Jian Xi approached with great enthusiasm, like a vanguard soldier heading to the battlefield.

Tao Xinglai returned to normal, his acting temporarily concealed. He adjusted his sunglasses, fiddling with them for a while.

Jian Xi turned back, “Hurry up.”

“Don’t rush.” Tao Xinglai said, “I’m just afraid of being recognized, so I deliberately changed to a bigger pair of sunglasses.” He followed her, “Oh, Sister, I left my nunchucks in the car.”

“No need, do you really think we’re going mountain tiger hunting?”

Entering the gate of Zheng’an Group, a security guard came over, routinely asking, “Who are you looking for?”

Tao Xinglai: “Call your boss out.”

Jian Xi coughed heavily, smiling, “We have an appointment with the sales department to discuss a contract.”

The security guard was half-believing, “Please wait a moment, let me notify by phone.”

Jian Xi quickly said, “No need, no need, the leader is on a business trip, we’ve already made an appointment, we’ll wait here for him to return.”

There were many company employees, and the security guards didn’t necessarily remember everyone. Jian Xi managed to bluff her way through, at least allowing them to stay in the lobby and wait.

Tao Xinglai was extremely puzzled, “It’s impossible.”

“What’s impossible?”

“He can’t possibly not recognize me.” Tao Xinglai took off his sunglasses, “I’ve been so popular recently.”

Jian Xi rolled her eyes, “Look at his age, do you expect a fifty-year-old man to chase stars?”

“That’s true,” Tao Xinglai felt somewhat relieved.

“Give me a hand, prepare some milk powder for Mengmeng.” Jian Xi said.

Tao Xinglai took out a baby bottle and a thermos from the bag, fiddling while asking, “Do I add water first or put the milk powder in first?”

“Water.” Under Jian Xi’s guidance, Tao Xinglai finally got to practice the role of a temporary nanny.

After Mengmeng finished drinking the milk, she could sleep for the whole afternoon. This kid was so heavy that Tao Xinglai held her, “I feel like I’m holding a pig.”

Jian Xi reached out and flicked his forehead, “Then you’re the pig’s uncle.”

Tao Xinglai: “This child looks exactly like Brother He Ran, it’s giving me psychological shadows.”

Jian Xi laughed, “What did He Ran do to you?”

“The first time I saw him, you two were riding a motorcycle, having fun.” Tao Xinglai fell into fond memories, “At that time, he was super cool, riding a big motorcycle, very wild.”

Jian Xi thought for a moment, “Hmm, quite unconventional.”

“Sister, I never expected you had such unique tastes.” Tao Xinglai sighed, “Your aesthetic sense is mysterious.”

“Go away.” Jian Xi scolded him.

“So why did you fall for Brother He Ran?” Tao Xinglai moved closer, “Today, I am Director Tao, friend of women.”

Jian Xi lowered her head and thought seriously, then said, “He has a very strong demeanor. He doesn’t know how to flatter women, and his temper is not good. But when he cares for someone, you can feel it.”

“It’s a sense of stability.” Jian Xi finally found an accurate word to describe it. “Being with him feels like living life, simple and mundane but also very real.”

Jian Xi: “I’m not young anymore, and I don’t need too many dreamlike things. I want a man, a family, to live steadily. Maybe this is returning to simplicity.”

The simpler, the rarer. Tao Xinglai vaguely understood, and very incisively summarized, “I think Brother He Ran’s greatest ability is being particularly persistent, fearless, and having a dogged personality that’s really impressive!”

Jian Xi smiled, “Exactly, just like your Qiao Shu.”

“Damn, can we not talk about her?” Tao Xinglai instantly became gloomy.

“I saw in the news recently that the movie you two filmed has a lot of passionate scenes.”

“Don’t mention it.” Just thinking about filming kissing scenes with Qiao Shu, she kept breaking character and making small moves. What could have been done in one take ended up being shot more than ten times.

