Mengmeng’s first birthday banquet was nearing its end, and the little girl had fallen asleep in her stroller.

He Ran and Jian Xi saw the guests off, the couple standing at the door, a harmonious picture.

Tao Xihong said to Jian Yanqing, “Old Jian, these two kids really look well-matched.”

Upon hearing this, Jian Yanqing smiled, “Back then, you were firmly against them. Now, looking back, was that decision wrong?”

Tao Xihong sighed softly, “I was too concerned about Xiaoxi, hoping she would find a good family, a reliable support.”

Jian Yanqing said, “It’s understandable. This young man He Ran, at first glance, indeed seemed unreliable. Old comrades get anxious when they care too much; it’s not your fault, can be forgiven.”

Tao Xihong laughed, “Women, marriage is like a second life. I was too biased.”

Jian Yanqing nodded slightly, “Rest assured, the women in our family all have good fortune.”

Tao Xihong felt warmth in her heart. They had walked hand in hand for most of their lives, and the scenery they had seen together had settled into the years.

She said, “Old Jian, recently, there are many things happening at my company, so I’ll be quite busy.”

“Hmm?” Jian Yanqing thought for a moment, “You’ve already stepped back to the second line, yet you still have to do everything yourself. Old Tao, take care of your health.”

Tao Xihong nodded, smiling, “I know.”

After seeing off the last aunt, Tao Xinglai hadn’t returned yet.

He Ran said, “Should we call him?”

Jian Xi said, “No need, he’s always flying around like grass, coming and going without a trace.”

Lu Hanxiao looked at his watch, it was one o’clock, “Young people just lack integrity. We agreed to compare abs.”

He Ran gave him a cold look, “All these years, I never noticed you had this hobby?”

“What’s wrong with me exercising? Unlike you.” Lu Hanxiao said, “Tao Xinglai already told me, you have an indescribable fetish for long legs.”

He Ran shrugged, “My wife, what business is it of yours if I love her?”

“Getting angry.” Lu Hanxiao turned around, jingling his car keys, “I’m leaving, let’s have a drink another day.”

Jian Xi pointed out, “Hey hey hey!”

Lu Hanxiao turned back, making an OK gesture, “Rest assured, every time we drink, it’s only pineapple beer.”

Tao Xihong also came from behind, “He Ran, Xiaoxi, recently, there are many things happening at my company. After I’m done, I’ll pick up Mengmeng again.”

Jian Xi was surprised, “Mom, are you getting busy again?”

Tao Xihong had stepped back to the second line last year and no longer directly participated in company decisions. It was unclear what made her repeatedly mention this.

Tao Xihong explained, “The company is organizing training, and I’ll go to show support.”

Jian Xi draped her arm around her shoulder, “Teacher Tao is great.”

Tao Xihong smiled, patting her hand, “I’ll take Mengmeng home first. When you’re done, come over later.”

After finishing all the trivial matters of the banquet, it was past three o’clock. He Ran and Jian Xi drove to a shopping mall.

Jian Xi sat in the passenger seat, listing the items they needed to buy, “Flower water, shower gel, a tablecloth, and Mengmeng’s diaper size needs to be changed.”

He Ran drove, lightly tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, “Get a few more boxes of condoms.”

Jian Xi frowned slightly, “Didn’t we just buy some?”

He Ran: “I don’t like that series; they’re too thick, restrictive.”

Jian Xi: “You’re impossible.”

He Ran laughed, “Aren’t I? You can’t handle it on the bed anyway.”

Jian Xi: “...”

At the mall, Jian Xi went to the usual counter to buy shower gel. He Ran followed behind, watching her choose two bottles of cherry blossom scent without much consideration.

He Ran looked at the counter and pulled Jian Xi, “Try this one, it smells nice.”

What He Ran liked was rose fragrance, “It gets me excited just smelling it.”

Jian Xi cursed inwardly, “Show-off.”

Perhaps enchanted by the scent, He Ran suddenly got interested. After paying, he dragged Jian Xi to the nearby store.

“Hey hey hey, what are you doing?”

“Just browsing.”

“Browsing?” Jian Xi looked at the store name with complex emotions, fearing he couldn’t read, reminded him, “That’s a sex toy shop.”

He Ran licked his lips, “I know.”

Jian Xi: “...”

“Just looking, not buying.”

He solemnly promised, his handsome face sincere. Jian Xi was almost dragged in by him.

The storefront wasn’t large, but the decoration was classy, with seductive lighting and high-priced items.

He Ran was quite interested, pointing at the lingerie on the model, “Jian Xi, Jian Xi.”

Jian Xi looked over. It was black chiffon, paired with fishnet stockings, quite seductive.

He Ran secretly rubbed his fingertips, “Damn, it’s exciting.”

Walking further in, a low cabinet display caught their eyes, full of shiny, attractive items.

Jian Xi stared at a bundle of fur for a long time, “What’s this?”

He Ran whispered, “Fox tail.”

Jian Xi still didn’t understand, “There’s no belt, how does it stay on?”

He Ran chuckled softly, “There’s a plug in front, just insert it.”

