“You reckless child! You knew you were carrying a child, so why did you throw yourself in front of a knife? Your mother nearly died of fright!”
Inside the hospital room, Zhang Wenhua sat by the bed, holding Lin Aiyun’s hands tightly, her voice thick with lingering fear and tears. “Thank goodness Xiao Cheng reacted fast enough to push you out of the way—otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable!”
Having been bedridden for so long, Lin Aiyun’s complexion had improved somewhat, no longer so pale. Hearing Zhang Wenhua’s scolding, she didn’t dare argue and could only smile through the “lecture.”
The truth was, she hadn’t thought at all in that moment—she’d just acted on instinct.
“From now on, always put yourself first. Promise me.” Xiao Cheng sat on the other side, still overwhelmed by the relief of having her back. He didn’t care that his mother-in-law was still there—a tall man over 1.8 meters, red-eyed and barely holding it together.
“I promise.” She couldn’t say no—if she did, he’d probably start crying right in front of her.
Hearing her agree, the turmoil in Xiao Cheng’s eyes finally began to settle.
“How are A-Juan and Shen Liang’an? Are they okay?” She hadn’t seen either of them since waking up, so she was naturally worried.
“No immediate danger to their lives.” Xiao Cheng paused for a moment before continuing. “But the doctor said Shen Liang’an took a severe blow to the head and still hasn’t woken up. We’ll have to wait until he does to know more.”
A heavy silence fell over the room. After a long moment, Lin Aiyun broke it. “A-Juan is watching over him?”
“Mm. Shen Liang’an ended up like this trying to save her, and the two of them are more than just friends, so…” He didn’t finish the sentence, but everyone understood.
On that day, Shen Liang’an’s unit had been held up by an unexpected incident. He’d finally made it back to the capital with great difficulty, just in time to see Xiao Juan seeing off her friends. He and Lin Aiyun had planned to hide in the corner and surprise her.
But instead of delivering a surprise, they’d gotten a shock.
Given Xiao Juan’s personality, she would now be consumed with guilt and heartache, wishing she could bear the suffering for Shen Liang’an—there was no way she’d leave his side for even a moment.
The only silver lining was that everyone had survived, and the culprits had been handed over to the police. They would likely spend the rest of their lives behind bars—a fitting end for their evil deeds.
That evening, Xiao Juan came by to check on Lin Aiyun. They exchanged a few words before she hurried off, looking utterly haggard—clearly, she hadn’t had a single good night’s sleep since the incident.
It seemed that until Shen Liang’an woke up, Xiao Juan wouldn’t be able to move forward.
After more than a week of recuperation in the hospital, Lin Aiyun was finally discharged. After this ordeal, Xiao Cheng became even more clingy, terrified that if he took his eyes off her for even a moment, something else would happen. This overprotectiveness continued for a long time—until she finally put her foot down and forbade it. Only then did he gradually ease up.
But his excessive vigilance simply moved from the open to the hidden.
Lin Aiyun couldn’t talk him out of it completely, so she let him be. After all, the benefits outweighed the downsides—and honestly, she was just as afraid of a repeat incident.
As for the new project at the association, because of everything that had happened, she’d unfortunately missed the best opportunity to join. So she stayed home to rest and work on embroidery pieces to build up her merit points.
In the second week after her discharge, good news finally came: Shen Liang’an had woken up.
Lin Aiyun and Xiao Cheng rushed to the hospital to visit. Before they even reached the room, they spotted two figures embracing. As the elder brother and sister-in-law, they found themselves stuck—unsure whether to go forward or back. Xiao Cheng frowned, wanting to separate them, but his wife pulled him away.
“Let’s take a walk on the lawn downstairs. Maybe we can find some roasted sweet potatoes—I’m craving them.” Lin Aiyun hooked her arm through Xiao Cheng’s and coaxed softly, successfully steering him away.
Sure enough, once Shen Liang’an had fully recovered, Xiao Juan brought him home to discuss the wedding arrangements with the family. Seeing how far the couple had come, no one had any reason to object—they were all fully supportive. They tentatively set the date for early January, planning to hold ceremonies in both the capital and Shanghai to celebrate with both families’ relatives and friends.
