He Ran’s anger was so intense that his hair seemed about to catch fire.

Tao Xinglai regained a bit of composure, realizing this might ruin things, so he held Mengmeng and called out, “Brother-in-law, brother-in-law!”

He Ran strode forward without looking back.

Mengmeng blinked her eyes and flapped her chubby hands, “Daddy, daddy.”

“Damn, this kid has gotten addicted to saying ‘daddy.’“ Tao Xinglai secretly marveled.

Hearing her beloved call, He Ran came to an abrupt stop, turned around, lowered his gaze, picked up Mengmeng, weighed her in his arms for a moment, then handed her back to Tao Xinglai, “Hold her.”

“Brother-in-law, you must not fight,” Tao Xinglai said earnestly, “You can’t win; they have more people.”

He Ran’s icy expression didn’t thaw, still repeating the same words, “We’ll settle your accounts later!”

Tao Xinglai was momentarily stunned, his acting skills kicking in as tears welled up. He spoke to Mengmeng, “Child, Uncle can’t help you anymore. Your dad is going to settle accounts with you and your mom. Poor thing, at only twenty-five pounds, one slap could turn you into a pork pancake.”

He Ran: “...”

Watching his retreating figure, Tao Xinglai feigned sympathy, “Brother-in-law, do you need me to help you fight?” As he spoke, he sat back in the car, holding Mengmeng and continuing to eat strawberries.

At the He family residence.

After finishing her conversation with He Zheng’an, Jian Xi was just about to go pick up Mengmeng when she placed her hand on the doorknob and turned it. Suddenly, a great force pushed from the outside.

Caught off guard, Jian Xi was knocked to the ground by the door.

Her forehead hit the ground with a solid “thud,” and her vision went black.

“Ouch, it hurts!”

Before she could cry out, she heard He Ran’s voice thunder, “Jian Xi!”

Jian Xi broke out in a cold sweat, ignoring the pain as she opened her eyes. Her mind instantly froze, “Y-you... how did you get here?”

Fortunately, she still recognized him and could speak, proving she hadn’t injured her brain.

The worry that had momentarily surfaced in He Ran’s eyes was quickly replaced by fury again.

Jian Xi had been opening the door alone, her complexion pale, and this house, as usual, felt utterly unfeeling.

He Ran processed all this information and reached a lightning-fast, stubborn conclusion—He Zheng’an must have scolded Jian Xi!

His eyes darkened, and he took a step forward, ready to charge into the house.

Jian Xi reacted swiftly, lunging forward to grab his thigh, “He Ran.”

Stopped in his tracks, He Ran’s rising flames were slightly dampened.

He Zheng’an observed everything, then let out a cold snort, reverting to his unfeeling persona. Without hesitation, he commented, “A leopard can’t change its spots.”

He Ran’s face frosted over, his jaw tightening, remaining silent and not even glancing at him.

He bent down, pulling Jian Xi up by the arm.

Jian Xi’s heart raced, gripping his hand tightly, fearing he would break free and cause trouble.

Fortunately, He Ran still retained some clarity. Trembling lips uttered a single word, “Let’s go.”

Jian Xi swallowed hard, tentatively asking, “Mengmeng is outside. She wants to see Gr...”

Before she could finish saying “grandpa,” He Ran roared, “Are we leaving or not!”

This kind of explosive temper directed at Jian Xi was unprecedented in memory.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Jian Xi wisely nodded quickly, “Yes, yes, let’s go.”

The two stepped out of the He residence, and He Ran’s stony face remained unwarmed.

In the night, the lights behind them grew fainter and farther away.

Jian Xi, half dragged and half forced, couldn’t help but say, “You’re hurting my hand.”

He Ran’s steps didn’t stop, but his grip loosened slightly.

Seizing the opportunity, Jian Xi pitifully called out, “Husband.”

He Ran abruptly stopped, glanced back at her, gritting his teeth in both love and frustration, “Jian Xi, is it fun, huh?”

“I’m not playing.” Jian Xi looked at him, “I brought our daughter to see her grandfather.”

“She doesn’t have a grandfather!” He Ran sharply interrupted.

Jian Xi was momentarily speechless, realizing this wasn’t the right time to discuss matters.

He Ran was seething with anger. Seeing her pitifully lowering her head, he regained half his rationality, suppressing his sharp agitation and softening his tone to apologize, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have yelled at you.”

Jian Xi lifted her head again, softly saying, “I’m also sorry. I shouldn’t have hidden it from you.”

He Ran paused, making no move for a moment.

Jian Xi guessed he might be waiting for her explanation. She reorganized her words, speaking slowly, “Grandfather didn’t make things difficult for me. He invited me inside for tea, and we had a pleasant conversation after the initial adjustment.”

