Chapter 312: A Cool Morning

It was another cool morning. Although Wang Yan had gone to bed late last night, he still woke up naturally at five-something, as was his routine. He believed in doing things immediately; after Yang Tao left last night, he had picked out a batch of photos and started editing them right away, which was why he had slept so late.

After his usual morning activities, he ate breakfast at the stall by the entrance. After finishing, he casually packed another portion to go and strolled back to the residential complex.

Yang Tao's shift started at nine. It was now past seven. Counting the time for her morning wash, makeup, and traffic, he figured she should be about ready to get up.

"Knock, knock, knock."

Wang Yan knocked on Yang Tao's door with a rhythmic beat.

After a good while, a sleepy-eyed Yang Tao came over to open the door in a daze. Seeing Wang Yan smiling outside, she immediately let out an "Aiyou": "It's so early, don't you let people sleep? Are you annoying or what..." As she spoke, she turned and walked to the coffee table to drink some water.

She was already alert; her mind was filled with the images from yesterday...

Wang Yan changed his shoes and entered the room, placing the breakfast he was carrying on the dining table: "Here, I brought you breakfast. Eat up."

Yang Tao rubbed her eyes, only then noticing Wang Yan wearing a cap, a tight-fitting quick-dry short-sleeved shirt, and athletic shorts—a full workout outfit: "Did you go out for a morning exercise?"

"Doesn't it look like it?"

"That's not it, it just feels a bit strange. I thought you just lazed around at home every day." Yang Tao pretended to be natural and walked over to sit opposite Wang Yan.

"What do you mean 'lazed around'? That sounds too harsh." Wang Yan shook his head, looking proud: "I get up at five-something every morning to exercise."

Yang Tao fiddled with the breakfast: "Five o'clock? And every day?"

Wang Yan crossed his legs, his hand resting on the chair beside him: "Mind your facial expressions."

Rolling her eyes, Yang Tao lowered her head to eat, ignoring him. After a few bites, she glared at Wang Yan, who was sitting opposite her with his hands cupping his face, watching her: "No, can you stop looking at me like that?"

"Because you're pretty."

Meeting Wang Yan's deep, bright eyes, which were filled with sincerity, tenderness, and affection, and seeing herself reflected in his pupils, Yang Tao blushed again. She let out a breath and buried her head in her food.

"Still shy, huh. Let's eat together tonight! Send me a WeChat message about what you want to eat, it's settled." Wang Yan laughed, stood up, and ruffled Yang Tao's hair: "Tsk tsk, I suppose this counts as getting a preview of a househusband's life..."

As he spoke, he shook his head and walked to the door, slipped on his sneakers, winked at Yang Tao, and triumphantly closed the door behind him as he left.

"Annoying..."

Yang Tao muttered to herself, glaring fiercely at the closed door, pouting as she lowered her head to continue eating. But as she ate, her shoulders began to shake, and she started giggling to herself.

Wang Yan returned home, washed up, and then continued his photo editing work from yesterday. After a busy morning, he drove out for lunch at noon and then ran to the China World Trade Center to buy gifts.

After a round of shopping, he bought a 40,000-yuan necklace for Yang Tao, a 30,000-yuan jade bracelet for her mother, and a bag worth over 10,000 yuan for her cousin Su Qing. He also got two bottles of 15-year-old Moutai to drink with Duan Xifeng later. All in all, it came to over 100,000 yuan.

This price was certainly very high for Yang Tao's family, but compared to his hundreds of millions in assets, it was not worth mentioning. Of course, even if one had money, it shouldn't be spent like that; the main point was to show an attitude, which was very important.

Because having too much money didn't necessarily make people feel at ease, but the fact that he was willing to spend 100,000 yuan on gifts for a woman he had known for less than half a month, along with her family, spoke for itself. After all, even if one was rich, money didn't grow on trees. Being willing to spend it said a lot.

The afternoon was another busy blur of activity. In between, he communicated with Yang Tao via WeChat about what dishes she wanted to eat. This time, Yang Tao didn't hold back and requested several dishes. Wang Yan, of course, had no objections and was happy that Yang Tao didn't stand on ceremony. Although Yang Tao hadn't explicitly agreed to anything, the two of them were effectively already together.

Estimating the time, around four o'clock, Wang Yan went to the market to buy groceries and returned to whip up a meal. When Yang Tao got off work and came home, the two of them had a dinner filled with flirting and laughter. In any case, Yang Tao's mouth never stopped moving.

