Volume One, Chapter 14: Children Grow Beyond Their Parents’ Control

A family discussion came to a halt due to differing opinions.

Even dinner was unsettled; no one ate well.

Back in the room, after closing the door, Xiang Zheng pressed her voice low and leaned the program against the wall, snapping fiercely, “Your father seems really stubborn. Is your mother easy to deal with? I can’t even imagine what it would be like if she lived with us. My mom and your mom, your mom and me, face to face every day—I’d go crazy! Besides, we can’t just leave your dad alone back home. Without a boss around, how lonely would his days be?”

Her words came fast, driven by anxiety, fear casting a shadow over her heart.

The program gently brushed her forehead and rubbed his thumb against her cheek. “Nothing’s set in stone yet. Don’t scare yourself. They’ll stay in the capital for two more days. I’ll take them out to have some fun and try to ease things. My dad’s a bit of a traditional man—used to have the final say at home—but I’ve grown up and become mature; he’ll listen to me now.”

Xiang Zheng relaxed a little and stood on tiptoe, resting her head against his. “My Xu, I’m sorry. My mind’s all over the place; I lost my composure. I don’t want your mother to come. Do you think that makes me... unfilial?”

The program pulled her into an embrace. The decisive and commanding woman he showed the world only revealed her vulnerable, flustered side to him.

“That’s perfectly natural. I understand. You’re doing a survey—no woman wants to live with her in-laws. Most people just compromise with reality. My parents only worry about the kids; they’ll probably come to help for a month during the postpartum period. Then we can rent a place in the same neighborhood. We’ll find a way.”

Comforted by his words, Xiang Zheng’s emotions eased somewhat. Her moist eyes looked up at him tenderly. She kissed his Adam’s apple. “Oh, my Xu, I’m so lucky to have you by my side.”

The program dared not move. This woman always knew how to stir him. And now that she was pregnant, there was nothing he could do.

“You’re my woman, my wife. Of course, your feelings come first. My parents aren’t unreasonable. Leave it to me—I’ll handle it.”

Such an understanding man warmed Xiang Zheng’s heart. How to express her feelings? Sometimes silence spoke louder than words—a kiss.

She cupped his face, their kisses traveling upward: chin, corners of lips, then cheek. Each kiss accompanied by a word.

“Thank you, my Xu.”

“What can I say? I feel like I’m going to love you to death.”

“Every day I love you a little more.”

A fire blazed in the program’s heart. The “arsonist” was the little woman before him. He bent down, swept her into a princess carry, and gently laid her on the bed.

“Don’t move around. Go to sleep. You’re still in a dangerous period. Your husband isn’t as patient as Liu Xianghui.”

Thinking of this, Xiang Zheng touched her smooth belly, feeling a pang of melancholy.

*

Having soothed Xiang Zheng, the program left the master bedroom and entered the guest room.

Previously, the nanny had stayed here, but with Mr. and Mrs. Cheng’s arrival, the sheets and covers had been replaced with new ones. Sister Zhao temporarily stayed with Liu Chunrong.

Cheng Jianshe and Bai Lan sat facing each other—one on the edge of the bed, the other on a chair.

“Dad, Mom, the train ride was tiring. Get some rest early. Tomorrow, I’ll take you around.”

Cheng Jianshe glanced toward the door and, uncertain about the room’s soundproofing, lowered his voice cautiously, “You’ve found a girlfriend like this, and the things she says embarrass us all. How are we supposed to sleep?”

The program lifted his eyes, sensing his father’s tone had shifted from the casual chat in the living room. “Not girlfriend—wife. We’re already legally married.”

He hadn’t mentioned this over the phone; his instincts told him it was better to be clear in person.

Unexpectedly, Cheng Jianshe gave a cold laugh. “Alright, Xu, you’ve grown wings and hardened your feathers. Even marriage and registration you do without telling your old man first. Truly, children grow up and don’t listen to their fathers anymore.”