That night, with Mengmeng not around, the two adults indulged freely. Jian Xi was thoroughly exhausted by He Ran’s antics and could barely keep up. She finally realized that He Ran had developed yet another peculiar interest.

Jian Xi couldn’t figure out where he got so many resources—Japanese, Korean, European, American, indoors, outdoors. With each video, he enthusiastically introduced, “Look at this one; it’s crooked. Not as straight as mine.”

Jian Xi blushed furiously. He Ran was quite proud, “We’ve tried this position before; you couldn’t handle it.”

Jian Xi: “...”

He Ran pulled her legs down a bit and asked bluntly, “Wife, want to sit cross-legged? Wrap your legs around my waist.”

Jian Xi: “!!!”

This father was shamelessly reaching new heights of depravity.

After tossing around for half the night, He Ran was also worn out, his lower back aching and panting incessantly.

Jian Xi was genuinely in awe of him, “Aren’t you afraid of dying from exhaustion?”

“For you, I can.” He Ran collapsed on the bed, face down, his shoulder blades sticking up like hard lumps. “Dr. Jian, bring me some goji berries tomorrow to replenish my kidneys.”

Jian Xi laughed uncontrollably, throwing a pillow over his head, “Let’s see if you’ll still be smug.”

“Give me half an hour to rest. This is really taxing on the kidneys.” He Ran turned his face, looking at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Jian Xi was caught under his gaze for a moment, “What?”

He Ran curved his lips, “My wife is so beautiful.”

Jian Xi’s heart fluttered, satisfied, “That was nice to hear.”

He Ran reached out, touching her face, “Do you love me?”

Jian Xi nodded, “Very much.”

He Ran smiled even more deeply, “What do you love about me?”

“That you are devoted to me.” Jian Xi leaned down, forehead touching his, “I love how you gave me a home.”

He Ran whistled, “I thought you’d say you love how good I am in bed.”

Jian Xi poked his forehead with her index finger, “Alright, that counts too.”

He Ran’s expression softened, grabbing her hand and slipping it into his mouth. His rough tongue circled it once before saying, “Actually, I fell in love with you at first sight.”

Jian Xi was slightly stunned.

“At that KTV, you were being bullied, foolishly holding a bottle but not daring to smash it over someone’s head.” He Ran’s voice was calm, every detail remembered vividly, “When I first saw you, I thought this woman is stunning. The best cabbages are always eaten by pigs.”

Jian Xi was silent, her lips curving upwards.

“Later, I saw you a few more times. Honestly, I wanted to be a pig too.” Nearly two years had passed, and He Ran was no longer the rebellious youth full of bandit-like aura. He had become steady, restrained, and through trials, carried the responsibilities of their home.

Moved by his words, Jian Xi’s eyes welled up slightly.

He Ran placed a kiss on the back of her hand, “A good girl like you to love makes me feel exceptionally lucky in life.”

Jian Xi called out softly, burying her head into his chest, “You’re terrible, always making me cry.”

“Crying isn’t so bad either, right?” He Ran was in high spirits, massaging her tailbone, “You enjoyed it too.”

Jian Xi opened her mouth and bit his nipple, prompting He Ran to hiss in pain, “Damn, you woman, you’re still not weaned.”

Jian Xi emerged from the covers, her hair a mess like a little lion, “What? Got something to say? Suck it up.”

He Ran squinted his eyes, “Dr. Jian, you’re quite arrogant.”

Jian Xi lifted her chin, “Suck it up.”

He Ran nodded, “Alright.” His obedient submission didn’t last two seconds. He abruptly flung the blanket off, clamped her with his thighs, pinning her beneath him.

Jian Xi, lying in that position, burst into laughter, “Hey.”

He Ran pressed down further, “You sucked quite enthusiastically earlier. Now it’s my turn. Let’s have a competition to see who lasts longer.”

Jian Xi: “What competition?”

He Ran’s hand explored forward, feeling the warmth, “Nursing.”

Jian Xi: “...”

———

Soon, it was Mengmeng’s first birthday. After consulting with Jian Yanqing, Tao Xihong decided to invite a few close relatives to celebrate together.