Over the next few days, Wang Yan bought breakfast at around the same time every morning. In the evenings, except for going out for skewers with Jiao Yang, he cooked at home.

His intention was simple: just go with the flow for now...

In the blink of an eye, it was Saturday again.

Sunlight shone on her through the sheer curtains. Yang Tao, having slept soundly all night, hadn't even opened her eyes yet, but she stretched out in a comfortable, starfish-shaped stretch on the bed. Then, brushing away the stray hairs on her forehead that were tickling her, she opened her eyes and turned to look at the photo on the nightstand, unconsciously revealing the same smile as in the picture.

It was a picture of Wang Yan in big shorts and an oversized short-sleeved shirt, and her in her pajamas, huddled together and laughing toothily at the camera. Not to mention, the quality was truly top-notch; the two of them together really looked like a perfect match.

After daydreaming for a while, she picked up the phone on the nightstand and checked the time—it was almost ten. Thinking about going home for lunch today, she hurriedly got up and ran to wash up. Based on her understanding of her mother, the phone bombardment would be coming any minute.

Her understanding was correct; just as she was washing up, her mother's call came through.

Yang Tao let out a long breath and answered the phone: "Hello, Mom?"

"Taozi, have you and Wang Yan left yet?" Xue Sumei's voice came from the other end: "I hear you mumbling, did you just get up or what?"

"I'm washing up, Mom, we'll be leaving in a bit."

"You child, knowing you have to come home for lunch, why didn't you get up earlier? It takes over an hour to drive over, you..."

Just as Xue Sumei was about to explode, Su Qing's voice sounded from the side: "Auntie, Auntie, please calm down, they'll be here in a bit, we're just about to start cooking. Oh, Taozi."

Yang Tao hurriedly responded: "Yes, Sis."

"Hurry up and get ready to come over, don't dawdle, hanging up now."

"Okay."

Yang Tao pouted, continued brushing her teeth and washing her face, and applied simple, light makeup. She was extremely satisfied with herself; at over thirty, her skin was still like that of someone in her twenties, saving her from heavy makeup.

After a busy flurry of activity, Yang Tao chose a floral maxi dress, paired with a cool, round-neck sleeveless top. A decorative chain hung from her fair neck—a fashionable girl.

Satisfied, she turned in front of the mirror to check herself out, then changed into a pair of white flat shoes, opened the door, and headed straight across to knock on the door.

Seeing Wang Yan open the door, Yang Tao asked curiously: "Why didn't you call me for breakfast today?"

"What is the most important thing when walking the world?" After opening the door, Wang Yan turned and walked in without looking back.

"You're talking about social etiquette again, or about being able to drink, how would I know what you're talking about?" Rolling her eyes, Yang Tao leaned against the door frame, with no intention of entering.

"Although I haven't worked a regular job, I know you've had a hard time. Now that you're finally resting, shouldn't you sleep in?" Wang Yan shook his head and smiled: "Come in, why are you standing at the door?"

"Let's go quickly, don't dawdle, my mom already called and threw a fit just now."

"There's plenty of time, come in first." Wang Yan walked to the door and pulled her in.

"Oh, I haven't changed my shoes yet."

"It's fine." Wang Yan pushed her in front of him, all the way to a full-length mirror: "Close your eyes."

At times like this, it was usually a gift. Yang Tao wasn't someone who hadn't watched TV dramas, so she looked up at Wang Yan behind her with amusement: "What are you doing? If you want to give me a little gift, just give it to me, why be so mysterious?"

"Don't you know that seeing through something doesn't mean you should say it? Why are you so unromantic? Don't you know that a sense of ritual is very important?" Wang Yan looked at her impatiently, pretending to glare at her fiercely: "Hurry up, close your eyes! You don't know how to cooperate at all."

Yang Tao pouted, but obediently closed her eyes and stood in front of the mirror.

Then, she felt a warmth on her neck. Having been together for so long, she wasn't a stranger to it; she knew it was Wang Yan's hand. She actually quite envied him, because that way he would be more heat-resistant and less prone to sweating.

Of course, those things were irrelevant; it was just her wild imagination. Feeling the decorative necklace she was wearing being taken off, she already guessed in her heart that he was giving her a necklace.

However, she thought again, didn't he say he was going to buy a bag before? Unexpected, hmm, quite interesting...

