Chapter 314

Wang Yan opened his eyes as usual, gazing at the beautiful woman asleep in his arms, a faint smile on his lips.

Miss Taozi was truly desperate, truly in love—otherwise she wouldn't have done something so bold as throwing herself at him. But Miss Taozi was exactly this kind of person: once she took something seriously, she threw herself into it completely. Just like the painter in the original story, who after a few meetings and a few meals drove Yang Tao to the brink of madness. Only because that painter played the long game—if he hadn't, Miss Taozi would've surely run away.

She was just easily serious, easily moved. Fortunately, though Wang Yan wasn't exactly a good man, he never abandoned someone once he'd taken them on—he never left after getting what he wanted.

Gently removing the arm draped over him, shifting the thigh resting on his waist, he pulled the thin blanket over Miss Taozi's exposed body. She had been empty for a long time, and in this act of love, genuine affection ran deep—she was passionate, fervent, demanding, responding, and naturally, she slept soundly. Her rosy face bore satisfaction, undisturbed by the rough caresses of the man who had loved her so fiercely the night before.

Wang Yan slipped quietly out of bed, drank a glass of water, changed into his workout clothes, went out for exercise, then ate breakfast as usual outside the compound, bringing back a packed meal to the house.

It was seven-thirty when he got home. He placed the breakfast on the dining table and went into the bedroom. The night before, Miss Taozi had asked him to wake her, firmly declaring she would go to work.

"Sweetheart Miss Taozi, time to wake up." Wang Yan leaned over the bed, smoothing her messy, tousled hair to either side.

"Mmm…" Miss Taozi groaned, stretching out her arms and legs in a full-body yawn. But because of the leg kick, the blanket slipped down from her chest.

Feeling the cool air on her chest, remembering last night's frenzy, Miss Taozi snapped open her eyes, yanking the blanket to cover her treasures—not stopping until it reached below her eyes, looking shyly at Wang Yan before her.

"Why do you look like the victim? Still hiding? Haven't I seen it all already?" Wang Yan ruffled her hair irritably: "Can you even manage? I say, take the day off, rest properly."

Miss Taozi's face flushed red, clutching the blanket tightly, feeling the subtle feedback from her body—slight soreness and swelling below, but otherwise fine.

"I… I'm fine. You… you go out first. I'm going to… put on my clothes."

Miss Taozi could get out of bed partly because Wang Yan hadn't overdone it, and partly because she wasn't a virgin—she'd just gone a long time without it, so she could still adapt, no big issue. Though he didn't care much, he couldn't help but have some thoughts about that solemn one…

"We're old married couple now, still so formal," Wang Yan shrugged. "Breakfast's on the table. I'm going to freshen up." He casually picked up her bra, waved it teasingly, earning a flurry of soft scolding, then laughed as he walked into the bathroom.

Watching Wang Yan disappear into the bathroom, hearing the running water, Miss Taozi sat up hugging the blanket, grinning foolishly with her white teeth, both shy and delighted, replaying last night's scenes in her mind, savoring the sensations.

She was surprised by her own courage, but she truly didn't want to wait any longer, didn't want to test him anymore. She was certain: Wang Yan was her one. At her age, she couldn't afford to waste time anymore. Now that she'd met him, now that she loved him, now that her parents and friends had met him—why not be direct, be passionate? Now it was done—she'd given herself completely, so she didn't have to waste energy overthinking. The rest was up to Wang Yan.

She got up happily, fastening her bra herself. She hadn't returned to her own room since yesterday—she'd stayed at Wang Yan's, so she had no pajamas to wear. Putting on proper clothes would mean washing up later—too much trouble. So she frowned, got out of bed, and went straight to Wang Yan's walk-in closet.

Though her condition was decent, the intense friction had left some effects—not entirely comfortable. Everything has its cost—enjoy the pleasure, endure the aftereffects. Miss Taozi understood that well. But what she hadn't expected was how fierce, how powerful he'd been—she'd barely held up, a painful yet blissful torment.

