the father and daughter''s conversation.


    Cheng Liqi did not understand. "Daddy, why do you want to call Mommy kitty?"


    Before her parents could answer her, she came up with an answer herself.


    "I know! Is it because Mommy''s crying sounds just like a little kitty cat''s meow, soft and soft, so Daddy calls Mommy kitty?"


    Shao Chengze''s face, as thick as a city wall, was unusually embarrassed.


    Cheng Jin pulled the quilt over her head. She did not want to say anything.

 Chapter 50: 050

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    Shao ChengZe earnestly exined to his daughter LiQi, "Miao" isposed of two water radicals, with one water on top and two waters below, and is read with the second tone [mi¨£o].


    Why is she called this? Because thest characters of our two names are both water radicals. The top water represents mom, she¡¯s the head of the household, the two waters below represent dad and little LiQi. We have to listen to mom''s instructions, and also protect mom.


    After hearing dad''s exnation, Cheng LiQi easily understood this character. She felt the name sounded so nice. Dades up with such nice names, and he also tenderly coaxes mom to cheer her up. Her fondness for dad grew just a little more.


    Shao ChengZe coaxed his daughter LiQi to happily hang up the phone and go to sleep.


    He leaned over to look at the person on the bed, "Are you hungry? I''ve made dinner, get up and eat something beforeing back to sleep?"


    Cheng Jin was not just hungry. At noon she had only eaten two red bean cakes, her energy and fluids were depleted after an afternoon, she was tortured until she was exhausted, and finally fainted directly. But now she only had the heart to eat, not an ounce of strength to eat with. Her whole body to her fingertips felt soft and weak, her arms and legs too sour to even lift. She buried her face in the pillow, not really wanting to respond to him.


    "Does it hurt a lot?" Shao ChengZe pressed against her ear and gently asked.


    As soon as he got close, she would shiver reflexively. Cheng Jin tightened the quilt around her body and looked at him coldly, "What do you think?"


    Shao ChengZe chuckled lowly, "My mistake."


    His hand touched her back through the thin quilt, gently kneading, helping her slowly rx the pent up soreness in her body. He was very good at massage, and controlled the force well too. Each point of exertion was pressed into her sore spots.


    Cheng Jin clenched her lips tightly, not wanting to let thefortable moan escape from her mouth. She wanted him to stop, but also very much wanted him to continue. With this technique of his, even if he truly lost his job one day, opening a massage parlor would surely bring in good business.


    The quilt was tossed to the side, his hand slid down her back, "Do you want your waist massaged?"


    Cheng Jin buried her face deeper into the pillow, not speaking.


    Shao ChengZe exerted force with his hand, "Miao miao, do you want a massage?"


    Cheng Jin couldn''t endure the unbearable teasing. She raised her head to look back at him, her eyes fierce but coquettish, "You''re asking when you''ve already started massaging?"


    Shao ChengZe''s thumbs ground forcefully into her waist sides, her slender white neck instantly tensed, her thin back and slender waist arched off the bed, the sweaty skin revealed a pinkish white, the moans suppressed in her throat burst through clenched teeth, echoing in the room, bewitching and tender, enticing one to want to devour and destroy her, but also to cherish and protect her.


    Light fluttering kisses were like summer rain on the banana trees, along the snowy shoulders, pressed against the neck, wetting the earlobes, and finally returned to the corners of her lips. Cheng Jin was held by him in a twisted and curled posture, her lips eaten into his mouth, her arms propping herself up on the bed, strength drained, slipping down several times, to be caught again by him. Hot breath blocked off her escape, her hands softly pushed against his chest, in the brief respite for breath, her voice trembled, interrupted, like amand and plea, "Shao Chengze, I''m hungry, I want to eat."


    "Okay, we''ll eat." Shao Chengze sucked at the sweet saliva, mumbling as he responded to her, catching the soft hands pushing at his chest, grasping them in his palm, pressing them to the bed.


    With her upper body losing support, Cheng Jin could only use his shoulder to lean on. Her powerless arms weakly hooked around his neck, the pink at the corners of her eyes oozed dampness, like dew on a rose, a gust of wind and the glistening beads of dew would shake and fall, refracting colorful brilliance in the sunlight.


    Shao Chengze''s hands held her waist, directly lifting her from the bed onto hisp. The ck silky hair brushed the back of his hand, bringing out some ticklish sensations, arousing the swallowing sounds from his lips to grow louder.


    Cheng Jin was burnt by these ambiguous sounds even to the roots of her hair. She was thoroughly annoyed now, grasping the hair at the back of his head with her hand, her teeth biting the tongue that was rolling and stirring in her mouth, barely tearing open a reluctant gap between them. There was anger in her starry eyes, "I want to eat, not eat you."


    Shao Chengze was stunned at first, then buried his head against her snowy corbone,ughing out loud, "How do you know if you don''t taste. Maybe I''m tastier than food."


    "I''ve already tasted, not tasty at all." Cheng Jin''s breathing had yet to steady, her soft charming voice still carried twisting passions, no matter what she said she couldn''t work up any imposing manner, instead it was like ambiguous flirting and tempting.


    His dark pupils pressed over, Cheng Jin tilted her neck back to retreat somewhat, trembling fingers warning him, "I''m going to call LiQi to tattle that you bullied me, won''t even let me eat a meal."


    This threat really wasn''t impressive at all, also quiteme, but Cheng Jin couldn''t think of another way for the moment. She didn''t want to die in this bed today.


    Shao Chengzeughed louder and louder, his voice growing hoarser, "You really scared me, I''m most afraid of LiQi."


    Cheng Jin''s eyes like a spring well also revealed someughter. She straightened her expression, solemn and earnest, "Then let me go."


    Shao Chengze pressed at her waist, pulling her close to him, "Give me a kiss, then I''ll let you go."


    Cheng Jin naturally refused.


    "Just one." Shao Chengze made his offer.


    Cheng Jin looked reproachfully at him, saying in a small voice, "Haven''t you kissed enough?"


    Without even looking in a mirror, she knew her lips were swollen, her tongue still tingling and numb. Not just one, she couldn''t even do half a kiss.


    Just as he was about to say something, Cheng Jin directly covered his mouth with her hand. He certainly wouldn''t say anything good, so best not to listen either.


    "Carry me out." Shemanded, her body very ufortable, not wanting to move at all. This was all thanks to him, making him exert some physical effort was only right.


    His eyes narrowed, smile spreading, Shao Chengze''s lips gently brushed her palm, looking into her eyes, saying "Yes ma''am."


    The temperature on his lips passed through her palm, colliding with the heat still unabated in her body. Cheng Jin shivered all over, resting her chinzily on his shoulder, closing her eyes to avoid meeting his gaze, cing all her weight onto him, softly urging him, "Hurry, I really am hungry."


    Shao Chengze supported her waist and back, easily picking her up. The soft ck hair and silky straps of her nightgown partially revealed the faint red marks on her fair skin, shing in and out of sight with the rocking motions, catching the eyes of those looking, unable to help but be unable to move their gaze away.


    Passing by the sofa, Cheng Jin reached to grab a nket from the back of the sofa, cing it around her shoulders, blocking the increasingly scorching gaze falling on her.


    Shao Chengze raised a brow, smiling at her, "So I''m a ferocious beast to be guarded against?"


    Cheng Jin lowered her eyes answering him, "Aren''t you?"


    Shao Chengze looked at the red mark by her ear that couldn''t be covered up. His dark eyes turned even deeper, he couldn''t deny his roughness went a bit overboard. He''d better hurry up and fill her stomach, otherwise in her eyes he really would be a beast.


    The pot contained simmering tomato soup, pasta boiling in another pot, dinner would be ready very soon. Shao Chengze set her down on a chair, brought her red bean cakes to pad her stomach first since she was truly hungry, the cool red bean cakes were the perfect pre-meal.


    The phone on the dining table buzzed with vibration. Cheng Jin called to the person in the kitchen, "Your phone rang."


    "Who is it?"


    Cheng Jin looked at the screen, "Uncle Qian."


    "Don''t need to answer, just help me mute it."


    "Oh."


    Shao Chengze came out of the kitchen holding chopsticks, "The pasta is almost done."


    "Okay." Cheng Jin slowly savored the red bean cake, giving him a look.


    "What''s the matter?" Shao Chengze walked over to her, she obviously had something to say.


    Cheng Jin asked him, "Can you not go back?"


    Although she didn''t know who Uncle Qian was, likely someone from thepany. He had handed in his resignation, but the board hadn''t approved it yet, so the matter wasn''t settled. Yet she didn''t know who leaked the news of his resignation prematurely, now the stock price of Shao Corp was steadily declining.


    Shao Chengze replied, "It''s not time to go back yet."


    "Hmm?" Cheng Jin didn''t understand, if the stock kept dropping it could lead to big chaos.


    Shao ChengZe exined, "The Shao family is different from your family. Your family is united, while the Shao family is divided into factions,peting to see who can make the biggest sacrifice. Theter I return, the more bargaining chips I''ll have, and the stronger my position will be in negotiations." His voice was somewhat cold, making his gaze seem indifferent as well. But by the end of his words, the warmth in his eyes covered up the indifference. "Don''t worry about me. Even if I really do get kicked out, it won''t be a bad thing. I can just be your full-time driver - it works out perfectly."


    Cheng Jin finished off thest red bean cake, took a sip of water, and slowly responded, "Did I say I was worried about you?"


    Shao ChengZe pressed his hand on the back of her chair, trapping her between the chair and his embrace. "You don''t have to say it, I can feel it."


    Cheng Jin held her cup between them like a shield. "Don''t tter yourself."


    The self-ttering person asked her, "Were the red bean cakes delicious?"


    Cheng Jin didn''t answer. She knew what he was after.


    "I didn''t get to eat any, so I don''t know if they still taste the same as before."


    "If you want to eat them, go buy some tomorrow." Cheng Jin kept the cup firmly to her lips, not giving him any opportunity.


    "I can''t wait until tomorrow."


    Shao ChengZe leaned in, enveloping the hand she held her cup with, and gently sucked on her fingers. Cheng Jin''s hand went weak, and the cup slipped from her palm. Instead of falling to the floor, itnded in his hand. With perfect coordination, one hand caught the cup while the other tilted up her chin so he could taste the red bean cake in her mouth.


    The strength Cheng Jin had just regained by eating the red bean cakes vanished in an instant.


    "It really is the same taste as before, not a bit different." Shao ChengZe seemed unsatisfied, lingering at her lips.


    Cheng Jin bit his lip fiercely, panting for breath. "Shao ChengZe, if I let you get close to me again, I might as well write my name backwards. You''re insatiable!" Shao ChengZe pressed his forehead to hers, giving her oxygen. "I can''t help it, I''ve been starving for too long."


    ...


    Whether Cheng Jin let Shao ChengZe get close again that night is unknown. But the next day, she slept until noon. If not for an awards ceremony she had to attend that afternoon, she probably would have slept until nightfall.


    After the awards ceremony ended, there was nothing else on her schedule. Tang Yicheng was staying an extra day here to tie up loose ends. Cheng Jin''s n was to have dinner with Jiang Meng tonight, then take an overnight flight back so she could see Cheng LiQi first thing in the morning when she woke up. However, today''s weather was poor and her scheduled flight was dyed.


    Shao ChengZe looked in the rearview mirror. "Let''s go back tomorrow morning instead. The weather report says the rain will get heavier tonight, the flight might even get cancelled."


    Cheng Jin video called Cheng LiQi and said to the driver, "Then after dinner, take me back to the hotel." She certainly wouldn''t go back with him again.


    Shao ChengZe smiled. "I guarantee I''ll let you sleep well tonight."


    Cheng Jin, feeling soreness in her waist, leaned back in her seat and retorted, "If I believe you again, then I''m a pig."


    As soon as Cheng LiQi answered her mom''s video call, she heard this. "Mommy, why do you want to be a piggy? Although piggies are cute too, kitties are cuter. I like kitties more."


    Cheng Jinughed in spite of herself. "Mommy likes kitties more too. Little LiQi, the weather here isn''t great, so Mommy can''te back tonight. I''ve changed to a morning flight tomorrow, so after your nap you''ll be able to see Mommy."


    Tomorrow was the weekend, so Cheng LiQi didn''t have school.


    "Mommy, can Ie pick you up tomorrow? I don''t want to take a nap, I miss you and want to see you sooner."


    Cheng Jin''s heart melted into softness. "Okay, LiQi cane pick up Mommy. Mommy misses LiQi too."


    The car stopped at a red light and Shao ChengZe turned around to say to the phone, "Daddy misses LiQi too."


    Cheng LiQi giggled. "I miss Daddy too."


    But then she thought of a problem. "If Daddyes back with Mommy, then I can''t have Grandmae with me to the airport. I''ll ask Uncle Shen instead, I just got off the phone with Uncle Shen and he said he''s off tomorrow."


    It was obvious who she meant.


    Shao ChengZe tapped his finger on the steering wheel. "LiQi, Daddy isn''ting back with Mommy. Daddy still has some unfinished business here and can onlye back tomorrow afternoon. Just have Grandma go with you to the airport to pick up Mommy."


    Cheng Jin''s smile slowly faded from her lips.


    Cheng LiQi replied, "Oh, I see. Then I''ll have Grandmae with me to get Mommy."


    With the problem resolved, Cheng LiQi said bye to her parents and went off to practice piano.


    Shao ChengZe lightly cleared his throat and nced in the rearview mirror at the person sitting there, exining, "I didn''t mean anything else, just didn''t want to be a bother to him."


    It was obvious who he meant.


    Cheng Jin looked out at the rain outside the window, not responding to his words.

 Chapter 51: 051

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    The cars were backed up ahead, and the ck car blended into the long line of vehicles,pletely stationary. The only sound left in the car was the soothing music, while the rain grew heavier, with bean-sized raindrops pounding on the windows, making muffled noises. It was hard to say whether it was this tranquility that made people restless, or the standstill traffic that was more frustrating.


    Shao ChengZe tapped his fingers on the keyboard, slowly at first but gradually faster, before suddenly stopping. He turned around to look at the person in the back seat, "Are you angry?"


    Cheng Jin moved her gaze back from the veil of rain, ncing at him breezily, before propping her chin in her hand again to look back out at the rain, showing him the back of her head, "No."


    That meant she was angry.


    "I do feel a little bothered by him," Shao ChengZe paused briefly before continuing, "Saying ''a little'' is an understatement, I''m very bothered by him. I know I have no right to feel bothered, all these years, it was him who stayed by your and Little LiQi''s side, filling in many gaps. I admit I was in the wrong just now. If it''s going to be troublesome then it''s already been troublesome for a long time. Little LiQi is fond of him, I can''t juste back and deliberately cut off the closeness between Little LiQi and him."


    The rain was gathering more and more on the car windows, blurring the view outside. After a long silence, Cheng Jin finally spoke, "You''re quite self-aware."


    Shao ChengZe reached over to take her hand that was resting on her knee, "But you have to give me some time, after all, I''ve seen him as my imaginary rival for so many years, my attitude towards him probably can''t make aplete turnaround immediately."


    Cheng Jin didn''t jerk her hand away, letting him hold it in his palm. Her thumb rested on the back of his hand, stroking it lightly. Her eyes were still looking out the window, her brows knitted lightly, "Why do you think I like him?"


    She was close with Shi Ran, they grew up together since they were young. Shi Ran''s mother was especially nice to her, even nicer than to Shi Ran. To her, Shi Ran was like Cheng JinChuan, she saw him as family, and she believed Shi Ran saw her the same way too. She thought of herself as not the kind of person to fool around with just anyone, and certainly would not give others causeless flights of fancy. During those years they were together, Shi Ran was overseas, and she had barely seen him a few times. She didn''t even know where he got this conclusion from.


    Shao ChengZe squeezed her hand, "Do you still remember where we first met?"


    Cheng Jin thought about it, but there was no need to think, "It seems to be...the parking lot at GuangXi Ge."


    Shao ChengZe knew she had no impression of him whatsoever, even though they had passed by each other more than once.


    Not hearing a response, Cheng Jin looked back at him, "No?"


    She was certain she had not remembered wrongly. Or was it that at that parking lot that day, only she remembered him, but he did not remember her. Cheng Jin suddenly regretted answering this question. She should have just said she didn''t remember, since he didn''t remember anyway. She wanted to withdraw her hand from his palm.


    Shao ChengZe grasped her hand tightly again, not letting her move. He looked deeply into her eyes, "That day, you were practicing confessing to Shi Ran in front of your friend. I heard everything."


    Cheng Jin was stunned. After a long pause, as if not understanding, she asked him again, "What?"


    Shao ChengZe recited, word for word, the long spiel she had said that day, not missing anything. Sometimes he really disliked his good memory. After so long, he could still remember the confession she made to another man clear as day.


    Cheng Jin was lost in his low voice. She had long forgotten most of the words she had casually said then. Hearing him say it out now, she somewhat doubted if she was the one who had said such cheesy things.


    Shao ChengZe looked into her eyes, "Jin, after hearing you say all that, how could I possibly not feel bothered by him?"


    The more you like someone, the more you would feel bothered. He had choked back his feelings, not wanting to say it out before, but now that he had said it, he was afraid she would get angry. All these years, it was Shi Ran who had apanied her, he probably upied too big a ce in her life. Compared to Shi Ran, he should have no grounds forparison in her heart.


    The standstill vehicles started moving slowly. The car behind honked twice, urging them to get going. Cheng Jin came back to her senses, "Drive first."


    Shao ChengZe also knew this was not a good time to talk. He looked deeply at her once more before turning around to start the car. Although there was still only the monotonous music in the car, the air felt somewhat congealed, yet it seemed to have lost the lifelessness from earlier.


    The car stopped in the parking lot outside the restaurant. The rain had lightened up a little outside. Shao ChengZe got out of the car and put up an umbre, opening the back door. Cheng Jin stretched her hand out. Shao ChengZe was a little surprised, but immediately grasped her hand, helping her out of the car.


    The two of them stood together under the umbre. Shao ChengZe shifted the umbre more towards her side, "Call me when you''re almost done, I''lle pick you up."


    Cheng Jin lowered her eyes to look at the shirt button near his cor, "MengMeng was my best friend in university."


    "Mm."


    Cheng Jin raised her eyes to meet his gaze, "When we were in school, she kept saying she wanted to meet you."


    Shao ChengZe slowly caught on to what she meant. The bright look in his eyes carried a tinge of disbelief seeking confirmation, "Then why don''t we take this chance today and let her get a good look? I should treat your best friend to a meal too."


    He had sounded her out about it beforeing, but she did not give in, so he did not push.


    Cheng Jin walked towards the restaurant, "She doesn''tck a meal you treat her to."


    Shao ChengZe''s lips curved up. He hurriedly followed her with the umbre, grasping her hand again. He was pushing his luck and asked, "What identity should I appear with? Boyfriend?"


    Cheng Jin replied, "Didn''t you already introduce yourself to her yesterday?"


    Seeing the two people walking over one after another, the distance between them clearly abnormal, Jiang Meng''s eyes lit up. Although they came separately, the gap between them was really too small for it to be normal.


    She winked at Cheng Jin, asking what exactly was going on. She knew her instincts wouldn''t be wrong. This person definitely wasn''t just a simple driver.


    "Shao ChengZe," Cheng Jin introduced the man behind her, giving just a name and nothing more.


    Shao ChengZe followed up on her words, smiling at Jiang Meng, "Hello, I''m Jin''s boyfriend."


    Cheng Jin''sshes fluttered. She sat down on the chair he pulled out for her, not denying it.


    No denial meant acknowledgement. Jiang Meng patted the table excitedly with both hands. She couldn''t help but tease, "Yesterday he was the driver, today he''s the boyfriend. This change in identity sure happened quickly. And you told me he was just an ordinary man, your standards for ''ordinary'' are way too high. If he''s considered ordinary, where does that leave my husband?"


    Cheng Jin red at her for always speaking badly about her husband, "Where''s your husband?"


    Jiang Meng''s husband had returned from a business trip and would join them for dinner tonight too.


    "There''s a ce near here that has really delicious sour and spicy noodles, I asked him to buy some for me. Don''t change the subject! You''ve hidden your boyfriend away for so many years and only brought him out today for me to see. I have so many questions to ask him!" Jiang Meng''s words spurted out like a machine gun, not even stopping to take a breath. She turned to look at Shao ChengZe, "Driver Shao, a good sister bringing her boyfriend to meet me for the first time definitely can''t escape an interrogation. You have to be mentally prepared!"


    Shao ChengZe''s eyes smiled deeply, "As long as I can answer, I definitely will."


    Jiang Meng immediately felt this Mr. Shao was a sly old fox who had cultivated for thousands of years. His words sounded pleasing to the ear, but were meaningless once said.


    Cheng Jin ced the menu in front of Jiang Meng, "Order first."


    Jiang Meng pushed the menu back to Cheng Jin, "You order, you know what I like to eat." She wanted to cross hands with this sly fox of a driver first.


    For a couple reunited after breaking up, there were definitely sensitive topics at the core that outsiders could not ask about. Jiang Meng finally chose the most harmless question she was most curious about, "How did you two get to know each other?"


    When people are in love, some have love at first sight, while others develop feelings over time. Jiang Meng looked at the two people before her, unable to grasp for the moment which type they belonged to. The looks of these two were definitely at a level where love at first sight could happen, but Jin''s personality was cold, and her defenses were heavy. It would be hard for her to ept a stranger getting close. If not for her own fiery enthusiasm and initiative in the past, they would not have be good friends.


    Shao ChengZe, you should really not associate with my fiery passion at all. In the past, she thought Cheng Jin''s boyfriend must be a sunny and cheerful guy, who could capture this iceberg beauty''s heart. But she didn''t expect this mysterious man was also an aloof type. More importantly, these two cold ones gave birth to such a sweet girl like Cheng LiQi. This was really an ult issue.


    So she was very curious about how these two got to know each other.


    Cheng Jin''s hand that was flipping the menu stopped. She spoke before Shao ChengZe, "It was the winter break in our freshman year. Remember I bumped into a car after eating at Yuexi Ge? It was his car."


    Jiang Meng was surprised, "Was it when I confessed to Shi Ran but got rejected?!"


    Shao ChengZe''s hand pouring water paused. He looked at Cheng Jin. Cheng Jin''s eyes nced over him but didn''t say anything. But Shao ChengZe understood everything in that instant. He went to hold her hand under the table, but Cheng Jin avoided him and put both hands on the table, not giving him a chance to hold her hand.


    Jiang Meng''s husband came back with sour and spicy noodles. He stood next to the table and coughed lightly a couple of times. Jiang Meng saw her husband, and her voice immediately became coquettish. She pulled out the chair next to her for her husband, "Dear, you know you''re the only one I love. Who''s Shi Ran? I don''t even remember him."


    Jiang Meng confessing to Shi Ran but got rejected, this was something Jiang Meng''s husband already knew about. It was Jiang Meng who took the initiative to tell her husband. This was a little trick between the couple to enhance their rtionship. They would bring this up from time to time and bicker yfully to spice up their marriage. Jealousy hurts the body inrge amounts but delights the soul in small amounts.


    Shao ChengZe and Jiang Meng''s husband exchanged some brief, boring social pleasantries between men. Jiang Meng was only concerned about the origin of her best friend''s rtionship and held Cheng Jin''s hand to ask her, "That''s not right. The one who got off the car that day wasn''t him. With Shao''s looks, if I had seen him once, there''s no way I would forget."


    Jiang Meng''s husband coughed again.


    Jiang Meng turned around and patted her husband''s hand to reassure him, "It''s okay, dear. No matter what others think of his looks, you''ll always be the most handsome one in my heart." After some perfunctory words, she looked back at Cheng Jin again, waiting for her answer.


    Cheng Jin took a sip of water. "It was his driver who got off the car that day."


    That day when she left the parking lot, she saw the ck Rolls Royce again at an intersection. She was startled for a moment and bumped into it. She was fully responsible. His driver got off and told her to just go ahead. But she still left her contact information with the driver, telling him to call her if there were any issues.


    In the end, it was him who called.


    Jiang Meng let out a long "Oh~" and had a knowing look. "So Shao, you fell in love at first sight with our Jin through the car window that day?"


    Shao ChengZe draped his arm leisurely over the back of Cheng Jin''s chair. His pitch-ck pupils were filled with certainty. "That wasn''t the first time I saw her."


    Jiang Meng was even more gossipy now. "When was it then?"


    Cheng Jin thought he was going to mention inside Yuexi Ge when she practiced confessing to Shi Ran.


    But Shao ChengZe answered Jiang Meng while looking at Cheng Jin, "I transferred to Shi Ran''s ss for thest two months in high school. She passed by the window looking for Shi Ran at least three days a week."


    He returned to the Shao family during thest two months in high school after his father had just passed away. His mood was as gloomy as the smoggy days outside. Until a swaying ponytail appeared at the window, some things were just odd. There were so many girls with ponytails, but he could recognize her back view instantly.


    And Shi Ran was always standing next to that back view.


    Cheng Jin''s grip on the water ss tightened. She slowly turned her head to meet his eyes. Shao ChengZe raised his brow and smiled at her.


    Jiang Meng was surprised at first, then her thoughts wandered to TV drama plots. "Shao, you didn''t n that car ident, did you?"


    "No." Even if he had nned it, he wouldn''t use a car ident for any scheme. "She bumped into me herself."


    His car didn''t even move. She dazedly bumped into him. Should he say it was destiny?


    All kinds of thoughts shed through Cheng Jin''s mind, and his gaze affirmed every single thought. Her heart started pounding loudly, even the lightning and thunder outside couldn''t drown it out.


    On the drive back, the car was quiet again without the music. The windshield wipers worked hard to wipe the pouring rain. Cheng Jin sat in the passenger seat with eyes closed pretending to sleep. Although her eyes were closed, she could still feel his gaze looking over from time to time.


    The car slowly came to a stop. Cheng Jin opened her eyes, "Here?"


    Shao ChengZe unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over. "Not yet. Do you want red bean cake? I''ll go buy some more."


    Cheng Jin looked at the dark brows and eyes up close and whispered through him, "Are you really going to buy red bean cake?"


    Yes and no. The stuff they bought was used up. Although he promised not to touch her tonight, he didn''t have much self-control right now.


    Shao ChengZe wasn''t embarrassed being seen through. He touched her lips, "Then I won''t buy any. I promised you a good night''s sleep tonight. Can''t break my word."


    Cheng Jin''s fingers fiddled with his cufflinks. "Unbuckle my seatbelt for me."


    "Hmm?"


    "I''ll go with you."


    She knew it would be faster if he went alone, but on this rainy night, she didn''t want to be apart from him, not even for a moment.


    Shao ChengZe''s dark eyes lit up.


    Cheng Jin gave an unconvincing exnation, "I have stuff to buy too."


    "Alright, let''s go together." Shao ChengZe kissed her lips. Sometimes he shouldn''t listen to what she said, but her heartbeat would never lie.


    The car left the convenience store and finally parked in the yard.


    Shao ChengZe first unbuckled his own seatbelt, then hers. He lifted her to sit on hisp without even waiting until they got into the house. "Baby, don''t you have anything to ask me?"


    His arousal was too obvious. Cheng Jin leaned back, but there was only the steering wheel behind her. She had nowhere to retreat.


    She pleaded, "Let''s go inside. Your clothes are wet. You''ll catch a cold."


    He had held the umbre mostly to her side just now, so his clothes and hair were half soaked.


    Shao ChengZe didn''t budge. "Then help me take off my shirt."


    Cheng Jin''s voice was soft and urgent. "Take it off when we get inside."


    Shao ChengZe looked up at her. "There were so many times in the hallway when you just brushed past my shoulder. You didn''t even tilt your eyshes at me. It was like I didn''t even exist in your eyes. You only had Shi Ran in your heart and mind."


    Cheng Jin gently stroked his wet hair. The rain had slicked it even darker. "Shi Ran''s mother was diagnosed with cancer around that time. He was in a really bad mood. The college entrance exam wasing up soon too. We were all very worried about him. My mom asked me to gofort him more often."


    Shao ChengZe didn''t want to hear her talk about Shi Ran in that tone. He bit her lips fiercely. "So many times when I saw your back view, I kept thinking, if only you would turn around and look at me once."


    Cheng Jin was bitten until she softly moaned. "Shao ChengZe, are you trying to act pitiful?"


    "Did I make you pity me?"


    Cheng Jin held his face and kissed the corner of his lips. "Your acting skills are really good."


    So skilled at deceiving and cajoling.


    The cool air conditioning couldn''t suppress the rising heat in the car. The windows fogged up, blocking the heavy rain outside, and the dark night too. The downpour had the car trapped on a solitary ind, with only her and him on it.


    Ifst night was him relentlessly demanding from her, tonight she was the one giving. He could clearly feel her initiative and response, from her breath, to her tongue, to the surging hot tide deep inside her.


    The lightly bitten lips. The flushed face. The strands of hair on her forehead damp with sweat.


    Passionate and daring.


    In the jolting undtions, Shao ChengZe held her waist tightly. If possible, he wished the rain could go on a little longer.


    The next day, the downpour stopped and the sunshine was splendid with birds chirping among the flowers. Cheng Jin didn''t see any of it. She was sunk in a groggy dream all the way from the car to the VIP lounge at the airport.


    In her sleepy daze, she asked the person next to her, "Weren''t you leaving this afternoon?"


    Shao ChengZe draped a shawl over her to block the cold air blowing from the air conditioner. "After wend, you go first with Cheng LiQi. Once you two leave, I''ll go out."


    Cheng Jin closed her eyes and nestled into his shoulder to find afortable position. "You''ve always been good at scheming," she said.


    Shao Chengze leaned down to her ear and whispered, "I want to see your mother too, but would you let me?"


    Cheng Jin tucked her ears into her shawl. "I''m going to sleep now, I''m so tired I could die."


    He had only let her go when it was almost dawn, and she had barely slept two hours total. Right now she didn''t want to think about anything, she just wanted to sleep.


    "Sleep then," said Shao Chengze, knowing he was the one who had made her so tired. He stopped disturbing her and gently patted her shoulder to lull her to sleep.


    Cheng Jin''s head was still groggy after getting off the ne. Going two days with so little sleep had been too taxing. In the bathroom she sshed some cold water on her face to try and wake up a little.


    Pushing her luggage out, she immediately spotted little Liqi being held by Shi Ran. She hurried over, and Liqi also saw her mother and waved excitedly to her.


    When Cheng Jin reached them, she spread her arms to take her daughter while asking Shi Ran, "What are you doing here?"


    Shi Ran replied, "I had today off, so I came to drive little Liqi."


    Liqi hugged her mother''s neck in Shi Ran''s arms. "Mommy, let Dad hold me. You must be so tired from your business trip, you look weak."


    Cheng Jin kissed her cheek. "Mommy''s fine, darling. I just didn''t sleep well without my Liqist night. I''ll take a nap when we get home and be good as new."


    Liqi kissed her mother back. "Then let''s go home quick. Granny Qu made lots of yummy food. After you eat you can take a nice nap, Mommy."


    Just as she finished speaking, she saw someone approaching from behind. Her eyes lit up and she was about to call "Daddy!" but stopped herself and urgently waved at Dad not toe over. But Daddy didn''t seem to understand, and kept walking towards them.


    Of course Shao Chengze could interpret his daughter''s gestures, but he couldn''t just stand there watching through the ss door indifferently. Even if everything was out in the open now, his heart was still as petty as a needle point.


    Shao Chengze came up beside Cheng Jin and loosely wrapped his arm around her waist in a gesture of iming ownership. He nodded curtly to Shi Ran, wanting to take his daughter.


    Seeing her father''s hand on her mother''s waist, Liqi covered one eye with her hand. When she saw her grandparents approaching, she covered her other eye.


    She felt like Daddy was done for today.


    She probably couldn''t save him either.

 Chapter 52: 052

<h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    "Is dinner ready?"


    I drove.


    What color is it?


    "I''m almost home," he said.


    "I guess so."


    Bill.


    "Enjoy your romance."


    "Where''s Mom?"


    ...


    !

 Chapter 53: (Revised) 02

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    People seek help cheating.


    It shoulde to a satisfactory conclusion.


    She has lived up to his high expectations.


    He has failed her daughter''s hopes for him.


    Cheng Shanhe was stunned.


    Cheng Jin was also stunned.


    As beautiful as a blossom.


    Cheng Jin: ......


    Cheng Shanhe: ......


    I will protect you and little Liqi.


    Alright, let''s go.


    We should all feel ashamed.


    What do you think, shall we go?


    The shares under Wu Jingyao''s name.


    Because I have work.


    How tiring.


    !

 Chapter 54: 054

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    "They slept especially soundly."


    It was made by Snail Girl, wasn''t it?"


    It was a photo.


    First thing in the morning.


    But it was toote.


    For her parents."


    "Where''s Shao Jingyun?"


    "Nowhere to be found."


    "I see."


    Cheng Jin: ......


    Shao ChengZe: ......!

 Chapter 55: 055

    <h4>Chapter 55</h4>


    She called for him.


    Surrounded her.


    "Don''t close it right away."


    The corners of his mouth turned up.