After her decorative necklace was taken away, she immediately felt a touch of coolness drop onto her chest, and felt Wang Yan's hand against her skin behind her neck—tingling and itchy.

Before long, accompanied by his breath against her face, Wang Yan's voice sounded in her ear: "Alright, see if you like it?"

Yang Tao opened her eyes and met Wang Yan's gaze in the mirror. He was supporting her shoulders with both hands, his head resting on her shoulder, almost cheek-to-cheek with her. Her face instantly turned into a ripe peach again.

Although they had had more and more physical contact over the past few days, it had only been touching hands or shoulders; apart from the kiss last week, there hadn't been any breakthrough at all. So she wasn't quite used to this intimacy yet. Her breathing was rapid, and her body felt soft and tingling, but she didn't dodge—she didn't want to, and even less was she willing to.

"Don't look at me, look at the necklace."

Wang Yan's words directly interrupted Yang Tao's wild thoughts. She rolled her eyes and focused her gaze on her chest. It was a necklace shimmering with silver light, circling and holding a pendant—an ice-blue ring hanging to her chest, which was very eye-catching. Paired with her smooth, fair neck and chest, it was perfect.

Yang Tao stared blankly, admiring herself, feeling blissful.

Wang Yan didn't ruin this beautiful moment; he quietly moved his hands, crossed them in front of Yang Tao's abdomen, and hugged her. Yang Tao didn't resist, and the two of them just stood in front of the mirror, looking at the man and woman in the reflection.

After a long while, Yang Tao spoke: "It must be very expensive, right?"

"Over 40,000." Wang Yan told the truth. It cost what it cost; there was no need to hide it. He had to make her feel the weight of his intentions.

Yang Tao was so excited that she forgot they were cheek-to-cheek. In her hurry to turn her head, her lips kissed Wang Yan's face, and she hurriedly turned back. Wang Yan, of course, couldn't let it slide; he released her forcefully, reached out to cup her face, and without a word, lowered his head and kissed her.

Yang Tao's eyes widened as she looked at the face inches away. She tried to struggle tentatively, but after finding it futile, she gave up resistance and closed her eyes to respond.

After a long time, they parted. The oxygen-deprived Yang Tao gasped for breath. Wang Yan reached out to pull her in, and they stood side-by-side looking at the mirror, nodding with satisfaction: "Hmm, what a handsome man and beautiful woman."

"Don't say it's too expensive, don't say you'll return it." Not giving Yang Tao a chance to speak, he continued: "To me, as long as you like it, that's enough, because you are worth it. Understand, Taozi?"

"Hmm." Yang Tao nodded heavily, her eyes glistening. She felt that there was no love confession in the world more moving than the three words "You are worth it."

Wang Yan cupped her face with both hands, his thumbs wiping away her tears: "Why are you crying? When we see my mother-in-law in a bit, won't she think I bullied you? Then I'll be more wronged than Dou E. This won't do, hurry up, smile for me." As he spoke, after wiping away her tears, he pinched Yang Tao's tender face with both hands and pulled it to both sides, making a smiling expression.

"Annoying." Yang Tao gave Wang Yan a poke, pushed him away, and went to the living room on her own to pull out two tissues to wipe her tears. This man was hopeless; what a romantic atmosphere, and he ruined it in an instant: "Let's go quickly, or my mom will scold me again."

"Let's go."

After saying that, Wang Yan went to get his phone, wallet, and keys, changed into a pair of casual leather shoes at the door, and walked out with Yang Tao. Since it was their first visit, it would be too much to still be wearing big shorts. So today's outfit was roughly the same as the last time—casual style.

Yang Tao, still feeling a bit shy and not fully recovered, went downstairs. She sat in the passenger seat of his small car, listening to music, chatting, and laughing as they drove toward her mother's house. Apart from another irritable call from Xue Sumei, the journey was very smooth. Wang Yan even had a whim and sang love songs along the way.

Her mother lived on the South Third Ring Road, further west, and they were on the East Fifth Ring Road, so it was quite a distance. After stopping and starting, it was almost twelve o'clock when they arrived downstairs.

After parking the car, he took the prepared gifts out of the trunk and went upstairs with Yang Tao.

In the gap while waiting for the elevator, looking at the packaging in Wang Yan's hand that clearly didn't look cheap, Yang Tao couldn't help but ask: "What did you buy?"

"You'll know when we get there."

Rolling her eyes, he was really annoying. Yang Tao walked into the elevator and pressed the 19th floor. Feeling the elevator slowly moving upward, she asked Wang Yan beside her: "Are you nervous?"

