Chapter 7, the deeper the dependence, the deeper the void

This certificate indeed holds a different significance for their "family". Lin Wanqiu coaxed the child, saying: "Alright, everyone listen to Mengmeng."

Who gave you permission to kiss me

After the children's performance concluded, Mengmeng excitedly ran down from the stage, holding Lin Wanqiu with one hand and pulling her father with the other, as the two inexplicably wove through the crowd following the children

Moreover, Mengmeng truly has a heartfelt affection for Lin Wanqiu

Bai Shubei did not know how to describe the feelings he experienced at the moment Lin Wanqiu confessed. Upon careful reflection, it becomes clear that Lin Wanqiu's gaze towards him had always been traceable. Although timid, the subtle attempts to please and the affection were completely undeniable.

Without a moment's hesitation, she lifted her small face, her tender lips instinctively pressed against his, cautiously sucking on his cool lips

Until dessert time, Lin Wanqiu was still lost in thought, using a small spoon to scoop the cream off the mousse, while her mind wandered elsewhere

Bai Shubei directly threw the cute pajamas into Lin Wanqu's arms, and casually cast a playful glance over her, his lips slightly curling up: "Mengmeng is not as much as you think, Lin Wanqu, what are you always thinking about in your mind?"

The middle-aged woman, whether by nature or due to a genuine dislike for Lin Wanqiu, consistently wore a blank expression on her face. She had not smiled since entering the room, and her speech was cold, rigid, and devoid of interest: "Is it still burning? Measure the temperature."

He did all of this without much awareness and without overthinking. She is Mengmeng's mother, and his kindness towards her can be seen as a way to repay her for taking care of Mengmeng.

Lin Wanqiu was taken aback for a few seconds, unsure of what this man was up to. She turned around to continue getting dressed, only to realize that... her underwear was missing...

Bai Shubei was momentarily taken aback, pinching the soft flesh at her waist: "It will begin shortly."

Thank you. Lin Wanqiu paused for a moment, her voice somewhat hoarse, "I am very happy today"

... ...

Bai Shubei stared at the rearview mirror, absentmindedly responding, "Hmm?"

This entire day is not only a happy one for Mengmeng, but also for her. Certain events have instilled a sense of unreality in her, making this small joy all the more precious.

A little boy with a tiger-like appearance stuck out his tongue at Mengmeng while Bai Shubei was bending down to tie his shoelaces, saying: "The first one definitely belongs to our family, Bai Yimeng, you big fool"

Lin Wanqiu did not understand why she had such an attitude towards herself, as if he looked down on her the moment they met, and she was unsure if there had been some misunderstanding.

Lin Wanqiu frowned, finding Bai Zhannan to be quite boring

Everything today feels like a dream, yet the pain from pressing her fingertips tightly against the soft flesh of her palm confirms its reality, leaving her still somewhat incredulous

The event began at the call of the kindergarten teacher, and Bai Shubei had been curling his lips, as if his mood had improved again. Lin Wanqiu pressed her lips together, feeling a bit of secret joy, realizing that she could also influence his emotions.

This action left her unable to articulate what exactly felt wrong, as if ... ...

Lin Wanqiu felt even more heartbroken; she could almost imagine how the child had persevered through the entire event with such emotions when she had not participated before

As soon as the teacher presented the certificate, Mengmeng carefully put it away and exclaimed that she wanted to buy a frame to display it properly

Bai Shubei impatiently turned his head and saw her delicate face, which was relaxed and beautiful.

Bai Zhannan observed her turning her head away, not wanting to pay him any attention, and he was not angry at all. Instead, he frivolously began to scrutinize her: "I am quite curious, what kind of woman could make him entertain the thought of marriage again"

Mengmeng proudly raised her head: "The certificate of 'The Warmest Family'!"

Bai Shubei furrowed his brow and glanced around slightly uneasily: "You wouldn't be so old-fashioned as to ask me to kneel, would you?"

A torn certificate, Bai Shubei glanced disinterestedly at the obstacle ahead. This game is quite simple; I have seen it countless times on television. It involves tying the legs of the parents together and then navigating over the set obstacles to deliver the ball to the child. Within the time limit, the one who delivers the most balls is the winner

Lin Wanqiu's tears flowed uncontrollably

Lin Wanqiu was even more certain in her heart that she must not rely on Bai Shubei. If she were to completely depend on him, it would only serve to validate the speculations circulating among the people

Bai Shubei frowned: "Lin Wanqiu, you---"

"Stinky girl." Bai Shubei smiled as he fastened his seatbelt, feeling cheerful while observing the little one in the rearview mirror

Bai Shubei's expression suddenly darkened; he had not anticipated Lin Wanqiu's reaction. In his understanding, this woman could not possibly refuse him, especially after hearing her confession last night, which had made him feel quite confident. However, her current response left him utterly perplexed.

