Cheng Zhinan felt there was a generation gap between him and Ming Rongrong.

Sometimes he didn’t quite understand the things she talked about.

Like today – she first asked Cheng Zhinan for help, then casually brought up online matters.

She said some people had been maliciously attacking her recently, causing her comment section to fill with orchestrated negative comments.

When she told Cheng Zhinan about this, his reaction was rather indifferent.

She knew her cousin wasn’t interested in her online activities anyway.

Ming Rongrong: “I haven’t been sleeping well these past few days, staying awake all night. Brother, could you prescribe me some medicine?”

Cheng Zhinan: “…If you need psychiatry, go upstairs. I’m in orthopedics.”

Ming Rongrong: “Forget it, medicine isn’t good for health anyway. Recently when I can’t sleep, I read comics – that method actually works quite well.”

As she spoke, Ming Rongrong began telling him about something she found particularly interesting.

She said she’d been reading a comic where the relationship between the male and female leads resembled his with sister-in-law, and the author’s artwork was exceptional. Every time she noticed the details, it made her grin from ear to ear.

While she was saying all this, Cheng Zhinan maintained an expression that seemed to say

What does this have to do with me?

Ming Rongrong strongly recommended that Cheng Zhinan read it.

But Cheng Zhinan was usually busy with work and had no spare time for comics favored by young girls.

So when he mentioned this to Xiang Yuan that evening, he still sounded somewhat perplexed. “Is this comic really that popular?”

Xiang Yuan buried her head deeper into the blankets. “Maybe, I’m not really sure either.”

Seeing her enthusiasm wane, Cheng Zhinan changed the subject:

“I’m not on duty the day of the gathering. If you’re home, I’ll come pick you up.”

Xiang Yuan nodded: “Okay.”

–

Probably because she’d been resting at home for too long recently, Xiang Yuan had grown restless these past few days and kept going out frequently.

When the day of the gathering arrived, though they’d originally agreed Cheng Zhinan would pick her up, Xiang Yuan happened to be out and notified him to just meet at her mother’s place instead, as she would take a taxi there herself.

Some last-minute matters delayed her.

By the time she rushed over, everyone else had already arrived, waiting only for her.

Cheng Zhinan sat upright on the sofa, his gaze drifting over to her from across the room.

The living room atmosphere was quite lively.

Seeing her return, You Mei quickly stood up and approached her, whispering:

“Why are you back so late? Everyone’s here, just waiting for you.”

Xiang Yuan replied defensively: “It wasn’t intentional – there was traffic on the way.”

You Mei: “We’ll settle this later. Come inside first.”

Ji Yanhong spotted her and chuckled lightly: “Has Xiang Yuan been busy with work these past few days?”

You Mei: “What work does she have? She’s just been fooling around outside all day. Good thing Zhinan is tolerant and puts up with her.”

Ji Yanhong: “That’s not fair. Xiang Yuan is a freelancer – her biggest advantage is flexible time. She should enjoy herself while she’s young.”

Xiang Yuan had come in a hurry, running all the way from the villa entrance, her breathing still somewhat uneven.

Cheng Zhinan noticed the fine beads of sweat on her nose and poured her a cup of warm tea.

“Have some tea first.”

Xiang Yuan accepted the tea. “When did you all get here?”

Cheng Zhinan: “About half an hour before you.”

“I went to see the art exhibition today, and it ended right during rush hour. If it weren’t for the traffic jam, I would’ve been back much earlier.” After saying this, she downed the tea in her cup in one go.

Before Cheng Zhinan could respond, Ming Rongrong darted over to Xiang Yuan’s side, saying she wanted Xiang Yuan to show her around the bedroom.

Xiang Yuan stood up and took Ming Rongrong upstairs for a quick tour.

They didn’t come back down until it was time for dinner.

Xiang Ming also arrived home just in time for the meal.

Cheng Hua and Xiang Shaohui opened a bottle of aged liquor, planning to drink to their hearts’ content tonight.