His tongue got tangled from her kisses; this woman was definitely doing it on purpose.

Damn, just thinking about it made him hot all over!

In another two months, the movie would be released, and netizens would surely flood the screens with CP stands again. Tao Xinglai’s delicate heart would shatter.

Sitting there for an entire afternoon, it was finally time to leave work.

Jian Xi stood ready, tightly staring at the elevator doors.

Employees came down in groups, young people showing off their legs in stockings. Tao Xinglai’s focus was a bit off, “Sister, that person’s socks are snagged, shame on them.”

Jian Xi frowned, “Can you stop messing around and look carefully?”

The elevator doors opened again, this time with fewer people.

“Here they come!” Tao Xinglai got excited, “Father-in-law, wow, such a handsome old guy.”

Jian Xi didn’t need to confirm with photos because the four characters “He Ran’s father” were etched onto He Zheng’an’s face.

The resemblance between father and son was incredibly striking.

Two vice presidents followed behind He Zheng’an, heading towards the parking lot.

Jian Xi waved her hand, “Follow!”

Tao Xinglai carried Mengmeng, and the three of them quickly followed, always maintaining a visible distance of five meters filled with love.

He Zheng’an got into a Mercedes-Benz, and Tao Xinglai turned the steering wheel, sighing, “People say those who drive Mercedes-Benzes are peasant entrepreneurs.”

Jian Xi: “He originally deals with agricultural products, selling potatoes and growing rice.”

Tao Xinglai slowly followed behind, “Maybe the spicy potato shreds I ate last night were grown by our father-in-law.”

Jian Xi: “...”

Due to the special nature of its industry, Zheng’an Group couldn’t be located in the city. This industrial park was a national demonstration base, and half of it belonged to Zheng’an Group.

He Zheng’an’s residence was about twenty minutes away, slightly closer to the bustling area, balancing both tranquility and activity.

“Sister, it’s a high-end villa area, there’s a checkpoint ahead, we can’t get in. What should we do?” Tao Xinglai estimated the configuration of these mansions and concluded they were “shamelessly expensive.”

Jian Xi decisively decided, “Brother, overtake!”

“Okay, hold Mengmeng tight.” Tao Xinglai stepped on the gas, “There’s no car your actor Tao can’t surpass.”

With a sudden brake, He Zheng’an raised his eyebrows, “What’s going on?”

The driver was also extremely annoyed, reporting, “Master He, someone cut us off.”

He pressed the horn twice, urging the car in front to move faster.

He Zheng’an glanced briefly, seeing a white jeep. The car showed no intention of moving, and the door opened, with two people getting out.

Jian Xi quickly approached, her expression slightly tense. She came to the car, bent down, and knocked on the window. Through the glass, He Zheng’an only saw her muttering something, but couldn’t hear what she was saying.

Seeing he had no intention of acknowledging her, Jian Xi didn’t give up. She held onto the car door, gripping it tightly to prevent him from leaving.

The driver hesitantly asked, “Master He?”

He Zheng’an nodded slightly, and the driver understood, sliding down half of the window.

As the window slid down, Jian Xi almost burst into tears of joy. Her voice urgent and fast, she quickly said, “Master, I’m sorry to approach you this way. My name is Jian Xi, I’m He Ran’s...”

Upon hearing this name, He Zheng’an mercilessly attempted to close the window.

Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, Jian Xi directly stuck her arm inside, wedging it against the glass to prevent it from closing.

Her thin arms, clad in summer clothes, were squeezed red and painful, “Ouch!”

He Zheng’an frowned, signaling the driver to stop.

Ignoring the pain, Jian Xi didn’t let go of the car window, “Please don’t misunderstand, I’m not...”

He Zheng’an spoke with full force, questioning flatly, “Did that person send you?”

Jian Xi shook her head, “No, no, do you know? He Ran has a child named Mengmeng, and she’s right here. Would you like to see her?”

