He sat in the conference room of the Ou Group, chairing meeting after meeting, with countless decisions requiring his approval and innumerable major investments needing his signature. The reality awaiting him back at the Ou Group tower was a mountain of unresolved business matters.

Finally returning to his office from the meeting room, Ou Chen reviewed the stacks of files piled high on his desk. When he finally lifted his head from the documents, the evening had already descended.

Gazing out at the sunset, the scene of her and Luo Xi staring intently at each other that morning resurfaced in Ou Chen’s mind. That bitter, intertwined feeling finally compelled him to admit that his departure wasn't due to Ou Group affairs, but rather because he was running away.

He stood by the window in silence for a long time.

Ou Chen took a deep breath. He had been evading for too long—so long that it had hurt her time and time again.

Ou Chen drove back to the woods where filming was taking place.

The set of Painting Mirror was still engaged in tense, organized shooting. Amidst the bustling figures, he couldn't find any trace of Xia Mo! “Xia Mo has gone out, but she’ll be back in an hour. She has a scene to film after dark.”

Zhen En, standing by the side of the set, looked astonished at Ou Chen’s reappearance.

“Where did she go?” Zhen En hesitated, then said, “I don’t know. She just said she’d be back before the next scene.”

“What about Luo Xi?” Ou Chen suddenly noticed that among the busy crew members, Luo Xi was also missing. After a pause, he asked hoarsely, “Did Luo Xi leave with Xia Mo?” Seeing the shadow of distress in his expression, Zhen En, fearful of misunderstanding, quickly clarified, “No, it’s just that Xia Mo and Luo Xi went to Xiao Cheng’s grave together. They only just left.” You know.

When Xiao Cheng was buried, she was in a state of shock. Since there was a break in filming, she decided to visit Xiao Cheng’s grave.

She didn't tell you because she would be back soon, and Luo Xi went with her because he hadn't been to Xiao Cheng’s grave either. Ou Chen closed his eyes.

Perhaps he had done wrong; afraid that seeing Xiao Cheng’s grave would trigger his sadness again, he still hadn't accompanied her there.

And now—it was her and Luo Xi at Xiao Cheng’s gravesite.

“Wait a moment.”

Zhen En was flustered and tried to stop Ou Chen as he turned to leave. Did she misunderstand Xia Mo? There was truly nothing between Xia Mo and Luo Xi. Xia Mo had finally started doing better; how could Ou Chen misunderstand her now! Anxiously, she fumbled for her phone, dialed a string of numbers, and while listening to the line connect, she pulled at Ou Chen to keep him there! “She took her phone when she left today to avoid delaying the shoot. I’ll call her right now; don't leave yet.”

“No need…” Ou Chen frowned. Had her previous possessiveness and jealousy towards Xia Mo truly been so intense that Zhen En felt such panic explaining, lest he jump to the wrong conclusion?

“Ah! The call connected! Xia Mo! Ou Chen is back, he’s right here with me, do you want to talk to him…” Zhen En happily shoved the phone into Ou Chen’s hand. “Xia Mo wants to talk to you!” “……” “Hello? Is that Ou Chen?” Her gentle voice came through the phone, as if a breeze was blowing across Xiao Cheng’s gravesite, making her voice sound somewhat distant and faint.

“It’s me.”

“……” Her voice paused, then she said softly, “There’s so much work at the company; you must be exhausted today, right?” “Are you at Xiao Cheng’s grave?” “Yes, I wanted to visit him. But if you’re waiting for me, I’ll come back very soon.”

“There are still some matters at the company; I need to handle some more documents. You stay a while longer with Xiao Cheng; she must miss seeing you very much.” Ou Chen said with a smile, striving not to affect her mood.

“Mm, I’ll tell Xiao Cheng that I’ll come to see her with you in a few days.”

“Okay. Are you having dinner at home tonight?” “Yes.”

“Then I’ll go back to the company first, and wait for you at home.”

“Okay, I’ll rush back as soon as I can. But if you’re hungry, eat first, don’t wait for me. Okay?”

“Okay, I’ll wait for you. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Looking at the words “Call Ended” on the phone screen, the smile at the corner of Ou Chen’s lips gradually faded, and the light in his eyes dimmed.

Since their talk that day, she had indeed been trying hard to be a good wife, just as she promised. She was exceedingly gentle and considerate, so careful it seemed as if she feared hurting him in the slightest.

Perhaps she felt she owed him, perhaps she was trying her utmost to make amends.

But she was wrong; from the very beginning, it was he who owed her, who forced her. (Young Master, it is you who owes me and forces me.) *The evening breeze drifted lightly between the tombstones in the cemetery.

Yin Xia Mo stared blankly at the phone after the call ended. Although Ou Chen’s voice was warm, there was a subtle sense of wrongness that she couldn’t quite pinpoint, only a faint ache in her heart.

She owed Ou Chen too much.

From when she was very young, to when they met again, she had hurt him time and again, leaving him battered and bruised.

Perhaps his love for her was too intense, or perhaps she felt that an overly intense love was a terrifying thing.

Yet, gradually, she realized that it was this fierce love that had consistently protected and sustained her. Whenever she encountered difficulty, whenever she felt vulnerable and helpless, Ou Chen always spread his wings to shield her—wings that she had wounded until they bled profusely.

Luo Xi knelt, placing a bouquet of white daisies before Yin Cheng’s tombstone. He gently brushed the dust off the name Xiao Cheng inscribed on the monument. The photo on the tombstone showed Cheng with a clear, bright smile, like an angel in heaven.

Gazing silently at Xiao Cheng, he could almost feel her presence carried on the evening breeze, as if she were speaking to him. Softly, Luo Xi also began to smile.

He had long since come to terms with things. During his time in America, his feelings had grown increasingly calm, so Xiao Cheng didn't need to worry about him.

And she… when she answered that call, Xiao Cheng in heaven knew it was Ou Chen on the other end, didn't she? The gentle emotion in her voice when she spoke with Ou Chen, the dazed look she had while staring at the phone—everything was so apparent. So, Xiao Cheng must have realized it too, right? She was doing very well now, with Ou Chen by her side, with Ou Chen’s unwavering love and protection. She would live happily and peacefully from now on, so Xiao Cheng could rest assured, right? He heard her approaching footsteps.