Xiang Shaohui asked Cheng Zhinan, “Zhinan, would you like to have a drink tonight?”

Cheng Zhinan didn’t usually drink much, but since his father-in-law had asked, he decided to let the elders enjoy themselves.

He proactively poured wine for Xiang Shaohui. “Dad, I’ll have a drink with you tonight.”

Cheng Hua laughed heartily beside them. “See, you have more face as the father-in-law. Usually when I ask him to drink with me, he always refuses. Today he’s making an exception.”

Xiang Shaohui’s face was flushed, and he seemed to be in good spirits.

“Zhinan doesn’t like drinking, but he probably has good alcohol tolerance. It’s actually good that he doesn’t drink normally – it prevents him from neglecting important matters. But since we’re all gathered together happily today, having some drinks is fine.”

Xiang Yuan rarely saw Cheng Zhinan drink.

The glass in front of him was quite full.

Xiang Yuan frowned and couldn’t help but remind him:

“Don’t drink too much.”

Xiang Shaohui had the strongest reaction to this.

“What’s this?”

“Feeling sorry for him before he’s even started drinking?”

Xiang Yuan had originally spoken quietly, but Xiang Shaohui’s loud voice made everyone in the room laugh.

Xiang Yuan was both embarrassed and frustrated, her cheeks turning red. “Fine, I won’t bother with any of you then.”

Xiang Shaohui shook his head and said to Cheng Hua:

“See that? She’s learned to care for others after getting married.”

“Our Xiang Yuan wasn’t like this before.”

Cheng Hua: “Xiang Yuan has always been sensible, we all know that.”

Their chattering made Xiang Yuan feel a headache coming on.

Hearing her concern, Cheng Zhinan’s eyes curved slightly at the corners, seeming quite pleased with her words.

As the drinking began, the elders chatted away.

Xiang Ming kept her head down, replying to messages on her phone, occasionally giggling foolishly with a distracted expression.

Xiang Yuan glanced at her several times and concluded that Xiang Ming definitely had something going on recently.

While she was slightly distracted, she noticed that Cheng Zhinan’s wine glass was already more than half empty.

He drank quickly, his expression unchanged, but the skin behind his ears had quietly turned red.

Xiang Yuan stared at that flushed patch of skin and couldn’t stop her mind from wandering.

She and Cheng Zhinan had extremely similar moles, both located on their waists.

Except Cheng Zhinan’s waist mole was a light red color that would deepen occasionally when he was aroused.

“Aren’t you afraid of getting drunk?” Xiang Yuan asked him.

“It’s fine, we’re all family today. I won’t drink too much.”

In normal work situations, Cheng Zhinan rarely maintained such a relaxed state.

Xiang Yuan truly hadn’t witnessed Cheng Zhinan’s actual drinking capacity, and she was afraid that if she interfered too much, others would tease them again, so she simply let him be.

Meanwhile, Xiang Ming, after sneakily finishing her messages, came to sit beside Xiang Yuan. “Sis, when are you going to update?”

Xiang Yuan glanced at her sideways. “When you see me now, besides urging me to update, can’t you have any other topics?”

Xiang Ming: “I’m asking on behalf of your fans. The update deadline is approaching, everyone’s eagerly waiting.”

Xiang Yuan gave a light hum, “You still have the leisure to read comics? I saw you were quite busy earlier.”

Xiang Ming, suddenly having her thoughts exposed, blushed slightly, “How could you secretly observe me?”

Xiang Yuan: “Do I even need to observe? The smile on your face was practically stretching to the Pacific.”

Xiang Ming: “…”

“If this goes on, Mom and Dad will definitely notice something off about you,” Xiang Yuan reminded her.

Xiang Ming didn’t dare to be too obvious either, so she put her phone aside and occasionally chatted quietly with her sister.

Although Ming Rongrong had come today to join the meal, she received a call midway and had to leave in a hurry.