He Zheng’an remained silent for a moment. His thick eyebrows and deep-set eyes, with forehead lines carved by the years, exuded a strong presence of a pragmatic entrepreneur. After a few seconds, he said, “If you’re trying to extort money, you’ve found the wrong person.”

Jian Xi: “...”

“Lady, I don’t know how you found me, nor do I understand where you get the confidence to think I’d accept this mess.” He Zheng’an’s gaze gradually turned cold, subtly mocking as he passed judgment on Jian Xi, “As for that person and me, we’ve long severed our father-son relationship. Please respect yourself.”

Jian Xi was rendered speechless, not expecting He Zheng’an to be so resolute and prejudiced.

“Drive.”

“Wait.”

The car started moving, and Jian Xi had to run alongside it. One hand still stubbornly clung to the car window, while the other hastily pulled out a stack of photos from her bag and quickly shoved them into the car.

As the car sped up, Jian Xi couldn’t keep up, and her squeezed red right hand had to let go.

The photos fluttered with the wind, scattering all over the leather seats.

He Zheng’an narrowed his eyes, his gaze slightly lowering.

Those photos were all of the same person, laughing or crying, with eyes as pure as purple grapes.

One of the photos was face down, with elegant small characters written neatly on the white background: He Xi.

Watching the car drive away without a second glance, Jian Xi was at a loss.

Only then did Tao Xinglai get out of the car holding Mengmeng, panicking, “Sister, you scared me to death, do you know how dangerous it was just now?”

Jian Xi rubbed her squeezed red arm, her brows deeply furrowed.

“This old man is super unlovable, if there’s a chance, we need to learn from our Old Tao.” Tao Xinglai asked, “What do we do now?”

Jian Xi felt that things hadn’t reached a dead end yet, “I gave him Mengmeng’s photos, he definitely won’t turn a blind eye.”

“Sister, you’re such a smart egg.” Tao Xinglai said, “It’s six o’clock, I need to eat some clay pot rice.”

Jian Xi thought for a moment and agreed, “Okay.”

They found a distinctive restaurant, and Tao Xinglai ordered two plates of braised pig’s trotters.

“I’m starving, I’ve been shooting in Xinjiang for half a year, I’m full of vegetables and fruits. If I say a word, I might spit out a pitaya.” Tao Xinglai poked the delicious pig’s feet on the table with chopsticks, “Super Q, super elastic, super meaty.”

Jian Xi wasn’t in high spirits, feeding Mengmeng egg custard.

“Sister, what are you thinking about?” Tao Xinglai picked the most beautiful piece for her, “Eat, this matches you. Are we going back tonight?”

The situation was much more difficult than Jian Xi had imagined, she put down the spoon, “Let’s stay at a hotel.”

“How many days is Brother He Ran on his business trip? Aren’t you afraid he’ll find out?”

“He went to Nantong and won’t be back until tomorrow night. It’s fine; he won’t find out.” Jian Xi told Tao Xinglai, “Later, don’t get out of the car with Mengmeng. I’ll go try again.”

After dinner, Jian Xi stopped by a supermarket and bought a medium-sized doll.

She then wrapped it in Tao Xinglai’s coat from the car and held it in her arms. Under the cover of night, it was hard to tell if it was real or not.

The lights were on at He Zheng’an’s residence, and he was in his study.

The housekeeper brought in freshly brewed tea, “Master He, that young lady outside has been waiting with the child for a full forty minutes.”

He Zheng’an remained expressionless, cooling the tea and taking a sip.

The housekeeper waited for a moment before leaving.

He Zheng’an set down the teacup, his gaze falling on the stack of photos under the lamp.

This little one had big eyes, thin lips, and a regal nose. Though not fully grown yet, she already showed promising signs of beauty.

He Zheng’an stared for a while, then sneered coldly.

Daughters resemble their fathers—just like a little troublemaker.

He reached out and picked up the photos, slowly flipping through them one by one. They were all candid shots, even capturing moments when drool slipped out.