The walk-in closet was large, but held little—only a small portion was used, far from the dense, branded clothing she'd imagined. Only three suits, three casual outfits, some formal and casual shirts, two sets of workout gear, two thick winter coats. Most were sleeveless tops and shorts—all packed into one cabinet. Nearby drawers held socks, underwear, neatly rolled belts matched to coat colors, and on a watch winder hung several watches that clearly cost a fortune.

Neatly arranged, orderly, the smallest details revealed the difference—clearly, Wang Yan was a disciplined man.

This was also the habit Wang Yan had formed since his life changed under the favor of his Living Father. With a woman, she'd tidy up; without one, he'd still live this way. Before the Living Father came, he hadn't been like this—he'd just crumple things and toss them anywhere, messy, and he'd thought it was comfortable…

After browsing for a while, Miss Taozi picked out a white shirt. Wang Yan was 184 cm tall, broad-shouldered and sturdy; she was only about 165 cm, so the shirt hung down past her knees. Her pure white legs were exposed, paired with messy hair and flushed cheeks—anyone seeing her couldn't help but feel desire—she was truly a mortal enchantress, utterly alluring.

She checked herself in the mirror, nodded in satisfaction, combed her hair, rolled up the long sleeves, sat at the dining table, and ate breakfast with her phone in hand.

Wang Yan finished freshening up, dried his body, and stepped out wearing only loose shorts and a sleeveless shirt. He glanced at Miss Taozi in surprise, but remembering she still had to work, he suppressed his immature thoughts and sat across from her: "Miss Taozi, what's my status?"

Though they'd grown intimate, seeing Wang Yan still made her uneasy—she couldn't help recalling last night's entanglement. She lowered her head and said: "Aren't you always saying you're a nouveau riche? What else could your status be?"

"Exactly." Wang Yan clapped his hands. "You know I'm a nouveau riche—why bother working hard? Why not stay home as my Mrs. Wang? We'd be glued together all day, and everyone would envy us."

"No, I need to work and earn money. Since we're together, I won't spend your money if I can help it—I need independence. Besides, if we're glued together all day, wouldn't we get sick of each other? Just thinking about it gives me the creeps—ugh…" As she spoke, Miss Taozi shuddered.

"But if everyone knows I'm a nouveau riche, they'll assume you're with me just for my money."

Miss Taozi looked up, earnestly at the man who had become hers: "That doesn't matter. Let others say what they want—I just need to live with a clear conscience."

"Admirable." Wang Yan gave her a thumbs-up. "Why not move out of your apartment and live with me? You'd save a lot on rent."

Miss Taozi thought for a moment, eating as she spoke: "Let's wait a bit. I still feel like this is a dream—it's too fast. Let's keep some distance for now, let me adjust, let me accept it."

"It felt fast yesterday, but like it lasted forever—yet after you slept with me, today you're saying 'adjust, accept'? What an irresponsible woman."

Getting no reply, Wang Yan called out: "Miss Taozi."

Miss Taozi, still eating, murmured: "Hmm."

"Look up. Look at me."

Miss Taozi obediently raised her head.

"Look at my hands—nothing there." Wang Yan spread his palms, showing both sides, then suddenly clapped them together: "Miss Taozi, though this isn't very formal, I don't think we need empty rituals between us. I've always believed actions speak louder than words—even the grandest vows of eternal love, the most moving promises, mean nothing if unfulfilled. I won't make you many promises—but I'll do everything in my power to ensure you never suffer a single ounce of grievance, to cherish you, love you, protect you."

"This is what I bought on the afternoon we met—the day we fell in love at first sight, or maybe just lusted after each other—it doesn't matter. All that matters is you. You, Miss Taozi, are meant to be my wife, meant to be the mother of my children." As he spoke, Wang Yan opened his palms, revealing a small red gift box. In Miss Taozi's wide, disbelieving eyes, lips slightly parted, he slowly opened it, revealing two rings embedded with a large and a small diamond. Gently, he said: "Miss Taozi, let's get married."

Looking at the diamond rings, Miss Taozi covered her mouth with both hands, tears streaming down, her throat tight, wanting to speak but unable to find words. It was all too fast—she had no time to react, no time to prepare, utterly unprepared.

