Tao Xinglai’s outrageous behavior drew Jian Yanqing’s disapproval.

Across the table, Jian Yanqing asked, “What’s going on?”

Tao Xinglai’s forehead was red, holding his phone in a state akin to foaming at the mouth. After zoning out for a while, he picked up the remaining half of the drumstick and gnawed it clean without wasting a bite.

Then he stood up and said, “I’m going out to fight.”

Tao Xihong frowned, “Dinnertime, no manners at all.”

Jian Xi spoke up for him, “Let him go. If he stays, he’ll just cause more trouble.”

Tao Xinglai took a few steps, then turned back thoughtfully, “Dad, can you lend me Captain Xu for a bit?”

This person was the captain of the guard unit, highly skilled in grappling and combat, and quite handsome.

Jian Yanqing coughed, “Nonsense.”

“Tch, if you won’t lend him, fine, but being so harsh shows no concern for ordinary citizens.” Tao Xinglai babbled like a broken record, making noise all the way out the door.

On this midsummer night in August, stepping outside felt like walking into scorching waves.

Qiao Shu said she climbed over the wall to get in, so she should be in the backyard.

Tao Xinglai called her with his phone. When the call connected, he sighed, “Oh no, the backyard’s on fire; we’re doomed.”

Once connected, Tao Xinglai unleashed a torrent of accusations, “I’ve discovered you’re such a troublemaker. Do you think you’re great just because you have some skills? You’re not a dog, climbing through holes, shame on you.”

Qiao Shu: “...” After a long pause, she finally spoke, “It wasn’t a hole; it was a wall.”

Tao Xinglai: “The hole is on the wall, so you still climbed through a hole.”

Qiao Shu: “Yes, I climbed through a hole to see a dog.”

Tao Xinglai, agitated, grabbed a piece of dogtail grass from the garden and held it tightly.

“Holy crap! You insulted me. Let me tell you, luckily you’re a woman; otherwise, I’d leave marks on you with my nunchucks.”

The wind blew in gusts, mixing with the sound of the breeze, Qiao Shu’s voice was very faint.

She chuckled softly, “Tao Xinglai, never expected you to have such peculiar tastes, liking props so much, huh?”

Every word dripped with ulterior motives. Tao Xinglai pondered; he might have been teased.

He was momentarily speechless, not knowing why his heart fluttered and tingled.

Qiao Shu said, “Hey, turn around.”

Tao Xinglai was startled and turned around.

A few meters away, Qiao Shu held her phone and smiled at him.

Qiao Shu wore casual clothes today: a white T-shirt and hot pants. Her legs were straight and long, adorned with ethnic-style beaded anklets that jingled crisply with each step.

However...

“Your hair looks like a chicken coop,” Tao Xinglai’s first words upon seeing her.

Qiao Shu had tied her hair into a ponytail, with leaves and dry grass spoiling the view. She pursed her lips, pointed behind her at the wall, clearly upset, “You try. If you, Tao Xinglai, can climb over, I’ll take your surname.”

Hearing only provocation and challenge, Tao Xinglai immediately boasted, “I climbed over as soon as I turned eighteen. Not like you, a chicken coop.”

Qiao Shu wasn’t angry, smiling, “Alright, then I’ll take your surname.”

Tao Xinglai: “??? “

He reviewed their conversation, damn, there was an explosion!

This wasn’t something to joke about. Tao Xinglai spoke seriously, “You shouldn’t do this again in the future. I don’t want a girlfriend.”

Qiao Shu moved closer, “Why?”

“I’m young.”

“Where are you young?”

“Everywhere.”

Qiao Shu paused, slightly furrowed her brows, her gaze wandering down his body, “Even though you don’t look young, it’s fine as long as your skills are good.”

Tao Xinglai: “...”

Qiao Shu pressed closer, “Am I not pretty?”

“That’s not it.”

“Then why?”