Shubei, I---

After getting into the car, Bai Shubei helped her fasten her seatbelt and then tucked her loose hair behind her ear: "I will return to the company for a while this afternoon and will hurry back in the evening"

At the very least, Lin Wanqiu's words are quite beneficial to him and bring him an exceptional sense of comfort

He gently bit her lower lip and then released it, yet deep within, it felt as if a fire had ignited. Although they were some distance away from the kindergarten, there were still bound to be children and parents around, so neither of them dared to act recklessly.

After finishing her meal quietly, Mengmeng sat in front of the television watching cartoons, while Lin Wanqiu went upstairs to change her clothes. Suddenly, the bedroom door was pushed open without any warning.

From this perspective, he appears to be in a hurry.

The voice of Bai Shubei resonated at the right moment, deep and magnetic, yet it felt unreal, like a voice from beyond the painting: "In late autumn, let us get married."

It turned out to be Bai Zhan Nan, the third son of the Bai family. Lin Wan Qiu remembered that it was he who came to pick up Meng Meng three years ago. Recalling his haughty and indifferent demeanor at that time, Lin Wan Qiu tightened her fingers with some nervousness

Lin Wanqiu thought for a moment; the atmosphere was pleasant now, but since the wedding was approaching, the matter of the porridge shop could no longer be delayed. Moreover, the business had already been affected, so it was necessary to take the initiative to discuss it with him.

However, sitting on the sofa, she found herself distracted by the two boxes of condoms on the table

Mengmeng curiously splashed her little hands in the water: "Mom, what are you thinking? Mengmeng wants to know too!"

Lost in thought, her fingers hanging by her side were suddenly grasped, causing her body to stiffen momentarily as she slowly turned her head.

Bai Shubei responded to her with a lingering and passionate kiss

Bai Shubei paused for a moment, a triumphant smile curling at the corners of his mouth

The happier Mengmeng appears, the more distressed she feels inside

The event began with a dance performance by the children. Mengmeng's class had a stage play, and the dialogue was entirely in English. Mengmeng performed excellently; although the conversations were simple, her pronunciation was very standard, and she remained calm and composed throughout.

Perhaps I used to dislike her so much that I did not want to think about anything related to her

Lin Wanqiu put on her clothes while warning Mengmeng with a glare: "Mom is not wearing any clothes"

Bai Shubei bent down to prepare to untie the straps, at which point he noticed that Lin Wanqu's ankle had already been rubbed raw in a large area. Although he thought he had loosened the force, a big man's strength could hardly be diminished. Moreover, he had walked too quickly behind her, and Lin Wanqu had silently endured to keep pace with him. It seemed that her physical strength was somewhat insufficient to cope with this.

Bai Shubei walked quickly, and she soon fell far behind. Watching his tall figure cast a long shadow in the setting sun, she felt a slight sting in her nose

Lin Wanqiu lowered her head in confusion, and Mengmeng pointed to the opposite side: "Third Uncle"

Mr. Bai has a serious obsession with cleanliness. It is best for you to maintain a good personal conduct after being with him. You are the first woman he has brought home, so please take good care of him and Miss Mengmeng in the future. This is a reminder left by Old Mr. Bai.

When the results were announced, Mengmeng watched as the teacher counted the balls that her parents had brought over, one by one. In the end, the number reported exceeded that of the second place by ten. The little one immediately jumped up and exclaimed: "Mom and Dad are amazing!"

Lin Wanqiu thought to herself, as if she was gradually being convinced by her own reasoning, or perhaps she simply did not want to believe that Bai Shubei could be so cruel

Lin Wanqiu stood there almost unable to move, the two words "Mama" carrying an indescribable magic that made her heart feel as if it were about to burst in an instant

After the two finished their meal and stepped outside, the weather was exceptionally pleasant. Bai Shubei's broad palm enveloped her slender fingers as he led her towards the parking lot. Although the two did not engage in conversation, a subtle smile lingered at the corners of their mouths.

Mengmeng still held onto a glimmer of hope: "There is still some time left..."

Mengmeng truly stole the spotlight today, while Bai Shubei single-handedly secured almost all the first places in the subsequent activities. The little one couldn't stop smiling, giving several kisses to both of them.

The man's gloomy expression, with his dark eyes covered by a layer of what seemed like ice, said: "Who I marry is none of your business, hurry up and get lost"

Lin Wanqiu could catch a glimpse of the fine sweat clinging to his forehead, as well as the open collar.

Just as Lin Wanqiu was about to comfort the other person, she was domineeringly pulled into Bai Shubei's embrace. Lin Wanqiu turned her head in surprise and met his dangerously displeased gaze.

Lin Wanqiu glanced at the surrounding environment, which was very beautiful, and absentmindedly nodded her head

As soon as the words fell, Bai Shubei had already pushed the door open and entered. Lin Wanqiu was so startled that she tightened her bathrobe. This man really has no habit of knocking before entering anywhere!

