UD: C35

Chapter: 35 | Stock funds, real estate and antiques... what the heck is all this!

• Previous
• Next
• ToC

Stock funds, real estate and antiques... what the heck is all this!

---

This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{"Does he have kids?" I went on to ask her.}
[T/N: The following chapter contains mention of some sensitive subject matter so reader discretion is advised.]

"Does he have kids?" I went on to ask her.

_{{Is this the reason for the way he looked the past couple days? But... can't this all be considered divine retribution? Sure enough, good and evil will be rewarded, and the way of heaven is good. If you don't believe it, just look up and see who heaven spared.^[1]}}She then said: "When there's time, I'll introduce you guys to him. But when it comes to matters surrounding him, I honestly don't know that much since my brother is very protective of him. I knew about your secret identity too, but I never thought I'd meet a man like him after all these years. The odds of this was so amazing I couldn't help but speak out."

Is this the reason for the way he looked the past couple days? But... can't this all be considered divine retribution? Sure enough, good and evil will be rewarded, and the way of heaven is good. If you don't believe it, just look up and see who heaven spared.^[1]

_{I was shocked. Something definitely happened here, so I quickly queried further: "Huh? What happened?"}
When July arrived, it was time for Li You's summer vacation. So Xiao Huaisu has specially set aside some time to take Li You and I to France to his family home to meet his relatives and friends, as well as for us to get our marriage certificate. With regard to our wedding ceremony, after we talked it over, I decided to not have one. Seeing how insistent I was on this matter, Xiao Huaisu didn't force and simply obliged. Also we decided that when we have the time, we'll just go on a honeymoon.

I was shocked. Something definitely happened here, so I quickly queried further: "Huh? What happened?"

_{Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."}Even if I wasn't used to it, it's not like I could tell something like that to an elder, so of course I was accustomed to it.

Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."

_{Xiao Renzong from beside Lian Youyi then said: "Wasn't the kitchen told to prepare some snacks? Let's serve those first."}Xiao Huaisu chuckled behind me, his shaking chest forcing me to turn around with dissatisfaction. Rubbing my wet hair, he then added: "It was the first time I saw my Aunt Youyi smile so... so happily in such a long time. It's rare for her to be as happy as she was today."

Xiao Renzong from beside Lian Youyi then said: "Wasn't the kitchen told to prepare some snacks? Let's serve those first."

_{Is this the reason for the way he looked the past couple days? But... can't this all be considered divine retribution? Sure enough, good and evil will be rewarded, and the way of heaven is good. If you don't believe it, just look up and see who heaven spared.^[1]}
I truly did not feel a wedding ceremony was necessary, also... I wasn't to keen on the idea of a noisy crowd surrounding me on such a day. Simply living a low-key life was the best. So after Xiao Huaisu agreed against it as well, I immediately let out a sigh of relief.

Is this the reason for the way he looked the past couple days? But... can't this all be considered divine retribution? Sure enough, good and evil will be rewarded, and the way of heaven is good. If you don't believe it, just look up and see who heaven spared.^[1]

_{{Wow... With all these twists and turns... this situation was really like some kind of soap opera, right? Did Zhang Dong get played in the end?}}Even if I wasn't used to it, it's not like I could tell something like that to an elder, so of course I was accustomed to it.

Wow... With all these twists and turns... this situation was really like some kind of soap opera, right? Did Zhang Dong get played in the end?

_{While lying in the bathtub, right when I was so comfortable and relaxed sleep almost overtook me, Xiao Huaisu spoke up from behind me, saying: "Your form while drinking that soup today was pretty good."}
Looking at this state of mine, he didn't know if to laugh or cry as he asked: "Is it really that bad?"

While lying in the bathtub, right when I was so comfortable and relaxed sleep almost overtook me, Xiao Huaisu spoke up from behind me, saying: "Your form while drinking that soup today was pretty good."

_{{This guy knows me too gosh darn well.}}Even if I wasn't used to it, it's not like I could tell something like that to an elder, so of course I was accustomed to it.

This guy knows me too gosh darn well.

_{{So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?}}Lian Youyi thought I had an interesting personality, so the day after the family dinner, she had invited us over to her home. The three of us arrived there as promised, and Xiao Renzong called Xiao Huaisu to his study, and he also carried along Li You.

So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?

_{She had a lot of fun on the stroll, running under the sun. Even if you put sunscreen on Li You, she would still be as dark as before, but now it'd be a much brighter and healthier hue than before.}
When I thought about the huge crowd of people we don't know very well watching us as if it was some kind of huge show, Xiao Huaisu, Li You and I would all just feel uncomfortable. Apart from the people who genuinely wish to give us their blessings, all the rest can just gather together to play on their own. Wedding ceremonies really aren't a necessity. Although... it is a pity to lose a chance to make some money back on the day. But if you don't have one to begin with, you can just save the money instead!

She had a lot of fun on the stroll, running under the sun. Even if you put sunscreen on Li You, she would still be as dark as before, but now it'd be a much brighter and healthier hue than before.

_{After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.}Xiao Huaisu then came over, sitting beside me, picking up a cubed piece of watermelon to hand to her as her asked, "Isn't it time for lunch?"

After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.

_{T/N: The following chapter contains mention of some sensitive subject matter so reader discretion is advised.}Maybe regardless of how old kids get, in the eyes of their parents, they will always be someone in need of their care.

T/N: The following chapter contains mention of some sensitive subject matter so reader discretion is advised.

_{It was a good thing my face has always been extra thick, so I very naturally lifted my bowl and down it all in one gulp, pretending as if I knew nothing and nothing went awry. I still calmly finished my dinner without missing a beat. But on the inside, however, I had a teeny bit of an actual breakdown, so it was just a case of my acting skills being too good.}
"Is there any reason to let a group of strangers take part in our most special day?"

It was a good thing my face has always been extra thick, so I very naturally lifted my bowl and down it all in one gulp, pretending as if I knew nothing and nothing went awry. I still calmly finished my dinner without missing a beat. But on the inside, however, I had a teeny bit of an actual breakdown, so it was just a case of my acting skills being too good.

_{{When all the rest of Xiao Huaisu's relatives thought Li You was his kid with another person, and was then given to my parents and I to raise, why does Lian Youyi seem so sure Li You was birthed by me?}}After the summer holidays are over, Li You will begin primary school. Though I have to say, being primary school students these days is really something else. Their school bags are so heavy with stuff that I usually see students lugging around bag packs that morph into little rolling suitcases. So while we're here in France, I'm especially planning to take that little girl of mine with me to have a lot of fun. After all, once she starts school, she won't be a kindergartener any longer.

When all the rest of Xiao Huaisu's relatives thought Li You was his kid with another person, and was then given to my parents and I to raise, why does Lian Youyi seem so sure Li You was birthed by me?

_{When I think about Li You also bringing back a dopey-looking deer for me to meet in the next twenty years or so, my chest got all tight and my sympathies went out to Xiao Renzong. But, for Li You and Xiao Huaisu's sakes, I did my best to not excessively dole out flatteries, so as to avoid him looking down on me even more.}Even if I wasn't used to it, it's not like I could tell something like that to an elder, so of course I was accustomed to it.

When I think about Li You also bringing back a dopey-looking deer for me to meet in the next twenty years or so, my chest got all tight and my sympathies went out to Xiao Renzong. But, for Li You and Xiao Huaisu's sakes, I did my best to not excessively dole out flatteries, so as to avoid him looking down on me even more.

_{So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?}
"Hm. Just do whatever you want then, I'll take responsibility."

So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?

_{{This guy knows me too gosh darn well.}}That night while we were preparing to return home, Lee Moli gave me a bank card and said: "Their relatives over there are different than ours, so when you're there please be a bit more mindful, alright? You have decided to spend your lives with one another, so don't let your temper run wild. Do your best to endure, you'll be coming back here at the end of the day, so you won't need to see them all the time and forced to get along with them. If they're easy to get along with, count yourself as lucky. But if they aren't, you need to endure. If they touch your sensitive spot, don't feel ashamed either. I promise you, it's not to make you angry."

This guy knows me too gosh darn well.

_{On the second day after we arrived in France, Xiao Huaisu and I applied for the relevant marriage certificates. Once I saw that the little red book (Chinese marriage certificate) was not the same as the French marriage certificate, I felt as though me now being a married man was still a bit unreal.}
"Heehee—"

On the second day after we arrived in France, Xiao Huaisu and I applied for the relevant marriage certificates. Once I saw that the little red book (Chinese marriage certificate) was not the same as the French marriage certificate, I felt as though me now being a married man was still a bit unreal. But once I looked at the name on the top of it, I couldn't help but feel moved, as I was from on no longer a single man again. This... this was a bit of a loss. A loss I used to scrounge out a stacked meal along with a fat red envelope from Xiao Huaisu. I used the red envelope money to take Li You shopping for some clothes, I even bought her five skirts—single pieces ones at that—alone! I also didn't feel bad about spending the money I got for free.

_{"Hm. Just do whatever you want then, I'll take responsibility."}I stared at her blankly.

"Hm. Just do whatever you want then, I'll take responsibility."

_{After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.}Xiao Renzong from beside Lian Youyi then said: "Wasn't the kitchen told to prepare some snacks? Let's serve those first."

After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.

_{This is really unexpected, unexpected indeed.}
After the summer holidays are over, Li You will begin primary school. Though I have to say, being primary school students these days is really something else. Their school bags are so heavy with stuff that I usually see students lugging around bag packs that morph into little rolling suitcases. So while we're here in France, I'm especially planning to take that little girl of mine with me to have a lot of fun. After all, once she starts school, she won't be a kindergartener any longer.

This is really unexpected, unexpected indeed.

_{She then sighed, saying: "Youyou's a really such sensible child, she just tugs at one's heartstrings."}Anyway, after knowing that girl didn't take the plunge into the fiery pit and had turned away elegantly instead, that hard to describe unease I felt in my heart earlier was finally able to be put to rest.

She then sighed, saying: "Youyou's a really such sensible child, she just tugs at one's heartstrings."

_{In response, I chose to option to act all dumb before giving my reply: "What are you talking about? I do not comprehend. Just hurry up and take me to the bath."}
Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like. I took a look at the thing and thought, woah—this has been made a good while ago, huh? It's so long... When I took the list from her, I suddenly remembered Zhang Dong and asked without much thought: "Oh, in a little while, don't you have to send Aunty Huo a gift too?"

In response, I chose to option to act all dumb before giving my reply: "What are you talking about? I do not comprehend. Just hurry up and take me to the bath."

_{This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"}This place had so many rules! They had so many people all eating together, yet no one made a sound. So thinking back to when my soup spoon fell into the bowl, gaining everyone's stares, I really... really just wanted to find a hole to crawl into and die!

This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"

_{Seeing my appearance, she consoled me by saying: "You don't need to be nervous, I know the reason."}
Lee Moli gave a look and asked: "Send her gift for what?" Her expression was somewhat unnatural.

Seeing my appearance, she consoled me by saying: "You don't need to be nervous, I know the reason."

_{Lee Moli replied indifferently, saying: "Give birth? What birth? There's no longer any child."}Xiao Huaisu's Little Aunt then chuckled happily as she helped the elderly woman pull out the red envelope in her pocket to hand to us, then to her mother said: "Mom, these two are already fine. So there's no need for you to worry about them not getting along."

Lee Moli replied indifferently, saying: "Give birth? What birth? There's no longer any child."

_{"Really? That's really impressive."}
This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"

"Really? That's really impressive."

_{The offer was tempting, way too tempting, but I was worried he might be up to some funny business so I hesitated for a while. During my pause, he caressed my face and added: "It's only a bath I want to give you, so you can be lazy for a bit. What else are you thinking about, hm?"}
Lee Moli replied indifferently, saying: "Give birth? What birth? There's no longer any child."

The offer was tempting, way too tempting, but I was worried he might be up to some funny business so I hesitated for a while. During my pause, he caressed my face and added: "It's only a bath I want to give you, so you can be lazy for a bit. What else are you thinking about, hm?"

_{When I thought about the huge crowd of people we don't know very well watching us as if it was some kind of huge show, Xiao Huaisu, Li You and I would all just feel uncomfortable. Apart from the people who genuinely wish to give us their blessings, all the rest can just gather together to play on their own.}When Xiao Huaisu came in he took off his jacket and simply tossed it on the couch. Then while unbuttoning his shirt, he made his way towards me, sitting on the edge of the bed as he finished undoing his shirt. Now reaching to rub my forehead, he asked: "Have no strength left?"

When I thought about the huge crowd of people we don't know very well watching us as if it was some kind of huge show, Xiao Huaisu, Li You and I would all just feel uncomfortable. Apart from the people who genuinely wish to give us their blessings, all the rest can just gather together to play on their own. Wedding ceremonies really aren't a necessity. Although... it is a pity to lose a chance to make some money back on the day. But if you don't have one to begin with, you can just save the money instead!