Luo Xi turned to look at her. In the reddish glow of the sunset, her face was as white as jade, her seaweed-like long hair swaying in the breeze. Her eyes, fixed on Xiao Cheng’s tombstone, were filled with deep remembrance and tender affection.

“Xiao Cheng, Luo Xi and I came to see you.”

Yin Xia Mo slowly crouched before Xiao Cheng’s tombstone, gazing fondly at her smile. She softly recounted many things that had happened since he passed away.

The black cat, Milk Tea, had gotten a little fatter and loved sleeping even more. She had taken a role in a movie called Painting Mirror; the younger brother in the film was named Xiao Cheng, sharing the exact same pronunciation as his name. In the movie, the older sister finds her deceased younger brother.

“I’m the one playing the brother,” Luo Xi said to Xiao Cheng with a smile. “But I can’t paint, so many of the paintings in the film are yours. Everyone on set was amazed by how beautifully you painted.”

“Luo Xi acted wonderfully; sometimes it was as if you had reappeared before your sister…” Her voice faltered slightly, and she took a quick breath to hide the glistening tears in her eyes before smiling again. “Oh, yes, there’s some good news I have to tell you.”

She slowly stood up.

The sunset glowed as if intoxicated, and the wind blew gently.

“I’m pregnant. The baby is three months along.”

Yin Xia Mo gently stroked her still-flat abdomen, her face radiating the light of impending motherhood. “Xiao Cheng, you’re going to be an uncle.”

The white daisies bloomed happily in the wind.

“You said you would turn into a little baby and crawl into my belly, was that true?” Her smile was a little stunned, then after a moment, she shook her head and smiled tenderly. “No matter if that was just your silly talk, I will love him as much as I loved you, and I’ll have him learn painting from a young age, just like you.”

The sunset was brilliant, like gauze dyed crimson, gently cast upon Luo Xi and Yin Xia Mo. They remained by Yin Cheng’s tombstone for a long time, and only when the sun began to set did the two rise and walk towards the car at the cemetery gate.

“When the baby is born, remember to let me know. I’ll send a gift from New York.”

Luo Xi slowed his pace, walking beside her gently. He had recently been reading parenting books and knew pregnant women shouldn't walk too quickly.

“Are you going back to New York?” Yin Xia Mo looked up at him.

“I’ve enrolled in film directing courses at NYU. I plan to finish them.”

Luo Xi breathed in the clear, fresh air of the spring evening. “It feels wonderful to be back on campus; it’s as if the whole person has been purified.”

“You were always an outstanding student.”

“But back then, you didn’t take notice of me, the gifted student, at all. You fiercely told me, ‘Luo Xi, I’m going to kick you out!’” He smiled just like the boy from many years ago, beneath the blooming cherry tree, with a captivating mist in his eyes.

“That’s right.”

She also laughed softly, vaguely recalling that night of drinking beer, her eyes slightly hazy with intoxication, raising her beer can to welcome him into the home for the first time.

Unconsciously, so much time had passed.

She had once guarded against him like an enemy; she had once been held tightly in his embrace; she had once pledged eternal commitment to him; she had once been saddened by his misunderstanding and departure. But now, the past drifted away like the wind, and she and he were as natural as old friends.

“Are you happy living in New York?” She gazed at Luo Xi’s profile in the sunset. “If you’re not used to it there, you can come back.”

“Actually, it’s the same everywhere.”

Luo Xi turned back to meet her gaze. He smiled like the light evening breeze and said, “My heart used to be filled with a sense of incompleteness. I was always afraid that loss would lead to a destructive hell. That intense insecurity made me fragile and dangerous, so I hurt you many times. Now I understand that loving someone only requires keeping them in your heart. Feelings kept deep inside can never be taken away, and there is no need to fear loss. So my heart is full; wherever I am, I am peaceful and serene. Thank you, Xia Mo, thank you for giving me a tranquil heart.”

“……” The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the earth in a tender, intoxicating hue.

The wind blew quietly past the tombstones.

His and her figures walked farther and farther away, eventually disappearing at the end of the road.

*That day, Yin Xia Mo returned home at nine in the evening. Ou Chen had already simmered pork liver congee. Upon seeing her return, she began stir-frying the dishes she had already washed and chopped while waiting for him.

When he changed into his casual clothes and walked out of the bedroom, the fragrant dishes were neatly arranged on the dining table—meat, vegetables, congee, and soup.

“I never thought you could learn to cook, and that your food would be this delicious.”

She tasted the pork liver congee; the fragrant, soft texture mixed with the unique flavor of the liver, sprinkled with a bit of chopped scallion—it was very good. The once noble and aloof Young Master Ou was now her husband, busy in the kitchen wearing an apron. Time seemed to have changed everything, and she felt slightly dazed.

“Eat more. The book says pregnant women should supplement with pork liver every month.”

Ou Chen watched her eat, and seeing her enjoy the food, the corners of his lips curved up slightly. Suddenly, the light in his eyes dimmed again. After a moment of hesitation, he said to her, “Many matters have piled up at the company during this period. I won’t be able to accompany you to the set anymore, and I might not be able to rush back to have dinner with you either.”

“…Oh.” Yin Xia Mo paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “It’s alright, I can take care of myself, don’t worry… You should eat more too. You went to the set today, then the company, and now you’re preparing dinner at home; you must be very tired.”

She gently picked up a piece of sweet and sour sparerib and placed it on the small dish in front of him.

Ou Chen ate the rib. She then placed a piece of tofu in front of him. Ou Chen ate the tofu, then picked up some shredded chicken for her. She ate the chicken, praising how delicious it was, and in turn, picked up a lot of chicken for him.

Like two children, they busied themselves passing food to each other, as if it were a fun game. Watching the other person eat, they looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

She laughed happily, her eyes bright, unaware of the hidden melancholy and loneliness in his smile.

Fearing that she would be alone at home without care after he went to the company, Ou Chen moved back to the Ou residence with her.

After settling her in, Yin Xia Mo rarely saw Ou Chen.