He Ran let out a very light snort.

Jian Xi reached out to cup his face, “Hey.”

He Ran looked at her disdainfully.

“Are you paralyzed?” Jian Xi frowned.

With a sudden force, He Ran brushed her hand away, turned his back, and silently walked toward the car.

This man’s mental knots were deeply tied.

Jian Xi took a deep breath, trotted up to catch up, “Wait for me.”

In the car.

Tao Xinglai split the last strawberry in half and said to Mengmeng, “Half for you, darling niece.”

Mengmeng started calling “**” again like a parrot.

Tao Xinglai thought this kid was something else, “You’re a girl; show some restraint. Oh, your parents are here.”

He quickly got out of the car to greet them, “Brother He, are you hurt? I have Yunnan Baiyao; let me treat your wound.”

He Ran remained silent, sat in the passenger seat, picked up Mengmeng, and held her tightly without letting go.

Jian Xi pushed Tao Xinglai aside, “You sit in the back; I’ll drive.”

Tao Xinglai was quite perceptive, seeing that the couple had argued. He leaned over He Ran’s seatback, “Brother He, I’ve booked a hotel room. We’ll sleep in the same room tonight; I can help tuck you in.”

Jian Xi: “None of your business.”

“You wicked woman, step aside.” Tao Xinglai gleefully said, “Brother He, don’t forgive her easily. Give her a taste of cold violence to scare her into obedience.”

This reverse psychology was quite effective. He Ran finally couldn’t help but say, “I won’t sleep with you.”

“Wow, your love for my sister is truly earth-shattering.” Tao Xinglai patted Jian Xi’s shoulder mischievously, “Just for those broad chest muscles, endure the pain tonight.”

Jian Xi knew her brother was trying to ease the tension between them, so she obediently stepped down, “Alright!”

Tao Xinglai eagerly leaned close to He Ran’s ear, whispering excitedly, “Brother-in-law, use Muay Thai, make her scream in pain to feel better.”

“Damn.” He Ran cursed under his breath, finally breaking into laughter.

These siblings, if they put on a show for the Spring Festival Gala, might just win the national audience’s favorite award.

Seeing him laugh, Jian Xi finally relaxed.

At the hotel where they stayed, Tao Xinglai went to bed, while He Ran monopolized Mengmeng, and the father-daughter pair played happily. Jian Xi busied herself unpacking nearby, completely ignored.

She licked her lips and initiated a conversation, “Do you want some water?”

He Ran didn’t respond, making funny faces at Mengmeng, who laughed, “Hahaha.”

Jian Xi persisted, “Then do you want to eat? I’ll order some late-night snacks.”

Only Mengmeng’s laughter replied to her.

Jian Xi puffed out her cheeks, shifting the air from left to right, refusing to give up, “Husband, my brain hurts; that door hit me so hard.”

He Ran tickled Mengmeng’s toes, seemingly talking to no one in particular, “It hurts, good. Remember this pain through summer. Every season, hit your head against the door.”

Jian Xi set down the clothes in her hands, feeling exasperated.

She walked over, “Let’s talk properly.”

He Ran turned his head, shifted Mengmeng’s position, and continued to play with her.

Jian Xi took off her slippers, raised her foot, and gently kicked the man kneeling on the ground.

He Ran coldly said, “Don’t give sexual hints; I don’t play with chrysanthemums.”

Jian Xi: “...” She sighed, deflated, “Leaving other things aside, isn’t it pitiful for an old man to live alone in such a big house?”

He Ran: “Not pitiful.”

“He’s your father, not a blood feud enemy. Is it really necessary?” Jian Xi moved in front of him, crouched down, and looked directly at He Ran, “What if, what if he gets sick?”

“He can treat himself.”

“What if it’s cancer?”

“He’s rich; he can borrow five hundred more years from heaven.”

“What if he passes away? Are you planning to never see him again until death?” Jian Xi asked seriously, “Will you even refuse to erect a tombstone for him?”

He Ran racked his brains for a long while. Though he had plenty to say, not a word came out.

Jian Xi glimpsed a fleeting hesitation in his eyes and pressed on, “Isn’t it just that little issue? Grandfather’s personality is tough, and yours isn’t soft either. You two have been evenly matched for so many years. If it’s a debt from a past life, it should be repaid by now.”

Jian Xi pointed at Mengmeng, “And your daughter, don’t you want to set an example for her?”

He Ran’s silent eyes softened slightly.

Jian Xi continued, “If we have a son in the future.”

She only spoke half the sentence, but it was like a thorn, easily piercing through He Ran’s defenses.

He almost immediately blurted out, “I won’t.”