Wang Yan looked at her like she was a fool: "I've already handled the mother-in-law, what's there to be nervous about?"

"Shameless!"

"You're right, this is the most important point when walking the world." Wang Yan looked like he was teaching a child: "They say if you have a thick skin, you'll never go hungry; if you have a thin skin, you'll never get to eat."

"Is there anything else important when walking the world?" Every time it was walking the world, Yang Tao was speechless: "Find a time to explain it to me properly."

"You want to learn for free without paying tuition? Is my true teaching something you can learn so easily? You're just thinking of good things." Not waiting for her to refute, Wang Yan waved his hand: "We're here."

Yang Tao couldn't help but give him another poke before walking out of the elevator first. Wang Yan shook his head and smiled, following her out.

Before Yang Tao could even get her keys, the door was opened, and a smiling Xue Sumei greeted them enthusiastically: "Oh my, you finally came. It's all Taozi's fault, knowing we were going to eat at home, she still slept in. Wang Yan, you must be hungry, right? Come, come, come, hurry in, there's one last dish, we'll be eating right away."

She ignored her own daughter, pulled Wang Yan in directly, and took out the new slippers she had prepared for him to change into. Only then did she seem to notice what Wang Yan was holding: "You should have just come, I don't lack anything here, why bring things? You're being too formal."

Wang Yan smiled: "Auntie, you say that, but this is my first visit, and it happens to be the wedding anniversary of my sister and brother-in-law. If I came empty-handed, how would I have the face to visit?" While changing his shoes, Wang Yan nodded to Su Qing and Duan Xifeng, who were standing inside, and received friendly smiles in response.

"You child are just too polite. Even if you came empty-handed, would I blame you?" Xue Sumei couldn't stop smiling as she watched Wang Yan change his shoes, pulling him toward the living room: "Come, come, come, you've been driving for so long, sit down and have some water first."

Yang Tao, still standing at the door, looked speechlessly at her mother and Wang Yan, who had already reached the living room. She shook her head with amusement, bared her little white teeth at Su Qing, and hurriedly changed her shoes and walked in.

Wang Yan thanked her, took the water, and placed it on the coffee table in front of him. Looking at the few people who had gathered around, he picked up a bag in his hand and took out an exquisite little box: "Auntie, our last meeting was too sudden, I wasn't prepared, and we just had a meal. This time I've prepared a gift for you, see if you like it."

Xue Sumei was indeed carefree, but now that this son-in-law she had approved of was visiting and handing over a gift with both hands, she felt a bit embarrassed for a moment. Nervously wiping her hands on her apron, she took it and smiled: "The packaging alone looks like a good thing, it must cost a lot, right? You've spent too much, Wang Yan."

"Auntie, please don't say that, there's no such thing as spending too much. I'm still thinking about your precious daughter, isn't it only right to show respect to you?" Wang Yan smiled: "Open it and see if you like it?"

Yang Tao leaned over to encourage her mother, also to dispel the embarrassment: "Yes, Mom, hurry up and open it to see, he chose it all himself, I don't even know when he went to buy it. When I asked him what it was, he wouldn't tell me, so mysterious, hurry up and see."

This gift was different; after all, it was a gesture of respect from the son-in-law Xue Sumei had been thinking about. Hearing her daughter's words, she looked at Su Qing and Duan Xifeng, looked at her daughter, and finally looked at Wang Yan, smiling: "Then I'll take a look?"

Wang Yan nodded with a smile: "Hurry up and see, Auntie."

Xue Sumei let out a long breath and slowly opened the small gift box. A touch of emerald green appeared before everyone's eyes.

"Oh, it's a bracelet? The color is so pure, it must cost a lot, right?"

"Auntie, have you forgotten what I said? As long as you are happy, the money doesn't matter." Wang Yan smiled: "Last time I saw that your hands were missing something, so I thought about it and bought you a jade bracelet. Put it on and see if it fits."

Xue Sumei laughed, took out the bracelet, easily slipped it onto her wrist, and looked up at everyone: "It's perfect, let me look in the mirror." Yang Tao and Su Qing followed along, showering her with compliments, which made Xue Sumei very happy.

After admiring it for a while, Xue Sumei walked back and smiled: "Then Auntie will accept it, thank you, Wang Yan."

