Su Liumeng’s heart softened—she couldn’t say another harsh word, and hugged me tight. “Be cheeky, it means you’re full of spirit. If I can’t spoil my baby, who can I spoil? Xiao Yan, isn’t that right?”
Su Liumeng had already noticed: except when facing her, Si Xinyan was usually listless and dull.
If she’s playful, that’s a good sign.
She was genuinely happy, and her teasing was just that—teasing.
I looked up, dazed.
“Wait, let me wash my hands first.”
Hearing this, Su Liumeng took my hand and placed it under the tap.
Watching her hold my hand, the cold water couldn’t cool the warmth of our skin pressed together.
Su Liumeng could always make my heart race. As she washed my hands, wiping from the back to between my fingers, every interlaced touch made my heart pound.
I pouted, “This is…really cheating.”
I have no resistance at all.
“All done,” Su Liumeng ruffled my hair. “This just proves our destined connection.”
“You still haven’t told me what we’re eating today.” I instinctively grabbed her sleeve.
Only then did I feel safe.
“Sweet rice dumplings.” Su Liumeng kneaded the dough again as I retreated a bit.
“Or dumplings, if you want.”
“Here, you can have a buffet.”
“But…” I answered seriously, “I don’t want either—what do I do?”
Su Liumeng froze. “You have to eat at least some—sweet dumplings mean family reunion. Don’t you want that blessing?”
“Alright.”
“If you say so, one isn’t enough—I’ll have a whole bowl.”
“Good girl.” Su Liumeng’s doting tone made me blush on the spot—already a soon-to-be mom, and still getting coaxed like a child.
I don’t know how others see it.
But honestly, it’s kind of embarrassing.
At the dinner table.
Chun Qiao and Chun Lan were allowed to sit with us for once, so everyone shared the first reunion meal of the new year.
I gently bit into a sweet dumpling.
Su Liumeng glanced at me and froze.
I picked up my phone and took a picture of my right hand, then sent it to Shangguan Xiyue. Since my other hand was holding chopsticks, I couldn’t type, so I just pressed the voice button with my left thumb. “Mao Mao, I’m eating sweet dumplings. How are you at home? If you’re free, come hang out with me.”
“Oh, actually, don’t come now—I’ll be giving birth in a month. Just come to the hospital then, save you the trouble, and I won’t be able to go out much anyway.”
Shangguan Xiyue replied quickly.
[The house is empty, a bit lonely.]
[So I got a golden retriever.]
[See—golden retriever.jpg.]
The dumplings tasted alright, but by the third one I was a little nauseated.
So cloying.
Under Su Liumeng’s gaze, I forced down a fourth.
She patted my back. “Don’t force yourself if you can’t eat more.”
I sipped some chicken soup to ease the sick feeling. “I nearly forgot—didn’t you say you were studying medicine behind my back?”
“What, are you prepping for grad school?”
Su Liumeng thought, then replied, “I just worry you’ll be tense in the delivery room—after all, you already refused a cervical exam.”
“So I’ve been studying medicine to deliver the baby myself.”
“And with the latest medical equipment flown in these days, there shouldn’t be any problems.”
You—you want to deliver my baby yourself?
I was stunned.
My shock at that moment can’t be put into words.
It’s the first time I’ve seen someone who could anticipate every single one of my feelings with such care.
Unbelievable—does such a perfect person exist in this world?
What Su Liumeng said hit right at my deepest anxiety.
I had been hypnotizing myself—telling myself doctors see everyone the same, that I’m just a patient.
I was ready to risk it all.
But then…I heard this?
I’d never told anyone about this, and yet Su Liumeng had already thought of it and started preparing behind my back.
I was stunned into silence, my heart swelling with warmth.
After a long time, I slowly said, “Marrying you was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
My whole life has been plagued by bad luck, except for two right choices.
One was when I resolutely fought in front of the Red-Robe Heavenly Master.
The other was choosing Su Liumeng.
At first, I was willing to get close to her just because she was useful…
Suddenly, Chun Qiao said, “Miss, why is my sweet dumpling salty?”
Chun Qiao chimed in, “Mine is sweet.”
“Oh, I figured some people like salty, some like sweet, so I made both.”
I’d just been feeling moved, but now I couldn’t help complaining, “Dumplings…should only be sweet. Even someone who hates dumplings like me knows they must be sweet.”
Su Liumeng set down her chopsticks, looking serious. “Zongzi can be sweet or salty—why can’t dumplings be both?”
“I’m neutral, I can eat both.”
“…”
Fine, you have a point.
Under the table, I hooked my pinky around Su Liumeng’s palm; she looked at me, puzzled.
Secretly holding hands under the maids’ noses made my cheeks flush.
“Su Liumeng.”
