Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads 💕😊
Zhou Xiulin tidied up his notebook. “We’ll stop here for today. Continue following up on the work in City B. The planning diagram for Lingnan Film and Television City’s project will be released next week. Everyone, I have something to attend to at home today, so I’ll leave first.”
After speaking, he stood up and left the meeting room.
Tina followed him, briefing him on the work as they walked. “President Zhou, Yanyan’s planning proposal has been finalized, and I have sent it to your email.”
Zhou Xiulin nodded. “How has she been recently?”
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“Rv pllxp vbyv pbl eked’v pwnnlle kd vbl ywekvksd qsa ‘Idsokdt Fwxxla’.”
Hbsw Dkwzkd pxkajle. “Pkalnvsa Dw byp bktb aliwkalxldvp qsa vbl aszl. Rq bl nyd’v qkde y pwkvyczl ynvalpp, bl oswze ayvbla dsv pbssv vbl qkzx. Jakdtkdt nyrkvyz kdvs vbl rasewnvksd kp dsv lqqlnvkhl kd bkp lulp.”
Mkdy pxkzle qykdvzu. “Zyduyd qllzp y ckv ekpnswaytle.”
“G zkvvzl plvcynj kp tsse qsa bla. Rv’p clvvla qsa bla vs jdso bla zkxkvp.”
Mkdy dseele. “Tso pbswze ol yaaydtl vbl dlo yppkpvydv obs okzz cl fskdkdt dlmv ollj?”
Hbsw Dkwzkd rsdelale qsa y xsxldv. “Nlyhl vbyv xyvvla vs Kkydt Ckd.” Pwakdt vbkp rlakse, vblka alzyvksdpbkr yv vbl qkzx yde vlzlhkpksd nkvu bye yzps kxrashle. Kkydt Dkys bye vss xydu nsdnladp, yde obld vblu xllv kd vbl qwvwal, vblu oswze pwalzu jllr kv pvaknvzu cwpkdlpp. Nlv’p oykv wdvkz vball xsdvbp zyvla obld Nkvvzl Jlyd Fraswv byp tasod y ckv.
“Gzaktbv, R wdelapvyde.”
“Msxsaaso, vyzj vs Hbys Dkdayd ycswv vbl elvykzle nsdvaynv yde xyjl lhlauvbkdt nzlya vs bla.”
“You can rest assured. She’s another fortunate flower of Huaxia. There’s no one who wouldn’t be willing to work with her.”
When Zhou Xiulin returned home, it was already past five o’clock. The house was quiet, and he glanced around. Her suitcase was in the living room, but she was nowhere to be seen.
He walked to the master bedroom door and knocked twice, but there was no response from inside.
After a few tens of seconds, he slowly opened the door, and his gaze fell on the slight figure curled up on the bed.
Zhou Xiulin walked over and saw her sleeping soundly. He sat down at the edge of the bed. After not seeing her for half a month, she seemed to have gained some weight, her cheeks rounder than before. However, today, her brows were furrowed as if she was dreaming about something. He heard that they went crazy until dawn last night, and her courage had grown, so perhaps she felt guilty and didn’t dare to contact him today.
He held her hand that was exposed outside the blanket. His palm felt cool. Jiang Xiao’s fingers were slender, and her nails were neatly trimmed. She suddenly tightened her grip on his hand.
“Jiang Xiao—” he thought she had woken up.
Jiang Xiao murmured, “Mom—Mom—”
Zhou Xiulin knew she was having a dream, probably about missing her mother. He bent down and slowly embraced her, feeling the softness and fragrance as his hands traced along her spine.
She was wearing pajamas, and Zhou Xiulin sensed a hint of sweat on his touch. Was she having a nightmare?
“Jiang Xiao—” he called out.
Jiang Xiao nestled in his arms, half-awake and struggling to open her eyes, which were watery. “Zhou Xiulin—”
“It’s me.” He ran his hand through her sweaty hair. “Don’t go back to sleep.”
Jiang Xiao remained motionless, her eyes fixed on him without focus.
Seeing her pale complexion, Zhou Xiulin gently touched her cheek with his fingertips. “Was it a bad dream?”