Ou Chen left very early and returned very late every day. Every morning, she only found the breakfast he had prepared. Lunch and dinner were meticulously prepared meals by Butler Shen for her. If she was filming, Butler Shen would deliver the meals to her on time.

The servants also carefully attended to all her daily needs. The tiles in the bathroom had been replaced with non-slip ones and were scrubbed clean every day, lest she slip. Her slippers were also changed to non-slip soles, and thick, soft carpeting was newly laid on the corridors and stairs.

The filming of Painting Mirror was gradually drawing to a close.

Yin Xia Mo worked busily on set every day. Occasionally, during breaks between scenes, she would stare blankly, searching the surroundings for a familiar figure.

At first, she didn't realize what she was looking for, until one day, a tall, aloof figure appeared in the crowd, and she suddenly stood up, joy surging from the bottom of her heart! Only after realizing it wasn't Ou Chen did a feeling of profound loss wash over her chest.

It felt like a long time since she had seen Ou Chen.

Sometimes, she would call him, but the man on the other end seemed distant, as if separated by vast space. Sometimes, she would wait up for him late into the night. Perhaps Butler Shen would tip him off, because whenever she hadn't fallen asleep past eleven, Ou Chen would call her, urging her to rest early for the baby’s sake.

In her sleep, she sometimes sensed Ou Chen.

She would feel Ou Chen sitting gently by her bedside, lightly stroking her cheek and hair, softly pulling up her blanket, and then sitting by her bed for a long time afterward.

But pregnancy made her excessively sleepy, and each time she wanted to wake up from her dream to see if it was him, she could never fully wake up to look at him.

Zhen En accompanied her every day while filming.

“Wow, Xia Mo, pregnant women have so many taboos, it’s so interesting!” Since learning of her pregnancy, Zhen En had developed a keen interest in childcare knowledge. She bought many books and searched online for all sorts of sensible and nonsensical old wives' tales. “They say you shouldn’t hammer nails into walls during pregnancy, or sit down while cutting things…” Listening to Zhen En excitedly recite those strange customs, Yin Xia Mo was often amused.

“Ah, look at this, it’s so ridiculous! It says pregnant women shouldn’t eat grapes!”

“Why?”

“They say eating grapes will result in a placenta of grapes!”

“Nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo couldn’t help but rebuke her. The pages Zhen En held were full of strange, funny opinions downloaded from the internet.

“Pregnant women also shouldn’t eat lamb!” Zhen En exclaimed with wide, surprised eyes.

“Why?”

“Because eating lamb might cause the baby to develop epilepsy!”

“More nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Seeing her laugh happily, Zhen En quietly let out a sigh of relief, then clapped her hands excitedly. “These are all just jokes written online, but Xia Mo, you’re very smart, you didn't fall for any of it! Super great!” As she spoke, Zhen En looked down at her slightly protruding belly and said, “It’s starting to show a little, but thankfully the movie wraps up in a few days, and then you can rest quietly at home. Oh, and don't buy anything for the baby, I’ll cover everything! Who told me I’m the godmother? Haha, my lovely godson or goddaughter!” Zhen En indulged in her fantasy, humming a Lullaby. Yin Xia Mo smiled, but her thoughts drifted away faintly, replaced by a sudden sense of melancholy—it would probably be just as much fun discussing these things with Ou Chen, wouldn't it? As soon as this thought surfaced, she froze again.

When Yin Xia Mo returned home that evening, it was nine o’clock. Ou Chen had already simmered pork liver congee. Seeing her back, she began to stir-fry the dishes she had already washed and chopped while waiting for him. When he changed into his loungewear and walked out of the bedroom, the fragrant dishes were neatly arranged on the dining table—meat, vegetables, congee, and soup.

“I never thought you could learn to cook, and that your food would be this delicious.”

She tasted the pork liver congee; the fragrant, soft texture mixed with the unique flavor of the liver, sprinkled with a bit of chopped scallion—it was very good. The once noble and aloof Young Master Ou was now her husband, busy in the kitchen wearing an apron. Time seemed to have changed everything, and she felt slightly dazed.

“Eat more. The book says pregnant women should supplement with pork liver every month.”

Ou Chen watched her eat, and seeing her enjoy the food, the corners of his lips curved up slightly. Suddenly, the light in his eyes dimmed again. After a moment of hesitation, he said to her, “Many matters have piled up at the company during this period. I won’t be able to accompany you to the set anymore, and I might not be able to rush back to have dinner with you either.”

“…Oh.” Yin Xia Mo paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “It’s alright, I can take care of myself, don’t worry… You should eat more too. You went to the set today, then the company, and now you’re preparing dinner at home; you must be very tired.”

She gently picked up a piece of sweet and sour sparerib and placed it on the small dish in front of him.

Ou Chen ate the rib. She then placed a piece of tofu in front of him. Ou Chen ate the tofu, then picked up some shredded chicken for her. She ate the chicken, praising how delicious it was, and in turn, picked up a lot of chicken for him.

Like two children, they busied themselves passing food to each other, as if it were a fun game. Watching the other person eat, they looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

She laughed happily, her eyes bright, unaware of the hidden melancholy and loneliness in his smile.

Fearing that she would be alone at home without care after he went to the company, Ou Chen moved back to the Ou residence with her. After settling her in, Yin Xia Mo rarely saw Ou Chen.

Ou Chen left very early and returned very late every day. Every morning, she only found the breakfast he had prepared. Lunch and dinner were meticulously prepared meals by Butler Shen for her. If she was filming, Butler Shen would deliver the meals to her on time.

The servants also carefully attended to all her daily needs. The tiles in the bathroom had been replaced with non-slip ones and were scrubbed clean every day, lest she slip. Her slippers were also changed to non-slip soles, and thick, soft carpeting was newly laid on the corridors and stairs.

The filming of Painting Mirror was gradually drawing to a close.

Yin Xia Mo worked busily on set every day. Occasionally, during breaks between scenes, she would stare blankly, searching the surroundings for a familiar figure. At first, she didn't realize what she was looking for, until one day, a tall, aloof figure appeared in the crowd, and she suddenly stood up, joy surging from the bottom of her heart! Only after realizing it wasn't Ou Chen did a feeling of profound loss wash over her chest.