"Yes." Wang Yan waved his hand: "Auntie, I bought it for you. As long as you are happy, I am happy. Don't talk about thanks, it's like you don't treat me as one of your own, it's too distant."

"Oh my, look at my mouth, aren't we family? I was being too formal, too formal."

This mother-in-law was truly fooled. Wang Yan raised his eyebrows at Yang Tao on the side, then picked up the last large bag and handed it to Su Qing: "I'll call you Sis just like Yang Tao does. We haven't met before, so I don't know much about you. I didn't know what to buy for you, so after thinking about it, I bought you a bag, you can use it in your daily life. Oh, and Brother-in-law, I absolutely have no other intentions, this won't stop you from giving her something else, right?"

"What are you saying? We're happy that you're giving her a gift, why would there be so much talk? Besides, Brother, you bought her a bag, didn't you save me some private money?" Duan Xifeng laughed heartily, took the bag from Wang Yan's hand, and took out the bag: "Then I'll borrow flowers to offer to Buddha, Wife, hurry up and try it."

"I heard that, you still have private money, this doesn't count toward your share." Looking at the bag, Su Qing rolled her eyes at him, then turned to look at Wang Yan: "Thank you, Wang Yan, you've spent too much."

Duan Xifeng was, after all, a company executive, and making 300,000 to 400,000 a year wasn't a problem, so Su Qing was familiar with these things. Besides, there were many young girls in her workplace who chatted about these things all day long. Even if she didn't know, she would have some understanding through osmosis. As for refusing, since he had already brought it and his status was there, it would be meaningless for her to hypocritically push it back and forth.

"Hi, Sis, why are you being so polite?" Wang Yan waved his hand: "We'll be family sooner or later, no need to be formal, hurry up and try it, see if you like it."

"Okay, good, then I'll try it." Su Qing saw that what her aunt said was true; this was truly not standing on ceremony. This Wang Yan really didn't treat himself as an outsider, and he seemed even more relaxed than her husband, Duan Xifeng.

She immediately stood in front of the mirror, carrying it and holding it, and thanked Wang Yan repeatedly.

Wang Yan accepted it all, picked up the last bag, took out two bottles of wine, and placed them on the coffee table: "Brother-in-law, I didn't prepare a gift for you, it really feels strange to give things to men. But I prepared two bottles of wine, I'll keep you company in a bit, and we'll have a good drink."

"Hi, we thought of the same thing, Brother." Duan Xifeng patted Wang Yan's shoulder: "Between us men, what gifts? As long as we drink happily, that's enough. Besides, it's strange for you to give, and even stranger for me to receive."

The whole room laughed, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

After laughing, Xue Sumei greeted: "Wang Yan, you and Xifeng talk here, we three women will go and finish the rest of the dishes, wait a bit, we'll be eating right away. It's all Taozi's fault for being unreliable, otherwise we would have eaten long ago. Sleeping in on such an important day, it's too outrageous."

Wang Yan nodded with a smile, watching Yang Tao, who had no presence, push her mother and follow her cousin into the kitchen. Only then did he turn back to chat with Duan Xifeng.

At this moment, Duan Xifeng didn't know about Deng Jiajia's pregnancy, his career was on the rise, and his family life was relatively harmonious, so he looked quite good. Once he found out about Deng Jiajia's pregnancy, he would be ruined.

This matter depends on the person and the position. In the eyes of someone like him, Wang Mou, who was all about having multiple partners, it was, of course, irrelevant. Duan Xifeng's mistake was that he didn't have the ability to settle the trouble he had caused, didn't have the ability to handle Deng Jiajia, and was instead handled by her. By comparison, Duan Xifeng wasn't even worthy of carrying his shoes; he, Wang Mou, played much wilder games.

Duan Xifeng went out to drink and socialize, called a hostess, and then couldn't hold back and had a one-night stand—that was normal. But according to his later performance, Duan Xifeng had big problems. At first, he was fine, firmly stating that he wanted Deng Jiajia to have an abortion, but later, after Deng Jiajia refused, his attitude softened bit by bit. He started investing energy in Deng Jiajia, staying overnight—this might not have been without the idea of building a second home; after all, they were all men.

Later, Deng Jiajia was pushed by her brother, who had been in prison three times, leading to an accidental miscarriage. Wang Yan didn't quite understand where Duan Xifeng's guilt came from. Maybe he was afraid of Deng Jiajia's brother? Or maybe he really developed feelings during those few months of being together? Anyway, regardless, he later borrowed 300,000 in high-interest loans and gave it to her for nothing. That one night of pleasure was quite expensive—divorcing and leaving with nothing, and carrying high-interest debt...

