He Ran was greeted by Tao Xinglai’s noisy welcome and couldn’t catch his breath for a while.

“Are Mom and Dad back? What about your sister?”

“They’re all perfectly fine.”

Jian Xi ran over, her gaze fixed on his knees.

He Ran moved his leg, “What’s wrong with you two? Why do you keep looking there?” He said to Jian Xi, “Stop looking. My whole body belongs to you. If you like it, take it. You can play with it however you want tonight.”

Upon hearing this, Tao Xinglai blushed, “Brother-in-law, I’m still here. Tone down the thuggish aura.”

Jian Xi stared at He Ran without blinking.

He Ran stood at the door, unmoving, arms outstretched, chin slightly raised.

His embrace was like a magnet.

Jian Xi rushed over and leaped onto him, her voice filled with laughter, “Husband!”

“Right here!” He Ran supported her hips, and she clung tightly to him.

He Ran hugged her and spun around two or three times on the spot.

Jian Xi clutched his neck tightly, laughing till her eyes became crescent moons.

Tao Xinglai found it quite stimulating and pretended to reach out, “Brother-in-law, lift me up too.”

He Ran sneered, “I don’t hug men.”

Jian Xi landed but didn’t let go, “Did you bring Dad back? Why didn’t you tell me? I could have gone with you.”

He Ran smiled, “It was too far. The ride would have been uncomfortable, and someone needed to take care of things at home.”

Jian Xi held his hand and walked into the house, “Dad, Mom, He Ran is back.”

Tao Xihong was very pleased and quickly asked, “Where is your father?”

He Ran said, “In Yao Province.”

Jian Yanqing: “Alright, give me the number. It’s only right that I thank him personally.”

Tao Xihong sighed deeply. Even now, the lingering fear still had its impact.

He Ran’s expression was relaxed, “No need. We’re all family. The old man just made a phone call to an old comrade-in-arms. It wasn’t troublesome at all.”

Jian Yanqing raised his eyebrows, “Did Mr. He serve in the military before?”

“Yes.” He Ran said, “It was so long ago, he didn’t tell me much. An old close friend of my father happened to lend a hand.”

He glossed over it lightly, but it wasn’t as simple as lending a hand.

He Zheng’an only mentioned that when he and that old commander served together, they bathed in the Yellow River in winter, climbed trees to fetch bird eggs in summer, fought on the front lines, and even took bullets for each other.

After retirement, one continued to be involved in the red political circle, while the other went into business and became a farmer landlord.

But the bond forged through life-and-death experiences was deeply etched in time, unbreakable.

Tao Xinglai was almost moved to tears, “He Ran, you’re a prince in distress. Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

He Ran laughed, “Have you ever seen such a rugged prince? Don’t talk nonsense.”

“I’ll touch your head to see if the crown has fallen off.”

“Don’t touch. I just styled it. I used a whole bottle of hair gel.”

“Pfft.” Tao Xinglai was exasperated, “With your buzz cut, another styling job would make you bald. But, the true test of a handsome guy is a crew cut.”

He gave He Ran a thumbs-up, “You are the biggest stud I’ve ever seen.”

He Ran clicked his tongue, “Thanks. I think I look pretty good too.”

Jian Xi really wanted to roll her eyes at both of them. She pushed Tao Xinglai away, “You’re so noisy.”

“Sis, you’re pushing me around again.” Tao Xinglai hid behind He Ran, “He Ran, beat her up with Thai boxing!”

Tao Xihong couldn’t bear to watch anymore and reminded sternly, “Xinglai.”

“All right, all right.” Tao Xinglai looked pitiful, “How quickly you turn against me. Mayor Jian, little citizen Tao needs love.”

Jian Yanqing said, “Good, come to the study with me and recite the Party Constitution.”

Tao Xinglai silently sat on the sofa, staring at the chandelier in the living room pretending to meditate.

He heard nothing.

Jian Xi watched her family talking and laughing, her heart warming up. She stood closer to He Ran, hooked her finger on his hand hanging by his side, and scratched with her pinky.

Receiving the hint, He Ran grabbed her without hesitation. His palm was hot and strong, completely enveloping her hand.