Lin Wanqiu held the child in her arms with a pained expression: "Mengmeng, be good, your father must have been delayed by something."

Lin Wanqiu, you no longer have the opportunity to regret

Lin Wanqiu asked softly, with a hint of uncertainty, but her heart felt extremely sweet. It turned out that this was a somewhat awkward man, and this was Bai Shubei's first time... feeling jealous of her.

Lin Wanqiu was both angry and amused: "Where did I imply that?"

Lin Wanqiu was extremely embarrassed and hurriedly waved her hand: "You misunderstood, I am not—"

Lin Wanqiu stood in the empty living room, unable to articulate the feelings within her. The disparity in both family background and social status between her and Bai Shubei was too great, no wonder the Bai family looked down upon her

The next day, Bai Shubei left without saying a word, and it was unclear where he had gone. After Lin Wanqiu returned from seeing Mengmeng off, he was no longer at home. Looking at the empty house, she felt only a slight disappointment.

Mengmeng ran over and hugged the two, her little face rubbing against their waists: "Mom and Dad are amazing"

Bai Shubei tightened her hand on her lower abdomen: "It's all right."

Bai Shubei was seated quietly in a rooftop open-air restaurant, surrounded by towering buildings, yet it felt like a hidden paradise. Dressed in a black suit, he slightly curved the corners of his mouth into a faint smile upon seeing her approach, silently watching her as she walked closer step by step

"It doesn't matter." She lifted her tear-filled eyes, gazing deeply at him. Her voice was low, yet every word was clear, "As long as it is you, I love both the good and the bad."

Lin Wanqiu felt a severe ache in her eyes, and her heartbeat was uncontrollable. After hearing his words, she was also in a daze and hurriedly waved her hand, saying, "No, no need, I..."

Lin Wanqiu nodded understandingly and said, "Mm, be careful on the road"

Lin Wanqiu was extremely helpless: "I was just chatting casually."

Lin Wanqiu was so shocked that she could not speak, and she could hardly catch her breath

Bai Shubei stared at her for a while, his handsome face moving closer to hers, his voice slightly deep: "Is there no other indication?"

Lin Wanqiu looked at him with confusion: "Where did you go this morning?"

He usually speaks in a cool and indifferent manner, yet he still possesses a meticulous side; when he becomes gentle, she is completely unable to resist

He secretly glanced at Lin Wanqiu? Is he out of his mind!

Lin Wanqiu smiled and waved her hand: "It's nothing, children are like that."

Everything returned to tranquility, as Lin Wanqiu nestled in his warm embrace, their fingers intertwined.

The baby's mother passed away early and had a somewhat reclusive personality

Lin Wanqiu pondered for a long time before finally speaking: "I still want to continue running the porridge shop. I am very happy doing it, and I want to excel at something through my own efforts. I hope you can... understand me."

It seems to be ... ... a ring

Bai Shubei looked at her with a stern face for a while, then curled the corners of his mouth into a mischievous smile: "What do you think I am doing, hmm?"

As soon as Bai Zhannan's words fell, he felt a solid hit to the back of his head. Frowning, he turned around and immediately saw Bai Shubei standing above him on the steps.

Lin Wanqiu's ears turned red as she took the initiative to lean in and gently kiss his cheek

Bai Shubei became even more irritable because of those two words, appearing somewhat humiliated and angry: "Shut up"

It is currently summer, and she is wearing cropped pants. Bai Shubei glanced at her fair and tender calves, ultimately not daring to tie them too tightly

Lin Wanqiu did not expect him to be so easy to talk to, and happily shook her head: "It's not hard work; this will be more fulfilling. Otherwise—"

If one is not driven to the brink of despair, who would choose to sell oneself

Bai Shubei looked at her with a cheerful expression and turned to start the car: "I will take you home first"

It is a very simple style, yet she likes it immensely, carefully cleaning it. Then, his long fingers slowly covered it.

Do you not want to get married

Lin Wanqiu smiled, her eyes crescent-shaped, with a bright and clear sparkle at the bottom, a sight that stirred a ticklish feeling in his heart. Bai Shubei held her tighter, leaning close to her ear and whispering softly: "I will deal with you when we get back"

Bai Shubei said nothing, walked straight towards her, and directly lifted her up and pressed her onto the bed

The waiter approached and brought the pre-ordered meal for Bai Shubei. Lin Wanqiu could only eat in silence, contemplating the best moment to speak up

Bai Shubei appeared calm and composed on the surface upon hearing her words, yet deep down he felt a slight shock; the expression on this woman's face was so heart-wrenching that it made him feel somewhat uncomfortable

Lin Wanqiu stood at the door with a sense of restraint: "Please come in"

The doctor spoke with a hint of disdain on his face, and it was then that Lin Wanqiu realized something was amiss

She lacked the courage, reserve, or coyness that other girls might possess. The prospect of marrying him was almost her lifelong aspiration, so she agreed without any hesitation.