As for Deng Jiajia, Wang Yan felt she was doing it on purpose. Although she swore that the child was Duan Xifeng's, the words of a hostess couldn't be trusted. She could be with a middle-aged man like Duan Xifeng, so it was normal for her to be with other men. And her saying she couldn't have children after the abortion was just her one-sided story; it might just be an excuse because she didn't want to work hard. In short, this little woman was no good.

As for helping out, that wasn't impossible; after all, for him, it was just a matter of lifting a finger. Family unity was also quite important; the life-and-death drama in the show wasn't very good. And Xue Sumei treated Su Qing as her own daughter, so she would definitely be the one taking care of the child in the future, and Yang Tao, of course, couldn't be neglected. So as the only man in the family, he would definitely have to worry about this.

Of course, the most crucial point was that Yang Tao would also be troubled, and he was much richer than Duan Xifeng. If the sister and brother-in-law, who were the perfect marriage in Yang Tao's heart, had problems, she couldn't help but overthink. If that affected him, it would be too much of a hassle. He really didn't want to go through the trouble this time; he just wanted to live a few years of leisure. He couldn't let this affect their marital relationship; that wouldn't be good.

So if he could avoid it at the source, he would; if it could be prevented, he would prevent it. Wasting a tiny bit of energy could save a lot of worry. And in the end, Su Qing forgave Duan Xifeng, so it was better if it wasn't discovered. Calculating it inside and out, it was definitely a cost-effective deal.

Just as Wang Yan was thinking while chatting happily with Duan Xifeng, the three women in the kitchen started laughing and talking.

Watching her aunt staring at the bracelet and laughing from ear to ear, Su Qing smiled: "Auntie, you really have to say, this Wang Yan is really quite good."

"Right?" Xue Sumei was blissful: "I said I wouldn't misjudge him. I'm telling you, Taozi, you have to hurry up."

Yang Tao responded: "Hmm, I know, Mom..."

Not waiting for her aunt to continue lecturing, Su Qing interrupted: "Auntie, Wang Yan is really attentive to our Taozi. Do you know how much that bag he gave me cost?"

"It wasn't cheap, right?"

"Hmm, not cheap, nearly 20,000."

"What? So expensive?" Xue Sumei turned her head sharply: "Then what about this bracelet of mine?"

"That goes without saying, Auntie, it must be much more expensive than that bag, I estimate at least 30,000."

Xue Sumei was a bit anxious: "Ah? That... that's too expensive. Taozi, do you think we should keep it or not? It's burning my hands..."

"Just keep it, how can you return it after accepting it?" Yang Tao was also surprised, but with the 40,000-plus necklace on her neck and "You are worth it" in her heart, she found it much easier to accept. She immediately pointed to her neck: "This is the necklace he just gave me before we came."

"Just gave it to you? How... how much is it?"

"He said it was over 40,000."

"Over 40,000?" Xue Sumei's eyes widened, and she whispered: "You accepted it just like that? This... this is too expensive, what should we do?"

Yang Tao rolled her eyes: "Mom... you know how good he is at talking, he just put it on my neck directly. How do you expect me to refuse?"

"Then you accepted it?" Xue Sumei leaned in to look at the necklace, unable to believe it: "This piece of junk cost over 40,000? Money doesn't grow on trees, this child is too wasteful."

"Auntie, don't worry." Su Qing comforted her: "You see, we've already accepted it, and it's impossible for Wang Yan to ask for it back. And if we say we're returning it, Wang Yan might overthink it. So I think, let's not think so much, as long as Taozi is doing well with him, that's enough."

"Right, Taozi, you have to be good with him." Xue Sumei turned to instruct her, but just after speaking, she felt something was wrong—it sounded like she was selling her daughter. She immediately said seriously: "Taozi, tell Mom, how do you really feel about him? If it's not going to work, let's return everything to him quickly, don't waste each other's time."

"Auntie, look at what you're asking." Su Qing smiled and hugged Xue Sumei: "Isn't it obvious? If Taozi didn't have feelings, she wouldn't have brought Wang Yan home. You're just worrying too much."

"If you have feelings, hurry up, settle it early, and I'll be at ease early." Looking at her daughter who was giggling foolishly, Xue Sumei said impatiently: "No, in a bit I have to ask him if he has any plans to get married, don't keep us hanging, we can't afford to wait."