Jiang Xiao licked her lips. “I dreamt about my mother.” She had only seen her mother in photos, and her memories had long faded. In her dream, she only saw a figure from behind, but she recognized that feeling—it was her mother.
“It’s alright, just a dream. I’ll go get you a glass of water.”
As he was about to move, Jiang Xiao tightly held onto him with all her strength. Her face buried in his shoulder, she clung tighter and tighter.
“Don’t leave.” It was as if she had grabbed onto a floating log and couldn’t bear to let go. A wordless sense of security gradually spread deep into her heart.
“I’m here.” Zhou Xiulin allowed her to embrace him for a few minutes. The softness of a girl’s body, especially when she was wearing only a nightgown, was vividly felt. He keenly sensed a warm breath enveloping him, even the air carried a soothing scent.
Jiang Xiao’s emotions gradually returned to calmness, and she spoke, “What time is it?”
“It’s past five.” Zhou Xiulin composed himself, his voice surprisingly gentle. “How long have you been asleep?”
“I fell asleep as soon as I came back.” She discreetly released herself from his embrace, seemingly able to sense the warmth emanating from his body.
“Get up and move around. If you sleep too much, you won’t be able to sleep at night.”
Jiang Xiao quietly looked at him, her face blushing. “I need to change clothes…” She hadn’t even put on her bra on top. Because she was sleeping, she had unfastened it and placed it on the bedside table.
She could see that Zhou Xiulin must have seen it too.
Zhou Xiulin’s gaze deepened. He got up and walked towards the door, facing away from her. His throat rolled as he spoke, “Go take a shower first. I’ll call my parents and go over a bit later.”
They arrived back home half an hour later, and Zhou’s parents were not in a hurry.
Zhou’s father asked, “Where’s Yanyan? Isn’t she coming back tonight?”
Zhou’s mother replied, “She said she has a class tonight and will come back after it’s finished.”
Zhou’s father shook his head. “She insisted on becoming an actress. I don’t know what got into her.”
Zhou’s mother retorted, “It’s because you spoiled her.”
Zhou’s father never argued with his wife on this topic. They had spoiled their daughter too much, and now it was pointless to say anything. Fortunately, when it came to their son’s education, they adhered to strict principles. Zhou Xiulin was the most outstanding child of their generation in the Zhou family.
Shortly after, Zhou Xiulin and Jiang Xiao arrived.
Having not seen each other for half a month, Jiang Xiao felt slightly uneasy. “Hello, Dad, Mom.” Her nervous demeanor amused Father Zhou’s father to some extent.
Zhou Xiulin looked at her embarrassed expression, held her hand, and walked over.
Zhou’s father asked, “Did your work go smoothly this time?”
Jiang Xiao nodded, “It went well.”
Zhou’s father said, “After dinner, play a game of chess with me.”
“Sure.”
Zhou’s mother didn’t say much and commented, “Let’s eat first.”
Jiang Xiao secretly glanced at her and said, “Mom, let me help you.”
Zhou’s mother sighed in her heart. Considering that Jiang Xiao was only 22 years old, the same age as Yanyan, her tone softened a bit. “It’s all taken care of.”
During this meal, Jiang Xiao felt somewhat anxious, preoccupied with what Zhou Xiulin was going to say later. The food tasted like wax in her mouth.
Zhou Xiulin served her a bowl of fish soup. “Have a bowl of soup.”
Jiang Xiao obediently drank the soup. She sat on Zhou Xiulin’s right side and couldn’t help but hold his hand. How could he not be worried at all?
Zhou Xiulin turned his head. “Focus on your meal. Mom and Dad, if Yanyan comes back and complains to you, no matter what she says, don’t agree to it.”
Zhou’s father agreed, “I agree.”
Zhou’s mother said, “You’re her older brother. You should help her a bit.”
“She’s going to experience some hardships,” Zhou Xiulin remarked.
Zhou’s mother said angrily, “Is there a brother like you? Don’t marry a wife and forget about your sister.” After saying that, she laughed herself.
Jiang Xiao felt a twinge in her knee and knew it had nothing to do with her. If Zhou Xiulin had forgotten about his sister after having a son, she might believe it.