He Zheng’an turned over the last photo and stared at the name on the back.

He Xi.

He got up, walked to the window, and pulled aside the curtain slightly. Through the sheer fabric, the quiet night was filled with the chirping of cicadas.

The person downstairs was kicking pebbles and pacing in circles, quite patiently.

He Zheng’an thought for a moment, what was her name again? Jian Xi?

“Unacceptable, so late at night, still making the child suffer along.” He Zheng’an walked back to his desk and called the housekeeper, his attitude softening, “Let her in. It’s dark outside; we shouldn’t scare the child.”

Jian Xi almost performed the kowtow three times and nine prostrations, knowing well that no grandfather could resist his granddaughter.

The housekeeper said, “Master He invites you inside to sit. It’s dark outside; don’t scare the child.”

“Not scary at all.” Jian Xi swung the doll in her hand and threw it on the ground.

Seeing this plush dog, the housekeeper was speechless.

Jian Xi smiled awkwardly, “Sorry, I didn’t have any other way.”

Finally stepping into He Zheng’an’s house, He Zheng’an was sitting on the sofa.

Jian Xi walked over and called him, “Grandfather.”

Not daring to call him Dad, and other titles seemed distant. These three words were just right.

He Zheng’an raised his eyes, his gaze and expression both indifferent.

“Why did you come to look for me?”

Jian Xi’s voice was clear, “Mengmeng is almost one year old. Oh, that’s He Xi.”

He Zheng’an looked at her, saying nothing.

“She is very obedient and shows a bit of maturity beyond her age.” Jian Xi smiled naturally, her tone casual, “And she started speaking early. She can already call Daddy and Mommy, and now she even consciously calls Grandpa.”

Jian Xi paused for a moment, her smile sinking into the corners of her mouth.

“If she asks later, ‘Dad, why do others have grandfathers but where is my grandfather,’“ Jian Xi softly said, “I don’t want her to be disappointed.”

Even though He Zheng’an’s expression remained cold, his eye corner visibly twitched.

Jian Xi waited, and after a few seconds, she was met with a sneer and a counter-question.

He Zheng’an: “I’ve already severed ties with him. Why should I acknowledge this granddaughter?”

Jian Xi remained calm and composed, replying smoothly, “Your charitable works rank among the top. You care and take responsibility for strangers, so why are you so harsh on your family?”

He Zheng’an’s emotions stirred, raising his voice, “What do you, a little girl, understand?”

“I may not have seen as much as you, but I at least understand that there’s no insurmountable rift between blood relations, just a lack of opportunity to speak openly.”

He Zheng’an’s tone became even fiercer, “You haven’t seen the despicable nature of that brat!”

Jian Xi didn’t deny it, “Yes, he must have done things wrong in the past, maybe ten slaps wouldn’t make up for it, and a few kicks might be needed to feel better.”

He Zheng’an was surprised, not expecting her to say that.

“But, Grandfather, don’t you really want to see anymore?”

“What is there to see?”

“He’s changing, getting better.” Jian Xi pursed her lips and said, “He’s also become a father.”

No longer sharp or extreme, the aggressive personality of his youth had settled into the deep sea of worldly experience. Now, having experienced your role, perhaps his words are blunt, but the smoothness in his heart and submission to time provide enough reason to mend old ties.

He Zheng’an looked directly at Jian Xi, seeing her neither hiding nor dodging, quite straightforward.

Something inside him collided silently but fiercely.

He Zheng’an asked, “Why should I believe you?”

Jian Xi lifted her head and clearly answered word by word, “Because I am, apart from you and Grandma, the person who knows him best.”

He Zheng’an was slightly stunned, looking at this delicate and refined girl, bluntly evaluating her, “Brave fool.”

The icy three words made Jian Xi hear a hint of spring peeking through.

She obediently nodded, “It’s not easy being a brave fool these days. Dragging a family from afar to engage in a debate with you. I’m almost exhausted.”