“How can you be so good to me?” My lashes trembled. “I don’t even know how to respond to you…”
“If I were your gift, would you be happy?”
After saying this, I could hardly lift my head.
Ahhh—
Calling myself a gift.
How embarrassing—how did I even say that out loud?
Su Liumeng’s eyes sparkled, and in that moment she felt all her efforts were worth it.
A girl who opens up to her bit by bit—that’s the best gift of all in Su Liumeng’s eyes.
I traced circles in her palm.
A girl’s shy initiative is as beautiful as any scenery Su Liumeng’s ever seen.
“There’s another little surprise—just wait two months and you’ll know.”
That used up the last of my courage. I let go of her hand and fled to my room.
Su Liumeng didn’t stop me.
Once I was back in bed, I kept patting my burning cheeks.
Something’s wrong.
I’m really acting strange.
How did I end up like this?
It feels like a lifetime ago.
I wonder what last year’s me would think of me now.
Probably jump up and roast me on the spot.
Si Xinyan!!
Look at yourself now—is there even a trace of manliness left?
I pouted, arguing with the imaginary figure in my mind.
No means no.
I stopped being a man ages ago.
I’m now a mother, and Su Liumeng’s lawfully wedded wife.
After saying that, I froze for a second.
Wait—wasn’t that basically a public declaration?
After Little New Year comes New Year’s Eve and the Spring Festival.
The 29th is New Year’s Eve, the 30th is Spring Festival.
…
We’d already bought spring couplets and firecrackers well in advance.
It’s been years since firecrackers were allowed in the city. I was explaining this to Su Liumeng, but her response left me stunned.
“Only traditional firecrackers are banned. What I bought just looks like traditional firecrackers—they’re electronic. They make noise but don’t burn or smoke, so why can’t we use them?”
I looked at the rolled-up red string of firecrackers in her hand, then at the fireworks beside her. “Then—these can’t be electronic too, right?”
“Congratulations, you’re absolutely right!”
“…”
Maybe I really am out of touch.
Can’t keep up with the times.
Su Liumeng pinched my cheek. “You should spend more time on your phone. These days, even 2D anime is old news. Super 2D is in, and soon there’ll be virtual partners—who has time for traditional firecrackers?”
Me: “…”
Guess I really am an antique now.
I know a little about 2D—it’s adult anime and the related merchandise, like cosplay outfits and collectibles.
I prefer regular cartoons, so I never got into the 2D scene, but I do know the clothes are pretty.
On New Year’s Eve.
The house was warm. Looking at the living room, I suddenly said, “We should do something tonight. Everyone else is playing mahjong, but I don’t like it—how about Monopoly?”
Su Liumeng was silent.
Chun Lan looked lost.
Only the ever-loyal Chun Qiao raised her hand, agreeing with my awkward suggestion. “I support Miss’s idea.”
I caught Su Liumeng’s look. “You…think it’s childish?”
“No,” Su Liumeng said sincerely. “It’s just a coincidence—I happen to be the perfect age for Monopoly.”
“But,” she continued, “no staying up late. Play till ten at most, then it’s bedtime.”
“?”
I cocked my head. “But I want to watch the firecrackers, to scare off the Nian beast.”
“There’s no such thing—it’s a legend. And you can see firecrackers tomorrow morning too.”
I struggled for a moment, but thinking of my body, I could only tearfully say goodbye to my beloved late nights.
I’m not a very qualified college student.
Come to think of it, it’s been ages since I stayed up late.
On the first day of the New Year, January 30th, I put on a festive new outfit. Even with my big belly, I insisted on waking up early to hand out red envelopes to the two little maids.
Su Liumeng teased, “You’re going to be busy today.”
“Busy? Am I supposed to visit people and wish them Happy New Year?” I was incredulous. “New Year’s greetings are for elders, but I don’t have any to greet.”
Not giving it much thought, I held out my hand. “Su Liumeng, give me a red envelope.”
No reason, just bold!
Su Liumeng sighed. “Who asks for red envelopes so shamelessly?”
“Su Liumeng, please give your wife a red envelope.”
I quickly tacked on a word, but my tone stayed the same.
“Fine, fine, anything for you, my little ancestor.” Su Liumeng took out a paper. “I’ve transferred half my assets to your name, including half the Su family’s overseas tourism business. It’s all yours now.”
“This is the best New Year’s gift I could think of.”
Ah—dividing assets so soon? I was stunned for a second, then hugged her, rubbing my cheek against hers. “Su Liumeng, you’re so good to me.”
Another good person card for her.
mua~
“As a reward, you get a kiss.”
Su Liumeng looked at her growing pile of good person cards, not sure what to say, but my sweet kiss was a decent consolation prize.