Tao Xinglai was dizzy from her questioning, “There’s no reason, I just don’t want a girlfriend.”

“I’m not calling myself ‘girlfriend.’”

Tao Xinglai was shocked. Could this be possible? “Hey hey hey, stay away from me.”

“No.” Qiao Shu backed him into a corner, her voice low, calling him, “Tao Xinglai, will you agree or not, hmm?”

Her eyes were bright, as if a star had taken residence within them.

Tao Xinglai blinked, his breath uneven, “Wha-, what? Want to hit me?”

“A little.”

“Then don’t hit my face.”

Qiao Shu: “...”

Tao Xinglai’s shameless appearance made people itch to punch him. Qiao Shu was a bit angry, but objectively speaking, even when angry, she was still a goddess.

Tao Xinglai grinned at her.

Qiao Shu sighed. Just as Tao Xinglai thought she would retreat, Qiao Shu suddenly leaned forward and quickly kissed the corner of his mouth.

After kissing, she said, “Did you eat drumsticks tonight? Smells nice.”

Tao Xinglai was stunned.

Qiao Shu gently caressed his lips with the pad of her thumb, “Don’t misunderstand. I just wanted to see you. Tomorrow, I’m going to Europe to shoot a movie and won’t be back for two months. Will you... call me?”

Tao Xinglai shook his head.

Qiao Shu nodded, “Alright, then I’ll call you. Well, I’m leaving.”

She let go, stepped back twice, somewhat reluctant and hopeful, “I’m off.”

Tao Xinglai’s gaze fell on her knees, which were scraped and red. She must have gotten hurt while climbing the wall earlier.

Qiao Shu turned, her expression disappointed.

After a few steps—

“Wait.” Tao Xinglai’s voice was dry, unwilling.

Qiao Shu stopped, waiting.

Tao Xinglai cleared his throat twice, his tone mature, chin raised, gaze scattered, overly pretentious.

“Don’t climb the wall anymore. There are shards of glass on it. You can ride the patrol car out—I’m not concerned about you.” Tao Xinglai maintained a serious face, “A new driver came yesterday, seems to have poor skills, perfect chance to test him.”

Qiao Shu raised her eyebrows, looking at him silently.

Then she laughed and said, “Next time, don’t wear those pants. It’s obvious how big you are.”

Tao Xinglai got goosebumps all over, quickly looking down to check himself.

What was wrong with these pants? Doesn’t everyone own jeans? That bastard Li Xiaoqiang probably bought them at the wholesale market.

Qiao Shu passed by him with a slight smile, leaving a parting shot, “You wear size 30 pants, at most 31.”

Tao Xinglai was stunned again; so ‘big’ referred to pant size.

Blinding.

———

When Tao Xinglai entered the house, dinner was already over.

Tao Xihong watched her son go upstairs and casually asked, “I saved a bowl of white rice for you. Do you want to eat a bit more?”

“Not hungry.” Tao Xinglai’s mood was low.

“Oh, alright.” Tao Xihong heard this and called to Jian Xi, who was cutting fruit in the kitchen, “Xixi, your brother doesn’t want to eat. If he doesn’t, feed it to the dog.”

Jian Xi replied, “Got it.”

Tao Xinglai had a face full of question marks, feeling hurt by his family.

After nine o’clock, He Ran came out of Jian Yanqing’s study and walked into the bedroom.

Jian Xi was folding clothes. Mengmeng was awake, lying on the bed with her eyes open, blowing bubbles.

He Ran played with her, laughing and making faces, mimicking baby talk. Jian Xi couldn’t handle it, “Can you act normal?”

“You tell me, how can our daughter be so beautiful?” He Ran liked her more and more, “Powerful He family genes.”

“Give me a break.” Jian Xi snickered, “How good-looking can a two-month-old baby be? Her features haven’t fully developed yet. Look, isn’t Mengmeng single-lidded?”

He Ran: “Single-lidded is also beautiful.”