Due to Jian Yanqing’s status, plus Jian Xi didn’t want to make a big fuss, they didn’t host a wedding banquet when she and He Ran married. This time, the relatives took the opportunity to give generous red packets.

It was He Ran’s first formal appearance as a son-in-law. Though it was a small gathering, he managed everything meticulously, receiving guests appropriately, earning a good impression from the Jian family.

Tao Xinglai was in the city during the movie promotion period. After attending a screening ceremony in the afternoon, he hurried over.

“My goodness, Brother-in-law, you’re glowing with paternal charm today, a bright halo above your head. Where’s the little fairy?”

He Ran laughed until he almost died, “Brother-in-law, please don’t attack me. Go bother Lu Hanxiao. Annoy him to death, and I’ll give you a big red packet.”

Tao Xinglai removed his sunglasses, adjusted his bow tie, “What’s with all this? Can’t you tell I’m complimenting you? I don’t love you anymore. I’ll go play with my Hanxiao.”

He shoved a red packet into He Ran’s hands, “Super big, huh? Super thick, do you love it?”

He Ran accepted, “Love it, love it.”

Mengmeng was surrounded by aunts and uncles, and the little girl kept calling out to her uncle, “Bi-bi-ji, Bi-bi-ji.”

Tao Xinglai pointed at her and made a gun gesture, “Bibi-bibi-bibi.”

Mengmeng’s round face crumpled, her lips quivering, and she burst into tears, “Waaah!”

Tao Xinglai was dumbfounded, “Damn, you’re the real Shadow Empress.”

Her crying drew everyone’s attention. Tao Xihong frowned and walked over, “Xinglai, you’re such a grown-up, still picking on Mengmeng?”

“We were just interacting,” Tao Xinglai said.

Tao Xihong looked at him, frowning even deeper, “You, already twenty-four, acting like a child.”

Jian Xi chimed in from the side, “Mom, actually, he’s twenty-six.”

Lu Hanxiao, drawn by the crying, confidently declared, “Don’t talk nonsense. My Xingming is only twenty-three and a half.”

Tao Xinglai stood there like a fossil, clutching his chest, overwhelmed, “You really know me? I’m twenty-five, Mom!”

Seeing his devastated expression, Jian Xi and Lu Hanxiao felt a pang of guilt.

But Tao Xihong calmly said, “Oh,” and muttered, “Didn’t you say you were born in 1993?” Still puzzled, she went to greet the guests at the door.

The 1992-born Tao Xinglai grabbed Jian Xi’s hand, full of question marks, “I think I need to call Old Jian. We should do a DNA test as a family of four.”

Jian Xi apologized with a smile, “Sorry, after giving birth to Mengmeng, my memory isn’t what it used to be.”

Tao Xinglai immediately asked back, “What’s He Ran’s birthdate?”

Jian Xi quickly replied, “April 20, 1987, Year of the Tiger.”

Tao Xinglai: “...” After a moment of silence, he sincerely said, “If this weren’t Mengmeng’s birthday feast, I’d cry for you to see.”

Jian Xi patted his head, “No crying. Remember your nickname.”

Lu Hanxiao was curious, “Tao’er, you have a nickname?”

Tao Xinglai glanced sideways, a hurt look on his face, “What, my nickname is ‘Tao Strong.’ Got a problem?”

Lu Hanxiao stood there, pondering for two seconds, then exclaimed, “Marvelous.”

Having business at the municipal office, Jian Yanqing arrived late. When he got out of the car, he was holding a small trinket.

He Ran accompanied him inside. As a true VIP, all the younger generation stood up to greet him. Tao Xinglai, still reeling from the earlier blow, sat unmoving, propping his chin with both hands, staring blankly.

Jian Yanqing asked, “What’s wrong with Xinglai?”

Tao Xihong said, “Nothing. He’s uncomfortable twenty-nine days out of the month.”

The whole room erupted in laughter.

Tao Xinglai was furious, “I’ll remember all your faces. Don’t even think about getting autographs later.”