And he is still in a place that is beyond her reach

By Wednesday, Bai Shubei had not returned on time, and Lin Wanqiu felt somewhat disappointed, but the most disappointed was still Mengmeng. The little girl stood at the kindergarten gate, constantly looking around, anxiously pulling Lin Wanqiu's hand to check the time

He did not say much, but began to kiss her neck gently and repeatedly.

After speaking, he got off her with a smile at the corners of his mouth, feeling particularly joyful. He realized that teasing this woman was becoming increasingly interesting; how could she be so easily trusting of others

Lin Wanqiu gritted her teeth in anger, glaring at Bai Shubei, who leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed, smiling at her. His words were indeed directed at Mengmeng: "Mom is thinking—"

Bai Shubei's Adam's apple moved slightly, but he did not answer her. He simply took her hand, which was frozen in mid-air, and pressed it against the top of his head: "I am not a tiger, what is there to be afraid of"

The shock in Lin Wanqiu's eyes became more pronounced as she sat there in a daze for a long time, suddenly transparent liquid began to overflow from her eye sockets

Lin Wanqiu became even more incoherent: "No, no, I will marry." Only after saying this did she realize how embarrassing her words were, wishing she could bite her own tongue off.

With a face full of disbelief, Mengmeng jumped off the sofa and ran to the kitchen, shouting as she ran: "Daddy is spying on Mommy, Daddy is a coward who doesn't dare to admit it"

Lin Wanqiu's emotions were in turmoil, nearly forgetting how to breathe. At this moment, happiness seemed to engulf her like a massive wave. She felt as if she were walking on thin ice, suddenly gripped by fear, terrified that one day she would wake up to find that all of this was merely a dream.

She had never dared to imagine that this embrace would belong to her, staring blankly at the halo cast by the wall lamp, she softly asked: "About your blind date—"

She actually wanted to confirm their current relationship with him, but she did not dare to ask, fearing that his answer would shatter the warmth of the moment.

The crisp voice of the little one broke the silence of Bai Shubei's contemplation, and he paused slightly: "What?"

The curve of his lips made Lin Wanqiu extremely embarrassed, both annoyed and shy, as she lowered her head and muttered, "You bad guy"

Lin Wanqiu was still somewhat unaccustomed to the way her child effortlessly called her "Mama," her voice carrying a hint of hoarseness: "Baby, what is the prize for first place?"

Bai Shubei applied slight pressure with his fingertips, causing Lin Wanqu's delicate brows to furrow in pain as she glared at him in anger. However, the man showed no sign of awareness, lifting her fair ankle and resting it on his knee, his voice low: "It hurts a bit, bear with it"

Bai Shubei casually put his hands in his pockets and pretended as if nothing had happened while going upstairs, leaving only the bewildered Lin Wanqu and the mischievous little fellow behind

This game is as easy as pie for Duan Beibei. He has one hand wrapped around Lin Wanqiu's waist, almost completely holding her in his embrace, their steps in perfect harmony, a rare moment of mutual understanding.

This happiness has come too suddenly, leaving her somewhat at a loss.

Lin Wanqiu gazed at Bai Shubei, as if caught in a dream

Bai Shubei shot her a fierce glare, full of warning: "Stay put."

With a pair of big, adorable eyes fixed intently on him, she waved her tightly clenched little fist and said, "You are the real fool, a big fool who doesn't even recognize a carrot."

Shubei

Lin Wanqiu thought for a moment and decided to go. She chose a relatively formal outfit for the appointment. This could probably be considered their first date, right

Next is the park activity, which involves both parents and children participating together. Mengmeng excitedly and anxiously pulls on their hands, saying: "Dad, I want the first prize. You need to work hard, okay? Make sure to cooperate well with Mom."

Bai Younian now harbors a strong dislike for Lin Wanqu, and has been pressuring him to marry sooner. Bai Shubei, after much contemplation, thinks that since this is the case, it might be better to just...

"The boss won't be able to make it," he said politely, raising his hand to gesture, "Let's go in."

Bai Shubei is not that meticulous, and she does not blame him at all

Over the years, I have never seen the child so happy; her small mouth has been curved upwards, clearly indicating her genuine joy. Upon seeing Lin Wanqiu get into the car, she excitedly handed her the certificate in her hand, saying: "Mom, where should we hang this when we get home?"

Lin Wanqiu hooked his neck, with her nose very close to his, although he still had a sour face and didn't say anything pleasant, she felt a surge of warmth in her heart for no reason.

... ...