He cradled Mengmeng’s tiny fat foot in his hand, breathed on it, and lightly nibbled with his teeth.

Mengmeng wriggled fiercely, clearly in a good mood.

It was time to change her diaper. He Ran volunteered, “I’ll do it!”

Jian Xi hummed in agreement, putting the folded clothes into the wardrobe.

He Ran removed the old diaper, his large hands almost forming a delicate gesture, afraid to touch his daughter’s tender skin.

Jian Xi stood in front of the wardrobe, “Apply some diaper cream before changing it.”

As He Ran worked, he bragged, “Tell me, isn’t a man like me hard to find? Handsome, tall, skilled, with a beautiful daughter, and I even know how to change diapers. Wife, I… shit!”

Mid-boast, Mengmeng unexpectedly unleashed a stream of urine, attacking him without warning.

Precisely hitting its mark, He Ran got a mouthful of pee.

Jian Xi burst out laughing, unable to stop for a long time.

He Ran clenched his mouth, too scared to swallow, but didn’t forget to finish changing Mengmeng’s diaper.

Jian Xi quickly said, “Let me hold her. Go wash up.”

He Ran went to the bathroom, letting out a somewhat collapsed “Wow,” this fresh, unique happiness was too intense. He brushed his teeth and took a shower, loosely wrapping a towel around his waist as he came out.

Jian Xi had just finished feeding Mengmeng, and the little one was sleeping soundly.

He Ran sat on the bed, hugging Jian Xi from behind. In this position, his thighs spread apart, pinning her between them, the towel long gone, wide open.

Jian Xi complained, “Ah, you’re naked again.”

He Ran blew in her ear, “Can’t I have my special hobby?”

Jian Xi thought to herself, this man sure has a lot of hobbies.

He Ran had impulses tonight. His hand slipped into her clothes, not daring to rub too hard, circling around the contours gently.

Jian Xi struggled, “Don’t touch, it’s so swollen.”

He Ran stopped her from getting out of bed, the flames of anticipation bursting from his throat. He whispered, “Let’s stop using electric toys tonight and try manual ones.”

Jian Xi: “...”

Before she could say “no,” He Ran clamped her shoulders and pushed her down onto the bed.

“He, He Ran.” Jian Xi was extremely nervous.

“Shh, don’t move, relax.” His voice came from his chest.

This feeling was somewhat magical.

The initial tension and awkwardness gradually melted away, replaced by a subtle freshness that brought a different sensory experience.

He Ran was as patient with her as ever, always making sure she enjoyed herself first.

Since they were not at home, the two didn’t dare make big movements, finishing quickly.

He Ran still felt unsatisfied and suggested, “After our daughter is weaned, let’s go on a honeymoon.”

Jian Xi lay on his chest, lazily humming, “Where to?”

“Where do you want to go?”

“Anywhere is fine, as long as you’re there.”

Jian Xi’s voice was soft, her tone slow, each word hitting He Ran’s sweet spot accurately.

He smiled, “You’re really good at comforting me now?”

“You’re my husband; do I need to comfort you?” Jian Xi lifted her head slightly, looking into his eyes, “Do you like the sea?”

He Ran thought for a moment, “I do.”

“Then let’s go to an island.” Jian Xi said, “We can take a walk on the beach in the evening, and even go diving and fishing.”

He Ran laughed, “Alright.”

Jian Xi touched his nose, “You love being naked so much, here’s a chance to show off.”

“Nude swimming?” He Ran clicked his tongue, “I don’t mind, I’m not losing anything. My private parts are seen, they won’t fly away.”

Jian Xi: “...”

“Besides, there are many women at the beach. If you can be generous, I’ll cooperate.” He Ran asked, “Am I a good husband?”

Good my ass.

He Ran raised his thigh and pinned Jian Xi underneath, smirking, “Getting anxious? Jealous? If you come up with any more bad ideas, I’ll make you unable to close your legs.”