"Auntie, he spent at least 100,000 on this trip to our place, if he wanted to keep Taozi hanging, he'd be too willful."

"He's so rich, what's 100,000?" Xue Sumei changed her face faster than turning a book: "In a bit I must ask, you all know, there's plenty of news about rich playboys playing with feelings, I won't be at ease without a definite answer."

Yang Tao wanted to argue, but was stopped by Su Qing, who didn't let her speak. She felt it wasn't good to ask like that, and she wasn't stupid; she could feel Wang Yan's sincerity. But she also knew her mother's temperament, and she definitely couldn't stop her. She could only sigh helplessly, wondering what to do if Wang Yan got upset...

Little did she know, the moment she started worrying about whether Wang Yan would be happy or not, she had already lost—lost completely...

"Today is Su Qing and Xifeng's 12th wedding anniversary, and it's also Wang Yan's first visit, a double happiness, let's have a drink together. Come, cheers!" At the table with over a dozen dishes, Xue Sumei raised a glass filled with orange juice, her face full of smiles.

"Cheers!"

Su Qing and Yang Tao were also drinking orange juice, both happily clinking glasses.

Wang Yan and Duan Xifeng, who were drinking, raised their glasses and stared at each other while drinking. Wang Yan didn't put his down, and Duan Xifeng didn't either; Duan Xifeng didn't put his down, and Wang Yan didn't either—they were locked in a standoff. Just like that, they really finished a 100ml cup.

Seeing Duan Xifeng looking slightly uncomfortable, Wang Yan smiled: "Brother-in-law, let's just take it easy, don't be so formal. If we drink like this, we won't last long. It's such a good day today, we can't drink too much."

"Okay, okay, okay, easy, easy." Duan Xifeng nodded repeatedly. He was approaching forty and drank outside all day; his stomach couldn't take it anymore.

The three women listened to their conversation, looked at the empty glasses, symbolically said a few words, and then Xue Sumei took out a box of couple rings and looked at Su Qing and Duan Xifeng: "This is the wedding diamond ring Auntie is giving you two."

Su Qing took it and stared blankly at her aunt: "Auntie, this is too expensive."

"Let me tell you, Su Qing, twelve years ago when you got married, Auntie really didn't have any money. At that time, Taozi had just started college, and Auntie was under a lot of pressure; I wanted to buy it but couldn't afford it. But now Auntie has it, so today I'm making it up to you two." Xue Sumei gave a heartfelt confession, moved: "You two, live a good life in the future."

Duan Xifeng said: "Auntie, you say we should buy something, you say this is expensive, that is expensive, but you ended up buying it for us..."

"Don't be so hypocritical, just tell me if you like it or not."

The couple nodded repeatedly, and Xue Sumei said: "Then that's it, just accept it."

Wang Yan interrupted: "Brother-in-law, you've saved two sums of money, you must give my sister a big surprise later, otherwise Auntie, Taozi, and I won't let it slide."

"Haha, don't worry, don't worry." Duan Xifeng said: "Then Auntie, let's not just talk, let's eat, the dishes are about to get cold."

"Eat, eat."

Xue Sumei gave the word, and everyone started using their chopsticks and chatting and laughing.

Wang Yan was, of course, the focus and received special care; before he could even eat, the food in his bowl was piled high. The wedding anniversary of Su Qing and Duan Xifeng was secondary; the whole family's main task was to "examine" Wang Yan. And although he had told Duan Xifeng to take it easy earlier, he still raised his glass frequently during the meal; one look and you knew he had received orders. Su Qing also probed frequently in her words; her level was much stronger than Xue Sumei's.

These things, of course, were a breeze for Wang Mou; he handled them with ease, and the joyful atmosphere at the table never stopped.

After three rounds of drinks and five flavors, the meal lasted from noon until evening. Duan Xifeng was truly obedient; he was drinking for his life. The two bottles of wine Wang Yan brought, plus the one bottle of 53-degree Feitian Moutai that Duan Xifeng had prepared, three bottles of wine were down, and they had also drunk several bottles of beer.

Duan Xifeng looked completely dazed. Wang Yan estimated it was about enough. His drinking capacity didn't betray the bragging he did to Yang Tao about "walking the world." Under Yang Tao's pained gaze, he also started pretending to be unable to hold his liquor and began swaying.