Jian Xi’s eyes were warm, and she turned her head to look at him. He returned her gaze and softly asked, “Hmm?”

Jian Xi didn’t speak and lowered her head again.

He Ran seemed to guess her thoughts and said, “It’s okay, wife. No need to thank me.”

After dinner at home, Tao Xinglai rushed to the company. He had to fly to Guangzhou tomorrow to promote the movie. He Ran and Jian Xi drove back to their place.

As soon as they entered the house, Jian Xi brought out the first aid kit.

“You sit on the sofa.”

He Ran: “What for?”

“Apply medicine.” Jian Xi pointed to his knees, feeling sorry for him, “How long did Dad make you kneel?”

“Not long, just one night.” He Ran plopped down on the sofa.

Upon hearing this, Jian Xi’s eyes immediately turned red.

He Ran quickly said, “I’m teasing you. Not long, about half an hour. The old man is tough on the outside but soft on the inside. If I hadn’t played a little tragic act, he wouldn’t have been so easy to convince.”

Jian Xi held the first aid kit, lowering her eyes, “Did you feel wronged?”

He Ran didn’t hear clearly, “What?”

“To yield to Dad, did you feel wronged?”

Jian Xi raised her eyes and looked at him again.

He Ran thought seriously, his lips twitching slightly before he said, “No, not at all.”

No matter what, he was still his father. As he grew up, he learned to adjust his sharp edges. Despite awkwardness, spiteful words, and harsh vows of never seeing each other again, when it came down to life-and-death moments, the first person to stand up and support him was still his own family.

He Ran was willing to let go of his grudges and be the first to extend the olive branch.

Jian Xi nodded, “Let me put some medicine on you.”

He Ran sat, and Jian Xi squatted, taking out a tube of ointment and gently applying it. The warm light from the living room illuminated He Ran’s striking profile.

“Jian Xi.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you see it?”

“What?”

“This position.” He Ran’s mind filled with wicked thoughts, his voice deepened, “Looks like kneeling worship.”

“...” Jian Xi fell silent.

He Ran looked at her expression and burst out laughing. He tightened his grip and pulled her up. “Stop wiping. That part doesn’t need wiping; this part needs more attention.”

His hands weren’t behaving, reaching between her legs.

Jian Xi pressed down firmly, “Don’t move.”

He Ran chuckled softly, “If not using hands, then what should we use? Here?”

He guided Jian Xi to touch his thigh.

The corners of He Ran’s eyes showed hints of arousal. He was strong and intentionally didn’t let her escape.

Anxious, Jian Xi slapped him hard between his legs, “Hey!”

“Fuck!” He Ran exploded immediately, “Jian Xi, damn it! You broke my dick!”

Jian Xi couldn’t help but laugh.

“You’re still laughing!” He Ran’s expression was painful as he covered his crotch with both hands, “Ouch, ouch, ouch.”

“Should I cry instead?” Jian Xi pursed her lips, “Does it really hurt?”

“Of course, such a thick nerve.” He Ran gritted his teeth threateningly, “You wait, I’ll make you cry tonight.”

Jian Xi promised hurriedly, “Okay, okay, okay, I’ll wash up and perform various crying styles for you.”

He Ran loosened his pants and glanced, “Damn, it’s swollen.”

Jian Xi laughed and smacked his head, “Hey, be civilized!”

“Civilized my ass, I’m originally a thug.” He Ran simply took off his pants, “Come, take a look at what you’ve done.”

Jian Xi didn’t fall for it and carried her pajamas to take a shower.

He Ran took two big steps and blocked the door, “Wait, wife. Where’s that thing I bought you the other day?”

“What thing?” Jian Xi didn’t understand.

“The lingerie set I bought you, with lace trim.” He Ran licked his molars, bubbling with excitement.

Jian Xi blushed, “Get out.”

“I can’t get out.” He Ran squeezed into the door crack, “If you have the guts, treat me like a walnut and squeeze hard.”

“...”

“Squeeze tighter, it’s okay, I won’t scream.”

“...”

Why did those words sound so vulgar?

Jian Xi muttered, “You always force yourself on me.”