It felt like a long time since she had seen Ou Chen.

Sometimes, she would call him, but the man on the other end seemed distant, as if separated by vast space. Sometimes, she would wait up for him late into the night. Perhaps Butler Shen would tip him off, because whenever she hadn't fallen asleep past eleven, Ou Chen would call her, urging her to rest early for the baby’s sake.

In her sleep, she sometimes sensed Ou Chen. She would feel Ou Chen sitting gently by her bedside, lightly stroking her cheek and hair, softly pulling up her blanket, and then sitting by her bed for a long time afterward.

But pregnancy made her excessively sleepy, and each time she wanted to wake up from her dream to see if it was him, she could never fully wake up to look at him.

Zhen En accompanied her every day while filming.

“Wow, Xia Mo, pregnant women have so many taboos, it’s so interesting!” Since learning of her pregnancy, Zhen En had developed a keen interest in childcare knowledge. She bought many books and searched online for all sorts of sensible and nonsensical old wives' tales. “They say you shouldn’t hammer nails into walls during pregnancy, or sit down while cutting things…” Listening to Zhen En excitedly recite those strange customs, Yin Xia Mo was often amused.

“Ah, look at this, it’s so ridiculous! It says pregnant women shouldn’t eat grapes!”

“Why?”

“They say eating grapes will result in a placenta of grapes!”

“Nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo couldn’t help but rebuke her. The pages Zhen En held were full of strange, funny opinions downloaded from the internet.

“Pregnant women also shouldn’t eat lamb!” Zhen En exclaimed with wide, surprised eyes.

“Why?”

“Because eating lamb might cause the baby to develop epilepsy!”

“More nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Seeing her laugh happily, Zhen En quietly let out a sigh of relief, then clapped her hands excitedly. “These are all just jokes written online, but Xia Mo, you’re very smart, you didn't fall for any of it! Super great!” As she spoke, Zhen En looked down at her slightly protruding belly and said, “It’s starting to show a little, but thankfully the movie wraps up in a few days, and then you can rest quietly at home. Oh, and don't buy anything for the baby, I’ll cover everything! Who told me I’m the godmother? Haha, my lovely godson or goddaughter!” Zhen En indulged in her fantasy, humming a Lullaby. Yin Xia Mo smiled, but her thoughts drifted away faintly, replaced by a sudden sense of melancholy—it would probably be just as much fun discussing these things with Ou Chen, wouldn't it? This thought surfaced, and she froze again.

*That day, Yin Xia Mo returned home at nine in the evening. Ou Chen had already simmered pork liver congee. Upon seeing her return, she began stir-frying the dishes she had already washed and chopped while waiting for him. When he changed into his casual clothes and walked out of the bedroom, the fragrant dishes were neatly arranged on the dining table—meat, vegetables, congee, and soup.

“I never thought you could learn to cook, and that your food would be this delicious.”

She tasted the pork liver congee; the fragrant, soft texture mixed with the unique flavor of the liver, sprinkled with a bit of chopped scallion—it was very good. The once noble and aloof Young Master Ou was now her husband, busy in the kitchen wearing an apron. Time seemed to have changed everything, and she felt slightly dazed.

“Eat more. The book says pregnant women should supplement with pork liver every month.”

Ou Chen watched her eat, and seeing her enjoy the food, the corners of his lips curved up slightly. Suddenly, the light in his eyes dimmed again. After a moment of hesitation, he said to her, “Many matters have piled up at the company during this period. I won’t be able to accompany you to the set anymore, and I might not be able to rush back to have dinner with you either.”

“…Oh.” Yin Xia Mo paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “It’s alright, I can take care of myself, don’t worry… You should eat more too. You went to the set today, then the company, and now you’re preparing dinner at home; you must be very tired.”

She gently picked up a piece of sweet and sour sparerib and placed it on the small dish in front of him.

Ou Chen ate the rib. She then placed a piece of tofu in front of him. Ou Chen ate the tofu, then picked up some shredded chicken for her. She ate the chicken, praising how delicious it was, and in turn, picked up a lot of chicken for him.

Like two children, they busied themselves passing food to each other, as if it were a fun game. Watching the other person eat, they looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

She laughed happily, her eyes bright, unaware of the hidden melancholy and loneliness in his smile.

Fearing that she would be alone at home without care after he went to the company, Ou Chen moved back to the Ou residence with her. After settling her in, Yin Xia Mo rarely saw Ou Chen.

Ou Chen left very early and returned very late every day. Every morning, she only found the breakfast he had prepared. Lunch and dinner were meticulously prepared meals by Butler Shen for her. If she was filming, Butler Shen would deliver the meals to her on time.

The servants also carefully attended to all her daily needs. The tiles in the bathroom had been replaced with non-slip ones and were scrubbed clean every day, lest she slip. Her slippers were also changed to non-slip soles, and thick, soft carpeting was newly laid on the corridors and stairs.

The filming of Painting Mirror was gradually drawing to a close.

Yin Xia Mo worked busily on set every day. Occasionally, during breaks between scenes, she would stare blankly, searching the surroundings for a familiar figure. At first, she didn't realize what she was looking for, until one day, a tall, aloof figure appeared in the crowd, and she suddenly stood up, joy surging from the bottom of her heart! Only after realizing it wasn't Ou Chen did a feeling of profound loss wash over her chest.

It felt like a long time since she had seen Ou Chen.

Sometimes, she would call him, but the man on the other end seemed distant, as if separated by vast space. Sometimes, she would wait up for him late into the night. Perhaps Butler Shen would tip him off, because whenever she hadn't fallen asleep past eleven, Ou Chen would call her, urging her to rest early for the baby’s sake.

In her sleep, she sometimes sensed Ou Chen. She would feel Ou Chen sitting gently by her bedside, lightly stroking her cheek and hair, softly pulling up her blanket, and then sitting by her bed for a long time afterward.

But pregnancy made her excessively sleepy, and each time she wanted to wake up from her dream to see if it was him, she could never fully wake up to look at him.

Zhen En accompanied her every day while filming.