“Insert where?” Jian Xi asked instinctively. Realizing what she said, she immediately blushed.

He Ran was delighted, itching to try, “Wife, want one? Pair it with that set of lingerie, let’s play hunter and fox.”

Jian Xi: “...And I’m the big bad wolf and little white rabbit.”

“Not bad, role-playing sounds exciting.” He Ran said flirtatiously, “You be the big bad wolf, I’ll be the little white rabbit. Dr. Jian, I’m so scared.”

Jian Xi nearly died laughing, pushing him, “Step away.”

He Ran clicked his tongue, pointing at something, “Look at these nipple clamps, so tight. Wouldn’t they hurt when worn?”

Jian Xi was defeated by him, “With all your antics, doesn’t your conscience hurt?”

After a short while of sightseeing, Jian Xi couldn’t stand it anymore and wanted to leave. He Ran casually picked up a box of Indian oil. Jian Xi couldn’t stop him.

“How much?”

“One hundred eighty.”

He Ran took out his wallet, quickly handing over cash, “The set on the model, give me one of those too.”

He accurately reported Jian Xi’s size, carrying the items, contentedly walking out of the store.

Jian Xi waited at the entrance, giving him a glare, “Satisfied?”

“Tonight might be satisfying.” He Ran laughed, putting his arm around her shoulders, “Or should we buy the fox tail too? Get a white one, it suits your skin. Tonight, wear the whole set. By the way, your black high heels...”

Jian Xi pinched his waist, “Pervert.”

He Ran winced, frowning, “Why should a married couple hide anything? If I don’t unlock these positions on you, who else would I go to?”

Jian Xi stifled a laugh, chasing after him, hitting him, “You old rogue!”

He Ran grabbed her fist, menacingly, “If you hit me again, I’ll kiss you.”

Jian Xi clung to his arm, raising her chin, “Go ahead, kiss me.”

He Ran lowered his head, smiling at her.

“If you don’t kiss me, I will.” Jian Xi tiptoed, pecking his lips.

He Ran tilted his head, dodging the kiss, not letting her succeed.

The two burst into laughter, ending the playful fight.

Later, Jian Xi wanted to eat sushi. He Ran didn’t like this kind of food, always saying the rice balls had a raw taste. So he watched Jian Xi eat, “You really like cucumbers, huh?”

Jian Xi hummed, chewing, “This shop’s cucumber shreds are very crisp, refreshing.”

“How can cucumbers be shredded? They should be eaten whole to fully enjoy the flavor,” He Ran said.

Jian Xi suddenly coughed, spitting sticky rice all over his face.

He Ran laughed happily, patting the bag of Indian oil, his mind already flying to the evening.

After eating sushi, it was about time to go home. On the way, Jian Xi received a call from Tao Xihong, asking her to pick up some pepper on the way.

“Husband, stop by the supermarket.” Jian Xi hung up the phone and said, “She must have cooked fish again.”

He Ran turned the steering wheel, pulling over to park.

Jian Xi unbuckled her seatbelt, “I noticed Mom really likes you now. Every time we go home for dinner, there’s always a dish you like.”

He Ran laughed, “As if you don’t have any favorites.”

Jian Xi: “Of course, I have my favorites. Haven’t you noticed, Xinglai’s aren’t necessarily there?”

After recalling for a moment, He Ran realized that the Shadow Emperor indeed loved braised pig’s trotters, but this dish appeared very infrequently.

Jian Xi concluded, “It’s quite dangerous. The status of our siblings is precarious.”

He Ran laughed, “Are you getting jealous? Don’t move. What do you want me to buy? I’ll go.”

“White pepper.” Jian Xi handed him her wallet, “And get me a lollipop too. I’ve eaten too much sushi and need something to refresh my palate.”

He Ran raised an eyebrow and curved his lips, “There’s one ready here. Do you want it?”

Jian Xi’s ears were sensitive; she blocked him with silence.

He Ran clicked his tongue several times, “Dr. Jian, how lewd you are, your mind full of little yellow films.”

“My goodness, how thick-skinned you are.” Jian Xi: “You have the nerve to call others lewd.”

“Otherwise, what were you thinking just now?” He Ran leaned closer, a corner of his mouth curving into a smile, “A meat-flavored lollipop, right?”

Jian Xi: “...”

He Ran suppressed his mischievous thoughts, loving to tease her, “Don’t look at me like that. I can’t take it. With that gaze, I’m almost hard.”

Jian Xi: “...”

She couldn’t handle it anymore and pushed him away, “Go on, buy the pepper.”

He Ran was in a good mood and whistled as he got out of the car.

Upon entering Jian’s house, they smelled fish as soon as they opened the door. Jian Xi had a keen nose, “Steamed fish head with chopped peppers.”

He Ran glanced at the table, “Even a dog’s nose isn’t as sharp as yours.”

Jian Xi went to pick up Mengmeng and casually threw over her shoulder, “You’re quite self-aware.”

He Ran realized and thought that this girl probably didn’t want to live tonight.

Mengmeng had just woken up and wanted to eat immediately. Jian Xi picked her up, placed her on the play mat, and gave her a strawberry. The little one didn’t need anyone to watch over her.