_{{When all the rest of Xiao Huaisu's relatives thought Li You was his kid with another person, and was then given to my parents and I to raise, why does Lian Youyi seem so sure Li You was birthed by me?}}^1. 善恶终有报，天道好轮回。不信抬头看，苍天饶过谁: My translation of this is a bit janky, but it just means heaven doesn't forget, and all good deeds and bad are recorded and the bad won't be spared nor will the good not rewarded. []^2. 傻狍子: sao paozi:lit. stupid/silly/dumb roe deer. This cute deer has a white heart shaped butt and the name is due to the animal being too curious/stupid for their own good which gets a one way trip to deer heaven. They're not actually dumb though, they just return to areas a bit too soon after fleeing from danger. So silly looking folks get called this.[]^3. 双皮奶: double skin milk (literal name) is a type of Cantonese custard made from milk, sugar and egg whites where the milk is boiled and cooled to form a skin on top and egg whites are added for curdling to occur. Pic here[]^4. 爱屋及乌: love the house, love the crow: basically means to love the things of the person you love despite your personal feelings. There is an English equivalent, "Love me, love my dog"; but for some reason calling my boy a dog in this context didn't feel right.[]iana: yeah... a lot happened this chapter...

When all the rest of Xiao Huaisu's relatives thought Li You was his kid with another person, and was then given to my parents and I to raise, why does Lian Youyi seem so sure Li You was birthed by me?

_{Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."}
I was shocked. Something definitely happened here, so I quickly queried further: "Huh? What happened?"

Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."

_{After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.}I couldn't help but let out a breath. I was a little curious about her brother's partner, but I didn't ask her much.

After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.

_{{So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?}}Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."

So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?

_{To myself, when I thought about that girl, I really thought she had a lot of guts. Kid aborted, man tossed, and she even managed strike a blow directly in Aunty Huo's family's face. But what I don't know is how long it'd take for the physical and emotional wounds she got because of Zhang Dong would take to heal.}
Lee Moli now wore a complicated expression as she looked at me, explaining: "That girl already went back to her parents house and broke off ties with Zhang Dong."

To myself, when I thought about that girl, I really thought she had a lot of guts. Kid aborted, man tossed, and she even managed strike a blow directly in Aunty Huo's family's face. But what I don't know is how long it'd take for the physical and emotional wounds she got because of Zhang Dong would take to heal.

_{She smiled as she kept chatting with me, an elder as gentle as a wind. Those kind few words of hers made that bit of unease I was feeling immediately vanish in an instant without a trace. She enjoyed hearing me talk about Li You, and I honestly couldn't stop telling her more about it.}"But why is that you know all the details so clearly, though? With something like this, no matter how much you and Aunty Huo hang out together, she would never just willingly tell you all this outright, right?" I was genuinely surprised.

She smiled as she kept chatting with me, an elder as gentle as a wind. Those kind few words of hers made that bit of unease I was feeling immediately vanish in an instant without a trace. She enjoyed hearing me talk about Li You, and I honestly couldn't stop telling her more about it.

_{I was at a loss at what to do.}
"B-but aren't they already married?" I was really shocked. When I thought back to the conversation I had with that girl, it really did feel as though she had forgiven Zhang Dong. So how the heck did things turn out like this?

I was at a loss at what to do.

_{Turns out she was someone who came into this world too. This immediately made me smile, as I felt I had found my allied forces.}When July arrived, it was time for Li You's summer vacation. So Xiao Huaisu has specially set aside some time to take Li You and I to France to his family home to meet his relatives and friends, as well as for us to get our marriage certificate. With regard to our wedding ceremony, after we talked it over, I decided to not have one. Seeing how insistent I was on this matter, Xiao Huaisu didn't force and simply obliged. Also we decided that when we have the time, we'll just go on a honeymoon.

Turns out she was someone who came into this world too. This immediately made me smile, as I felt I had found my allied forces.

_{Xiao Huaisu then came over, sitting beside me, picking up a cubed piece of watermelon to hand to her as her asked, "Isn't it time for lunch?"}
"All they had was the wedding banquet and they hadn't received the marriage certificate as yet. According to Aunty Huo, that girl already went to the hospital herself to abort the child then went back to her folks' place. Zhang Dong tried to meet with her but no matter how he tried, he couldn't get through. Your Aunty Huo livid, livid I tell you. It was so much so that she thought the girl was the one who tried to pull a sham marriage on them so she viciously spat she was going to report her to the police. In return, that girl's mother then sent a jab back at your Aunty Huo that it was her son who was trying to pull marriage fraud, and that he was a gay man pretending to be a straight man... and cheated her daughter instead. When she heard this, your Aunty Huo just thought the other woman was being spiteful. But after seeing the pictures and recordings the girl threw out, she was so pissed again that after she got back home, she made your Uncle (Aunty Huo's husband) give Zhang Dong a real solid beating."

Xiao Huaisu then came over, sitting beside me, picking up a cubed piece of watermelon to hand to her as her asked, "Isn't it time for lunch?"

_{After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.}"If you love the house, you'll also love its roosting crow...^[4]" Xiao Huaisu said to me lazily, but I immediately shook my head, rebutting: "Nope. It was definitely because your uncle has discovered my cuteness and could no longer stop himself from showering me with adoration. That's the reason, thank you very much."

After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.

_{When I thought about the huge crowd of people we don't know very well watching us as if it was some kind of huge show, Xiao Huaisu, Li You and I would all just feel uncomfortable. Apart from the people who genuinely wish to give us their blessings, all the rest can just gather together to play on their own.}
After saying all that, my mom then added: "But this fraudulent marriage matter is also a self inflicted wound. It would be impossible for any mother to have a better attitude after knowing their daughter was with a man like that.T/n: in reference to his scummy behaviour not his gay/bi-ness. The term is used for shіtty guys."

When I thought about the huge crowd of people we don't know very well watching us as if it was some kind of huge show, Xiao Huaisu, Li You and I would all just feel uncomfortable. Apart from the people who genuinely wish to give us their blessings, all the rest can just gather together to play on their own. Wedding ceremonies really aren't a necessity. Although... it is a pity to lose a chance to make some money back on the day. But if you don't have one to begin with, you can just save the money instead!

_{"They're coming back down." With this, I looked towards the stairs leading to the second floor with her, to see the uncle-nephew pair descending, while Xiao Huaisu guided Li You down in front of him. Once she got to the first floor, she let go of Xiao Huaisu's hand and came to me, leaning on my knees looking all quiet and clever.}While lying in the bathtub, right when I was so comfortable and relaxed sleep almost overtook me, Xiao Huaisu spoke up from behind me, saying: "Your form while drinking that soup today was pretty good."

"They're coming back down." With this, I looked towards the stairs leading to the second floor with her, to see the uncle-nephew pair descending, while Xiao Huaisu guided Li You down in front of him. Once she got to the first floor, she let go of Xiao Huaisu's hand and came to me, leaning on my knees looking all quiet and clever.

_{That night, as I was lying in bed, I was too tired to even move.}
Wow... With all these twists and turns... this situation was really like some kind of soap opera, right? Did Zhang Dong get played in the end?

That night, as I was lying in bed, I was too tired to even move.

_{Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like.}Hold on, did I manage to hit the mark by a fluke?

Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like. I took a look at the thing and thought, woah—this has been made a good while ago, huh? It's so long... When I took the list from her, I suddenly remembered Zhang Dong and asked without much thought: "Oh, in a little while, don't you have to send Aunty Huo a gift too?"

_{I stared at her blankly.}
Is this the reason for the way he looked the past couple days? But... can't this all be considered divine retribution? Sure enough, good and evil will be rewarded, and the way of heaven is good. If you don't believe it, just look up and see who heaven spared.^[1]

I stared at her blankly.

_{When I thought about the huge crowd of people we don't know very well watching us as if it was some kind of huge show, Xiao Huaisu, Li You and I would all just feel uncomfortable. Apart from the people who genuinely wish to give us their blessings, all the rest can just gather together to play on their own.}"All they had was the wedding banquet and they hadn't received the marriage certificate as yet. According to Aunty Huo, that girl already went to the hospital herself to abort the child then went back to her folks' place. Zhang Dong tried to meet with her but no matter how he tried, he couldn't get through. Your Aunty Huo livid, livid I tell you. It was so much so that she thought the girl was the one who tried to pull a sham marriage on them so she viciously spat she was going to report her to the police. In return, that girl's mother then sent a jab back at your Aunty Huo that it was her son who was trying to pull marriage fraud, and that he was a gay man pretending to be a straight man... and cheated her daughter instead. When she heard this, your Aunty Huo just thought the other woman was being spiteful. But after seeing the pictures and recordings the girl threw out, she was so pissed again that after she got back home, she made your Uncle (Aunty Huo's husband) give Zhang Dong a real solid beating."

When I thought about the huge crowd of people we don't know very well watching us as if it was some kind of huge show, Xiao Huaisu, Li You and I would all just feel uncomfortable. Apart from the people who genuinely wish to give us their blessings, all the rest can just gather together to play on their own. Wedding ceremonies really aren't a necessity. Although... it is a pity to lose a chance to make some money back on the day. But if you don't have one to begin with, you can just save the money instead!

_{As for Zhang Dong, for not having the guts to walk the path he chose, and having deceived others, I don't shame him for that. But no one else but him is to blame for his current predicament. It was his fault for only thinking of his own benefits. Thinking everyone else were fools is what made him meet such a fate.}
"But why is that you know all the details so clearly, though? With something like this, no matter how much you and Aunty Huo hang out together, she would never just willingly tell you all this outright, right?" I was genuinely surprised.

As for Zhang Dong, for not having the guts to walk the path he chose, and having deceived others, I don't shame him for that. But no one else but him is to blame for his current predicament. It was his fault for only thinking of his own benefits. Thinking everyone else were fools is what made him meet such a fate.

_{"But why is that you know all the details so clearly, though? With something like this, no matter how much you and Aunty Huo hang out together, she would {never} just willingly tell you all this outright, right?" I was genuinely surprised.}What man could stand hearing the words "no strength left" and be okay? So I immediately corrected: "No, I'm just mentally drained—mentally, okay?"

"But why is that you know all the details so clearly, though? With something like this, no matter how much you and Aunty Huo hang out together, she would never just willingly tell you all this outright, right?" I was genuinely surprised.

_{This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"}I was at a loss at what to do.

This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"

_{^1. 善恶终有报，天道好轮回。不信抬头看，苍天饶过谁: My translation of this is a bit janky, but it just means heaven doesn't forget, and all good deeds and bad are recorded and the bad won't be spared nor will the good not rewarded.}
Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."

^1. 善恶终有报，天道好轮回。不信抬头看，苍天饶过谁: My translation of this is a bit janky, but it just means heaven doesn't forget, and all good deeds and bad are recorded and the bad won't be spared nor will the good not rewarded. []^2. 傻狍子: sao paozi:lit. stupid/silly/dumb roe deer. This cute deer has a white heart shaped butt and the name is due to the animal being too curious/stupid for their own good which gets a one way trip to deer heaven. They're not actually dumb though, they just return to areas a bit too soon after fleeing from danger. So silly looking folks get called this.[]^3. 双皮奶: double skin milk (literal name) is a type of Cantonese custard made from milk, sugar and egg whites where the milk is boiled and cooled to form a skin on top and egg whites are added for curdling to occur. Pic here[]^4. 爱屋及乌: love the house, love the crow: basically means to love the things of the person you love despite your personal feelings. There is an English equivalent, "Love me, love my dog"; but for some reason calling my boy a dog in this context didn't feel right.[]iana: yeah... a lot happened this chapter...

_{Lian Youyi then remembered something, standing as she said: "I was having such a good chat, I seemed to have forgotten I had some egg tarts and pineapple pies in the oven. I'll go check on then now."}
I wiped away my sweat, giving her a thumbs up. "Such a huge piece of gossip and you actually held back telling me until I asked? You... you're really awesome!"

Lian Youyi then remembered something, standing as she said: "I was having such a good chat, I seemed to have forgotten I had some egg tarts and pineapple pies in the oven. I'll go check on then now."

_{After living together with Xiao Huaisu, I got to know about his relatives living in France. I found out he had an uncle.}
Lee Moli in response whispered: "It was so hard to hold it all in, you know? I was nearing the point where I'd break."

