One Step Closer to the Goal!!

"Is our sister-in-law here to kill the mood?"

"Half the appeal of that barbecue vanished in an instant."

"We know we're cannon fodder. Could she stop reminding us over and over? It really makes me want to kill someone."

"Don't look at me. Right now, I fully support you killing a certain someone."

♪

(￣∠￣)ﾉ

Bo Zhe swallowed his mouthful of meat, gave everyone a thumbs-up, then pointed toward Fang Yao. The others glanced at her from the shadows, saw the man beside her, and quickly looked away.

"I felt killing intent. Did you feel it? Huh? Why is it gone again? Was I imagining things?" A chill ran down Fang Yao's back, and she grabbed Bo Hanmo's arm.

Bo Hanmo glanced to the side, then stroked Fang Yao's head. "I'm here. Don't be afraid. This corn's ready. Want some?"

"Yes."

The moment Fang Yao saw food, she forgot all about the killing intent and the hand on her head. She took the corn and started eating.

Bo Hanmo smiled while looking at Fang Yao. But when he raised his eyes to Bo Zhe and the others, his gaze turned icy and murderous.

You little brats dared to direct killing intent at my wife? Do you have a death wish?

Bo Zhe and the others froze where they stood, feeling death loom over them. After what felt like ages—or perhaps just long enough for Fang Yao to finish her corn—their rigid backs finally sagged.

"Couldn't you keep your voices down? My big brother heard everything! Are you trying to get me killed? If he cuts off my allowance, you're all responsible." Bo Zhe glared at them. He could already imagine receiving the terrible news that evening.

Yang Qi and the others rubbed their noses. They didn't know whether their own allowances were safe. Hopefully, Bo Hanmo wouldn't tell on them.

"I've already spent this month's allowance," Yang Qi admitted, rubbing his nose in embarrassment.

Bo Zhe whipped around to look at Yang Qi. After sizing him up, he said in a smug, mocking tone, "I know. The moment your allowance arrives, your girlfriend 'acts cute' until you buy her a gift. I get it."

-_-||

Thinking of the woman who had deceived him, Yang Qi shot Bo Zhe a vicious look. "Do you enjoy rubbing salt in my wounds?"

"Bo Zhe, are you looking for a fight? Yang Qi and I are ready whenever you are."

"Oh, you're going to fight? Can I join in?"

"No, you can't. What if you get hurt? No fighting." Bo Hanmo turned Fang Yao's little head back around and warned Gong Yong and Yang Qi with a look.

Gong Yong had never meant to invite Fang Yao. Under Bo Hanmo's threatening gaze, his inner self burst into tears.

On the verge of tears, he said, "Don't worry, Bo Hanmo. I was only talking. We won't fight."

That pleased Bo Hanmo, but Fang Yao was unhappy. She hadn't had a chance to "stretch her legs" in ages. She was going to get rusty.

Seeing Fang Yao's little pout, Bo Hanmo lowered his head and murmured something in her ear. Once she smiled, he took her hand and led her back inside.

"Have fun. Your sister-in-law needs to rest."

Fang Yao covered her mouth and giggled.

Bo Miao leaned over to Shao Ya and said, "Look how smug my big brother is. Anyone would think he had a wife."

Shao Ya looked at Bo Miao as though she were an idiot. "Are you stupid? Isn't the woman he's holding hands with his wife?"

Bo Miao: "..."

"All right. Good night, big brother and sister-in-law."

Fang Yao waved good night to them too. While Bo Hanmo showered, she lay on the bed playing with her phone, laughing every now and then.

Bo Hanmo could hear her laughter even from the bathroom. He shook his head and smiled fondly.

Two people lay in chairs on the beach, sipping drinks and gazing out at the sea. They were Old Master Bo and Old Madam Bo, who had sneaked away from home.

"Was it right to leave them behind and come out to have fun by ourselves?" Old Master Bo took a sip of his drink. Seeing all the young men and women on the beach reminded him of the younger generation back home.

Old Madam Bo had heard enough to make her ears ache. He'd never shown this much concern for the youngsters before.

She set down her drink, took off her sunglasses, and smacked Old Master Bo on the head. "What's wrong with it? We're getting old. If we don't get out more while we have the time, we won't have a chance once we have a great-grandchild to look after."

If they stayed home, when would Bo Hanmo and Fang Yao get time alone? Young people couldn't relax with their elders around.

Bo Zhe and Bo Miao: Grandpa, Grandma, we're home too.

Old Madam Bo: Tsk. My mistake. I should've sent those two packing as well.

o(╥﹏╥)o

"Dear, aren't you getting ahead of yourself? Your eldest grandson managed the first step, but who knows when he'll get a chance at the second?" Old Master Bo thought of how timid his eldest grandson became around Fang Yao, and his voice dripped with disdain.

Old Madam Bo raised a hand to hit him, but his words did make sense. Still, she stubbornly retorted, "You old fool, can't you think positively? Maybe Hanmo has stepped up, won Fang Yao over, and is enjoying his wedding night right now."

"...That sounds more likely in a dream." Old Master Bo pursed his lips and leaned back to look at the sky.

Bo Hanmo came out of the shower and suddenly sneezed. Fang Yao turned toward him with a frown. "Have you caught a cold? I'll call the family doctor."

Bo Hanmo stopped her from getting up and narrowed his eyes. "It's not a cold. I know why I sneezed. Go take your shower, and watch your step."

Curious about the smile in his eyes, Fang Yao held back her questions. She picked up her pajamas from beside the bed and nodded. "As long as you're sure it's not a cold. Go to sleep first. Don't wait for me."

Bo Hanmo smiled at the sight of Fang Yao stomping off in a huff. He didn't explain. What was he supposed to say—that the two old kids in the family must be talking about how useless he was for failing to win over his own wife?

Their marriage was still in name only. Bo Hanmo couldn't bring himself to say it.

Fang Yao: (╬◣д◢)

Bo Hanmo: And you're still laughing! You're the reason I sneezed, and now I can't even explain it.

Old Master Bo and Old Madam Bo: ...So it's our fault? ┓( ´∀` )┏

Bo Hanmo had read Fang Yao correctly. If he explained himself, she might throw a loving punch that knocked him out on the floor... No, on the bed.

Standing under the shower, Fang Yao stared at the wall and muttered, "Fang Yao, what's wrong with you? Why are you getting angry for no reason? Have you fallen for Bo Hanmo? Impossible. Absolutely impossible."

Fang Yao shook her head, rejecting the idea. Outside, however, Bo Hanmo's eyes lit up.

Why? Because Fang Yao's inner voice had drifted out of the bathroom and into his ears.

[Why does thinking about liking Bo Hanmo make me feel so happy? Is that normal? It can't be. What I should like is Bo Hanmo's money.]

Of course it's normal. What's wrong with it? I don't mind if you like my money. If you've fallen for my money, you're not far from falling for me.

Seeing a glimmer of hope, Bo Hanmo pumped his fists around the room. Nothing about him looked cold or aloof. He was every bit an excited young man.