The days passed one by one. In December, the capital welcomed its first snowfall—a vast blanket of white covering the historic city. The day before, however, Lin Aiyun and Xiao Cheng had already flown to Country S.
December was the coldest time in Country S, with heavy snow falling and drifts piling up as high as a man. Yet the capital city remained lively and bustling.
At a restaurant in the city center that catered specifically to foreigners, all the waitstaff wore distinctive ethnic costumes, weaving between tables with dishes that made everyone’s mouth water.
But clearly, tastes varied. From one table, a voice suddenly rang out in disdainful Chinese:
“No way, I can’t get used to this. I swear their roast goose isn’t even half as good as our Peking duck.”
“Be grateful you have food at all—and you’re still complaining?”
“Why can’t I complain? Hmph, I will complain!”
Lin Aiyun watched Zhou Jin and Dongzi bicker with a smile. Whenever those two got together, it was like enemies meeting—furious on sight. If they didn’t trade a few jabs, they wouldn’t feel right.
“I can’t understand a word these Country S folks are singing—what are they even jabbering about? Bro, translate for us?” Dongzi was downing wine as he mumbled the question to Xiao Cheng.
Xiao Cheng sat beside Lin Aiyun, wearing a thick black wool coat with a slightly tailored cut that showcased his perfect build, making him look both distinguished and handsome. His short black hair was trimmed a bit shorter, giving him a sharp, energetic appearance.
His chiseled features and tall stature drew glances from nearby diners, but his attention was entirely focused on a plate of ham. His long, slender fingers handled the knife and fork with ease. His long lashes cast two shadows on his cheeks as he looked down, a smile playing at the corners of his lips—anyone could tell at a glance that he was in excellent spirits.
Hearing Dongzi’s words, one of Xiao Cheng’s brows lifted slightly: “Do I look like someone with the spare time to translate for you?”
“Yes, yes, yes—your wife is still waiting for the ham you cut.” Dongzi, having made a fool of himself, pursed his lips and then laughed as he teased the couple.
“I can’t understand it either, but it sounds nice.” Lin Aiyun sipped her juice, her eyes curving into crescents. Having weathered many jokes alongside Xiao Cheng, she had long since perfected the art of deflecting topics with a straight face.
She smiled faintly, her whole demeanor radiating warmth and grace. Her thick, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, making her delicate face appear even fairer and more radiant. Since becoming pregnant, her once-slender figure and cheeks had filled out a bit—rounder, but not in a jarring way. If anything, her silhouette had become even more alluring.
Her slightly rounded belly was completely hidden beneath her loose gray coat—unless you knew, you wouldn’t be able to tell at all.
She’d always been beautiful, but now she was stunning in a way that made it hard to look away.
“It really does sound nice.” Xiao Cheng placed small pieces of ham onto Lin Aiyun’s plate, paused for a couple of seconds as if organizing his words, and then slowly said: “The gist of this song is about a famous canal in their country—essentially their mother river. It’s an old classic.”
“Aaaaah, City Bro, you’re playing favorites! Your wife says she likes it, so you translate—boohoo.” Dongzi clutched his chest in mock heartbreak, wobbling and nearly toppling onto Zhou Jin, who, though expressionless, shifted half an inch away—a clear sign of just how much he wanted to avoid him.
Xiao Cheng glanced up lazily, a half-smile playing on his lips. “If I don’t favor my wife, am I supposed to favor you?”
“It’s over, it’s over—my heart is dead.” Dongzi rubbed his face dramatically, his exaggerated antics making Lin Aiyun laugh behind her hand.
Dongzi shook his head. “Alright, I’m done talking to City Bro.”
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he whipped his head around to look at Zhou Jin, who was quietly eating beside him, and let out a sly chuckle. “Hey, I heard you’ve been sowing quite a few romantic seeds over here, Zhou Jin? Getting pretty cozy with a certain Country S comrade?”
At that, both Lin Aiyun and Xiao Cheng turned their attention to him.