    "You''re so beautiful."


    Cheng Jin seeded.


    Shao ChengZe also seeded.


    A little medicine."


    "What box?"


    "Does it taste good?"


    Shao ChengZe: ......


    "Xiao Liqi?"


    Fei Zuhui: ......!

 Chapter 56: 056

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    Cheng LiQi introduced her grandmother and the Snail Fairy Girl seriously, "Snail Fairy Girl, this is my grandmother."


    Shao ChengZe was dragged to a dilemma by his daughter. He could only wear the golden wavy long hair on his head and cooperate with his daughter''s acting, greeting Fei Zuhui as naturally as possible, "Grandma, I am... Snail Fairy Girl."


    Fei Zuhui wanted tough but couldn''tugh. The corners of her mouth twitched involuntarily a few times. She barely nodded and said, "Hello, Snail Fairy Girl."


    Cheng LiQi probably also felt that the atmosphere was wrong. She took her grandmother''s hand and said, "Grandma, let''s go. Let Snail Fairy Girl cook in peace. Let''s not disturb her."


    Shao ChengZe was grateful for his daughter''s thoughtfulness, but the breath in his heart hadn''t eased yet. He just heard Fei Zuhui say, "Little LiQi, this is the first time grandma has met Snail Fairy Girl. Grandma wants to take a picture with you and Snail Fairy Girl to keep as a souvenir. Can you tell me what happened?"


    Cheng LiQi agreed very much with her grandmother''s suggestion, "Okay!"


    Although Shao ChengZe refused to wear this golden long wig on his head, he couldn¡¯t refuse to take pictures with his daughter, let alone miss this opportunity to please his future mother-inw.


    Let the ck history be ck history.


    Shao ChengZe picked up his daughter. Cheng LiQi leaned her head against her dad''s and made a "yay" gesture at the camera. The picture froze at this moment.


    When Cheng Jian Lan saw this photo, she couldn''t helpughing and slumped on the table. She had to admit that this wig looked quite good on him. So what had happened while she was still asleep this morning?


    She forwarded this photo to him and asked, [My mom said to send this photo to you as a souvenir. Can you tell me what happened?]


    Shao ChengZe didn¡¯t really want to answer this question. He asked her, [Does your body still feel ufortable?]


    Now it was Cheng Jian Lan who didn¡¯t really want to answer the question. [I''m going to a meeting.]


    Shao ChengZe sent another message, [Do you want to have dinner together tonight and bring little LiQi?]


    Cheng Jian Lan leaned her chin on her hand and replied, [Okay.]


    Shao ChengZe raised his eyebrows. [What do you want to eat?]


    [Isn''t that something you should think about?]


    Shao ChengZe smiled involuntarily. He felt like their rtionship was getting better and better, or rather, she was slowly opening her heart to him.


    He put away his cell phone and hid his smile. He tapped the table with his fingers to remind the person in front of him, "If you haven''t made up your mind yet, you can go back and think about it. Let me know whenever you''ve decided. I still have other arrangements to attend to."


    It was obvious that he was driving the guest away. Shao JingYun cursed in his heart but had to pretend to smile awkwardly, "I''ve made up my mind, but it will take some time to process the transfer. I can''t wait. I want the money now. It must be in the ount by noon tomorrow."


    Shao ChengZe nodded, "No problem. As long as you sign all the documents you should sign, the money can be in your ount tonight."


    Shao JingYun gritted his teeth. "Okay, get the documents ready. I''ll sign them now."


    Shao JingYun indulged in wine, women and gambling, but what he liked most was still gambling. Moreover, he lost every nine out of ten times. The more he lost, the more he wanted to gamble again, hoping to turn the tide and win it all back someday. He couldn''t restrain himself at all. His parents controlled his money tightly. When he ran out of money, he would rely on his status to borrow money from outside. The debts he owed over the years piled up withpound interest, and now they had snowballed into an astronomical figure. If the old master knew about it, before the debt collectors beat him to death, the old man would have beaten him to death first.


    His father was now tormented by the matter of his young mistress and going through a messy divorce. His mother was asking for a divorce and splitting their assets. She imed it was to fight for him, but she was actually doing it for herself. She couldn''t wait to take the money and fly away with her toy boy. The only liquid assets Shao JingYun had ess to right now were the few pitiful shares, whose price kept falling day by day. Shao ChengZe wanted them and he was giving them away. If the old master knew about it, he would just say that Shao ChengZe had set a trap to bait him. Anyway,pared to Shao ChengZe, the old master would believe him more. He just needed to get through this hurdle first. When the old master was leaving his inheritance, what should be his would still be his.


    Shao ChengZe let his assistant A take care of the rest with Shao JingYun. He went into the adjoining conference room to take Da Meng''s call. Da Meng was brief and to the point, saying he had taken photos of Wu JingYao and Qian HuiQing together.


    After Shao ChengZe hung up the phone and looked out the window, his eyes were filled with fathomless chill. It seemed that everyone was getting restless. Wu JingYao was patient enough. She knew what the old master hated most. All these years, she had never run into Qian HuiQing even once. One might say she was prudent, yet she was also bold enough to ce her and Qian HuiQing''s son, Qian Zheng, by the old master''s side for decades. To Wu JingYao, Shao ZhangTing was the incapable Liu Laodou. She had ced all her hopes on Qian Zheng.


    Tomorrow there would probably be a heavy rainstorm. Hopefully this rain could lower the scorching summer temperature a bit.


    Cheng Jian Lan arrived at the kindergarten gate half an hour early. She saw his car but no one was inside. Cheng Jian Lan called him but no one answered. So she didn''t call again and just stayed in the car continuing with work.


    About ten minutes before the kindergarten dismissal time, Cheng Jian Lan got out of the car. Then she saw a man and a woman get out of a nanny van not far away. The man was tall and the woman petite. The handsome man and beautiful woman naturally drew attention. Cheng Jian Lan only nced at them briefly before withdrawing her gaze. She turned around to lock her car and walked towards the kindergarten gate.


    When Shao ChengZe saw her, he stopped talking to Shen Xi Wen and strode to her side, reaching for her hand. "When did you get here? Didn''t we agree that I''de to pick you up?"


    Cheng Jian Lan imperceptibly avoided his hand, answering neither coldly nor gently, "Just now."


    Shen Xi Wen followed behind Shao ChengZe and came over to greet Cheng Jian Lan. "Miss Cheng, hello, I''m Shen Xi Wen."


    Cheng Jian Lan had heard Cheng LiQi mention who Shen ChuQi''s mother was. They didn''t speak the one time they met briefly at the Bai family banquet before. This was the first time formally meeting her face-to-face. Shen ChuQi resembled her very much, especially when smiling. The mole at the corner of her eyes was also very lovable.


    Cheng Jian Lan didn''t have much resistance against people with nice smiles. She nodded slightly to Shen Xi Wen. "Miss Shen, hello."


    Shen Xi Wen smiled, eyes curving. "Just call me Xi Wen. Our little ChuQi has been telling me every day how nice Miss Cheng is to him. I''ve been wanting to invite you to a meal to thank you for taking care of him all these years."


    Cheng Jian Lan replied, "No need for a meal. I like little ChuQi very much. He''s well-behaved and sensible, and takes good care of little LiQi at school too. It''s only right that I show him more care. Little LiQi''s birthday ising up soon. If it''s convenient for you, pleasee over with little ChuQi then."


    "Great, I''m free these days, resting. ChuQi and I will definitely go over then." Shen Xi Wen agreed without hesitation. She wanted to go with her son to give little LiQi birthday blessings, and also convey the birthday wishes from his godmother.


    The kindergarten dismissal bell rang. The children rushed out of the ssrooms, eager to get out. Shen Xi Wen spotted Shen ChuQi and jogged over to pick him up.


    Shao ChengZe and Cheng Jian Lan also walked over. Shao ChengZe stared at her profile. "Angry?"


    "Why would I be angry? I''m not a balloon. Is being angry the only thing I can do all day?" Cheng Jian Lan spoke indifferently, her eyes on the kindergarten yard without ncing his way at all.


    Shao ChengZe firmly held her hand in an unbreakable grip, quickly exining his rtionship with Shen Xi Wen. "She calls my mom her godmother. My mom treats her like her own daughter. I treat her like my own sister. That''s the rtionship we have. You''re jealous, aren''t you?"


    There wasughter in his eyes and his tone was not questioning but affirmative confirmation. He had noticed her abnormal mood from the start, but didn''t immediately rify his rtionship with Shen Xi Wen. He actually quite liked seeing her like this. He liked her being jealous over him.


    Cheng Jian Lan''s ears were a little red. She turned to look at him and spoke just as affirmatively, "What jealousy? I don''t even like being jealous. I don''t even dip dumplings in vinegar when I eat them."


    Cheng LiQi ran out of the ssroom with her little schoolbag, first saw her mom and shouted loudly "Mom!", then saw her dad and happily shouted "Dad!", and finally buried her head in mom and dad''s arms, "Mom, dad, why did you bothe to pick me up today?"


    Shao ChengZe took over her schoolbag, "Dad and mom came to pick up little LiQi to have dinner together. Today we are going to have a big meal."


    "Great, I love big meals the most." Cheng LiQi excitedly shook her little braids, and saw Aunt Shen Xi Wen next to her. She hadn''t seen Aunt Shen for a long time. She greeted Shen Xi Wen loudly, "Aunt Shen!"


    Shen Xi Wen held Shen ChuQi''s hand as she walked over, smiling and praising Little LiQi for being even more beautiful, while Shen ChuQi obediently greeted Uncle and Auntie Shao.


    Cheng LiQi happily shared the good news with Shen ChuQi, "I''m going to have a big meal with my mom and dad. Shen ChuQi replied, "I''m also going to have a big meal with my mom."


    "Oh~~ I see," Cheng LiQi looked at the adults, "Then we should just have a big meal together."


    Shen Xi Wen quickly said, "Auntie can''t eat with little LiQi today. I already made reservations at a restaurant and invited some other friends. Let''s eat together next time."


    Shen Xi Wen actually didn''t have any friends she invited at all. This was the dinner time for their family of three. If she dared interfere, Shao ChengZe wouldn''t let her off easy. She still had something that she needed his help with recently, so she couldn''t upset him.


    Shen Xi Wen has been thinking about whether she should withdraw from this circle and move behind the scenes. Being away for months at a time during a drama shoot, she and little ChuQi barely have any time together. She has already missed out on six years of his life, and can''t miss out on any more moments of him growing up.


    Back then, her rtionship with Li Peifeng was as bad as it could get. She was not mentally prepared at all for the pregnancy. After giving birth to little ChuQi, she had postpartum depression. She didn''t want to see Li Peifeng, nor did she want to see the baby. Every time she heard the baby cry, she felt an urge to die from the repression, feeling that she couldn''t be a good mom, and didn''t deserve to be one either. She only wanted to escape, and she escaped very far away. It took her a very long time to get out of that patch of darkness that she never wants to revisit. But she also owed little ChuQi a lot.


    At first she wanted to go back and find him, but the more she wanted to go back, the more afraid she became, afraid that he would hate her. And the more afraid she was, the less she dared to go back, shrinking in her own turtle shell, only able to watch him from afar. Little ChuQi was much braver than his mom. He found her, letting her know that she could learn to be a mom, and also giving her a chance to make up for lost time with him. She couldn''t miss this chance again. She had to n carefully about the path she needed to take next.


    Cheng LiQi swung her little legs to the beat of the music ying in the car, "Mom, where are we going for the big meal?"


    Cheng Jinn was redoing her braids, "I don''t know either, your dad made the ns, ask your dad."


    Cheng LiQi turned to ask dad, "Dad, where are we going to eat?"


    Shao ChengZe gently replied, "We are going to the ce where your mom and dad had our first date."


    "The ce where mom and dad had their first date?!" Cheng LiQi''s voice went up a notch in excitement, "Mom, where was your and dad''s first date?"


    This question stumped Cheng Jinn. Their rtionship became official in a very ambiguous way, without a clear day marking them as boyfriend and girlfriend. If counting from their first...kiss, then their first date didn''t happen here, but in Jiangnan. Surely he wasn''t nning on driving all the way to Jiangnan.


    She vaguely replied to her daughter, "You''ll know when we get there."


    Shao ChengZe looked at her through the rearview mirror. Cheng Jinn also looked at him. She just didn''t know where he was referring to. Making a fuss over a simple dinner, she didn''t believe he remembered all of their first times.


    When they arrived, Cheng Jinn finally realized which ce he meant. How could this count as the ce of their first date? This was simply where they first had a meal together.


    At that time, he had contacted her to discusspensation for the car ident, saying that just a meal would cover the repair costs, a very clumsy way of asking a girl out. But she had foolishly agreed. Western food would be too romantic, so she had picked a down-to-earth local restaurant. Other than enjoying the food, there was no particr mood sitting in the restaurant.


    "Wow~~" Cheng LiQi held her mom with one hand and her dad with the other, walking into the restaurant with her mouth open, letting out an exmation, "Dad, you sure know how to pick ces. This restaurant looks like it serves really tasty food, smells so good."


    Shao ChengZe replied to his daughter, "Your mom was the one who picked this restaurant originally."


    Cheng LiQi was curious, "So for mom and dad''s first date, it was mom who asked dad out?"


    Shao ChengZe: ......


    Cheng Jinn was about to get annoyed by his words, butughed again because of what her daughter said.


    The restaurant manager leading the way up front was biting his lips hard to keep fromughing out loud. He had to be a proper restaurant manager, and not eavesdrop on customers, even though he wasn''t exactly eavesdropping since he was listening openly.


    Shao ChengZe struggled to make up for it, "Dad now knows very clearly what your mom likes to eat."


    Cheng LiQi tilted her head looking at dad, "How could you like someone for a long time yet not know what she likes to eat? Dad, was your liking of mom not good enough?"


    Shao ChengZe: ......


    Cheng Jinn was like a warm little cotton-padded coat whenever she stood up for her.


    Although Shao ChengZe ended up shooting himself in the foot, he was still very confident in taking his daughter''s test. With each dish he ordered, Cheng LiQi would make a mental check, and her little mouth would also turn up a bit more.


    Shao ChengZe closed the menu, nced at Cheng Jinn, and told the manager, "Please make the beef broth a little more sour, the child''s mother likes sour vors, especially vinegar."


    Cheng Jinn pinched the hand that was holding hers under the table, and told the manager, "Just make it normal, not too sour, I don''t particrly like vinegar."


    Cheng LiQi looked at her mom in some confusion. She knew best what her mom liked to eat, "Mom, aren''t you the one who likes vinegar the most, adding some to everything you eat?"


    Cheng Jinn: ......!

 Chapter 57: 057

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    Shao ChengZe coughed lightly and cleared his throat to stop himself fromughing out loud because of what his daughter said.


    Cheng LiQi looked at her coughing father and asked, "Daddy, don''t you like to be jealous?"


    Shao ChengZe coughed again and answered his daughter seriously, "Daddy likes being jealous very much."


    The hand under his desk was probably going to be uncontroble after this meal.


    Cheng LiQi''sughter sounded like silver bells. "I also like being jealous. I like eating sour and sweet things, not spicy things."


    The restaurant manager felt that after he left this private room, his thighs would also be uncontroble. They were all pinched by him trying not tough. It turned out that this was a family of three who liked being jealous. They were really too cute.


    On the way back, Cheng LiQi was not sleepy because of her full stomach. On the contrary, she was very energetic. Shey on her mother''sp and told her parents what she had learned today at kindergarten, and talked about how she wanted to celebrate her birthday party this year. She had already figured out how to design the invitation cards and would show them to her mother after she finished making them.


    Cheng Jin leaned down and kissed her chubby little face. "Our little girl is so capable."


    Cheng LiQi held her mother''s face and kissed her too. "Because I have a very capable mother!"


    Mother and daughterughed together with their heads leaning against each other.


    Shao ChengZe held the steering wheel with both hands, ncing at the rearview mirror from time to time. The corners of his mouth were raised with a smile, and his pitch-ck eyes were filled with endless tenderness.


    In the lights of thousands of households, this was just the most ordinary one, but the most touching ones were often these seemingly ordinary moments.


    The car pulled into the yard. Cheng LiQi got up from her mother''sp and said, "We''re home! Mom, is Dad sleeping at our house tonight?"


    Shao ChengZe turned around to look.


    Cheng Jin tidied her clothes for her and said, "Dad has to go back for work, so he can''t sleep here."


    Shao ChengZe''s expectations fell through, but he was not disappointed either. Things had to be taken one step at a time, and he was already very satisfied with the current situation.


    Cheng LiQi clung to the back of the driver''s seat and leaned over to her father. "Dad works so hard. You still have to work at night."


    Shao ChengZe reached out and picked his little princess from the back seat to the front. "Dad is not tired. Dad likes working."


    Cheng LiQiy on her father''s shoulder and hugged her father''s neck. "Dad, if you want to sleep here in the future, you don''t need to climb over the wall or dig tunnels. You can just dress up as Snail Girl again like in the morning. I can lend you my doll''s wig."


    ...Shao ChengZe didn''t know how to describe his current mood. In short, it was veryplicated, and one or two simple words were not enough to express it.


    Cheng Jin got out of the car first, afraid that she would burst outughing in the car. This morning, her mother had only sent her a photo. As for what happened, her mother told her to ask him. So it turned out that her daughter had set him up, no, she should say her daughter had saved him.


    Before going to bed, Cheng Jin received his message on time: [Xiaomiao, good night].


    She looked at the message for a long time without putting her phone down immediately like usual.


    She replied: [Good night, Snail...Sir].


    When Shao ChengZe saw her reply, he suddenly felt that dressing up as Snail Girl was also quite good. It could make his daughter happy, please his mother-inw, and most importantly, win her heart. There was nothing more cost-effective than this.


    That night, both Cheng Jin and Cheng LiQi slept very soundly and dreamed sweet dreams.


    However, not many people in the Shao family slept that night. Wu Jingyao had originally arranged everything and nned to take preemptive action. She was going to release several waves of rumors on the Inte at 10 pm when traffic was highest. She had already written the titles and content of the rumors. The titles were very eye-catching.


    The first wave was "The Big Reveal of the Reason Why Shao ChengZe Became the Abandoned Heir of the Shao Family - He Is Not a Descendant of the Shaos!!!"


    The second wave was "The Origin of the Grudge Between the Shao and Cheng Families!!"


    The third wave was "The Big Reveal of the Rtionship Between Shao ChengZe and the Second Young Miss of the Cheng Family!"


    Wu Jingyao naturally knew that Shao ChengZe was Shao Yunzheng¡¯s grandson. There was no mistake at all. Otherwise, Shao Yunzheng would not have let him return to the Shao family, let alone take over the Shao Group. But nowadays, no one cared about the truth of things. The more outrageous and sensational, the more easily people would believe it. These three consecutive waves of rumors would surely set off huge waves. By then, Shao ChengZe would truly experience the meaning of vicious rumors, even if he presented substantive evidence. People would have preconceived notions. He, that girl from the Cheng family, and their daughter would always live under gossip and rumors.


    Just when it was 10 pm, those big Vs who were supposed to post fell silent collectively. None of the prepared content was posted. Wu Jingyao asked Qian Huiqing, and Qian Huiqing said he couldn''t contact anyone now. His phone and WeChat had all been blocked. Someone must have intervened to stop this.


    Wu Jingyao tightly clutched her phone, unable to control her emotions at all. She really wanted to smash the phone on the ground. She had done this very covertly. It was impossible for anyone to find out, and yet actions were taken so quickly.


    There was a knock on the door. The maid outside the door shouted, "Madam, the old master wants you to go to the study."


    Wu Jingyao took a few deep breaths to calm herself before replying to the maid, "Got it."


    She tidied up her expression in front of the mirror and put on the most perfect smile before going to the study. But she didn''t expect that there would be someone else in the study. That bastard was sitting leisurely on the sofa looking at her. So he was the one who had stopped this. Now he had run over here to tattle. Wu Jingyao quickly thought of a countermeasure. She would simply deny it. All of this was done by Qian Huiqing''s people, and it would not implicate her side.


    Wu Jingyao had made up her mind, but just after taking two steps into the study, Shao Yunzheng dumped a stack of photos and documents on her out of the blue. Shao Yunzheng''s face was livid, and his cloudy eyeballs looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets. "Exin this to me! What is going on?!"


    When Wu Jingyao saw the photos, she could still remain calm. She was just having coffee with Qian Huiqing. It didn''t prove anything. But when she saw those documents, she panickedpletely. Her hands trembled as she held the documents. She first wanted to deny it, but seeing Shao Yunzheng''s icy stare, she couldn''t help but shudder. Tears flowed out, from fear and from acting.


    She knew what Shao Yunzheng liked to see most. Her voice was intermittent and aggrieved. "These were all things before I met you. Who told me not to meet you earlier? The mistakes made when I was young, and now you''re settling ounts with me. What do you want me to do, relive everything again? Aren''t you forcing me to die like this? Since separating from him, I have never contacted him again. I also just found out that Qian Zheng is my...son. How would I know things would coincide so perfectly that he became your secretary? Qian Huiqing is now using this to ckmail me for money. I went to see him because I wanted to discuss this matter with him. After following you for so many years, don''t you know what kind of person I am? Shao Yunzheng, don''t you have any trust in me at all?"


    Shao Yunzheng''s eyes flickered a few times, and his chest heaved rapidly, but he didn''t say any more hurtful words in the end.


    Shao ChengZe even wanted to apud this impressive performance by his step-grandmother. If she went into acting, she could win all kinds of acting awards. As for the hidden rtionship between Wu Jingyao and Qian Zheng, it was something he discovered by ident. Ever since little LiQi found the Shao family, he had been guarding against any actions from Wu Jingyao''s side and had people keeping an eye on her. His subordinates would report her activities to him every day.


    He noticed that her meetings with Qian Zheng''s wife were too frequent. He knew Qian Zheng had always been doing things for her, so it was normal for Qian Zheng''s wife to curry favor with her. But in the photos, Qian Zheng''s youngest son was present every time they met. Shopping, all purchase invoices, even for buying brand name watches and luxury cars, were paid by Wu Jingyao. Wu Jingyao was never a generous person. She had always looked down on her subordinates. Only others tried to curry her favor and snatched at giving her invoices. Why could Qian Zheng''s wife and son receive such preferential treatment from her?


    Shao ChengZe felt something was off, so he casually looked into it. Some things really couldn''t stand up to investigation.


    All he could say was that his grandfather was really old and had been kept in the dark by his pillowsidepanion for so many years without noticing anything. Wu Jingyao had arranged for Qian Zheng to be by the old gentleman''s side for so many years that he had be the most trusted right-hand man of the old gentleman. It would be fair to say that he was the old gentleman''s spokesperson. His intention was none other than to have Shao Zhangting inherit thepany so that Shao Zhangting could be an emperor who only knew how to eat, drink and have fun while Qian Zheng would be the real person in power behind the scenes at Shaoshi.


    Shao Chengze didn''t want to listen to Wu Jingyao continue her act. He directly took out his phone and yed a recording that Qian Zheng had given him. It was a phone conversation between Wu Jingyao and Qian Zheng before, discussing the n for Shaoshi after taking Shao Chengze downpletely. She even said for Qian Zheng to think of a way that could make the old man die unconsciously and without a trace. After all, the old man had so many underlying diseases. In the recording, Wu Jingyao''s voice was clear and unambiguous. Even if she wanted to deny it, she couldn''t.


    Shao Chengze looked at Wu Jingyao and said, "If you want to listen, I have a lot more here, but I''m afraid that listening to them would be too much for the old gentleman''s heart to bear, so I won''t y them for now."


    Wu Jingyaopletely copsed in the chair. What shocked her wasn''t the content of the recording, but that this recording was given to Shao Chengze by Qian Zheng, her own son.


    Back then, she and Qian Huiqing only held a simple banquet and didn''t get a marriage certificate. After she got together with Shao Yunzheng, shepletely cut off contact with Qian Huiqing. It wasn''t until Qian Zheng graduated from college that she recognized him again. Compared to how she treated Shao Zhangting, because she felt guilty and also because Qian Zheng was much more capable and smarter than Shao Zhangting, she had devoted all her effort these years to him. But what she got in return was that he sold her out with his own hands.


    Wu Jingyao gazed nkly at Shao Chengze and murmured, "Why?"


    Shao Chengze sneered contemptuously, "The money he skimmed from thepany in these years is enough for him to live idly for generations. Although he did it cleverly, it wouldn''t be too difficult to find evidence if there was a thorough investigation. ording to the sentencing standards for the crime of infringement of duties, he would at least get ten years in jail. For him, selling out his own mother versus going to jail, the choice was not difficult at all. He couldn''t even hold out for two days before he cracked. To him, you were probably just a money-making tool."


    Tears rolled down Wu Jingyao''s cheeks. These tears were probably genuine tears.


    Shao Yunzheng leaned back in his chair with eyes closed, not saying a word, aging more than ten years in an instant. This was probably retribution. Although he didn''t want to believe it, he had no choice but to believe it.


    The outside world thought that the estrangement between the Shao family and the Cheng family was due to business matters, but that was not the case. Besides Yin Manqing, there was another person in the car when she got into the ident - Cheng Boyi, Cheng Jin''s young uncle, Cheng Jinchuan''s most beloved uncle. Yin Manqing died on the spot, while Cheng Boyi passed away the next day after being sent to the hospital. At that time, the two families had suppressed the news so the outside world didn''t know their ident was the same one.


    Back then, when Yin Manqing found out about his affair with Wu Jingyao, she demanded a divorce without hesitation. Shao Yunzheng absolutely did not want a divorce. He had no intention of doing anything with Wu Jingyao. He just couldn''t stand Yin Manqing''s overbearing personality and wanted to asionally enjoy some tender affection from Wu Jingyao.


    At that time, Shaoshi was at the most critical stage of development. Yin Manqing had absolute influence in thepany. More than half of thepany''s backbone was recruited and cultivated by her. If they divorced, aside from taking away a portion of thepany''s equity, she might also take away many people with her. The blow to thepany would be devastating. There was no way he would let this divorce happen.


    But Yin Manqing was determined to divorce. Thewyer she hired was Cheng Boyi. He, Yin Manqing and Cheng Boyi were ssmates. Yin Manqing and Cheng Boyi had alwayspeted for first and second ce in ss. Both had rtively strong personalities, so they didn''t get along too well.


    As a poor student who always ranked near the bottom, he originally didn''t have many opportunities to interact with Yin Manqing. But when they were sent to the countryside together during the Down to the Countryside Movement, he pursued Yin Manqing for two years before she finally agreed. Not long after they got together, they got married. He still remembered vividly to this day when Cheng Boyi came rushing in, drenched in sweat, on the night before their wedding. At that moment, he knew that this man liked Yin Manqing, but he was just one step toote.


    He knew Cheng Boyi''s importance in Yin Manqing''s heart. She admired him, although she never said it outright, but it was apparent from the way she looked at him. He was jealous of Cheng Boyi, of course, but he had no grounds for this jealousy since Yin Manqing had married him after all. So when he found out that Yin Manqing had hired Cheng Boyi to handle their divorce, he was furious.


    At that time, Yin Manqing only had two demands - first, custody of their son; second, half of thepany''s equity. Based on her personality, once she decided on something, she would stop at nothing to aplish it. So Shao Yunzheng was afraid. During that time, Yin Manqing and Cheng Boyi often workedte into the night in his office, so he wanted to take advantage of this. Besides being awyer, Cheng Boyi was also a university professor.


    For a man and a woman toe out of a house together early in the morning was ambiguous enough. Compared to verbal exnations, people would believe more readily what they saw in photos. So Shao Yunzheng arranged for someone to tail Yin Manqing and Cheng Boyi. The day of the ident, Yin Manqing discovered the person tailing her and drove fast, trying to shake off the car chasing her, which resulted in a crash with an oing truck. The ident imed two lives.


    At first, Shao Yunzheng still felt a little guilty over the deaths of Yin Manqing and Cheng Boyi. He only wanted to use photos to negotiate terms with Yin Manqing and didn''t intend for her and Cheng Boyi to die.


    During that time, he waited downstairs at Cheng Boyi''s office building for a whole night. All sorts of dirty, vicious thoughts went through his mind. He even considered just rushing upstairs, but held back in the end. He didn''t want things with Yin Manqing to get too ugly. He only wanted to get some leverage so he could negotiate terms with her. At that time, for a university professor to be entangled with a married woman, even without substantive evidence, some ambiguous photos could easily ruin that professor''s career if it was brought to the school''s attention. Yin Manqing would definitely not want to ruin Cheng Boyi''s career because of herself.


    As long as she didn''t divorce him, he could pretend nothing had happened. Although he knew nothing had happened between them, he still understood Yin Manqing. While still married, she wouldn''t do anything with another man even if she had feelings for him in her heart. Butter he began to doubt this conviction. If they really had nothing going on, why were they desperately trying to avoid him? He even went so far as to specifically check the DNA between himself and Shao Zhangke, and the results did confirm Shao Zhangke was his biological son. But that still didn''t preclude the possibility that something might have happened between Yin Manqing and Cheng Boyi.


    The Cheng family med Shao Yunzheng for Cheng Boyi''s death, while he felt it was Cheng Boyi who caused the death of his wife. If not for Cheng Boyi constantly egging Yin Manqing on, she wouldn''t have been so determined to divorce. If she didn''t push for divorce, none of this would have happened.


    Only now did he realize he was the one in the wrong. He had failed Yin Manqing''s feelings and went back on the vows he made to her on their wedding night to be lifelong partners. With her proud personality, once she found out about his affair with Wu Jingyao, there was no way she could continue to be with him. It was he who killed her, and no one else was to me.


    Perhaps there really was some kind of karmic causation. Sometimes when he saw Shao Chengze''s methods and wristwork in handlingpany affairs, he felt blood ties were truly mystifying. Although Shao Chengze had never even seen his grandmother''s face, his style and capabilities were very simr to hers. So sometimes he really wanted to see Shao Chengze, yet also feared seeing him. If Shao Chengze was sent by Yin Manqing to take revenge on him, then he epted it now. Let everything be restored to its rightful ce. After all these years of nightly nightmares, he was truly exhausted.


    The next day, Shaoshi released several major announcements in session.


    The first was that Old Mr. Shao''s executive assistant Qian Zheng had been fired by thepany and immediately stripped of all positions and ess in thepany.


    The second article stated that all shares under Ms. Wu Jingyao and Mr. Shao Zhangting would be transferred to Mr. Shao Chengze''s name, and they would withdraw from the Board of Directors.


    The third article stated that starting today, Mr. Shao Yunzheng would fully withdraw from the Board of Directors and no longer participate in any of thepany''s operations and management. Mr. Shao Chengze would take over Shao Group again and serve as the Group''s Chairman.


    From today onwards, there would be no more "Little Shao Chairman" or "Old Shao Chairman" in Shao Group. There would only be one Chairman Shao.


    Cheng Jin only found out about what happened in Shao Group that afternoon when her brother Cheng Jinchuan gave her the news. He also attached a voice message. His tone was a bit disdainful but also a little happy. Of course, he would never admit to that tiny bit of happiness. "He''s decent enough. In just a few months, he aplished this much. At least it shows he''s not just a freeloader."


    After deleting and revising her message to Cheng Jinchuan several times, Cheng Jin still didn''t know how to reply. Then Cheng Jinchuan sent another message: "He called me just now and said he wants to partner with our family to develop that plot ofnd in Nancheng. As the first coborative project between the Cheng and Shao families to break the ice, his moves are quite swift. He just finished his power struggle this morning, and by the afternoon he''s already scheming with our family. I haven''t even agreed yet and he''s calling it a ''firstunch project''. Looks like he already has second and thirdunches in the works. He really intends totch onto our Cheng family, doesn''t he?"


    Cheng Jin decided not to reply for the moment, because her brother clearly wasn''t done speaking. She would reply after he finished. Sure enough, not even a secondter, another voice message came in. "But his idea is not bad. He said we could build an amusement park. I was also thinking about how to utilize that plot ofnd in Nancheng. An amusement park sounds great. It can be a gift for my little Luqi. We''ll just consider it a present for little Luqi. But even if we really partner up, I still need to think carefully about how to coborate. I absolutely can''t let him lead me by the nose."


    Cheng Jin replied: [He definitely can''t lead you by the nose. Only a beauty can lead away your nose.]


    Cheng Jinchuan hee-hee''d twice. "My sister knows me well."


    Cheng Jin pondered if she should send a message to ask about his situation over there. She had just tapped on his WeChat avatar when a red dot appeared over it.


    [Want to have dinner together tonight?]


    Cheng Jin was half-amused, half-exasperated. [Are we dining buddies? All we do is eat.]


    [Of course we''re not dining buddies. I have no work tonight. As my girlfriend, you can exercise all your privileges over me. I''m just afraid you won''t exercise them.]


    Cheng Jin gave him a one word reply. [Scram.]


    Shao Chengze returned to the original topic. [How about Pine Grove Apartments tonight? I just learned a few sweet and sour dishes I want you and little LiQi to try.]


    Cheng Jin asked him, [Have you resolved everything with yourpany?]