After living together with Xiao Huaisu, I got to know about his relatives living in France. I found out he had an uncle. This uncle wasn't Xiao Huaisu's paternal uncle though, but a cousin of Xiao Jianli, which made him Xiao Huaisu's second uncle in reality. His name was Xiao Renzong, and his wife was called Lian Youyi, and they were a couple very much in love. However, due to his wife's physical condition, the two had no children between them, and because of this, they loved Xiao Huaisu as if he was their own. According to Xiao Huaisu, back when he was a student in France, it was his Uncle Xiao Renzong who guided and taught him the various subjects he came to know. His knowledge of Chinese History and Culture were passed onto him by this uncle, while the Principles of Chinese Ink Painting was taught to him by his aunt, Lian Youyi. Despite her being a second aunt via marriage, his relationship with her was very close too. From his words, I could sense the respect Xiao Huaisu had in his heart towards them, so when I did meet Xiao Renzong, I couldn't help but feel nervous.

_{Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."}On the second day after we arrived in France, Xiao Huaisu and I applied for the relevant marriage certificates. Once I saw that the little red book (Chinese marriage certificate) was not the same as the French marriage certificate, I felt as though me now being a married man was still a bit unreal. But once I looked at the name on the top of it, I couldn't help but feel moved, as I was from on no longer a single man again. This... this was a bit of a loss. A loss I used to scrounge out a stacked meal along with a fat red envelope from Xiao Huaisu. I used the red envelope money to take Li You shopping for some clothes, I even bought her five skirts—single pieces ones at that—alone! I also didn't feel bad about spending the money I got for free.

Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."

_{I nodded at her words. Because I went to Jiayu regularly yet, forget about often, only once in a blue moon would I come across anyone belonging to this group sharing our physique.}
Seeing her pained expression, it was obvious she had a huge piece of gossip, but because other relationship to Aunty Huo it wasn't one easy to mention. What person could stand such a thing, huh?

I nodded at her words. Because I went to Jiayu regularly yet, forget about often, only once in a blue moon would I come across anyone belonging to this group sharing our physique. But I never felt the uncontrollable urge to run over and try to make friends when met someone like me. According to Lee Moli, it seems as though our kind just go our own way, not at all banding together in groups. Firstly, we scatter about, choosing to vigorously hide our sex. And secondly, if a problem does arise, we don't have to fear our entire kind being wiped out. It seems that this was a habit left over from ancient times, and despite times now being peaceful and prosperous, this habit has been long ingrained. Since no one wants to change it, the status quo simply remained unchanged.

_{I couldn't help but let out a breath. I was a little curious about her brother's partner, but I didn't ask her much.}I really didn't notice your uncle. So with a shake of my head, I replied: "I wasn't paying any attention to your uncle, sorry about that."

I couldn't help but let out a breath. I was a little curious about her brother's partner, but I didn't ask her much.

_{When Xiao Huaisu came in he took off his jacket and simply tossed it on the couch. Then while unbuttoning his shirt, he made his way towards me, sitting on the edge of the bed as he finished undoing his shirt. Now reaching to rub my forehead, he asked: "Have no strength left?"}Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like. I took a look at the thing and thought, woah—this has been made a good while ago, huh? It's so long... When I took the list from her, I suddenly remembered Zhang Dong and asked without much thought: "Oh, in a little while, don't you have to send Aunty Huo a gift too?"

When Xiao Huaisu came in he took off his jacket and simply tossed it on the couch. Then while unbuttoning his shirt, he made his way towards me, sitting on the edge of the bed as he finished undoing his shirt. Now reaching to rub my forehead, he asked: "Have no strength left?"

_{"B-but aren't they already married?" I was really shocked. When I thought back to the conversation I had with that girl, it really did feel as though she had forgiven Zhang Dong. So how the heck did things turn out like this?}
To myself, when I thought about that girl, I really thought she had a lot of guts. Kid aborted, man tossed, and she even managed strike a blow directly in Aunty Huo's family's face. But what I don't know is how long it'd take for the physical and emotional wounds she got because of Zhang Dong would take to heal.

"B-but aren't they already married?" I was really shocked. When I thought back to the conversation I had with that girl, it really did feel as though she had forgiven Zhang Dong. So how the heck did things turn out like this?

_{That night while we were preparing to return home, Lee Moli gave me a bank card and said: "Their relatives over there are different than ours, so when you're there please be a bit more mindful, alright? You have decided to spend your lives with one another, so don't let your temper run wild. Do your best to endure, you'll be coming back here at the end of the day, so you won't need to see them all the time and forced to get along with them.}
So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?

That night while we were preparing to return home, Lee Moli gave me a bank card and said: "Their relatives over there are different than ours, so when you're there please be a bit more mindful, alright? You have decided to spend your lives with one another, so don't let your temper run wild. Do your best to endure, you'll be coming back here at the end of the day, so you won't need to see them all the time and forced to get along with them. If they're easy to get along with, count yourself as lucky. But if they aren't, you need to endure. If they touch your sensitive spot, don't feel ashamed either. I promise you, it's not to make you angry."

_{Xiao Renzong from beside Lian Youyi then said: "Wasn't the kitchen told to prepare some snacks? Let's serve those first."}
Anyway, after knowing that girl didn't take the plunge into the fiery pit and had turned away elegantly instead, that hard to describe unease I felt in my heart earlier was finally able to be put to rest.

Xiao Renzong from beside Lian Youyi then said: "Wasn't the kitchen told to prepare some snacks? Let's serve those first."

_{Xiao Huaisu's Little Aunt then chuckled happily as she helped the elderly woman pull out the red envelope in her pocket to hand to us, then to her mother said: "Mom, these two are already fine. So there's no need for you to worry about them not getting along."}Following this, around mid-July, we were off to France.

Xiao Huaisu's Little Aunt then chuckled happily as she helped the elderly woman pull out the red envelope in her pocket to hand to us, then to her mother said: "Mom, these two are already fine. So there's no need for you to worry about them not getting along."

_{Me: "..."}This is really unexpected, unexpected indeed.

Me: "..."

_{I stayed in the living room with Lian Youyi, who looked at me and asked: "Are you still a bit unaccustomed being here?"}
As for Zhang Dong, for not having the guts to walk the path he chose, and having deceived others, I don't shame him for that. But no one else but him is to blame for his current predicament. It was his fault for only thinking of his own benefits. Thinking everyone else were fools is what made him meet such a fate.

I stayed in the living room with Lian Youyi, who looked at me and asked: "Are you still a bit unaccustomed being here?"

_{Hearing him, Lian Youyi chuckled, asking in return: "You're already hungry so soon? Did your mom not care to feed you breakfast?"}
That night while we were preparing to return home, Lee Moli gave me a bank card and said: "Their relatives over there are different than ours, so when you're there please be a bit more mindful, alright? You have decided to spend your lives with one another, so don't let your temper run wild. Do your best to endure, you'll be coming back here at the end of the day, so you won't need to see them all the time and forced to get along with them. If they're easy to get along with, count yourself as lucky. But if they aren't, you need to endure. If they touch your sensitive spot, don't feel ashamed either. I promise you, it's not to make you angry."

Hearing him, Lian Youyi chuckled, asking in return: "You're already hungry so soon? Did your mom not care to feed you breakfast?"

_{That night while we were preparing to return home, Lee Moli gave me a bank card and said: "Their relatives over there are different than ours, so when you're there please be a bit more mindful, alright? You have decided to spend your lives with one another, so don't let your temper run wild. Do your best to endure, you'll be coming back here at the end of the day, so you won't need to see them all the time and forced to get along with them.}Hearing him, Lian Youyi chuckled, asking in return: "You're already hungry so soon? Did your mom not care to feed you breakfast?"

That night while we were preparing to return home, Lee Moli gave me a bank card and said: "Their relatives over there are different than ours, so when you're there please be a bit more mindful, alright? You have decided to spend your lives with one another, so don't let your temper run wild. Do your best to endure, you'll be coming back here at the end of the day, so you won't need to see them all the time and forced to get along with them. If they're easy to get along with, count yourself as lucky. But if they aren't, you need to endure. If they touch your sensitive spot, don't feel ashamed either. I promise you, it's not to make you angry."

_{Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like.}"Hm. Just do whatever you want then, I'll take responsibility."

Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like. I took a look at the thing and thought, woah—this has been made a good while ago, huh? It's so long... When I took the list from her, I suddenly remembered Zhang Dong and asked without much thought: "Oh, in a little while, don't you have to send Aunty Huo a gift too?"

_{Compared to everyone else in his family drinking their soup with one spoon at a time, mine own one gulp method was rather... unique. I was a little embarrassed, but had no intention whatsoever of admitting to the fact. So, with a couple huffs I concurred, saying: "I thought it was pretty good too."}
I chuckled at her and said: "Why are you saying this to me, though? It's not like I'm jumping off a cliff into a sea of fire, you know? Your son is loved by everyone he meets. So what are you worried about, huh? If that's not enough, there's also the cute contestant Li You right next to me, and behind her there is still Xiao Huaisu, right?"

Compared to everyone else in his family drinking their soup with one spoon at a time, mine own one gulp method was rather... unique. I was a little embarrassed, but had no intention whatsoever of admitting to the fact. So, with a couple huffs I concurred, saying: "I thought it was pretty good too."

_{Lee Moli gave a look and asked: "Send her gift for what?" Her expression was somewhat unnatural.}
In response to this, Lee Moli just let out a snort. After going on to explain the things that should be explained, she just let me go my way.

Lee Moli gave a look and asked: "Send her gift for what?" Her expression was somewhat unnatural.

_{Following this, around mid-July, we were off to France.}After living together with Xiao Huaisu, I got to know about his relatives living in France. I found out he had an uncle. This uncle wasn't Xiao Huaisu's paternal uncle though, but a cousin of Xiao Jianli, which made him Xiao Huaisu's second uncle in reality. His name was Xiao Renzong, and his wife was called Lian Youyi, and they were a couple very much in love. However, due to his wife's physical condition, the two had no children between them, and because of this, they loved Xiao Huaisu as if he was their own. According to Xiao Huaisu, back when he was a student in France, it was his Uncle Xiao Renzong who guided and taught him the various subjects he came to know. His knowledge of Chinese History and Culture were passed onto him by this uncle, while the Principles of Chinese Ink Painting was taught to him by his aunt, Lian Youyi. Despite her being a second aunt via marriage, his relationship with her was very close too. From his words, I could sense the respect Xiao Huaisu had in his heart towards them, so when I did meet Xiao Renzong, I couldn't help but feel nervous.

Following this, around mid-July, we were off to France.

_{Me: "..."}
I didn't take the bank card, though. Instead, I slipped it back into Li Zhi's pocket. They raised me all these years, but it seems as though I never made them feel rest assured.

Me: "..."

_{"If you love the house, you'll also love its roosting crow...^[4]" Xiao Huaisu said to me lazily, but I immediately shook my head, rebutting: "Nope. It was definitely because your uncle has discovered my cuteness and could no longer stop himself from showering me with adoration. That's the reason, thank you very much."}"B-but aren't they already married?" I was really shocked. When I thought back to the conversation I had with that girl, it really did feel as though she had forgiven Zhang Dong. So how the heck did things turn out like this?

"If you love the house, you'll also love its roosting crow...^[4]" Xiao Huaisu said to me lazily, but I immediately shook my head, rebutting: "Nope. It was definitely because your uncle has discovered my cuteness and could no longer stop himself from showering me with adoration. That's the reason, thank you very much."

_N/A
Maybe regardless of how old kids get, in the eyes of their parents, they will always be someone in need of their care.

N/A

_{Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."}This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"

Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."

_{Later, after meeting a few more relatives, Li You was formally taken out for a stroll. First she went to Disney Land, then on a river cruise to see the scenery at night.}
Following this, around mid-July, we were off to France.

Later, after meeting a few more relatives, Li You was formally taken out for a stroll. First she went to Disney Land, then on a river cruise to see the scenery at night.

_{I chuckled at her and said: "Why are you saying this to me, though? It's not like I'm jumping off a cliff into a sea of fire, you know? Your son is loved by everyone he meets. So what are you worried about, huh? If that's not enough, there's also the cute contestant Li You right next to me, and behind her there is still Xiao Huaisu, right?"}
After living together with Xiao Huaisu, I got to know about his relatives living in France. I found out he had an uncle. This uncle wasn't Xiao Huaisu's paternal uncle though, but a cousin of Xiao Jianli, which made him Xiao Huaisu's second uncle in reality. His name was Xiao Renzong, and his wife was called Lian Youyi, and they were a couple very much in love. However, due to his wife's physical condition, the two had no children between them, and because of this, they loved Xiao Huaisu as if he was their own. According to Xiao Huaisu, back when he was a student in France, it was his Uncle Xiao Renzong who guided and taught him the various subjects he came to know. His knowledge of Chinese History and Culture were passed onto him by this uncle, while the Principles of Chinese Ink Painting was taught to him by his aunt, Lian Youyi. Despite her being a second aunt via marriage, his relationship with her was very close too. From his words, I could sense the respect Xiao Huaisu had in his heart towards them, so when I did meet Xiao Renzong, I couldn't help but feel nervous.