A mischievous little cousin piped up, “Big Brother, can you ask Qiao Shu for an autographed photo for me?”

Opening old wounds, Tao Xinglai was extremely upset, “No, we’re not close.”

The little cousin’s crisp voice rang out, “The news says you drooled nonstop while filming with her.”

“Damn, that’s slander. Mayor, arrest them. They can’t let these troublemakers disrupt our city’s peace and stability!”

Jian Yanqing rarely laughed out loud.

Tao Xinglai scoffed, “I’ve made over ten copies of your office keys and hung them by my bedside as wind chimes.”

Jian Yanqing didn’t argue with fools. He walked to Jian Xi’s side, “Come, let me hold the baby.”

Mengmeng stretched out her chubby hands, grabbing eagerly, “Grandpa, Grandpa.”

Jian Yanqing picked her up and took out a rattle, shaking it gently. The sound was crisp, “Little one, happy first birthday.”

This traditional toy delighted Mengmeng, and she immediately tried to put it in her mouth. Jian Xi brushed her hand away, “Dear, we don’t eat this. It’s for shaking.”

Mengmeng was quite cooperative, pulling it straight. Every time the drumbeat sounded, she giggled loudly.

There was still some time before the feast began. The younger generation gathered to play cards. He Ran accompanied Jian Yanqing and the elder uncles in conversation. Tao Xihong held Mengmeng and chatted leisurely with the female relatives.

Lu Hanxiao and Tao Xinglai teamed up, their mouths running wild like a comedy duo. Jian Xi brought two bottles of □□ star drink, handing one to each, “Here, quench your thirst.”

Thus, the two handsome men sipped through straws, talking and drinking with even more flair.

Jian Xi couldn’t help but laugh. Her phone rang just then. She took it out and paused momentarily.

It was He Zheng’an’s call.

Jian Xi glanced at He Ran, then walked to the window and answered softly, “Grandfather.”

After listening for a few sentences, Jian Xi furrowed her brows, “You’re coming? Then I’ll come pick you up.”

He Zheng’an refused, gave an address, and hung up.

Thinking about his repeated emphasis on the phone, Jian Xi hesitated for a long time, gripping her phone tightly. The house was lively, everyone busy with their own affairs. Jian Xi quietly slipped out without disturbing anyone.

He Zheng’an was at the Mu Lin Hotel, just across the street.

Jian Xi hurried over, finding Room 5106.

The door was slightly ajar. He Zheng’an was standing, brewing tea.

Jian Xi thought for a moment, carefully entered, and called out, “Dad.”

This title caused He Zheng’an’s hand to tremble violently. The tilted stream of water shifted, spilling outside the cup.

Jian Xi took a deep breath, acting as if nothing happened, and walked in, “Let me pour for you.”

He Zheng’an released his grip, allowing her to take over.

Jian Xi handed him the tea, “It’s almost time for the banquet to start. Why don’t you come with me?”

He Zheng’an’s face remained calm as he took a sip of tea before saying, “No, I won’t go. Your son and I are natural enemies; we argue every time we meet. We shouldn’t let your family see this.”

Jian Xi: “There are no natural enemies. Actually, both of you...”

“Alright, no need to say more.” He Zheng’an raised his hand to interrupt her. “Decades have passed, and it can’t be changed. Perhaps another time I’ll visit your parents.”

Jian Xi opened her mouth but found it hard to speak.

He Zheng’an turned to the low cabinet, picked up a bag on top, and took out two items.

One was a red envelope, and the other was an exquisite small gray-black wooden box.

“Mengmeng is one year old, and I, as her grandfather, am even more unfamiliar than a passerby.” He Zheng’an sighed slightly and said, “The red envelope is for good luck, and inside this box is a jade pendant that has been passed down for several generations. I’ll entrust it to you.”

Jian Xi obediently took them and persisted in persuading him, “Dad, today it’s just our relatives, very lively, and Mengmeng is especially happy. Come with me, just for dinner. I’ll accompany you and keep He Ran away, alright?”

He Zheng’an sighed, “If I had such a well-behaved daughter, I could live a few more years.”