“Wow, Xia Mo, pregnant women have so many taboos, it’s so interesting!” Since learning of her pregnancy, Zhen En had developed a keen interest in childcare knowledge. She bought many books and searched online for all sorts of sensible and nonsensical old wives' tales. “They say you shouldn’t hammer nails into walls during pregnancy, or sit down while cutting things…” Listening to Zhen En excitedly recite those strange customs, Yin Xia Mo was often amused.

“Ah, look at this, it’s so ridiculous! It says pregnant women shouldn’t eat grapes!”

“Why?”

“They say eating grapes will result in a placenta of grapes!”

“Nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo couldn’t help but rebuke her. The pages Zhen En held were full of strange, funny opinions downloaded from the internet.

“Pregnant women also shouldn’t eat lamb!” Zhen En exclaimed with wide, surprised eyes.

“Why?”

“Because eating lamb might cause the baby to develop epilepsy!”

“More nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Seeing her laugh happily, Zhen En quietly let out a sigh of relief, then clapped her hands excitedly. “These are all just jokes written online, but Xia Mo, you’re very smart, you didn't fall for any of it! Super great!” As she spoke, Zhen En looked down at her slightly protruding belly and said, “It’s starting to show a little, but thankfully the movie wraps up in a few days, and then you can rest quietly at home. Oh, and don't buy anything for the baby, I’ll cover everything! Who told me I’m the godmother? Haha, my lovely godson or goddaughter!” Zhen En indulged in her fantasy, humming a Lullaby. Yin Xia Mo smiled, but her thoughts drifted away faintly, replaced by a sudden sense of melancholy—it would probably be just as much fun discussing these things with Ou Chen, wouldn't it? This thought surfaced, and she froze again.

The sunset was intoxicating, like rosy gauze, gently illuminating Luo Xi and Yin Xia Mo. They lingered by Yin Cheng’s tombstone for a long time. As the sun gradually sank, the two finally stood up and walked towards the car at the cemetery entrance.

“When the baby is born, remember to let me know. I’ll send a gift from New York.”

Luo Xi slowed his pace, walking beside her gently. He had recently been reading parenting books and knew pregnant women shouldn't walk too quickly.

“Are you going back to New York?” Yin Xia Mo looked up at him.

“I’ve enrolled in film directing courses at NYU. I plan to finish them.”

Luo Xi breathed in the clear, fresh air of the spring evening. “It feels wonderful to be back on campus; it’s as if the whole person has been purified.”

“You were always an outstanding student.”

“But back then, you didn’t take notice of me, the gifted student, at all. You fiercely told me, ‘Luo Xi, I’m going to kick you out!’” He smiled just like the boy from many years ago, beneath the blooming cherry tree, with a captivating mist in his eyes.

“That’s right.”

She also laughed softly, vaguely recalling that night of drinking beer, her eyes slightly hazy with intoxication, raising her beer can to welcome him into the home for the first time. Unconsciously, so much time had passed.

She had once guarded against him like an enemy; she had once been held tightly in his embrace; she had once pledged eternal commitment to him; she had once been saddened by his misunderstanding and departure. But now, the past drifted away like the wind, and she and he were as natural as old friends.

“Are you happy living in New York?” She gazed at Luo Xi’s profile in the sunset. “If you’re not used to it there, you can come back.”

“Actually, it’s the same everywhere.”

Luo Xi turned back to meet her gaze. He smiled like the light evening breeze and said, “My heart used to be filled with a sense of incompleteness. I was always afraid that loss would lead to a destructive hell. That intense insecurity made me fragile and dangerous, so I hurt you many times. Now I understand that loving someone only requires keeping them in your heart. Feelings kept deep inside can never be taken away, and there is no need to fear loss. So my heart is full; wherever I am, I am peaceful and serene. Thank you, Xia Mo, thank you for giving me a tranquil heart.”

“……” The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the earth in a tender, intoxicating hue.

The wind blew quietly past the tombstones.

His and her figures walked farther and farther away, eventually disappearing at the end of the road.

*That day, Yin Xia Mo returned home at nine in the evening. Ou Chen had already simmered pork liver congee. Upon seeing her return, she began stir-frying the dishes she had already washed and chopped while waiting for him. When he changed into his casual clothes and walked out of the bedroom, the fragrant dishes were neatly arranged on the dining table—meat, vegetables, congee, and soup.

“I never thought you could learn to cook, and that your food would be this delicious.”

She tasted the pork liver congee; the fragrant, soft texture mixed with the unique flavor of the liver, sprinkled with a bit of chopped scallion—it was very good. The once noble and aloof Young Master Ou was now her husband, busy in the kitchen wearing an apron. Time seemed to have changed everything, and she felt slightly dazed.

“Eat more. The book says pregnant women should supplement with pork liver every month.”

Ou Chen watched her eat, and seeing her enjoy the food, the corners of his lips curved up slightly. Suddenly, the light in his eyes dimmed again. After a moment of hesitation, he said to her, “Many matters have piled up at the company during this period. I won’t be able to accompany you to the set anymore, and I might not be able to rush back to have dinner with you either.”

“…Oh.” Yin Xia Mo paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “It’s alright, I can take care of myself, don’t worry… You should eat more too. You went to the set today, then the company, and now you’re preparing dinner at home; you must be very tired.”

She gently picked up a piece of sweet and sour sparerib and placed it on the small dish in front of him.

Ou Chen ate the rib. She then placed a piece of tofu in front of him. Ou Chen ate the tofu, then picked up some shredded chicken for her. She ate the chicken, praising how delicious it was, and in turn, picked up a lot of chicken for him.

Like two children, they busied themselves passing food to each other, as if it were a fun game. Watching the other person eat, they looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

She laughed happily, her eyes bright, unaware of the hidden melancholy and loneliness in his smile.

Fearing that she would be alone at home without care after he went to the company, Ou Chen moved back to the Ou residence with her. After settling her in, Yin Xia Mo rarely saw Ou Chen.

Ou Chen left very early and returned very late every day. Every morning, she only found the breakfast he had prepared. Lunch and dinner were meticulously prepared meals by Butler Shen for her. If she was filming, Butler Shen would deliver the meals to her on time.