Wang Yan wasn't in a hurry—he smiled warmly, gazing tenderly at the woman before him, moved to tears.

After a long while, Miss Taozi wiped her tears, voice choked: "Are we… are we… too… too fast? I had no… no preparation at all."

Wang Yan smiled and shook his head, lifting the larger diamond ring: "So… will you marry me?"

Without hesitation, Miss Taozi nodded rapidly: "Yes, I will." As she spoke, she reached out and placed her hand in his.

In her tense, excited, expectant gaze, Wang Yan slowly slid the ring onto her left ring finger—perfect fit.

Miss Taozi trembled as she pulled her hand back, staring at the ring on her finger, overjoyed.

Wang Yan's mischievous voice broke the moment: "Aren't you going to put one on me too? These are wedding rings now."

"Of course I'll put one on you." Still weeping, Miss Taozi smiled, took the smaller diamond ring from the box, and with trembling hands slid it onto Wang Yan's left ring finger. Then she placed their hands together, staring at them and giggling foolishly.

After a long silence, Wang Yan gripped her hand: "You're not going to work today, right?"

Miss Taozi kept crying: "No, I'm not going. Let's go to my mom's—this news must be told to her."

"Such good news—don't cry."

"It's because it's such good news that I'm crying," Miss Taozi choked out. "You don't know how long I've waited for this day. You don't know how much I wanted to get married. But I never imagined it would come so fast, so suddenly. I…"

After listening to Miss Taozi's babbling, Wang Yan smiled: "Good days have arrived—be happy, smile. After breakfast, we'll go to your mother's to get the household registration book, then we'll go get married. But before that…"

As he spoke, Wang Yan rose, walked to his desk, picked up a file folder and a pen, pulled out documents as he sat back down: "Sign this document."

Miss Taozi looked at him in confusion: "What is this?"

"Sign it, and after we get our marriage certificate, half my assets become yours—my guarantee to you."

"What?" Miss Taozi's eyes widened, tears forgotten, she waved her hands frantically: "No, I can't take it. That's what your parents left you—I can't take it. Besides, I'm not with you for your money—I really don't want it."

"Sign it. I'm giving it to you willingly."

Miss Taozi firmly shook her head: "No, I really won't take it. If you do this, we won't get married—we're fine just like this."

"Alright." Wang Yan nodded, then pulled out two more documents: "Then sign these."

"What's this now?"

"A commercial property and a residential unit, both in the Second Ring, decent locations." Wang Yan capped his pen and slapped it down in front of Yang Tao.

Yang Tao pressed her lips together, hesitated for a long while, then whispered carefully: "Can I not sign?"

"Of course you can." Wang Yan laughed heartily, then shifted tone: "Then let's not get married, like you said. This is fine too."

"Then I'll sign." With that, Yang Tao picked up the pen and signed both documents.

"Keep this one. Today, see when we can finish the wedding— if it's early, we'll go change the property ownership this afternoon." Wang Yan handed her one document, satisfied. "Alright, let's eat."

Yang Tao's tears, just moments ago dried, welled up again. She nodded, swallowing her tears as she ate her happily full breakfast. After a while, she remembered her duty and called her hotel supervisor to take leave.

After eating, Yang Tao hurried back to her room to freshen up, then grabbed her things, slung her small bag over her shoulder, and happily linked arms with Wang Yan—rarely dressed so formally—and left for Xue Sumei's home…

Xue Sumei widened her eyes, stood up, and stared at Yang Tao and Wang Yan sitting together. She blurted out in disbelief: "What the hell? You two are getting married?"

Yang Tao, clinging to Wang Yan, lifted their joined hands and showed them off happily: "Yes, Mom. Look at our rings. This morning Wang Yan proposed to me, and I said yes. Hurry up and find the household register—we need to go to the Minzheng Bureau right away."

"Oh my goodness…" Xue Sumei patted her chest, staring at them: "Wang Yan…"

"Auntie, go ahead."