“If I’m not hard, how can you come?” He Ran clicked his tongue, “Pretending to be aggrieved again. Alright, alright, you’re the boss. Go take a bath, I’ll get out.”

He turned to leave, but Jian Xi suddenly reached out, bent her index finger, and hooked his collar, “Who told you to leave?”

He Ran smirked, tilted his head, and looked at her without speaking.

Jian Xi tiptoed, wrapped her arms around his neck, and whispered, “I like your forcefulness.”

Then she licked his earlobe with the tip of her tongue.

He Ran felt his ears explode, and the boiling sensation spread throughout his body in seconds.

Jian Xi pushed him away, “I’ll wear it for you later.”

The wave was about to engulf He Ran’s soul. He quickly went to the bathroom in the bedroom and cleaned himself thoroughly. After finishing, he playfully admired his perfect physique in the mirror.

Tsk, every part of him was hard.

He Ran bent down and found that bottle of Indian miracle oil that had never been opened.

A string of Indian text with a Buddha image on it.

“Bliss like a deity?” He Ran guessed.

He unscrewed the cap, not intending to use it, just smelled it lightly; there wasn’t much scent.

As the bottle spun between his fingers, He Ran was about to close it when suddenly, “Shit!”

He lost his grip, the bottle tilted downwards, and all the liquid poured out.

He Ran had just finished bathing, completely naked, his member standing erect, and the Indian miracle oil generously covered it.

“Damn you, Indian deity!” He Ran grabbed a towel and furiously wiped it clean.

Since there was quite a bit, half an hour later—

Jian Xi was already crying out loud on the bed.

“Can you be gentler?!”

He Ran’s eyes were red, “What can I do? Damn deity won’t let me... “

After a night of passion, Jian Xi nestled into He Ran’s arms, both drenched again; the bath was for nothing. He Ran sat halfway up, leaning against the bed, taking a cigarette from the pack and placing it in his mouth without lighting it.

“Little Xi.”

“Hmm?”

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Jian Xi opened her eyes, “What is it?”

“If... I have to return to Yao Province.” He Ran paused and asked, “Would you agree?”

“Return to Yao Province?” Jian Xi sat straighter, puzzled.

“Dad is getting older, and the company has grown big.” He Ran took the cigarette out of his mouth and placed it back on the cabinet, “I am the only son in the family. I might take over the company.”

Jian Xi was momentarily stunned.

Returning to Yao Province and managing the company meant either living apart or she would have to quit her job at the hospital and leave the city where she had lived for over twenty years.

He Ran pretended to be relaxed and patted her head, “Don’t think too much. I also need your opinion. If you don’t like it, we won’t mention it again.”

Jian Xi buried her head back into his embrace and after a few seconds of silence, asked, “Is this a condition agreed upon with Dad?”

He Ran smiled, “Not so formal. It’s reasonable for me to go back and take over. If he dares to hand it over to me, he must be brave.”

Jian Xi didn’t reply, just hugged him tighter.

He Ran patted her shoulder, “Alright, consider it not mentioned. Let’s sleep.”

________________________________________

He Zheng’an arrived at the Jian family’s house on the afternoon of the next day.

Having been in politics for many years, Jian Yanqing’s logical thinking was rigorous, and he could speak eloquently. He managed to persuade He Zheng’an over the phone, and finally, the two fathers met formally.

At the Jian family banquet, Tao Xihong personally cooked while Jian Xi assisted.

Mengmeng was still at the Dongshan Ancient Temple with her grandmother and would return tomorrow.

“Mr. He, try this Biluochun tea.” Jian Yanqing and He Zheng’an sat together in the tea room, chatting happily.

“Mmm, good tea.” He Zheng’an tasted it three times and praised sincerely.

“This was brought back by He Ran when he was on a business trip to Taihu Lake.” Jian Yanqing rarely praised, “He is young, yet he is becoming increasingly steady.”

He Zheng’an glanced at his son who was brewing tea nearby, “With a family, he should mature. It’s all thanks to Jian Xi.”

Jian Yanqing disagreed, “He is someone who understands clearly. Even if it were someone else, they might not have such temperament. I also have a son, whom you’ve met.”