The servants also carefully attended to all her daily needs. The tiles in the bathroom had been replaced with non-slip ones and were scrubbed clean every day, lest she slip. Her slippers were also changed to non-slip soles, and thick, soft carpeting was newly laid on the corridors and stairs.

The filming of Painting Mirror was gradually drawing to a close.

Yin Xia Mo worked busily on set every day. Occasionally, during breaks between scenes, she would stare blankly, searching the surroundings for a familiar figure. At first, she didn't realize what she was looking for, until one day, a tall, aloof figure appeared in the crowd, and she suddenly stood up, joy surging from the bottom of her heart! Only after realizing it wasn't Ou Chen did a feeling of profound loss wash over her chest.

It felt like a long time since she had seen Ou Chen.

Sometimes, she would call him, but the man on the other end seemed distant, as if separated by vast space. Sometimes, she would wait up for him late into the night. Perhaps Butler Shen would tip him off, because whenever she hadn't fallen asleep past eleven, Ou Chen would call her, urging her to rest early for the baby’s sake.

In her sleep, she sometimes sensed Ou Chen. She would feel Ou Chen sitting gently by her bedside, lightly stroking her cheek and hair, softly pulling up her blanket, and then sitting by her bed for a long time afterward.

But pregnancy made her excessively sleepy, and each time she wanted to wake up from her dream to see if it was him, she could never fully wake up to look at him.

Zhen En accompanied her every day while filming.

“Wow, Xia Mo, pregnant women have so many taboos, it’s so interesting!” Since learning of her pregnancy, Zhen En had developed a keen interest in childcare knowledge. She bought many books and searched online for all sorts of sensible and nonsensical old wives' tales. “They say you shouldn’t hammer nails into walls during pregnancy, or sit down while cutting things…” Listening to Zhen En excitedly recite those strange customs, Yin Xia Mo was often amused.

“Ah, look at this, it’s so ridiculous! It says pregnant women shouldn’t eat grapes!”

“Why?”

“They say eating grapes will result in a placenta of grapes!”

“Nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo couldn’t help but rebuke her. The pages Zhen En held were full of strange, funny opinions downloaded from the internet.

“Pregnant women also shouldn’t eat lamb!” Zhen En exclaimed with wide, surprised eyes.

“Why?”

“Because eating lamb might cause the baby to develop epilepsy!”

“More nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Seeing her laugh happily, Zhen En quietly let out a sigh of relief, then clapped her hands excitedly. “These are all just jokes written online, but Xia Mo, you’re very smart, you didn't fall for any of it! Super great!” As she spoke, Zhen En looked down at her slightly protruding belly and said, “It’s starting to show a little, but thankfully the movie wraps up in a few days, and then you can rest quietly at home. Oh, and don't buy anything for the baby, I’ll cover everything! Who told me I’m the godmother? Haha, my lovely godson or goddaughter!” Zhen En indulged in her fantasy, humming a Lullaby. Yin Xia Mo smiled, but her thoughts drifted away faintly, replaced by a sudden sense of melancholy—it would probably be just as much fun discussing these things with Ou Chen, wouldn't it? This thought surfaced, and she froze again.

The sunset was intoxicating, like rosy gauze, gently illuminating Luo Xi and Yin Xia Mo. They lingered by Yin Cheng’s tombstone for a long time. As the sun gradually sank, the two finally stood up and walked towards the car at the cemetery entrance.

“When the baby is born, remember to let me know. I’ll send a gift from New York.”

Luo Xi slowed his pace, walking beside her gently. He had recently been reading parenting books and knew pregnant women shouldn't walk too quickly.

“Are you going back to New York?” Yin Xia Mo looked up at him.

“I’ve enrolled in film directing courses at NYU. I plan to finish them.”

Luo Xi breathed in the clear, fresh air of the spring evening. “It feels wonderful to be back on campus; it’s as if the whole person has been purified.”

“You were always an outstanding student.”

“But back then, you didn’t take notice of me, the gifted student, at all. You fiercely told me, ‘Luo Xi, I’m going to kick you out!’” He smiled just like the boy from many years ago, beneath the blooming cherry tree, with a captivating mist in his eyes.

“That’s right.”

She also laughed softly, vaguely recalling that night of drinking beer, her eyes slightly hazy with intoxication, raising her beer can to welcome him into the home for the first time. Unconsciously, so much time had passed.

She had once guarded against him like an enemy; she had once been held tightly in his embrace; she had once pledged eternal commitment to him; she had once been saddened by his misunderstanding and departure. But now, the past drifted away like the wind, and she and he were as natural as old friends.

“Are you happy living in New York?” She gazed at Luo Xi’s profile in the sunset. “If you’re not used to it there, you can come back.”

“Actually, it’s the same everywhere.”

Luo Xi turned back to meet her gaze. He smiled like the light evening breeze and said, “My heart used to be filled with a sense of incompleteness. I was always afraid that loss would lead to a destructive hell. That intense insecurity made me fragile and dangerous, so I hurt you many times. Now I understand that loving someone only requires keeping them in your heart. Feelings kept deep inside can never be taken away, and there is no need to fear loss. So my heart is full; wherever I am, I am peaceful and serene. Thank you, Xia Mo, thank you for giving me a tranquil heart.”

“……” The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the earth in a tender, intoxicating hue.

The wind blew quietly past the tombstones.

His and her figures walked farther and farther away, eventually disappearing at the end of the road.

*That day, Yin Xia Mo returned home at nine in the evening. Ou Chen had already simmered pork liver congee. Upon seeing her return, she began stir-frying the dishes she had already washed and chopped while waiting for him. When he changed into his casual clothes and walked out of the bedroom, the fragrant dishes were neatly arranged on the dining table—meat, vegetables, congee, and soup.

“I never thought you could learn to cook, and that your food would be this delicious.”

She tasted the pork liver congee; the fragrant, soft texture mixed with the unique flavor of the liver, sprinkled with a bit of chopped scallion—it was very good. The once noble and aloof Young Master Ou was now her husband, busy in the kitchen wearing an apron. Time seemed to have changed everything, and she felt slightly dazed.