    [It''s resolved, so I''m anxious to find you and little LiQi to taste test my cooking. I also want to formally meet your parents soon and cook them a meal.]


    Cheng Jin sent another one word reply. [Scram.]


    Shao Chengze drove his SUV over to pick her up first before going to fetch little LiQi from school. LiQi leaned against her dad. She looked at her dad, then her mom. "Dad, you and Mom have been dating a lottely."


    Shao Chengze''s expression changed slightly. He looked at her cautiously. "Doesn''t little LiQi like it when Dad dates Mom?"


    Cheng Jin was also watching her daughter. She didn''t seem to be in high spirits today. Jin took her little hand. "Did something unhappy happen today, little LiQi?"


    LiQi shook her head. "I''m not unhappy. I also want Dad and Mom to date more. But won''t I be a lightbulb if I''m always there when you date? A really bright one?"


    LiQi had learned a new word today from her ssmates - "lightbulb". She thought carefully about its meaning. Wasn''t she the lightbulb? She wanted her parents to date because it made her mom happy. She also wanted to be there when her parents dated because she didn''t want to be apart from her mom. But wouldn''t that make her a lightbulb? She didn''t like being a lightbulb, but she also didn''t want to interfere with her parents'' dates.


    Shao Chengze gently said, "Little LiQi could never be a lightbulb. You''re a mini matchmaker for Dad and Mom. Think about it. Weren''t you the one who brought Dad to Mom? If you hadn''te looking for Dad, Dad might never have found Mom. Also, didn''t you teach Dad how to make Mom happy? If you hadn''t been Dad''s little teacher, Mom would still ignore Dad now. And remember yesterday morning? Wasn''t it you who cleverly dressed Dad up as Lady Snail so Grandma wouldn''t discover him? Without little LiQi there, Dad would have been doomed. Dad and Mom must have you there when we date, otherwise I won''t know how to cate Mom if I make her angry."


    As she listened to her dad''s words, LiQi''s smile grew wider and wider. "So I''m actually so amazing. I''m a mini matchmaker for Dad and Mom, not a lightbulb."


    Cheng Jin ruffled her hair. "With so much hair, how could our little LiQi possibly be a lightbulb?"


    LiQi rubbed her head against her mom''s palm. "Mom, then you and Dad don''t need to date once a day. Date three times a day instead. I''ll be the best mini matchmaker ever and make sure Mom is happy every date."


    Cheng Jin flicked her forehead lightly. "Don''t you need to go to school anymore? Dating three times a day."


    Oh right, LiQi stuck out her tongue. "Then date once a day on school days. And date three times a day on weekends."


    "I think this arrangement by little LiQi is simply perfect." Shao Chengze lifted the little princess high up. Their little princess was no mere woolen coat, she was a mink coat!


    LiQi giggled. "I think so too. What does Mom think?"


    Cheng Jin pretended to scold the duo, one bigger child and one smaller child, both equally silly.


    When they arrived at Pine Grove Apartments, LiQi worked on her birthday party invitations in the living room while her parents made delicious food for her in the kitchen. Hearing the doorbell ring, LiQi put down her paintbrush and scampered to open the door.


    She opened the door to see a beautiful and kind-looking granny. LiQi smiled brightly and asked, "Granny, did you need something?"


    Seeing this adorable little girl, Lv Siwei''s heart almost melted away. How could there be such a cute little girl in the world? She secretly signaled to Shao Chengze who had walked over - "Little girl, granny went to the wrong floor. Granny should be up one more floor. Sorry about that, little girl, for disturbing you."


    Lv Siwei hade today from her hometown, firstly because of what happened in the Shao family today, and secondly because she wanted to check on her son''s progress pursuing his wife. That was of course the main reason. Nowadays she dreamed every night about this cute little girl, longing intensely to see her.


    She figured with her son''s cold personality, he might not even be holding the girl''s hand yet at this point. Who would''ve thought her son would act so boldly and swiftly this time, already bringing the girl home with him. She hade at the wrong time today. If she had known better, she would''ve called first. Her son wasn''t a lonely bachelor anymore. She couldn''t just directlye over now like before. From now on, she would need to call ahead every time she visited, she couldn''t disturb her son''s dates. She had to leave quickly.


    LiQi looked back at her dad, then turned to look at Lv Siwei again. She even took a step closer to her. "Granny, are you my dad''s mom?"


    Lv Siwei waspletely shocked. She bent down to meet LiQi''s eyes directly. "Sweetie, how did you know?" This was the little girl''s first time seeing her right? How did she know she was her dad''s mom?


    "Because Dad looks at Granny very gently, the same way he looks at me and Mom. So Granny must be someone very close to Dad. Granny seems around the same age as my grandma. So you must be Dad''s mom!"


    Lv Siwei stared with mouth agape. This little sweetie must be a child prodigy!

 Chapter 58: 058

    <h4>Chapter 58</h4>


    Cheng LiQi was very curious about her father''s mother, so she introduced herself to Lv Siwei, "Grandma, hello, my name is Cheng LiQi, you can call me Little LiQi."


    Lv Siwei''s face lit up like a blossoming flower, her voice soft and gentle, "Hello Little LiQi, grandma is called Lv Siwei, I''m Shao ChengZe''s mother."


    Cheng LiQi really liked this grandma''s smile, "Grandma, you look so pretty when you smile!"


    Lv Siwei''s heart had already melted into a marshmallow, "Our little darling LiQi looks even prettier when she smiles, prettier than the loveliest foreign doll."


    The crescent moon shape of Cheng LiQi''s eyes deepened, grandma was dad''s mom, but grandma was so different from dad, grandma was so lively.


    Cheng Jin heard the voices and walked out of the kitchen. Shao ChengZe examined her expression closely, but didn''t notice anything out of the ordinary. He took her hand and said to Lv Siwei, "Mom, this is Jin, LiQi''s mother," he paused and nced at Jin again before continuing, "my girlfriend."


    "Hello Auntie, I''m Cheng Jin." Cheng Jin slipped her hand out of Shao ChengZe''s and greeted Lv Siwei naturally.


    Lv Siwei suppressed her excitement, mainly afraid of scaring the youngdy. She knew her son had good taste, the girl he liked must be the best, "Jin, hello. I knew LiQi was so pretty, she must take after her beautiful mother."


    Cheng LiQi loved when people said she looked like her mother. She held her mother''s hand, her soft voice full of pride, "Grandma, my mom isn''t just pretty, she''s also very smart and runs a big hotel."


    Lv Siwei''s gaze softened even more, "Is mom that capable? Then our little darling LiQi must also be very smart and capable."


    Cheng LiQi replied seriously to Lv Siwei, "Grandma, I''m only six this year, not as capable as mom yet, but when I grow up, I can be as capable as mom."


    Listening to the soft voice of the little darling, Lv Siwei wished she couldvish her with the best words in the world, "In all my years grandma has never met a six year old as capable and adorable as little LiQi."


    Cheng LiQi was embarrassed by Lv Siwei''s praises. She responded in a soft voice, "Thank you grandma", then turned and nestled into her mother''s arms.


    Cheng Jin smiled and stroked her daughter''s hair. The olddy thought differently than her. Based on Shao ChengZe''s personality, she had assumed he grew up in a strict family environment, but with such a lively olddy at home, the atmosphere was probably very cheerful. His personality was likely innate, unrted to his family environment.


    Lv Siwei pped her hands, remembering something important she had almost forgotten about in her excitement, fortunately she had prepared in advance so they weren''t left empty handed.


    "LiQi, wait a moment for grandma, I have something to give you." Lv Siwei had originally wanted Shao ChengZe to fetch it, but seeing how he was gazing at the youngdy, she''d better go grab it herself. Her son probably had things he wanted to say to the girl.


    Lv Siwei went to her bedroom, Cheng LiQi needed the bathroom, so Cheng Jin took her and waited outside the door for her to finish.


    Shao ChengZe returned to the kitchen to check on the pots, then walked over to Cheng Jin, held her hand and said softly, "I didn''t know my mom woulde over today. She probably saw the news and found out about thepany, got worried about me and came over." He was afraid she would think he was ying games, introducing them at home first so his mom could corner her.


    Cheng Jin looked at him, "Had auntie met LiQi and I before?"


    She could tell this wasn''t the olddy''s first time seeing them.


    "That time you came to the airport to pick me up, mom had alsoe to see me and happened to run into you all. I could only tell her the truth," Shao ChengZe tilted his chin at the feather dusters on the cab in the corner of the living room, "That night she gave me a good whacking with those feather dusters. I never got hit with feather dusters as a kid, didn''t expect to experience their might at this age."


    Cheng Jin imagined the scene and the corners of her lips turned up slightly as she tenderly scolded him, "You deserved it."


    He kneaded her hand, "There was another time I was video chatting with LiQi, my mom overheard LiQi''s voice but didn''t appear on video. She told me that without your consent, she wouldn''t appear before LiQi."


    "Oh." Cheng Jin simply responded with one word.


    Shao ChengZe leaned down to meet her eyes, "Not mad?"


    Cheng Jin nced at him, "Am I that easily angered? Auntie is very sweet, much more so than you."


    Shao ChengZeughed softly, lowering his voice even more, "If you want me to be sweet, I can be too, sweet only to you."


    Cheng Jin had already lifted her foot, about to step on his shoe, when Cheng LiQi came out of the bathroom, "Mom, I''m done, washed my hands too. The sink in there is small, just right for me to bend over to wash, same as home. Mom, look, did I wash clean?"


    "You washed very clean, our LiQi is so capable." Cheng Jin replied her daughter while continuing to lower her raised foot, stepping right on his shoe and grinding down hard.


    Cheng LiQi heard a muffled "Ugh", but before she could determine the source, Lv Siwei came out carrying arge box. Shao ChengZe raised his eyebrows, he knew this was likely the wee gift she had prepared, just not sure when she had gotten it ready.


    Meeting her son''s girlfriend and granddaughter for the first time, Lv Siwei worried she hadn''t prepared enough gifts. This was just part of it, there was more at home. She just hadn''t expected to meet them on this impromptu visit today and hade rushed and empty handed.


    Lv Siwei first took out a thick stack of red envelopes and held them out to Cheng LiQi with both hands, "Darling, these red envelopes are for you."


    Cheng LiQi didn''t reach for them, "Why is grandma giving me so many red envelopes?"


    Lv Siwei exined, "These are New Year''s red envelopes from grandma to make up for the six years you''ve been alive, one for each year."


    Cheng LiQi looked to her mother. Cheng Jin said, "Since grandma is giving them to you, go ahead and take them. Remember to thank her."


    "Thank you grandma." Cheng LiQi epted the red envelopes with both hands, "But I don''t have any gifts prepared for grandma!"


    Cheng Jin told her, "Next time you see grandma you can make up for it."


    Cheng LiQi nodded, and told Lv Siwei, "Grandma, next time I see you I''ll give you lots of gifts too."


    Lv Siwei beamed, agreeing there would be a next time.


    She took out six jewelry boxes, makeup birthday gifts, then six beautiful dresses as makeup Children''s Day gifts. The gifts covered the coffee table and sofa.


    Cheng LiQi loved pretty dresses and couldn''t wait to go try them on. Shao ChengZe apanied her to the wardrobe room.


    Lv Siwei took out a thick red envelope and small box. She opened the box, inside was a jade bracelet, "Jin, I got this at an auction with Chengze several years ago. When I bid on it, I was thinking of giving it as a wee gift when he someday brought a girlfriend home. I almost thought this gift would never be given out, didn''t expect to be able to fulfill this wish today. Although this is our first meeting, I feel a special connection with you. There is one jade character in your name, this must be fate. This bracelet was destined for you."


    As Fei Zuohui liked jade, Cheng Jin was quite knowledgeable about it. This kind of jadeite bracelet would not be cheap, worth at least the price of a house.


    Cheng Jin declined, "Auntie, I can''t ept this."


    Lv Siwei held her hand, "This is what aunt should give you. Don''t feel burdened at all. He never told me about what happened between you two before, but I know he must have done something very wrong, that''s why you chose to separate from him. Over these years, he didn''t say it out loud, but I could tell he always had you in his heart, and never got over you. You''re even willing to give him another chance, aunt is very grateful. To get to the root of it, it was aunt''s fault. He was my first child, I had no experience and didn''t raise him well. He didn''t inherit any of my personality at all. He doesn''t know how to speak, his face is as cold as a frozen dumpling all day long, but he likes you so much in his heart, yet he still acts all arrogant and aloof, he doesn''t say what''s on his mind no matter how urgent it is, it''s maddening. If only he had inherited my excellent genes of not being able to keep anything in my heart and saying it outright, you two probably wouldn''t have gone through so many ups and downs. Consider this mypensation, you have to forgive aunt for this."


    Cheng Jin was about to refuse, but hearing thest part, a smile appeared on her face. This is really a son badmouthing his own mother, not leaving any face.


    Seeing Cheng Jin smile, Lv Siwei also smiled. Without another word, she held her hand and put on the bracelet. The green bracelet and her slender wrist looked so good together. Lv Siwei patted the back of her hand, "Silly girl, you should keep the gift. As for him, you still need to deal with him the way you were going to. You can''t forgive a man too easily, you have to make him truly realize his mistakes."


    Cheng Jin softly breathed out an "Oh", "I understand, thank you auntie."


    The bracelet had been epted, Lv Siwei smiled with eyes narrowed, extremely delighted. At dinner, she sat next to her little granddaughter, watching as the little darling obediently ate mouthful by mouthful. Unknowingly, she also ate an extra bowl of rice herself. Children are such a joy, so well behaved, polite, smart and able to eat by themselves with good posture and manners. The mother and elders must have spent endless effort and energy. Her own son deserves to marry into their family and work hard for them.


    After dinner, Shao Chengze was responsible for washing dishes and cleaning up the table. Cheng Liqi pulled her mother and grandma to show them the birthday invitation she designed.


    As Cheng Liqi was talking, she suddenly remembered something. "Grandma, what did dad look like when he was six? I''ve seen what mom looked like at six, but not dad."


    "Wait a moment, grandma will grab the photo album for you. Not just six, I even have baby pictures of your dad." Lv Siwei hurried off to the study. She had the foresight to keep an album here too.


    Hearing Lv Siwei''s words, Shao Chengze came out from the kitchen and called to Cheng Jin, "Miao Miao,e help me tie this apron. My hands are wet so I can''t tie it myself."


    Photos from before three years old were ck history that absolutely could not be seen.


    Cheng Jin knew he was trying to distract her, but she didn''t point it out. The album wasn''t going anywhere, if she didn''t see it now she could see itter. The more anxious he was, the more worth watching it would be.


    When Lv Siwei came out and saw Cheng Jin wasn''t there, she guessed her son had called her away. She first took out the photos of her son at six to show her granddaughter. They could look at the rest together after her mom came back. ck history is more fun viewed together.


    Looking at the dad in the photos, his skin so fair, lips so red, eyes so big, pupils so dark. Cheng Liqi craned her neck to look at grandma, "Dad was so pretty at six!" Even prettier than Shen Chuqi.


    Lv Siwei flicked her little nose, "No matter how pretty he was, he''s not as pretty as little Liqi."


    Out of pure curiosity, Cheng Liqi asked again, "Grandma, with dad being so good looking, were there a lot of little girls who liked him in school?"


    The sweet, crisp voice carried into the kitchen. Shao Chengze stopped washing dishes, while Cheng Jin''s hands stilled for a moment before calmly continuing to tie his apron.


    Lv Siwei very firmly shook her head, speaking a bit louder, answering Cheng Liqi while also addressing the people in the kitchen, "No, he frowned all day long, scaring away any little girls. Who would still like him?"


    Cheng Liqi asked again, "None at all?"


    Lv Siwei was very certain, "Not one."


    Cheng Liqi proudly puffed out her little chest, "My mom had a lot of people who liked her. Grandma said many little boys gave gifts to her. Once when grandma went to a parent-teacher meeting, there was one especially naughty boy who directly called my grandma mother-inw, isn''t that so funny?"


    After speaking, she burst into giggles.


    Lv Siweiughed so hard she was out of breath, hugging the little darling onto herp and into her arms. She was nearlyughing herself to tears, how could there be such an adorable little treasure in the world?


    In the kitchen, the air froze for a moment.


    Shao Chengze turned to look at Cheng Jin.


    Cheng Jin had tied his apron into a tight knot and walked calmly out of the kitchen, acting as if she saw nothing.


    The gaze on her back zed into fire, but she pretended not to notice.

 Chapter 59: 059

    <h4>Chapter 59</h4>


    It must be said that photo albums are a good thing.


    As it turned out, Cheng Jin didn''t like to smile since he was little. Even when he was just born, he was like a little adult, with an indifferent expression on his chubby face. Although it was not cute, it was a little cute in that aloofness. Shao Chengze''s mouth corner involuntarily turned up.


    "Dad was so cute as a baby," Cheng LiQi said as she reached out and touched the chubby little face in the photo. "He would have been even cuter if he smiled."


    She continued flipping through the photo album. Under the bright lights, the air suddenly froze. Cheng LiQi pointed to a photo and uncertainly asked Lv Siwei, "Grandma, is this Dad?"


    Lv Siwei suppressed herugh and nodded.


    Shao Chengze picked a grape from the fruit tter and put it in his mouth, slowly and carefully chewing it, not wanting his smile to be too obvious.


    His slick ck hair was reluctantly pulled into two little pigtails tied with big red bows. His neat bangs covered his full forehead. The red dot in the center of his eyebrows stood out vibrantly and pleasingly against his fair skin. The red cheongsam was slit open all the way up to the thigh, revealing two chubby little legs.


    With such a cute outfit, his small face was still extremely serious. He stared at the camera impatiently, the contrast was obvious, making it difficult not tough.


    Cheng LiQi first covered her mouth and chuckled softly, thenter she couldn''t hold it in anymore. Her clearughter filled the living room as she called to the kitchen, "Dad, you looked so pretty in a cheongsam!"


    Shao Yunzheng poked his head out from the kitchen and looked at someone''s drooping mouth corners. Feeling moved, since this could make her so happy, he simply went with it, "Little LiQi, if you keep turning the pages, you''ll find even prettier looks of Dad."


    Before Shao Chengze turned three, Lv Siwei enjoyed dressing him up as a little girl for a period of time. As a baby, he neither liked tough nor cry. Every day after eating his fill, he would just lie in bed or sit in a rocking chair, staring nkly as if in a daze, or seeming to contemte his three-year-old life. This baby''s days were a little boring, so Lv Siwei wanted to find some fun things for him to do. Unfortunately, no matter how she tried, she couldn''t change his cold poker face, wasted his good looks.


    After returning from her dad''s house, Cheng LiQi slept with a smile still on her face. Her lips in her sleep would murmur indistinctly like a little kitten from time to time,ughing out soft mews, probably dreaming of the pretty sides of Dad.


    Shao Chengze squatted by the bed watching his daughter for a long time before leaving. Cheng Jin sat cross-legged on the sofa reading a notebook. Seeing hime out, she put the notebook down and hooked her pinky with his extended finger, slowly enveloping her whole hand in his palm.


    "I''m going on a business trip tomorrow. It''ll probably be half a month. I have to visit all the major domestic and overseas subsidiaries, so it''ll take some time. I''ll be back a couple days before LiQi''s birthday."


    Cheng Jin nodded to show she understood. As the saying goes, the courtier must change with the sovereign. He had just fully taken over his grandfather''s position, so he would inevitably have to inspect all the group''s subordinatepanies. His days probably wouldn''t be easy for a while.


    Shao Chengze was not very satisfied with her attitude. A day apart felt like three autumns. Half a month''s time was practically half a lifetime. He hadn''t even gotten on the ne yet but already felt the time apart would be hard to endure. She didn''t seem to care much that he was going on a business trip.


    He squeezed the softness in his palm. "Don''t you even say you''ll miss me?"


    Cheng Jin leaned back against the sofa. "I have an important event at the hotel the day after tomorrow that I''ll be very busy with the next few days. After it ends, I n to take LiQi out to y for a few days to escape this deadly hot weather. I probably won''t have much time to think of you."


    ...Shao Chengze wondered if he could postpone this business trip.


    Cheng Jin saw through his thoughts. "You can''t go even if you don''t go on the trip. My mom''s going too."


    Shao Chengze pulled her from the sofa onto hisp. "If I just call her Mother-inw, do you think she won''t hit me?"


    Cheng Jinzily draped her arms around his neck, looking at him mockingly. "If you can dress up like in the photo, in a cheongsam, and call her that, I think my mom wouldn''t be able toy a hand on you."


    If it made his mother-inw happy, he supposed he could do it. But that wasn''t important right now. He bit her ear. "Did a lot of people write you love letters when you were in school?"


    Cheng Jin thought seriously about the question and gave a serious answer. "Not a lot...about one a day, I guess."


    Could a sentence explode a beehive? Shao Chengze didn''t know, but a sentence could definitely explode a vat of vinegar.


    Gasping for breath, she dodged his approaching lips. Grabbing his ear, she asked, "Shouldn''t you reflect on why you never wrote me a love letter?"


    Shao Chengze was stunned for a second, feeling her question was right on target.


    Cheng Jin had just blurted that out in a fluster. Seeing him actually taking it seriously, she quickly took back her words, "I''m just kidding, don''t write, never write."


    Love letters were too cheesy, she couldn''t stand anything cheesy. Things were good as they were now. Unlike the elusive, unpredictable feeling before, now she could clearly feel his feelings. That was enough. Words could enhance emotions, but ultimately they drifted on paper, illusory. Compared to words, she preferred tangible actions she could see with her eyes.


    Shao Chengze gently brushed her lips. "Although mynguage grades were the worst, I can still write a love letter."


    "I told you not to write."


    Amanding tone that should have sounded more forceful instead turned into delicate whimpers under his lips.


    Shao Chengze entwined her tongue. "Beg me."


    She wouldn''t beg him. Cheng Jin scratched his bulging neck veins with her nails. "Since you want to write, anything less than a thousand words doesn''t count."


    Whether to write or not was his business. Whether to read it or not was her business. If he wanted to write, then write.


    "Deal."


    Shao Chengze agreed readily. Pressing the back of her head, he eagerly stole the air from her mouth. Cheng Jin had almost no ability to resist, she could only desperately try to keep up with his pace with the little bit of air he transferred to her.


    Late at night, the room was left with only the sticky sounds of saliva exchange.


    "You should go." Cheng Jin pressed down the hand that was wandering up her waist, reminding him in her panting breaths.


    Shao Chengze gripped her hand instead of letting it go, pinning it to the sofa. His hand didn''t move again, but his lips grew more ferocious.


    He knew she definitely wouldn''t let him stay tonight, but he was about to go half a month without seeing her. He could only take as much as she allowed in her boundaries.


    It waste when Shao Chengze got home. Lv Siwei had long gone to bed. On his bedroom door was a note in his mother''s handwriting. [Oh? You can actually bear toe back. Not easy.]


    With just a simple sentence, without even punctuation, the sarcasm was strong. Shao Chengze took the paper down and folded it into a neat square. Although he felt awkward being teased by his mother about his rtionship, the satisfied feeling in his eyes couldn''t be concealed.


    In the next few days, they were both busy. Shao Chengze was either in meetings, at banquets, or on a ne. Cheng Jin had to arrange the following work ahead of time since she was going to take some time off. Her schedule was also full every day. asionally, when they had free time, they would exchange a message or two, knowing what the other was doing. Although they were oceans apart, across time zones, their hearts felt closer than ever, as if he was right by her side.


    Cheng Jin had just left a banquet at the hotel tonight and was walking to the curb to wait for her driver when someone called out, "Cheng Jin."


    Cheng Jin heard someone calling her name. She stopped and looked up from her phone, the corners of her mouth still curled in a faint smile. The person calling her was a ck-haired woman who looked somewhat older. Her face was taut from excessive cosmetic procedures and had a harsh look to it.


    "And you are?" Cheng Jin asked politely. She was certain they had never met before.


    "I''m Wu Jingyao," the woman said.


    Cheng Jin searched her memory for the name. It sounded vaguely familiar, but she couldn''t quite ce where she had heard it. She didn''t pay much attention to other people in the Shao family, so if she had heard the name in passing, it was quickly forgotten. Of course she had no idea who this Wu Jingyao was.


    The contempt in Wu Jingyao''s eyes was unconcealed. "I''m Shao Yunzheng''s wife, Shao Chengze''s grandmother."


    Cheng Jin could sense the hostilitying from her. She dropped the polite smile and replied coolly, "As far as I know, Shao Chengze''s grandmother was Madam Yin, who passed away many years ago."


    So there was no need to drop Shao Chengze''s name and pretend to be some elder rtive. To Cheng Jin, she was just a stranger.


    Wu Jingyao was left speechless. Before she could say anything else, Cheng Jin cut her off directly, "I''m busy and can''t chat. Sorry about that."


    She gave a slight nod as goodbye, then walked around Wu Jingyao and continued on her way, returning to her phone. She really had no desire to listen to this woman''s nonsense.


    Wu Jingyao watched Cheng Jin''s retreating back, her voice turning vicious, "You think Shao Chengze is with you just so he can get back at your Cheng family and swallow you up whole? It''s your uncle who was having an affair with his grandmother Yin Manqing. They wanted to elope together but got into a car ident that killed his grandmother."


    Cheng Jin turned back around.


    Wu Jingyao gave a coldugh. "Don''t believe me? Just you wait. One day he will destroy your Cheng family. He''s ruthless and scheming. You think he loves you? How wrong you are. All he will bring you is ruin."


    Cheng Jin looked Wu Jingyao up and down. "Mrs. Wu,ing to a hotel at this time...are you getting a divorce or has the Shao family kicked you out?"


    "You!" Wu Jingyao pointed a finger at her.


    Cheng Jin had just taken a random guess, but it seemed she had hit the mark, judging from Wu Jingyao''s reaction. She smiled mockingly. "So mind your own business. Our affairs are none of your concern. As for adulterous rtionships, I believe you are the one who intruded into someone else''s marriage and had an affair with a married man. You are hardly in a position to judge others when you havemitted the same acts. Think about whether you even have the right to say those things before you open your mouth."


    Wu Jingyao was so angry her heavily powdered face turned red under its thickyer of makeup. But she had no retort against Cheng Jin.


    It was true that Shao Yunzheng wanted a divorce. Wu Jingyao had moved out to show she had backbone, but more so because she wanted to y hard to get. However, Shao Yunzheng was determined to divorce her, and didn''t care whether she lived or died.


    Shao Zhangke didn''t know what had happened between his parents. He couldn''t understand why two people their age would be getting divorced. He kept shuttling back and forth, trying to persuade them to reconcile. Of course Shao Zhangke didn''t want them to split up. With his shares in the Shao Corporation gone, if his mother divorced his father too, how would he keep his foothold there? How would he get money to support all his mistresses?


    But divorce was no longer Wu Jingyao''s decision to make. All she could do now was hire the best legal team possible to win a decent settlement in the division of assets, but that would be difficult. She knew Shao Chengze had recordings that left her almost no room to turn things around. Running into Cheng Jin today, she had wanted to cause problems for Shao Chengze, but instead ended up humiliating herself.


    As soon as Cheng Jin got into the car, she received an overseas call from Shao Chengze. She answered andzily asked, "Are you having me followed, or keeping tabs on Wu Jingyao?"


    He had messaged her earlier saying his meeting still had over half an hour to go. Now this urgent call could only mean he had received some news on his end.


    Shao Chengze paused. He hadn''t expected her to be so perceptive and figure out his reason for calling before he even said anything. "Following Wu Jingyao," he admitted, "to prevent any other tricks from her."


    "Oh."


    Cheng Jin wedged the phone between her ear and shoulder, then reached up to remove the hairpin from her updo. Her inky ck tresses tumbled down over her shoulders. She ran her fingers through the strands in a roughb, then settled back against the seat. The wine reception hadn''t been tiring, but days of intense work had left her nerves strained.


    "What did she say to you?" Shao Chengze knew Wu Jingyao''s words were unlikely to be pleasant.


    Cheng Jin gave him a summary of what Wu Jingyao had said, including the im that he was with Cheng Jin to get revenge on the Cheng family and swallow them up.


    "Do you believe what she said?" Maybe it was Shao Chengze''s imagination, but with him unable to see her expression, her tone sounded a little distant.


    Cheng Jin turned to look out at the passing cars and pedestrians, her attention still focused on the phone. "You called so urgently just to exin to me, so I''m waiting for your exnation."


    It was as if Shao Chengze sensed something. He asked tentatively, "If I exin, you''ll believe me?"


    "Mm."


    "Really?"


    "What''s with the ''really''? Of course I''ll believe your words over hers."


    The phone went silent, the only sound their breathing. Cheng Jin found the wordless quietfortable too.


    "Miaomiao," Shao Chengze murmured softly.


    Shezily responded, "Hmm?"


    He sighed. "I want to kiss you. What should I do?"


    Cheng Jin retorted impatiently, "Go soak your head!"

 Chapter 60: 060

    <h4>Chapter 60</h4>


    Shao ChengZe lightlyughed at her words. With such a long distance between them, it seemed like all they could do was have a "cold sd" rtionship.


    Cheng Jin''s ears grew hot from hisugh. She spoke sternly, "What are youughing at? I''m still waiting for your exnation."


    Shao ChengZe stoppedughing and became serious. He slowly recounted to her his grandparents'' past from beginning to end.


    After listening, Cheng Jin was silent for a long time. She knew she had a young uncle who had died prematurely. Whenever her father mentioned this uncle, his words were full of respect and regret, but he avoided talking about how his uncle had died.


    "Miao Miao?" Shao ChengZe called her when she didn''t respond.


    Cheng Jin rested her head against the car window and softly murmured in response.


    "Why aren''t you talking?"


    "I just... feel like I was a bit willful."


    Her uncle was an elder her father liked and respected. He probably didn''t want to have any connection with the Shao family, but she had forced him to face the Shao family because of her own willfulness.


    Shao ChengZe understood her unspoken feelings. He sincerely said, "I''m sorry."


    This was a debt owed by the Shao family that could not be forgiven with just an apology, but right now, all he could do was apologize.


    Cheng Jin replied, "Why are you apologizing? This has nothing to do with you. You weren''t even born at that time."


    His grandfather was his grandfather, and he was him. She could still distinguish that.


    She pretended to be lighthearted. "You just have to work harder now. It looks like getting my dad''s approval will be even harder than I thought."


    Shao ChengZe said, "I''m not afraid of difficulties, as long as you don''t waver. Miao Miao, promise me, don''t retreat because of this, and don''t me yourself for this either. This isn''t your fault."


    "Okay, I know. Go back to your meeting. It''s sote already. Don''t keep people waiting. I''m home now too."


    "Alright." Shao ChengZe was worried. "Don''t think about anything. Just sleep well."


    "Mm."


    After hanging up the phone, Cheng Jin sat in the car for a while before getting out. She passed through the moon gate and went to her parents'' ce. Cheng LiQi was already asleep. Cheng Jin tucked the hair stuck messily on her daughter''s face behind her ears, then leaned down to kiss her forehead before gently leaving the room.


    Fei Zuhui came over holding a ss of honey water and handed it to her. "Drank a lot? Why is your face so red?"


    Cheng Jin took the honey water with one hand and touched her face with the other. "Didn''t drink much, just two sses. Maybe I''m just flushing easily today." She took a sip of the honey water and looked towards the study. "Did my dade back?"


    "He''s back, in the study."


    Cheng Jin hesitated for a moment, still unsure of what to say.


    Cheng Shanhe called to her from the study, "Er''niang, if you have something to say,e in and talk."


    "Go on in," Fei Zuhui nodded towards the study. "He likes it when you look for him to talk. If your eldest brother said he wanted to talk, your dad''s eyebrows would be knitted real tight."


    Cheng Jin hugged Fei Zuhui briefly before turning and entering the study.


    Seeing here in, Cheng Shanhe took off his sses and pointed to the sofa chair next to the desk. "Sit. What''s the matter?"


    Cheng Jin sat down, rubbing her thumb over the ss surface, looking at Cheng Shanhe. "Dad, I know about the situation between our family and the Shao family now."


    Cheng Shanhe got up, pulled over a chair, and sat down across from Cheng Jin. "Did Shao ChengZe tell you?"


    "I ran into Wu Jingyao today. She said some nonsense, so I asked Shao ChengZe about it."


    Cheng Shanhe said, "You don''t need to pay any mind to what Wu Jingyao said. She shouldn''t be relying on her rtionship with Shao ChengZe to act superior in front of you. As far as I know, Shao Yun is going through divorce proceedings with her."


    Cheng Jin nodded slightly. She pondered for a moment before speaking again, "Dad, I''m sorry, I''ve been too willful."


    Cheng Shanhe cut her off. "Jin, there are some things I didn''t tell you because I was afraid you''d feel burdened. No one can predict matters of the heart. The grievances between our families of the older generation have nothing to do with you or Shao ChengZe. As long as you''re certain you like him and he treats you wholeheartedly, then he passes in my book. Of course," Cheng Shanhe paused halfway through, "my assessment of him isn''t over yet, so it''s too early to say whether he passes or not. You can tell him clearly that my trial period for him will be at least one or two years, or even seven or eight years."