"I like you, I'm satisfied with you—I'm not saying no." Seeing Wang Yan nod with a smile, Xue Sumei continued: "I just want Taozi to marry early, but not this fast. You two have only known each other for half a month, tops. Marriage isn't a game. Have you both thought this through? Don't you want to think more carefully? Are you really ready to lock it in like this? Taozi? Wang Yan?"

"Mom, I've thought it through. And you said you liked Wang Yan, and told me to hurry up."

"Auntie, please rest easy. I'm completely sincere about Taozi—I'll treat her well, and I'll honor you."

"I told you to hurry, but this is too hurried! I haven't prepared a thing, and you're getting married already?" Xue Sumei waved her hand. "Taozi, are you truly sure? This isn't a joke."

Yang Tao nodded firmly: "I'm sure, Mom. Please bring out the household register—we need to register now."

Xue Sumei stared blankly at her daughter leaning against Wang Yan. After a long silence, she sighed: "Fine, do as you wish. I can't stop you. But Wang Yan, I'm warning you now—if you ever treat our Taozi badly, my cleaver will come out."

Wang Yan laughed helplessly: "Rest assured—I swear to my parents I'll treat Taozi well."

"If you say that, then I've got nothing more to say. I'll give you the household register. Just don't regret it later. If you marry today and divorce in two days, I'll be the laughingstock of the neighborhood."

"Mom, it's impossible! Wang Yan and I are sincere! And how can you be a mother like this? Can't you just wish us well?"

Xue Sumei didn't reply. Though she was satisfied with Wang Yan, and Su Qing and Duan Xifeng had nothing but praise—he had no flaws at all—but it was simply too fast, reckless. Yet since Yang Tao was happy, and the ring was already on her finger, she might as well let her marry. He wasn't short on money—he wouldn't let her suffer. As long as they lived properly, their future would be fine.

Of course, she didn't want to agree. But now the two sat so close, and she knew her daughter well—if she refused today, it would only make things worse. Besides, she was satisfied with Wang Yan. If she stood in the way now, she might ruin a good relationship. So she gritted her teeth and agreed, silently praying her deceased husband would protect their daughter…

"We must celebrate this good news with a proper dinner tonight. Come back early this afternoon—we'll have a party."

Wang Yan waved his hand: "Don't bother cooking. Last time we ate Tan's Cuisine, you said it was great. Invite your sister and brother-in-law—we'll go there again tonight."

"No, eat at home. Don't waste money."

"That won't do. We must go out for a proper meal. Trust me—it's settled."

"Alright, I'll do as you say." Xue Sumei laughed, stood up, and muttered as she walked into the inner room: "Oh my, they're getting married already? It's only been a few days…"

On the sofa, Yang Tao hugged Wang Yan's arm, rested her head on his shoulder, breathed in his natural scent—it felt so good. She had no time to worry about future troubles; she only wanted to savor the happiness right in front of her.

If she really misjudged him again, then so be it—she'd never marry, and she'd be fine on her own…

Soon, Xue Sumei emerged with the household register, gazing at the two standing before her: "From now on, we entrust Taozi to you, Wang Yan. Don't let us down."

"Rest easy—I'll never betray Taozi. I'll live a steady, honest life."

"Ah…" Xue Sumei handed the register to Wang Yan. "Go. Come back early."

"We're off, Mom." Yang Tao rushed forward and hugged her mother tightly—she felt so relieved.

With Xue Sumei's complex gaze upon them, Wang Yan and Yang Tao happily left, rushing straight to the Minzheng Bureau.

The number of people registering today was manageable. They took their number and sat together, watching happy couples emerge one after another. Along the way, they received repeated calls of concern from Xue Sumei, Su Qing, and Duan Xifeng.

As the line ahead thinned, finally it was their turn. Hand in hand, they walked in happily—though mostly Yang Tao was delighted; she'd imagined this scene countless times. As for Wang Yan, that no-good man—there was no need to mention him. He was just… normal. She was used to him.

Perhaps fate truly held power, destined for those meant to meet to meet. The moment they stepped inside, their eyes locked with the official behind the desk.