I chuckled at her and said: "Why are you saying this to me, though? It's not like I'm jumping off a cliff into a sea of fire, you know? Your son is loved by everyone he meets. So what are you worried about, huh? If that's not enough, there's also the cute contestant Li You right next to me, and behind her there is still Xiao Huaisu, right?"

_{Maybe he saw that I was actually burnt out, so he didn't keep teasing me as he would before. His eyes were shining, but carried hints of distress, so then said to me gently: "I'll carry you to the bath."}"Does he have kids?" I went on to ask her.

Maybe he saw that I was actually burnt out, so he didn't keep teasing me as he would before. His eyes were shining, but carried hints of distress, so then said to me gently: "I'll carry you to the bath."

_{When Xiao Huaisu came in he took off his jacket and simply tossed it on the couch. Then while unbuttoning his shirt, he made his way towards me, sitting on the edge of the bed as he finished undoing his shirt. Now reaching to rub my forehead, he asked: "Have no strength left?"}
Fortunately, Aunt Lian Youyi had a gentle and dignified disposition. So despite Xiao Renzong attitude being not too friendly and a bit cold, hers was exceedingly warm. Especially when she saw how much Li You was the splitting image of Xiao Huaisu. She smiled so much with no end in sight, taking Li You's hand as she asked her a bunch of questions, seeming to like her a lot. So once Xiao Renzong saw her found expression, his own became slightly less serious too.

When Xiao Huaisu came in he took off his jacket and simply tossed it on the couch. Then while unbuttoning his shirt, he made his way towards me, sitting on the edge of the bed as he finished undoing his shirt. Now reaching to rub my forehead, he asked: "Have no strength left?"

_{"Really? That's really impressive."}The offer was tempting, way too tempting, but I was worried he might be up to some funny business so I hesitated for a while. During my pause, he caressed my face and added: "It's only a bath I want to give you, so you can be lazy for a bit. What else are you thinking about, hm?"

"Really? That's really impressive."

_{{Wow... With all these twists and turns... this situation was really like some kind of soap opera, right? Did Zhang Dong get played in the end?}}"Hm. Just do whatever you want then, I'll take responsibility."

Wow... With all these twists and turns... this situation was really like some kind of soap opera, right? Did Zhang Dong get played in the end?

_{Following this, around mid-July, we were off to France.}
But I could sort of understand his feelings. The child he helped raise carefully was snatched up by me, a person who seemed like a dopey-looking deer caught in the headlights^[2]. So if it were me, I'd not be so keen on the idea too.

Following this, around mid-July, we were off to France.

_{"Yes, Youyou is quite sensible indeed."}
When I think about Li You also bringing back a dopey-looking deer for me to meet in the next twenty years or so, my chest got all tight and my sympathies went out to Xiao Renzong. But, for Li You and Xiao Huaisu's sakes, I did my best to not excessively dole out flatteries, so as to avoid him looking down on me even more.

"Yes, Youyou is quite sensible indeed."

_{{Wow... With all these twists and turns... this situation was really like some kind of soap opera, right? Did Zhang Dong get played in the end?}}That night, as I was lying in bed, I was too tired to even move.

Wow... With all these twists and turns... this situation was really like some kind of soap opera, right? Did Zhang Dong get played in the end?

_{Right then, she asked: "You gave birth to Youyou didn't you?" those thunderous groundbreaking words she uttered almost scared the life out of me.}Without giving me the chance to continue yammering on, Xiao Huaisu pressed me directly on the bed, and like this the bag fell on the floor. At first I had no time to pick it up, I tried to pick it up too, but I was pulled back my ankles, and soon the room was filled heavy breaths, which went on for a long time. Fearing my moans would be heard by someone outside, I had to suppress them.

Right then, she asked: "You gave birth to Youyou didn't you?" those thunderous groundbreaking words she uttered almost scared the life out of me.

_{This place had so many rules! They had so many people all eating together, yet no one made a sound. So thinking back to when my soup spoon fell into the bowl, gaining everyone's stares, I really... really just wanted to find a hole to crawl into and die!}
On the second day after we arrived in France, Xiao Huaisu and I applied for the relevant marriage certificates. Once I saw that the little red book (Chinese marriage certificate) was not the same as the French marriage certificate, I felt as though me now being a married man was still a bit unreal. But once I looked at the name on the top of it, I couldn't help but feel moved, as I was from on no longer a single man again. This... this was a bit of a loss. A loss I used to scrounge out a stacked meal along with a fat red envelope from Xiao Huaisu. I used the red envelope money to take Li You shopping for some clothes, I even bought her five skirts—single pieces ones at that—alone! I also didn't feel bad about spending the money I got for free.

This place had so many rules! They had so many people all eating together, yet no one made a sound. So thinking back to when my soup spoon fell into the bowl, gaining everyone's stares, I really... really just wanted to find a hole to crawl into and die!

_"Heehee—"
On the third day, upon receiving word I was here for a visit, members of both the Xiao and Chen family gathered together for a dinner, and I received a lot of red envelopes there too. However, I don't know if it was to give Xiao Huaisu face or something, but all those people that came had treated me rather kindly. Xiao Huaisu's maternal grandmother was still kicking strong, but her mind was a bit foggy, so she couldn't remember a lot of who was who. Though the packed room and lively atmosphere did seem to be something that brought her much joy. She even perked up when she saw the one standing before her was Xiao Huaisu. Taking his hand, she then asked him: "Did you return from school?" When she saw me beside him, she added with a smile: "Is this a friend of yours from school? He looks like a good boy." After which, she took my hand and put it together with his, making us hold them as she went on to say: "You too should play together well, and don't get angry at each other, okay? I'll get one of the servants to make some double skin milk^[3] for you both in a little later, alright?"

"Heehee—"

_{Maybe he saw that I was actually burnt out, so he didn't keep teasing me as he would before. His eyes were shining, but carried hints of distress, so then said to me gently: "I'll carry you to the bath."}After saying all that, my mom then added: "But this fraudulent marriage matter is also a self inflicted wound. It would be impossible for any mother to have a better attitude after knowing their daughter was with a man like that.T/n: in reference to his scummy behaviour not his gay/bi-ness. The term is used for shіtty guys."

Maybe he saw that I was actually burnt out, so he didn't keep teasing me as he would before. His eyes were shining, but carried hints of distress, so then said to me gently: "I'll carry you to the bath."

_{Seeing her pained expression, it was obvious she had a huge piece of gossip, but because other relationship to Aunty Huo it wasn't one easy to mention. {What person could stand such a thing, huh?}}"B-but aren't they already married?" I was really shocked. When I thought back to the conversation I had with that girl, it really did feel as though she had forgiven Zhang Dong. So how the heck did things turn out like this?

Seeing her pained expression, it was obvious she had a huge piece of gossip, but because other relationship to Aunty Huo it wasn't one easy to mention. What person could stand such a thing, huh?

_{She then sighed, saying: "Youyou's a really such sensible child, she just tugs at one's heartstrings."}
Xiao Huaisu's Little Aunt then chuckled happily as she helped the elderly woman pull out the red envelope in her pocket to hand to us, then to her mother said: "Mom, these two are already fine. So there's no need for you to worry about them not getting along."

She then sighed, saying: "Youyou's a really such sensible child, she just tugs at one's heartstrings."

_{Lee Moli in response whispered: "It was so hard to hold it all in, you know? I was nearing the point where I'd break."}
After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.

Lee Moli in response whispered: "It was so hard to hold it all in, you know? I was nearing the point where I'd break."

_{She let out a laugh, then explained: "My brother's partner and you both have a peculiar physique. So this is why I know about it."}
That night, as I was lying in bed, I was too tired to even move.

She let out a laugh, then explained: "My brother's partner and you both have a peculiar physique. So this is why I know about it."

_{This is really unexpected, unexpected indeed.}Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."

This is really unexpected, unexpected indeed.

_{When July arrived, it was time for Li You's summer vacation. So Xiao Huaisu has specially set aside some time to take Li You and I to France to his family home to meet his relatives and friends, as well as for us to get our marriage certificate.}Lian Youyi then remembered something, standing as she said: "I was having such a good chat, I seemed to have forgotten I had some egg tarts and pineapple pies in the oven. I'll go check on then now."

When July arrived, it was time for Li You's summer vacation. So Xiao Huaisu has specially set aside some time to take Li You and I to France to his family home to meet his relatives and friends, as well as for us to get our marriage certificate. With regard to our wedding ceremony, after we talked it over, I decided to not have one. Seeing how insistent I was on this matter, Xiao Huaisu didn't force and simply obliged. Also we decided that when we have the time, we'll just go on a honeymoon.

_{In short, the gift was very uh... grand. Stock funds, real estate, antiques all kinds of things, "Doesn't your uncle not like me very much? So why is he being nice to me all of a sudden?"}
This place had so many rules! They had so many people all eating together, yet no one made a sound. So thinking back to when my soup spoon fell into the bowl, gaining everyone's stares, I really... really just wanted to find a hole to crawl into and die!

In short, the gift was very uh... grand. Stock funds, real estate, antiques all kinds of things, "Doesn't your uncle not like me very much? So why is he being nice to me all of a sudden?"

_{Lian Youyi then remembered something, standing as she said: "I was having such a good chat, I seemed to have forgotten I had some egg tarts and pineapple pies in the oven. I'll go check on then now."}This is really unexpected, unexpected indeed.

Lian Youyi then remembered something, standing as she said: "I was having such a good chat, I seemed to have forgotten I had some egg tarts and pineapple pies in the oven. I'll go check on then now."

_{On the third day, upon receiving word I was here for a visit, members of both the Xiao and Chen family gathered together for a dinner, and I received a lot of red envelopes there too. However, I don't know if it was to give Xiao Huaisu face or something, but all those people that came had treated me rather kindly.}
It was a good thing my face has always been extra thick, so I very naturally lifted my bowl and down it all in one gulp, pretending as if I knew nothing and nothing went awry. I still calmly finished my dinner without missing a beat. But on the inside, however, I had a teeny bit of an actual breakdown, so it was just a case of my acting skills being too good.

On the third day, upon receiving word I was here for a visit, members of both the Xiao and Chen family gathered together for a dinner, and I received a lot of red envelopes there too. However, I don't know if it was to give Xiao Huaisu face or something, but all those people that came had treated me rather kindly. Xiao Huaisu's maternal grandmother was still kicking strong, but her mind was a bit foggy, so she couldn't remember a lot of who was who. Though the packed room and lively atmosphere did seem to be something that brought her much joy. She even perked up when she saw the one standing before her was Xiao Huaisu. Taking his hand, she then asked him: "Did you return from school?" When she saw me beside him, she added with a smile: "Is this a friend of yours from school? He looks like a good boy." After which, she took my hand and put it together with his, making us hold them as she went on to say: "You too should play together well, and don't get angry at each other, okay? I'll get one of the servants to make some double skin milk^[3] for you both in a little later, alright?"

_{"If you love the house, you'll also love its roosting crow...^[4]" Xiao Huaisu said to me lazily, but I immediately shook my head, rebutting: "Nope. It was definitely because your uncle has discovered my cuteness and could no longer stop himself from showering me with adoration. That's the reason, thank you very much."}Turns out she was someone who came into this world too. This immediately made me smile, as I felt I had found my allied forces.

"If you love the house, you'll also love its roosting crow...^[4]" Xiao Huaisu said to me lazily, but I immediately shook my head, rebutting: "Nope. It was definitely because your uncle has discovered my cuteness and could no longer stop himself from showering me with adoration. That's the reason, thank you very much."

_{"Yes, Youyou is quite sensible indeed."}To myself, when I thought about that girl, I really thought she had a lot of guts. Kid aborted, man tossed, and she even managed strike a blow directly in Aunty Huo's family's face. But what I don't know is how long it'd take for the physical and emotional wounds she got because of Zhang Dong would take to heal.

"Yes, Youyou is quite sensible indeed."

_{I really didn't notice your uncle. So with a shake of my head, I replied: "I wasn't paying any attention to your uncle, sorry about that."}
When Xiao Huaisu came in he took off his jacket and simply tossed it on the couch. Then while unbuttoning his shirt, he made his way towards me, sitting on the edge of the bed as he finished undoing his shirt. Now reaching to rub my forehead, he asked: "Have no strength left?"

I really didn't notice your uncle. So with a shake of my head, I replied: "I wasn't paying any attention to your uncle, sorry about that."

_{She then chuckled as she asked: "It's very difficult, isn't it?"}
What man could stand hearing the words "no strength left" and be okay? So I immediately corrected: "No, I'm just mentally drained—mentally, okay?"

She then chuckled as she asked: "It's very difficult, isn't it?"