    Cheng Jin smiled slightly. "Okay, Dad."


    Seeing his daughter smile, Cheng Shanhe finally felt a little relieved. "However, the Shao family handled things quite gracefully this time. Dealing with it swiftly and decisively, resolving most of what needed to be resolved. I thought he would need more time, having to n everything alone inside and out, but he resolved it so quickly, very much like his grandmother''s style back in the day. Shao ChengZe is a lot like his grandmother, in the way he handles matters and in looks." Cheng Shanhe walked over to the bookshelf and took out a photo from a book, handing it to her. "This is a photo your uncle always treasured."


    The photo showed two people, looking like students. The boy was tall and handsome, while the girl had delicate features and short, stylish hair. The two were far apart, each looking at the camera, as if they were unrted strangers who just happened to be photographed together.


    "Your uncle liked her, but missed the chance to confess his feelings. Things like destiny, one misstep leads to continued missteps after that. Even with regret, nothing can be salvaged. Before your uncle passed away, he told me he was d to be able to follow in her footsteps. If he knew you were together with Enyin Qing''s grandson, I think he would also beforted."


    Cheng Shanhe patted his daughter''s shoulder. "So don''t let it weigh on your mind too much. Things like romance, just focus on you and him. If he can''t make you happy, kick him to the curb and find someone else."


    Cheng Jin had always felt she had the best dad and mom in the world. They would guide her when she was lost, cheer her up when she was unhappy, like a lighthouse, standing firmly by her side, protecting her and their family.


    That night, Cheng Jin didn''t go back to her own ce, instead sleeping with her daughter in the same bed, her daughter in her arms, her parents next door - probably the most secure feeling in the world.


    The next morning when Cheng Jin woke up, she saw the message he had senttest night, saying he was boarding the ne and would contact her afternding. She knew he was flying to Singapore today. He had been gone for five days already. Before, a week had felt like it was passing quickly, but now after just five days, it felt like time was passing a little slowly.


    Cheng LiQi had woken up too. She blurrily opened her eyes, saw her mother was right beside her, coquettishly called out in a long, drawn-out voice "Mama", then flipped over toy on top of Cheng Jin, hugging her neck. Still sleepy-eyed, she said, "Mama, I dreamed about you and Papast night."


    Cheng Jin gently asked, "What were we doing in your dream?"


    Cheng LiQi thought for a moment. "Nothing special really, just Papa cooking in the kitchen, Mama working, and me ying games in the living room, but I just felt so happy."


    Cheng Jin kissed her little face. "So it''s such a simple thing that makes our LiQi happy."


    Cheng LiQi nodded vigorously. "Being happy is a very simple thing!"


    She nodded so hard that her messy hair shook along with her movements. Looking at the hair falling in front of her eyes, then thinking of how she looked right now, sheughed loudly, evenughing hard enough to bend over backwards. "Mama, don''t I look really funny right now, like a little lion?"


    Cheng Jin messily ruffled her hair. "Now you really look like a little lion."


    Thinking her mother wouldn''t notice, Cheng LiQi secretly got up and reached out her little arms to messily ruffle her mother''s hair too,ughing even louder. "Mama looks just like me now!"


    Cheng Jin held her little waist to keep her from falling over, pressing her forehead to her daughter''s forehead. "So now our family has two lions, one little lion and one big lion."


    Mother and daughter rolled around on the bed, and after Fei Zuhui knocked on the door and came in, he said, "Stop messing around and get up. There''s a lot to do today. Old Two, go to thepany early ande back early. Little LiQi, go shopping with grandmater. Hurry up and get ready, wash up and eat breakfast."


    The adult and the child immediately stopped their romp. They obediently responded and quickly got out of bed, lining up one after the other to go to the bathroom to wash up. Their flight was tonight. They were going to the ind to y for ten days. When they came back, it would be Little LiQi''s birthday.


    Cheng Jin arrived at the hotel and had meetings with various departments all morning. Not only the employees, even she herself ended the meetings with a dizzy head. She went back to her office. The first thing she did was take off her high heels and step on the floor barefoot. It felt extremelyfortable. She didn''t n to eat lunch here either. She tidied up the work at hand and prepared to leave.


    Just as she sat down, she heard a knock at the door. She called out "Come in" in a loud voice. Her high heels were still at the door. She didn''t go to put them on either. Anyway, Tang Yicheng was already used to her asional unreliability.


    The door opened, and Cheng Jin saw the person behind Tang Yicheng. She was stunned. How could he appear here at this time? Tang Yicheng brought the person in and took the opportunity to withdraw, watching the boss fall in love was too hurtful for a single dog.


    Shao Chengze looked at her somewhat nk expression. The irritability in his heart all the way here finally settled down. He walked up to her with a smile in his eyes, "I hope it''s a surprise, not a shock."


    He changed his route temporarily. He was originally flying to Singapore, but the phone callst night made him a little worried, so he still wanted toe back and take a look.


    Also, he missed her, he just didn''t know if she missed him.


    Cheng Jin sat in her chair, looking up at him steadily, then slowly opened her arms and said softly, "Hug me."


    Without a second of hesitation, Shao Chengze leaned down and hugged her tightly. His voice was hoarse from not sleeping all night, "It seems you missed me too."


    It wasn''t a question but a statement.


    Cheng Jin rested her chin on his shoulder, her arms circled his waist. She didn''t deny his words, only asked him, "Why did youe back?"


    Her dependent posture and longing tone made Shao Chengze feel that changing his route this time was the most correct decision. He hugged her even tighter and said to her, "Because I wanted to kiss you, so I came back."


    Cheng Jin leaned in and softly asked in his ear, "So do you want to kiss now?"


    Shao Chengze''s breathing suddenly became hurried. He hugged her waist tightly, lifted her onto the desk, and changed the height of the two people to the most suitable height for kissing. He gently lifted her chin, and her lips were delivered to his mouth. The first kiss fell lightly and gently, seeming to touch but not to touch, gently teasing. Cheng Jin''s nerves were hooked by this light tingling numbness, involuntarily wanting more. Shao Chengze''s eyes grew darker and darker, and the light rain suddenly turned into torrential rain, sweeping everything away and devouring everything.


    In a daze, Cheng Jin thought of something. She reached out her hand on the desk to grope around, but no matter how she groped, she couldn''t find it. Shao Chengze felt her distraction and punished her by lightly biting her lips. His palm suddenly tightened over the soft curves, and Cheng Jin couldn''t hold back the soft moan and whimper from her throat. She kicked his leg with the foot dangling in mid-air. This was an office, not home.


    Shao Chengze''s lips didn''t leave hers. "What are you looking for?"


    "Remote control, ss." Cheng Jin barely breathed out a few words. Although nothing could be seen from the outside at this height, it was still better to be safe than sorry.


    Shao Chengze understood her words. He reached out and took the remote control behind her and pressed a button. The transparent bright ss changed color and blocked the scenery and sunlight outside.


    All of Cheng Jin''s strength had been drained by him, she could only lean into his arms. His force was so great it was as if he wanted to embed her into his body. She pushed his shoulders with her hands but couldn''t exert any strength at all. Shao Chengze''s kisses slowly moved from the corner of her lips to the root of her ear, his hoarse voice whispered, "Don''t worry, I won''t do anything. I have to leave in an hour. If we really do it, I''m afraid I won''t be able to stop."


    Cheng Jin wanted to kick him again, but her feet were mped by him, she couldn''t move even if she wanted to, she could only continue to sink following his breathing.


    After the storm subsided, he sat in her office chair and she sat on hisp. He didn''t do anything, but her hair was messy, her shirt was wrinkled, and the buttons were messy. If she didn''t have spare clothes here, Cheng Jin would have wanted to open the door and kick him straight out.


    Shao Chengze carefully helped her button up her shirt one by one, his actions were perfect gentlemen,pletely different from just now.


    "I''m sorry, I was too impatient." You could never find any fault in his apologetic attitude. Cheng Jin pped his hand away, "Don''t button them up," she let him see for himself, "Do you think it can still be worn?"


    Shao Chengze''s expression was unusually embarrassed for once, "Do you have a spare? Or should I have someone bring one over now?"


    Cheng Jin red at him, but she also knew she couldn''t put all the responsibility on him, after all, she was the one who tempted him first. She leaned over to reach the phone on the desk and called Tang Yicheng on the inte, asking him to bring two meals from the restaurant.


    She hung up the phone and turned to ask him, "Do you want to go inside and rest for a while, take a little nap?"


    This office of hers was a suite with a rest area inside that had everything. He had changed ns temporarily and flew back like this, he must not have slept well.


    Shao Chengze replied, "I won''t sleep anymore. There''s so little time left, it would be too much of a waste to use it for sleeping."


    Cheng Jin looked at his slightly sunken eye sockets. She cupped his face with both hands and said to him earnestly, "Next time don''t rush back like this. What I said on the phone was what I really felt. You don''t have toe back and confirm it again. Aren''t you tired?"


    Shao Chengze also answered her sincerely, "I was just afraid that if I missed it once, you would run away again."


    Cheng Jin got off hisp and gathered the cor of her shirt in her hands. Her tone was joking, "I will run, don''t you know how to chase?"


    The white toes falling on the ck floor created too strong a visual impact.


    The irritation in Shao Chengze that had finally subsided began to flip uncontrobly again. He reached out to catch her. Cheng Jin sensed his intention and had already turned and ran towards the rest area. First fast steps, then directly running. She then mmed the door shut, locking the vicious wolfhound outside, and locking the door.


    Shao Chengze leaned against the door and said to the person inside, "You''re right, I was too stupid before," he deliberately lowered his voice, but it could still prate the door and reach the inside, "They say a dog''s nose is the most sensitive. I won''t forget your scent in this lifetime, so no matter where you run to the ends of the earth, I can still catch up to you."


    The only reply he got was an angry "get lost".


    Cheng LiQi didn''t know at all that her dad hade back. Before boarding the ne that night, when grandma went to the bathroom, she even video called her dad. Shao Chengze had just gotten off the ne and happened to pick up his daughter''s video call. Cheng LiQi chatted with her dad for a long time, and finally held the phone sideways and asked her mother, "Mom, do you want to talk to Dad?"


    Cheng Jin''s eyes were fixed on the tablet, she didn''t even lift her head once. "No more to say, just you talk to Dad."


    Cheng LiQi looked at her dad in the video and sighed lightly, "Dad, it seems you haven''t done well enough. You don''t have a very important position in Mom''s heart. It seems Mom doesn''t even miss you, so Dad, you have to work harder."


    Shao Chengze chuckled softly at his daughter, "Then Dad will try harder. But Dad misses Mom very much, and Little LiQi too."


    Honey flowed from Cheng LiQi''s curved eyes. "I miss Dad too."


    Because she missed her dad so much, Cheng LiQi sent her dad beautiful photos of her mom every day, of course also photos of herself. She was now a little photographer who especially liked to take pictures of her mom and grandma. After sending them to Dad, she certainly couldn''t forget Grandpa. She also sent all the beautiful photos she took of Grandma, and of herself, to Grandpa. She didn''t even need to ask, Grandpa must miss her and Grandma very very much.


    Today they were invited by the neighbors on the nearby ind to attend a party. There were many people at the party, and even more came to talk to Mom and Grandma. Mom and Grandma were so beautiful. Cheng Liqi blinked and picked up her phone hanging around her neck.


    Five minutester, Shao ChengZe and Cheng Shanhe received the photos sent by Cheng Liqi.


    The two men narrowed their eyes at the same time.

 Chapter 61: 061

    <h4>Chapter 61</h4>


    Cheng Jin received a video call from Shao ChengZe and was a bit surprised. She apologized to everyone and told Cheng LiQi that she needed to take a phone call outside and asked her to stay with Grandma.


    Cheng LiQi obediently nodded her head. Her bright eyes were filled with mischief, and she knew without looking that it must be her dad who called.


    Cheng Jin walked out of the lively house and found a rtively quiet corner to sit in a beach chair and answered the call, "Why aren''t you asleep yet?"


    It should be two or three in the morning over there.


    Looking at the woman on the screen, Shao ChengZe spoke in an even lower voice, as if whispering right next to her ear, "Missing you."


    His deep gaze was too focused. Cheng Jin unconsciously avoided his eyes and looked out at the boundless night sea. She only gave him a glimpse of her fair neck and softly replied, "Then you can only miss me."


    "What are you doing?" Shao ChengZe''s voice grew lower.


    Cheng Jin tucked the hair brushing her cheeks behind her ears. "The neighbors on the nearby ind are having a party and invited us."


    "Is it fun?"


    Cheng Jin nodded. She lookedpletely rxed. "It''s quite interesting."


    "That''s good, have fun then." Shao ChengZe was half sincere and half perfunctory.


    "Okay, you should go to sleep too. You have to get up early tomorrow." Cheng Jin was about to hang up.


    "MiaoMiao," Shao ChengZe stopped her.


    "Hmm?"


    "Where''s the ne?"


    Cheng Jin looked down. She had taken off the ring and ne when showering and forgot to put them back on when going out.


    Cheng Jin replied, "Forgot to wear it."


    Just as Shao ChengZe was about to say something, a man''s voice came from the distance on his end.


    "Lan, what are you doing out here alone? Come back and dance."


    Without even looking at the man, Shao ChengZe could tell from his voice that he was likely a very young man with a foreign ent.


    Cheng Jin waved her hand at the man. "Go first. I''ll be right there."


    Seemingly casual, Shao ChengZe asked, "A friend? His Chinese is pretty good."


    Cheng Jin was toozy to expose the undisguised sourness in his tone. "The host''s son. A sunny, handsome boy. Very cute."


    Shao ChengZe was silent for a second. "I thought you don''t like puppies."


    Leaning on her chin, Cheng Jinzily tapped her cheek with her index finger. "I suddenly realized that asionally changing tastes isn''t bad either."


    Shao ChengZe knew she was doing it on purpose, yet he couldn''t help his changing expressions.


    Cheng Jin got up from the beach chair. "Alright, it''ste. Go to sleep. I''m going to dance now."


    The video was disconnected and the screen went pitch ck. Shao ChengZe''s face darkened as he rebooked the flight ticket he had just booked.


    Last night''s party ended veryte, but Cheng Jin and her mother returned early. Young children sleep early, and Cheng LiQi was especially drowsyst night. Before eight o''clock, she rubbed her eyes and said she was sleepy, probably worn out from running around the beach all day. But when they got back to the vi, the sleepy girl suddenly regained her spirit and pestered her mother and grandma to watch an animated movie before going to bed.


    Vacation was all about rxing. The three generations slept until noon every day before getting up. Cheng Jin woke up a little early today. She seemed to smell food cooking outside, but her mother was sleeping in bed, and the housekeeper usually didn''te until the afternoon. So who was cooking?


    Cheng Jin shuffled out in slippers and slowly wandered over. Opening the door, she saw the person behind the bar and was pleasantly surprised for a moment.


    Cheng Shanhe was frying eggs. Hearing the door open, he turned and saw it was his daughter. He smiled gently, "You''re up so early? Did I wake you?"


    Cheng Jin shook her head. "Dad, when did you get here?"


    Yesterday, Little LiQi video chatted with Grandpa. He said he was going to Lin City today to investigate a project. How did he appear here as soon as she woke up?


    Cheng Shanhe turned off the stove and said to his daughter, "I had your brother go for me. Although Shao ChengZe is the same age as your brother, he already shoulders the Shao family business alone. I''m at retirement age now, it''s time to let go. I n to have your brother take over for me by the end of this year. Then your mother and I can travel the world."


    Cheng Jin gave her dad a thumbs up. "Great idea, Mom will be thrilled."


    Cheng Shanhe took a peek inside the bedroom. Leaning in, he quietly asked his daughter, "Did your mom have funst night?"


    Now Cheng Jin seemed to understand why her dad showed up here so early in the morning. There was a fleeting trace of amusement in her eyes as she replied, "She had a great time. She and the host''s son opened the party with a dance that brought down the house. Afterwards, men lined up to ask her to dance."


    Cheng Shanhe coughed. "Your mother has always been a great dancer."


    Cheng Jin nodded in agreement. "It''s just that Mom was wearing a ring, otherwise someone would have asked her out to dinner tonight."


    Cheng Shanhe asked, "Are they hosting another party tonight?"


    Barely containing herughter, Cheng Jin took a sip of water. "No more parties."


    Cheng Shanhe was a little disappointed that he didn''t even get a chance to stake his im.


    Cheng LiQi was overjoyed to see Grandpa when she woke up. Fei Zuhui was also in a good mood seeing her husband.


    The atmosphere was great until lunch when Cheng Shanhe mentioned someone he ran into on the ne. Fei Zuhui''s expression immediately changed. With her daughter and granddaughter present, she refrained from leaving the table but put down her chopsticks and refused to eat another bite of the meal he had cooked.


    Cheng Shanhe noticed his wife''s displeasure but didn''t realize what he had done wrong. The person he mentioned was a close friend of Fei Zuhui''s. As far as he knew, the two had a good rtionship. They happened to be on the same flight and her seat was next to his, so they chatted for a bit.


    Cheng Shanhe looked to his daughter, but Cheng Jin was also unclear about what had happened. She only knew that Madam Liu, whom her dad spoke of, used to visit her mom quite frequently in recent years until she suddenly stopped appearing at their home. Judging by her mom''s reaction, something must have happened between them.


    After the meal, Cheng Jin tentatively asked Fei Zuhui a couple times but didn''t get any clues. She wanted to help her dad but didn''t know where to start, since her mom was quite upset this time and wouldn''t even speak to him. After swimming with Little LiQi in the pool for a fewps, she went to take a nap, leaving Cheng Shanhe alone in the pool to reflect on which of his words had triggered his wife.


    Cheng Jin had been sleeping very well these days. Not feeling sleepy in the afternoon, she strolled along the beach, picking up pretty seashells toter y with Little LiQi after she woke up.


    The sandy beach was soft and silvery. She had unknowingly walked quite far, around to the backyard of the small ind. The sky was blue, the clouds were white, and the sea breeze was mild. Falling asleep here also seemed like a nice idea. Cheng Jin sat on the dock by the seaside, dipping her feet into the cool water. She lined up the collected seashells from biggest to smallest, a very boring thing to do, yet she somehow found it quite amusing.


    The screen of her phone sitting next to her lit up and she smiled, picking it up to answer. "MiaoMiao, look up," said the person on the call.


    Cheng Jin looked up nkly. A yacht appeared in her line of sight, heading toward her on the azure surface of the sea.


    She was momentarily speechless. "Don''t tell me you''re on that yacht?"


    The yacht approached swiftly atopyers of waves and stopped next to the dock. The person standing on the deck immediately confirmed her guess.


    Cheng Jin craned her neck to look at him. Dressed in ck beach pants and a white shirt, his sharp, chiseled features seemed even more handsome and ethereal in the sunlight. She thought she must be dreaming.


    The gangway was directly across from Cheng Jin. Shao ChengZe walked over and held out his hand to her. "Come aboard?"


    Cheng Jin¡¯s mind went nk when he pulled her onto the yacht, and she gradually came to her senses. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Shao Chengze put his arm around her and walked her towards the helm. With one hand wrapped around her waist and the other steering the wheel, he turned the direction and said, ¡°I¡¯ve been here for a while, arrived at the airport around the same time as your dad.¡±


    Shao Chengze saw Cheng Shanhe at the airport exit. Cheng was ahead of him, but they flew in from different ces andnded around the same time.


    ¡°Then where have you been all morning?¡±


    ¡°Next door.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Shao Chengze leaned in and pecked her lips. ¡°You have two neighbors. The one who hosted the partyst night was your neighbor to the west. I''m your neighbor to the east.¡±


    ...He somehow always ended up as her neighbor no matter where she went.


    ¡°When did you buy it?¡±


    What she really wanted to say was if he had money to burn.


    She didn''t say it out loud, but Shao Chengze could tell what she was thinking from her expressive eyes that made him unable resist the urge to kiss her this instant without waiting another minute.


    Shao Chengze elerated the yacht to full speed and barely docked at the pier on the eastern neighboring ind. He picked her up in his arms, answering her previous question, ¡°Strike while the iron is hot. To pluck the moon, I need to build several pavilions along the water.¡±


    Cheng Jin wrapped her arms around his neck, lips brushing past his ear, and scoffed softly, ¡°I think you''re just crazy.¡±


    Shao Chengze turned his head to kiss her snow-white neck, his footsteps unhalted as he carried her below deck to the cabin, ¡°When ites to certain things, I''m very willing to go crazy.¡±


    It was true insanity. The moment his breath fell on her, Cheng Jin knew this would be the end today.


    She pushed him while retreating to the corner of the bed. ¡°I have to go back at three o''clock. Liqi will wake up around then and look for me.¡±


    Shao Chengze raised his wrist to check his watch. There were still two hours before three o''clock. He ripped open the buttons on his shirt, revealing his toned abs, and pulled her ankle to drag her back under him. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely let you go back at three.¡±


    Cheng Jin was truly afraid. She took the initiative to lean in, her lips brushing against his bobbing Adam''s apple. Her voice was blurred and soft. ¡°Shao Chengze, you have to be gentle.¡±


    All the blood in Shao Chengze''s body instantly surged towards his lower abdomen. He suppressed his ragged breathing, supported her waist with his arm, and slid his hand up her smooth calf. She was wearing a ck strap dress that facilitated any of his actions. His voice was hoarse as he assured her, ¡°I will be very gentle.¡±


    And he was gentle indeed, so gentle that Cheng Jin wanted to die. Her dress was bunched up at her waist as shey prone on the bed. The person behind her had hot, heavy breaths that slowly travelled down from her shoulders, leaving a moist trail that seeped into her pores and teased every nerve ending with an unbearable tingling. Her muffled whimpers grew louder as she groped behind her, trying to catch the culprit wrecking havoc on her body, but her limbs were limp and powerless.


    ¡°Shao Chengze,¡± she sobbed his name.


    ¡°Hmm? Do you want me to be even more gentle?¡±


    Cheng Jin was at a loss for words.


    Hearing no response, Shao Chengze¡¯s breath continued its descent. He grabbed her hand resting by her side and inteced their fingers. ¡°Do you like sunny boys or do you like me more?¡±


    She remained silent, so Shao Chengze switched from licking to nibbling. Cheng Jin suddenly shuddered, and her muffled whimpers on the bed grew louder.


    He asked again, ¡°Do you like sunny boys or do you like me more?¡±


    Cheng Jin¡¯s voice trembled as she answered him. Her delicate voice contained defiance and grievance. ¡°You.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to try something new?¡±


    Cheng Jin shook her head.


    Having obtained the answer he wanted, Shao Chengze naturally did his utmost to please her with all the gentleness he could manage.


    The weather at sea was unpredictable. The previously sunny afternoon suddenly turned windy, and the yacht rocked with the waves. He rocked along with the boat¡¯s rhythm, shallow then deep. Cheng Jin was neither able to live nor die. She felt suspended in a breath away from death, yet the next second she feared being tossed into the deep sea waves.


    Lightning split the clouds where the water met the sky, followed by the deafening rumble of thunder. Cheng Jin¡¯s muffled moans were intermittent between the thunderps, sometimes loud, sometimes soft.


    Only when a rainbow appeared across the horizon did the cabin finally quiet down. Cheng Jin was drenched in sweat as if she had been caught in the rain. Her damp hair clung to her forehead.


    Although annoyed, the cathartic perspiration left an indescribablefort despite the lingering soreness. So she couldn¡¯t muster the same righteous anger to make frivolous demands, only asking him to fetch her some ice water since she was hot and thirsty.


    What he brought back was warm water. Cheng Jin didn¡¯t want to drink it. She wanted cold water, not warm water. Shao Chengze brought the cup to his lips and took a big gulp before leaning in to feed her. Cheng Jin dodged and refused. Between the chase and evasion, their breathing grew ragged again.


    The phone on the nightstand buzzed. Cheng Jin stopped him with a look. Shao Chengze rolled over to lie beside her and pulled her into his embrace without further mischief. He even handed her the phone.


    It was Jiang Jiang. Cheng Jin cleared her throat to make her voice sound normal before answering. ¡°Jiang Jiang, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Jin, are you free tomorrow night? I want to take you out for dinner.¡±


    Cheng Jin pressed down the wandering hand on her waist and replied, ¡°I¡¯m out traveling with Liqi these days. I can¡¯t go home for a few more days. How about I find you when I get back?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll probably be gone by then. I can only make ns again the next time Ie back.¡±


    Cheng Jin sat up in bed. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Jiang Jiang said, ¡°Ourpany is setting up a new department in South America. They want me to go over there and I agreed.¡±


    ¡°Why so suddenly when you just got back?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not really that sudden. I¡¯ve been debating it for a while and finally decided to take another shot at my career. The sense of security a career provides is irreceable.¡±


    Since she had made up her mind, Cheng Jin didn¡¯t say anything more. ¡°When are you leaving?¡±


    ¡°Early morning the day after tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go back tomorrow. I can make it home tomorrow night.¡±


    Jiang Jiang panicked, ¡°No need for that. Don¡¯t disrupt your ns because of me. I¡¯m not leaving forever. Once things stabilize over there, I¡¯lle back at least once a month. We can have dinner then.¡±


    Cheng Jin had wanted to ask if her brother or Fei Zuhui knew she was leaving, but felt it wasn¡¯t her ce to ask. Since Jiang Jiang chose to leave, she should want to break free of the past and start anew. It wasn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing for someone to decide to abandon the past and restart. The other two would probably move on slowly as well.


    After hanging up, Cheng Jin stared nkly at her phone screen.


    Shao Chengze slowly approached her from behind. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Cheng Jin sighed lightly. ¡°I just feel it¡¯s a pity, a pity for all three of them.¡±


    He naturally knew who the third person in the trio was, but Shao Chengze didn¡¯t want to hear another man¡¯s name in his bed. He sealed her mouth to cut off any more discussion of other people¡¯s love and strife that had nothing to do with them.


    When Cheng Jin woke up again, it was almost midnight.


    She was startled awake and seemed to remember taking a groggy call from Liqi. She got up and put on the fresh set of clothes on the bedside, but even the slightest movement made everything ache. She couldn¡¯t help letting out a soft moan.


    Hearing the movement, the man outside walked in and sat on the bed to help her get dressed. ¡°Don¡¯t rush. You already told Liqi on the phone to let grandma know you went ashore to see a friend and wouldn¡¯t be back untilte.¡±


    Cheng Jin was surprised she hade up with an excuse for her daughter even in her semi-conscious state during the day¡¯s debauchery. Although full of holes, her mother usually wouldn¡¯t expose her lies and would even help cover for her.


    ¡°Are you hungry? I''ll bring food in.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat. I need to go back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll start the boat. Go eat something on the couch. It won¡¯t make a difference waiting this bit longer.¡±


    Even in a hurry, Cheng Jin knew she couldn¡¯t instantly fly back. She really was hungry, and he sailed very steadily, allowing her to eatfortably. So when the boat docked at the pier where it had stopped at noon, her attitude towards him had slightly improved.


    "Drive slowly when you go back," she instructed him and prepared to get off the boat.


    Shao ChengZe reached out to hug her, "Let me take you back."


    "No need."


    Cheng Jin had just put one leg down the gangway when she froze, the pain between her legs was really unbearable. She couldn''t help but re at the man behind her, this madman.


    Shao ChengZe knew he was in the wrong, so he picked her up horizontally, "I''m sorry, I lost myposure."


    Cheng Jin bit his neck viciously, to let him feel some pain too, only then did she feel a little better bnced inside.


    He had been here before,pletely familiar with the ce. Without her telling him, he knew which room was hers. She didn''t allow him toe in through the front door, that would surely wake up her parents. She told him toe in through the window.


    Shao ChengZe had just put her down on the bed when Cheng Jin pointed at the half-open window and said, "Leave."


    She wouldn''t let him touch the bed again.


    Shao ChengZe kissed her lips, "Don''t be angry anymore. When you wake up tomorrow, think about how to punish me, I''ll ept whatever punishment you decide."


    Cheng Jin didn''t want to hear him talk right now, "Go quickly, don''t wake up my parents."


    Shao ChengZe didn''t dare make her angry again. He helped tuck her in and then turned to leave the same way he came.


    But just as he was about to climb down from the window sill, he heard some noise from the corridor. He looked over.


    Cheng Shanhe, who had just been locked out of the bedroom by his wife before managing to coax her to sleep, was about to sneak back into the room through the window.


    In the darkness, at each end of the corridor, one person was jumping out the window while another was climbing in.


    When the two made eye contact, they knew how awkward this was.

 Chapter 62: 062

    <h4>Chapter 62</h4>


    Cheng Jin saw that he was standing still at the window sill, staring nkly, and asked hazily, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Shao ChengZe turned back to soothe her, ¡°Nothing, go back to sleep.¡±


    So Cheng Jin didn¡¯t bother him anymore. She slowly closed her eyes again. She was so tired that the moment her head hit the pillow, she just wanted to sleep.


    Shao ChengZe weighed the current situation. To pretend not to see each other and continue on their separate paths should be the best choice for both of them.


    But obviously, this was not his decision to make.


    Cheng Shanhe, who had already put one leg up on the window sill, calmly ced it back down to the ground. The look in his eyes through the pitch ck night was like a sharp de, pinning Shao ChengZe in ce. Cheng Shanhe asked himself, in his decades of experience in the business world, he rarely encountered a situation as embarrassing as today. But no matter how embarrassed he felt inside, he absolutely could not show it on his face. Instead, he had to overwhelm the other party with absolute majestic aura, leaving them no room to fight back.


    Shao ChengZe came down from the window sill and gently closed the window. He walked to a ce not far from Cheng Shanhe, prepared to be beaten or scolded. The key was, these were not the most important things.


    The most important thing was that he had to pretend not to know about his future father-inw''s attempt to climb through the window just now. He would pretend Cheng Shanhe was just unable to sleep in the middle of the night, and hade out for a walk to enjoy the moonlight, nothing more.


    The two men who had climbed walls and slipped through windows in the middle of the night had both made up their minds about how to deal with the situation before them. But neither had figured out what to say first.


    Cheng Shanhe was thinking, you broke into my house in the middle of the night and came out of my daughter''s room, you should give me an exnation first.


    Shao ChengZe was thinking, he couldn¡¯t escape the me anyway, so he might as well let his father-inw speak first to see which way the wind blows before responding ordingly. In any case, he must not let his father-inw lose face tonight.


    In such dead silence, the most unbearable thing was tranquility, especially this kind of quiet in the dead of night without even the barking of dogs.


    The two men of simr height stood at opposite ends of the corridor, facing each other in awkward silence. Even the fish dozing off in the sea could feel their awkwardness.


    Seeing that his father-inw wasn''t speaking, Shao ChengZe was about to open his mouth when Cheng Shanhe spoke up as well.


    "Uncle¡ª"


    "You¡ª"


    They both started talking at the same time, and stopped at the same time.


    Even the crows sleeping in their nests couldn''t stand it anymore. They flew out in circles cawing a few times before going back.


    Even immortals probably couldn''t save this situation.


    In the midst of this silent awkwardness, a small head suddenly popped out of the half-open window next to Cheng Shanhe.


    "Grandpa, do you want toe in?" Cheng LiQi whispered through the window to Cheng Shanhe outside.


    Cheng LiQi had just woken up thirsty from her sleep. In a daze, she took the ss of water on the bedside table and drank most of it. Then she saw Grandpa standing outside the window. She climbed out of bed, put on her slippers, and tiptoed over so as not to wake Grandma up. If Grandpa wanted toe in, she could help him.


    Cheng Shanhe''s expressionless cold face instantly softened when he turned to see his little granddaughter. He reached out and stroked Cheng LiQi''s little head, whispering, "Did Grandpa wake up little LiQi?"


    Cheng LiQi shook her head, and saw Shao ChengZe not far away. Her eyes lit up, "Dad, what are you doing here?!"


    She looked at Dad, then at Grandpa. She felt they both looked a little strange, not like they were fighting, but something seemed off. What were Dad and Grandpa doing in the hallway sote?


    She had question marks popping up in her head when her eyes were drawn to the big moon in the sky. The moon was so big tonight, perfect for sitting by the seaside and moon viewing.


    Suddenly she realized, and asked Shao ChengZe, also asking Grandpa, "Dad, were you and Grandpa moon viewing out here?"


    Before Shao ChengZe and Cheng Shanhe could say anything, Cheng LiQi stretched out both little arms, and said in a soft, faint voice full of delight, "Grandpa,e hold me and take me out to see the moon with you. I want to see the moon while swinging on the swing."


    Although they had not actually been moon viewing, if the granddaughter wanted to see the moon, Cheng Shanhe would certainly oblige. He reached out and lifted the sweet granddaughter from the room, firmly shutting the window after.


    Once outside, Cheng LiQi didn''t want Grandpa to carry her. She wanted to walk by herself. She climbed down from Grandpa''s arms and took Grandpa''s big hand in one small hand. She held out the other to Dad, asking him toe hold her hand too.