"You're… Yang Tao?"

"Guo Ran!" Yang Tao turned, covered her mouth with her small hand, and whispered to Wang Yan: "He's the one I told you about—the guy I had dinner with Jiao Yang and Wei Wei."

Guo Ran saw Yang Tao's gesture but paid no mind. He nodded to Wang Yan and gestured: "Please sit."

After they sat, Guo Ran took the documents and paused thoughtfully: "I mean no offense, but as Duan Xifeng's friend, I feel I should warn you—marriage isn't a game. Think carefully. It's been less than half a month since we last met. Are you really serious about marrying so quickly?"

Yang Tao nodded politely: "We've already thought it through. Just process it. Thank you."

Wang Yan smiled: "Since we know each other, we're friends. After this settles, let's get together with Duan Xifeng for drinks and a chat. Oh, and you must come to the wedding. Whether you bring a gift doesn't matter—just come for the fun."

Guo Ran gave a forced laugh and nodded, seeing Yang Tao had nothing more to say: "Alright, no problem. Friends, everything's fine. Shall I process it now?"

"Do it." Yang Tao nodded firmly.

Wang Yan smiled and nodded in agreement.

Guo Ran said nothing more. He swiftly completed their marriage procedures, watching them walk away arm in arm. For some reason, a hollow feeling rose in his chest.

He thought: maybe it was just that he'd been staring too long at such a beautiful woman, wishing to marry—like any man, the feeling that a good cabbage had been snatched by a pig.

He shook his head. Instead of calling the next person, he dialed Duan Xifeng's number to tell him…

Wang Yan had no thoughts about Guo Ran. In the original plot, Guo Ran and Yang Tao only came together after Duan Xifeng mediated between them, then through a series of coincidences and misunderstandings. Now, Guo Ran and Yang Tao had met only once, and even then, Guo Ran had come only because Duan Xifeng asked him to counsel Yang Tao. Between them, there had been barely a few words over a parking dispute. Duan Xifeng never got the chance to intervene again—Yang Tao was already in Wang Yan's hands. So what did he care about Guo Ran? If anything, it was a hollow, insincere apology.

Leaving the Minzheng Bureau, it was already noon. They found a simple place to eat, then went to the Real Estate Bureau. The crowd there was far greater than at the marriage office—property market was that hot. Wang Yan was just an ordinary nouveau riche, with no powerful connections, so he had to wait patiently in line. Only when they were about to close did they reach the front. In Yang Tao's still-doubtful gaze, they completed the ownership transfer.

When she signed in the morning, she hadn't even looked at the address or the area. Now, seeing it, she floated all the way to the restaurant—tens of millions? He just gave it to her? After divorce, this would all be hers—she felt even more moved.

At the restaurant, Wang Yan and Yang Tao, lost in overwhelming happiness, watched Xue Sumei, Su Qing, and Duan Xifeng flip through four red booklets: their marriage certificates and two property deeds.

After viewing them, all three turned to Wang Yan and the grinning Yang Tao, speechless.

After a long pause, Xue Sumei set the documents aside, beaming, slightly reproachful: "Wang Yan, you're a good kid. Now that the certificates are issued and the property titles changed, I won't say anything more. You two just live well together."

She spoke truthfully—what else was there to say now? He'd given her daughter tens of millions. What more could she ask? Just offer blessings.

Wang Yan smiled and nodded: "Rest easy, Auntie. I promise I'll treat her well."

Duan Xifeng waved his hand: "Wang Yan, that's not the right term. You've got the certificate now—why still call her 'auntie'?"

Wang Yan paused, then ventured: "... Mom?"

The word slipped out—easier than he'd imagined. Though his actual age could make him their ancestor, his mindset was light—he said it without hesitation. No pain, no loss, no cost. Just say it.

"Ah." Xue Sumei replied happily: "Alright, let's eat quickly—spending so much money can't be wasted."

"Time to eat, Miss Taozi." Su Qing waved a hand in front of Yang Tao's face: "Stunned into silence?"

Yang Tao nodded vigorously: "I just feel like all of this isn't real."

