Old Jiang Ba chuckled dryly. "Miss Ruan, is there perhaps some misunderstanding between us?"

Even though the man before her was the Eighth Master, whose name echoed throughout several cities around the East Sea, Ruan Lan still glared at him with puffed cheeks. But ultimately, she managed to stop herself from bursting into curses. After all, this was the ruthless man who had allegedly nailed a rival's entire family of seventeen alive inside their coffins.

Old Jiang Ba carefully explained to Xu Lai that he had absolutely not tarnished Ruan Lan's reputation, even offering to swear a deadly oath. Xu Lai understood and reluctantly tried to convey to Ruan Lan that Old Jiang Ba was actually a good person.

Ruan Lan pouted. "A good person? He didn't just nail his competitors; he didn't even spare their wives, children, and elders!"

At this, tears of grievance welled up in Old Jiang Ba's eyes.

"Heaven is my witness! That old fellow's name was Liu Ming, and he was also in the funeral business in Liu City. After he died, his wife took their children and fled abroad without even handling his funeral affairs. I only took care of his body out of pity."

Old Jiang Ba sobbed uncontrollably. "I don't know which bastard started that rumor, but I've been taking the blame for that lie for a whole thirty years!"

Ruan Lan was speechless.

Although she was familiar with Old Jiang Ba, this was the first time Su Daiyi had heard the true story behind the incident. She smiled wryly and said, "So that's what happened."

Ruan Lan also quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, Eighth Master. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Old Jiang Ba, wiping away his tears, said self-deprecatingly, "It's my fault, too. I chose the wrong trade, dealing with the dead. It's a business everyone shuns."

Afterward, they said their goodbyes to Old Jiang Ba and Su Daiyi. At this point, Ruan Lan was still unaware of Xu Lai's relationship with them and simply clicked her tongue and marveled, "The Eighth Master isn't as terrifying as the legends say. He's quite an adorable old man."

"Adorable?" Xu Lai said, tapping her head firmly. "Next time you go somewhere this dangerous, at least let me know."

It wasn't that her life was in danger, but Xu Lai didn't want any of his family members to get a scare.

"Brother-in-law, please don't tell my sister," Ruan Lan pleaded, covering her head with a downcast look. "If she finds out, I'll never hear the end of her lectures."

Helplessly, Xu Lai handed Ruan Lan a Heavenly Thunder Candy. "Have a candy, say goodbye to your classmate, and then we'll go home."

Ruan Lan accepted the candy without hesitation and giggled. "Brother-in-law, are you trying to be some creepy old man, luring me with candy to go look at goldfish? I, Ruan Lan, am a woman you'll never have in this lifetime!"

Xu Lai's face darkened.

This girl's wild imagination is running away with her again.

Ignoring her juvenile musings, he started walking ahead.

「When they returned to Haitang Court.」

It was nearly nine o'clock at night. Ruan Tang, wearing a black sheer nightgown, was holding Xu Yiyi on the couch while they watched TV. They both looked over when they heard the door open.

"Daddy!" Xu Yiyi cried out, running over in her bare feet.

Xu Lai joyfully lifted his daughter into his arms. "Did you miss Daddy?"

"Yes."

Xu Lai's heart warmed. "Hehe." He gave all three candies to Yiyi. "Here, give one to Mommy, and you can have two."

Yiyi happily gave Xu Lai a kiss on the cheek.

Ruan Tang frowned slightly. "She's already brushed her teeth. She can't have sweets."

"Mommy," Xu Yiyi whined, looking up at Ruan Tang with large, watery eyes. Her pitiful expression was enough to melt her mother's resolve.

"Alright, you can have one," Ruan Tang said, stroking her daughter's head with a gentle smile. "But you have to brush your teeth again afterward."

"Sis, you should try it too. It's really delicious!" Ruan Lan urged earnestly.

On the way home, Ruan Lan had already fallen completely in love with the delectable cotton candy.