    Shao ChengZe took three big steps over and gently sped his daughter''s tiny hand in his palm, not daring to grip too hard.


    Holding Dad''s hand in one and Grandpa''s in the other, Cheng LiQi looked around the yard. Where was the best ce for moon viewing? Ah! She found it. Cheng LiQi pointed at the swing not far away, "Grandpa, Dad, let''s go over there to see the moon. I want to swing while looking at the moon."


    After saying this, she strode off first on little legs. Cheng Shanhe and Shao ChengZe matched her pace and walked with her toward the swing.


    Shao ChengZe felt his daughter was a little angel sent from heaven, always able to pull him out of dire straits.


    Although Cheng Shanhe still found the man beside him an eyesore, most of his attention was upied by his sweet granddaughter, leaving little mind to care about that annoying man.


    Cheng LiQi sat on the swing with a long wooden bench on either side. She told Dad and Grandpa to sit over there. But neither Cheng Shanhe nor Shao ChengZe sat, standing guard on either side of the swing instead like bodyguards for the little princess.


    Cheng LiQi rocked lightly on the swing, gazing at the moon for a while before turning to Shao ChengZe. "Dad, when did you arrive?"


    Shao ChengZe nced at ck-Face Package Grandpa on the other side, then replied to his daughter, "Dad arrived this morning."


    "Grandpa arrived this morning too. Did you and Grandpae together?"


    "No, Dad and Grandpa came from different ces."


    "Oh~~" Cheng LiQi suddenly recalled something. "Dad, this afternoon, Mom said she was going to see a friend and would be back veryte. Was Mom going to see you? Are you only just sending Mom back after your date?"


    Shao ChengZe gave a light cough, but facing his daughter''s earnest eyes, could not give any other answer.


    Hearing Dad''s cough, Cheng LiQi realized her mistake. She covered her mouth with both hands¡ªDad seeing Mom was not something Grandpa should know about.


    Cheng Shanhe''s face grew as long as the swing''s suspension ropes. In his heart he knew one thing, but hearing little LiQi say it out loud was another matter altogether.


    Cheng LiQi thought about how to change the topic. She turned to Grandpa, "Grandpa, have you still not coaxed Grandma over?"


    The corner of Cheng Shanhe''s eye twitched. His sweet granddaughter really knew how to stab the knife in. If he had coaxed Grandma over already, he wouldn''t have had to climb through the window.


    Cheng LiQi continued asking, "Didn''t Grandpa''s ''woe-is-me'' act work this time either?" Usually Grandpa''s ''woe-is-me'' act could make up with Grandma in under five minutes.


    The corner of Cheng Shanhe''s eye twitched again. His sweet granddaughter''s jab was right on target. The ''woe-is-me'' act didn''t work this time either. He had tried it yesterday afternoon but his wife simply treated him as if he didn''t exist, not even ncing in his direction once.


    Cheng Shanhe felt a mix of many emotions at that moment. In the end he could only look towards the sea with a somewhat troubled expression¡ªa woman''s heart, the hidden reefs of the sea floor!


    Cheng LiQi leaned her head on one hand with a light sigh, also gazing towards the seaside. It seemed Grandpa had made a very big mistake this time. He would probably have to climb through the window again tomorrow night too.


    From the conversation between granddaughter and father-inw, Shao ChengZe understood something. His pitch ck eyes shed as he too looked out at the boundless sea.


    The three gazes upon the seaposed a still life under the moonbeams and night breeze.


    Cheng Jin stood at the window watching them quietly for a while before turning back to bed and drifting off to dreand again.


    The calm sea surface suddenly stirred up waves as dark clouds gathered to obscure the big moon. It looked like rain wasing. Shao ChengZe and Cheng Shanhe turned at the same time, each taking a step closer to the middle to block the wind blowing in from the sea.


    Cheng Shanhe bent down and said to Cheng LiQi, "Let''s go back to sleep, it''s going to rain."


    Cheng LiQi nodded. She was getting sleepy too.


    She climbed off the swing so Grandpa could carry her. Turning to look at Dad, she asked, "Dad, where will you sleep?"


    Shao Chengze looked at the sea that had be turbulent in just a few minutes. Even if it rained heavily by the seaside, it wouldn''tst very long. He could stay on the yacht for a while until the rain stopped, then leave.


    Cheng Liqi understood that her father had nowhere to sleep at night. She put her arms around her grandfather''s neck and whispered in his ear, "Grandpa, can Dad sleep here tonight? It looks like there''s going to be a big storm and Dad has nowhere to go."


    Hearing his daughter''s words, Shao Chengze stopped what he was about to say. As long as his father-inw agreed to let him stay, even if he had to sleep under the eaves, he had no objections.


    Cheng Shanhe scoffed at Shao Chengze in his heart, but he didn''t want to disappoint his beloved granddaughter. He reluctantly said, "Let him sleep in the room next to Liqi''s bedroom."


    Cheng Liqi shook her grandfather''s neck coquettishly, "I knew Grandpa is the best. I love Grandpa the most in the whole world."


    Cheng Shanhe had always been unable to resist his granddaughter''s coquettish pleas. He smiled and patted her head affectionately. If it weren''t for the weather forecast of heavy rainstorms tonight, he would have let Shao Chengze sail back by himself, let alone let him stay indoors.


    Shao Chengze squeezed his daughter''s ankles and said to Cheng Shanhe, "Thank you, uncle."


    Cheng Shanhe ignored him and walked forward with his granddaughter in his arms. When they reached the door, Cheng Liqi whispered to her grandfather and father, "I''ll go sleep in my room. After Dad tucks me in, he can go sleep in the room next to mine." She moved even closer to her grandfather''s ear and said in an even softer voice, "Grandpa, go sleep in Grandma''s room. Grandpa, you have to take good care of Grandma and not let her be angry tomorrow."


    Cheng Shanhe stroked his granddaughter''s hair indulgently. She was a little schemer who knew everything. With his eyes, he warned Shao Chengze not to try anything funny under his nose. Just go to bed in the room obediently and leave when the rain stops.


    Cheng Liqi brought her father to her room quietly and asked him to tell her a story to help her fall asleep. As for how Grandpa got into Grandma''s room, probably only the rain hitting the windows knew.


    The sun rose very early by the seaside. Last night''s rainsted quite a long time. Shao Chengze didn''t go back to the next room until after the rain stopped. He had napped for less than an hour before waking up. Since it was still early, he decided to go for a morning run, then return to the yacht to take a shower and change clothes beforeing back to make breakfast. He had to leave before his father-inw woke up.


    He still needed to show thoughtfulness and deference, as well as read the situation properly.


    After running around the ind, Shao Chengze returned to the pier where the yacht was docked and saw a row of seashellsid out on it. His heart stirred. Weren''t these the seashells she had arranged here yesterday? After a night of heavy rain, they were still there. Shao Chengze picked up the seashells one by one and went back to the beach to look for more nice seashells.


    It was already an hourter when Shao Chengze came out of the yacht again,ter than he had originally nned. He quietly returned to the house, and just as he was about to open the door to Cheng Jin''s room, Cheng Shanhe happened toe out from the other end of the living room.


    Their eyes met again. Shao Chengze knew he wouldn''t get through that door today. He quickly hung the seashell bracelet on the doorknob of the bedroom before nodding to Cheng Shanhe to indicate he was leaving.


    This time, Cheng Shanhe didn''t even bother to scoff at him. He just waved his hand to tell him to get lost. He had a headache dealing with thewsuit and had no time to settle ounts with him now.


    In fact, Cheng Shanhe had just been kicked out of the bedroom by his wife. Cheng Shanhe felt that he was facing the biggest crisis in recent years, and this crisis left himpletely confused.


    Cheng Liqi woke up to the smell of food being cooked. Grandpa was making breakfast while the bed in the next room was neatly made. It looked like Dad had already left. Mom and Grandma''s door was still closed, so they were probably still sleeping. Cheng Liqi didn''t want to disturb them and sat at the bar counter watching Grandpa cook. After a while, she ran out to the yard to swing on the swingset. It felt best to swing in the morning.


    Cheng Liqi leaned back on the swing, swaying slowly. Suddenly she heard someone calling her name and looked up to see the handsome uncle from the neighbor''s house with his cute little golden retriever puppy. Cheng Liqi jumped down from the swing and ran over to greet the puppy.


    Cheng Shanhe heard the voices and came out. Cheng Liqi introduced them to her grandfather, "Grandpa, this is our neighbor William. His dog is called Freedom."


    William was learning Chinese and thought his Chinese was pretty good. He greeted Cheng Shanhe and exined his visit - first to bring over some homemade desserts, and second to deliver invitations to a party they were hosting that evening.


    Cheng Liqi remembered the scene at that party andplimented William, "William, you dance so well, just like my grandma!"


    William grinned, revealing two rows of pearly white teeth. "I don''t dance as well as her. She''s beautiful and dances beautifully."


    When Cheng Shanhe heard "her"e out of his mouth, then heard what he said next, his gaze sharpened.


    Cheng Liqi didn''t notice her grandfather''s displeasure. The puppy kept circling around her, nudging her arms and legs. Cheng Liqi suddenly remembered something. "William, I have a gift I want to give Freedom."


    William was delighted. "Little Liqi, you''re so nice." What he wanted to express was "you''re so thoughtful."


    Cheng Liqi went back into the house to get it. The puppy followed her inside. William handed the leash to Cheng Liqi, "You hold him."


    Cheng Liqi excitedly took the leash and led the puppy into the house. Yesterday, she and Grandma made a flower crown that she had left in Mom''s room to give to the puppy.


    Mom''s door was already open and there were soundsing from the bathroom, so Mom was probably showering. Cheng Liqi reached up to the table to get the flower crown and put it on the puppy''s head - it fit perfectly. Cheng Liqi wanted to take a picture of the puppy with Mom''s phone, but the puppy broke free of Cheng Liqi''s hold and ran out of the house still wearing the flower crown.


    Cheng Liqi ran out after him. The puppy had already run back to William, who smiled widely when he saw the flower crown. "Thank you Little Liqi, very beautiful."


    Cheng Shanhe was taking a phone call not too far away. William had an uneasy feeling that the man of this house didn''t seem to wee him. He said goodbye to Little Liqi, weed the family toe over and y tonight, then waved to Cheng Shanhe, who nodded slightly back.


    William had just taken a few steps when he noticed the seashell bracelet with a diamond ring hanging from the flower crown on the puppy. He took it off to examine it closely, then turned back and returned it to Cheng Liqi. "Little Liqi, this is for your grandma or mom. It''s precious, don''t lose it, keep it safe."


    What he actually meant was to return it to whicheverdy of the house it belonged to. Something so valuable must belong to one of the two women.


    Cheng Liqi watched William''s retreating figure, then looked down at the seashell bracelet in her hand, feeling a little confused. It didn''t feel heavy at all though.


    Cheng Shanhe hung up his phone call and came over to ask Cheng Liqi what was going on.


    Cheng Liqi handed the bracelet to her grandfather. "William said to give this to Grandma or Mom."


    As soon as she finished speaking, Cheng Liqi noticed the diamond ring tucked inside the seashell bracelet, and the words written on the shells.


    Cheng Shanhe saw it too. Clutching the bracelet, he went to chase after William.


    At that moment, Cheng Liqi''s phone rang. It was her dad calling.


    Shao Chengze was calling to see if Cheng Jin was awake yet. She hadn''t replied to his messages either, so he didn''t know if she had seen the seashell bracelet he left.


    "Dad, the handsome neighbor came to our house to propose today."


    There was a pause on the phone before Shao Chengze asked his daughter for confirmation. "What?"


    "The handsome neighbor came to our house this morning and brought a seashell bracelet with a huge diamond ring inside. The shells had ''will you marry me'' written on them. Handsome neighbor said it was a gift for Mom and Grandma."


    Shao Chengze: ......!

 Chapter 63: 063

    <h4>Chapter 63</h4>


    When Shao ChengZe hurried over, William had just exined the misunderstanding caused by thenguage barrier to Cheng Shanhe in their native tongue, avoiding a fierce beating. The misunderstanding was rified, but Cheng Shanhe''s attitude towards William did not improve much. Seeing Shao ChengZee over, he was even more upset. He threw the bracelet at Shao ChengZe and gave him a single word - "Get out!" - signaling him to leave as far as possible.


    A bracelet was not enough to trick his daughter away. What was he thinking? He might as well try to pluck the moon with his bare hands.


    William looked at Shao ChengZe sympathetically. He had misunderstood the man of this house. The man''s attitude was already considered good. There was a saying, what was it again? William remembered and said to Shao ChengZe, "We are both stranded souls in this world." He wanted to pat Shao ChengZe''s shoulder to show sympathy.


    Shao ChengZe dodged to avoid his hand. He recognized his voice. This was the man who called her "Lan" that night. He was also in every photo Liu Qi had sent, including the one fromst night.


    William''s hand swung at empty air, but he did not think much of it, assuming the other man did not like physical contact.


    Shao ChengZe casually chatted with him for a few sentences, finding out why he hade so early in the morning. William knew he was a new neighbor and invited him to the party that night. Shao ChengZe did not confirm nor decline, only saying he would see about the timing.


    After Cheng Jin and Fei Zuhui came out from the bedroom, Cheng Shanhe had already sent away all the people he needed to. Fei Zuhui asked Cheng Liuqi if she had heard William''s voice. Cheng Liuqi only told her grandmother that William''s family was also hosting a party tonight and had invited them. She did not mention anything about the bracelet, engagement ring, or proposal. She blinked at her grandfather. Her grandmother had her grandfather, her mother had her father, and as for William, he was just a very handsome uncle.


    Cheng Shanhe ced the peeled egg into his granddaughter''s te. Cheng Liuqi smiled sweetly at her grandfather, "Thank you, Grandpa."


    Cheng Shanhe peeled another egg for his wife, but Fei Zuhui put down her chopsticks and said she was full. She asked her daughter and granddaughter if they wanted to go next door to the party again tonight.


    Cheng Jin drank her milk and nodded. Since her mother wanted to rx, she would definitely apany her.


    Cheng Liuqi swallowed her egg and excitedly raised her arm, also saying she wanted to go. She wanted to go y with the cute Golden Retriever, Freedom.


    Cheng Shanhe silently finished the egg in his hand in one bite.


    Compared tost night, tonight''s party was even livelier. Cheng Liuqi held her mother''s hand with her left and her grandmother''s hand with her right as the three of them walked in.


    As soon as the three appeared, they attracted the attention of the entire venue. Cheng Liuqi wore a fluffy white princess dress, sweet and cute. Cheng Jin wore a snowy white silk strapless dress, cool yet alluring. Fei Zuhui wore an almond white cheongsam, gentle and graceful with elegant poise.


    Cheng Shanhe, who had been walking behind them, took a step forward to stand next to Fei Zuhui. Although his wife was unwilling to take his arm, anyone with eyes could see their rtionship.


    Yet some people were blind. Someone came over to ask Fei Zuhui for a dance. Cheng Shanhe stood up to stop it, but Fei Zuhui silenced him with one sharp look. Cheng Shanhe could only watch as someone else led his wife away.


    Cheng Liuqi patted her grandfather''s arm. "Grandpa, don''t worry. Grandma is dancing to feel happier. When Grandma is happy, she won''t be mad at Grandpa anymore."


    Cheng Shanhe gave a wry smile and ruffled his granddaughter''s little head. If only it could be that simple.


    Cheng Liuqi bit on her straw, sipping sweet fruit juice. Looking up, she saw the person standing at the entrance. She waved excitedly, "Dad, over here!"


    Seeing his daughter, the coldness in Shao ChengZe''s eyes softened into a gentle smile. He strode over and took his daughter''s little hand, greeting Cheng Shanhe first, "Uncle."


    With Cheng Liuqi present, Cheng Shanhe begrudgingly grunted in response.


    Cheng Liuqi patted the spot next to her for her dad to sit. "Mom went to the restroom. She''ll be right back."


    Shao ChengZe sat down next to Cheng Liuqi. All day today, he had messaged her, and while she did reply, her responses were perfunctory, never exceeding three words. If he called, she would immediately hang up. Clearly, she was still upset aboutst night. Shao ChengZe rubbed his brow with his fingertip. He had gone too farst night, extremely so. Her anger was justified.


    Cheng Jin returned from the restroom and saw him. Her footsteps faltered for a moment. Just then, William came over to ask her to dance. Cheng Jin looked at Shao ChengZe, the corners of her lips curling into a smile. She smiled at him coquettishly, throwing Shao ChengZe off bnce for a second. The next moment, Cheng Jin extended her hand to William.


    Shao ChengZe smiled helplessly. It was tant provocation, making him both love and hate her - love her so much he wanted to go over right now, take her in his arms, and kiss her, yet also hate her enough to want to press her back into bed and make her submit again.


    Cheng Shanhe stared at his wife, eyes motionless.


    Cheng Liuqi asionally wiggled her little feet and sipped more fruit juice. How could her mother and grandmother be so beautiful?


    The three men sat side by side, each thinking about their own matters, just like their silhouettesst night looking out at the ocean, only today they were looking at the party scene.


    A young boy in a ck tailcoat suit approached Cheng Liuqi and very gentlemanly asked if he could have the honor of a dance. Cheng Liuqi looked at her grandfather then her father. Seeing their encouraging smiles, she nodded at the boy, agreeing to his invitation.


    With the three women of the family gone to dance, the two men were left on the bench, and the atmosphere returned to the awkwardness ofst night.


    The two men, one young and aloof, the other middle-aged and refined, each had their own charm. From time to time, women woulde up to chat or ask for a dance, only to be rejected before they even spoke.


    Cheng Shanhe disliked how the other man could attract attention just by sitting there and said indifferently, "If you want to go, then go. My wife looks like she''s having fun too. Parties are for fun after all. Don''t mind me sitting here and pretend to behave just for appearance''s sake."


    Shao ChengZe replied, "I can''t dance. I''m bad at all dances, no coordination. I must have inherited it from my grandma. My dad said I''m very much like her - simr habits, personality, and looks."


    Cheng Shanhe had been sneering but went silent after hearing this.


    Shao ChengZe took a ss of wine from the bar and held it out to Cheng Shanhe. "Uncle, have you met my grandma before? She didn''t like taking photos, so we don''t have many at home. The ones we do have are all group shots where you can barely make out her face."


    Cheng Shanhe did not take the wine ss. After a long silence, he spoke, "You really do resemble her a lot."


    He knew what this brat was trying to do, maneuvering the conversation skillfully to his advantage without causing resentment.


    Cheng Shanhe liked clever people, but he did not like an overly clever son-inw. His daughter should be the one handling him, not the other way around. The crux of the issue was that if the man was not clever, his daughter probably would not like him either, having inherited his preference for intelligent people.


    It seemed finding a son-inw had always been difficult since ancient times.


    Cheng Liuqi returned from her dance, cheeks rosy red like a crisp apple.


    Shao ChengZe brought his daughter a ss of coconut juice. Cheng Liuqi drank it all in one go. Shao ChengZe gently wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin and asked, "Did you have fun?"


    Cheng Liuqi nodded. Her eyes were brimming with joy.


    Cheng Shanhe observed them surreptitiously. He picked up the wine Shao ChengZe had left by his hand and took a sip, then looked again at his still happily dancing wife. He drank arge gulp.


    Shao ChengZe leaned in to whisper something to Cheng Liuqi. Cheng Liuqi happily got up and pulled her dad''s hand. She told her grandpa, "Grandpa, let''s go dance!"


    Cheng Shanhe never refused his little princess¡¯s requests. ¡°Sure,¡± he agreed, taking Cheng Liqi¡¯s hand in his. He then frowned slightly, having assumed it would just be him and his cute granddaughter dancing together. Who would have thought there¡¯d be another person as well.


    Cheng Liqi held her grandfather''s hand with one of hers, and her father''s hand with the other, leading them into the hall. Though she said they would be dancing, they really just circled around together, or more urately, didn¡¯t even manage to make full circles, as there was still quite a gap between Shao Chengze and Cheng Shanhe.


    As the three spun around, they soon rotated to Fei Zuhui¡¯s side. When the music ended, Cheng Liqi called out, ¡°Grandma,e dance with me!¡±


    Seeing her little granddaughter, Fei Zuhui¡¯s eyes lit up, the rest of the people around her fading away. She declined her previous dance partner¡¯s invitation for another dance, joining Cheng Liqi¡¯s side instead. One of her hands was grasped by her granddaughter, while the other was tightly held by Cheng Shanhe. Fei Zuhui red at him, but didn¡¯t struggle free.


    Cheng Liqi was ted to be dancing with her grandma, grandpa, and dad. Herughter was like the tinkling of wind chimes blown by the sea breeze: crisp and charming. Her joy spread through the room, the atmosphere bing even more energetic. Even those who had been off to the side joined in, people gathering in groups of three or four and swaying along with the music.


    The group spun closer to Cheng Jin. Cheng Liqi called out, ¡°Mom!¡± Shao Chengze nodded slightly at William, then extended his hand towards Cheng Jin.


    William understood what was happening. With some regret, he let go of Cheng Jin. She gave Shao Chengze a smile as she took his hand, not holding back as she stepped on his foot several times, feigning clumsiness.


    Cheng Shanhe watched the two discreetly, the corners of his lips quirking up uncontrobly. Though his daughter wasn¡¯t wearing high heels today, having her stomp on his feet several times probably still didn¡¯t feel too good. Don''t ask how Cheng Shanhe knew what that felt like, he just did.


    Shao Chengze endured the pain in his feet, looking towards his daughter. Cheng Liqi understood her father¡¯s hint and turned to say to her mother, ¡°Mom, I need to go to the bathroom urgently.¡±


    Shao Chengze bent down to pick up Cheng Liqi. ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll go with you and mom.¡±


    Cheng Jin knew what little y they were putting on. She was happy to go along with it. ¡°Mom,¡± she said to Fei Zuhui, ¡°I¡¯ll bring Liqi to the bathroom. You keep dancing with dad.¡±


    Cheng Shanhe tactfully put his arm around his wife¡¯s waist. Their little five-person circle dance had now be a couple¡¯s dance. Cheng Shanhe decided that until he had properly exined the misunderstanding, he would keep dancing with his wife all night. After pondering it over for two days and one night, he had figured out what the issue was: it was probably because of that female friend of hers.


    Leaning against her father¡¯s shoulder, Cheng Liqi smiled knowingly at her mother. ¡°Mom, aren¡¯t dad and I so smart?¡±


    Cheng Jin pinched her little nose. ¡°You¡¯re just a sly little thing. Do you really need to use the bathroom?¡±


    ¡°No, let¡¯s go to the beach and look for pretty shells instead!¡± Cheng Liqi said, turning to her father. ¡°Dad, can we?¡±


    Shao Chengze held Cheng Jin¡¯s hand and replied to his daughter, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Cheng Jin scratched his palm lightly. Shao Chengze grasped her hand tighter.


    The night sea was blue, the waves were white. Cheng Liqi ran ahead, stopping now and then under the moonlight andmplight to pick up pretty shells. Shao Chengze and Cheng Jin strolled leisurely behind her. Shao Chengze squeezed the hand in his. ¡°Does it still hurt?¡±


    Cheng Jin stomped on his foot again. ¡°Quiet.¡±


    Shao Chengze chuckled lowly. Cheng Liqi ran back to them, handing over the shells she had collected for her dad to hold. She then raced off to find more shells.


    Cheng Jin and Shao Chengze watched their daughter¡¯s back as they both spoke at the same time, ¡°Don¡¯t run so fast, be careful not to fall.¡±


    Cheng Liqi yelled loudly back at her parents, ¡°I know, Mom. I know, Dad.¡±


    The moonlight stretched their shadows long across the sand, the two tall figures enveloping the small one between them. The sea breeze caressed their faces, wavespping at the shore then receding slowly. The sounds of the sea were like the loveliest luby, tugging uncontrobly at their heartstrings.


    Before long, Cheng Liqi came running back, hands full of shells again. Seeing her dad¡¯s hands were empty, she asked, ¡°Dad, where are the shells I gave you?¡±


    Shao Chengze took the shells from Cheng Liqi¡¯s hands, gently saying, ¡°Liqi, shall I do a magic trick for you?¡±


    ¡°Yay! I want to see magic!¡± Cheng Liqi jumped up excitedly. She loved watching magic tricks.


    ¡°Then close your eyes, Liqi.¡± Shao Chengze looked at Cheng Jin. ¡°You too, dear.¡±


    Cheng Liqi obediently shut her eyes, but Cheng Jin didn¡¯t. She wasn¡¯t a six-year-old child to be so easily fooled. She wanted to see what tricks he was ying.


    Shao Chengze smiled and pulled her into his embrace, leaning down to kiss the corner of her lips. Cheng Jin stabbed him with her eyes.


    ¡°Dad, is it done?¡± Cheng Liqi asked.


    ¡°Count loudly to twenty, then open your eyes,¡± Shao Chengze instructed.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    As Cheng Liqi started counting, Shao Chengze covered Cheng Jin¡¯s eyes with his hand. She twisted his waist in retaliation, feeling him slip something onto her other wrist. It was hard and cool to the touch.


    The moment Cheng Liqi counted to twenty, she opened her eyes. Seeing the pretty pink shell bracelet around her wrist, she grasped her dad¡¯s sleeve excitedly. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re so amazing! How did you turn the shells into a bracelet?!¡±


    Shao Chengze ruffled her hair. ¡°How it¡¯s done is a magician¡¯s secret. I can¡¯t tell you, Liqi.¡±


    Cheng Liqi was even more impressed. Her dad was an actual magician!


    She noticed her mom was also wearing a bracelet that looked like the one she had seen that morning. So the bracelet was her dad¡¯s gift to her mom, not William¡¯s. Was her dad going to propose to her mom?


    She blinked meaningfully at her father.


    Shao Chengze blinked back at her.


    Father and daughtermunicated silently.


    Cheng Jin lowered her gaze to the bracelet on her wrist, seeing the ring nestled among the shells, and the words etched onto them.


    The lively music from the vi softened into something mellow. Fireworks blossomed in the distant sky. Waves rolled up foamy silver sand to their feet before retreating slowly. Everything around them seemed to drift away, leaving just the three shadows huddled together on the beach.


    Cheng Liqi let out a soft ¡°Ah¡±, having discovered a glittery ring hidden among the shells of her bracelet as well. The pale pink diamonds adorning it shone brightly. ¡°Dad, there¡¯s a ring in mine too!¡±


    ¡°That one¡¯s for you, Liqi. Yours is pink and mom¡¯s is blue,¡± Shao Chengze exined.


    Cheng Liqipared her pale pink ring to her mom¡¯s pale blue one. The diamond on both was a water droplet shape. She looked up at her mom. ¡°Isn¡¯t it so pretty, Mom?¡±


    ¡°Very pretty,¡± Cheng Jin agreed gently.


    She couldn¡¯t deny that it was indeed beautiful.


    Cheng Liqi turned to her dad. ¡°Dad, take the rings out and help put them on for me and Mom.¡±


    Hearing her daughter¡¯s words, Cheng Jin¡¯s eyshes fluttered. Shao Chengze¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he watched them move.


    The rings could easily be removed from the bracelets. Shao Chengze first helped his daughter put on her ring. The size was perfect, not loose or tight. Cheng Liqi admired how the ring looked on her hand, thinking her dad had great taste.


    It had been easy to take the ring off her daughter¡¯s bracelet, but with Cheng Jin, Shao Chengze¡¯s hand slipped several times, his palms damp with nervous sweat. He finally managed to remove the ring and slowly lifted her hand.


    Cheng Jin¡¯s breath stilled, all other sounds fading away except for the pounding of her heart, or maybe his.


    The ring touched her fingertip and she instinctively drew her hand back slightly. It persistently chased after her finger. Cheng Jin looked up, wanting to re at him, but met his taut gaze first before noticing the fine beads of sweat on his brow. Her heart softened and in the next moment, the ring was slipped onto her finger.


    Slender fingers, smooth band, pale blue water droplet: simply beautiful.


    Shao Chengze gently stroked her fingers. Stepping forward with his left leg, he was about to kneel down. Actually, he should have knelt first before putting on the ring, but Shao Chengze was nervous and was also being cheeky. He was afraid that if he said those words first, she would refuse him. So it would be better to put the ring on her finger first. As long as she epted the ring, everything else would be easy to say afterwards.


    Cheng Jin sensed his intention and took a step forward. The distance between them became very close, but it also stopped his kneeling action. Her heart was beating too fast now and her mind was a bit nk, so he should not say it yet. She needed more time to think.


    Shao Chengze held her hand tightly and turned his head to look for her eyes. He didn''t expect to seed in one try. He just wanted to know what she was thinking right now. Cheng Jin first avoided his eyes, then looked back at him, justified and proud. What, just because he proposed to her, she had to agree?


    Cheng Liqi saw that Dad had put a ring on Mom''s finger. She had been holding her breath, ready to cheer, but the atmosphere between Dad and Mom suddenly seemed a little stiff. She went to Mom and said, "Mom, let me see how the ring looks on your hand."


    Both Shao Chengze and Cheng Jin took a step back, increasing the distance between them. The tense atmosphere also dissipated.


    Cheng Liqi ced her fingers side by side with her mother''s, "Mom, doesn''t it look even more beautiful with the ring on?"


    Cheng Jin stroked her cheek with the back of her hand, but did not say anything.


    Cheng Liqi held her mother''s hand and said in a very soft voice, looking as if she was speaking to her mother but actually to her father, "Mom, the ring is beautiful, but if Dad proposes to you, you shouldn''t agree."


    Cheng Jin and Shao Chengze looked at Cheng Liqi at the same time. Cheng Jin was a little surprised. Shao Chengze squatted down, looking into his daughter''s eyes, and cautiously began to speak, "Little Liqi, why don''t you want Mom to agree to marry Dad?"


    Cheng Liqi said seriously to her dad, "Dad, how could you only propose once? I''m six now, and you''ve only just appeared, so Dad, you have to propose to Mom at least six times before she can agree. Right, Mom?"


    Shao Chengze breathed a sigh of relief. Forget six times, even sixty times would be fine. As long as she and their daughter epted him in the end, he knew he had rushed today.


    Cheng Jin hooked her little finger with her daughter''s, and they smiled at each other.


    Cheng Liqi touched the ring on her mother''s finger. "But Mom, you can ept the ring. Boyfriends and girlfriends have couple rings. The ring on me and Mom - " she thought for a moment, "Let''s call it a princess ring, the big princess and the little princess''s ring. Does this name sound good, Dad?"


    Shao Chengze picked her up and stood up. "It''s not just good, it''s amazing," he held the hand of the woman beside him, "Our little princess is so smart, and our big¡ª"


    He didn''t finish because someone covered his mouth. A faint blush appeared on Cheng Jin''s face. Little princess was little princess, but she didn''t want to hear him call her big princess.


    The long corners of Shao Chengze''s eyes leaked out a delightedugh. His eyes looked at her, and his lips lightly touched her fingers and the ring on them. Cheng Jin''s hand seemed to be scalded by fire and quickly jerked away. The smile in Shao Chengze''s eyes deepened.


    The waves suddenly grew bigger, rushing rapidly towards the shore. Cheng Liqi patted her dad''s shoulder,ughing and shouting, "Dad, run quickly! The big sea ising to eat us!"


    "Dad will definitely not let the sea eat us up." Shao Chengze held his daughter in his arms, held her hand, and ran against the sea breeze with big strides.


    Cheng Jin followed his footsteps and ran with big strides too. The shells on her wrist rustled noisily and her skirt hem brushed her calves, seeming to tickle her heart. She could hear her daughter''s cheerfulughter and his breathing. The corners of her mouth slowly curled up. Shao Chengze turned his head to look at her, and she was looking at him too. The stars and moon in the sky fell into the sea, and the sea fell into her eyes.


    She was smiling, he heard it.


    Not far away, Fei Zuhui and Cheng Shanhe watched this scene. Fei Zuhui''s eyes were a little wet. Cheng Shanhe sighed lightly and put his arm around his wife''s waist. Some things were just fate.


    Fei Zuhui said to Cheng Shanhe, "Seeing how happy he makes our granddaughter, don''t be too hard on him. Go easy when you should. What could be more important than our daughter''s happiness?"


    Cheng Shanhe replied, "No, I still have to make things difficult when I should. You didn''t see just now, he was just sitting there, less than five minutes, and three women approached him. He''s more attractive than a butterfly. When I''m around, he behaves himself, but when I''m not, who knows how fickle he is."


    Fei Zuhui red at him. "You''re no less attractive than him. Does that mean you''re fickle too? Just a ne ride, and you were chatting someone up. Did you get her number too?"


    Cheng Shanhe quickly grasped his wife''s hand. "How did we get to talking about me again? I already exined it clearly to you. I didn''t know anything. I just thought she was your friend. Meeting your friend, I had to exchange a few polite words. I didn''t say more than three sentences to her."