"Hey, don't just you—me and your sister didn't believe it either when Auntie called. And sure enough, you two weren't the only ones who did it there—he called me right after you left, said you two were too impulsive and worried your family wouldn't know."

"Really? Then he's not so bad." Yang Tao muttered, recalling the unpleasant meeting.

"Now that you and Wang Yan have made it official, eat up—you've got plenty to look forward to." Duan Xifeng saw Wang Yan smiling as he picked up the bottle to pour him wine, and quickly reached out to stop him: "Hey, Wang Yan, today's such a great day, don't drink too much—we've only got one bottle. Besides, I'm not like you—I've got work tomorrow."

"Just one bottle?"

"One's enough. Half a jin each, just to mark the occasion. Besides, we're brothers—there'll be plenty more chances later."

"Alright then." Wang Yan put down the other bottle he'd been about to open, picked up the first one, and poured two glasses: "When we get time, let's get Gu Dasheng out and have a drink together. I think he's not so rough—he's kind-hearted."

"Definitely. Oh, by the way—you like photography, right? So does he. You two could exchange tips."

"Oh, that's perfect! Come on, brother-in-law, let's drink one."

Wang Yan and Duan Xifeng sipped their small glasses of wine, while the three women drank juice, laughing and chatting warmly. With the familiarity from last time, this gathering felt much more natural. And now that Wang Yan and Yang Tao were legally married, they spoke even more freely—they were family, after all, all relatives.

Halfway through the meal, Xue Sumei put down her chopsticks and asked: "Wang Yan, what are your plans with Miss Taozi?"

"The wedding?" Wang Yan thought for a moment: "I don't have any relatives or friends. I'm alone. No one's worth inviting. You decide."

Before Xue Sumei could respond, Yang Tao said: "Let's skip it. No need for a wedding—it's pointless and tiring. Just treat our relatives and friends to a meal."

Wang Yan shook his head firmly: "No way. You only get married once in your life—it has to be grand." He knew Yang Tao was thinking of him, but he didn't need to say it—he understood women, and even from TV dramas, he knew how much she wanted to wear a wedding dress and show off. Sure, they could do a destination shoot, but it still couldn't compare to the genuine—or even fake—wishes from family and friends.

"Stop, stop, stop!" Xue Sumei waved her hands urgently: "Where are you two going? Is that what I asked? Who cares how your wedding turns out? That's your business. I'm asking about your future—your life after marriage."

"Oh… I get it." Wang Yan suddenly understood: "Kids! You mean having kids?"

Xue Sumei clapped her hands with a beaming smile: "That's why I say you're smart! When you have kids, they'll definitely take after you, not that silly look of Taozi's. What do you think? I say get it done soon—Taozi's already thirty-two, past prime childbearing age. The longer you wait, the riskier it gets. Your living conditions are fine, no real trouble raising a child—and even if there is, don't forget I'm here to help, right?"

Wang Yan turned and met Yang Tao's gaze: "Having kids is your job—what do you say?"

Yang Tao gave Wang Yan a light punch, but before she could speak, Xue Sumei slammed the table: "I've decided—do it. You two get busy and aim to have my grandchild before next year."

"Mom…"

"Mom what? It's settled. You better take this seriously." Xue Sumei glared at her daughter: "Eat."

"Oh come on, sis, look at our mom!" Yang Tao turned to Su Qing for help.

Su Qing comforted her: "Auntie only wants what's best for you, Taozi. You and Wang Yan, just put in the effort—we're all waiting for good news."

"Yeah, Taozi," Duan Xifeng smiled: "Wang Yan's got such a big fortune—he needs an heir. You don't just have one—you should have more."

Looking at Wang Yan's smiling face beside her, Yang Tao's cheeks flushed again: "I'll just keep eating…"

The happy, joyful dinner ended. After seeing off the mother-in-law, who was loudly declaring she'd call Lan Caiping to annoy her, along with Su Qing and Duan Xifeng, Wang Yan pulled Yang Tao close: "Come on, wife, say 'husband' to me."