“Yes, yes,” He Zheng’an remembered, “He looks a lot like Jian Xi, heh, young people, very fashionable in their dressing.”

Jian Yanqing laughed, “My son can’t compare to He Ran.”

He Zheng’an: “I heard from Xiaoxi that he sings?”

Jian Yanqing: “Seems like he acts in TV dramas.”

Mayor Jian wasn’t very knowledgeable about it either.

“That’s no good, flashy and impractical.” He Zheng’an immediately countered, “Old Jian, you can’t let him continue like this.”

Jian Yanqing’s eyes flickered slightly, and he smiled, “As long as he obeys the law, let him do what he likes.”

“You’ve never thought of guiding him towards a political career?” He Zheng’an put down his teacup, quite puzzled.

Jian Yanqing poured hot water into his cup and said amidst the sound of pouring water, “This path may look glamorous, but walking it isn’t necessarily comfortable. If it weren’t for your help this time...”

Jian Yanqing shook his head and smiled, “It could have been the end at any moment.”

He Zheng’an frowned and remained silent.

“These kids, once they grow up, will understand that in the adult world, nothing is easy.” He Zheng’an spoke lightly, “The road ahead is perilous. I will bear the burden alone. As long as they aren’t lacking food and clothing, let them do what they like.”

Youth lasts only a dozen years. Jian Yanqing’s life had been full of twists and turns, laborious and exhausting. He hoped that his son and daughter could enjoy all the beautiful things in the world in this era of peace.

“Mr. He?” Jian Yanqing called him.

He Zheng’an snapped back to attention, “Ah,” pointing to the ceramic teacup, “Good tea!”

These two middle-aged gentlemen had endless topics to discuss. After talking about tea, they moved on to traditional Chinese culture, Peking opera, and got along quite harmoniously.

Tao Xinglai loved to join in the fun. After promoting his movie, he flew back and caught up with the family KTV gathering in the evening.

In the dimly lit private room, He Zheng’an and Jian Yanqing sang “The Long March of 25,000 Li,” deeply immersed in reminiscing about hardships and appreciating the present.

“My goodness, Mayor Jian’s singing is terrible.” Tao Xinglai leaned on the bar counter, “I must record it.”

Jian Xi snatched his phone, “Don’t mess around!”

Tao Xinglai reached out to grab it, “Sis, that’s cheating! Give me my phone back!”

Jian Xi accidentally glanced at the screen and instantly widened her eyes. The WeChat chat page showed a lively conversation between Tao Xinglai and Qiao Shu from five minutes ago.

Qiao Shu’s latest message was a photo of herself wearing an extremely short sailor uniform.

This cosplay... was quite the Sailor Moon.

Jian Xi found it hard to express, “Brother, are you planning to play Tuxedo Mask?”

Tao Xinglai snatched the phone, “How did you know? But the package is still on its way, it’ll arrive tomorrow.”

Looking at Qiao Shu’s cosplay photo, he naturally imagined scenes that couldn’t be described.

He Ran raised an eyebrow and touched his forehead, “Oh, I thought you had a fever.”

Tao Xinglai turned his head, “Men shouldn’t touch each other. Don’t touch me, even if you’re my brother-in-law.”

Not far away, He Zheng’an, holding the microphone, watched the three youngsters and couldn’t help but feel a bit puzzled.

Tao Xinglai was naive and innocent, but he was happy and energetic.

He Ran was only a few years older but was much more experienced and composed.

Wrinkles appeared on He Zheng’an’s brow as he recalled what Jian Yanqing had said during their tea session.

Was this stubbornness of “insisting on taking the long way round and refusing to bow one’s head” really outdated?

________________________________________

Jian Xi and He Ran successfully chased Tao Xinglai away.

He Ran was in a good mood and hummed “The Long March of 25,000 Li” along with the two fathers.

Suddenly, he turned his head, “Jian Xi.”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s go traveling.”

Jian Xi smiled, “Are you so entranced by the song? Alright, do you want to climb snowy mountains or cross grasslands?”

He Ran was serious, “I want to surf with you.”

Jian Xi: “...”

He Ran quickly corrected himself, “Surfing, let’s go to the beach.”