Yao Yizhi looked at Jian Xi and smiled.

He Ran took a step back, shielding her behind him. Turning around, he said to Jian Xi, “Let’s go in.”

Then he placed his hand on her shoulder and started walking.

Yao Yizhi called out, “He Ran.”

Jian Xi looked up, “Your friend is calling you.”

“Not a friend.” He Ran’s voice was calm, just loud enough for Yao Yizhi to hear.

She quickly stepped forward, slightly blocking their way, still smiling, “I’ll be here for a while. It’s been years since we last met; let’s catch up when you have time.”

Yao Yizhi handed over a business card, but He Ran didn’t take it, making the atmosphere quite awkward.

Jian Xi intervened, accepting the card and nodding politely.

Yao Yizhi’s gaze lingered on her, inspecting her with an ambiguous smile before leaving.

Jian Xi glanced back, then pinched He Ran’s chin, “Hmm? You seem a bit strange today.”

He Ran’s face didn’t redden, his heart steady, “How am I strange?”

“You were so cold towards that beautiful woman.”

“She’s not a friend.” He Ran emphasized again.

Jian Xi was puzzled, “But it didn’t look like you mistook her for someone else.”

At this moment, Lu Hanxiao’s roar came, “Are you two eating or what? I’m starving!”

“I’ll check if you’re really starving. If not, I’ll beat you to death.” He Ran pulled Jian Xi inside, naturally ending the previous conversation.

“Try this duck foot, super chewy.” Lu Hanxiao placed one in Jian Xi’s bowl.

Jian Xi ate a few bites, frowning, “It doesn’t taste like much, not spicy enough.”

“Your taste has always been light.” Lu Hanxiao was puzzled.

He Ran moved the duck foot she had bitten into his bowl and replaced it with another dish, “Eat this.”

Lu Hanxiao sneered, placing one in front of the young relative sitting next to him, “Here, eat this. Their tastes are questionable.”

The young girl was fair-skinned, with a standard oval face, quietly eating.

Jian Xi found it amusing, ladling some soup and handing it to her, “How old are you?”

“Twenty.”

“In college?”

“Mm!”

“Which school?”

This time, Lu Hanxiao answered for her, “Same as you, your junior.”

Jian Xi was delighted, “You’re also from Medical University? What major?”

The girl put down her spoon, turned to Lu Hanxiao, and said seriously, “I’m studying at Normal University. You remembered wrong.”

Lu Hanxiao: “...” That was quite embarrassing.

He Ran chuckled, pretending to fail at showing off.

Lu Hanxiao usually chatted freely with acquaintances, sometimes throwing in some crude jokes. But today, he made an agreement with He Ran: “No talk about pornography, gambling, or drugs. Keep it clean.”

“This is so pretentious.” He Ran couldn’t stand it.

Lu Hanxiao kicked He Ran’s shoe under the table, whispering, “Be serious. Mind the prenatal education. Moreover, there’s a young girl here, a high achiever.”

Jian Xi couldn’t help but laugh, whispering to the girl, “He’s usually annoying, right?”

She thought carefully and said, “He seems to get overly excited around pretty girls.”

“Hey hey hey!” Lu Hanxiao’s finger hovered in the air, “Kid, don’t act older than you are. Do you still want to hang out with me for meals?”

The little girl shook her head solemnly, “No.”

Her eyes were beautiful, with a light hue, shining faintly. “Grandpa assigned me to you. You must take care of me.”

Lu Hanxiao’s face turned pale with anger. Jian Xi laughed, “Looks like even you have someone to fear.”

“If I had another clingy person following me 24/7, see how scared you’d be.” Lu Hanxiao grumbled, angrily placing a chicken leg in the girl’s bowl, “Eat quickly!”

Jian Xi turned her head, looking pitifully at He Ran, “Big Brother Ran, I want a chicken leg too.”

The little girl swiftly stretched out her delicate hand, “Sister, you eat.”

“Hey hey hey. Eat yours.” Lu Hanxiao blocked with his chopsticks, “One leg for two people? Too disrespectful to my wallet—waiter!”

“No no no,” Jian Xi hurriedly stopped him, “Just joking.”

Lu Hanxiao glanced at He Ran, “You’re acting weird today, playing the silent mountain?”

He Ran ignored him, saying nothing.