“Eat more. The book says pregnant women should supplement with pork liver every month.”

Ou Chen watched her eat, and seeing her enjoy the food, the corners of his lips curved up slightly. Suddenly, the light in his eyes dimmed again. After a moment of hesitation, he said to her, “Many matters have piled up at the company during this period. I won’t be able to accompany you to the set anymore, and I might not be able to rush back to have dinner with you either.”

“…Oh.” Yin Xia Mo paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “It’s alright, I can take care of myself, don’t worry… You should eat more too. You went to the set today, then the company, and now you’re preparing dinner at home; you must be very tired.”

She gently picked up a piece of sweet and sour sparerib and placed it on the small dish in front of him.

Ou Chen ate the rib. She then placed a piece of tofu in front of him. Ou Chen ate the tofu, then picked up some shredded chicken for her. She ate the chicken, praising how delicious it was, and in turn, picked up a lot of chicken for him.

Like two children, they busied themselves passing food to each other, as if it were a fun game. Watching the other person eat, they looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

She laughed happily, her eyes bright, unaware of the hidden melancholy and loneliness in his smile.

Fearing that she would be alone at home without care after he went to the company, Ou Chen moved back to the Ou residence with her. After settling her in, Yin Xia Mo rarely saw Ou Chen.

Ou Chen left very early and returned very late every day. Every morning, she only found the breakfast he had prepared. Lunch and dinner were meticulously prepared meals by Butler Shen for her. If she was filming, Butler Shen would deliver the meals to her on time.

The servants also carefully attended to all her daily needs. The tiles in the bathroom had been replaced with non-slip ones and were scrubbed clean every day, lest she slip. Her slippers were also changed to non-slip soles, and thick, soft carpeting was newly laid on the corridors and stairs.

The filming of Painting Mirror was gradually drawing to a close.

Yin Xia Mo worked busily on set every day. Occasionally, during breaks between scenes, she would stare blankly, searching the surroundings for a familiar figure. At first, she didn't realize what she was looking for, until one day, a tall, aloof figure appeared in the crowd, and she suddenly stood up, joy surging from the bottom of her heart! Only after realizing it wasn't Ou Chen did a feeling of profound loss wash over her chest.

It felt like a long time since she had seen Ou Chen.

Sometimes, she would call him, but the man on the other end seemed distant, as if separated by vast space. Sometimes, she would wait up for him late into the night. Perhaps Butler Shen would tip him off, because whenever she hadn't fallen asleep past eleven, Ou Chen would call her, urging her to rest early for the baby’s sake.

In her sleep, she sometimes sensed Ou Chen. She would feel Ou Chen sitting gently by her bedside, lightly stroking her cheek and hair, softly pulling up her blanket, and then sitting by her bed for a long time afterward.

But pregnancy made her excessively sleepy, and each time she wanted to wake up from her dream to see if it was him, she could never fully wake up to look at him.

Zhen En accompanied her every day while filming.

“Wow, Xia Mo, pregnant women have so many taboos, it’s so interesting!” Since learning of her pregnancy, Zhen En had developed a keen interest in childcare knowledge. She bought many books and searched online for all sorts of sensible and nonsensical old wives' tales. “They say you shouldn’t hammer nails into walls during pregnancy, or sit down while cutting things…” Listening to Zhen En excitedly recite those strange customs, Yin Xia Mo was often amused.

“Ah, look at this, it’s so ridiculous! It says pregnant women shouldn’t eat grapes!”

“Why?”

“They say eating grapes will result in a placenta of grapes!”

“Nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo couldn’t help but rebuke her. The pages Zhen En held were full of strange, funny opinions downloaded from the internet.

“Pregnant women also shouldn’t eat lamb!” Zhen En exclaimed with wide, surprised eyes.

“Why?”

“Because eating lamb might cause the baby to develop epilepsy!”

“More nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Seeing her laugh happily, Zhen En quietly let out a sigh of relief, then clapped her hands excitedly. “These are all just jokes written online, but Xia Mo, you’re very smart, you didn't fall for any of it! Super great!” As she spoke, Zhen En looked down at her slightly protruding belly and said, “It’s starting to show a little, but thankfully the movie wraps up in a few days, and then you can rest quietly at home. Oh, and don't buy anything for the baby, I’ll cover everything! Who told me I’m the godmother? Haha, my lovely godson or goddaughter!” Zhen En indulged in her fantasy, humming a Lullaby. Yin Xia Mo smiled, but her thoughts drifted away faintly, replaced by a sudden sense of melancholy—it would probably be just as much fun discussing these things with Ou Chen, wouldn't it? This thought surfaced, and she froze again.

The sunset was intoxicating, like rosy gauze, gently illuminating Luo Xi and Yin Xia Mo. They lingered by Yin Cheng’s tombstone for a long time. As the sun gradually sank, the two finally stood up and walked towards the car at the cemetery entrance.

“When the baby is born, remember to let me know. I’ll send a gift from New York.”

Luo Xi slowed his pace, walking beside her gently. He had recently been reading parenting books and knew pregnant women shouldn't walk too quickly.

“Are you going back to New York?” Yin Xia Mo looked up at him.

“I’ve enrolled in film directing courses at NYU. I plan to finish them.”

Luo Xi breathed in the clear, fresh air of the spring evening. “It feels wonderful to be back on campus; it’s as if the whole person has been purified.”

“You were always an outstanding student.”

“But back then, you didn’t take notice of me, the gifted student, at all. You fiercely told me, ‘Luo Xi, I’m going to kick you out!’” He smiled just like the boy from many years ago, beneath the blooming cherry tree, with a captivating mist in his eyes.

“That’s right.”

She also laughed softly, vaguely recalling that night of drinking beer, her eyes slightly hazy with intoxication, raising her beer can to welcome him into the home for the first time. Unconsciously, so much time had passed.

She had once guarded against him like an enemy; she had once been held tightly in his embrace; she had once pledged eternal commitment to him; she had once been saddened by his misunderstanding and departure. But now, the past drifted away like the wind, and she and he were as natural as old friends.

“Are you happy living in New York?” She gazed at Luo Xi’s profile in the sunset. “If you’re not used to it there, you can come back.”