As the host, Xiang Yuan took the initiative to see her out.

Ming Rongrong walked to her car, then turned back to Xiang Yuan, “Sister-in-law, no need to see me off. Go back inside.”

Xiang Yuan: “Be careful on the road.”

Ming Rongrong glanced back at Xiang Yuan again, as if confirming something.

Although Sister-in-law’s personality was a bit similar to the person in the comic, her appearance was different. Probably she was overthinking it.

What were the odds of such a coincidence in the world?

Seeing her staring at her, Xiang Yuan was a bit surprised, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It’s nothing, probably just a misunderstanding,” Ming Rongrong smiled, “Sister-in-law, I’ll head off now.”

“Alright.”

After Ming Rongrong left, the drinking inside continued.

Xiang Ming had sneaked upstairs early, probably chatting with someone again.

After several rounds of drinks.

Cheng Zhinan seemed slightly tipsy.

You Mei scolded Xiang Shaohui, “You too, why make our son-in-law drink so much for no reason?”

Cheng Hua stopped her, “Mother-in-law, it’s fine. We’re happy today, so it’s okay to drink a bit.”

You Mei: “But…”

Cheng Zhinan stood up and cleared his throat lightly.

“Mom, I’m fine, don’t worry.”

You Mei gave Xiang Yuan a meaningful look, “Quick, help your husband upstairs to rest.”

If he kept drinking with these two middle-aged men, her son-in-law would probably end up having a rough time.

Who would let their own child drink so much?

You Mei’s concern for him was more serious than anyone else’s.

Following her instruction, Xiang Yuan helped Cheng Zhinan upstairs.

She wrapped her arms around the man’s lean waist, carefully supporting him as they climbed the stairs.

Cheng Zhinan cooperated, leaning half his weight on her, though not fully, letting Xiang Yuan guide him upstairs.

When they reached the bedroom door, Cheng Zhinan straightened up, “Alright, you must be tired.”

Xiang Yuan looked at him with interest, “Doctor Cheng can lie too?”

Cheng Zhinan: “…If I don’t leave now, I’ll really get drunk today.”

Xiang Yuan thought he was already drunk.

A flush had spread near his collarbone, and his shirt buttons had been undone unintentionally, making him look quite alluring.

The bedroom door was pushed open, and the lights inside turned on.

Xiang Yuan motioned for him to go in first.

Cheng Zhinan paused for a few seconds, then walked into her bedroom.

“Did Ming Rongrong come in to look around earlier?”

“Yes.”

“She’s young and sometimes speaks abruptly. If she ever makes any requests you’re uncomfortable with in the future, you can just refuse.”

“It’s fine. I don’t stay here often, so it’s okay if she comes to look around.”

Although Cheng Zhinan hadn’t drunk too much tonight, he still had a bit of a headache.

“Let me get you a glass of water,” she said, fetching a glass from outside and handing it to Cheng Zhinan.

When she came in, Xiang Yuan remembered to close the door behind her.

Cheng Zhinan held the glass with one hand, while the other pressed against his abdomen.

A slight churning sensation stirred in his stomach, likely from the burning effect of the alcohol.

It had been a long time since he last drank, and having eaten little today, the alcohol was still affecting him somewhat.

He calmly surveyed Xiang Yuan’s bedroom.

It perfectly matched her style.

Girlish, delicate, and clean.

Even when she wasn’t home, her mother-in-law made sure her room was kept spotless.

Xiang Yuan remembered there was a photo album left on the shelf and suddenly felt the urge to take it down and show it to Cheng Zhinan.

As she stood on her tiptoes, her short white T-shirt rode up with the movement, revealing a small strip of fair skin.

Cheng Zhinan looked up, his gaze sweeping over her waist as he asked:

“What are you looking for?”

“The photo album from before.”

She rummaged for a while and finally found the album. Flipping through it herself first, she said to Cheng Zhinan, “Remember last time when I went to the class reunion?”

Cheng Zhinan: “Mm.”