With the topic suddenly shifting to him, a rare flicker of panic and unease crossed Zhou Jin’s face. If you looked closely, you’d notice his ears were rapidly turning red. He hurriedly wiped his mouth with a napkin, glanced around, and forced himself to speak calmly: “Lina and I are just colleagues. It’s not what you think. Don’t talk nonsense.”
“You’re right, but I never said it was Lina or Anna.” Dongzi’s eyes lit up with excitement. “So it’s true? You’re really bringing a foreign wife home? Won’t your old mother kill you?”
“I already told you—there’s nothing to it!” Zhou Jin’s voice rose involuntarily at the last remark.
“Alright, stop meddling in Zhou Jin’s marriage. What about you? Didn’t you say you’re getting married after the new year?” Seeing Zhou Jin’s mood shift, Xiao Cheng cut in just in time to stop Dongzi from running his mouth further.
“Hehe, you guys have to come drink to my health when the time comes.” At the mention of his own big day, Dongzi’s face lit up with excitement. He gave Zhou Jin a playful punch on the shoulder. “Even if you can’t come back, you’d better send a gift.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Zhou Jin shot him a glance.
“Good, good—now I can rest easy.”
The pleasant meal came to an end. Zhou Jin saw them to their hotel before returning to his quarters at the factory. He still had another year or two of study left over here, and the factory had already arranged stable accommodations for him—a single room, quite comfortable.
The large factory in Country S had thoughtfully arranged for Xiao Cheng and his delegation to stay at one of the city’s finest hotels, fully equipped with all amenities.
The moment they stepped into the room, Lin Aiyun quickly shed her scarf and coat, which were still carrying the chill from outside. The indoor heating was more than sufficient—she wouldn’t be cold even in just a sweater.
Xiao Cheng followed behind her, carefully hanging up their clothes while speaking: “Go sit on the sofa. I’ll make you a cup of warm milk.”
“Okay.” Having spent the whole day sightseeing at famous landmarks, she was completely exhausted. She didn’t bother with appearances anymore and half-collapsed onto the sofa, pulling a blanket over her long legs.
Xiao Cheng brought over a cup of warm milk and handed it to her—the temperature was just right for drinking. Then he lifted the blanket and slipped in beside her. The sofa was wide enough to comfortably hold both of them.
His long arm wrapped around her, pulling her into his embrace. He looked down quietly, watching her drink, his eyes full of tenderness.
“It’s not too gamey, is it? I put in a piece of sugar.” After watching her for a while, he suddenly asked.
Lin Aiyun shook her head, just as she finished the last sip. “Not at all. It’s really sweet.”
“Then let me have a taste.” His low, seductive voice slowly fell against her ear.
Before she could react, a hot palm pressed against her cheek. Her head was turned, and his soft lips met hers. His teeth gently parted hers, and his smooth tongue slipped in, twining playfully with hers.
The sweet, milky fragrance of the warm milk slowly spread between them.
Xiao Cheng’s hand wandered from her cheek to her ear, rubbing and tracing circles there, sending shivers through her. Her already sensitive body instantly went limp, utterly defenseless.
Two soft murmurs escaped her throat, carrying a meaning that was hard to put into words.
“Ah.” In an instant, she was turned around—from leaning against him to lying on top of him. The moment they were face to face, she couldn’t help but blush to the tips of her ears, her breathing quickening.
Because Xiao Cheng was simply too skilled at seduction. His deep, dark eyes were filled with love, fixed on her as if trying to peer into her very soul. At the same time, his thumb pressed gently against the pulse on her neck, while his other hand slipped under her clothing, tracing upward to feel the rapid beating of her heart.
This sensation of their lives pressing so closely together made her throat dry, and she swallowed unconsciously.
With every movement he made, she could clearly feel his body heat, hear his breathing, and catch his pleasant scent. All of it seemed to seep through her skin, igniting something deep within her.
“Xiao Cheng.” She heard her own hoarse voice, only to have her ability to speak stolen from her next, leaving behind only broken sobs.
His lips brushed past her ear, the touch sending numbing shivers through her body. Her mind went blank, and she instinctively clung to the only person she could trust and rely on, her arms weakly wrapping around his neck, unconsciously tightening her grip.