“Actually, it’s the same everywhere.”

Luo Xi turned back to meet her gaze. He smiled like the light evening breeze and said, “My heart used to be filled with a sense of incompleteness. I was always afraid that loss would lead to a destructive hell. That intense insecurity made me fragile and dangerous, so I hurt you many times. Now I understand that loving someone only requires keeping them in your heart. Feelings kept deep inside can never be taken away, and there is no need to fear loss. So my heart is full; wherever I am, I am peaceful and serene. Thank you, Xia Mo, thank you for giving me a tranquil heart.”

“……” The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the earth in a tender, intoxicating hue.

The wind blew quietly past the tombstones.

His and her figures walked farther and farther away, eventually disappearing at the end of the road.

*That day, Yin Xia Mo returned home at nine in the evening. Ou Chen had already simmered pork liver congee. Upon seeing her return, she began stir-frying the dishes she had already washed and chopped while waiting for him. When he changed into his casual clothes and walked out of the bedroom, the fragrant dishes were neatly arranged on the dining table—meat, vegetables, congee, and soup.

“I never thought you could learn to cook, and that your food would be this delicious.”

She tasted the pork liver congee; the fragrant, soft texture mixed with the unique flavor of the liver, sprinkled with a bit of chopped scallion—it was very good. The once noble and aloof Young Master Ou was now her husband, busy in the kitchen wearing an apron. Time seemed to have changed everything, and she felt slightly dazed.

“Eat more. The book says pregnant women should supplement with pork liver every month.”

Ou Chen watched her eat, and seeing her enjoy the food, the corners of his lips curved up slightly. Suddenly, the light in his eyes dimmed again. After a moment of hesitation, he said to her, “Many matters have piled up at the company during this period. I won’t be able to accompany you to the set anymore, and I might not be able to rush back to have dinner with you either.”

“…Oh.” Yin Xia Mo paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “It’s alright, I can take care of myself, don’t worry… You should eat more too. You went to the set today, then the company, and now you’re preparing dinner at home; you must be very tired.”

She gently picked up a piece of sweet and sour sparerib and placed it on the small dish in front of him.

Ou Chen ate the rib. She then placed a piece of tofu in front of him. Ou Chen ate the tofu, then picked up some shredded chicken for her. She ate the chicken, praising how delicious it was, and in turn, picked up a lot of chicken for him.

Like two children, they busied themselves passing food to each other, as if it were a fun game. Watching the other person eat, they looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

She laughed happily, her eyes bright, unaware of the hidden melancholy and loneliness in his smile.

Fearing that she would be alone at home without care after he went to the company, Ou Chen moved back to the Ou residence with her. After settling her in, Yin Xia Mo rarely saw Ou Chen.

Ou Chen left very early and returned very late every day. Every morning, she only found the breakfast he had prepared. Lunch and dinner were meticulously prepared meals by Butler Shen for her. If she was filming, Butler Shen would deliver the meals to her on time.

The servants also carefully attended to all her daily needs. The tiles in the bathroom had been replaced with non-slip ones and were scrubbed clean every day, lest she slip. Her slippers were also changed to non-slip soles, and thick, soft carpeting was newly laid on the corridors and stairs.

The filming of Painting Mirror was gradually drawing to a close.

Yin Xia Mo worked busily on set every day. Occasionally, during breaks between scenes, she would stare blankly, searching the surroundings for a familiar figure. At first, she didn't realize what she was looking for, until one day, a tall, aloof figure appeared in the crowd, and she suddenly stood up, joy surging from the bottom of her heart! Only after realizing it wasn't Ou Chen did a feeling of profound loss wash over her chest.

It felt like a long time since she had seen Ou Chen.

Sometimes, she would call him, but the man on the other end seemed distant, as if separated by vast space. Sometimes, she would wait up for him late into the night. Perhaps Butler Shen would tip him off, because whenever she hadn't fallen asleep past eleven, Ou Chen would call her, urging her to rest early for the baby’s sake.

In her sleep, she sometimes sensed Ou Chen. She would feel Ou Chen sitting gently by her bedside, lightly stroking her cheek and hair, softly pulling up her blanket, and then sitting by her bed for a long time afterward.

But pregnancy made her excessively sleepy, and each time she wanted to wake up from her dream to see if it was him, she could never fully wake up to look at him.

Zhen En accompanied her every day while filming.

“Wow, Xia Mo, pregnant women have so many taboos, it’s so interesting!” Since learning of her pregnancy, Zhen En had developed a keen interest in childcare knowledge. She bought many books and searched online for all sorts of sensible and nonsensical old wives' tales. “They say you shouldn’t hammer nails into walls during pregnancy, or sit down while cutting things…” Listening to Zhen En excitedly recite those strange customs, Yin Xia Mo was often amused.

“Ah, look at this, it’s so ridiculous! It says pregnant women shouldn’t eat grapes!”

“Why?”

“They say eating grapes will result in a placenta of grapes!”

“Nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo couldn’t help but rebuke her. The pages Zhen En held were full of strange, funny opinions downloaded from the internet.

“Pregnant women also shouldn’t eat lamb!” Zhen En exclaimed with wide, surprised eyes.

“Why?”

“Because eating lamb might cause the baby to develop epilepsy!”

“More nonsense!” Yin Xia Mo was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Seeing her laugh happily, Zhen En quietly let out a sigh of relief, then clapped her hands excitedly. “These are all just jokes written online, but Xia Mo, you’re very smart, you didn't fall for any of it! Super great!” As she spoke, Zhen En looked down at her slightly protruding belly and said, “It’s starting to show a little, but thankfully the movie wraps up in a few days, and then you can rest quietly at home. Oh, and don't buy anything for the baby, I’ll cover everything! Who told me I’m the godmother? Haha, my lovely godson or goddaughter!” Zhen En indulged in her fantasy, humming a Lullaby. Yin Xia Mo smiled, but her thoughts drifted away faintly, replaced by a sudden sense of melancholy—it would probably be just as much fun discussing these things with Ou Chen, wouldn't it? This thought surfaced, and she froze again.

Bubble Summer III