Xue Sumei and Su Qing exchanged a glance and quietly gave a thumbs up, meaning Duan Xifeng was doing well. Then she looked at Wang Yan with a smile: "Wang Yan, are you okay?"

"No... I'm fine, Auntie, Brother-in-law, Brother-in-law can really drink. I was just saying, saying... it's a good day today, don't drink too much, he... didn't listen and insisted on competing with me." Wang Yan shook his head, blinked hard, and turned his body while swaying—his acting was perfect: "Hey, Brother-in-law, can... can you still do it? Let's... let's keep drinking."

Duan Xifeng was swaying; if Su Qing hadn't been pulling him, he would have collapsed long ago. Hearing this, he waved his hand: "Good... good brother, today let's... let's just leave it at that, next time... next time we'll gather again."

"You... you can't... can't do it either." Wang Yan swayed, looking like he was about to fall.

Yang Tao was both pained and helpless; she hurriedly supported him and turned to look at her mother with a hint of blame: "Mom, look at how much they drank, oh my, you say you..."

Xue Sumei glared, waved her hand, and continued looking at Wang Yan with a smile: "Wang Yan, Auntie asks you, what are your plans with our Taozi?"

"What... what plans?" Wang Yan looked at Yang Tao in a daze.

Xue Sumei nodded: "Yes, what are you thinking?"

"Of course it's to... get married." Wang Yan's head rested on Yang Tao's shoulder: "It just depends on her... on what she thinks, if... if she's ready, tomorrow, just tomorrow, let's go get the certificate. My... my houses, those houses can... can all be notarized... give her... give her half..."

Xue Sumei listened blankly to him wanting to give Yang Tao half of his houses, unable to believe it. Is this okay? This is too okay. She turned her head and poked her daughter, who was failing to live up to expectations, and pointed at Wang Yan: "You pay attention, hurry up."

"What hurry up, what hurry up?" Yang Tao looked at her mother unhappily: "Mom, I'm not with him for his money. Even if he gives it to me, I don't want it."

"I didn't say I wanted money either?" Xue Sumei glared and whispered: "He treats you so well, I'm telling you to seize the opportunity, it's about time, don't drag it out anymore."

Su Qing looked at her husband and then at Wang Yan opposite, who was about the same, and shook her head: "Taozi, I think Auntie is right, Wang Yan is really good to you, and you two are a perfect match."

"Oh my, I know, I know." Yang Tao waved her hand impatiently, looking at the two drunk men: "What should we do about my brother-in-law and Wang Yan?"

"Oh my, this is difficult, our house can't sleep them, we can't let either of them sleep on the sofa." Xue Sumei looked at the two drunks in a dilemma.

"How about I take Xifeng back, Auntie?" Su Qing took the initiative to solve the problem.

"He's already like that, let me think." After pondering for a moment, Xue Sumei's eyes lit up, and she immediately shouted twice: "Wang Yan, Wang Yan?"

"Hmm? Hmm... Auntie..." Wang Yan struggled: "What... what's wrong... you... you say."

Xue Sumei ignored him and turned to shout again: "Xifeng, Xifeng?"

Duan Xifeng didn't know if he heard or not, anyway, he made two sounds, smacked his lips, and that was the end of it.

"Wang Yan is stronger than Xifeng, he can do it." Xue Sumei clapped her hands: "Taozi, can you do it? If you can, take him back. If not, let them sleep in the north room, and the three of us will squeeze into my room for the night."

"Then I'll try." Yang Tao sighed and patted Wang Yan's broad shoulder: "Wang Yan, Wang Yan? Wake up, we're going home, can you still walk?"

"Go home?" Wang Yan swayed, stood up unsteadily: "Let's... let's go, go home."

Xue Sumei smiled: "Hey, he can do it. Then you send him back, Taozi." As for the talk of drunken behavior, she was now somewhat eager for it; anyway, after this meal, she was even more satisfied. The sooner it was settled, the better.

After some fuss, with Su Qing's help, Yang Tao put Wang Yan's shoes on. Wang Yan even knew to say goodbye to his mother-in-law and mock Duan Xifeng on the way. He was supported into the car, stumbling all the way. Yang Tao waved goodbye to Su Qing. She looked sideways at Wang Yan, who was dazed and swaying his head back and forth, and couldn't help but reach out and poke his nose?

? Then she quickly retracted her hand, revealed a sweet smile with her white teeth, adjusted the seat, started the car, and left her mother's house, merging into the traffic under the neon lights, driving toward Dongjun Huafu...