Xu Lai and Yiyi played in the water for half an hour. Ruan Tang was completely overwhelmed and finally had to surrender.

"Yay, justice prevails!"

Xu Yiyi and Xu Lai high-fived to celebrate.

Driven by his strong survival instinct, Xu Lai quietly added, "Sweetie, we're actually the villains here."

Ruan Tang gave Xu Lai a cold glare.

This guy has no idea how to be gentle with a woman! That wasn't a water fight; it was a cannon barrage! Those handfuls of water really hurt.

"Honey, I know it's a shame you lost, but you looked really beautiful when you bent over to splash water," Xu Lai said comfortingly.

Ruan Tang's expression softened slightly. He'd finally said something sensible.

Wait, that's not right.

Now that she thought about it, every time she'd bent over during the water fight, Xu Lai's eyes had been staring intently at her.

Ruan Tang protectively crossed her arms over her chest and said angrily, "Xu Lai, you pervert!"

"I didn't look, I swear."

"Oaths are for children. Do you really think I'd believe you?"

"I think you would."

"..."

Afterward, Xu Lai was once again "punished" by having to cook a late-night snack. Ruan Tang's anger didn't subside until she was munching on crayfish and sipping an ice-cold cola.

Women... so hypocritical. If you want a late-night snack, just say so. Why come up with such a lame excuse? Xu Lai thought, shaking his head and sighing.

Xu Yiyi had wanted to eat too, but an overwhelming wave of drowsiness sent her to her room to sleep.

While munching on crayfish, Ruan Tang asked, "What exactly is your relationship with Eighth Master?"

"Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"

"The truth, of course."

"He reveres me as he would a god."

"Speak like a normal person!"

"It's more or less a cooperative relationship," Xu Lai said.

"Is that all?"

Ruan Tang seemed surprised. "So that time at Mingyue Tea House, and when Ruan Lan was being forced into that arranged marriage... was that all Eighth Master's help?"

Knowing what his wife was getting at, Xu Lai said, "Yes."

Ruan Tang fell silent.

Then another thought occurred to her, and she asked uncertainly, "Then the partnership with Huashang Company...?"

Xu Lai didn't hide it and nodded.

"No wonder Huashang, an industry leader, suddenly approached our little company to cooperate."

Ruan Tang's mood turned gloomy. "And no wonder all our recent orders have been from East Sea and Hangcheng. It wasn't because our products are good... it was because of you."

The truth can sometimes be far more painful than a lie.

Xu Lai consoled her, "Honey, you must never sell yourself short."

"Me? Sell myself short?"

Ruan Tang glared at Xu Lai. "What does any of that matter? Even if you plucked the stars from the sky for me, it wouldn't make up for the pain you've caused!"

"That bracelet of yours is made of ten stars."

"Have another drink. I want to see how much more you can boast."

"..."

Xu Lai was at a loss for words. He whispered, "I just wanted you to know that your husband is more reliable than you think."

"In the future, whether you feel wronged or face difficulties, you don't have to carry it all by yourself. You have to remember that you have me."

"Come here."

Lying on the couch, Ruan Tang beckoned with a finger, looking utterly charming.

Xu Lai leaned in to listen as a tempting, warm breath tickled his ear. "We can talk about that after you've passed your probation. For now, come back to the room with me."

Of course, even though he went into the room, Xu Lai couldn't actually do anything.

He simply sat on the edge of the bed and, to a very interested Ruan Tang, continued telling the stories of Venerable Qingfeng.

Once Ruan Tang had fallen asleep listening, Xu Lai tucked her in and went to sleep in the room across the hall.

Xu Lai had a dream.

In the dream, Ruan Tang was gentle and virtuous, equally adept in high society and in the kitchen. Her name was renowned for her virtue throughout the Four Immortal Domains.

Their daughter was a complete sweetheart, always saving half of every treat for Xu Lai and giving the other half to her mommy.

But then—

Xu Lai suddenly heard what sounded like laughter right next to his ear.

He opened his eyes, the morning sunlight somewhat blinding.

Then he saw his daughter perched on top of him, holding a colored marker in her hand.

Ruan Tang stood by the bed, pressing her lips together in a charming smile. "Yiyi, the turtle you're drawing isn't as good as mine."

"..."

Such a virtuous wife and filial daughter, Xu Lai thought. He confirmed it: dreams were definitely the opposite of reality.

Realizing her daddy was awake, Xu Yiyi quickly raised her little hands and said with a wronged expression, "Daddy, Mommy told me to draw it! Yiyi doesn't know anything!"

Ruan Tang was speechless.

Why do those words sound so familiar? she wondered.

She quickly changed the subject. "Um, Eighth Master invited us to breakfast, but you weren't awake, so I declined."

"So, my dear, could you please explain the turtle on my face?"

"You're a grown man. Is this really something to get worked up about? Hurry up and get washed, then go make breakfast!"

Fine. I guess this is what I get for what I owe her.

In the bathroom, Xu Lai looked at his reflection in the mirror and gave a helpless smile. It looked like he'd have to find some time to teach his daughter how to draw.

And hmm... Ruan Tang needs to learn, too.

According to the schedule set by the kindergarten, they had to take a car back to East Sea City after lunch.

The luncheon prepared by the hot spring resort was exceptionally sumptuous.

Old Jiang Ba even brought out a bottle of long-cherished Lafite, pouring wine for the parents, making everyone feel honored.

As for Liu Chengyin, no one mentioned him anymore.

All the parents now knew that Xu Yiyi's father, Xu Lai, was a distinguished guest of Eighth Master, so they all gathered around him.

However, Xu Lai's attitude was indifferent. Aside from Mao Gaoshan and the few parents he'd originally eaten with, he paid no attention to anyone else.

Eventually, people stopped trying and getting snubbed.

After the meal, each family departed in their own luxury van. By the time they arrived back at Haitang Court, it was evening.

He opened the door to see Ruan Lan sitting on the living room floor, playing a console game.

Having just died in the game, she tossed the controller aside, complaining, "Stupid game!"

"It's because Auntie is too bad at it," Xu Yiyi muttered.

"You ungrateful little thing! Can't you comfort your auntie for once? Don't you know who spoils you the most?"

With a straight face, Ruan Lan flicked Xu Yiyi on the forehead.

"Sob... Daddy and Mommy spoil me the most!" the little girl whimpered, clutching her head.

"Besides them."

"There's no one else."

"..."

Ruan Lan suddenly felt her heart ache.

She said wearily, "Sis, all your things from your old apartment, like clothes and shoes, I put them in the storage room. I didn't bring any of the large furniture."

"Okay."

Ruan Tang put down her bag and headed straight for the storage room to start organizing.

Meanwhile, Ruan Lan followed her stealthily, a suggestive smile on her face. "So, Sis, how were the last few days?"

"Tiring."

"Huh? You mean Xu Lai is that good?"

Ruan Tang's face instantly flushed red. She shot her sister an annoyed glare. "Are you looking for a beating?"

Sticking her tongue out playfully, Ruan Lan casually remarked, "By the way, Sis, he told me everything about you and Xu Lai pretending to be a couple."

"What?" Ruan Tang's expression changed.

"You know, I think you should seriously consider making this act a reality. He might have his flaws, but he has his good points, too."

Ruan Lan added with a serious expression, "And most importantly, he's Yiyi's father."

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