Lu Hanxiao leaned closer, resting his chin on his hand sharing experience, “Hey, should I order you a plate of pickled radish? Appetizing, refreshing, helps you find yourself.”

He Ran finally gave him a proper glance, calmly saying, “Go away.”

Lu Hanxiao burst out laughing, turning to his girl while laughing, “Eat your chicken leg properly, don’t leave any.”

Jian Xi ate the cold dishes, thoughtfully glancing at He Ran.

Feeling her gaze, his hand slipped under the table, holding hers tightly, fingers interlocked.

After dinner, Jian Xi and He Ran drove. Lu Hanxiao said he wanted a ride.

“My goodness, rare sight.” Jian Xi feigned discovering new land, “You’re actually going home before eight? Not going clubbing?”

Lu Hanxiao sighed exasperatedly, “That’s not clubbing; it’s business!” Then he pointed to the restaurant entrance, “The kid still has homework to finish.”

“Did you switch to teaching?” Jian Xi held her chest, “Terrifying.”

“I’ve genuinely taken care of you since you were young.” Lu Hanxiao retorted, “At least I graduated from a prestigious finance program.”

He Ran drove the car out, honked twice, “You bought a fake diploma for 250 bucks, don’t think I don’t know.”

Lu Hanxiao kicked the car tire, “Damn, He, you haven’t avenged stealing my sister yet! If you want to die, just say it.”

“Not telling. Kill you with anger.” He Ran closed the car window.

Once everyone was ready, they first dropped off Teacher Lu and the little girl, then headed back to the apartment.

After being in the car for a long time, Jian Xi began feeling nauseous. The oily smell from dinner surged up.

He Ran cracked the window for ventilation, trying to drive smoothly.

After getting out of the car, Jian Xi squatted on the ground and dry-heaved.

He Ran hugged her from behind, tenderly saying, “Silly girl, already torturing your mom.”

Jian Xi found it funny, enduring the discomfort, asking, “How do you know it’s a girl?”

“I want a daughter.” He Ran helped her up, “Feel better?”

Jian Xi nodded, “It’s fine. I’m not that delicate. Normal pregnancy reaction, don’t worry.”

He Ran held her hand and walked into the elevator, “Maybe take a leave from the hospital?”

Jian Xi pressed the floor button, “No need, I can manage. Our department has rules; no night shifts during pregnancy.”

He Ran frowned, staring at her stomach.

Jian Xi felt uneasy, “Why keep looking at it?”

“It’s amazing.” He Ran slowly said.

Jian Xi laughed, “Isn’t it?”

He Ran nodded forcefully, “Damn, there’s actually my baby inside.”

Jian Xi also felt overwhelmed with happiness, supporting her waist and correcting, “Ours.”

Back home, Jian Xi went to shower first, and He Ran cut fruit in the kitchen.

Halfway through cutting the fruit, He Ran became restless hearing the sound of water splashing.

He walked to the bathroom, knocked on the door, then turned the handle and gently pushed it open.

Jian Xi’s naked body was enveloped in hot steam. Pregnancy hormones made her appear more feminine. He Ran didn’t mind getting wet, hugging her from behind.

Jian Xi didn’t resist, laughing and tilting her head, “Aren’t you cramped?”

“Yes.” He Ran licked her ear, “Every time you push me out, squeezing me so tight.”

Jian Xi’s breathing quickened, “Being lewd again.”

He Ran hummed, “In Shenzhen, I thought of you and jerked off, my hand got sore.”

After almost two months apart, they ignited upon contact.

He Ran was restrained, lightly placing his hand on her belly, not daring to knead.

Jian Xi whispered, “Let me help you.” Saying that, she tried to slide down.

He Ran held her, squatting down himself.

Jian Xi was pushed onto the toilet seat. This position perfectly allowed her legs to rest on He Ran’s shoulders.

The process was magical, physical changes bringing heightened sensitivity.

Jian Xi’s fingers combed through He Ran’s hair, easily reaching climax below.

He Ran finished, not daring to continue. After Jian Xi caught her breath, he wrapped her in a towel and carried her out.

Jian Xi hugged his neck, feeling something hard like a steel rod. Beads of water or sweat clung to He Ran’s forehead.

Placing her on the bed, He Ran breathed heavily, turning away and sitting on the edge of the bed.