When Cheng's mother was around, Baishu North rarely stayed honestly in the living room waiting for dinner. However, this time when he came home, he was being pestered by Mengmeng to stay in the living room and help frame that certificate. The little one even stood on the sofa earnestly directing, "Daddy, hang it up!"

His smile made her dizzy, always giving her a sense of unreality as if she were in a dream, until he leaned over the table to kiss her, and a burst of enthusiastic applause erupted around them

Lin Wanqiu stared at him stiffly, her hand resting on his hair, feeling both helpless and restrained

She was contemplating whether she should discuss work matters with Bai Shubei, as she did not want any unforeseen complications to arise when their relationship was making some progress

He has heard the words "like" many times. With an excellent family background and appearance, he does not lack confessions and pursuits from women. However, he can clearly discern how much of that so-called "like" is genuine.

Lin Wanqiu endured, feeling somewhat disappointed in her heart. No matter how well Bai Shubei treated her, she still could not fathom him, and it was quite evident that he was more fond of her body.

Mengmeng tilted her little head and began to ponder seriously where to hang this certificate, treating it with utmost seriousness

Bai Shubei did not look at her, and his expression revealed little emotion. Only after the car had safely driven a certain distance from the parking lot did he reply: "If you like it, just keep doing it. I only feel sorry for you."

It turns out he is not careless

Lin Wanqiu smiled as she stood together with Mengmeng, yet her heart felt as if it were being pricked by countless needles. The child caused her great pain; that innocent and naive smile pierced her heart, leaving it a bloody mess.

In the following days, Bai Shubei called normally and even inquired about her condition. Lin Wanqiu gradually forgot about the unpleasantness, and as she listened to his voice, she kept calculating how many days were left until his return. She found herself increasingly feeling the stirrings of love.

With her head lowered, she continued to walk forward. Not long after, her head collided with an obstacle, and the familiar scent of tobacco at her nose was too recognizable. She raised her head in disbelief

Bai Zhannan had a somewhat mysterious smile in his eyes, curling the corners of his mouth without saying anything further. After she turned her head for a long time, he finally casually uttered, "The boss returned last night and is currently being taken back by my father for a blind date. I was sent by the old man."

Too deeply immersed in the role

Since she fell in love with him, she has been hopelessly foolish, only hoping that this foolishness does not make him dislike her, as that would be enough for her

His profile quietly fell on the wall, still bearing a heroic demeanor. She gazed blankly, slowly raising her hand to trace the silhouette he cast on the wall

Lin Wanqiu had a somewhat unnatural flush on her cheeks, and upon hearing her child's crisp call of "Mommy," she felt even more sentimental: "... ... let's ask Dad instead."

What exactly is her relationship with Bai Shubei? ... Lovers, or is it really ... ? ... A kept relationship?

He lowered his eyes to look at her, and Lin Wanqiu had a thin layer of sweat on her forehead, her lips also somewhat dry. However, upon hearing his inquiry, she straightened her back and shook her head: "Not tired"

He first helped her with disinfection, then the ointment applied felt cool with a subtle pain, yet she did not feel any pain at all, only looking down at his soft, dark short hair.

Bai Shubei pondered for a moment, then slowly raised his head to meet her astonished gaze: "... from now on, call me by my name"

"I take my leave." The doctor did not wait for her to explain and walked straight out the door

She had seen countless romantic proposal scenes on television before, and although Bai Shubei's approach seemed to have been overused, she still felt her heart racing and was deeply moved, frozen in place and forgetting how to react, simply staring at him in a daze

In the blink of an eye, the picture frame hung askew, and Mengmeng jumped in anger: "Dad, stop peeking at Mom and pay attention!"

Bai Shubei silently untied the rope, saying nothing.

Bai Shubei glanced at the certificate, then looked at Mengmeng's expectant gaze, and the words of disdain still did not dare to leave his lips: "Mengmeng, you decide."

Bai Shubei stood silently to one side, slightly shocked by the child's appearance. He knew the child wanted a mother, but he had never realized that the child's longing ran so deep.

Lin Wanqiu's eyes widened in surprise as she stammered, "Meng, Mengmeng is still..."

Bai Shubei thought: In fact, this kind of life is not bad. Lin Wanqu has been obedient and well-behaved, and she is also liked by Mengmeng. Having her by his side makes him feel very at ease

She only suckled for a few seconds before pulling away with a flushed face, while Bai Shubei looked at her with a complex expression, and Lin Wanqiu nearly buried her head in her chest

Lin Wanqiu glanced at the child standing not far away, who was anxiously watching them with a worried expression on his face. She nodded firmly and said, "I am fine"

However, seeing her like this, he felt somewhat guilty instead

Every time Bai Shubei hears her talk about the porridge shop, he feels rather unhappy, as the business is truly not presentable. Bai Younian's criticism of her is partly due to this factor, but now he does not want to have any unpleasantness with her

"I bought some things." Bai Shubei seemed reluctant to say much, clasping his hands together, his dark eyes gazing intently at her, "Do you like it here?"