_{{So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?}}Xiao Renzong shook his ever so slight, feeling a bit helpless, as traces of doting was reflected in his eyes.

So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?

_{Lee Moli replied indifferently, saying: "Give birth? What birth? There's no longer any child."}
Maybe he saw that I was actually burnt out, so he didn't keep teasing me as he would before. His eyes were shining, but carried hints of distress, so then said to me gently: "I'll carry you to the bath."

Lee Moli replied indifferently, saying: "Give birth? What birth? There's no longer any child."

_{Maybe he saw that I was actually burnt out, so he didn't keep teasing me as he would before. His eyes were shining, but carried hints of distress, so then said to me gently: "I'll carry you to the bath."}
The offer was tempting, way too tempting, but I was worried he might be up to some funny business so I hesitated for a while. During my pause, he caressed my face and added: "It's only a bath I want to give you, so you can be lazy for a bit. What else are you thinking about, hm?"

Maybe he saw that I was actually burnt out, so he didn't keep teasing me as he would before. His eyes were shining, but carried hints of distress, so then said to me gently: "I'll carry you to the bath."

_{T/N: The following chapter contains mention of some sensitive subject matter so reader discretion is advised.}Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."

T/N: The following chapter contains mention of some sensitive subject matter so reader discretion is advised.

_{Lian Youyi thought I had an interesting personality, so the day after the family dinner, she had invited us over to her home. The three of us arrived there as promised, and Xiao Renzong called Xiao Huaisu to his study, and he also carried along Li You.}Following this, around mid-July, we were off to France.

Lian Youyi thought I had an interesting personality, so the day after the family dinner, she had invited us over to her home. The three of us arrived there as promised, and Xiao Renzong called Xiao Huaisu to his study, and he also carried along Li You.

_{"If you love the house, you'll also love its roosting crow...^[4]" Xiao Huaisu said to me lazily, but I immediately shook my head, rebutting: "Nope. It was definitely because your uncle has discovered my cuteness and could no longer stop himself from showering me with adoration. That's the reason, thank you very much."}
This guy knows me too gosh darn well.

"If you love the house, you'll also love its roosting crow...^[4]" Xiao Huaisu said to me lazily, but I immediately shook my head, rebutting: "Nope. It was definitely because your uncle has discovered my cuteness and could no longer stop himself from showering me with adoration. That's the reason, thank you very much."

_{Xiao Huaisu then came over, sitting beside me, picking up a cubed piece of watermelon to hand to her as her asked, "Isn't it time for lunch?"}"Does he have kids?" I went on to ask her.

Xiao Huaisu then came over, sitting beside me, picking up a cubed piece of watermelon to hand to her as her asked, "Isn't it time for lunch?"

_{Seeing her pained expression, it was obvious she had a huge piece of gossip, but because other relationship to Aunty Huo it wasn't one easy to mention. What person could stand such a thing, huh?}
In response, I chose to option to act all dumb before giving my reply: "What are you talking about? I do not comprehend. Just hurry up and take me to the bath."

Seeing her pained expression, it was obvious she had a huge piece of gossip, but because other relationship to Aunty Huo it wasn't one easy to mention. What person could stand such a thing, huh?

_{What man could stand hearing the words "no strength left" and be okay? So I immediately corrected: "No, I'm just mentally drained—mentally, okay?"}This guy knows me too gosh darn well.

What man could stand hearing the words "no strength left" and be okay? So I immediately corrected: "No, I'm just mentally drained—mentally, okay?"

_{"Yes, he does. A boy and a girl, who are frankly quite spoiled. His daughter is a freshman in college and his son is a year older than her."}
While lying in the bathtub, right when I was so comfortable and relaxed sleep almost overtook me, Xiao Huaisu spoke up from behind me, saying: "Your form while drinking that soup today was pretty good."

"Yes, he does. A boy and a girl, who are frankly quite spoiled. His daughter is a freshman in college and his son is a year older than her."

_{"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"}"All they had was the wedding banquet and they hadn't received the marriage certificate as yet. According to Aunty Huo, that girl already went to the hospital herself to abort the child then went back to her folks' place. Zhang Dong tried to meet with her but no matter how he tried, he couldn't get through. Your Aunty Huo livid, livid I tell you. It was so much so that she thought the girl was the one who tried to pull a sham marriage on them so she viciously spat she was going to report her to the police. In return, that girl's mother then sent a jab back at your Aunty Huo that it was her son who was trying to pull marriage fraud, and that he was a gay man pretending to be a straight man... and cheated her daughter instead. When she heard this, your Aunty Huo just thought the other woman was being spiteful. But after seeing the pictures and recordings the girl threw out, she was so pissed again that after she got back home, she made your Uncle (Aunty Huo's husband) give Zhang Dong a real solid beating."

"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"

_{Lee Moli replied indifferently, saying: "Give birth? What birth? There's no longer any child."}Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like. I took a look at the thing and thought, woah—this has been made a good while ago, huh? It's so long... When I took the list from her, I suddenly remembered Zhang Dong and asked without much thought: "Oh, in a little while, don't you have to send Aunty Huo a gift too?"

Lee Moli replied indifferently, saying: "Give birth? What birth? There's no longer any child."

_{But I could sort of understand his feelings. The child he helped raise carefully was snatched up by me, a person who seemed like a dopey-looking deer caught in the headlights^[2]. So if it were me, I'd not be so keen on the idea too.}
Compared to everyone else in his family drinking their soup with one spoon at a time, mine own one gulp method was rather... unique. I was a little embarrassed, but had no intention whatsoever of admitting to the fact. So, with a couple huffs I concurred, saying: "I thought it was pretty good too."

But I could sort of understand his feelings. The child he helped raise carefully was snatched up by me, a person who seemed like a dopey-looking deer caught in the headlights^[2]. So if it were me, I'd not be so keen on the idea too.

_{Lian Youyi thought I had an interesting personality, so the day after the family dinner, she had invited us over to her home. The three of us arrived there as promised, and Xiao Renzong called Xiao Huaisu to his study, and he also carried along Li You.}
Xiao Huaisu chuckled behind me, his shaking chest forcing me to turn around with dissatisfaction. Rubbing my wet hair, he then added: "It was the first time I saw my Aunt Youyi smile so... so happily in such a long time. It's rare for her to be as happy as she was today."

Lian Youyi thought I had an interesting personality, so the day after the family dinner, she had invited us over to her home. The three of us arrived there as promised, and Xiao Renzong called Xiao Huaisu to his study, and he also carried along Li You.

_{"But why is that you know all the details so clearly, though? With something like this, no matter how much you and Aunty Huo hang out together, she would {never} just willingly tell you all this outright, right?" I was genuinely surprised.}I chuckled at her and said: "Why are you saying this to me, though? It's not like I'm jumping off a cliff into a sea of fire, you know? Your son is loved by everyone he meets. So what are you worried about, huh? If that's not enough, there's also the cute contestant Li You right next to me, and behind her there is still Xiao Huaisu, right?"

"But why is that you know all the details so clearly, though? With something like this, no matter how much you and Aunty Huo hang out together, she would never just willingly tell you all this outright, right?" I was genuinely surprised.

_{This guy knows me too gosh darn well.}
"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"

This guy knows me too gosh darn well.

_{{I really didn't notice your uncle.} So with a shake of my head, I replied: "I wasn't paying any attention to your uncle, sorry about that."}Me: "..."

I really didn't notice your uncle. So with a shake of my head, I replied: "I wasn't paying any attention to your uncle, sorry about that."

_{I was at a loss at what to do.}Later, after meeting a few more relatives, Li You was formally taken out for a stroll. First she went to Disney Land, then on a river cruise to see the scenery at night.

I was at a loss at what to do.

_{Fortunately, Aunt Lian Youyi had a gentle and dignified disposition. So despite Xiao Renzong attitude being not too friendly and a bit cold, hers was exceedingly warm.}
Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."

Fortunately, Aunt Lian Youyi had a gentle and dignified disposition. So despite Xiao Renzong attitude being not too friendly and a bit cold, hers was exceedingly warm. Especially when she saw how much Li You was the splitting image of Xiao Huaisu. She smiled so much with no end in sight, taking Li You's hand as she asked her a bunch of questions, seeming to like her a lot. So once Xiao Renzong saw her found expression, his own became slightly less serious too.

_{Aunty... you're playing by the usual routine! Speechless, I calm myself, drawing my lips into a line, pretending to be a quail.}
I really didn't notice your uncle. So with a shake of my head, I replied: "I wasn't paying any attention to your uncle, sorry about that."

Aunty... you're playing by the usual routine! Speechless, I calm myself, drawing my lips into a line, pretending to be a quail.

_{She then sighed, saying: "Youyou's a really such sensible child, she just tugs at one's heartstrings."}Lian Youyi no longer mentioned the prior topic, turning to chat with Li You instead.

She then sighed, saying: "Youyou's a really such sensible child, she just tugs at one's heartstrings."

_{When I think about Li You also bringing back a dopey-looking deer for me to meet in the next twenty years or so, my chest got all tight and my sympathies went out to Xiao Renzong. But, for Li You and Xiao Huaisu's sakes, I did my best to not excessively dole out flatteries, so as to avoid him looking down on me even more.}
But he simply laughed, explaining: "I'm not too sure about it, but maybe he won't treat you as coldly as he did before because of how much my aunt seems to like you."

When I think about Li You also bringing back a dopey-looking deer for me to meet in the next twenty years or so, my chest got all tight and my sympathies went out to Xiao Renzong. But, for Li You and Xiao Huaisu's sakes, I did my best to not excessively dole out flatteries, so as to avoid him looking down on me even more.

_{After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.}"Yes, he does. A boy and a girl, who are frankly quite spoiled. His daughter is a freshman in college and his son is a year older than her."

After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.

_{On the second day after we arrived in France, Xiao Huaisu and I applied for the relevant marriage certificates. Once I saw that the little red book (Chinese marriage certificate) was not the same as the French marriage certificate, I felt as though me now being a married man was still a bit unreal.}When I thought about the huge crowd of people we don't know very well watching us as if it was some kind of huge show, Xiao Huaisu, Li You and I would all just feel uncomfortable. Apart from the people who genuinely wish to give us their blessings, all the rest can just gather together to play on their own. Wedding ceremonies really aren't a necessity. Although... it is a pity to lose a chance to make some money back on the day. But if you don't have one to begin with, you can just save the money instead!

On the second day after we arrived in France, Xiao Huaisu and I applied for the relevant marriage certificates. Once I saw that the little red book (Chinese marriage certificate) was not the same as the French marriage certificate, I felt as though me now being a married man was still a bit unreal. But once I looked at the name on the top of it, I couldn't help but feel moved, as I was from on no longer a single man again. This... this was a bit of a loss. A loss I used to scrounge out a stacked meal along with a fat red envelope from Xiao Huaisu. I used the red envelope money to take Li You shopping for some clothes, I even bought her five skirts—single pieces ones at that—alone! I also didn't feel bad about spending the money I got for free.

_{What man could stand hearing the words "no strength left" and be okay? So I immediately corrected: "No, I'm just mentally drained—mentally, okay?"}
Hold on, did I manage to hit the mark by a fluke?

What man could stand hearing the words "no strength left" and be okay? So I immediately corrected: "No, I'm just mentally drained—mentally, okay?"

_{I was at a loss at what to do.}"They're coming back down." With this, I looked towards the stairs leading to the second floor with her, to see the uncle-nephew pair descending, while Xiao Huaisu guided Li You down in front of him. Once she got to the first floor, she let go of Xiao Huaisu's hand and came to me, leaning on my knees looking all quiet and clever.

I was at a loss at what to do.

_{This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"}Anyway, after knowing that girl didn't take the plunge into the fiery pit and had turned away elegantly instead, that hard to describe unease I felt in my heart earlier was finally able to be put to rest.

This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"

_{I didn't take the bank card, though. Instead, I slipped it back into Li Zhi's pocket. They raised me all these years, but it seems as though I never made them feel rest assured.}
Lian Youyi thought I had an interesting personality, so the day after the family dinner, she had invited us over to her home. The three of us arrived there as promised, and Xiao Renzong called Xiao Huaisu to his study, and he also carried along Li You.

I didn't take the bank card, though. Instead, I slipped it back into Li Zhi's pocket. They raised me all these years, but it seems as though I never made them feel rest assured.

_{Anyway, after knowing that girl didn't take the plunge into the fiery pit and had turned away elegantly instead, that hard to describe unease I felt in my heart earlier was finally able to be put to rest.}When Xiao Huaisu came in he took off his jacket and simply tossed it on the couch. Then while unbuttoning his shirt, he made his way towards me, sitting on the edge of the bed as he finished undoing his shirt. Now reaching to rub my forehead, he asked: "Have no strength left?"