    In fact, Cheng Shanhe was wrongly used in this matter. If his wife hadn''t told him, he really wouldn''t have known Ms. Liu''s intentions. Fei Zuhui didn''t know before either. She had always considered her a decent friend. One day when she was visiting, Fei Zuhui identally discovered her smelling Cheng Shanhe''s clothes ecstatically. Fei Zuhui was disgusted. She confronted her immediately and kicked her out of the house. She didn''t want to tell Cheng Shanhe about something so nasty, so she had kept it bottled up. The ne incident made her want to take it out on him. Who made him her husband?


    Fei Zuhui viciously pinched the back of his hand. "If you run into her again next time, and you dare talk to her, don''t even think abouting into my room again."


    Cheng Shanhe swore, pointing to the sky, "I won''t run into her again, because she''s just air to me now. I won''t even see her, how could I talk to her?"


    Fei Zuhui kept a straight face, but couldn''t helpughing. She quickly put the straight face back on. "You say he''s slick, but you''re no better. You''re the big brother, and he''s the second brother. How can you look down on him?"


    Cheng Shanhe saw that his wife hadughed and was in the mood for joking too. "It can''t be big brother and second brother. That''s the wrong seniority."


    "What''s wrong with it? You don''t recognize him as your son-inw."


    "Recognizing him or not is one thing, but seniority can''t be wrong."


    Fei Zuhui didn''t want to indulge his stubbornness. "Let hime home for Liqi''s birthday dinner."


    Before Cheng Shanhe could say anything, Fei Zuhui cut him off. "I''ve decided. Don''t you dare say no, or I''ll lock the windows tonight too and make you crawl through again."


    Cheng Shanhe stroked his nose. His wife had already decided, so what more could he say? Of course whatever his wife said goes.


    Cheng Liqi saw her grandparents and excitedly waved at them.


    "It looks like Grandpa has appeased Grandma." Cheng Liqi said to her mother, tilting her head.


    The three of them moved away from the beach, slowing down from running to walking. Cheng Jin hadn''t ran like this for a long time. Although she was panting, she felt an unexpected sense of exhration and lightness in her body. She saw her parents looking in their direction and wondered how long they had been watching. She wasn''t afraid of being seen by her parents, she just felt a little embarrassed.


    Cheng Jin struggled free from his hand. "Let go."


    Shao Chengze didn''t let go.


    Cheng Jin looked at him and said again, "Let go."


    Shao Chengze sensed the threat in her eyes and obediently let her hand go.


    Cheng Liqi cupped her dad''s face. "Big uncle said Grandpa rules the outside world but is henpecked at home. It looks like Dad will be henpecked like Grandpa in the future."


    Cheng Jin: ...!

 Chapter 64: (End of text)

    <h4>Chapter 64</h4>


    Cheng Jin and the others had returned to China the day before Cheng LiQi''s birthday. Cheng Jinchuan came to pick them up early in the morning. When he saw his little niece, he smiled from ear to ear. He took the child from Cheng Shanhe''s arms and looked at her little face carefully. "Not bad. She''s tanned a bit, but even prettier."


    Cheng LiQi pinched her big uncle''s ear and said, "Because I take after big uncle. I''m born beautiful, so I look good no matter what."


    Cheng Jinchuanughed. "Though ''born beautiful'' doesn''t suit big uncle, our little LiQi does take after big uncle, that''s for sure."


    Cheng Jinchuan''s smile froze the moment he saw the person behind pushing the luggage. He turned to his father with his eyes, as if asking, What is he doing here?


    Cheng Shanhe thought, Don''t ask me. I want to know just as much as you. There''s a saying, isn''t there? The more a mother-inw looks at her son-inw, the more she likes him. He''s already captured your mum''s heart. You''ll be seeing more of him from now on. Just think of him as freebor, that''s how I got through it.


    Father and sonmunicated wordlessly with their eyes. Shao Chengze pushed the fully packed luggage cart over and saw Cheng Jinchuan. "Big brother," he greeted.


    Cheng Jinchuan''s frosty expression instantly turned to disgust. What did he just call me?!!


    Cheng Shanhe was also taken aback for a moment. Not only was this brat charming, he was shameless too. When he had first met his inws, he wasn''t nearly as shameless as this guy. His audacity exceeded the city walls!


    Fei Zuhui held in herughter with great difficulty and lightly coughed. Actually, he wasn''t wrong to call him big brother. Properly speaking, he should call Cheng Jin big sister, but no one expected him to say it so naturally. Well, one had to be shameless at times like this. If he was still prim and proper when wooing a girl, not willing to let go of his pride, she would doubt his sincerity.


    If not for the people around, Cheng Jin would''ve kicked him already. Why was he calling her brother? Just because her mum let him tag along and made him carry some luggage didn''t mean he could act so familiar with her.


    Cheng LiQi giggled. "Is Dad going to be big uncle''s minion?"


    Shao Chengze nodded. Why not?


    Cheng Jinchuan''s shit-like expression improved a little after hearing his niece''s words. Having Shao Enterprise''s CEO as his minion and telling others about it didn''t sound...too bad.


    Cheng Shanhe was fully focused on ying games with his granddaughter. Out of sight, out of mind. There would be time to settle old and new grudges with him when his wife wasn''t around.


    Since Cheng Shanhe saw Shao Chengze as freebor, he would make full use of him. No need for the chauffeur to move the luggage, Shao Chengze could do it himself. The weather was nearly 40 degrees Celsius. Cheng Shanhe looked up at the zing sun, very satisfied with the intensity. When he had first gone to his father-inw''s ce, the old man had thrown him to the backyard to weed the vegetable patch. Though the sun wasn''t as scorching then, weeding was much tougher than moving luggage. If Shao Chengze wanted to marry into their family, he shouldn''t fear hardship. This was just the beginning; more awaited him.


    Cheng Jin stood not far from the trunk, watching Shao Chengze load up the biggest luggage. He turned to look at her. "Go wait in the car. No need to keep mepany. It''s too sunny here. I''ll be quick."


    "Who''s keeping youpany?" Cheng Jin''s brows were knitted under her sunsses. Arms crossed before her chest, she looked more like she was supervising rather than apanying, though she had given him napkins.


    Amusement filled Shao Chengze''s eyes. "What did you give me the napkins for?"


    Sweat rolled down his temple, dangling from his jaw. Under the scorching, intense sunlight, it made one''s heart flutter. Cheng Jin''s tone was severe. "Do you need them or not?"


    Shao Chengze''s hands kept moving. As he continued shifting luggage, he looked at her. "Will you help me wipe?"


    Cheng Jin threw the napkins back into her bag. He could wipe himself or not.


    Shao Chengze chuckled softly. His bobbing Adam''s apple shone with sweat, moving along with his breath.


    Cheng Jin''s eyes shed behind her sunsses. Impatiently taking out more napkins from her bag, she stepped closer and pped them onto his face, scrubbing roughly and vigorously while grumbling, "You''re such a pain."


    Shao Chengze''s swellingughter was muffled in his throat. His chest moved slightly with his breath. Cheng Jin scrubbed even harder, leaving several red marks on his face. Letting himugh so flirtatiously, didn''t he see the passersby ogling him? Her father was right, he was a troublemaker.


    Cheng Jinchuan signaled the driver to honk. What was taking him so long? Did he think they had all day? Flirting with his sister in public like that!


    Fei Zuhui smacked Cheng Jinchuan. "Stop that. If you''re so free, why don''t you go help with the luggage? It''s sweltering, and you''re annoyed he''s sweating?"


    Cheng Jinchuan deted. He understood he couldn''t stop the tide. With his mother''s protection, Shao Chengze had obtained the divine sword Shang Fang Bao in their family.


    The CEO of Shao Enterprise bing his minion didn''t sound too bad after hearing his niece''s words.


    Cheng Shanhe was fully absorbed in ying games with his granddaughter. Out of sight, out of mind. There would be time to settle old and new grudges without his wife around.


    Shao Chengze finished loading the luggage into the car. His back was drenched too. Fei Zuhui passed a bottle of water through the window. Shao Chengze received it with both hands. "Thank you, Auntie." Seeing his sweat-soaked shirt, satisfaction filled Fei Zuhui''s eyes. She said, "Come over for dinner tomorrow night if you''re free."


    Shao Chengze froze in pleasant surprise. Had the heat muddled his brain and made him hallucinate? He looked to the woman beside him for confirmation.


    Cheng Jin returned, "What are you looking at me for? Can''t you make it?"


    The smile that spread across Shao Chengze''s dark eyes was dazzling. He regarded Fei Zuhui solemnly. "Auntie, I''m free. Thank you for the invitation."


    Fei Zuhui''s face also lit up with a smile, infected by his joy. "Good then."


    Cheng LiQi blinked at her father. So Dad passed Grandpa''s test?


    Cheng Jin adjusted her sunsses and turned her gaze away. Though she spoke to him, her tone was aloof. "Many rtives wille tomorrow. Be early."


    Gazing at her serene profile, Shao Chengze''s voice was gentle. "I''ll be there early."


    Cheng Jin nced his way before getting into the car. The window rolled up slowly between them, but their eyes locked again. "Let''s go," Cheng Jin said softly.


    Shao Chengze''s smile was deep as a clear pond.


    Cheng LiQi leaned over her mum''sp and waved energetically through the window. "See you tomorrow, Dad!"


    "See you tomorrow, LiQi."


    Shao Chengze walked a few steps after the slowly pulling away car until it disappeared from sight.


    Yuan Zhongzhou stomped out of a nearby car, keys jangling in his hand. He mocked, "Stop looking. The car''s long gone. Seems like great progress this time, huh? Proposal sessful?"


    Shao Chengze withdrew his gaze from the distance and looked at him. "No."


    Yuan Zhongzhou was puzzled by the beaming smile that wouldn''t fade from his face. "Didn''t seed yet you''re grinning like a peacock in heat?"


    Shao Chengze unceremoniously kicked him. "What would a lifelong bachelor like you understand?"


    Ouch. Yuan Zhongzhou bristled. I''ve only been single for a few weeks. How dare a chronic bachelor of many years look down on me? I can''t take this. I''m applying for work injurypensation.


    He flung the keys at Shao Chengze. "I''m hurt. Can''t drive. You''ll have to drive."


    Shao Chengze looked him up and down. "Where are you hurt?"


    "My soul," Yuan Zhongzhou deadpanned.


    ...Fragile soul. Shao Chengze got into the driver''s seat. Whether he drove or not, Shao Chengze was in the mood to drive now.


    Slumped in the passenger seat, Yuan Zhongzhou took a long time to recover from the blow his soul took. When he came to, he realized they weren''t headed to the office.


    "Aren''t we going to the office? You''re going the wrong way."


    "We''ll stop by the mall first."


    "What for?"


    "To buy things."


    "What do you need to buy? Get Christine Kong to handle it with a list."


    "No, I have to oversee it personally."


    Gifts for Cheng Shanhe and Fei Zuhui, Cheng Jinchuan''s family, and Cheng Jin''s younger brother''s family. He had prepared those already, but since she said many rtives wereing, he needed more.


    Yuan Zhongzhou fainted from dizziness, he was already pitiful enough as a single dog, and now he had to apany a man who was smug about both his career and love to go shopping. Could Heaven make his trials any more miserable?


    Cheng Jin had told Shao Chengze toe early, but she didn''t expect him to arrive before two o''clock. She had taken time off until tomorrow, and her work was already arranged, so she was in no hurry to go to the hotel. He had suddenly changed his schedule to take time off, so there was probably a pile of work waiting for him at thepany.


    She had wanted to ask why he was so free that he came so early, but seeing the slightly sunken eye sockets, she swallowed the words back down. He would look like this after being up all night.


    Shao Chengze looked at her and said, "Did Ie too early? I thought that if anything needed to be prepared, I could lend a hand."


    Cheng Jin brought him a ss of water and said, "My mom and Little Liqi are still sleeping. Even if we need to prepare, it won''t be toote to start after four." She paused for a moment before asking, "Have you eaten lunch?"


    "Does drinking two cups of coffee count?"


    "What do you think?"


    She saw that his stomach didn''t want to work anymore.


    Shao Chengze smiled. "Now that you mention it, I am rather hungry."


    Cheng Jin looked at his neat and tidy hair, and wanted to mess it up mischievously, but her hand eventuallynded on his neck, straightening his suit cor. "Aren''t you hot?" He was dressed too formally today.


    "I''m fine."


    "It''s still early to meet my parents. Who are you dressing up for? Take off your jacket first, I''m tired just looking at you."


    "Help me take it off."


    ...


    Cheng Jin still couldn''t help herself and messed up his hair into a tangled bird''s nest. She held his face in her hands and looked left and right. This was much more pleasing to the eye. Him being so formal made her a little nervous too.


    Shao Chengze didn''t mind his new hairstyle. "Do you prefer me with this hairstyle?"


    "I don''t like you no matter how you look," Cheng Jin removed the arm wrapped around her waist and walked into the kitchen. "Dumplings or clear noodle soup?"


    "Hm?" Shao Chengze got up, took off his suit jacket, draped it on the sofa, and followed her into the kitchen.


    "What do you want to eat?"


    There was delight in Shao Chengze''s eyes. "You''re making it for me?"


    Cheng Jin asked him again, "Which one do you want?"


    Shao Chengze pushed his luck. "I want both."


    Wanting both was not impossible either. Cheng Jin simply made dumpling noodle soup, which was easy enough. The dumplings and noodles were ready-made, just needing some leafy greens added in. She boiled it up in under ten minutes and the broth was well-bnced too. He didn''t eattro, so there was no need to garnish it.


    Shao Chengze embraced her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. He seemed a little overwhelmed. "Why are you being so nice to me today?"


    Cheng Jin''s hand paused for a moment as Shao Chengze held her even tighter. "I''m not being nice to you. You probably don''t know what you''ll be facing tonight. My brother and his buddies will all be there today. Each of those guys can drink more than a normal person''s share, and add some elders in the family who can also drink a lot, so be prepared to be forced to drink in turns."


    Shao Chengze''s chin gently nuzzled her soft neck. "Don''t worry, I''m mentally prepared. Isn''t it said that being plied with alcohol is something every son-inw has to go through when meeting the inws? My alcohol tolerance is decent and I don''t act out when drunk. The only downside is I tend to ckout when drunk."


    Cheng Jin''s hands stilled for a moment. Shao Chengze held her even tighter. "Miaomiao, I''m sorry I couldn''t remember that night."


    That was the night they had little Liqi, but he had always treated that night as a hazy dream, with no clear memories, yet also unwilling to forget.


    Cheng Jin stared nkly at the oilseed rape in the bowl, her mind somewhat distracted. "You don''t need to apologize. I didn''t intend for you to remember back then either." Otherwise she wouldn''t have endured the soreness to clean up the aftermath immactely after that night.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about the past," Cheng Jin turned to look at him. "Weren''t you saying you were hungry? The noodles will get mushy if you don''t eat them soon."


    Shao Chengze looked into her eyes, leaned in to wrap her lips in his, first biting them lightly, then showering them with delicate little pecks. Cheng Jin didn''t close her eyes as usual, but looked at him quietly instead. Shao Chengze turned her shoulders so they faced each other, changing from a back hug to kissing face-to-face.


    "Why aren''t you closing your eyes?" he murmured ambiguously against her lips.


    Cheng Jin panted lightly, stubborn defiance in her gaze. "You didn''t close yours either."


    Shao Chengze smiled against her lips, his warm breath caressing her face. Cheng Jin''s long eyshes fluttered rapidly a few times but she still didn''t close her eyes. Shao Chengze''s lips slowly traveled up along her pert nose, finallynding on her eyelids, first the left, then the right.


    "Despicable," Cheng Jin bit down on his chin in retaliation, but didn''t use any force, just lightly nipping it.


    Shao Chengze lifted her by the waist forcefully, despicably having his way. In the end, the dumpling noodles became just dumpling soup, all the broth absorbed by the noodles.


    Cheng Jin sat across from him, cradling her heated cheek in one hand, watching him eat with great relish. "Don''t force yourself if you can''t finish it."


    Shao Chengze finished up the leftovers in three or two mouthfuls, then wiped his mouth with a napkin and gave his verdict. "The most delicious meal I''ve ever had."


    Little Liqi had woken up from her nap and was standing in the living room, rubbing her eyes and looking for her mother. Cheng Jin first went to respond to her daughter, then mouthed to him, "A man''s mouth is a lying ghost."


    With the noodles and dumpling skins soaked until white, how could it possibly taste good?


    Hearing her mother''s voice, Little Liqi ran into the kitchen and saw her parents. Her eyes smiled into little crescent moons. Mama and Papa were whispering sweet nothings to each other.


    Shao Chengze picked her up with one arm. "Baby, happy birthday."


    Little Liqi responded softly, "Thank you, Papa." But looking at Papa''s messy hair, she reached out and stroked it. "Papa, your hairstyle today is so cool!"


    "Mama did it for me."


    If Mama did it, then it was even cooler.


    Little Liqi looked at her mother. "Mama, can you do a beautiful princess hairdo for me today?"


    She was a girl, she had to have a very beautiful, very beautiful hairstyle, not a cool one.


    "Of course, darling." Cheng Jin pinched her little cheek.


    Cheng Jin led Little Liqi to do her hair and pick out clothes, while Shao Chengze cleaned up the kitchen and washed the dishes. Chatter andughter, both loud and soft, floated out from the dressing room, blending with the sounds of running water in the kitchen, harmonious and melodious. Shao Chengze''s lips quirked up gently, his eyes warm.


    The birthday party decorations were handled by professionals. Following Little Liqi''s wishes this year, the theme was a Frozen wondend.


    As soon as Little Liqi stepped into the yard, her eyes widened. The castle that had appeared was exactly the same as the one she had seen in the movie. As she ran towards the castle, she eximed to Grandma Fei and Grandpa Cheng on the stairs, "Grandma, Grandpa, isn''t this just too beautiful?"


    Seeing their granddaughter so happy made Fei Zuhui and Cheng Shanhe even happier. Cheng Jin went to her parents and said, "Dad, Mom, Shao Chengze is here, he''s outside."


    "If he''s here let him in quickly, what''s he doing waiting outside?" Fei Zuhui turned and called to housekeeper Qu, "Sister Qu, open all the doors, the guests will start arriving."


    Cheng Shanhe gave a light snort. "He sure came early."


    So Shao Chengze dide in, but was left sitting on the sofa for over ten minutes by Cheng Shanhe. When Cheng Jinchuan came back from work and saw him as soon as he entered, his brow furrowed, about to ask what he was doinging so ridiculously early.


    Shao Chengze stood up and said to Cheng Jinchuan, "Big brother, you''re back."


    ...Damn him, with that one sentence he choked back all of Cheng Jinchuan''s words.


    Fei Zuhui kicked open Cheng Shanhe who was blocking the kitchen door, and brought out the tea herself. A quick show of dominance was enough, where was this leaving someone hanging about?


    With the mistress out, Cheng Shanhe also came out and let his daughter out as well.


    The courtyard was filled with Cheng Liqi''sughter and chatter, which contrasted with the rather grave atmosphere inside the house. Cheng Jin sat next to Shao Chengze, while Fei Zuhui sat in the middle seat on the sofa. Cheng Shanhe and Cheng Jinchuan sat opposite them, both with stern expressions on their faces, staring motionless at Shao Chengze.


    Despite being stared at by four eyes, Shao Chengze remainedposed. He brought out the things he had prepared beforehand and filled up the whole coffee table. For Fei Zuhui there was a set of jade ornaments, for Cheng Shanhe there was a genuine calligraphy work by an ancient calligrapher, and for Cheng Jinchuan there was a document, as well as gifts for her younger brother Cheng Lichuan and his wife Xu Yan''s family.


    Only Fei Zuhui epted the box handed over by Shao Chengze with both hands. Cheng Shanhe and Cheng Jinchuan did not take them. Fei Zuhui opened the box to take a look, her smile deepened, and she said to Shao Chengze, "Thank you, Chengze, I really like it."


    It wasn''t that this set of jade ornaments was particrly valuable, but that he was able to find out her preferences rather than just randomly buying expensive gifts showed thoughtfulness. This was appreciated.


    Cheng Shanhe looked even more displeased. Shao Chengze had given his wife so many gifts, yet he rarely heard her say she really liked them.


    Cheng Jinchuan stared at the document in front of her somewhat puzzled. She could probably guess that the gift Shao Chengze gave to her father was some antique calligraphy, judging by the shape of the box. But she wondered what he meant by giving her this document. Driven by curiosity, she briefly flipped through it. It was a development n for the L plot ofnd in Nancheng. It was written...in a rather meaningful way.


    Shao Chengze took out another document and nced at Cheng Jin before handing it to Cheng Shanhe with both hands. "Uncle, this is a share transfer agreement."


    Cheng Shanhe didn''t move, so Shao Chengze maintained his bent over posture. Under the coffee table, Fei Zuhui fiercely stomped on Cheng Shanhe''s foot. Only then did Cheng Shanhe endure the muffled grunt in his throat and expressionlessly take it over.


    What shares could a share transfer agreement transfer? It certainly wouldn''t be his Shao n shares. Cheng Shanhe flipped to the end and his brow quirked up. He asked Shao Chengze, "Are you serious?"


    Shao Chengze nodded. "I''ve already signed it. As soon as Jin signs it, it can take effect immediately."


    Cheng Shanhe stared at him, deep in thought. If he wasn''t mistaken, Shao Chengze wanted to transfer half of the Shao n shares currently in his name to his daughter Cheng Liqi.


    "Will your family elders and the board of directors agree?"


    "I can now call the shots at Shao n."


    "You know what this means?"


    It meant that half of Shao n would be surnamed Cheng, and Jin would have equal say to him at Shao n.


    Shao Chengze replied, "I know."


    To him, it didn''t matter whether thepany was surnamed Shao or Cheng. What mattered was that she was by his side, along with their daughter Liqi.


    Cheng Shanhe handed the document to Cheng Jin. Cheng Jin flipped halfway through then closed the document. She shook her head. "I don''t agree."


    Shao Chengze looked at her. Cheng Jin said to Cheng Shanhe, "There''s no need."


    There was no need to use these things to prove anything or provide assurance. She had her own career and didn''t need to rely on him in any way. If she eventually acknowledged him, it would be acknowledging him as a person, not because of other irrelevant factors. She didn''t want their rtionship to beplicated by gains and losses. That would make things messy.


    Cheng Jinchuan took the document and also quirked a brow when she read to the end. She suggested, "If Eldest Aunt doesn''t want it, just transfer it to Liqi instead."


    Men never trusted other men. Some things had to be taken even if unwanted. Since Shao Chengze wanted to be Liqi''s father in name and status, he should demonstrate the appropriate sincerity.


    Shao Chengze looked at Cheng Jin. Cheng Jin didn''t speak.


    Shao Chengze said softly, "That works too. In the end these things will be Liqi''s anyway, it''s just a matter of sooner orter."


    Cheng Shanhe was quite satisfied with what he said. He picked up the tea in front of him and took a sip.


    Cheng Jin looked into Shao Chengze''s eyes and finally nodded.


    A gentle light flowed in Shao Chengze''s eyes. He hooked her little finger with his and a smile spread across his face.


    Sitting on the side, Fei Zuhui''s mouth quirked up as she watched their little interaction. She also picked up her tea and took a sip.


    Cheng Liqi called from the courtyard, "Grandma, Little Uncle and Little Auntie, Duoduo and Stinky are here!"


    Cheng Liqi''s little uncle was Cheng Lichuan, a doctor at Yiyuan Shenwai Hospital. Her little aunt was Xu Yan, the CEO of an exhibitionpany. They had a pair of cute twin babies less than 6 months old, two soft and sticky little milk buns who would squint and smile at whoever they saw.


    Before long, Shen Xi Wen arrived with Shen Chuqi, followed closely by Li Peifeng''s car. Li Peifeng was feeling veryplicated right now. He had already received a call from Cheng Jinchuan earlier saying not to make things easy for Shao Chengze today, but Shao Chengze was like a brother to Shen Xi Wen, who would be his sister-inw in the future. He hadn''t even sessfully pursued his wife yet, so offending his future brother-inw now would make his wife pursuit even harder. So as Li Peifeng wavered for about 3 seconds between supporting future brother-inw and supporting good buddy Cheng Jinchuan, he finally decided to stand with the future brother-inw.


    Zhou An and Feng Nian were just there to watch the show and see if Cheng Jinchuan could disy his might against this big brother-inw today. Cheng Lichuan had surgery tomorrow so couldn''t drink tonight.


    So of Cheng Jinchuan''s group of good buddies gathered today to get Shao Chengze drunk, only he and Shi Ran were really trying. But by the end, it wasn''t Shi Ran and Cheng Jinchuan getting Shao Chengze drunk, but the two of thempeting against each other to drink more.


    Shao Chengze finally caught a breath, downed a cup of hot tea, and suppressed the alcohol buzz. Cheng Jin walked over, saw his flushed ears and somewhat paleplexion, and knew he must have been plied with quite a bit of alcohol.


    Cheng Jin said to Cheng Jinchuan, "Brother, Dad is asking him over and he can''t keep drinking with you."


    Cheng Jinchuan and Shi Ran were still in the midst of their drinkingpetition and had no more attention to spare for Shao Chengze. Cheng Jinchuan waved his hand to signal them to take the man away, her dad wouldn''t go easy on him.


    Shao Chengze still looked fairly sober, just a bit unsteady when he got up. Cheng Jin held his hand and brought him to the kitchen, handing him a cup of honey water. "Are you ok? My dad called you over and you probably won''t get to drink any less over there."


    "I''m fine, I''m always fine." He epted the cup, lowering his voice for the next sentence, his gaze meaningful.


    Cheng Jin red at him.


    Shao Chengze downed the honey water in one go, put down the cup, and hugged her. "Don''t worry, consider this early practice. Our wedding will definitely involve heavier drinking."


    Cheng Jin kicked his leg. Who was "our" and getting married with him? "Go drink your alcohol."


    He clearly hadn''t been plied enough yet if he still had the mindset to tease.


    As soon as Shao Chengze appeared, the Cheng n''s rtives and friends didn''t need anything spelled out for them. This was clearly Liqi''s father, their eyes were mirrors of each other.


    Some couldn''t resist gossiping. "How did Jin end up with someone from the Shao n?"


    Fei Zuhui subtly intercepted. "There''s nothing wrong with the Shao n. We can''t implicate the younger generation over grievances between the previous generation. The two of them had misunderstandings before and were able to resolve them and reunite after so many years, it''s also fate. What could be more important than the children''s happiness?"


    Someone else said, "The Shao n still has messy dealings nowadays. Even if it''s less than before, the old master is still around. Jin''s days won''t be easy if she marries in."


    Fei Zuhui said, "The Shao n is now led by Chengze, and he already bought a house right next to Jin. Even if they get married, it''ll just be their family of three behind closed doors here. The old master won''t be able to interfere."


    Cheng Shanhe didn''t introduce Shao Chengze, only had him sit next to him. This could be considered acknowledging his identity. The Cheng elders were excited at the prospect of a son-inwing to their door, especially from the Shao n. What were they waiting for? Bring out the wine! It wasn''t easy to be a Cheng n son-inw, let alone from the Shao n.


    At the children''s table, Cheng Liqi took a bite of sweet cake and whispered to Shen Chuqi, "At my mom and dad''s wedding, I''m going to be a flower girl."


    Shen Chuqi''s eyes lit up and she stopped her fork mid-bite of cake. "Me too, Cheng Liqi! I''ll do it with you."


    Yun Qi asked, "Xiao Liqi, when did your dad and mom get married?"


    Cheng Liqi shook her head, "I don''t know, but it will be soon."


    Shen Chuqi was curious, "How do you know?"


    Cheng Liqi replied, "Because my dad passed my grandfather''s test. In fairy tales, the prince can be with the princess and start a happy life after passing the trials. "


    Shen Chuqi said, "So your dad is moving to your house?"


    Cheng Liqi took a bite of the cake and thought for a moment, "Yeah, my mom and I are here, of course my dad will move to our house."


    Shen Chuqi looked at the cream on Cheng Liqi''s face. She took some napkins from the table and handed them to her to wipe her face. Cheng Liqi took them and gave Shen Chuqi a sweet smile. Shen Chuqi rubbed her own nose and started eating the cake with her head down.


    Shen Xi Wen looked at her shy little son''s red ears and sighed deeply. Kids really grow up fast.


    Cheng Liqi had a very happy birthday. After taking a bath, shey in bed and even called her grandma to thank her for the birthday gift and red envelope. She really liked the gift.


    Lv Siwei couldn''t stopughing on the phone. Time just got better and better every day. At this timest year, she was still worried that her son would be single for the rest of his life. This year, she had a sweet little granddaughter calling her grandma. She hoped her son wouldn''t mess things up at his father-inw''s house today, so next year she could have another daughter-inw.


    Shao Chengze didn''t mess things up, he just got dead drunk with his big uncle and his friends. He could still keep up appearances and politely decline a couple of drinks with them, but with his father-inw right next to him, he had no choice but to keep up and drink whatever his father-inw poured for him.


    In a daze, someone took him to bed. His head was spinning and he just wanted to sleep, but his alcohol-flooded brain was still holding on to one thread of thought. He fumbled for his phone and pressed a few buttons before that thread rxed. Smelling the familiar scent on the pillow, he fell asleep.


    In the next bedroom, Cheng Liqi hugged the Barbie doll from her dad and also fell asleep sweetly. The Barbie doll was just a bonus, the main gift was the small box hanging from the Barbie''s neck. Inside was a 10-carat pink diamond, but Cheng Liqi obviously preferred the Barbie doll more. To her, the diamond was just a rock.


    Cheng Jin came out of the bathroom. Shao Chengze was leaning groggily against the headboard. Seeing her, he smiled and reached out to grab her wrist, pulling her onto the bed and into his arms. Looking into her eyes, he asked the question he''d been holding in for days, "Miao Miao, at the beach, when I wanted to propose, you seemed hesitant. Can you tell me what made you hesitate?"


    Cheng Jin looked at his bleary eyes and knew he was still drunk. When he was seriously drunk, he would easily ck out and forget everything from the night before. She didn''t want to bring this up, he was drunk that night, and drunk again tonight, so he wouldn''t remember anything that happened or was said tonight.


    "You already proposed to me that night."


    Shao Chengze''s foggy gaze froze, something was frantically tugging at his nerves, and the fuzzy white mass that had existed in his brain for years began to slowly clear up.


    "But you immediately took it back, saying the proposal didn''t count."


    She was still hesitating, but he had already retracted it. What he said was drunken rambling, but she took it seriously.


    Shao Chengze grasped her hand, "Miao Miao, I remember now, I took it back because at the time--" I thought I was dreaming, I thought you had someone else in your heart, I thought you would definitely not agree, so I rejected myself first.


    Cheng Jin leaned on his shoulder, cutting off his words, "It wasn''t because of anything else, it was just because you were silly."


    Shao Chengze agreed with her words, "I really was silly."


    Otherwise, how could they have wasted so many years?


    Shao Chengze moved to her ear, "Miao Miao, when I''m sober tomorrow, I''ll ask again, will you agree?"


    "We''ll see," Cheng Jin closed her eyes and murmured vaguely, "Anyway, you won''t remember anything you said tonight after waking up tomorrow. Go take a shower, you reek of alcohol. I''m tired and want to sleep."


    Shao Chengze tucked the nket around her and gently patted her shoulder, "Sleep."


    The next morning when Cheng Jin woke up, the other side of the bed was already empty. There was an envelope on the pillow, with "To Miao Miao" written on it in his handwriting.


    Cheng Jin sat up against the headboard and opened the letter. Though called a letter, it was more like a rambling stream of consciousness, pages and pages thick. Did he write all night? He said hisnguage grades were poor, and it seemed he was right about that. It was just a in recounting of their interactions from the very beginning until that night. Some things she had even forgotten until his ramblings brought those memories back to life.


    And the things from that night, it seemed he did remember them. How could he remember something that was already forgotten after so many years, was there some scientific basis for that? As Cheng Jin looked at his writing, her ear tips grew hot. He didn''t have to write in such detail.


    Shao Chengze pushed the door open and came in. Seeing her reading the letter, he stopped at the door, looking a little awkward. This was the first time he had written a letter to a girl. He knew himself that it had no artistry at all, barely better than colloquial writing.


    Cheng Jin couldn''t bear to read to the end. She hastily folded the letter and stuffed it under her pillow, half annoyed and half angry, "How can you remember so clearly?"


    Shao Chengze replied, "Because over the years, I would go over these things in my mind again and again, how could I not remember them clearly?"


    He walked to the bedside, looking at her, and slowly knelt down on one knee, taking out a box from his pocket, "Miao Miao, I remember everything about our past clearly. Only that most important night has always been missing from my memory, that was the night I shouldn''t have forgotten, and the night I made the most mistakes. Only today have I remembered everything. Proposing and then taking it back was probably the dumbest thing I''ve done in my life. At that time, I had no confidence at all in my ce in your heart. I said it in my drunken state, but afraid you would reject me, I rejected myself first."


    "So now you''re not afraid of rejection anymore, certain that if you propose I''ll agree, that''s why you''re proposing?"


    "No, it''s because I was silly back then, and smarter now. If you reject me, I''ll just propose again."


    Cheng Jin sat up straight, "How do you remember what happenedst night?"