"Hu… hu…" Yang Tao obeyed, mumbling for a long time without getting it out: "I can't say it."

"What's the big deal? We're legally married now. Just grit your teeth and say it. How did I call 'Mom'? I hadn't said it in ten years—and still managed. Come on."

"Husband." Yang Tao clenched her teeth and whispered it like a mosquito buzzing through her teeth.

"Louder. I didn't hear."

"Husband!"

"Ah, that's better." Wang Yan nodded happily: "Come on, wife, let's go home—time to make babies."

"Oh no, you're so embarrassing—right on the street!" Seeing passersby stare at them like they were idiots, Yang Tao dragged Wang Yan away in a panic: "Hurry, hurry!"

On the drive, Yang Tao drove while Wang Yan reclined in the passenger seat, adjusting the backrest. They chatted and teased each other, arriving at Dongjun Huafu by nine.

After stepping out of the elevator, Wang Yan looked at the door across from them, then at Yang Tao beside him: "Miss Taozi, do we still need to keep some distance now?"

She gave him another light punch, stepped forward, and typed the password to open the door herself: "You're so annoying. Do you think I'm that stupid? Why rent when we've got a ready-made home?"

Wang Yan laughed and followed her inside, closing the door behind him.

No sooner had he put down his things than he wrapped his arms around Yang Tao from behind: "Let's get to work on making a baby."

Feeling the pressure against her waist, Yang Tao's body heated up instantly, trembling as she refused: "No… no, you just drank alcohol…"

"Let's shower together." Before she could react, he scooped her up and carried her into the bedroom, then into the en-suite bathroom.

Though exhausted from yesterday, Yang Tao had regained much of her energy today. Add to that the overwhelming joy of their sudden marriage, and she was lost in passion, responding warmly…

Time slipped by—night passed in the warmth of man and woman.

He removed his hand from the big treasure, then gently lifted the white, smooth arms and legs draped over him. Wang the Great Beast quietly rose, went out for exercise, and returned as usual with breakfast.

"Beauty, wake up—you've got work today, right?"

Yang Tao struggled to open her eyes, wrapped her arms around Wang's neck, and nuzzled—something she'd longed to do, and now felt joyful.

Wang Yan helped her sit up, watching her flushed cheeks and exposed skin, and clucked his tongue: "Getting married really does work. Yesterday you were all shy and hiding—today you're just out in the open?"

Yang Tao let out a shriek, yanked the blanket over herself, then, meeting Wang Yan's teasing smile, made up her mind and threw the blanket off again, flashing him a sultry glance and acting like a rogue: "So what if I am? What are you gonna do about it?"

Wang Yan reached out to pluck a grape: "Morning energy's strong—I'm warning you, don't provoke me, or you won't make it to work today."

Flustered, Yang Tao quickly pulled on her underwear, turned around, and revealed her beautiful back: "Help me fasten it."

"What do you really think about having kids? I fully respect your opinion. If you say you don't want to, or want to wait two years, that's fine—we can enjoy our two-person life just as well."

"Then why didn't you say that yesterday?" Yang Tao glared: "You… you already… went inside—what's the point now? What if I get pregnant?"

"Don't worry—I said it's fine, it's fine. It's really up to you."

Yang Tao sighed helplessly: "What can I think? I know my mom too well—she won't let this go. Even if I don't get pregnant, it's just a matter of time. Let's just go with the flow."

Wang Yan was about to speak when a knock came—*knock, knock, knock*.

Yang Tao let out a long sigh, pulled on the big shirt she'd worn yesterday: "Do you believe me? It's my mom bringing us breakfast."

"Of course I believe it—who else would come knocking?" Wang Yan rose and went to open the door: "Auntie—no, Mom, come in."

Xue Sumei smiled, holding up what she carried: "I know young people hate waking up early, so I brought you breakfast—and I thought I'd see if you need help tidying up."

Wang Yan took the breakfast, turned, and placed it on the dining table. Behind him, his mother-in-law had changed her shoes and stepped inside. Yang Tao pulled open the bedroom curtains and walked out: "Mom, why are you here so early?"