The housekeeper nearby couldn’t help but laugh secretly.

He Zheng’an forcefully cleared his throat, and the housekeeper immediately behaved.

He looked at Jian Xi, maintaining a high and cold attitude, reluctantly instructing, “Go make her a cup of tea. Young people these days have strange ideas; they think of buying a doll to pretend it’s a child.”

He shook his head with deep regret, trying hard to project an air of righteous concern for the country and its people.

Jian Xi seized the loophole in his words, inserting praise opportunistically, “Grandfather, you needn’t regret. Mengmeng is in the car. If you wish to see her, I can bring her in right away...”

Before she finished, He Zheng’an impatiently distanced himself, “Who regrets? Who wants to see? You little girl, stop being so interesting.”

Jian Xi quickly nodded, standing straight with a worried expression, muttering quietly, “That would be terrible. My brother doesn’t know how to take care of children. I wonder if anything happened after such a long time.”

“Your brother?” He Zheng’an had sharp ears and quickly asked, “How can a young man take good care of a child?”

Jian Xi pretended to sigh deeply, “Other than that, when she’s hungry, she cries for a while. When wet, she waits for me to change her. The air conditioning is on in the car, so she won’t get rashes.”

He Zheng’an: “...”

Jian Xi said softly, “It’s just that my brother isn’t very smart. He had polio when he was young and occasionally has episodes. His mental retardation can’t be cured.”

He Zheng’an, who had previously managed to maintain a cold demeanor, finally broke down, urgently shouting, “You’re too careless. He Xi is only one year old. How can she stay with someone with intellectual problems!”

Jian Xi’s eyes lit up, happily saying, “Grandfather, you actually remembered her name?” She secretly rejoiced, thinking, you still claim not to care.

He Zheng’an had no time to argue with her, “Quickly bring the child into the house.”

———

In the car.

Tao Xinglai crossed his legs leisurely, eating strawberries contentedly.

Mengmeng’s chubby hands also held one, chewing and licking with only four teeth, completely focused.

Seeing her little gluttonous appearance, Tao Xinglai couldn’t help but exclaim, “Baby, Uncle believes in you.”

Hearing the familiar vocabulary, Mengmeng reflexively became a parrot, “**, **.”

“Damn, it’s Uncle.” Tao Xinglai leaned closer, opening his mouth wide and pronouncing clearly, “Follow me, cool—dude—uncle—uncle.”

Mengmeng seemed to have hit some switch, giggling uncontrollably with a dazed look.

Then she cleverly avoided the heavy words, her baby voice mimicking, “Chicken, chicken, chicken.”

Tao Xinglai: “...”

At this moment, headlights aggressively pierced through.

Tao Xinglai quickly shielded Mengmeng’s eyes, cursing angrily, “Which little bastard!”

He squinted and recognized the person approaching. Instantly terrified, “No way?”

Through the windshield, the person from the opposite car jumped out of the Range Rover, face dark and uncomfortable.

Tao Xinglai rubbed his eyes, “My goodness, Hell’s envoy Brother He Ran?!”

He Ran’s eyebrows were cold, eyes burning with anger, as if ready to draw a knife and kill.

Tao Xinglai was so scared his legs went weak. Hugging Mengmeng tightly as a talisman, he rolled out of the car, nearly kneeling to confess his mistake.

Before He Ran could open his mouth, Tao Xinglai swiftly betrayed his sister.

“Brother-in-law! My sister was super naughty! I couldn’t stop her! She’s inside arguing with Grandpa!”

Upon hearing this, He Ran was frantic. He knew the old man’s temper, and Jian Xi was sure to suffer.

He rolled up his sleeves, stepping forward as if riding on wind-fire wheels, radiating murderous intent.

“We’ll settle our accounts later. Whoever dares to bully my woman, I won’t let him off!”

Tao Xinglai was very scared, covering his chest and muttering, “...Isn’t it your own father...”