How could she describe its flavor? It's like a scorching summer day. You've been walking alone in the Sahara for three days and nights without water when, in your despair, a giant, chilled watermelon suddenly appears. And you get to eat the very first bite from its center, illuminating your entire dark journey!

"I've already brushed my teeth. You have it," Ruan Tang said casually.

"You're really not having any?"

"Nope."

"Woman, you really don't know how to enjoy life." Ruan Lan unceremoniously took the candy from her niece and plopped down on the wicker chair, rocking back and forth as she ate.

"I tried to put Yiyi to sleep, but she wouldn't. She wants you to tell her a story," Ruan Tang said, looking at Xu Lai.

Xu Lai looked back at his wife, his gaze burning. "Mm."

"What are you—why are you staring at me like that?" Ruan Tang quickly noticed that Xu Lai's gaze was a little too intense.

"Because you're wearing Pin Ru's clothes," Ruan Lan said lazily.

Ruan Tang was utterly confused. What does that mean? Who is Pin Ru?

Ruan Lan didn't explain, but inwardly she clicked her tongue in admiration. Big sister's nightgown is way too sexy. That figure, that face... that sheer nightgown. And that confused, coquettish demeanor... what man could possibly withstand that?

Ruan Lan finished the cotton candy in a few bites and said with great earnestness, "Sis, men are far more fragile than you imagine. It's fine if you don't love them, but please don't hurt them."

What??? thought Ruan Tang.

Seeing that her sister was about to fly into a rage, Ruan Lan quickly called out, "Oh, right! Brother-in-law, when is Chong Yang coming over again? I was planning to take her out for crayfish."

Ruan Lan had been quite sad when she woke up and didn't see Chong Yang. After all, a thousand cups of wine with a true friend are still too few, and she already considered Chong Yang a good sister.

"She'll come visit when she has time," Xu Lai said.

Only then did Ruan Lan contentedly go up to her room on the second floor to rest.

Xu Lai turned to his wife and Yiyi with a smile. "Let's go back to our room, too."

"Mm."

「Back in the room.」

Xu Lai continued telling the story of Venerable Qingfeng, and Xu Yiyi quickly fell asleep. After tucking her daughter in, Ruan Tang also said, "Good night."

"Good night? Darling, have you forgotten something?" Xu Lai asked seriously.

Ruan Tang's eyes flickered as she avoided his gaze. "N-No, I don't think so."

"Playing dumb won't work." Xu Lai sat on the edge of the bed, his tone earnest. "We're adults. We have to follow through on our promises."

Ruan Tang flushed crimson, knowing deep down that he was talking about the kiss she owed him. Her heart in turmoil, she whispered, "Tomorrow. Let's talk about it tomorrow."

"There's always another tomorrow. Let's make it today."

"I'm not mentally prepared yet." Ruan Tang burrowed under the covers, revealing only her bashful face. "So, Xu Lai, can we..."

"No. You can't wait until you're ready to do something, because by then it's already too late," Xu Lai said. "Besides—"

"Besides what?" Ruan Tang asked curiously.

Xu Lai beckoned with his finger. After a moment's hesitation, Ruan Tang leaned in closer to listen. Xu Lai enunciated each word clearly, "Besides, good things shouldn't be delayed. Wouldn't you agree, my dear wife?"

Ruan Tang's face was frighteningly hot. She was silently annoyed with her own embarrassing reaction. She was a mother, for goodness' sake! How could she still be so thin-skinned?

After much hesitation, she bit her red lip. "Then... you go brush your teeth first. I'll wait for you in your room."

Having said that, she fled in utter disarray.

Xu Lai's smile was radiant. The little lamb thought she could default on her debt to the big bad wolf? Not a chance!

He went to the bathroom. He didn't just brush his teeth; he also took his time taking a bath, finally emerging and entering the bedroom wrapped in a bath towel.

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