The Prelude to That Thing

Although he had already become a proud corporate slave while still in college, Xia Yan did not have any particular aversion to it.

It is perfectly reasonable to receive wages for your labor.

However, Xia Yan almost exploded in the warehouse due to recent overtime work.

The recent discounts and promotions have led to an explosive surge in orders, like mushrooms after rain. What used to be mostly on-site installation work has now turned into spending all day in the warehouse, like screwing in screws on an assembly line, arranging cables and installing machines...

Although Xia Yan clearly still had physical strength and energy left and wouldn't be completely drained by work, the wasted time greatly reduced the time he could spend with Hua Xin, which was the most troubling thing for Xia Yan.

At the same time, it also reduced many of the special things he wanted to do that Hua Xin couldn't detect.

He had been preparing for this for a long time, but unfortunately there were occasional sessions where he would play games with Hua Xin all night, or he would go to bed early because he was too tired from working and studying.

This has resulted in the current progress being somewhat slow, far from reaching the standard quantity that Xia Yan wanted.

After all, it's like a girl knitting a scarf for her boyfriend when a grown man does this. Although both involve putting their heart into it, it seems a bit strange when done by a man.

He's not actually that mature, and this is his first time dating.

If Xia Yan is to be a strong wall to protect Hua Xin from the wind and rain, then he naturally needs to be more mature and stable.

But as a boyfriend who's just starting out in the honeymoon phase, he really enjoyed these little surprises.

Occasionally, cars would speed by on the street. Xia Yan walked along the street as usual, carrying a plastic bag in her hand. The last batch of roasted chickens that had just come out of the oven smelled delicious, and it would be perfect for her and Hua Xin to have as a late-night snack and dinner.

After all, tomorrow is a rare day off, and I'll have plenty of time to play with Hua Xin in the evening. I also left work much earlier today, and my work time management was quite tight.

But when it comes to work...

Xia Yan sighed softly, stopped and looked at the seemingly endless street ahead, bustling with people.

Time flies so fast.

School starts soon, and the first two years of university have quietly come to an end. Next June, he and Hua Xin will have to start thinking about how to plan for the future.

For Hua Xin, being able to stay in the cat cafe without any pressure or worries, and without having to think about those most annoying interpersonal relationships, was obviously the best possible outcome.

Xia Yan was also happy for Hua Xin to continue living such a relaxed life.

After all, finding a job like this in the current environment is really not easy, not to mention the salary is quite considerable.

But we should also look at ourselves.

Every day, I work in the warehouse like a machine, screwing in screws on an assembly line. When the wages are settled, I only earn a few thousand yuan more than Hua Xin.

It's impossible to make computer assembly my main job for the rest of my life.

As a part-time job, it can only earn some quick money while I'm still in school and running between school and home. Obviously, it can't be considered the first choice for long-term development and upward mobility.

Not to mention the things needed for marrying Hua Xin in the future, and how to earn money for baby formula and all sorts of other necessary expenses after having children...

The task is arduous and the road ahead is long...

Xia Yan sighed again. The happy mood that was about to go home after work suddenly diminished, and his shoulders felt much heavier.

Even the roast chicken in my hand didn't seem so appetizing anymore.

If you're alone, you probably don't need to think about these things. Having a house means you don't have to worry about renting or buying a house, which obviously reduces a lot of pressure.

But Xia Yan will not be alone in the future; he will also have a complete family.

How to become the pillar of this family is a very important thing facing him.

While pondering what to do next, Xia Yan slowly followed her familiar memories, turning left and right with her head down. For a moment, she didn't notice the message that lit up on her phone screen.

Slowly opening the door, the absence of lights in the living room indicated that Hua Xin had not yet arrived home. Xia Yan familiarly placed the roast chicken he had bought in the kitchen to keep it warm. Hua Xin would usually be back in about ten minutes after getting off work.

Instead of returning to his vacation, Xia Yan leaned wearily against the sofa, staring at the ceiling.

He is now very clear about his situation; it's probably just his period coming, or maybe he's overthinking it.

Even though the future is still far away, I can't help but think about things that are so far in the future and want to make some plans in advance.

Xia Yan wasn't actually afraid that he wouldn't be able to shoulder those responsibilities.

Compared to the pressure he felt, the pressure he put on himself was negligible.

Getting married and having children...

Just thinking about it makes me feel so happy.

Xia Yan was slightly lost in thought, imagining himself and Hua Xin raising children together in the future. He was certain that they would do a better job than their parents after becoming parents.

This was a seed planted in Xia Yan's heart a very, very long time ago.

Because of past suffering, they want to prevent their children from experiencing the same thing, rather than creating an endless cycle. If that's the case, it would be better not to have children at all, which would be responsible for both of them.

I wonder if it's a boy or a girl...

Xia Yan was indulging in daydreams again, suddenly realized a crucial problem.

He is still a virgin.

Xia Yan fell silent for a moment, then slowly got up and went to the kitchen to prepare the vegetables that had been left over from the past few days.

He still remembered the scene of Hua Xin wearing a swimsuit when he was traveling in Japan.

Although the two of them had already slept in the same bed, kissed and hugged, and even had Hua Xin help him with his normal needs.

But in the end, they still didn't take that step.

This is actually a very strange situation.

Xia Yan felt that he should respect Hua Xin's wishes, or perhaps the timing wasn't right yet, so although he was very tempted by Hua Xin's body, he always subconsciously restrained himself.

Hua Xin probably thought that it was impossible for a girl to bring up such a thing first, and she had been waiting for Xia Yan to take the initiative.

Then a closed loop is formed, and the two people completely miss each other.

"Hiss..."

Xia Yan suddenly felt a sharp pain in her fingertip; in her wild thoughts, she had cut her finger.

After returning to the living room and applying a band-aid, Xia Yan remembered to ask Hua Xin when she would arrive home.

Today was a very busy day, and I didn't have much time to check my phone.

After Xia Yan touched the screen and it lit up, a blessing message from an unknown software appeared first, which surprised him.

"Happy birthday to my dear Mr. Cat Lover, who will always love you."