Anyway, after knowing that girl didn't take the plunge into the fiery pit and had turned away elegantly instead, that hard to describe unease I felt in my heart earlier was finally able to be put to rest.

_{Looking at this state of mine, he didn't know if to laugh or cry as he asked: "Is it really that bad?"}
I stayed in the living room with Lian Youyi, who looked at me and asked: "Are you still a bit unaccustomed being here?"

Looking at this state of mine, he didn't know if to laugh or cry as he asked: "Is it really that bad?"

_{I truly did not feel a wedding ceremony was necessary, also... I wasn't to keen on the idea of a noisy crowd surrounding me on such a day. Simply living a low-key life was the best. So after Xiao Huaisu agreed against it as well, I immediately let out a sigh of relief.}Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like. I took a look at the thing and thought, woah—this has been made a good while ago, huh? It's so long... When I took the list from her, I suddenly remembered Zhang Dong and asked without much thought: "Oh, in a little while, don't you have to send Aunty Huo a gift too?"

I truly did not feel a wedding ceremony was necessary, also... I wasn't to keen on the idea of a noisy crowd surrounding me on such a day. Simply living a low-key life was the best. So after Xiao Huaisu agreed against it as well, I immediately let out a sigh of relief.

_{Even if I wasn't used to it, it's not like I could tell something like that to an elder, so of course I was accustomed to it.}
Even if I wasn't used to it, it's not like I could tell something like that to an elder, so of course I was accustomed to it.

Even if I wasn't used to it, it's not like I could tell something like that to an elder, so of course I was accustomed to it.

_{I stayed in the living room with Lian Youyi, who looked at me and asked: "Are you still a bit unaccustomed being here?"}To myself, when I thought about that girl, I really thought she had a lot of guts. Kid aborted, man tossed, and she even managed strike a blow directly in Aunty Huo's family's face. But what I don't know is how long it'd take for the physical and emotional wounds she got because of Zhang Dong would take to heal.

I stayed in the living room with Lian Youyi, who looked at me and asked: "Are you still a bit unaccustomed being here?"

_{善恶终有报，天道好轮回。不信抬头看，苍天饶过谁: My translation of this is a bit janky, but it just means heaven doesn't forget, and all good deeds and bad are recorded and the bad won't be spared nor will the good not rewarded.}That night, as I was lying in bed, I was too tired to even move.

^1. 善恶终有报，天道好轮回。不信抬头看，苍天饶过谁: My translation of this is a bit janky, but it just means heaven doesn't forget, and all good deeds and bad are recorded and the bad won't be spared nor will the good not rewarded. []^2. 傻狍子: sao paozi:lit. stupid/silly/dumb roe deer. This cute deer has a white heart shaped butt and the name is due to the animal being too curious/stupid for their own good which gets a one way trip to deer heaven. They're not actually dumb though, they just return to areas a bit too soon after fleeing from danger. So silly looking folks get called this.[]^3. 双皮奶: double skin milk (literal name) is a type of Cantonese custard made from milk, sugar and egg whites where the milk is boiled and cooled to form a skin on top and egg whites are added for curdling to occur. Pic here[]^4. 爱屋及乌: love the house, love the crow: basically means to love the things of the person you love despite your personal feelings. There is an English equivalent, "Love me, love my dog"; but for some reason calling my boy a dog in this context didn't feel right.[]iana: yeah... a lot happened this chapter...

_{Lee Moli now wore a complicated expression as she looked at me, explaining: "That girl already went back to her parents house and broke off ties with Zhang Dong."}
She then chuckled as she asked: "It's very difficult, isn't it?"

Lee Moli now wore a complicated expression as she looked at me, explaining: "That girl already went back to her parents house and broke off ties with Zhang Dong."

_{Right then, she asked: "You gave birth to Youyou didn't you?" those thunderous groundbreaking words she uttered almost scared the life out of me.}
Aunty... you're playing by the usual routine! Speechless, I calm myself, drawing my lips into a line, pretending to be a quail.

Right then, she asked: "You gave birth to Youyou didn't you?" those thunderous groundbreaking words she uttered almost scared the life out of me.

_{I couldn't help but let out a breath. I was a little curious about her brother's partner, but I didn't ask her much.}Xiao Huaisu chuckled behind me, his shaking chest forcing me to turn around with dissatisfaction. Rubbing my wet hair, he then added: "It was the first time I saw my Aunt Youyi smile so... so happily in such a long time. It's rare for her to be as happy as she was today."

I couldn't help but let out a breath. I was a little curious about her brother's partner, but I didn't ask her much.

_{In response to this, Lee Moli just let out a snort. After going on to explain the things that should be explained, she just let me go my way.}As for Zhang Dong, for not having the guts to walk the path he chose, and having deceived others, I don't shame him for that. But no one else but him is to blame for his current predicament. It was his fault for only thinking of his own benefits. Thinking everyone else were fools is what made him meet such a fate.

In response to this, Lee Moli just let out a snort. After going on to explain the things that should be explained, she just let me go my way.

_{Xiao Renzong shook his ever so slight, feeling a bit helpless, as traces of doting was reflected in his eyes.}
She then said to me: "Long ago, when I married into this family too, I was also not used to all these etiquette requirements and rules."

Xiao Renzong shook his ever so slight, feeling a bit helpless, as traces of doting was reflected in his eyes.

_{{I really didn't notice your uncle.} So with a shake of my head, I replied: "I wasn't paying any attention to your uncle, sorry about that."}Aunty... you're playing by the usual routine! Speechless, I calm myself, drawing my lips into a line, pretending to be a quail.

I really didn't notice your uncle. So with a shake of my head, I replied: "I wasn't paying any attention to your uncle, sorry about that."

_{She let out a laugh, then explained: "My brother's partner and you both have a peculiar physique. So this is why I know about it."}Without giving me the chance to continue yammering on, Xiao Huaisu pressed me directly on the bed, and like this the bag fell on the floor. At first I had no time to pick it up, I tried to pick it up too, but I was pulled back my ankles, and soon the room was filled heavy breaths, which went on for a long time. Fearing my moans would be heard by someone outside, I had to suppress them.

She let out a laugh, then explained: "My brother's partner and you both have a peculiar physique. So this is why I know about it."

_{This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"}
Turns out she was someone who came into this world too. This immediately made me smile, as I felt I had found my allied forces.

This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"

_{This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"}But he simply laughed, explaining: "I'm not too sure about it, but maybe he won't treat you as coldly as he did before because of how much my aunt seems to like you."

This caught my attention, so looking at her, I curiously asked: "Shouldn't Zhang Dong's wife be giving birth soon or something?"

_{Seeing my appearance, she consoled me by saying: "You don't need to be nervous, I know the reason."}"They're coming back down." With this, I looked towards the stairs leading to the second floor with her, to see the uncle-nephew pair descending, while Xiao Huaisu guided Li You down in front of him. Once she got to the first floor, she let go of Xiao Huaisu's hand and came to me, leaning on my knees looking all quiet and clever.

Seeing my appearance, she consoled me by saying: "You don't need to be nervous, I know the reason."

_{Xiao Huaisu's Little Aunt then chuckled happily as she helped the elderly woman pull out the red envelope in her pocket to hand to us, then to her mother said: "Mom, these two are already fine. So there's no need for you to worry about them not getting along."}
She smiled as she kept chatting with me, an elder as gentle as a wind. Those kind few words of hers made that bit of unease I was feeling immediately vanish in an instant without a trace. She enjoyed hearing me talk about Li You, and I honestly couldn't stop telling her more about it.

Xiao Huaisu's Little Aunt then chuckled happily as she helped the elderly woman pull out the red envelope in her pocket to hand to us, then to her mother said: "Mom, these two are already fine. So there's no need for you to worry about them not getting along."

_{I nodded at her words. Because I went to Jiayu regularly yet, forget about often, only once in a blue moon would I come across anyone belonging to this group sharing our physique.}After living together with Xiao Huaisu, I got to know about his relatives living in France. I found out he had an uncle. This uncle wasn't Xiao Huaisu's paternal uncle though, but a cousin of Xiao Jianli, which made him Xiao Huaisu's second uncle in reality. His name was Xiao Renzong, and his wife was called Lian Youyi, and they were a couple very much in love. However, due to his wife's physical condition, the two had no children between them, and because of this, they loved Xiao Huaisu as if he was their own. According to Xiao Huaisu, back when he was a student in France, it was his Uncle Xiao Renzong who guided and taught him the various subjects he came to know. His knowledge of Chinese History and Culture were passed onto him by this uncle, while the Principles of Chinese Ink Painting was taught to him by his aunt, Lian Youyi. Despite her being a second aunt via marriage, his relationship with her was very close too. From his words, I could sense the respect Xiao Huaisu had in his heart towards them, so when I did meet Xiao Renzong, I couldn't help but feel nervous.

I nodded at her words. Because I went to Jiayu regularly yet, forget about often, only once in a blue moon would I come across anyone belonging to this group sharing our physique. But I never felt the uncontrollable urge to run over and try to make friends when met someone like me. According to Lee Moli, it seems as though our kind just go our own way, not at all banding together in groups. Firstly, we scatter about, choosing to vigorously hide our sex. And secondly, if a problem does arise, we don't have to fear our entire kind being wiped out. It seems that this was a habit left over from ancient times, and despite times now being peaceful and prosperous, this habit has been long ingrained. Since no one wants to change it, the status quo simply remained unchanged.

_{Looking at this state of mine, he didn't know if to laugh or cry as he asked: "Is it really that bad?"}Hold on, did I manage to hit the mark by a fluke?

Looking at this state of mine, he didn't know if to laugh or cry as he asked: "Is it really that bad?"

_{"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"}
She then sighed, saying: "Youyou's a really such sensible child, she just tugs at one's heartstrings."

"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"

_{"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"}Following this, around mid-July, we were off to France.

"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"

_{Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."}Xiao Huaisu chuckled behind me, his shaking chest forcing me to turn around with dissatisfaction. Rubbing my wet hair, he then added: "It was the first time I saw my Aunt Youyi smile so... so happily in such a long time. It's rare for her to be as happy as she was today."

Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."

_{I wiped away my sweat, giving her a thumbs up. "Such a huge piece of gossip and you actually held back telling me until I asked? You... you're really awesome!"}
"Yes, Youyou is quite sensible indeed."

I wiped away my sweat, giving her a thumbs up. "Such a huge piece of gossip and you actually held back telling me until I asked? You... you're really awesome!"

_{Lian Youyi no longer mentioned the prior topic, turning to chat with Li You instead.}She then said to me: "Long ago, when I married into this family too, I was also not used to all these etiquette requirements and rules."

Lian Youyi no longer mentioned the prior topic, turning to chat with Li You instead.

_{"Is there any reason to let a group of strangers take part in our most special day?"}Seeing my appearance, she consoled me by saying: "You don't need to be nervous, I know the reason."

"Is there any reason to let a group of strangers take part in our most special day?"

_{"Hm. Just do whatever you want then, I'll take responsibility."}
Right then, she asked: "You gave birth to Youyou didn't you?" those thunderous groundbreaking words she uttered almost scared the life out of me.

"Hm. Just do whatever you want then, I'll take responsibility."

_{Seeing my appearance, she consoled me by saying: "You don't need to be nervous, I know the reason."}Hold on, did I manage to hit the mark by a fluke?

Seeing my appearance, she consoled me by saying: "You don't need to be nervous, I know the reason."

_{Anyway, after knowing that girl didn't take the plunge into the fiery pit and had turned away elegantly instead, that hard to describe unease I felt in my heart earlier was finally able to be put to rest.}
When all the rest of Xiao Huaisu's relatives thought Li You was his kid with another person, and was then given to my parents and I to raise, why does Lian Youyi seem so sure Li You was birthed by me?

Anyway, after knowing that girl didn't take the plunge into the fiery pit and had turned away elegantly instead, that hard to describe unease I felt in my heart earlier was finally able to be put to rest.

_{Without giving me the chance to continue yammering on, Xiao Huaisu pressed me directly on the bed, and like this the bag fell on the floor. At first I had no time to pick it up, I tried to pick it up too, but I was pulled back my ankles, and soon the room was filled heavy breaths, which went on for a long time. Fearing my moans would be heard by someone outside, I had to suppress them.}
I was at a loss at what to do.

Without giving me the chance to continue yammering on, Xiao Huaisu pressed me directly on the bed, and like this the bag fell on the floor. At first I had no time to pick it up, I tried to pick it up too, but I was pulled back my ankles, and soon the room was filled heavy breaths, which went on for a long time. Fearing my moans would be heard by someone outside, I had to suppress them.