I gave her a loud smooch, accepted my New Year’s present, and headed out cheerfully.
In the living room.
I took the center seat.
Chun Qiao and Chun Lan are technically my peers.
But I still gave each a big red envelope, all from my own stash, not someone else’s money.
Only things that belong to you have real meaning when you gift them.
I got a present for Su Liumeng too.
I don’t have her wealth, so I just made her a generous red envelope.
“Mengmeng~”
“You get a red envelope too.”
Su Liumeng had just been watching from the side. Hearing she was getting a red envelope too, she was honestly shocked.
She hadn’t expected to get a gift herself.
Such a huge surprise.
Her baby was finally getting the hang of things.
Not easy—Su Liumeng was moved to tears inside.
She felt the thick envelope. It didn’t feel like money—more like some kind of contract.
A quarter of an hour later.
I finally understood why Su Liumeng said I’d be busy.
It was only the morning of the first day, but a long line had formed outside, everyone vying to kowtow and bring me their New Year gifts.
“These are all Su family members in Beijing. You and I have the highest status here now, so they all come to greet you.”
“I’ve got all your New Year’s envelopes ready.”
After her explanation, she pulled out a box stuffed with envelopes.
I was stunned, then realized—
Of course.
I’ve married into the Su family.
Just like Su Liumeng’s mother, I’m officially listed in the ancestral records.
I glanced at the red mats on the floor.
I’d been wondering why there were so many—turns out there were more people coming to pay their respects.
Su Liumeng continued, “Those outside are just the ones eligible to visit. There are plenty more who’ll send greetings another way.”
“In any case, just give a polite envelope to each elder—it keeps the family connections smooth.”
I grabbed her sleeve and suddenly asked, “Su Liumeng, you’re in a top position at the Su family now, but I haven’t heard you say a bad word about them in ages.”
“Have you…accepted the Su family system?”
I still remembered the youthful, untempered Su Liumeng talking to me about the pros and cons of Su family rules in the sunshine.
“You’re not a prophet, right? Has the dragon-slaying maiden become the dragon herself?”
Su Liumeng paused. “To oppose and overturn oneself is truly an absurd thing.”
“But this isn’t overthrowing—it’s reform.”
“Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten my original intentions. When I become Grand Elder, I’ll push for reform from within.”
I let out a sigh of relief.
I’d really feared she’d say something like, “Why did the Emperor rebel?”
That would’ve ruined everything.
The morning’s greetings soon finished.
I pulled the just-freed Su Liumeng aside, my eyes bright with a childish tone, “We’ve posted the couplets and done the greetings—now can we light fireworks?”
“Of course.”
Su Liumeng took my hand and led me to a secret staircase.
The rooftop of this building.
I never knew there was a way up.
The rooftop was full of flowers.
Even in winter, it looked like spring in full bloom.
I was quickly enchanted, spinning under the plum tree, admiring the scenery.
The blue sky and clouds seemed almost close enough to touch.
Countless plum blossoms, pink and white, dazzled my eyes.
Su Liumeng lit an electronic firework.
There was no gunpowder smell.
In the bright day, the electronic fireworks looked even more dazzling.
Su Liumeng put her arm around me, letting me lean on her.
She took my hand, guiding my gaze to the sky. “This garden, where the plants change every season, is my second New Year’s gift to you.”
“A sea of everlasting flowers, for your everlasting beauty.”
“You deserve a flourishing world all your own.”
“Everyone makes a wish for the New Year.”
“My only wish is—may my Xiao Yan have nothing but health and happiness.”
I didn’t have time for sweet words. My big, pretty eyes sparkled—any girl’s heart would melt at this. I was honestly moved to tears by her combo attack.
“You bully.”
“How can you spoil someone like this?”
“I…won’t allow you to be so caring.”
“Or else…” My emotions overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t help but kiss her.
A kiss as if time stood still.
I gently pressed my lips, bitten just now, and finally added, “Or else I won’t even know how to repay you.”
Su Liumeng’s doting voice teased my nose. “Love isn’t about repayment.”
“If love has a price, and everything is done with calculation, is it still love?”
Su Liumeng has grown up too fast.
Honestly, I can’t keep up with her.
“But you’re always right.”
I huffed inwardly.
Even if she’s right in everything…
With her, I never have to be reasonable.
She gives me a love all my own.
I love her unconditional indulgence, and the way, after reasoning with me, she lets me have my way.
“Su Liumeng.”
“I love you…”
Once again, I gently kissed her lips, eyes brimming with feeling.
“You’re not allowed to answer!”
I put my fingertip to her lips. “This confession is mine alone…”
“Now, it’s finally for you.”
Too much indulgence leads to willfulness.
But only she—
Makes me want to reign myself in.