    Shao Chengze exined, "I was afraid I would forget, so I turned on my phone''s voice recorder before passing out."


    ...Might as well sell him off when he gets drunk.


    Cheng Jin looked at the ring in the box, "How many rings have you prepared?"


    Shao Chengze softly replied, "Many, I have to keep asking until you agree to marry me." He looked at her earnestly, "Miao Miao, marry me, give me a chance to make up for the seven years we missed in the second half of our lives, okay?"


    Everything around them froze, only the clock on the wall ticked on, second hand and minute hand steadily circling round and round.


    Cheng Jin spoke up, "Get rid of the rest of the rings."


    Shao Chengze was stunned for a moment before slowly realizing the implication behind her words. He looked up at her as if in a dream, "Miao Miao, you agreed?"


    Cheng Jin held out her left hand, "You have three seconds, if you don''t get the ring on my finger in time, I''m taking it back."


    She started counting down.


    Shao Chengze immediately grabbed her hand and slid the ring onto her left ring finger. His breath hitched as the ring touched her finger, it slipped off course without going on. Cheng Jin had already counted to one, but she stopped and waited for the ring to settle on her finger before saying "one".


    Shao Chengze gently kissed the ring on her hand, then stood up and hugged her tightly, "The ring is on, you can''t take it back now."


    Cheng Jin''s hands slowly circled his waist.


    Cheng Liqi, who had been hiding by the door, pushed it open and shouted, "Dad and mom are getting married! I get to be the prettiest flower girl at the wedding!"


    Shao ChengZe and Cheng Jin were both frozen, not knowing how long she had been listening at the door.


    Cheng LiQi ran to the bedside, climbed onto the bed, "Dad, I want to hug Mom with you too."


    Shao ChengZe smiled helplessly, opening his arms, "Come in."


    Cheng LiQi snuggled in front of Dad''s chest, hugging Mom with Dad. She did not sit still and lost her bnce. The three of them fell on the bed together. Cheng LiQi excitedly looked at Mom on the left and then at Dad on the right, "Dad, after you and Mom get married, I don''t want to sleep alone anymore. I want to sleep with you like this every day, okay?"


    Shao ChengZe: ...


    Cheng Jin buried her face in the pillow andughed out loud. Hearing Momugh, Cheng LiQi also giggled.


    Shao ChengZe reached out and hugged the big and small ones to his chest. This was his whole world.


    Sunlight shone through the curtains into the room, casting mottled shadows on the floor. Theughter in the room spread to the yard, and the sound of cicadas became more cheerful.


    Time is fleeting, summer is long. At an age when you can still love, love bravely!

 Chapter 65: A surname

    <h4>Chapter 65</h4>


    Shao ChengZe went into the leader''s office as usual in the morning to report on work and hand over a delivery to the leader that he had signed for.


    Cheng Jin nced at the delivery - it was sent by Jiang Meng. She had said yesterday that she was sending her something nice and asked what it was, but didn''t say, only telling her to see for herself. From her mysterious tone, Cheng Jin knew it wouldn''t be anything good. She first put the delivery aside and asked Shao ChengZe how preparations for the uing meeting were going.


    Today there was an investment forum being held in Lanzhou, and all the attendees were industry big shots, so they couldn''t afford any mistakes.


    Shao ChengZe replied, "I just went downstairs to check, people are entering the venue, everything is going smoothly."


    Cheng Jin nodded, that''s good then.


    Shao ChengZe walked to the office door, nced around, then turned back and said, "Manager Cheng, I saw President Shao when I came up earlier. He''s speaking second today."


    Cheng Jin looked up from her documents with a faint smile.


    Shao ChengZe heh-heh''ed twice, quickly exited the office, and even closed the door for his boss. As assistants, they had to be able to guess what their bosses were thinking - not that he needed to guess, he also knew his boss was currently in a honeymoon period of love. Although Manager Cheng didn''t show it overtly on her face, the asional smile that escaped from the corners of her eyes and lips when she answered the phone gave it away.


    Recently, there had been endless gossip circting outside that the Cheng and Shao families were going to coborate on a development project in Nancheng. If this was true, it would truly be a historic reconciliation, some said. Others said it was more than just the two families coborating - the real historic reconciliation was that the two families were going to be inws! The Cheng family''s second daughter and the Shao Group''s President were about to get married! The two already had history, the second daughter''s own father was none other than the Shao Group''s President. Back then the two had parted because of misunderstandings, but now with the misunderstandings resolved, the broken mirror was whole again, and the decade-long opposition between the two families had also eased as a result, leading to the coboration in Nancheng. Everyone was shocked - this was a perfect happy ending like Romeo and Juliet!


    Once love was involved, anything would be cloaked in a veil of mystery and romance. Although neither family had formally responded to any of the rumors, which may or may not be true, just these elusive snippets were enough to bring unprecedented attention to the Nancheng project, and bothpanies'' share prices kept soaring, unstoppable.


    Hmm... Shao ChengZe had also bought shares in bothpanies, more in Shao''spany. His thinking was simple - make a small profit, pay off his housing loan, then lie t for the rest of his life. His boss''s love life affected the coboration between the twopanies, which in turn affected whether he could lie t in the second half of his life, so he had to unconditionally support it.


    Cheng Jin tapped the tabletop with her fingers and nced at the time - the meeting should have started. She knew he wasing to attend today, under the identity of QiongMiao Group''s President. He had left her home this morning too, but it had only been a little over two hours since theyst met, and she still had a pile of things to handle, so there was no need to go downstairs. She came up with all kinds of excuses, but in the end still got up.


    When she entered the meeting hall, he had just gone on stage. Shao ChengZe''s gaze swept over the crowded room,nding on the figure standing by the door, and the outer corners of his eyes tilted up as he loosened his tie seemingly unconsciously. Cheng Jin''s face grew hot - he was doing it deliberately. The tie around his neck was the one she had tied for him herself this morning. She had tied it very tight to cover up the bite mark left on his neck.


    Across the length of the meeting hall, Cheng Jin mouthed "Rogue" at the man on stage.


    Shao ChengZe had excellent vision - he clearly made out what she had said. Even if he couldn''t see clearly, he could guess. His dark eyes brimmed withughter that spilled onto his face, stunning the audience below.


    This Shao Group President had a romantic face, yet a cold personality. Although young, he carried himself steadily and prudently. Few had seen him smile like this. Even those elders who often coborated with Shao and could call him nephew rarely got more than a polite, respectful attitude from him. A smile that could melt millennia of icebergs was probably once in ten thousand years.


    Some noticed Cheng Jin standing at the back of the hall, and the sharper-eyed ones saw that both wore simple wedding bands on their left ring fingers - whether matched or not was unclear. Butbined with the endless gossip flying around outside, perhaps some things were not baseless spection. So discussions broke out in twos and threes, with some shouting out loudly despite all being titans of industry, "President Shao, are you about to have good news soon?" The previously silent conference hall grew rowdy again, seemingly about to spiral out of control.


    The MC was supposed to take control of the situation, but he was a seasoned pro who could tell that President Shao did not seem impatient. On the contrary, his expression could even be described as sunny and genial. This kind of meeting was boring and dull to begin with, and he was tired of MC''ing them. With all the big shots below sitting solemn and proper, he couldn''t liven up the atmosphere even if he tried. Now a little distraction had fallen into hisp, saving him from dire straits. Not only was the venue already heating up, but he was a gossip at heart too.


    Cheng Jin also hadn''t expected that just popping over on a whim would cause such a scene. Now she couldn''t leave even if she wanted to, because half the room was staring at her and the other half at Shao ChengZe.


    Wedding dates are joyous affairs, but Shao ChengZe and Cheng Shanhe differed in their understanding of ing soon". The date had just been set yesterday - Fei Zuhui and Lu Siwei had jointly decided on the 18th day of the sixth lunar month next year. There was still almost a full year before that date. Shao ChengZe privately felt it was set too far in the future. ording to his ns, it would be noter than end of this year, but he also knew this was probably the earliest date father-inw could agree to.


    If it were up to Cheng Shanhe, next year would be too rushed - it should be at least three yearster. But his wife unceremoniously kicked him, so his opinion didn''t matter that much.


    Shao ChengZe and Cheng Jin exchanged a look across the distance. He bent towards the mic, and Cheng Jin could guess what he was about to say. She took the chance while everyone''s attention was on him to quietly and swiftly slip out the door. She didn''t have skin as thick as his, so it was best to leave him to handle this scene alone. Whatever he said, he could certainly deal with it smoothly.


    Shao ChengZe''s clear voice sounded over the speakers, "It''s true there is good news, but not until next year. I hope everyone here will honor us with your presence then to drink to our happiness."


    An uproar immediately ensued below.


    Someone shouted loudly, "Is it good news with Manager Cheng?"


    Another turned and looked towards the back of the hall, "Hey, where did Manager Cheng go?"


    Shao ChengZe gently replied, "She is on the shy side."


    With this, he had both dered ownership and shown affection. The pot, already boiling, exploded into fireworks as some even whistled. This was no meeting, it was livelier than the hottest party.


    The Lanzhou staff were also extremely excited. They knew General Manager Cheng and President Shao were dating - after all, President Shao came to pick up the General Manager frequently, sometimes even bringing little princess along. Romance is hard to conceal if it develops in earnest. They just didn''t expect the wedding date to be already set, President Shao sure worked fast.


    But President Shao said General Manager Cheng was on the shy side - that didn''t seem to match the General Manager Cheng they knew. They had never imagined the word shy would be associated with her. They wondered what a shy General Manager Cheng was like.


    Tang Yicheng, who had been lurking in the group chat for a while, couldn''t help but chime in - a shy General Manager Cheng can only be seen by President Shao, don''t even think about it. His seemingly calm words concealed his agitated mood - his dream was about toe true, he was about to lie t for the second half of his life, he had to shout long live for the boss''s shy yet beautiful love!


    Cheng Jin had fled from the conference hall, but during the tea break, she had some extra sweets and fruit delivered over, which were clearly for someone''s benefit. The bosses didn''t choke on the sweetness of the desserts, but they did choke on the overt yet implicit sweetness of this budding romance, and couldn''t help but tease Shao Chengze about it again.


    Shao Chengze was in an exceptionally good mood today, and took all of the joking and teasing in stride. In between conversations, he even sent a message out: [Want to have lunch together?]


    After a few minutes, the reply came back: [It''s too hot and sunny outside, don''t want to go out. Come to my office after you''re done.]


    [Ok.]


    Cheng Jin put down her phone and started concentrating on work again. When she was focused, time always went by quickly. Before she knew it, it was almost 11 o''clock. She stretched her neck and back, and her phone screen lit up with iing messages from Jiang Meng, not just one, but several in a row, all asking if she had received the package.


    Only then did Cheng Jin remember the box sitting in the corner of her desk. She reached for it and took out a box cutter, curious what Jiang Meng had sent that had gotten her so excited.


    There was a knock at the door. Cheng Jin didn''t think much of it and called out, "Come in." The door opened halfway and she saw what was inside the package Jiang Meng had sent. Before she could say anything more, she hurriedly shoved the contents back in the box, cursing Jiang Meng in her heart. What nonsense was she sending to the office!


    She put some files on top of the box, thinking it was Tang Yicheng at the door. Seeing who it actually was, she pressed down harder on the files.


    "You''re done already?" She thought it was supposed to go until noon.


    "Not yet, but there''s nothing important left, so I slipped out early."


    Cheng Jin tapped at her keyboard, "I''ve still got some things to finish up. Let me know what you want for lunch, I''ll just have the tomato pasta."


    Shao Chengze shut the door behind him and kept walking in. "Tang''s not at his desk, probably went to the bathroom. I''ll ask him when he gets back."


    "Have a seat on the couch while you wait, get yourself a drink if you want." Cheng Jin didn''t want to leave her desk or let him get too close.


    Clearly Shao Chengze didn''t understand what she really meant. He tossed his suit jacket onto the couch and sat in the chair right next to her desk, facing her. Cheng Jin kept her eyes on herputer screen but her attention waspletely on him as she typed out a string of gibberish she couldn''t even read herself. Finally she looked over at him, "What are you staring at me for?"


    Shao Chengze leaned back casually in the chair. "Just thinking the boss looks really attractive when she''s hard at work."


    Cheng Jin rolled her eyes at him. "If you''re so free, go make me a coffee, then go see if Tang is back yet. I''m starving, if he''s not back yet, just go down to the cafe and bring something up."


    "My pleasure to serve the boss." Shao Chengze got up, draping his tie over the chair back and unbuttoning the top two buttons of his shirt before taking her coffee cup.


    Cheng Jin watched his prominent Adam''s apple and the faint bite mark just below it and changed her mind. "Never mind, just make the coffee. I''ll call down to the cafe to have them send food up."


    She didn''t need him parading around the hotel with that hickey on disy if she wanted to keep her reputation as his boss.


    Shao Chengze smiled meaningfully. "Got it."


    While his back was turned filling up the water, Cheng Jin shoved the box farther under her desk.


    Shao Chengze came back with the coffee and noticed the emptier desk. There was an imperceptible glint in his eyes as he set the coffee near her. But instead of sitting back down in the chair or on the couch, he sat right on her desk where she had just tucked away the box.


    Cheng Jin finished her call to the cafe and looked up at him. "Did you have something to say?"


    Shao Chengze hooked the legs of her chair with his own long legs and pulled her up close between his legs and the chair. He braced his hands on the chair arms, trapping her between him and the chair. "Where do you want to have the wedding?" he asked seriously.


    Cheng Jin considered the question just as seriously. "Maybe a beach wedding, simple ceremony on the sand, nothing tooplicated. I want the wedding to be rxed and happy, don''t want to be too worn out setting everything up. What do you think?"


    Shao Chengze brushed back the hair falling across her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. "I think that sounds perfect."


    They gazed into each other''s eyes, the lingering look turning sensual.


    They were leaning in closer when there was a sudden knock at the door. Cheng Jin''s shoulders tensed and she pressed her forehead to his, not letting his lipse any closer. "That''s probably the food."


    Shao Chengze''s eyes were dark with desire, his voice husky. "I''ll get it."


    Cheng Jin held his arm back and leaned in to button his shirt all the way up to the cor. She smoothed down his cor for him too. "There, go ahead now."


    Shao Chengze touched his lips to hers lightly, then again, wanting more but Cheng Jin nudged his leg with her foot. "Hurry up, I''m hungry."


    "What a coincidence, so am I," Shao Chengze said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and nibbling her lips, sucking her tongue. Finally satisfied, he got up to answer the door.


    Cheng Jin was a little annoyed and threw her shark paper clip at him. She didn''t throw it too hard and it arced gently through the air beforending on the ground, not hurting him at all. But just then the door opened and Tang Yicheng saw the paperclip tter to the floor. His heart skipped a beat as he handed the food to Shao Chengze and wondered if he should ask if they were fighting. But Shao Chengze didn''t seem upset at all. Tang reassured himself that it was just a little lover''s tiff, bickering means caring after all.


    Shao Chengze didn''t know about the tumultuous imaginings in Tang Yicheng''s mind. He took the food with a thanks and shut the door behind him, locking it too.


    Cheng Jin was still trying to shove the box farther under her desk and didn''t hear the lock turn.


    Shao Chengze picked up the shark clip off the floor and set the food on the coffee table. He fiddled with the remote and the ss wall dimmed, blocking out the sky and sunlight.


    "Come eat," he called to her.


    "Okay."


    Cheng Jin gave the box onest kick, satisfied with its current position. Just as she was about to get up, her leg suddenly cramped. In the summer when she sat too long in the air conditioning, her legs would cramp up if she moved too quickly. Some of those cramps could be excruciating. She braced against the desk, unable to hold back a pained whine.


    Shao Chengze noticed something was off and hurried over. "What''s wrong? Where does it hurt?"


    "Leg cramp," Cheng Jin managed to say.


    Shao Chengze knelt down and squeezed her calf. "Here?"


    Cheng Jin nodded.


    Shao Chengze massaged firmly up and down the tense muscle. Slowly the agonizing knot eased up.


    "Better now, not sore anymore." She tweaked his earlobe. "Get up, don''t kneel too long or your legs will go numb."


    But Shao Chengze didn''t get up. His eyes went to the box under her desk. "What''s this? It was on your desk before, now it''s here."


    "Nothing, just some garbage to throw out."


    "Let me toss it for you then." Shao Chengze reached for the box.


    "Shao Chengze!" Cheng Jin stopped him sharply.


    Shao Chengze looked up at her. "What''s wrong, still sore?" She sat in the chair above him as he half-knelt on the floor. Cheng Jin cupped his face and leaned down to kiss him. She had just wanted to distract him at first, but things escted rapidly.


    He pulled her off the chair into hisp, holding her tight against his chest. She couldn''t keep up with his pace or steal a proper breath from his lips. She grabbed handfuls of his hair, wrenching them apart a little. "Let me go."


    "First tell me what''s in the box," he insisted, nibbling her lips.


    "Garbage," Cheng Jin nipped his lips right back.


    Shao Chengze easily grabbed the box with one long arm. "What if it''s not garbage?"


    "I said it''s garbage so it''s garbage." Cheng Jin tried to wrestle the box from him.


    As a result, she used too much force and directly pushed Shao ChengZe to the ground. The boxes inside the parcel spilled out, with clothes falling all over the floor. Both of them were a little dumbfounded. Cheng Jin thought what she saw when unboxing the parcel earlier was already over the top, but she didn''t expect there to be even more outrageous contents at the very bottom. Could these even be considered clothes? They were barely scraps of fabric.


    Shao ChengZe hadn''t originally nned to do anything. As soon as he entered the room, he noticed her attention was captivated by the parcel, so he figured there must be something inside the box. He only meant to tease her a little, and didn''t expect a pleasant surprise like this.


    "You bought these to wear for me?" Shao ChengZe whispered hotly into her ear.


    "I didn''t buy them." Cheng Jin buried her face into his chest, not wanting to get up and face everything.


    Shao ChengZe stroked her hair with one hand, and flipped through the clothes on the floor with the other. Some packets fell out of the boxes containing the clothes. To show gratitude for the big spender, the shop had thoughtfully included some small gifts, of various vors.


    The suppressed fire in Shao ChengZe''s eyes instantly erupted. He flipped them over so she was pinned under him.


    Right as he started work that afternoon, Tang Yicheng received a message from Boss Cheng, even three in a row, telling him to notify security to strictly prohibit Shao ChengZe from entering Australis in the future.


    Tang Yicheng''s milk tea instantly lost its sweetness. What was going on here? Just now during lunch, he was silently listening to his colleagues passionately and enthusiastically gossiping about the boss''s love affair. The more he listened, the more hopeful he felt about the future. How could it look like the two were about to break up after just a lunch break? Would his dream of coasting along ever be realized now?!!!

 Chapter 66: A surname 02

    <h4>Chapter 66</h4>


    Cheng LiQi held a fresh red rose in one hand, and pulled Shen ChuQi along with the other hand, running fast towards her dad. These past few days, her mom went on a business trip, so every day her dad came to pick her up from school.


    "Dad, look! Isn''t this rose so beautiful?" Cheng LiQi ran into her dad''s arms, and held up the rose in her hand for her dad to see, "Shen ChuQi gave this to me, he made it himself, he''s so awesome, he made it look exactly like a real one, no, even better than a real one."


    Shen ChuQi stood to the side, scratching his head, smiling shyly. He wasn''t that awesome, he had followed a video tutorial to make it, and it took him seven tries before he folded one that looked decent enough. He didn''t know if she would like it, so he held onto it until school was over before giving it to her. He didn''t expect her to like it so much, he''s going to go home and fold some more tonight, so he can give them to her tomorrow at lunch.


    Shao ChengZe looked at the rose in little LiQi''s hand, to be fair, it was pretty impressive for a little kid to be able to fold it to this level. The only problem was, this wasn''t folded to give to just any kid, but to give to his daughter specifically. But seeing how happy his daughter was, he could only reluctantly agree with her, "It does look really beautiful."


    Cheng LiQi smiled brightly, "Dad, Shen ChuQi said he''s inviting me over to his house for dinner tomorrow night, I''m going to bring this rose with me when I go."


    Shen ChuQi also smiled brightly at Shao ChengZe, "Uncle, tomorrow is Qixi Festival, I wanted to have dinner with little LiQi, my mom has grape vines at home, we''re going to sit under the vines to see if the Cowherd and Weaver Girl are whispering to each other."


    ...Shao ChengZe wanted to twist Li PeiFeng''s neck, who was standing next to him. Li PeiFeng looked up at the sky. He couldn''t offend the uncle-inw, but he also couldn''t let his son be unhappy. He had no other choice but to look at the sky. It wasn''t easy being the man in the middle.


    But he could call Shen Xi Wen tonight to discuss their son''s growth and development issues, and also discuss in passing whether you could actually hear the Cowherd and Weaver Girl whispering under the grape vines on Qixi festival. Although he already knew when they got to this part of the conversation, she would definitely hang up on him. But people must keep trying no matter how many setbacks, persevering tirelessly, and daring to explore.


    Shao ChengZe really wanted to twist Li PeiFeng''s neck, looking up at the sky.


    Cheng LiQi hugged her dad''s neck, "Dad, let''s go home, I want to show Grandma this rose."


    Shao ChengZe forced out a smile, "Okay, let''s go home."


    Officially Shao ChengZe was still living at the Pine Court apartments. The house next door was being renovated, and was nearingpletion. He would asionally spend the night at the Cheng''s, not often, about once a week, hmm...this was ording to Cheng LiQi''s ount. Other than Saturdays, her dad would tuck her into bed with a story every night before leaving.


    He did leave, the question was where did he go after. The lights at the Pine Court apartment were on only about once a week, and the backyard was now connected through the renovated house, so he didn''t need to climb over walls or crawl through tunnels, he could freely go back and forth every night.


    Although they were now open about their rtionship, sometimes sneaking around still had its benefits. When he stayed over openly, little LiQi was still at the stage of finding it novel and exciting to have dad stay home, insisting on sleeping with both mom and dad, one hand holding mom''s arm, the other holding dad''s, sleeping soundly through the night.


    When Shao ChengZe tried to pull his arm back, she would wake up. Cheng Jin told him not to try anything funny, when their daughter held something while sleeping, she wouldn''t let go all night. Shao ChengZe wanted to say he wasn''t trying anything funny, just that, if he said it out loud, not only would she not believe him, even he wouldn''t believe himself. To prove he wasn''t up to anything funny, he would be extra well-behaved that night, of course only limited to that night.


    Cheng Jin had been away on her business trip for almost a week now. Her flight would bending tonight. The week she was gone, after dropping little LiQi off, Shao ChengZe would stay and have dinner here. Of course Cheng Shanhe wasn''t thrilled to have him staying for dinner, but whether guests stayed for dinner was up to Fei Zuhui to decide. No matter how unhappy Cheng Shanhe was, he couldn''t openly oppose his wife.


    When Cheng Shanhe came home, hearing voices from the kitchen, his brow furrowed. How could he be so free, toe over everyday to cook? But seeing his granddaughter, his brows immediately rxed.


    Cheng LiQi was also very happy to see her grandpa. She held up the rose in her hand for grandpa to see, "Grandpa, look, this is the rose Shen ChuQi folded for me, isn''t it pretty?"


    Cheng Shanhe''s brows furrowed imperceptibly this time. He picked up his granddaughter, "Grandpa can fold an even prettier one than this."


    Cheng LiQi happily hugged her grandpa''s neck, "Grandpa you''re so awesome, can you teach me how to fold them? I was going to video call Shen ChuQi to have him teach me, I want to fold them for mom, grandma, Aunt Qu, and granny, one for each of them. Tomorrow is Qixi festival, I want to give them roses."


    ...Of course Cheng Shanhe didn''t know how to fold roses, he just said it without thinking. He didn''t want his granddaughter to be fooled by a paper rose. But he didn''t expect to be calling his own bluff.


    It just so happened that Cheng Jinchuan walked in at that moment. Cheng Shanhe passed the hot potato to his son, "Little LiQi, your big uncle also knows how to fold them, why don''t you let him teach you?"


    Cheng Jinchuan had just gotten home and hadn''t even caught his breath before his own dad shoved this problem at him. He had no idea how to fold anything, and by the time he realized it was about folding roses, he really wanted to say, we''re rich, whatever kind of roses you want, I can get them for you immediately, gold, crystal, anything you want, big uncle can have them delivered right away. Why do you want an origami rose, big uncle doesn''t know how to fold that.


    Cheng Jinchuan also didn''t want to lose face in front of his niece. He ruffled her little braids, "Little LiQi, big uncle has something to discuss with grandpa, why don''t you let your dad teach you?"


    Cheng LiQi thought about it, that''s right, her dad was so awesome, he could even cook delicious meals, what couldn''t he do? "Big uncle, go talk to grandpa, I''ll go find dad to teach me."


    The truth was, Shao ChengZe could be a good CEO, a good cook, but couldn''t fold a rose to save his life.


    Seeing his daughter''s bright eyes, Shao ChengZe couldn''te up with a good excuse on the spot.


    Fei Zuhui came downstairs at that moment, and said to Shao ChengZe, "Your uncle-inw wants you upstairs, he has some work matters to discuss with you."


    Mother-inw''s eyes held a hint ofughter. Shao ChengZe realized mother-inw was helping him out. He thanked mother-inw first, then told little LiQi that after discussing work with grandpa, he woulde teach her how to fold roses.


    Cheng LiQi caressed her dad''s face, everyone was so busy today, being an adult must be so tiring, still having to work after getting home. "Okay dad, go talk to grandpa first, I''ll wait for you."


    This was the first time Shao ChengZe felt a little guilty in front of his daughter. When he knocked on the study door and saw the scene inside, he finally understood why mother-inw had that smile. Father-inw and big uncle were watching a tutorial video projected on the screen, learning how to fold roses.


    Seeing hime in, Cheng Shanhe and Cheng Jinchuan knew he was another one who didn''t know how to fold roses. They wanted to say something but held back. Oh well, why make things difficult between men.


    Finally, the two men squeezed together in the study, seriously watching the tutorial video to learn how to fold roses.


    When Cheng Shanhe and Cheng Jinchuan heard from Shao ChengZe that Shen ChuQi invited little LiQi over for dinner at his house tomorrow, they stopped folding the roses. Aside from going over for dinner on any other day being uneptable already, absolutely not tomorrow. Do they even know what day tomorrow is, it''s Valentine''s Day, no drinking or eating allowed at another boy''s house.


    For the first time the two men reached a consensus on something. They must stop little LiQi and Shen ChuQi from having dinner together tomorrow, but it had to be done without little LiQi realizing anything or being upset. And the question of who was to take on this task, well, who else could it be, as the father you''re not stepping up at this critical time, going out of your way to y the bad guy? Unless Cheng Shanhe and Cheng Jinchuan wanted to remain the best, most open-minded grandfather and uncle in little LiQi''s eyes forever.


    The burden on Shao ChengZe''s shoulders was heavy. Father-inw and big uncle told him his mission was only allowed sess, failure was not an option.


    After dinner, Shao ChengZe gently taught his daughter how to fold roses while tactfully telling her that they should cancel their dinner ns at Shen ChuQi''s house tomorrow night. Instead, he suggested taking her and her mom to her favorite restaurant tomorrow for a special dinner. They could invite Shen ChuQi over for dinner the day after tomorrow.


    Cheng LiQi replied, "Dad, tomorrow is Valentine''s Day. You and mom should go out to celebrate the holiday. I can''t tag along. Just take mom out on a date and don''t worry about me. Aunt Shen will keep mepany along with Shen ChuQi."


    Shao ChengZe couldn''t help but worry. Hepromised and asked, "How about we invite Shen ChuQi over to our house for dinner tomorrow night instead?"


    "But we don''t have a grape vine tree. We''re supposed to listen to the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl under the grapevine tree."


    ...The grapevine tree was key. They didn''t have one now but could get one tomorrow.


    "What do you mean we don''t have a grapevine tree? I''ve been wanting to nt one in our yard for a while now. I already asked the gardener toe first thing tomorrow morning to nt a big grapevine tree. Aunt Shen will probably go on a date with Uncle Li tomorrow night, so she won''t be able to keep you twopany. You can invite Shen ChuQi over, listen to the Cowherd and Weaver Girl''s whispers under the grapevine tree while having dinner, and your mom and I can have a date night dinner at the restaurant. Doesn''t this sound even better?"


    Cheng LiQi tilted her head and pondered. It did seem better. "Dad, will we really have a grapevine tree in our yard tomorrow?"


    Shao ChengZe assured her, "Definitely."


    Getting a grapevine tree was no big deal. After putting his daughter to bed, Shao ChengZe nned out where to nt the tree and asked the gardener toe first thing in the morning to nt a big one. He then headed to the airport, bringing along the paper roses folded by his daughter and one he folded himself.


    Despite thete hour, the airport was still bustling with people. Just standing there was enough for Shao ChengZe to draw attention, not to mention the two paper roses he held. Whispers circted that diamonds must be hidden in those paper roses. Others readily agreed, convinced that a man of such elegance must have tucked in some diamonds.


    Not far away stood a nouveau-riche man holding 99 roses, also waiting to pick up his girlfriend. Scoffing at Shao ChengZe, he thought to himself: Just a good-looking gigolo without money, pretending with two paper roses. Imagining they have hidden diamonds? Ridiculous. Let''s see if his girlfriend will be happy when she sees these shabby paper roses.


    Oblivious to the gossip around him, Shao ChengZe concentrated on replying to messages. She hadnded and he texted that he was waiting for her at the exit.


    The moment Cheng Jin emerged, she spotted him. Taking his outstretched hand, she asked, "Have you been waiting long?"


    Her flight was dyed over 30 minutes.


    "I have been waiting a long time, since the day you left," Shao ChengZe replied, handing her the roses and taking her bag.


    Cheng Jin gave him a sidelong nce. His mouth was always so slick. Looking at the roses, she asked, "You folded these?"


    "One is folded by me, one is by our little LiQi."


    "I guess the ugly one on the left is yours."


    She was right. He really couldn''t argue against that. His was markedly inferiorpared to their daughter''s.


    As the couple walked away, the whispers grew louder behind them. "There must be diamonds hidden in those paper roses. Otherwise, why would that prettydy be smiling so sweetly?"


    The nouveau-riche man looked at the 99 roses in his hands, wondering if paper roses could be more endearing than real ones. He pulled out his phone to look up origami rose folding tutorials. But even if he managed to learn quickly, he couldn''t procure paper on such short notice.


    Behind them, Tang Yicheng maintained a poker face, walking steadily, though grinning inside. The partnership between the Cheng and Shao ns had just been officially announced. He was coborating with Shao''s assistant on wedding nning. His boss''s happiness was directly tied to his own. The more blissful his boss was, the more leisurely his own future would be.


    By the time the couple reached home, it was almost midnight. Toote to visit Cheng LiQi at her grandma''s ce, Cheng Jin just left a message that she had arrived home safely.


    Shao ChengZe asked her, "Hungry? Want something to eat?"


    She hadn''t eaten since boarding her evening flight and had been up all night. She must be starving.


    But Cheng Jin shook her head. "I''m full. I ate too much at lunch and my stomach''s still bloated."


    Shao ChengZe pulled her into his embrace. "Thank you," he said.


    "What for?"


    "Apanying my mother for lunch and shopping. She said she spent 20 years raising a son, and it''s only after I met you that she feels her efforts were worthwhile - having such a thoughtful daughter-inw who''s even more attentive than her own son." During her business trip to Cheng Jin had purposely set aside a day to visit his mother, having lunch and spending half a day shopping together.


    Shao ChengZe had suggested a few times that his mother move out of her rural hometown to live with him, worried about her living alone. But she wasn''t ready yet. Retired, she had opened a flower shop, enjoying a busy, fulfilling lifestyle surrounded by olddy friends. She had her own life just as her son had his.


    "No need to thank me. I enjoy your mother''spany, nothing to do with you," Cheng Jin murmured, resting her chin on his shoulder. Out and about she seemed fine, but once home, she was utterly spent, leaning limply against him. "Carry me to the bathroom, I can''t move."


    Shao ChengZe''s breathing instantly grew ragged. Sweeping her up, he leaned down to her ear, voice darkly husky. "Too tired? Want me to help wash you?"


    Eyes closed, Cheng Jin clung to him, just to keep from sliding down. Her hand found his face, softly tracing his longshes, proud nose, and thin lips, fingers gently caressing the corners. In a breathy whimper she managed, "If... if you want..."


    Shao ChengZe''s eyes darkened with desire, Adam''s apple bobbing. Did he want to?


    Warm water cascaded down. Where it flowed, so did his hands. Cheng Jin leaned back against the marble wall for support but her legs were jelly. She could only cling fiercely to him so as not to slip down.


    Shao ChengZe nibbled her ear, asking hoarsely, "Did you miss me?"


    Her throat choked with sobs she couldn''t restrain. Tears blended with the water trickling down her cheeks. Gasping deeply, trying futilely to ease the unbearable throbbing, she lifted her misty, bewildered eyes to meet his. "Did you... miss me?"


