He looked down at her slightly blushing face which was the result of her anxiety, then cleared his throat delightedly without answering her.

Xi Xiaye's brows clustered into a knot. She was not letting him off easily as she shook him harder. "I'm asking you! Not in vain that you what!?"

He chuckled happily and leaned forward. With his eyes fixed on her, his handsome was gentle, and there was even a doting that could not be concealed in his eyes. "Not in vain that I married you."

"Ugh, how annoying!" Upon hearing that, she shot him a glance unhappily. "I've never heard you make a proper confession, Mr. Mu."

"That's enough. You've given birth to a child now, so why are you still so caught up with these? Isn't it pretentious?" He was in between laughter and tears as he looked at her, and then he could not help but reach out to pat her head.

"I wonder who it was earlier that swore in front of someone else that I was his only woman. Were you worried that I wouldn't know you were incorruptible and remained chaste?" When he finished, Xi Xiaye immediately reiterated the words she had heard earlier as an amused smile flashed on her beautiful and elegant face while she watched him quietly.

Upon hearing that, Mu Yuchen's handsome face immediately blushed. He cleared his throat and started to look left and right as his handsome face tensed immensely as he said very seriously in a lowered voice, "Who said that? Someone of such morality is definitely not me!"

The way he spoke was as if his conversation with Qi Lei earlier had not happened.

Xi Xiaye rolled her eyes at him. "You're acting dumb!"

He also shot her a look, and then let go of her.

Alright, he would pretend he heard everything and knew nothing. He wondered how this would be used against him in the future.

When Xi Xiaye saw that, she reached out to pull him and said softly, "Okay, pretend I didn't say anything. I realize you're becoming more and more tsundere . I know nothing about today's matter, but I will always be by your side, unmoving... Mmm!"

Initially, she wanted to say a few more kinder things to make him happy, yet before she could finish, his cold and thin lips had come blocking hers. He pulled her up too, and all of his gentleness was delivered to her bit by bit through that one smooth move.

Obviously, she accepted it happily, and even closed her eyes to let him demand as he wished.

He had already been squeezed dry and was weak in rationale. When he was done feeling a few minutes of her sweetness, he finally peeled away painfully. Amidst this crisis, he became upset once again.

When were these days going to end?

He could not hold back anymore!

Nonetheless, Xi Xiaye just panted slightly and watched his sullen face in amusement as she fixed her messy blouse. "Mr. Mu, why do I find that you're becoming increasingly restless now?"

"How about you try being hungry for half a year?" He shot her a glare unhappily as he fixed her clothes for her.

"Aren't we the same? Mr. Mu, usually at such a time, men would be most inclined to make mistakes, You must be more alert, and cultivate your moral character," she said with a smile.

"What a heartless woman!" he softly reprimanded, then hugged her before walking back to the winding corridor.

Xi Xiaye put her hands into his windbreaker pockets as she said, "Right, earlier, I caught up with Qi Lei, and I found that he's not been doing well recently."

"Mmm, I heard about that a little. In reality, it seems like he's never really had it going well for him," answered Mu Yuchen after a pause.

"His face..." Xi Xiaye probed as she carefully glanced at him.

While Mu Yuchen remained calm as usual, there was a degree of lament in his deep voice. "It was Qi Qiming."

"How do you know?" Xi Xiaye looked puzzled at him.

His hand around her shoulders tightened. After a while, he answered, "Apart from Qi Qiming, who else dares to do that? Qi Lei isn't easy. Given the fact that he could make it to today, I more or less admire him too. He's quite a strong man."

"Mmm, I think that there's more to him too. If he could've been with you all earlier, you might've ended up as good buddies," Xi Xiaye lamented regretfully. She thought about it, then added, "I hope that he'll have better days ahead."

"Being buddies requires fate too. It's still a good thing being friends though he's different from Su Chen and Zimo. Although the three of us are buddies that grew up together and we know each other very well, Qi Lei's different."

When she heard that, Xi Xiaye nodded. "Mmm, let's not talk about him anymore. Let him be. If there's anything we can help with, we will, especially since he's a pretty good person. Right, speaking of which, isn't Su Chen going to be visit his father and mother-in-law today?"

Right, he had almost forgotten about this!

With Xi Xiaye's reminder, Mu Yuchen recalled this matter. He wondered how things were going. Initially, Zhou Zimo was going to accompany him, but Su Chen strongly rejected. He wanted to go into battle single-handedly, and wondered if Ji Zitong's folks made things hard for him.

He had heard before that Ji Zitong's old man was not an easy character to handle.

Upon seeing the concern colored between Mu Yuchen's brows, Xi Xiaye began to worry a little too.

...

The one sharing the same feelings as Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye was obviously Ji Zitong on the other end.

Outside Father Ji's martial arts center, Ji Zitong was anxiously pacing back and forth while waiting. Her eyes filled with worry. From time to time she looked at the tightly shut front door

They had already been inside for close to an hour now. Why were they not out yet?

