"Good evening, viewers. Welcome to the evening news!"
At exactly seven o'clock that night, the living room's LCD television was airing the evening news.
The previously restless bedroom gradually quieted down as well, like the calm after a storm.
Ding! Xia Shuyi's Favorability toward the host has increased by 20 points. Current Favorability: 85 points. Please keep up the good work!
"You little bastard, are you trying to wear me to death?"
Xia Shuyi shot Shen Lang a gentle, reproachful glare, her face carrying a satisfied, fulfilled smile of complaint.
Shen Lang had allowed Xia Shuyi to feel love and being loved again, a happiness like withered wood coming back to life in spring.
Xia Shuyi lay sprawled over Shen Lang, contentedly listening to his strong, healthy heartbeat. "L-Let me rest for a while."
The room immediately fell silent, and the hum of the air conditioner could be heard clearly.
"Little Shen, is this really okay?"
Xia Shuyi lifted her head and said with unconcealed guilt, "I'm already so old, while you're only in your twenties. Why do I feel like this is unfair to you?"
1: Say magnanimously: "Sister Xia, if you feel guilty, just transfer me a few million. Treat me like a gigolo!"
2: Lean close to her ear and tease flirtatiously: "Why don't I feel that way? Especially this afternoon—you have no idea how irresistible you were!"
3: Say casually: "Sister, don't overthink it. Doesn't the internet say it best? A hundred years is too long; we only need to seize the day."
"How could that be? Why don't I feel that way?"
Shen Lang sat up while supporting Xia Shuyi's pert backside, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and pulled her voluptuous body into his embrace.
"You have no idea how irresistible you are, especially this afternoon."
"You're awful. You only know how to coax me like I'm a child."
Xia Shuyi could not hide her delight. She shyly rolled her eyes at Shen Lang and nestled against him like a little bird, every bit the pampered little woman.
Just then, the phone on the bedside table rang. It was Mengmeng's piano teacher.
"Mengmeng is downstairs already. Let's get dressed quickly."
After hanging up, Xia Shuyi reluctantly leaned into Shen Lang's arms. "Stay for dinner tonight, okay? You have to come often from now on too. Your sister can't live without you anymore, you little enemy."
"Sure. Whenever I'm free, this freeloader will come mooch meals off you, Sister Xia."
Shen Lang did not refuse. He kissed Xia Shuyi's red lips expectantly. "And after dinner, I'm going to bully you a little, you beautiful little chef."
"Hmph, you little bad boy!"
A hint of anticipation flashed through Xia Shuyi's beautiful eyes. She pushed herself up with both hands against Shen Lang's solid chest and began getting dressed, her limbs trembling.
The two had barely finished dressing when Mengmeng was brought upstairs by her piano teacher.
When they opened the door, a bespectacled woman stood outside, holding Mengmeng's hand.
Mengmeng carried two boxes of chocolate cake and bounced in excitedly. She handed one box to Shen Lang. "Big Brother Shen, this is for you!"
"No need. Mengmeng, keep it for yourself."
Shen Lang shook his hand in refusal. "Big Brother already ate some earlier. If I eat more, I'll get cavities!"
"Then, then..."
The little girl looked indecisively at the two boxes of chocolate cake in her hands, then hopefully looked at Xia Shuyi. "Mommy, can I eat both boxes, then?"
"No."
Xia Shuyi took the chocolate cake and said seriously, "Even Big Brother Shen doesn't dare eat two boxes. Aren't you afraid your teeth will go bad?"
"Okay, then."
The little girl muttered dejectedly, but soon lifted her head and said happily, "Big Brother Shen, I went to the beach to fly a kite today!"
Normally, the little girl did not need piano lessons after around five in the afternoon.
However, at noon, Xia Shuyi had specifically instructed Teacher Li to keep Mengmeng a little later than usual.
After Mengmeng got out of class, Teacher Li took the little girl for a stroll along Riverside Road and even bought her two boxes of chocolate cake.
"Teacher Li, sorry to trouble you this afternoon."
Xia Shuyi tried to persuade her to stay. "It's so late already. Why not stay for dinner?"
"No, thank you. My spouse is almost done cooking. They were even urging me in the car just now to hurry home for dinner."
Teacher Li smiled as she politely declined.
Anyone with eyes could see what was going on here. Naturally, she would not stay behind to be a third wheel.
She was only a little envious of Xia Shuyi for finding such a handsome, upright man.
All she could say was that money really did make life good!
After Teacher Li left, Xia Shuyi went to the kitchen to cook.
Shen Lang and Mengmeng sat on the sofa watching television. He held a plastic spoon and fed the chubby little girl bites of chocolate cake one after another.
At around eight o'clock, Xia Shuyi finally finished preparing dinner.
As usual, Mengmeng carried over her little cartoon stool and hopped over to sit beside Shen Lang.
Shen Lang rubbed the energetic little girl's head and raised a hand to wipe the chocolate crumbs from the corner of her mouth.
Watching this warm scene, Xia Shuyi could not help thinking of something.
As she passed by the balcony holding chopsticks, she looked toward a family in the building opposite. They too were chatting and laughing over dinner.
Usually, Xia Shuyi, a single mother raising her child alone, greatly envied that family. She felt they were especially happy and whole, and would watch them finish their meal from the balcony.
But now, seeing how tenderly Shen Lang treated her daughter, the taste of happiness spread through Xia Shuyi's heart as well.
Before you continue