Jian Xi instinctively clamped them shut.

He Ran blew on her eyes childishly, “I didn’t satisfy myself tonight.”

Jian Xi: “Mom and Dad are here.”

“Damn. I’m suffocating.” He Ran was frustrated, “I can’t even raise my voice.”

Jian Xi touched his tailbone, speechless, “How can a man be so vocal?”

“Not pleasing?” He Ran squinted his eyes.

“Not ashamed.” Jian Xi turned her head. Thinking about that scene, her body almost burned up.

He Ran snorted, “Is it wrong to love singing?”

Jian Xi nodded, “Sure, sure, you’re the master of the house, whatever you say goes.”

“Really?” He Ran pinched her chin, turning her face towards him, facing her, “Then come on top.”

“Why?”

“The master of the house wants to see you in action.”

Jian Xi suppressed a laugh, “No way.”

“Liar.” He Ran lowered his head, gently biting her chin, grinding it finely with his teeth.

Jian Xi giggled from the ticklish sensation, “You’re such a dog.”

“Woof woof woof.”

“...”

He Ran sneered; when it came to shamelessness, had he ever lost?

After the couple finished their intimacy, they settled into silence.

Jian Xi turned over, and He Ran held her from behind. Their hearts beat along the same rhythm, quietly colliding together, neither speaking.

After a moment of silence, He Ran’s lips pressed against the butterfly bones on her back, saying softly, “Jian Xi.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you blame me?”

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

After a long while, Jian Xi spoke softly, “No.”

He Ran’s voice trembled slightly, “I didn’t handle things from the past well, causing you so much harm. Being with me, is it bitter?”

“We already have a daughter, why are you still asking this?” Jian Xi squeezed his hand around her waist, “Ran Ge, you’re not being obedient.”

He Ran muttered, “Mm.”

“I’m not bitter. I wasn’t bitter before, I’m not bitter now, and I won’t be bitter in the future.” Jian Xi breathed lightly, very calm, “When I’m with you, I know what kind of person you are. Your past, your experiences, your personality—I’ve prepared myself, and I will face everything with you.”

He Ran still muttered, a trembling single syllable, “Mm.”

Jian Xi: “Yao Yizhi hurt you, and she also caused trouble for me. If you sought revenge for me and injured, killed, or crippled her, you wouldn’t escape responsibility either. Ran Ge, you’re my husband, you’re Mengmeng’s father.”

She paused, then continued, “I won’t allow anything to happen to you. I’d rather use ‘fortunate’ as comfort than push you to extremes and make mistakes. My safe delivery was heaven’s blessing. If anything really happened to me...”

He Ran quickly interrupted, “Wherever you go, I’ll follow.”

If you live, I’ll accompany you through life.

If you die, I’ll follow you to heaven or hell without hesitation.

He Ran’s voice was calm, as if it were a ritual predestined by fate, the result good or bad entirely dependent on her.

Jian Xi was moved, turned over, and hugged He Ran tightly.

“In the future, no matter how big the issue, don’t resort to violence easily.”

“Mm, I’ll set an example for Mengmeng.”

“Don’t shoulder things alone.”

“It’s alright, a man’s shoulders are meant to carry his woman.”

Jian Xi chuckled softly, “I won’t leave you.”

“I know.” He Ran was certain, “You can’t leave me.”

“Hmph, so confident?” Jian Xi asked, “Why?”

“Because I make you wet with just one touch.”

“...”

This reason was truly amazing.

———

It was rare for Jian Yanqing to have a weekend, spending two days at home raising flowers and weeding with Tao Xihong.

Tao Xinglai was quite famous now, threatening his agent Li Xiaoqiang to give him a vacation, otherwise, he’d change agents. After all, he was very popular now, with plenty of resources.

Jian Xi stayed home with Mengmeng for a short visit. Chatting, she asked, “What exactly is going on between you and the Best Actress Qiao? The online rumors are all over the place.”