Ji Zitong was very clear about her father's skills, so she could not beat her father many times!

Father Ji was a master at wrestling. He was nimble and vigorous in his movements. Despite having a solid foundation, Su Chen wondered how long had that fellow not trained? Whatever it was, in terms of physical strength, Ji Zitong felt that Su Chen would most likely be defeated by Father Ji.

Ji Zitong secretly hoped that her father would not make things too difficult for Su Chen. After all, no matter what, Su Chen was already her husband in name.

Just as Ji Zitong struggled with her worries, the tightly shut door suddenly opened, and she quickly looked over subconsciously.

Su Chen walked out looking spirited as he flickered the dust on his clothes away and fixed his slightly messy sleeve. He still looked relaxed and elegant as before. The well-ironed suit on him did not look creased at all!

"You... Are you okay? Where's my father?" Ji Zitong walked up to him!

Su Chen turned to the voice source and saw Ji Zitong with a worried expression on her face. He put on a smile. "It's fine. It's just a simple bout of sparring. Your father is still inside." He then turned around and looked at the door.

Ji Zitong's father covered an eye as he walked out while groaning.

"Father! What happened?"

Ji Zitong's father took a deep breath as Ji Zitong touched his shoulder. He took her hand away and said, "Don't touch me for now. It's painful... You there, you're really serious, huh? Aren't you afraid that I won't let my daughter marry you after being so rough with me?"

While he sounded like he was complaining, he seemed pretty satisfied.

What an unexpected turn of events!

Ji Zitong's father was a simple man. Through and through a martial arts maniac, it was very easy to deal with him. One just had to beat him down until he admitted defeat.

"Father-in-law, you're the one who didn't admit defeat earlier. You said that you won't let Zitong marry me if I can't beat you, so I have to do it for my wife!" Su Chen smiled as he touched his nose, and at the same time, he was observing Ji Zitong's reaction.

She just rolled her eyes at him, obviously unhappy about this.

Su Chen felt defeated. What did he do wrong?

He had only given her father a few punches and a bruise just above his left eye which would be fine in a few days...

"You've really done it now!" She got annoyed at Su Chen after checking her father's injuries, yet her father stopped her.

"Alright, alright! Don't get angry now. It's fine. He's pretty good and he has the spirit of a warrior. Let's talk when we get back home. Your mother should be done with the cooking."

Ji Zitong calmed down and glared at Su Chen, who cleared his throat and shot her an innocent glance, before just following behind her without saying a word.

The martial arts center was not that far away from the Ji Residence. It was just a few streets away.

Ji Zitong's father went to grab some ointment for his injuries while Su Chen and Ji Zitong went back first.

They did not talk to each other on the way back as Su Chen just walked beside Ji Zitong silently.

As they were arriving at the house, Ji Zitong suddenly stopped and glared at Su Chen as she accused bitterly, "You're pretty rough despite my father's old age, huh?"

Su Chen was stunned for a moment when he saw her angry expression. However, he soon grinned. "Don't worry. I controlled myself and I'm pretty sure he's fine. Aren't you worried that your father might beat me up? He hits pretty hard too. I know since I took several of his punches."

"He's just trying to test you." Ji Zitong avoided his question.

"Fine, I know you're unhappy about it. It's my fault. I'm sorry."

Ji Zitong glanced at Su Chen. "Whatever. At least, my father approves of you. Let's head back now."

...

Su Chen had an enjoyable lunch at the Ji Residence. Chen Ling was very warm towards him and made some small talk during the meal. Su Chen answered each and every question she asked, so she was very pleased with her new son-in-law.

Ji Zitong's father summoned Su Chen to the study room after lunch while Ji Zitong and her mother cleared up.

Inside Ji Zitong's room, Ji Zitong sat down on the sofa as she stared at her mother who was packing her clothes for her.

"It'll be different once you get married. You should've told us you're in a relationship with Su Chen. Then, your father and I wouldn't have been so worried about you."

Chen Ling put a stack of folded clothes into Ji Zitong's suitcase, saying in a gentle voice, "I think Su Chen is a sweet guy. He's quite an understanding person. After meeting his grandfather and sister some time ago, his family should be pretty easygoing."

"You haven't lived with his family before. How would you know?" Ji Zitong looked downwards and asked quietly.

Chen Ling smiled. "I guess you wouldn't know, huh? Observing someone's behavior can tell us something about how they were raised. However, I didn't expect it would be the Su family. They are one of the most prestigious families in our city. I hope you'll do fine with your new married life. No matter what, they are of high social status, but it seems like they don't really care about the differences between us."

Chen Ling was still a traditional woman after all. She did feel it was better to find someone of the same social status, especially ever since the Dong family humiliated Ji Zitong. Although no one ever mentioned this in front of Ji Zitong ever again, it did hurt her.

"Don't worry, Tongtong. Su Chen seems a lot better than Dong Wentao. The Su family is a well-known family, unlike the Dong family. Plus, Su Chen seems to be very nice to you. Try to get along with his family, alright? You need to be more easygoing after becoming someone's wife. Please think properly before you act. Be considerate of him as well whenever there's an argument, okay?"