Jian Xi called to the kitchen, “Mom, will Dad be back?”

“At a city meeting, he won’t be back.” Tao Xihong brought out the hot pot, “Let’s eat.”

He Ran put Mengmeng in the high chair, “Baby, here’s your steamed egg custard.”

Jian Xi took a bite of sweet and sour spare ribs to taste first, “Delicious.”

The family had just sat down when they heard the doorbell ring.

Tao Xihong paused holding her chopsticks, turned her head, and stared at the door.

Jian Xi wondered, “Hmm, who would come at this hour? Is Dad back?”

Being closest to the door, she stood up and went to open it.

Two people in uniform appeared outside.

Jian Xi was puzzled, “Excuse me, whom are you looking for?”

One of them showed their credentials, “Hello, we’re from the State Tax Inspection Bureau. Is Ms. Tao Xihong here?”

Jian Xi was a bit bewildered.

“Xiaoxi.” Tao Xihong’s voice came from behind. She approached, pulled her daughter behind her, and nodded slightly to the investigators, “I am.”

“Ms. Tao, we need you to come with us for investigation regarding some financial matters related to the Yufeng Garden project from two years ago.”

Tao Xihong remained extremely calm, seemingly not surprised at all, “Alright, I will cooperate.”

Jian Xi instinctively tightened her grip on her mother’s arm, “Mom.”

Mengmeng was being watched by the nanny. He Ran also came over, stepping forward, about to speak.

Tao Xihong: “He Ran, take Xiaoxi inside.”

Hearing this, Jian Xi held on tighter. Her mind was wound tight like a spring, feeling uneasy.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine.” Tao Xihong patted her hand, personally brushed off the hand clinging to her arm, then glanced at He Ran, saying, “Don’t panic, take care of her.”

Seeing this situation, He Ran was already seventy percent clear in his mind.

Words were useless. He simply nodded to show the handover.

Jian Xi still wanted to insist, but He Ran stopped her. Tao Xihong changed her shoes, grabbed her bag, and left with the investigators.

“Don’t worry, this is just a tax inspection. It’s highly likely they just want to understand the situation. Once they clarify, she will naturally be released.” He Ran consoled her, “Eat first. Mengmeng is still here.”

Jian Xi was already flustered. Consoled by him, she managed to follow his advice despite her unease.

After calming her down, He Ran went to the kitchen to fetch a spoon. He vaguely guessed that things were far from simple and didn’t hesitate. He made a phone call to Jian Yanqing.

Tao Xihong was taken to the inspection bureau. She dressed neatly and calmly faced the questioning.

At first, the investigators only asked some routine questions. Tao Xihong answered truthfully and remained composed. Then the topic shifted to the Yufeng Garden project.

“The Yufeng Garden was a key supported project in our city that year. You are an important representative of the capital. Was the accounting handled by your company?”

Tao Xihong nodded, “Yes.”

“Were taxes paid according to national laws and policies?”

Tao Xihong: “Yes.”

The investigators raised doubts: “We received a letter of accusation reflecting that Jierui Daily Chemicals, in the Yufeng Garden project, manipulated accounts, double-counted material entries, double-listed costs, and under-depreciated, causing a significant discrepancy between book income and actual expenditure. Is this true?”

Tao Xihong’s face slightly darkened, “No, there was an error in the verification. I personally deny it.”

The investigators picked up a piece of investigative material from the table, “This is evidence attached to the accusation letter, showing Jierui Daily Chemicals’ real accounts. Do you have any objections?”

Tao Xihong looked at the projection. Just a few lines of text, and she knew the score.

Any enterprise, let alone a relatively large-scale one like Jierui Daily Chemicals, has both explicit and implicit consensus. Touching the law is self-destruction, but skating on the gray line, no one really claims to be clean and pure.

Tao Xihong had her own account, knowing the boundaries. She remained calm, explaining each point clearly.

At 10 PM, the investigation had lasted for two hours.

“So, please tell us about the properties under your name, investment dividends, including a villa in Junshan North Garden...”

“Sorry,” Tao Xihong interrupted, “I need to correct that. These properties and investment beneficiaries are not under my name; they belong to my daughter and son. Moreover, these assets were purchased with my personal dividend income. I think discussing this holds no substantial meaning.”

Tao Xihong had long held a crucial position, understanding worldly affairs thoroughly. Her sense of crisis and self-defense was highly advanced. Facing detailed and roundabout questions, her answers were watertight, reasonable, and appropriate.

But to say her company was completely clean, no one could guarantee that.

Someone writing this accusation letter proved they were well-prepared.

Tao Xihong breathed deeply. The investigator brought the matter back to the Yufeng Garden project.

“Ms. Tao, the second point reflected in the accusation letter.”

“Please continue.”

After a brief silence—

“Please tell me, at the beginning of the Yufeng Garden project bidding, as a daily chemical company with no experience in the real estate industry, how did you succeed in the bid? Was it related to Secretary Yanqing, the then deputy mayor?”

Tao Xihong’s heart sank, and she coldly rebutted, “I deny it.”