_{I truly did not feel a wedding ceremony was necessary, also... I wasn't to keen on the idea of a noisy crowd surrounding me on such a day. Simply living a low-key life was the best. So after Xiao Huaisu agreed against it as well, I immediately let out a sigh of relief.}Anyway, after knowing that girl didn't take the plunge into the fiery pit and had turned away elegantly instead, that hard to describe unease I felt in my heart earlier was finally able to be put to rest.

I truly did not feel a wedding ceremony was necessary, also... I wasn't to keen on the idea of a noisy crowd surrounding me on such a day. Simply living a low-key life was the best. So after Xiao Huaisu agreed against it as well, I immediately let out a sigh of relief.

_{Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."}I didn't take the bank card, though. Instead, I slipped it back into Li Zhi's pocket. They raised me all these years, but it seems as though I never made them feel rest assured.

Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."

_{Wow... With all these twists and turns... this situation was really like some kind of soap opera, right? Did Zhang Dong get played in the end?}
Seeing my appearance, she consoled me by saying: "You don't need to be nervous, I know the reason."

Wow... With all these twists and turns... this situation was really like some kind of soap opera, right? Did Zhang Dong get played in the end?

_{{Aunty... you're playing by the usual routine!} Speechless, I calm myself, drawing my lips into a line, pretending to be a quail.}Turns out she was someone who came into this world too. This immediately made me smile, as I felt I had found my allied forces.

Aunty... you're playing by the usual routine! Speechless, I calm myself, drawing my lips into a line, pretending to be a quail.

_{Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."}
I stared at her blankly.

Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."

_{Later, after meeting a few more relatives, Li You was formally taken out for a stroll. First she went to Disney Land, then on a river cruise to see the scenery at night.}Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."

Later, after meeting a few more relatives, Li You was formally taken out for a stroll. First she went to Disney Land, then on a river cruise to see the scenery at night.

_{Following this, around mid-July, we were off to France.}While lying in the bathtub, right when I was so comfortable and relaxed sleep almost overtook me, Xiao Huaisu spoke up from behind me, saying: "Your form while drinking that soup today was pretty good."

Following this, around mid-July, we were off to France.

_{"They're coming back down." With this, I looked towards the stairs leading to the second floor with her, to see the uncle-nephew pair descending, while Xiao Huaisu guided Li You down in front of him. Once she got to the first floor, she let go of Xiao Huaisu's hand and came to me, leaning on my knees looking all quiet and clever.}
She let out a laugh, then explained: "My brother's partner and you both have a peculiar physique. So this is why I know about it."

"They're coming back down." With this, I looked towards the stairs leading to the second floor with her, to see the uncle-nephew pair descending, while Xiao Huaisu guided Li You down in front of him. Once she got to the first floor, she let go of Xiao Huaisu's hand and came to me, leaning on my knees looking all quiet and clever.

_{After the summer holidays are over, Li You will begin primary school. Though I have to say, being primary school students these days is really something else.}After saying all that, my mom then added: "But this fraudulent marriage matter is also a self inflicted wound. It would be impossible for any mother to have a better attitude after knowing their daughter was with a man like that.T/n: in reference to his scummy behaviour not his gay/bi-ness. The term is used for shіtty guys."

After the summer holidays are over, Li You will begin primary school. Though I have to say, being primary school students these days is really something else. Their school bags are so heavy with stuff that I usually see students lugging around bag packs that morph into little rolling suitcases. So while we're here in France, I'm especially planning to take that little girl of mine with me to have a lot of fun. After all, once she starts school, she won't be a kindergartener any longer.

_{Lee Moli replied indifferently, saying: "Give birth? What birth? There's no longer any child."}Anyway, after knowing that girl didn't take the plunge into the fiery pit and had turned away elegantly instead, that hard to describe unease I felt in my heart earlier was finally able to be put to rest.

Lee Moli replied indifferently, saying: "Give birth? What birth? There's no longer any child."

_{Hold on, did I manage to hit the mark by a fluke?}
I couldn't help but let out a breath. I was a little curious about her brother's partner, but I didn't ask her much.

Hold on, did I manage to hit the mark by a fluke?

_{I was shocked. Something definitely happened here, so I quickly queried further: "Huh? What happened?"}Lian Youyi no longer mentioned the prior topic, turning to chat with Li You instead.

I was shocked. Something definitely happened here, so I quickly queried further: "Huh? What happened?"

_{Xiao Renzong from beside Lian Youyi then said: "Wasn't the kitchen told to prepare some snacks? Let's serve those first."}"Is there any reason to let a group of strangers take part in our most special day?"

Xiao Renzong from beside Lian Youyi then said: "Wasn't the kitchen told to prepare some snacks? Let's serve those first."

_{When all the rest of Xiao Huaisu's relatives thought Li You was his kid with another person, and was then given to my parents and I to raise, why does Lian Youyi seem so sure Li You was birthed by me?}
She then said: "When there's time, I'll introduce you guys to him. But when it comes to matters surrounding him, I honestly don't know that much since my brother is very protective of him. I knew about your secret identity too, but I never thought I'd meet a man like him after all these years. The odds of this was so amazing I couldn't help but speak out."

When all the rest of Xiao Huaisu's relatives thought Li You was his kid with another person, and was then given to my parents and I to raise, why does Lian Youyi seem so sure Li You was birthed by me?

_{Turns out she was someone who came into this world too. This immediately made me smile, as I felt I had found my allied forces.}She then said to me: "Long ago, when I married into this family too, I was also not used to all these etiquette requirements and rules."

Turns out she was someone who came into this world too. This immediately made me smile, as I felt I had found my allied forces.

_{Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like.}T/N: The following chapter contains mention of some sensitive subject matter so reader discretion is advised.

Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like. I took a look at the thing and thought, woah—this has been made a good while ago, huh? It's so long... When I took the list from her, I suddenly remembered Zhang Dong and asked without much thought: "Oh, in a little while, don't you have to send Aunty Huo a gift too?"

_{Maybe regardless of how old kids get, in the eyes of their parents, they will always be someone in need of their care.}
I nodded at her words. Because I went to Jiayu regularly yet, forget about often, only once in a blue moon would I come across anyone belonging to this group sharing our physique. But I never felt the uncontrollable urge to run over and try to make friends when met someone like me. According to Lee Moli, it seems as though our kind just go our own way, not at all banding together in groups. Firstly, we scatter about, choosing to vigorously hide our sex. And secondly, if a problem does arise, we don't have to fear our entire kind being wiped out. It seems that this was a habit left over from ancient times, and despite times now being peaceful and prosperous, this habit has been long ingrained. Since no one wants to change it, the status quo simply remained unchanged.

Maybe regardless of how old kids get, in the eyes of their parents, they will always be someone in need of their care.

_{Having finished our lunch, we stayed for there for an afternoon rest, then had afternoon tea before returning to Xiao Huaisu's parents' house later that day. That evening, Xiao Huaisu handed me a bag, one that after opening gave me a right shock. While he, as it it was nothing, said: "It's a gift from my uncle to you."}When I think about Li You also bringing back a dopey-looking deer for me to meet in the next twenty years or so, my chest got all tight and my sympathies went out to Xiao Renzong. But, for Li You and Xiao Huaisu's sakes, I did my best to not excessively dole out flatteries, so as to avoid him looking down on me even more.

Having finished our lunch, we stayed for there for an afternoon rest, then had afternoon tea before returning to Xiao Huaisu's parents' house later that day. That evening, Xiao Huaisu handed me a bag, one that after opening gave me a right shock. While he, as it it was nothing, said: "It's a gift from my uncle to you."

_{T/N: The following chapter contains mention of some sensitive subject matter so reader discretion is advised.}
"Does he have kids?" I went on to ask her.

T/N: The following chapter contains mention of some sensitive subject matter so reader discretion is advised.

_{But he simply laughed, explaining: "I'm not too sure about it, but maybe he won't treat you as coldly as he did before because of how much my aunt seems to like you."}
"Yes, he does. A boy and a girl, who are frankly quite spoiled. His daughter is a freshman in college and his son is a year older than her."

But he simply laughed, explaining: "I'm not too sure about it, but maybe he won't treat you as coldly as he did before because of how much my aunt seems to like you."

_{Later, after meeting a few more relatives, Li You was formally taken out for a stroll. First she went to Disney Land, then on a river cruise to see the scenery at night.}Lee Moli hesitantly answered, explaining: "Well, that's because on that day, I was the one who went there with her..."

Later, after meeting a few more relatives, Li You was formally taken out for a stroll. First she went to Disney Land, then on a river cruise to see the scenery at night.

_{She then said to me: "Long ago, when I married into this family too, I was also not used to all these etiquette requirements and rules."}
"Really? That's really impressive."

She then said to me: "Long ago, when I married into this family too, I was also not used to all these etiquette requirements and rules."

_{I chuckled at her and said: "Why are you saying this to me, though? It's not like I'm jumping off a cliff into a sea of fire, you know? Your son is loved by everyone he meets. So what are you worried about, huh? If that's not enough, there's also the cute contestant Li You right next to me, and behind her there is still Xiao Huaisu, right?"}But I could sort of understand his feelings. The child he helped raise carefully was snatched up by me, a person who seemed like a dopey-looking deer caught in the headlights^[2]. So if it were me, I'd not be so keen on the idea too.

I chuckled at her and said: "Why are you saying this to me, though? It's not like I'm jumping off a cliff into a sea of fire, you know? Your son is loved by everyone he meets. So what are you worried about, huh? If that's not enough, there's also the cute contestant Li You right next to me, and behind her there is still Xiao Huaisu, right?"

_{"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"}Lian Youyi no longer mentioned the prior topic, turning to chat with Li You instead.

"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"

_{Maybe it was because she had met one of her Aunt's kids, because that night while I was reading her a story, she suddenly said to me: "Dad, when will I get a little brother? Why don't you want one?"}
"They're coming back down." With this, I looked towards the stairs leading to the second floor with her, to see the uncle-nephew pair descending, while Xiao Huaisu guided Li You down in front of him. Once she got to the first floor, she let go of Xiao Huaisu's hand and came to me, leaning on my knees looking all quiet and clever.

Maybe it was because she had met one of her Aunt's kids, because that night while I was reading her a story, she suddenly said to me: "Dad, when will I get a little brother? Why don't you want one?"

_{Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."}Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."

Xiao Huaisu hummed in response, adding: "Didn't you see that even my uncle because of her smile was taken back too? His face was shocked."

_{Lee Moli in response whispered: "It was so hard to hold it all in, you know? I was nearing the point where I'd break."}Seeing her pained expression, it was obvious she had a huge piece of gossip, but because other relationship to Aunty Huo it wasn't one easy to mention. What person could stand such a thing, huh?

Lee Moli in response whispered: "It was so hard to hold it all in, you know? I was nearing the point where I'd break."

_{"But why is that you know all the details so clearly, though? With something like this, no matter how much you and Aunty Huo hang out together, she would never just willingly tell you all this outright, right?" I was genuinely surprised.}
Lian Youyi no longer mentioned the prior topic, turning to chat with Li You instead.

"But why is that you know all the details so clearly, though? With something like this, no matter how much you and Aunty Huo hang out together, she would never just willingly tell you all this outright, right?" I was genuinely surprised.

_{{So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?}}She then chuckled as she asked: "It's very difficult, isn't it?"

So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?

_{Turns out she was someone who came into this world too. This immediately made me smile, as I felt I had found my allied forces.}
Xiao Huaisu then came over, sitting beside me, picking up a cubed piece of watermelon to hand to her as her asked, "Isn't it time for lunch?"

Turns out she was someone who came into this world too. This immediately made me smile, as I felt I had found my allied forces.

_{After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.}
Hearing him, Lian Youyi chuckled, asking in return: "You're already hungry so soon? Did your mom not care to feed you breakfast?"

After that, the entire family was happy and the atmosphere on the gathering got super light. The sense of indifference and distance had all been swept away, so now the smiles all came from the bottom of their hearts, and reflected in the eyebrows and eyes.

_{She had a lot of fun on the stroll, running under the sun. Even if you put sunscreen on Li You, she would still be as dark as before, but now it'd be a much brighter and healthier hue than before.}I stayed in the living room with Lian Youyi, who looked at me and asked: "Are you still a bit unaccustomed being here?"

She had a lot of fun on the stroll, running under the sun. Even if you put sunscreen on Li You, she would still be as dark as before, but now it'd be a much brighter and healthier hue than before.

_{Me: "..."}I didn't take the bank card, though. Instead, I slipped it back into Li Zhi's pocket. They raised me all these years, but it seems as though I never made them feel rest assured.

Me: "..."

_{She smiled as she kept chatting with me, an elder as gentle as a wind. Those kind few words of hers made that bit of unease I was feeling immediately vanish in an instant without a trace. She enjoyed hearing me talk about Li You, and I honestly couldn't stop telling her more about it.}
Xiao Renzong from beside Lian Youyi then said: "Wasn't the kitchen told to prepare some snacks? Let's serve those first."