I won’t stand opposite him. I won’t allow the father-son relationship to collapse. I won’t coldly rebuke him. I won’t let him see the rift in familial affection.

Jian Xi grasped He Ran’s hand, softly saying, “I know.”

He Ran took a deep breath, pulled her close by the back of her head, pressing her into his embrace, “Wife, I’m sorry.”

Jian Xi smelled the scent of his chest, “I shouldn’t have acted first and informed you later. But husband, I hope this family stays intact. The step you can’t take, I’ll help you with. The compromise you can’t make, I’ll mediate. You just need to stay where you are and not retreat.”

He Ran hugged her tighter, responding silently.

Jian Xi squeezed his hand, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here; I won’t let Grandfather scold you.”

He Ran buried his nose in her hair, laughing softly, “Superwoman.”

Jian Xi hummed in agreement, “Grandfather should like me.”

“Who wouldn’t like you?” He Ran gave her his highest affirmation.

After a few seconds of silence, He Ran said, “I can’t immediately resolve past grievances, and I won’t take the initiative to make this move, but I will restrain myself and try to stay calm. I promise you, I won’t argue with him; I’ll let him have his way.”

This was his greatest concession.

Jian Xi raised her head, giving him a warm and delighted smile.

He Ran leaned closer, lowering his head, and lightly licked her eyes and brows with the tip of his tongue. His voice dropped to a husky whisper, “Jian Xi, you’re so sweet.”

It felt a bit itchy, a bit electrifying. Jian Xi stood on tiptoe and whispered into his ear, “This sweetness is only for you to taste.”

He Ran’s hand slid down, his palm pressing against her buttocks, rubbing in circles. “When are we going to have a son?”

Jian Xi coughed, “I was just giving an example earlier.”

He Ran: “...”

Jian Xi stifled a laugh, “Isn’t Mengmeng enough?”

“Not enough.” He Ran’s breath was hot as it brushed against her neck, “Sons resemble their mothers. I want to see a male version of you.”

Jian Xi raised her head and smiled, “Haven’t you seen enough of Tao Xinglai?”

He Ran: “...”

“By the way, how did you know we were here?”

“Li Xiaoqiang told me.”

Jian Xi frowned, “Isn’t he my brother’s agent?”

“I finished my business early and came back from Nantong ahead of time to surprise you, but found the place empty. Later, I ran into him and got the information out of him.”

Tao Xinglai was a rising star now, even his private movements had to be reported to his agent.

He Ran wondered, “Didn’t anyone ask him for an autograph along the way?”

“He drove himself, had little contact with the outside, and was fully equipped with hats and sunglasses, so no one recognized him.” Jian Xi checked the time; it was ten o’clock—about time for Mengmeng to sleep.

At that moment, He Ran’s phone rang. Upon seeing it was Tao Xinglai, he answered—

“Brother-in-law!!”

With such a loud shout, He Ran asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I’m on fire, I have a fever, damn it’s burning!”

Even from afar, Jian Xi heard his scream, “You were fine during the day, how did you get a fever?”

He Ran hung up, “I’ll go check on him. You put Mengmeng to bed early.”

Tao Xinglai was fragile in the next room, lying in bed weakly, “Brother-in-law, I’m sick. It’s all my sister’s fault for making me work so hard.”

He Ran tested his forehead with the back of his hand, “Alright, don’t blame everything on your sister. I think you just ate too many strawberries.”

“Brother-in-law, you’re obsessed with protecting your wife,” Tao Xinglai casually sighed, “Your hand feels so wide, so thick, so warm.”

He Ran laughed, “Even in this state, you still have energy to talk.”

“If I stop talking, I might die.” Tao Xinglai felt utterly weak, “Brother-in-law, I have no strength.”

“In that case, you really need to go to the hospital.” He Ran asked, “Can you get up?”

“What if I can’t?”

“Then I’ll help you up.”

“Can I request a princess carry?”

He Ran almost burst out laughing, “Are you serious?”

Tao Xinglai shook his head, “I’m lonely; I just like to chatter. I don’t want you to carry me—I’m a boy.”

He Ran chuckled, “Hurry up. I’ll go start the car.”

Tao Xinglai struggled to get up from the bed, even providing his own voice-over for encouragement, “Right now, I am ‘Tao Strong’.”

Before leaving, he didn’t forget his professional conduct, grabbing his sunglasses and hat and putting them on properly.

At the hospital, before getting out of the car, He Ran said, “You shouldn’t wear those sunglasses; it’s late at night, wearing them makes you more noticeable.”

“That makes sense, I’ll listen to you.” Tao Xinglai looked like a wilted eggplant, his face flushed red from fever. He plopped a baseball cap on his head, “Brother-in-law, I think I really need your princess carry now.”