The obstacles in the middle are actually quite simple. We go around and finally have to cross a small hurdle in the children's play area. Baishu North could feel that Lin Wanqiu's pace slowed down.

Her sweet words have become increasingly smooth, perhaps the proposal from Bai Shubei has given her immense courage

Bai Zhannan turned his head and saw her pale, bloodless face, and he couldn't help but laugh out loud, drawing the slight attention of the parents nearby, to whom he elegantly raised his hand in apology

Until the mousse gradually revealed a hint of metallic luster, refracting a brilliant halo under the sunlight, Lin Wanqiu was momentarily taken aback, staring foolishly at the half-exposed metal ring

Occasionally, the aroma of food wafted from the kitchen. Bai Shubei inadvertently glanced inside and caught a glimpse of Lin Wanqiu's slender figure clad in a checkered apron. The warm light cast upon her, resembling a heartwarming and perfect painting

After taking the medicine for the same amount of time, the other party surprisingly took out two boxes of condoms from the medicine cabinet and placed them on the coffee table. Lin Wanqiu stared blankly at the two boxes, unable to speak for a long while.

Pouting cutely, her little brows furrowed tightly: "Third Uncle is impolite"

Lin Wanqiu tightly clenched her fingers, her gaze meeting his, yet she still slowly finished expressing her feelings: "I know you don't like me, but I really... really like you"

At this moment, he surprisingly feels much more joyful than he had imagined. The matter of marriage does not hold such profound significance for him; however, seeing Lin Wanqiu's clumsy yet shy demeanor, he finds himself looking forward to the wedding ceremony.

He said as he took out a tube of ointment from behind him, his cool fingertips gently resting on her ankle: "I am just applying medicine for you, what are you thinking about."

Bai Shubei accurately and without error took it, glanced down, and surprisingly went out with the door to the house

Just as she felt a hint of disappointment, he suddenly kissed her without any warning, letting out a low laugh: "I want to kiss you back"

Bai Shubei's eyes slightly moved at the corners, and the depth of her gaze intensified. In the end, she lowered her head and kissed fiercely.

Bai Shubei pointed warningly at the little fellow and then said fiercely: "I was just checking if the meal is ready."

Behind her, Bai Shubei held her in a half-embrace, his physical strength allowing him to find this level of exertion trivial. Moreover, his pace was swift, compelling Lin Wanqiu to keep up with his steps

Only after becoming a mother did Lin Wanqiu understand that a child's small wish could bring immense joy to oneself, and she was touched by the child's smile, curling her lips and letting out a sigh of relief

Bai Shubei looked up and saw her foolish and clumsy actions, yet he did not mock her with words; he merely gazed at her with his dark, deep eyes

Bai Shubei was stunned in place, while Lin Wanqiu was somewhat clumsy and inexperienced when it came to intimacy, especially taking the initiative to kiss him in a public setting, which left Bai Shubei feeling somewhat...

Lin Wanqiu today wore a light purple velvet tracksuit for the convenience of exercising. Her fair skin complemented the color beautifully, and her long, jet-black hair was styled into a high bun, revealing her long and slender neck, making her stand out prominently in the crowd

She feels guilty towards Mengmeng, having brought her into this world without ever fulfilling her responsibilities as a mother, and the reasons for giving birth to her are so regrettable.

His deep voice was ambiguous and seductive, carrying a soft breath that made her feel weak all over as it fell into her ears. She slightly raised her eyes to look at him, the man so close at hand, whose beauty was difficult to describe.

The adorable and mysterious one stuck out their tongue: "Dad, how embarrassing, peeking and not daring to admit it."

No need, I will come out to get it once I have put on my clothes

He suddenly turned serious, his tone as cold as ever. Lin Wanqiu was taken aback, looking at him helplessly: "I—" Had she overstepped again? But weren't they a couple?

The little one also saw the hurriedly approaching Bai Shubei, feeling extremely happy, and even displayed a much more lively demeanor than before

Bai Shubei impatiently glared at him, having been tricked back by the old man, only to end up on a blind date with some chaotic woman. He couldn't even remember the woman's name completely, while he was still preoccupied with Mengmeng's matters, and at the same time worried that this idiot would speak nonsense in front of Lin Wanqu.

Are you tired

Bai Shubei looked at those so-called "obstacles" and thought that the kindergarten teacher was indeed childish. However, for the sake of his daughter's happiness, he endured and cooperated, bowing his head to tie the laces

The next day, the Bai family's private doctor arrived punctually. She was a middle-aged woman wearing black-framed glasses, and there was a sharp aura emanating from the corners of her eyes and brows

Lin Wanqiu withdrew her gaze, looking at Mengmeng's performance with a complex mood

Bai Shubei slightly flashed to avoid, and then took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her waist, pressing her down: "It seems like you really want something today? You've been hinting at me all along."