Jian Xi watched his back, his right hand moving rhythmically up and down.

Even from half a meter away, she could hear his breathing.

Jian Xi put on her pajamas, moved closer, and touched his waist, tracing the tattoo pattern with her fingers.

He Ran’s back stiffened, his voice hoarse, “Don’t start trouble.”

Jian Xi knelt, without hesitation, actively gripping him.

He Ran gasped, involuntarily emitting low moans from his throat, uniquely deep and masculine, utterly maddening.

Jian Xi mimicked his earlier rhythm, starting to move her hand.

He Ran leaned back, elbows braced against the bed, his chest rising and falling violently.

He lost control, giving random commands, “Faster, faster, Xiaoxi, touch that spot above.”

Unable to hold back, He Ran covered her hand, moving rapidly and powerfully, finally releasing.

The process was like a small fountain shooting milky white streams, coating Jian Xi’s hand.

He Ran walked to the living room, naked from the waist down, and handed Jian Xi some tissues. Forehead against hers, he said, “I cut some fruit for you, go have some.”

Jian Xi nodded, secretly glancing at his abdomen and hips.

He Ran smiled, “It was great, your hands are so soft, a hundred points.”

Jian Xi quickly kissed his lips, “You get a hundred points too.”

He Ran changed his pants in the bedroom when his phone lit up with a new text message.

Picking it up, he saw it was from an unknown number:

[Do you have time? Let’s meet up.]

No signature was needed; He Ran knew who it was. Ignoring it, he deleted the message directly.

Jian Xi, munching on an apple, curled up on the sofa watching a historical drama.

He Ran walked over, “Oh, isn’t this the younger brother?”

Jian Xi watched intently, “He looks quite good in ancient costumes.”

He Ran joined her, both squeezing on the sofa, “What is he playing?”

“The crown prince. I think he’s about to die in this episode.”

“Which episode is this?”

“The first one.”

He Ran chuckled, “That’s quick.”

Jian Xi fed him a piece of apple, “Open up, ah—”

He Ran lowered his eyes, stealing a kiss on her cheek before biting the apple.

“What’s this?” Jian Xi felt extremely happy, touching her face, which was hot.

At this moment, He Ran’s phone rang again, the same number that sent the text calling him.

Jian Xi, while watching TV, asked, “Why don’t you answer?”

He Ran: “Harassment call.”

After hanging up, he pressed the screen twice, adding the number to the blacklist.

He Ran could stay longer this time. The freight under his name in Shenzhen was already operational, gradually stabilizing after two months. He came back intending to establish his own logistics company locally.

Early the next morning, he went out to handle affairs.

Establishing a company was complicated, especially given the industry’s particularities, involving many departments. Lu Hanxiao had helped smooth things over, so the preliminary preparations were relatively smooth.

However, there was a hitch when applying for the road transport permit.

He Ran’s licensed truck was leased, and his funds were temporarily insufficient to buy a new one. The transportation bureau seized on this ambiguous point and refused approval.

If the process was delayed further, all related documentation would need to be resubmitted.

He Ran called Lu Hanxiao, but this unreliable guy had recently quarreled fiercely with his old man and was stubbornly refusing help.

Government-related matters were hard to expedite without connections.

He Ran had his concerns, so he didn’t tell Jian Xi. But Jian Xi was perceptive and guessed something during one of his calls.

The next day, the relevant department contacted him, saying the review had passed.

It turned out that Jian Xi had approached Jian Yanqing, who pulled some strings within reason for family’s sake.

He Ran thought comprehensively and was reluctant to use his father-in-law’s connections.

Jian Xi teased him, “Always so proper. Guess what Dad said?”

He Ran felt slightly worried, “I’m afraid he...”

“He said you should’ve gone to him earlier.” Jian Xi imitated Jian Yanqing’s tone, “He Ran is more sensible than Tao Xinglai, has endured hardships, and knows his limits.”

He Ran was delighted inside but maintained composure, “Oh, Dad has good judgment.”

“Hey.” Jian Xi tapped his forehead, “The one with the best judgment is me, okay?”

Pleased, He Ran gave her a thumbs-up, “Good eye.”

Thus, He Ran’s company was finally established smoothly despite some challenges.

Jian Xi was over four months pregnant, and May entered early summer. Wearing lighter clothes, the faint outline of her growing belly was becoming noticeable.