She smiled as she kept chatting with me, an elder as gentle as a wind. Those kind few words of hers made that bit of unease I was feeling immediately vanish in an instant without a trace. She enjoyed hearing me talk about Li You, and I honestly couldn't stop telling her more about it.

_{T/N: The following chapter contains mention of some sensitive subject matter so reader discretion is advised.}Anyway, after knowing that girl didn't take the plunge into the fiery pit and had turned away elegantly instead, that hard to describe unease I felt in my heart earlier was finally able to be put to rest.

T/N: The following chapter contains mention of some sensitive subject matter so reader discretion is advised.

_{After the summer holidays are over, Li You will begin primary school. Though I have to say, being primary school students these days is really something else.}
Lian Youyi then remembered something, standing as she said: "I was having such a good chat, I seemed to have forgotten I had some egg tarts and pineapple pies in the oven. I'll go check on then now."

After the summer holidays are over, Li You will begin primary school. Though I have to say, being primary school students these days is really something else. Their school bags are so heavy with stuff that I usually see students lugging around bag packs that morph into little rolling suitcases. So while we're here in France, I'm especially planning to take that little girl of mine with me to have a lot of fun. After all, once she starts school, she won't be a kindergartener any longer.

_{"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"}She let out a laugh, then explained: "My brother's partner and you both have a peculiar physique. So this is why I know about it."

"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"

_{Xiao Huaisu chuckled behind me, his shaking chest forcing me to turn around with dissatisfaction. Rubbing my wet hair, he then added: "It was the first time I saw my Aunt Youyi smile so... so happily in such a long time. It's rare for her to be as happy as she was today."}
Xiao Renzong shook his ever so slight, feeling a bit helpless, as traces of doting was reflected in his eyes.

Xiao Huaisu chuckled behind me, his shaking chest forcing me to turn around with dissatisfaction. Rubbing my wet hair, he then added: "It was the first time I saw my Aunt Youyi smile so... so happily in such a long time. It's rare for her to be as happy as she was today."

_{Having finished our lunch, we stayed for there for an afternoon rest, then had afternoon tea before returning to Xiao Huaisu's parents' house later that day. That evening, Xiao Huaisu handed me a bag, one that after opening gave me a right shock. While he, as it it was nothing, said: "It's a gift from my uncle to you."}
Having finished our lunch, we stayed for there for an afternoon rest, then had afternoon tea before returning to Xiao Huaisu's parents' house later that day. That evening, Xiao Huaisu handed me a bag, one that after opening gave me a right shock. While he, as it it was nothing, said: "It's a gift from my uncle to you."

Having finished our lunch, we stayed for there for an afternoon rest, then had afternoon tea before returning to Xiao Huaisu's parents' house later that day. That evening, Xiao Huaisu handed me a bag, one that after opening gave me a right shock. While he, as it it was nothing, said: "It's a gift from my uncle to you."

_{Xiao Huaisu then came over, sitting beside me, picking up a cubed piece of watermelon to hand to her as her asked, "Isn't it time for lunch?"}When all the rest of Xiao Huaisu's relatives thought Li You was his kid with another person, and was then given to my parents and I to raise, why does Lian Youyi seem so sure Li You was birthed by me?

Xiao Huaisu then came over, sitting beside me, picking up a cubed piece of watermelon to hand to her as her asked, "Isn't it time for lunch?"

_{Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like.}
In short, the gift was very uh... grand. Stock funds, real estate, antiques all kinds of things, "Doesn't your uncle not like me very much? So why is he being nice to me all of a sudden?"

Anyhow, in the couple or so days before we left the country, I stayed over at Lee Moli's and while there asked her if she would like me to bring anything back. In response, she made me a list of skincare products she would like. I took a look at the thing and thought, woah—this has been made a good while ago, huh? It's so long... When I took the list from her, I suddenly remembered Zhang Dong and asked without much thought: "Oh, in a little while, don't you have to send Aunty Huo a gift too?"

_{Hearing him, Lian Youyi chuckled, asking in return: "You're already hungry so soon? Did your mom not care to feed you breakfast?"}Lee Moli now wore a complicated expression as she looked at me, explaining: "That girl already went back to her parents house and broke off ties with Zhang Dong."

Hearing him, Lian Youyi chuckled, asking in return: "You're already hungry so soon? Did your mom not care to feed you breakfast?"

_{Stock funds, real estate and antiques... what the heck is all this!}
"If you love the house, you'll also love its roosting crow...^[4]" Xiao Huaisu said to me lazily, but I immediately shook my head, rebutting: "Nope. It was definitely because your uncle has discovered my cuteness and could no longer stop himself from showering me with adoration. That's the reason, thank you very much."

Stock funds, real estate and antiques... what the heck is all this!

_{To myself, when I thought about that girl, I really thought she had a lot of guts. Kid aborted, man tossed, and she even managed strike a blow directly in Aunty Huo's family's face. But what I don't know is how long it'd take for the physical and emotional wounds she got because of Zhang Dong would take to heal.}Hearing him, Lian Youyi chuckled, asking in return: "You're already hungry so soon? Did your mom not care to feed you breakfast?"

To myself, when I thought about that girl, I really thought she had a lot of guts. Kid aborted, man tossed, and she even managed strike a blow directly in Aunty Huo's family's face. But what I don't know is how long it'd take for the physical and emotional wounds she got because of Zhang Dong would take to heal.

_{When I thought about the huge crowd of people we don't know very well watching us as if it was some kind of huge show, Xiao Huaisu, Li You and I would all just feel uncomfortable. Apart from the people who genuinely wish to give us their blessings, all the rest can just gather together to play on their own.}"Are you talking about seeing how I looked while drinking the soup?"

When I thought about the huge crowd of people we don't know very well watching us as if it was some kind of huge show, Xiao Huaisu, Li You and I would all just feel uncomfortable. Apart from the people who genuinely wish to give us their blessings, all the rest can just gather together to play on their own. Wedding ceremonies really aren't a necessity. Although... it is a pity to lose a chance to make some money back on the day. But if you don't have one to begin with, you can just save the money instead!

_{I truly did not feel a wedding ceremony was necessary, also... I wasn't to keen on the idea of a noisy crowd surrounding me on such a day. Simply living a low-key life was the best. So after Xiao Huaisu agreed against it as well, I immediately let out a sigh of relief.}
Without giving me the chance to continue yammering on, Xiao Huaisu pressed me directly on the bed, and like this the bag fell on the floor. At first I had no time to pick it up, I tried to pick it up too, but I was pulled back my ankles, and soon the room was filled heavy breaths, which went on for a long time. Fearing my moans would be heard by someone outside, I had to suppress them.

I truly did not feel a wedding ceremony was necessary, also... I wasn't to keen on the idea of a noisy crowd surrounding me on such a day. Simply living a low-key life was the best. So after Xiao Huaisu agreed against it as well, I immediately let out a sigh of relief.

_{"All they had was the wedding banquet and they hadn't received the marriage certificate as yet. According to Aunty Huo, that girl already went to the hospital herself to abort the child then went back to her folks' place.}
Later, after meeting a few more relatives, Li You was formally taken out for a stroll. First she went to Disney Land, then on a river cruise to see the scenery at night.

"All they had was the wedding banquet and they hadn't received the marriage certificate as yet. According to Aunty Huo, that girl already went to the hospital herself to abort the child then went back to her folks' place. Zhang Dong tried to meet with her but no matter how he tried, he couldn't get through. Your Aunty Huo livid, livid I tell you. It was so much so that she thought the girl was the one who tried to pull a sham marriage on them so she viciously spat she was going to report her to the police. In return, that girl's mother then sent a jab back at your Aunty Huo that it was her son who was trying to pull marriage fraud, and that he was a gay man pretending to be a straight man... and cheated her daughter instead. When she heard this, your Aunty Huo just thought the other woman was being spiteful. But after seeing the pictures and recordings the girl threw out, she was so pissed again that after she got back home, she made your Uncle (Aunty Huo's husband) give Zhang Dong a real solid beating."

_{Fortunately, Aunt Lian Youyi had a gentle and dignified disposition. So despite Xiao Renzong attitude being not too friendly and a bit cold, hers was exceedingly warm.}"Yes, Youyou is quite sensible indeed."

Fortunately, Aunt Lian Youyi had a gentle and dignified disposition. So despite Xiao Renzong attitude being not too friendly and a bit cold, hers was exceedingly warm. Especially when she saw how much Li You was the splitting image of Xiao Huaisu. She smiled so much with no end in sight, taking Li You's hand as she asked her a bunch of questions, seeming to like her a lot. So once Xiao Renzong saw her found expression, his own became slightly less serious too.

_{She then said: "When there's time, I'll introduce you guys to him. But when it comes to matters surrounding him, I honestly don't know that much since my brother is very protective of him. I knew about your secret identity too, but I never thought I'd meet a man like him after all these years. The odds of this was so amazing I couldn't help but speak out."}
She had a lot of fun on the stroll, running under the sun. Even if you put sunscreen on Li You, she would still be as dark as before, but now it'd be a much brighter and healthier hue than before.

She then said: "When there's time, I'll introduce you guys to him. But when it comes to matters surrounding him, I honestly don't know that much since my brother is very protective of him. I knew about your secret identity too, but I never thought I'd meet a man like him after all these years. The odds of this was so amazing I couldn't help but speak out."

_{When Xiao Huaisu came in he took off his jacket and simply tossed it on the couch. Then while unbuttoning his shirt, he made his way towards me, sitting on the edge of the bed as he finished undoing his shirt. Now reaching to rub my forehead, he asked: "Have no strength left?"}She smiled as she kept chatting with me, an elder as gentle as a wind. Those kind few words of hers made that bit of unease I was feeling immediately vanish in an instant without a trace. She enjoyed hearing me talk about Li You, and I honestly couldn't stop telling her more about it.

When Xiao Huaisu came in he took off his jacket and simply tossed it on the couch. Then while unbuttoning his shirt, he made his way towards me, sitting on the edge of the bed as he finished undoing his shirt. Now reaching to rub my forehead, he asked: "Have no strength left?"

_{I couldn't help but let out a breath. I was a little curious about her brother's partner, but I didn't ask her much.}
Maybe it was because she had met one of her Aunt's kids, because that night while I was reading her a story, she suddenly said to me: "Dad, when will I get a little brother? Why don't you want one?"

I couldn't help but let out a breath. I was a little curious about her brother's partner, but I didn't ask her much.

_{"But why is that you know all the details so clearly, though? With something like this, no matter how much you and Aunty Huo hang out together, she would {never} just willingly tell you all this outright, right?" I was genuinely surprised.}So does this mean the wedding was a plan to make Aunty Huo's family a joke?

"But why is that you know all the details so clearly, though? With something like this, no matter how much you and Aunty Huo hang out together, she would never just willingly tell you all this outright, right?" I was genuinely surprised.

_{Lian Youyi no longer mentioned the prior topic, turning to chat with Li You instead.}
Me: "..."

Lian Youyi no longer mentioned the prior topic, turning to chat with Li You instead.

_{After saying all that, my mom then added: "But this fraudulent marriage matter is also a self inflicted wound. It would be impossible for any mother to have a better attitude after knowing their daughter was with a man like that.T/n: in reference to his scummy behaviour not his gay/bi-ness. The term is used for shіtty guys."}
This is really unexpected, unexpected indeed.

After saying all that, my mom then added: "But this fraudulent marriage matter is also a self inflicted wound. It would be impossible for any mother to have a better attitude after knowing their daughter was with a man like that.T/n: in reference to his scummy behaviour not his gay/bi-ness. The term is used for shіtty guys."

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

^1. 善恶终有报，天道好轮回。不信抬头看，苍天饶过谁: My translation of this is a bit janky, but it just means heaven doesn't forget, and all good deeds and bad are recorded and the bad won't be spared nor will the good not rewarded.

^2. 傻狍子: sao paozi:lit. stupid/silly/dumb roe deer. This cute deer has a white heart shaped butt and the name is due to the animal being too curious/stupid for their own good which gets a one way trip to deer heaven. They're not actually dumb though, they just return to areas a bit too soon after fleeing from danger. So silly looking folks get called this.

Roe Deer with cute butt pic

^3. 双皮奶: double skin milk (literal name) is a type of Cantonese custard made from milk, sugar and egg whites where the milk is boiled and cooled to form a skin on top and egg whites are added for curdling to occur.

Double skin milk pic

^4. 爱屋及乌: love the house, love the crow: basically means to love the things of the person you love despite your personal feelings. There is an English equivalent, "Love me, love my dog"; but for some reason calling my boy a dog in this context didn't feel right.

iana: yeah... a lot happened this chapter...

• Previous
• Next
• ToC