He has mentioned that he wants to try to like her, he has said that they are in a relationship, and that marriage is a serious matter, which he must also be considering

Bai Zhannan and Bai Shubei only share similar eyes, but Bai Zhannan's brows and eyes seem to possess a touch more charm than Bai Shubei's. His tall figure is enveloped in a dark suit as he slowly approaches the two of them, step by step

Looking back, I saw her with a bewildered expression and couldn't help but laugh, "It seems you care about him a lot? Don't worry, the boss's marriage is not something the old man can control. If he could really manipulate him, the boss would have been married a long time ago"

Especially Lin Wanqiu was being formally introduced by her, saying: "This is my mother, isn't she beautiful? My mother also cooks very well"

She gently caressed the top of his head in the shadows, as if they were the closest of lovers, yet in reality, she did not dare to do so

It seems that the other party has mistaken her for Bai Shubei's little lover! And the Mr. Bai she mentioned is Bai Shubei's father?

Thinking of the forced marriage again, he felt even more agitated, and his gaze towards Lin Wanqiu became increasingly profound.

Although this is his bedroom, being seen so abruptly by someone still made Lin Wanqiu feel uncomfortable, and she hurriedly tidied up the clothes she had put on halfway.

The little one proudly introduced to the friends along the way, with a face full of pride and satisfaction: "These are my mom and dad"

She paused halfway through her sentence. Bai Shubei raised an eyebrow at her, signaling her to continue. Lin Wanqiu looked out the window and murmured softly, "Otherwise, if you are not here, I will miss you very much"

Bai Shubei glanced at her with complexity, his arm around her waist tightening slightly: "Hold on a little longer, Mengmeng will be very happy"

After a while, a black Mercedes appeared at the entrance. A man got out and surveyed the two people at the door through his sunglasses. Mengmeng, being sharp-eyed, spotted him immediately, and her little face instantly fell: "There’s no need to wait; Dad won’t be coming."

Lin Wanqiu felt embarrassed, her face turning red: "No, I am just heartbroken for Mengmeng."

"Bai Shubei, that's enough." Lin Wanqiu's face turned red with anger as she grabbed something nearby and threw it into his arms.

Lin Wanqiu finished putting the child to sleep and, upon entering the room, saw the man on the bed playing with her white panties with one hand. Lin Wanqiu, furious, rushed over to snatch them away: "You—"

However, the little fellow still had an unhappy expression on his face, glancing secretly at the audience several times, only to withdraw his gaze in disappointment.

After the parent-child activity ended, Bai Shubei was holding Mengmeng and walking ahead, while Lin Wanqu fell behind leisurely, holding his military jacket. She was afraid that Bai Shubei would think she was useless, so she had not dared to mention that her leg was uncomfortable. Even while walking, she restrained herself from showing any signs of discomfort. In fact, the pain was not as intense as before; it was just a little skin abrasion from the bandage.

Lin Wanqiu was not familiar with him, but in order to avoid disappointing Mengmeng, she still made every effort to cooperate.

Bai Shubei glared angrily at the little fellow and said, "Shut up"

He lowered his voice and said, "How is it that you can chat with anyone?"

Dad, Mengmeng forgot to take her pajamas!

Mengmeng stood nearby, jumping with joy, saying: "Go, Dad and Mom!"

Today, this man showed her another side of himself; he is willing to endure anything for the sake of the child. In the moments when he repeatedly secured first place during the parent-child activities, she even developed the illusion that this man could provide a bright future for her and the child

Bai Shubei unexpectedly glanced at her, and his previously hesitant feelings instantly shifted. He looked at Lin Wanqiu with a complex expression, realizing that he seemed to be increasingly concerned about her

Shall I invite her to dinner

He did not look at her, his gaze remained quietly fixed on the stage, with a contented smile playing on his lips, completely unaware of the instinctive action of their fingers intertwined, as if this gesture were entirely natural

Bai Zhannan raised an eyebrow, then smiled ambiguously. After standing up, his tall figure blocked Lin Wanqu's line of sight. He lowered his voice and said to Bai Shubei's ear: "So eager, this is a bit unlike you."

Are you jealous

I received a text message from him while at the store at noon, which contained the address of a restaurant

Bai Zhannan seemed to have grown accustomed to this way of interacting with Mengmeng. Seeing Mengmeng's little face scrunch up in distress, he unexpectedly laughed heartily, teasing her for a while before finally shifting his gaze towards Lin Wanqiu.

"I like you," Lin Wanqiu said nonsensically, her voice low and indistinct, yet Bai Shubei still heard her clearly. This time, it was he who looked at her in shock.