"Aren't I bringing you breakfast? I'm afraid you two won't eat properly and get sick—how much worry do I have to take on?"

Yang Tao pouted, walked over, and sat at the dining table: "Nah, Wang Yan already bought mine—he gets up early every morning to go running and exercise."

"Oh my, I didn't know that, and now I bought too much, look at this."

Wang Yan said: "It's fine, Mom, I can eat it—I won't waste a thing."

Thinking of her beloved son-in-law's appetite, Xue Sumei nodded: "Alright, eat it all—just this once. If I'd known, I wouldn't have bought it. We still need to be careful, very careful."

Wang Yan laughed heartily, bent his head, and began eating with Yang Tao.

Watching her daughter's rosy cheeks, Xue Sumei took a deep breath, trying to sense whether the two had done anything proper last night. She looked around the room inside and out, then sat at the dining table, watching the two eat: "Wang Yan, your renovation is great—spacious, everything's perfect—but there's no room for my grandson."

"Oh come on, Mom, why are you in such a rush?"

"What are you talking about? What are you talking about?" Xue Sumei glared. "What did we say yesterday? Didn't we say to hurry up and have a child? You're already thirty-two, Taozi—can't you be a little more responsible? Do you know how dangerous childbirth is at your age? If you delay any longer, what if something goes wrong? Huh? Don't speak. Your father passed away early, and Wang Yan's parents died early too—out of both families, I'm the only elder left, so what I say goes, and you two must listen to me. What do you say, Wang Yan?"

Just after glaring at her own daughter, she turned and beamed at her beloved son-in-law. Yang Tao was speechless, so she just ate her breakfast fiercely.

Wang Yan nodded with a smile: "You're right, I'll follow your advice." His mission was to be the perfect son-in-law; this mother-in-law, good or bad, was someone he called Mom—he'd just suck up.

Xue Sumei nodded happily: "Then you, the millionaire dad with over thirty apartments, better figure out a solution for my grandson's living space…"

"No problem, Mom. I'll check which apartment's suitable these next couple of days, renovate it, and we'll move there."

"Pick one close to me—then it'll be easier for me to visit you."

Despite Yang Tao frantically gesturing with her eyebrows, Wang Yan nodded vigorously: "Even if you didn't say it, I'd still pick one nearby—we wouldn't feel right leaving you alone."

"Ah, that's right! That's why it's you, Wang Yan—Taozi was so lucky to find you." Xue Sumei nodded, stood up, and said: "Alright, I've looked around—your place is clean enough, so I won't stay longer. I'm heading home."

"Why the rush, Mom? Wait till I finish eating—I'll drive you back."

"No need. Stay home and take care of your health." Xue Sumei patted Wang Yan's shoulder: "You're so strong—hurry up and get going, alright? I'm off."

Wang Yan stood to see her off, watched the elevator doors close, then returned and sat down to keep eating.

Yang Tao sighed helplessly: "See? That's my mom—she might even move in and watch us every day."

As expected, the mother-in-law had said exactly what the script called for. Wang Yan shook his head and smiled: "She's just anxious—it's all for our good. Let's just go with the flow."

"Ah…" Yang Tao let out a long sigh. She wanted to have a child, but she didn't want to. On one hand, her age was indeed advanced; on the other…

…she'd finally found true love, and they hadn't even enjoyed their couple time properly yet—now they had to bring a baby into the picture? It was too much, too complicated.

Wang Yan said: "Later, leave me the key to that room—I'll pack up all your things while I'm home."

"I've got a lot of stuff. Why don't we do it together when I get back tonight?"

"I'm just sitting here anyway. When you come back, I'll check everything over. Hurry up and eat—you'll be late."

Yang Tao glanced at the time, gobbled down her food, dashed to the apartment across the hall to brush her teeth and change clothes, tossed the key to Wang Yan, then ran downstairs, got in her car, and sped off.

Watching Yang Tao hurry away in a panic, Wang Yan shook his head, freshened up, then began shuttling back and forth between the two apartments, moving Yang Tao's belongings…