“Forget it, it’s annoying.” Tao Xinglai shouted, “Never seen such a persistent leech.”

Jian Xi laughed, “Don’t say that. Qiao Shu’s acting skills are commendable, and her eyes are especially beautiful. With such good conditions, she’s still venturing into action films, which is quite difficult.”

“Her family runs a huge business, incredibly wealthy. Yet she still went into the entertainment industry.” Tao Xinglai sneered.

“Our dad is still the mayor.” Jian Xi snickered, “Your issues are worse.”

“That’s true.” Tao Xinglai ate strawberries one after another, “Last time I heard Old Jian talking with his secretary; Dad might get promoted.”

“No gossiping allowed.” Jian Xi reminded, “House rules. Hey, continue with your story about Qiao Shu.”

Tao Xinglai fell into painful memories, “Our conflict was pretty serious. We fought the first time we met.”

Jian Xi: “...”

“I didn’t even win. Damn, that woman is incredible, like flying over grass.” Tao Xinglai got excited, putting down the strawberries, “One split kick could crack my skull open, and one sweeping leg left a huge bruise on my chest!”

Tao Xinglai put both hands together, forming a circle, “The bruise was this big! It hurt so much I cried out loud.”

Jian Xi: “...”

“Whoever marries her will be unlucky.” Tao Xinglai: “Let’s wait and see who gets unlucky.”

Jian Xi sighed, “Forget it, I don’t understand the entertainment world. In any case, be careful with your safety and be mindful of public opinion.”

In the evening, He Ran returned. After dinner, the family sat on the living room sofa.

The most important thing today was naming Mengmeng.

The nickname had been decided early on, but the full name was still undecided.

Jian Yanqing: “He Ran, you and Xiaxi are the parents. Your opinions count the most.”

Jian Xi flipped open her notebook, cleared her throat, “I’ve thought of a few names to share—He Tianci, meaning gratitude to the heavens. How does that sound?”

Family: “...”

Noticing everyone’s difficult expressions, Jian Xi said, “It’s okay, I have more. He Fulin, meaning auspiciousness and good fortune.”

Family: “...”

He Ran leaned on Jian Xi’s shoulder, hesitated for a moment, and asked, “Fulin. Are we making our daughter an emperor?”

Tao Xinglai burst out laughing, “Super outdated and retro. Sister, you’re quite fashionable. What’s going on? Naming becomes archaeology?”

Jian Xi frowned, looked up at He Ran, “Not nice?”

He Ran smiled, the laughter lines by his eyes slightly wrinkled, whispering comfortingly, “Husband thinks it sounds good enough.”

Jian Yanqing asked He Ran, “What about you?”

“My idea is simple.” He Ran said, “Two characters, call her He Xi.”

Tao Xinglai’s eyes lit up, “This is good. You and sister, each contributing one character, no one loses.”

Tao Xihong was also satisfied, “The meaning is good too, simple and elegant. When explained, it’s very sentimental.”

Jian Yanqing nodded, asking, “Xiaxi, what do you think?”

Jian Xi’s heart was as sweet as honey. This was what people called taking your surname and crowning my name.

She responded, “Good.”

Little Miss He Mengmeng finally had a lifelong name, He Xi.

And in the years to come, every time she introduced herself, she would proudly declare—

“My name is He Xi, He from He Ran, and Xi from Jian Xi!”

———

After deciding on the name, He Ran’s phone rang. It was a local landline number.

He walked aside to answer, “Hello? Who’s this?”

A male voice replied, “Hello, may I speak with Mr. He?”

“Yes, this is him.”

“We are from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Municipal Public Security Bureau. My surname is Fang.”

The call lasted only two minutes. After hanging up, He Ran slowly lowered his hand.

Jian Xi walked over, “What’s wrong?”

He Ran’s voice was calm, “Yao Yizhi died, committed suicide in her apartment.”