Xiang Yuan: “I reconnected with a few classmates I hadn’t been in touch with much before. We were all really close in high school, so I was thinking of going out with them again sometime soon.”

Cheng Zhinan listened quietly.

Xiang Yuan secretly glanced up to gauge his reaction. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Cheng Zhinan took a sip of warm water from his cup:

“Going out to have fun?”

Xiang Yuan: “Yes.”

Cheng Zhinan: “When?”

Xiang Yuan: “It’s not decided yet, but probably in a few days.”

He quietly pressed his hand against his stomach. “Mm, I don’t mind.”

“That’s good.” Xiang Yuan breathed a silent sigh of relief. “But don’t tell my mom about this, okay? If she finds out, she’ll definitely start nagging me again.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Okay.”

Xiang Yuan handed him the album. “These are my high school photos. Take a look.”

Cheng Zhinan took the album and began flipping through the pictures.

The Xiang Yuan from high school was much more youthful than she was now, but the bright, radiant smile on her face remained the same.

Most of her photos were group shots, surrounded by many friends.

Cheng Zhinan hadn’t met any of these people before.

The only one he vaguely remembered was her male friend, Ke Hang.

Cheng Zhinan: “How long will you be gone?”

Xiang Yuan wasn’t entirely sure either. “Maybe a week?”

Cheng Zhinan: “…”

Xiang Yuan: “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely come back as soon as I can.”

The noise from downstairs grew increasingly noisy.

Cheng Zhinan set down the album and his cup, closed his eyes, and rubbed his temple.

Xiang Yuan moved closer to him and asked, “Do you need my help?”

Cheng Zhinan opened his eyes to find Xiang Yuan standing very close to him.

From this angle, his gaze was level with her waist.

The lines of her waist were smooth, and even though she didn’t exercise much, her curves were still pleasing to the eye.

Today, she was wearing a fitted short T-shirt with light blue jeans, revealing a small patch of delicate skin at her waist.

With just a slight downward glance, Cheng Zhinan could see the mole on her waist.

He reached out and effortlessly wrapped his arm around her waist.

Xiang Yuan caught the faint scent of alcohol drifting toward her.

The man’s soft black hair brushed against her chest, making her want to reach out and ruffle it.

But she restrained herself.

Cheng Zhinan didn’t seem like the type who would appreciate being casually ruffled.

The position lasted a little too long.

So long that Xiang Yuan couldn’t help but ask, “Are you tired?”

He leaned against her chest, unusually quiet, but his breath was scorching hot against her waist.

Xiang Yuan felt ticklish but didn’t dare move.

The pose was intimate.

Intimate, with a hint of sensuality.

If he were to lift his head just a few centimeters higher…

She was about to cross into forbidden territory.

Just as Xiang Yuan felt she could endure no longer

The man suddenly lowered his head slightly.

His scorching lips landed on the mole at her waist.

Xiang Yuan’s eyes widened abruptly, her body trembling faintly.

She instinctively tried to retreat, but Cheng Zhinan supported her waist from behind, his voice hoarse:

“Don’t move.”

As his words fell.

He kissed her again.

The exceptionally delicate little mole was pressed against his warm lips, causing the surrounding skin to miraculously redden and grow warm.

The man’s agile tongue traced across that patch of skin, gently sucking and kissing with both tenderness and skillful precision.

Xiang Yuan felt her entire body heating up, burning as if she might soon burst into flames.

What was Cheng Zhinan doing?

He was kissing the small mole on her waist.

How could someone make even kissing a mole feel so intensely sensual.

Xiang Yuan’s breathing grew rapid, constantly feeling she might collapse the next second, yet Cheng Zhinan kept supporting her waist, maintaining her standing position.

Finally.

She couldn’t suppress a soft, melodious moan.

The dark hair beneath his eyes suddenly stilled.

Then.

He parted his lips slightly and bit down on that small mole with some force.

Xiang Yuan nearly gasped aloud.