“I am your daughter.” Jian Xi smiled sweetly, “We’re all family here. He Ran is really changing. If you’re willing to give him another chance…”

He Zheng’an’s hand rose halfway and then pressed down, interrupting her, “You go ahead and busy yourself. I’m leaving too.”

Jian Xi knew that saying more would be futile. She supported He Zheng’an silently and walked downstairs with him.

The driver had already been waiting at the hotel entrance. After helping He Zheng’an into the car, Jian Xi quickly called out, “Wait a moment.”

She took out a bottle of milk she had grabbed when leaving and handed it through the car window, “Dad, it’s almost lunchtime. Have some milk first so you don’t go hungry.”

Whether it was his facial features or demeanor, He Zheng’an always appeared sharp and serious. Even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes seemed like deep trenches carved into his skin. But at this moment, his eyes and brows were full of emotion.

Fearing he might reject her again in his usual aloof manner, Jian Xi directly tossed the milk to him, “Drive slowly.”

After walking a few steps, she noticed the car hadn’t moved, so she turned around again, hopefully asking once more, “Or, would you like to come see Mengmeng? The dishes are ones I ordered, and they’re particularly delicious.”

He Zheng’an nodded slightly and then instructed the driver to drive off.

Jian Xi watched the car disappear down the street, feeling a sense of loss.

He Ran’s call came through, “The banquet is about to start. Where did you go?”

Jian Xi replied while walking back, “I had something to do, I’ll be right there.”

Back at the banquet, He Ran’s eyes kept wandering over her, checking anxiously. Jian Xi looked up and gave him a reassuring smile, then picked up Mengmeng, cooing and playing with her.

He Ran felt something was off but didn’t have time to delve deeper. All the relatives raised their glasses together, filling the room with laughter and joy.

Though smiling, Jian Xi’s mind lingered on He Zheng’an. He had quietly come from a distant province just to secretly give his granddaughter a first birthday red envelope and then left alone. An elderly man sitting high in his Mercedes-Benz, yet also profoundly lonely.

“Star Brother, can you get me a ticket to ‘Happy Little Camp’ show? I really want to see it live.” A few younger cousins started coaxing Tao Xinglai.

“Then go to my Weibo and leave ten comments praising me each. Save me some money on hiring fake accounts,” Tao Xinglai mimicked the action of counting money.

Lu Hanxiao patted his chest, “Leave it to me, Tao’er. I’ll praise you.”

“Hanxiao Brother, forget it.” Tao Xinglai remembered, “Last time, under one of my selfies, you commented that my abs weren’t as nice as yours. I got mad right away.”

Lu Hanxiao raised an eyebrow, “Honest words are hard to hear; truths often hurt.”

Tao Xinglai: “Last summer, I only had four abs. Now, times have changed—I’ve got six-pack abs, and I’m a true male model.”

Lu Hanxiao nearly burst out laughing, pointing at He Ran, “Let’s compare abs later. I’ll make sure none of you dare to lift your shirts.”

“Wow, I’m so scared,” Tao Xinglai wouldn’t admit defeat. “Why wait? Let’s go to the restroom now. Remember, the second stall, don’t be late.”

He Ran quickly distanced himself, “You two play. As a father, I won’t join in the fun.”

Just as Tao Xinglai was about to say something, his phone rang—it was a WeChat message.

Probably Li Xiaoqiang, he tapped to open it.

Surprisingly, it was Qiao Shu, asking, “[Why did you change your profile picture?]”

Tao Xinglai craftily replied, “[None of your business. Only my mom can manage me.]”

Qiao Shu: “[Son.]”

Damn, quite bold.

Tao Xinglai: “[You can’t give birth to such a handsome offspring.]”

Qiao Shu: “[How do you know if you don’t try?]”

Another verbal trap, subtly taking advantage of him.

Tao Xinglai saw through it immediately, “[Don’t fantasize about me. I’m wearing jeans today.]”

The chat page showed “the other party is typing,” but the message didn’t arrive. Tao Xinglai checked repeatedly, puzzled.

When the phone vibrated, he felt his heart jump out. He quickly checked.