“Don’t… please…”
Fragmented pleas escaped her lips. Her fingers threaded through his short hair, and feeling herself going weak and trembling uncontrollably, she tried to push herself up to pull away. But the next second, he caught her hands, interlacing their fingers. The two cold rings clinked together, slowly warming to their body heat.
Then, all the strength in Lin Aiyun’s body drained away. She could only stare in a daze as Xiao Cheng looked up and licked his lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
He then grabbed the hem of his sweater and pulled it off in one motion, revealing defined pectoral and abdominal muscles. Under the warm amber light, every muscle line and bulging vein radiated an immense sense of power.
Their eyes met in the air—tentative, teasing, challenging—until finally, they surrendered to each other.
“It’s safe to do it after the first trimester.”
Their noses touched intimately, their lips brushing together with every word. No sooner had he finished speaking than a fiery, passionate kiss descended upon her. His hand supported the small of her back, keeping her from straining or tiring herself.
It had been a long time since they’d been this close, and both were a little overwhelmed. The fuzzy blanket beneath her seemed to tickle her skin, and before long, its soft fibers were damp and matted.
The temperature in the room seemed to rise higher and higher, the air growing thinner by the minute.
—
After spending over half a month in Country S, the group finally headed back, carrying with them a wealth of scientific materials and the fruits of their observations. Everyone was full of ambition, ready to make their mark. Most of them were top students from Tsinghua and the University of Beijing—technical talents that Xiao Cheng had recruited at great cost. Each one would go on to achieve immeasurable success in the future.
Upon returning to the capital, Xiao Cheng dove back into work, often spending a whole week at the factory without coming home. He couldn’t make it back, and Lin Aiyun, who had more flexible time, would visit him occasionally. But before long, the association launched a new project, and she could no longer run around freely.
On top of that, she also had to study under the president and consult her on various professional matters. Her days were as busy as a spinning top.
Fortunately, her hard work and dedication paid off. Thanks to her outstanding embroidery skills and excellent performance in major projects, her merit points soared, making her the top among the association’s ordinary members. She gradually built a name for herself.
When January arrived, both husband and wife made sure to clear their schedules to help prepare for Xiao Juan and Shen Liang’an’s wedding. As the big day approached, the young couple grew increasingly nervous, almost as if they’d just met again—to the point that everyone teased them about it many times.
Only after the wedding itself did they finally shake off that strange, awkward atmosphere. But during the ceremony, they laughed and cried so much that they “embarrassed” themselves in front of everyone—providing the family and friends with enough fodder for half a year’s worth of dinnertime conversation.
With good fortune flowing in the household, Zhang Wenhua heard from her old sisters that the neighborhood office was hiring. The work was simple, the hours short, and while the benefits might not be as good as other positions, it was still a paying job that could help pass the time. So she started thinking about it.
She was usually the only one left at home. Though she never said it out loud, she often felt lonely—it was a hollow feeling.
So she brought it up with Lin Aiyun. After discussing it together, they both thought it was a good idea. They had Xiao Cheng pull a few strings, and she was placed in the position.
On the other side, Lin Jianzhi was also thriving at the factory, with his salary rising steadily. He was full of energy every day, looking a full ten years younger.
Lin Wenkang, the youngest in the family and still a student, perhaps inspired by seeing everyone around him working hard and moving forward, finally had his awakening. He realized that only by studying seriously could he make something of himself. Now he stayed cooped up in his room every day, reading and doing practice problems. By the final exams, he’d leaped into the middle ranks of his class—considering he used to be at the very bottom!
Life was getting better and better, and everyone wore a smile on their face.
In this atmosphere of prosperity, the arrival of a new life only added to the joy. Under the cool summer breeze, Xiao Yuan, the little cutie, came safely into the world.
“Yuan” signifies cuteness, gentleness, and cheerfulness—auspicious and full of meaning, making it a perfect name for a girl.
Even more importantly, it has a homophone—”yuan” (fate, destiny)—which perfectly represents the deepest bond between Lin Aiyun and Xiao Cheng.
Together, they decided to name their child—the fruit of their love, their daughter—with this name.
“Aiyun, I love you.”
“Xiao Cheng, I love you too.”
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