    "Terribly. Even dreamed of you," Shao ChengZe rasped, devouring her lips, urgent and forceful. "And you? Did you miss me?"


    She mumbled incoherently, "A little..."


    "Just a little?"


    "Just a little..." Though desperately ufortable, she couldn''t bring herself to say it, only clutch his hair, giving a slight tug. "Not enough?"


    Shao ChengZe enfolded her lips, chuckling low. "More than enough."


    Beyond whimpers and moans, Cheng Jin could utter not another word.


    The next day, the sun was already high when Cheng Jin awoke. Cheng LiQiy on the bed folding roses. Seeing her mother awake, she crawled over, clinging to her. "Mama, you''re up!"


    Cheng Jin moved her sore waist and gathered her into her arms. "Did my LiQi miss Mama?"


    Cheng LiQi nuzzled against her neck. "So much! All the time, even dreamed of you! Did Mama miss me too?"


    Cheng Jin smothered her chubby cheeks in kisses. "Mama missed her darling girl so much! Thought of you every day, even dreamed of you."


    Leaning in the doorway, Shao ChengZe watched mother and daughter on the bed, smiling tenderly, eyes gentle. He shouldn''t be jealous of his own daughter getting some affection.


    That afternoon, Cheng Shanhe took Fei Zuhui out on a date, leaving Cheng LiQi in the yard watching the gardener set up supports for the grapevine tree, handing him pliers and asionally bringing water.


    Shen ChuQi arrived early in the morning. He didn''t ring the doorbell, but stood at the door calling Cheng LiQi''s name. As soon as Cheng LiQi heard Shen ChuQi''s voice, she ran over to open the door. She was eager to show Shen ChuQi the new grape vine her family had nted.


    When Shao ChengZe heard the noise, he came out from inside the house. Seeing the two children running hand-in-hand, his brow furrowed. He didn''t dislike Shen ChuQi, he just disliked Li PeiFeng who was behind him.


    Li PeiFeng pretended not to see the impatience in his brother-inw''s eyes. He smiled and greeted Shao ChengZe, saying he woulde to pick up Shen ChuQi at nine o''clock. He hoped Shen ChuQi could stay here a bit longer. Shen XiWen''s studio had just opened recently. She had started her own fashion brand, and there were all kinds of messy things to deal with. He couldn''t get a date with her, so tonight he would bring food and drinks over to her house to deliver a caring meal. With his son not around, even if he got kicked out, there was nothing embarrassing about it.


    Li PeiFeng left breezily. Shen ChuQi and Cheng LiQi yed happily in the yard. Only Shao ChengZe couldn''t rx his furrowed brows. Every few minutes he woulde out of the kitchen and stand by the window to take a look.


    Seeing him worrying like an old father, Cheng Jin found it a bit amusing. "Just go make your food. The two kids are ying fine."


    Shao ChengZe''s brows furrowed even deeper. It was precisely because they were ying so well that he felt more annoyed.


    Cheng Jin walked over to his side and looked out into the yard. "I think it would be great if our LiQi ends up with ChuQi as our son-inw in the future. Childhood friends who grew up ying together, knowing each other inside and out - there really couldn''t be a better son-inw candidate."


    Shao ChengZe turned to look at her. "You think childhood friends are good?"


    Cheng Jin nodded. "You don''t think so?"


    No, not good at all. She wasn''t his childhood friend, so what was good about it? Shao ChengZe half hugged and half pulled her into the kitchen. He didn''t let her go until he kissed her and made her change her mouth to say childhood friends were no good at all, and that she didn''t like his childhood friend either.


    He didn''t like childhood friends. Her childhood friend, he didn''t like. Their daughter''s childhood friend, he also didn''t like.


    At dinnertime, Cheng Jin set up a small table for the two children under the grape trellis. She even put a candle stand on the table and lit the candles, creating a very romantic candlelight dinner atmosphere.


    Shao ChengZe wanted to set up another table next to the small one, but Cheng LiQi didn''t allow it. "Dad, today is your and mom''s anniversary. You should apany mom well. You two go eat inside."


    How could Shao ChengZe eat? He kepting out to take a peek. When he saw the two children whispering with their heads together, he couldn''t stand watching anymore. Carrying a chair over, he sat right between the two children. "LiQi, dad will just eat with you."


    Cheng LiQi blinked, looking at her mom then her dad. "But dad, when you and mom were dating, grandpa didn''t sit with you either."


    Shao ChengZe: ......


    Cheng Jin couldn''t help bursting intoughter. She thought her daughter made a lot of sense.

 Chapter 67: A surname 03

    <h4>Chapter 67</h4>


    After the wedding, the family of three flew directly to Northern Europe and yed in a fairy tale world for nearly a month before returning home at the end of August. Cheng Liqi called her great uncle, little uncle and Stepfather Shi as soon as she got home, and then called her good friends one by one. She bought gifts for everyone and only called Shen Chuqist because she had the most to say to Shen Chuqi.


    Shao Chengze was also making calls, reporting to his mother and mother-inw that they had arrived home safely. Lv Siwei and her group of good sisters were still vacationing on the inds. They would not be back until October. Fei Zuhui and Cheng Shanhe had embarked on a world tour. At the beginning of this year, Cheng Shanhe stepped down from his position as the head of the Cheng family, handing over all thepany¡¯s affairs to Cheng Jinchuan. After their daughter¡¯s wedding, the couple set off from the ind, heading south. They were in no hurry, ying for two days and resting for three. They nned to spend three to five years to visit all the scenic ces.


    Cheng Jinchuan had just gotten out of the shower when the two were still on their calls. She understood her daughter being on the phone for so long, after all she hadn¡¯t seen Little Chuqi in such a long time, so they must have endless things to talk about. But why was he still on the phone after such a long time? Cheng Jinchuan went over to Shao Chengze and wanted to hear what was being said on the other end of the phone.


    She had just gotten out of the shower and her slightly damp hair carried a citrus scent, brushing lightly against the back of his hand. Shao Chengze put his arm around her waist and pulled her onto hisp, responding with ¡°I know, Dad,¡± to the other end of the phone, indicating that he was listening carefully.


    Cheng Shanhe was giving his son-inw a lesson, imparting the ways of getting along with his wife. To summarize it in one sentence: Don¡¯t think that everything will be fine just because you¡¯ve finished the wedding and gotten the certificate. If you dare to treat my daughter badly and make her sad or angry, I won¡¯t let you off easy.


    Cheng Jinchuan took the phone from Shao Chengze, ¡°Dad, how are you and mom enjoying yourselves?¡±


    As soon as he heard his daughter¡¯s voice, Cheng Shanhe immediately changed his tone. Fei Zuhui heard that it was now her daughter on the phone and immediately snatched the phone from Cheng Shanhe. She was tired of listening to him talk. If it wasn¡¯t for not wanting to ruin his image as a father-inw in front of his son-inw, she would have just hung up the phone.


    Fei Zuhui chatted with her daughter briefly before briskly ending the call. The young couple had their own lives to lead, and if the elders interfered too much, it would likely have the opposite effect. Of course Cheng Shanhe also understood this reasoning, but his desire to act as father-inw had not yet been satisfied, so he still needed to put on the father-inw attitude when appropriate.


    Shao Chengze fully understood his father-inw''s attitude towards him. After all, he didn''t want to have too good of an attitude towards Shen Chuqi either. His fingers coiled a strand of her ck hair that hung down by her ear. "Is Little Liqi still on the phone?"


    Cheng Jinchuan smiled. "Who made you keep using the time difference as an excuse while you were away, making it so the two little ones couldn''t get through on a call for three days straight? Of course now that we''re back she has to get her fill all at once." She stroked his rough stubble, they had sat on the ne for over ten hours before finallynding this afternoon, and he had not yet shaved, so there was ayer of bluish stubble on his chin. "Alright, go take a shower, Aunt Qu is almost done making dinner."


    Shao Chengze held her without letting go, his gaze deep as he looked at her. During the over a month they spent in Northern Europe, although they stayed in hotel suites, because they were out traveling, Cheng Jinchuan didn''t feel at ease with their daughter sleeping alone, and Cheng Liqi also didn''t dare sleep in a room by herself in the unfamiliar environment. So although called a honeymoon, there actually wasn''t much sweetness about it.


    Cheng Jinchuan cupped his face and kissed the corner of his lips. "Keep the stubble for now, I''ll help you shaveter tonight."


    The arms Shao Chengze had wrapped around her waist suddenly tightened, and his deep gaze also tightened, his dark eyes glowing as he locked her in his eyes. "Really?"


    "Mm, but you have to be responsible for coaxing Liqi to sleep."


    Coaxing their daughter to sleep was no difficult task. By now Shao Chengze was fully adept at storytelling skills, and usually after he finished one story, his daughter would already be breathing evenly in sleep.


    At 9 pm, Cheng Liqi went to bed on time, but she wasn''t sleepy at all. Firstly because she had slept the whole way over on the ne, and also because the jetg hadn''t reversed yet. Shao Chengze told three stories and Cheng Liqi''s big bright eyes were still alertly sparkling, waiting for Dad to tell a fourth story.


    Shao Chengze stroked her hair spread over the pillow and gently asked, "Little Liqi, aren''t you sleepy?"


    Cheng Liqi shook her head. "I''m not sleepy at all, is Dad sleepy?"


    Shao Chengze replied, "A little bit."


    "Then Dad should go to sleep, I''ll call Shen Chuqi and have him tell me stories. He said he has several new stories he wants to tell me."


    Not only was Shao Chengze not sleepy at all, even if he was dead tired, he still had to prop his eyelids open to coax his daughter to sleep before he could go to sleep himself.


    After Shao Chengze told the seventh story, Cheng Liqi was sprawled on the bed, propping up her chin in her hands, blinking her eyes even more merrily.


    Shao Chengze set down the fairytale storybook and pulled the little one into his arms. "Little Liqi, how about Dad sings you a luby? Do you have one you want to hear?"


    Cheng Liqi pillowed her head on Dad''s arm, thinking about which luby she wanted Dad to sing. Just then, Shao Chengze''s phone rang on the bedside table. It was Li Peifeng calling. Why was he calling at this time? Shao Chengze picked up. The voiceing through the phone was Shen Chuqi''s. "Uncle, it''s Little Chuqi. Did Little Liqi fall asleep yet? I suddenly remembered something I wanted to tell her."


    Shao Chengze was just about to say she was asleep when Cheng Liqi had already heard Shen Chuqi''s voice. She rolled over and tumbled to Dad''s ear, asking the person on the phone, "Shen Chuqi, what did you want to tell me?"


    Shao Chengze could only switch the call to speakerphone.


    Shen Chuqi replied, "I''m going to grandma''s house tomorrow. Do you still want beef jerky? If you want some I''ll have my grandma make extra this time."


    "Great, granny Shen''s beef jerky is the most delicious."


    Shen Chuqi was very happy. "Then I''ll have granny make a whole lot, and bring it all back for you."


    "You don''t need to make a whole lot, that would be too tiring for granny Shen. It''s fine if you just bring three back."


    "I''ll help granny so she won''t get too tired."


    Shao Chengze listened to the two chatting back and forth, unable to get a word in edgewise. He coughed lightly several times, and when Shen Chuqi heard uncle''s coughing, he realized it was probably time to hang up. "Cheng Liqi, I''ll talk to you again tomorrow after I get to granny''s house. You should go to sleep now, it''s veryte."


    Cheng Liqi held the phone in her hands. "But I''m not sleepy at all yet, I slept too much on the ne. Shen Chuqi, are you sleepy? Let''s chat for a bit."


    Shao Chengze coughed even louder. But this time Shen Chuqi didn''t get the hint from uncle''s coughing. He said to Cheng Liqi, "Then I''ll tell you a story."


    "Yay!" Cheng Liqiy back down in Dad''s arms. "Shen Chuqi, Dad and I will listen to your story together."


    When Shen Chuqi heard that uncle was also going to listen, he stumbled over the words he was just about to say. But he took a breath to steady himself, adjusted his breathing, and started from the story''s setting.


    Shao Chengze listened to the childish voiceing through the phone, his brow furrowed deeply. Could you call this storytelling? The exaggerated tone was more like singing opera. But it was precisely this sort of childish yet exaggerated storytelling that made the little one in his arms gradually close her eyes.


    Shen Chuqi also heard the silence on the other end of the phone. He softly asked uncle, "Uncle, did Little Liqi fall asleep?"


    Shao Chengze reluctantly murmured affirmation.


    "Then I''ll hang up first. Good night, uncle." Shen Chuqi said in an even smaller voice.


    Shen Chuqi had helped aplish what he had been anxious to do yet unsessful at all evening. Shao Chengze didn''t know whether to feel more happy or angry about it. His current mood wasplex to say the least. He carefully slid his arm out from under his daughter''s head, then tucked the nkets around her once more. If it wasn''t sote, he really wanted to call his father-inw - he felt like his father-inw was the only one who could understand his current mood.


    Shao ChengZe returned to the bedroom, Cheng Jinchuan had fallen asleep waiting for him. He gently kissed her forehead without waking her up. After sitting on the ne for so long, she was tired too.


    Cheng Jinchuan slept very soundly this time. Sleeping in her own bed after a long journey was the mostfortable. In her half-awake state, she felt the scorching heat pressed against her waist. As she moved, the person behind her moved with her, holding her waist and pressing her against him.


    "Awake?" The hoarse voice mixed with heat blew against her ear. The prickly stubble scraped her neck, reminding her of what she had promisedst night.


    Cheng Jinchuan turned her head back to look at the man behind her, and asked groggily, "You didn''t stay up all night, did you?"


    Shao ChengZe kissed the corner of her lips. "You''ll have to make up for it."


    Cheng Jinchuan smiled vaguely under his kisses. "Don''t me me. I was waiting for you the whole time. It''s not my fault that you, as a dad, weren''t up to it and spent nearly three hours trying to get our daughter to sleep without actually getting her to sleep."


    At the mention ofst night''s events, Shao ChengZe felt annoyed and wronged. As a dad he had been outdone by a brat, and he didn''t even know who toin to.


    He leaned over and swallowed all her words into his belly.


    Outside, the sky had just begun to brighten. In the greyish sky, all the stars had lost their light. The moon left a faint shadow behind. The sun was still below the horizon, but the summer heat had already awakened, enveloping Cheng Jinchuan. Sweat rolled down her cheeks under the constant thrusting, dripping onto his lips and into his mouth. She couldn''t withstand his scorching gaze or the waves of heat below her body. She finally passed out.


    When Cheng Jinchuan woke up again, the man was no longer by her side. She picked up her phone and saw that it was past nine. Leaning against the headboard, she replied to some work messages, then nestled in bed a while longer before finally getting up in her slippers. The room was quiet. The air carried the faint aroma of food. She could hear the faintughter of Cheng LiQi outside. Cheng Jinchuan casually grabbed a hair clip from the table and gathered up her hair as she walked towards the yard.


    Father and daughter were picking grapes under the grape trellis. Seeing her mothere out, Cheng LiQi happily ran to her mother''s side, holding up the basket for her mother to see. "Mom, look! So many grapes, aren''t they as beautiful as pearls?"


    The grape vines that had been transntedst year were nowden with glistening, translucent grapes.


    Cheng Jinchuan stroked her head. "They really are as beautiful as pearls."


    Shao ChengZe turned around, and their eyes met filled with uncontroble smiles.


    "Hungry?" Shao ChengZe asked.


    "A little," Cheng Jinchuan replied.


    "Then let''s eat."


    "Yay, food!" Cheng LiQi cheered loudly.


    The morning sun wasn''t too harsh yet, softening the smiles on the three with a veil of gentleness.


    What is happiness?


    Perhaps just a simple meal, together with your loved one.

 Chapter 68: A surname 04

    <h4>Chapter 68</h4>


    How other people fall in love, Cheng Jin didn''t know. Anyway, her love life, as Jiang Meng said, was as good as not having one at all. Even in a long distance rtionship, there were ways to keep the romance alive¡ªmorning wake-up calls to say hi, texts every three minutes asking what the other person was up to, phone calls at night that made the phone burn hot. But you two were different. Your rtionship couldn''t even be considered tonic. You relied solely on telepathy.


    Cheng Jin thought Jiang Meng''s assessment was spot on.


    Ever since the winter break ended, their contact hadn''t been very frequent. If they managed a call once a day, that was considered a lot. Their conversations neversted more than ten sentences before they petered out. Later on, they couldn''t even get past five sentences.


    In the beginning after school started again, she knew he was very busy. If he didn''t message her, she would call him in the evening to check in. She wasn''t an overly sensitive person, but she could hear the perfunctory tone in his voice. As soon as he started blowing her off, she lost the motivation to take the initiative anymore. No matter how busy he was, if he didn''t even have time for a phone call, it was simply that he didn''t want to, not that he couldn''t.


    In fact, rtionships are inherently unstable in the initial stage, and breaking up can happen very easily. All it takes is using busyness as an excuse to slowly let the connection fade away.


    Cheng Jin thought, the next time he called, she would suggest they break up. Their rtionship was as good as nonexistent anyway, so what was the point of continuing it? Cheng Jinchuan was right that she shouldn''t expect anything good toe out of her first love. She never expected there would be a happy ending anyway. She would simply treat it as a life experience.


    That day after ss, his name suddenly lit up her phone screen. It had been two or three days since theirst call¡ªrare for him to still be able to find her number. Cheng Jin stuffed her books into her backpack one by one and zipped it up. The call was still connected as she pressed to answer. Shao Chengze was quite free today, which was unusual. Cheng Jin lifted the phone to her ear but didn''t say anything.


    After a few seconds of silence, Shao Chengze spoke, "I''m at your school gate now. If you''re free tonight, can we have dinner together?"


    His tone didn''t sound like a boyfriending to see his girlfriend, but more like someone asking a business associate out for a meal. She wanted to say she was too busy and had no time at all, but eventually still made her way to the school gate.


    He was leaning against his car spacing out, ignoring the passing pedestrians who stared at him. The cigarette between his fingers had nearly burned out.


    Cheng Jin walked up to him before he snapped back to reality.


    "You''re here," Shao Chengze stubbed out the cigarette in his hand as he saw her.


    "Mm," she looked up at him. "Why did youe by today?"


    "I''m here on a business trip."


    "Oh." Cheng Jin stopped ying with the strap of her bag and averted her eyes, losing any desire to keep talking.


    The car ride was very quiet without even music to dispel the silence. Cheng Jin idly scrolled through her phone to distract herself. She wasn''t actually focusing on what she was looking at, just trying to divert her attention. Shi Ran sent her a photo, which showed some green seedlings sprouting.


    Cheng Jin replied, [Are these the vegetables we nted?]


    [Yes, isn''t it exciting how well they grew?]


    During the winter break, Cheng Jin went abroad with Fei Zuhui and visited Shi Ran while they were there. He didn''te back for New Year, so Fei Zuhui was worried about him.


    But Shi Ran was doing alright¡ªhe adapted well in other aspects, just couldn''t handle the food with his Chinese stomach. Seeing the empty yard at Shi Ran''s ce, Fei Zuhui went to a Chinese supermarket and bought lots of vegetable seeds to nt. And they actually sprouted.


    The corners of Cheng Jin''s lips quirked up. [My mom is amazing. Did you send this to her too?]


    [I did. Auntie Fei said she''s going to start a farm now.]


    Shao Chengze tapped his fingers on the steering wheel to the changing numbers of the red light. From the corner of his eye, he saw her smiling expression and nced over. Seeing the name on the chat, his mouth tightened imperceptibly, and his gaze chilled.


    The restaurant''s location was very obscure, tucked away at the end of a narrow alley. It was difficult to drive in, so he parked by the roadside.


    His hand reached over but Cheng Jin deliberately shifted away to avoid it. She didn''t even pretend not to notice. She wanted him to know she didn''t want him to hold her hand. After this meal, they would break up anyway.


    The alley was narrow, but the distance between them was wide¡ªwide enough to fit a bicycle through. Strangers probably would''ve thought they were twopletely unrted people. Their rtionship now wasn''t any better than that of strangers.


    Cheng Jin really liked this restaurant and came to eat here often, every few days. The manager wanted to lead them to her usual spot, but Cheng Jin waved him off and asked for a private room instead. She still wanted toe back here in the future and didn''t want to be reminded of a breakup every time she sat in her favorite spot.


    The food came up quickly. He didn''t speak, so Cheng Jin focused on eating. The server probably sensed the off atmosphere and, after refilling their tea once, swiftly left and thoughtfully shut the door.


    The only sounds left in the private room were chopsticks clinking on bowls. Shao Chengze''s irritation grew harder to restrain. He took out a cigarette from his pocket but ced it back down on the table.


    "Miao Miao," he called her.


    Cheng Jin looked up to see his face as pale as paper. She set down her chopsticks. "What''s wrong?"


    "My stomach hurts," he said, clutching his stomach. His eyes met hers weakly. "It really hurts."


    Cheng Jin got up and went to his side. Seeing the cigarette pack, she grew angry. "Your stomach hurts yet you''re still smoking? Get up, we''re going to the hospital."


    Shao Chengze grabbed her wrist. "Help me up, I can''t get up on my own."


    His palm was icy cold, and a sheen of sweat had formed on his forehead after just a short while. Cheng Jin grew anxious. She put her arm around his waist to support him. "Can you walk? I''ll call the server to help."


    Shao Chengze leaned heavily against her and clung tightly to her shoulders. "No need. I''ll be fine once I stand up."


    Cheng Jin drove quickly, ncing at him worriedly every now and then. Shao Chengze gently reassured her, "I''m alright, just focus on driving."


    "Shut up," Cheng Jin red at him.


    After examining him, the doctor also looked like he wanted to re. "You young people really take advantage of your youth to abuse your bodies. When you''re old, let''s see where you can buy regret medicine."


    Shao Chengze held her hand obediently and listened to the doctor''s lecture withoutint. After hearing the doctor, Cheng Jin threw him another re¡ªshe should''ve driven slower earlier to make him suffer more. Maybe then he wouldn''t dare do this again.


    After two IV drips, it still wasn''t toote. He kept holding her hand the entire time. When the nurse came to remove the IV needle, she nced at them several times.


    Cheng Jin jerked her hand away. "Let go. Let''s go."


    Shao Chengze grabbed her wrist and pulled her close, burying his face in her waist. After a long while, he finally spoke, "Miao Miao, today is my dad''s birthday. I''m a little upset."


    His voice was thick with sorrow. Cheng Jin stared at the crown of his head, and her hand hanging in midair finallynded on his head, gently stroking it a couple times.


    On the drive back, she was still the one driving. Cheng Jin asked him, "Where''s your hotel?"


    "Drop me off first. I''m fine now, I can drive myself back to the hotel."


    Since he said so, Cheng Jin drove straight back to school. She didn''t really want to be alone right now, so she''d just sleep in the dorm tonight. He wanted to walk her to her dorm entrance, but Cheng Jin didn''t allow it. "Go back early and rest."


    After she walked away, Shao Chengze watched her retreating figure, unsure whether to breathe a sigh of relief. He knew what she wanted to say. He should say, he had been expecting her to say it all this time. Every phone call, he wondered if her next sentence would be it. And now that she was about to say it, he regretted it¡ªno matter what happenedter, at least for now he still couldn''t let go.


    Jiang Meng was surprised to see Cheng Jine back. She knew her mysterious boyfriend hade by today. "Why are you back?"


    Cheng Jin only asked her, "Do you still have that beer you hid?"


    Jiang Meng''s eyes lit up. She pulled a box out from under the bed and opened it to show Cheng Jin. "Not only is there beer, but also peanuts. Beer tastes better with peanuts."


    The two of them sat on the balcony, each with a can of beer in hand. Jiang Meng had a lower alcohol tolerance than Cheng Jin. After half a can, her eyes were already hazy. She leaned on Cheng Jin''s shoulder and hummed a song softly. Cheng Jin gently patted Jiang Meng''s arm and continued drinking.


    When Shao Chengze called, she was already drunk. It took her several tries to tap the screen and answer the phone. She had forgotten they were still fighting. She coquettishly asked why he was calling.


    Shao Chengze''s breathing hitched. "Have you been drinking?"


    "What''s it to you?"


    Shao Chengze knew she was drunk.


    "Where are you?"


    Cheng Jin looked around. "I''m outside."


    "What''s around you?"


    "There are windows, stars, and Jiang Meng."


    Shao Chengze looked up at the lights upstairs. "Are you on the balcony?"


    "Yeah, why did you call? If there''s nothing, I''m hanging up. I want to keep drinking."


    "I''m downstairs."


    Cheng Jin''s drunken mind was confused. "Which downstairs?"


    "Your dorm building downstairs."


    It took Cheng Jin a moment to process his words. She got up and went to the window. In the dim light of the streemps, she could make out a vague figure below. Even drunk, she could recognize it was him.


    "Do you want toe down?" His voice was hoarse, full of temptation.


    "Okay."


    Cheng Jin threw her empty beer can in the trash and headed downstairs. No need to overthink it.


    Jiang Meng was curled up in the chair, mumbling, "Where are you going?"


    Cheng Jin helped Jiang Meng into bed and even tucked her in. "You sleep. I''m going to find a man."


    Jiang Meng grabbed her hand. "Find a man to do what?"


    To beat him up, of course.


    Luckily her roommate came back then. Cheng Jin asked her roommate to take care of Jiang Meng. Her behavior was perfectly normal, except for slightly flushed cheeks and soft speech. The roommate didn''t realize she was drunk at all. Cheng Jin took her tennis racket and left. She was going to whack him on the head with it until he was covered in lumps. Why exactly she wanted to beat him up, she couldn''t remember. She just really wanted to hit him.


    Cheng Jin walked up to him with a tennis racket slung over her shoulder, murderous aura billowing.


    Seeing her like this, Shao Chengze couldn''t help the upward quirk of his lips. He took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, then pulled her into a secluded corner with dim lighting where passersby wouldn''t look their way.


    Cheng Jin broke away from his embrace and frowned. "Don''tugh."


    Shao Chengze''s smile only grew wider. "Why can''t Iugh?"


    Because when he smiled, she didn''t want to hit him anymore.


    Shao Chengze took her hand.


    "You can''t hold my hand now."


    "Why can''t I hold your hand?"


    "Because you''re about to not be my boyfriend anymore. When you''re not my boyfriend, you can''t hold my hand."


    Shao Chengze''s eyes flickered. "About to not be means I still am right now, right?"


    Cheng Jin swayed. That was right. She hadn''t broken up with him yet. She was going to do it tomorrow, not today, because he was feeling down today.


    Shao Chengze pulled her into his arms. "Since I still am right now, then I can still hold your hand now."


    His palm was warm, and he himself was warm. Cheng Jin leaned against his shoulder, hazily thinking, fine, she would let him hold her hand for today. She wouldn''t let him hold her hand tomorrow.


    More and more people were gathering at the dorm entrance as curfew time approached. Those going to self-study, those going on dates, all hurrying back.


    Shao Chengze lowered his head next to her ear. "They''re about to lock the doors. Are you going back to your dorm, oring with me to the hotel?"


    Cheng Jin suddenly remembered why she hade downstairs in the first ce. She was here to beat him up. She raised her tennis racket to his chest, putting some distance between them. "Why are you here?"


    "I came to apologize, Xiaolian. I''m sorry." Shao Chengze looked into her eyes, all the way to her heart.


    Cheng Jin was taken aback. She didn''t seem to expect he would apologize. But a voice in her mind reminded her that he owed her an apology. She just couldn''t remember what he needed to apologize for.


    Shao Chengze''s voice was hoarse. "There have been a lot of things at worktely. And my sister''s illness has worsened again, she''s been hospitalized. I''ve been running around between the two, and possibly neglected your feelings."


    It was the truth, and also an excuse.


    During the winter break, he had discovered the truth behind his grandmother''s death. He had also seen her and her mother, smiling more brightly than she ever did with him, in Shi Ran''s Friend Circle. People were always greedy. They craved when they didn''t have, and wanted more when they obtained something. The more they got, the more afraid they became of it being taken away.


    He thought, since this was the case, he might as well let go. She liked Shi Ran. Her family liked Shi Ran too. No matter how you looked at it, the two of them being together would lead nowhere.


    Cheng Jin sobered up a little. She remembered they were fighting, and she was going to break up with him. But seeing his red-rimmed eyes, her harsh tone softened. She gently asked, "How is your sister now?"


    "She''s stable for now."


    "Why didn''t you tell me?"


    "I''m sorry."


    All he could say was sorry.


    Cheng Jin''s grip on the tennis racket rxed. She leaned into him and murmured, "There can''t be a next time."


    Shao Chengze held her waist tightly. "Okay."


    Cheng Jin looked up again. "Are you here on a business trip today?"


    Shao Chengze answered, "It''s a business trip, but someone else was originally supposed toe." He looked into her eyes. "I missed you, so I came instead."


    His pupils were very dark, and his eye sockets were sunken, clearly fromck of rest. Cheng Jin''s heart softened. She shook their interlocked hands. "Let''s go."


    "Where to?" Shao Chengze asked to confirm.


    Cheng Jin looked at him. "You say."


    Everyone on the street was walking in one direction. He held her hand and walked against the flow, in the other direction. First walking, then gradually breaking into a run.


    The cold wind blew past. Cheng Jin''s head was dizzy and muddled. She thought, she shouldn''t be so spineless. He had only reddened his eyes a little, and she caved. She shouldn''t go soft. She definitely shouldn''t indulge this softening.


    The hotel room door opened and closed again. The thick carpet let out muffled thuds from their chaotic footsteps. Before his lips descended, she was the one who bit him first. Really biting down hard. She hated her own soft heartedness, so she naturally took out this hatred on him. It was his fault for instigating it in the first ce.


    Perhaps the taste of blood really could make one lose control. The biting slowly turned into a scramble for breath, neither willing to admit defeat. In the pitch ck room without even the lights on, as their body temperatures rose and blood flowed faster, the alcohol in her system slowly took over her body. In the exchange of saliva, it seemed Shao Chengze also became drunk. The two of them tumbled into bed, the room left with only heated, urgent panting.


    At the final step, Shao Chengze regained some rity and hit the brakes in time.


    He had wanted her toe back with him to the hotel, but didn''t intend for anything to happen between them. In the few months they had been together, the most chaotic time was when he ripped open her shirt, but in the end he wrapped her in a nket and went to take a cold shower himself.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t want to, he was just waiting. Waiting for what, he didn''t know either. But at the very least, not under alcohol''s influence. It shouldn''t happen today.


    His body was taut, his temperature scorching, yet he stopped his actions. Cheng Jin was left irritated and ufortable from the indescribable emptiness. She flipped their positions, pressing him under her, grabbing his shirt cor and asking, "Shao Chengze, are you afraid?"


    Shao Chengze gently stroked her hair. "You''re drunk. When you''re sober, we can talk about who dares or not."


    He was afraid she would regret it after waking up.


    Cheng Jin scoffed. "You''re just afraid. Don''t worry, we''re both adu¡ª"


    The rest of her words became muffled hums under his lips. Did she know, her every word, every breath, was a fatal allure to him?


    The temperature that had just solidified in the air rose again.


    At the very beginning, both of them were hurting, neither was better off than the other. Cheng Jin bit his shoulder when she was in pain, and Shao Chengze gently sucked on her earlobe tofort her. He moved forward slowly and with difficulty into the deep, trembling wetness, as if prating to the deepest part of their souls. In the countless nights that followed, Shao Chengze would sink back into this dream, not wanting to wake up.


    Cheng Jin was woken up by the vibration of her cell phone. She reached for her phone and brought it to her ear with a greeting.


    "Jin, where did you go? Why didn''t youe home all night?"


    Hearing Jiang Meng''s anxious voice, Cheng Jin opened her heavy eyelids, first looking at the ceiling, then turning her head towards the other side of the bed, which was empty now.


    She cleared her throat, but it didn''t help much, her voice still hoarse beyond recognition. "I went back and slept at my ce."


    As soon as Jiang Meng heard this, she knew something was off. "Don''t tell me you brought some random guy back home with you?"


    "No." Her voice made her denial sound too pale, although she did not actually bring a random guy back home.


    "Oh no, Jin, you''re done for. You''ve made up your mind about him."


    Just yesterday she was talking about breaking up, and today they were back together again. This kind of fickleness was not like Cheng Jin at all. She had clearly fallen deep.


    Cheng Jin buried her face in the quilt, shifting her sore waist. She retorted stubbornly, "You''re thinking too much. It''s just a rtionship, no need to make up my mind or anything. Just passing time and having some fun."


    Outside the door, Shao Chengze stopped in his tracks, his eyes turning dark and ambiguous. He clenched the box in his hand tightly, the edges of the box digging deeply into his palm, but he felt no pain.


    Later on, the ring in that box eventually found its way onto Cheng Jin''s finger.


    In the tentative courting that new rtionships bring, there are always many twists of fate and idents of chance. No one could have expected that, many yearster, their daughter would bring the interlocking gears back together again, giving him the chance, on their wedding day, to make good on themitment he had wanted to promise her from the very beginning, saying it to her word for word.


    The one you set your heart on at first is the one you walk hand in hand with atst.


    Perhaps it was good fortune, or perhaps it was destiny.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!