Qiao Shu: “[I’m not fantasizing about you. Am I the one who should be doing that? I’ve no issues, anytime is fine. You should wash up nicely.]”

Realizing he’d probably been teased again, Tao Xinglai angrily replied:

“[Are you even a girl? So uncivilized. What era are we in? Are you still thinking of cyber love with me? Let me tell you, forget about no door—there’s not even a dog hole!]”

No way I’m doing cyber love with you.

Tao Xinglai angrily placed the phone on the table, unsatisfied. He flipped the screen over, out of sight.

A message soon arrived, vibrating so much that Lu Hanxiao nearby began searching, “What’s making that noise? Did you secretly hide an electric vibrator, Tao’er? Set to the highest frequency, huh?”

“Hopeless. You bad students who never studied!” Tao Xinglai picked up his phone, angrily leaving the table, “Dad, Mom, Sister, I’m going to the restroom.”

As he walked, he checked the new message. Qiao Shu had sent only two words this time: “[Come out.]”

Tao Xinglai’s scalp tingled, damn, here we go again?

This wasn’t a joke. His whole family was here; if paparazzi disturbed them, Mayor Jian might explode.

Tao Xinglai put on his sunglasses and quickly ran out, looking around nervously at the hotel entrance. Suddenly, someone tapped his shoulder. Turning back alertly, he saw Qiao Shu in a tight black T-shirt, coolly gazing at him.

Tao Xinglai panicked, “You, you, quickly hide! Let’s maintain a thirty-meter safety distance. If we’re photographed, we’re doomed!”

Qiao Shu lifted her chin slightly, her appearance cold and compelling, “Am I really that unworthy of you?”

“You’re too... I can’t even say it. My teacher taught me since I was young that girls shouldn’t be like that.”

Qiao Shu was nearly baffled by him, “What kind of teacher taught you that?”

Tao Xinglai skillfully lied, “Teacher Tao Xinglai.”

“...” This idiot, why did she like this idiot?

Qiao Shu cleared her throat and asked, “Do you miss me?”

Tao Xinglai exploded, “Damn, we just promoted the movie together for four hours this afternoon. Why would I miss you?”

Qiao Shu lowered her voice, sounding dejected, “Is that so? But I miss you terribly, and it’s only been a short while since we parted.”

Tao Xinglai’s goosebumps stood at attention, his whole body electrified. The aftereffect was pleasantly tingly, quite comfortable.

At this moment—

“Ah ah ah! Isn’t that Qiao Shu?”

“Yes, yes! And next to her, wow! Tao Xinglai!”

Oh no, they’d been recognized by fans.

“It’s all your fault!” Tao Xinglai fumed. “Don’t you know you’re both beautiful and famous?”

Qiao Shu suddenly blushed at being scolded.

The fans’ shouts grew louder, drawing more onlookers. Without thinking, Tao Xinglai grabbed Qiao Shu’s hand and ran in the opposite direction.

Tao Xinglai’s fingers were long and strong, gripping tightly, very present. His back was straight, and he didn’t bend while running. Qiao Shu’s gaze dropped; broad shoulders, narrow hips—he might be childish, but his physique was undeniably masculine.

Tao Xinglai pulled her against the crowd, dodging traffic, running past flower beds, circling fountains. Shadows of trees receded; this speed was just right, each scene like a slow-motion replay of a movie.

No, more beautiful than a movie.

Qiao Shu watched his back and secretly curved her lips.

They ran into an alley and finally stopped. Tao Xinglai leaned on his knees, panting heavily, “Tao Feiren is almost dead tired.”

Qiao Shu didn’t say anything, remaining quiet.

Tao Xinglai wondered, “Why aren’t you out of breath? Is your lung capacity that impressive?”

As he spoke, he lifted his head, but what greeted him was a kiss.

Qiao Shu’s face was close, her skin as smooth as peeled egg white—so beautiful.

Tao Xinglai froze, damn, his first kiss.

After a long while, his face flushed red, and he managed to squeeze out, “You… you’re quite something, touching me like that, but why did you have to use your mouth too…”