With local matters settled, He Ran had to rush back to Shenzhen to handle issues.

That night, uninvited guests arrived unexpectedly.

After a busy day, He Ran had just finished showering when he heard a knock.

Since his business improved, he moved out of the initial basement into a better apartment.

Thinking it was Qin Sheng, He Ran opened the door without much thought.

“Hi.” Outside the door, Yao Yizhi stood in stiletto heels, swaying gracefully.

He Ran’s face darkened, and without any emotion, he tried to close the door.

“Hey! Is this how you treat guests?” Yao Yizhi pushed the door and nimbly slipped inside.

He Ran stood by the door, his gaze cold. “Get out.”

“I haven’t had dinner yet.”

“Get out.”

Yao Yizhi turned around, hands on her waist, smiling at He Ran, “Don’t be like this, we’re old acquaintances.”

He Ran’s tone was icy, “We’re not close.”

“On the contrary, we’re closer than old acquaintances.” Yao Yizhi slowly approached, tilting her head slightly, her eyes filled with indescribable nostalgia. “All these years, have you been well? I’ve always thought of you.”

He Ran narrowed his eyes, staring at her beautiful face.

Under his gaze, Yao Yizhi’s heart felt like bumper cars colliding.

Admittedly, among all the men she’d met, this man was the finest. Hardships and trials hadn’t broken him but made him more appealing.

Yao Yizhi took two more steps forward, her perfume intoxicating.

“I called you so many times, why didn’t you answer?”

He Ran sneered, “Blocked.”

Yao Yizhi explained, “I know you blame me, but the project contract wasn’t stolen by me for your cousin.”

“Don’t lie blatantly. Who else had the key to my house except you?” He Ran’s menacing tone demanded answers.

Yao Yizhi opened her mouth, “I...”

“Don’t waste words, it makes me sick. Yao Yizhi, let me make this clear. Back then, you stole the contract, stole a man—that’s your business. My blindness once is my fault. Out of consideration for our childhood connection, I didn’t kill you. So, kindly take your man—and get lost!”

Yao Yizhi’s face paled, maintaining a pitiful demeanor, “He doesn’t treat me well.”

He Ran took out a cigarette, lighting it, “None of my business.”

Yao Yizhi took a deep breath, looking at him, “We’ve known each other since childhood. I don’t believe you’ve forgotten me.”

He Ran laughed, looking down on her disdainfully, “Who gave you that confidence? Hmm?”

Exhaling smoke, he squinted, “I’m married.”

Yao Yizhi froze, biting her lip, tears glistening, her voice rising slightly, “Is that the woman from the restaurant last time?”

He Ran glanced at her, “None of your business.” He pointed to the door, “Leave yourself, or do I have to throw you out?”

Yao Yizhi’s face turned red and green, realizing this man truly held no regard for her anymore.

She walked to the door and stopped.

“I heard you started another company.”

He Ran smoked, ignoring her.

“He Qin’s group also has a transport subsidiary in that city.”

As Yao Yizhi finished speaking, He Ran, who had endured for a long time, finally exploded, “That’s my group! Can you people have some shame!”

Yao Yizhi trembled in fright.

He Ran barked, “Get out!”

After she left, He Ran opened the window for fresh air. He chain-smoked until the strong tobacco smell completely masked the lingering perfume of the intruder.

Crushing the last cigarette butt, He Ran turned to look out the window.

The night was endless, not a star in sight.

________________________________________

The Jian Family.

Tomorrow was the weekend, and Jian Xi was picked up by Tao Xihong after work today.

“Xixi, come drink bird’s nest soup.” Tao Xihong’s voice called out.

“Coming.” Jian Xi had just finished bathing, her hair 70% dry.

She put away the hairdryer and went to the dining room. As soon as she sat down, her phone rang.

Jian Xi picked it up to see an unfamiliar number starting with 151.

Without much thought, she answered, “Hello? Who is it?”

There was silence on the other end. Jian Xi asked again before a female voice responded, “Oh, wrong number.”

The call ended.

Jian Xi looked curiously at the screen, dismissing it.

After eating a few bites of bird’s nest soup, a thread in her mind magically connected to form an image.

The voice just now...

It sounded very similar to the woman they met at the restaurant last time.