Chen Ling knew her daughter very well, hence her advice.

Ji Zitong listened quietly and did not say anything. Her eyes turned cold the moment the Dong family was mentioned, but her expression soon returned to normal.

Ji Zitong's mother quickly packed Ji Zitong's luggage up according to her needs. There were some clothes and items for daily use.

Chen Ling went on and on, but when she noticed that Ji Zitong was not replying at all, she looked over and saw that the girl was sleeping on the sofa with a magazine covering her face. She frowned. "Tongtong, are you listening to me?"

Ji Zitong pushed the magazine away and huffed impatiently, "Yes, yes, I know. You want me to treat Su Chen well and be gentler, right?"

"What's with that attitude? I'm telling you that marrying someone is going to be a new experience for you. I don't care what you were thinking about before. Forget all that and focus on your new life with Su Chen."

Chen Ling had been waiting for the day Ji Zitong got married. Now, she just wished for her to live a happy life because she knew very well the kind of bland and aimless life she had gone through all these years. Dong Wentao might have been the cause of her torment!

"I know, I know. I'll treat him well. Why are you already siding with him when he hasn't even done anything for you?" Ji Zitong frowned in annoyance as she went over to her dressing table and added some stuff into the bag. "I chose him of my own will, so don't worry about me as I'm ready to start life anew. You don't have to mention the past anymore. I know what kind of life I want to lead. You can focus on your life with Father and stop worrying about me."

"You're our only daughter. Who else will we worry about if not you? By the way, Su Chen mentioned the wedding ceremony just now. I'll talk to your father about it tonight. Although we're not really a rich family, we've been saving up for your dowry. After all, they are a prestigious family and we can't embarrass our family, so leave that to us," Chen Ling said.

A wedding ceremony?

Ji Zitong frowned when she heard those words.

Su Chen never mentioned anything about it to her!

She was not really looking forward to a wedding because it did not really matter to her. She felt that there was no point going through a sacred ritual when the two of them were not in love, so they might as well just leave it out.

"We'll talk about the wedding next time. It's just a bunch of people feasting while everyone makes small talk all around. It's not particularly meaningful," Ji Zitong replied.

"What? Your father and I only have one daughter, and everyone's been waiting for this! What's wrong with your family feeling proud of your marriage? What are you talking about? Moreover, Su Chen is the Su family's only son. With their social status, they'd definitely want it to happen!" Chen Ling seemed to be in disagreement with Ji Zitong's views.

Ji Zitong snorted. "Mother, since when did your views become so traditional like Father's? I'm the one who'll decide on the wedding. I'm not interested in having it. Plus, things are getting busy at the flower store. I've fulfilled your wish and gotten married, so just leave me be for now."

"What are you talking about? I..."

Thump—

Chen Ling sounded vexed. Just as she was about to say something else, someone knocked on the door, and they noticed Su Chen outside the door.

"Su Chen, are you done talking to Father?" said Chen Ling, forcing a smile.

Su Chen nodded. "We've been done for quite a while now. Have you finished packing?" He glanced over towards the dressing table where Ji Zitong stood up with a black backpack in her hands. She put several books in and zipped it up. "It's almost done. Let's head down."

She walked over and was about to pick up her luggage, but Su Chen was a step ahead of her and grabbed it first.

It was already 4 p.m. when they stepped out of the Ji Residence. It was still drizzling and the sky was gray. Such weather could easily spoil one's mood.

Ji Zitong's parents followed them to Su Chen's car. Since Assistant He left after delivering the gifts, Su Chen would be the one driving.

Ji Zitong's parents watched as he put everything into his car. They seemed a little reluctant to part when they looked to Ji Zitong who had kept quiet all this while.

"Please take care of yourselves. Without your mother and I beside you, you have to take care of yourself too. Come back if you have the time. It's quiet with just your mother and me in the house," Ji Zitong's father patted her shoulder as he said.

Ji Zitong nodded quietly

"Su Chen, I'm leaving Zitong in your hands. Please treat her well as she's our only child. Don't hurt her or I can't promise that I'll let you get away easily with this. Got it?" Ji Zitong's father gave Su Chen a stern reminder.

Su Chen stood beside Ji Zitong and noticed she seemed a little lonely, so he held her hand and replied with a firm tone, "Don't worry. I'll be sure to take care of her."

"Tongtong can be pretty stubborn. Anyway, I'll leave her in your care, Su Chen."

"It's alright. I think she's fine." Su Chen put on a smile as he gave his wife a meaningful glance, but she glared back at him.

"It's getting late now and the weather is turning cold. You guys should head back. Give us a call if you need anything. Come back when you have time."

"Alright, you two should go back home as well. Take care of yourself during the rainy season!" Su Chen was concerned about the old couple.

"Okay! Goodbye!"

"Goodbye!"

Su Chen and Ji Zitong bowed to her parents before getting into the car.