He Ran supported him, “Find a place to sit while I go register and queue up.”

Tao Xinglai picked a corner seat and watched He Ran’s retreating back, sighing, “I finally understand why my sister fell in love with him—he exudes such a sense of security. With him around, I definitely won’t cry when getting an injection.”

The emergency room of a large hospital was always crowded, brightly lit like daytime.

After registering, He Ran called Tao Xinglai to the third examination room.

Timing it well, he waited till his turn. Five minutes later, He Ran started checking the time—why hadn’t he arrived yet?

Just then, faint cries echoed from afar.

He Ran furrowed his brow, listening for a moment.

The shouting grew louder, clearly calling out “Tao Xinglai.”

He Ran’s eyelid twitched, “Damn it! He must’ve been recognized by some fans!”

In the emergency hall, the crowd gathered around a single point.

“I love the Crown Prince you played!”

“Star, give me an autograph, make sure it’s in regular script!”

“One eighty-five centimeters, no difference! Really not wearing height-increasing insoles!”

Then somehow, someone shouted, “Qiao Shu! Qiao Shu!”

Tao Xinglai was cornered with nowhere to retreat, forcing a smile despite his fever. The idol burden couldn’t be shed.

He was on the verge of collapse.

Seeing the situation was getting out of hand, He Ran quickly went to find hospital security. Finally, the entire night shift security team mobilized to disperse the crowd.

Tao Xinglai didn’t dare linger any longer and swiftly ran out.

Back in the car, he said to He Ran, “Brother-in-law, feel my forehead again—is it about to erupt like a volcano?”

Tao Xinglai complained pitifully to Jian Xi over the phone, “If there’s another life, I definitely want to be your younger brother again.”

He Ran: “...”

A forty-degree fever, two minutes of complaining.

Tao Xinglai recounted the entire incident to Jian Xi over the phone.

Finally ending the call, He Ran dug his ears, stunned by Tao Xinglai’s dramatic performance, mumbling dumbfounded, “Let’s go. I’ll take you to find a clinic; you can’t stay with this fever.”

Just as he prepared to step on the gas pedal, Tao Xinglai’s phone rang—it was Jian Xi.

After a few words, Tao Xinglai hurriedly stopped him, “Wait, Brother He. My sister says she’s found a doctor.”

He Ran frowned, “We’re unfamiliar here—where did she find one?”

Tao Xinglai waved his phone, extremely excited, “My future father-in-law’s private doctor!”

He Ran: “...”

When they arrived at the hotel, the doctor had already arrived, waiting upstairs.

Each floor the elevator passed made He Ran’s heart tighten further.

What if He Zheng’an also came? What if they argued again after three sentences?

What if he remained as domineering and unreasonable as before?

He Ran’s expression was complex, his brows deeply furrowed. With a “ding,” the elevator doors opened.

Walking through the corridor, the fourth room around the bend.

Just a few steps in, they heard a hearty laughter and the baby’s giggling.

The open room door framed the scene: He Zheng’an dressed in linen clothes, exuding the charm and dignity of a family patriarch from the Republican era.

He held Mengmeng, looking kind and gentle, smiling like an old child.

Beside him, Jian Xi was obedient and gentle. Coincidentally, Mengmeng was wide awake, full of smiles, her chubby hands tugging at Grandpa’s small beard with great enthusiasm.

Tao Xinglai weakly marveled, “Enjoying grandchildren—what a beautiful thing in life.”

His voice startled those inside. Jian Xi’s eyes lit up, “You’re back!”

He Zheng’an, holding Mengmeng, stiffened momentarily, not turning around.

Tao Xinglai loved to join in the fun, his feverish body no match for his persistent spirit. Like a little train, he rushed over, “Father-in-law, hello! I’m Tao Xinglai! Twenty-four years old! I’d like to shake your hand. Wow, you’re even more handsome than Old Jian!”

Jian Xi was both amused and exasperated. This brother of hers, perhaps overheated from the fever, was overly enthusiastic.

Behind him, He Ran reluctantly and awkwardly emitted the smallest sound—

“Dad.”

Due to the softness of his voice, Tao Xinglai amplified it like a loudspeaker, “Brother-in-law, what did you say?”

He Ran’s tongue pressed against his teeth, swishing several times, wanting to twist off Tao Xinglai’s head.

The whole room fell silent, everyone waiting for him.

He Ran’s emotions wavered between nervousness and bravado, ultimately submitting to the latter. Calmly, he said—

“Oh, I was just saying, poop. Did Mengmeng poop?”

Jian Xi almost spat blood, thinking, husband, you’re truly wonderful.

And He Zheng’an, who had been facing away from He Ran, strangely responded as if possessed by a devil—

“Mm.”

Marvelous.