After dinner, Zhou’s father called Jiang Xiao to the study to play chess. Zhou Xiulin suddenly spoke up, “Mom, Dad, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”
Jiang Xiao held his hand and whispered, “Maybe we shouldn’t say anything.”
Zhou Xiulin patted her reassuringly. “It’s alright. There’s no better time than now.”
“I’m afraid you’ll get beaten up.” She knew Zhou’s father had strict expectations of people and matters, and she couldn’t bear the thought of Zhou Xiulin getting hurt.
Zhou’s father and mother looked at him together. “What is it?”
Zhou Xiulin stood straight, his gaze steady. “Jiang Xiao is pregnant.”
A hint of joy flashed through Zhou’s father’s eyes, and his mouth curled up.
Zhou’s mother looked surprised and quickly asked, “Oh, why didn’t you say when you came back! When did you find out? How long has it been?” Her gaze instantly turned to Jiang Xiao, a mix of surprise and joy. Yanyan was right after all, they had a daughter-in-law and now a grandchild was coming. Everything couldn’t be rushed; the heavens had their own plans.
Jiang Xiao felt ashamed and slowly raised two fingers.
Zhou Xiulin said in a low voice, “It’s been two months.”
The living room fell silent, and faintly, the sound of children playing games could be heard from outside.
Zhou’s mother frowned. “It’s been less than a month since you got married.”
Zhou Xiulin smiled helplessly. “Mom, Dad, I’m sorry for only telling you now.”
Zhou’s father’s face gradually darkened, and he said fiercely, “What a mess!” His son was in such a rush to get married, and it turned out to involve a life.
Jiang Xiao was frightened and dared not even breathe. Her face turned bright red, filled with embarrassment and guilt.
After a while, Zhou’s father let out a slow breath and pointed at Zhou Xiulin. “Come with me to the study!”
Jiang Xiao held Zhou Xiulin’s hand and looked at him. “I’ll go in with you.”
“It’s fine. Just sit for a while.” Zhou Xiulin looked calm. “Wait for me, I’ll be back home soon.”
Zhou Xiulin followed Zhou’s father into the study.
“Close the door.” Zhou’s father’s voice was cold and stern. He looked at Zhou Xiulin. “How did I teach you since you were young?”
“Dad, I’m really sorry about this.”
“Kneel!”
Zhou Xiulin knelt down, keeping his back straight.
“Zhou Xiulin, I taught you since you were young that a man should bear responsibility. The rules of the Zhou family mean nothing to you! You want to start a film and television company, I won’t stop you. But how dare you do something like this? Jiang Xiao is the same age as your sister, she’s young and naive, and you took advantage of her, didn’t you?”
Zhou Xiulin touched his nose. “No.”
“Not yet! What about those rumors that came out before?” The Zhou family had always valued the education of their family reputation, and they never expected Zhou Xiulin, who had always been outstanding, to do such a thing.
Zhou’s father was furious and felt that Zhou Xiulin had fallen into a big mess.
“What’s the matter with you two?”
Zhou Xiulin explained, shifting the responsibility onto himself for their encounter with Jiang Xiao.
Zhou’s father frowned. “So you still don’t plan to announce your marriage to the public? What about the child in the future?”
“Dad, I have my own plan.”
Zhou’s father let out a deep sigh. “You’ve disappointed me this time. I warned you before that once you enter this industry, no matter what happens, you must resist temptation.”
Zhou Xiulin remained silent.
Zhou’s father sternly said, “Zhou Xiulin, take care of yourself.”
“Father, please rest assured.” He spoke with conviction.
The men of the Zhou family had always been faithful and cherished marriage. Several generations had proved this.
“As for your grandparents, you’ll have to explain it to them yourself.” Zhou’s grandfather and grandmother were both knowledgeable people. Zhou’s grandfather used to be a professor at B University and placed great importance on the moral education of children.
“I know.”
Jiang Xiao kept staring at the study door. She faintly heard movements inside but didn’t dare to enter recklessly.
The Zhou family had its own rules.
She looked at Zhou’s mother hopefully, her face tense and worried. They couldn’t let Zhou Xiulin be beaten up by Zhou’s father. “Mom, would you please go in and persuade Dad? Tell him not to blame… Xiulin.”
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Waw finally they said it