Lin Wanqiu and Mengmeng are taking a shower in the bathroom, and from time to time, sounds of playfulness and noise can be heard. Bai Shubei is somewhat distracted as he watches the bathroom door. He does not like Lin Wanqiu associating with other men, nor does he appreciate her defiance towards him. He is fond of her youthful body and even more so of the fact that she treats Mengmeng well.

Bai Shubei straightened up after tying his shoelaces and saw Lin Wanqiu laughing and chatting with that man. Initially, he did not take it to heart, but when the other party introduced the woman beside him as the child's aunt, Bai Shubei's eyes narrowed slightly.

Bai Shubei gently released her after softly sucking on her tender lips for a moment, resting his forehead against hers and pondering slightly: "Lin Wanqiu, marrying me may not be as good as you think. My work hours are irregular, and I might often neglect you. I also do not understand romance or how to woo a woman, you—"

Lin Wanqiu bit her lip and dared not look at him, gently taking out the ring with her hand

Bai Shubei has never had a good attitude towards her, and he has not brought up the matter of marriage again. Lin Wanqiu does not dare to think; if it is indeed the latter, she would naturally be unwilling. The reason she signed that surrogacy agreement before was out of helplessness, but this does not mean that Bai Shubei can use it to humiliate her

But why has it been ignored for so long

From the moment she decided to be in a relationship with him, she longed for a resolution between them. Which girl does not entertain the thought of walking down the aisle with that person when agreeing to enter a relationship?

Lin Wanqiu felt a sudden pang of bitterness and sorrow in her heart. She wanted to inquire about Bai Shubei's blind date, but she knew that Bai Shubei would certainly not respond to her. Yet, they were indeed lovers, weren't they

Bai Zhannan held a DV in his hand, filming a video for the child. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the woman beside him, who had been looking downcast and disappointed. He couldn't help but tease, "Are you so disappointed that the boss didn't come?"

First, eat something

At a certain moment, the word "home" suddenly flashed through his mind

I am truly becoming more and more fussy and nagging

Lin Wanqiu placed the thermometer down and sat on the sofa, unsure of what to say. The other party was solely focused on organizing the medical kit, not even sparing a glance at her, clearly not interested in engaging in conversation with her

Lin Wanqiu smiled gently, her nails lightly tracing the lines on his palm

However, none of this signifies that he has fallen in love with Lin Wanqiu, as love is not that simple. Yet, he is gradually developing feelings, and he can sense it.

Bai Shubei was unaware that his actions carried a flirtatious meaning; he merely gazed at her pitch-black eyes, which had become exceptionally bright because of him, feeling an indescribable flutter in his heart

This woman was heard about some time ago, and her entanglement with the boss is also quite clear; however, there is no impression of her anymore. Now it seems that she looks quite good.

The two children were engaged in a childish argument, and Lin Wanqiu and the other parent felt extremely awkward, with the boy's father repeatedly apologizing: "I am sorry"

After Bai Shubei drove Bai Zhannan away, he silently sat beside Lin Wanquiu, his arm slightly brushing against hers, the stiff fabric of his suit rubbing against her exposed forearm.

Bai Shubei is not always this gentle; perhaps in the next moment, this dream will awaken. She is fearful yet powerless, and can only anxiously enjoy it like this

Lin Wanqiu tightly clenched her fingers, her gaze meeting his, yet she still slowly finished expressing her feelings: "I know you don't like me, but I really... really like you"

Once in the car, Mengmeng was already laughing like a mischievous little fox, reclining in the back seat with her eyes covered, saying: "I saw nothing"

"How long are you going to walk like this?" Bai Shubei frowned, slightly bent down and picked her up around the waist, his face still somewhat fierce. "You didn't say your legs were uncomfortable, Lin Wanqiu, why are you so foolish?"

Lin Wanqiu gazed at him intently; his tall figure resembled a proud and upright pine tree, standing quietly and majestically before her. He then slowly bent down, and the cold diamond ring secured itself onto her ring finger

Bai Shubei started the car and suggested having dinner outside, but Lin Wanqu insisted on going back to cook for herself. Bai Shubei thought about it and realized that the food outside was indeed not good, so he followed her wishes and drove the car back home

Seeing that Bai Shubei's expression was not good, the parent smiled apologetically and said nothing more. Lin Wanqiu noticed that Bai Shubei had been wearing a sullen face and quietly pinched the tip of his finger.

Bai Shubei would certainly not be so despicable as to merely want to keep her. Lin Wanqiu continuously reassured herself; she was just an ordinary woman, as ordinary as one could be. If Bai Shubei wanted to keep someone, shouldn't he be looking for those young celebrities or models?

Lin Wanqiu looked at his handsome brow and slightly averted her gaze

Bai Zhannan took off his sunglasses, first reaching out to pinch the cute girl's cheek, his thin lips curling into a playful arc: "Little girl, do you see how unhappy I am"