His question was bold and straightforward, carrying no hint of impropriety.

Just as Xiang Yuan’s lips curved upward to respond, her phone rang.

Xiang Ming’s name flashed on the screen. Xiang Yuan initially intended to decline the call.

After all, it was rare to have a date night, and she didn’t want to ruin the atmosphere.

Nine times out of ten, Xiang Ming only contacted her about trivial matters.

But being her only younger sister, Xiang Yuan had always indulged her and would usually go along with her requests.

Cheng Zhinan noticed her phone lighting up and glanced over.

“Is it Xiang Ming?”

Xiang Yuan: “Mm.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Answer it. There might be something important.”

Xiang Yuan picked up the call, twirling her fork between her fingers as she asked:

“Do you really have to disturb me right now?”

Cheng Zhinan rarely had time to go on dates with her. If Xiang Ming was bothering her at a time like this, she might have to consider cutting her allowance next month.

Unexpectedly.

Xiang Ming actually had a serious matter this time.

There had been frequent rain in S City over the past couple days, leaving the villa courtyard perpetually slippery. After Xiang Shaohui’s retirement, he had planned to enjoy his golden years peacefully, spending his days painting and calligraphy to cultivate his mind. But his second daughter just wouldn’t let him rest easy, having adopted another dog from outside.

The dog wouldn’t have been an issue if she actually took care of it, but with Xiang Ming constantly busy outside and rarely home, the responsibility of walking and caring for the French Bulldog fell to the old man.

After dinner, Xiang Shaohui had been walking the French Bulldog Xiang Ming brought home, initially in good spirits.

He hadn’t liked the dog at first.

With its large head, short nose, and generally unattractive appearance – not to mention its snoring and heavy panting after short walks that made it seem less energetic than him, a middle-aged man.

But over time, he’d grown somewhat fond of the creature and made a habit of taking it out for walks after meals.

So when Xiang Ming called, Xiang Yuan could hear Xiang Shaohui fretting in the background about whether Black had gotten hurt and asking someone to check if it had fallen.

After all, his own fall had been quite serious.

Xiang Ming’s voice on the phone was rushed and panicked, as if she’d been frightened.

Sensing the urgency, Xiang Yuan’s expression turned serious as she frowned.

“What happened? Explain slowly.”

Xiang Ming said with a sob in her voice: “Dad just fell.”

Noticing Xiang Yuan’s grave expression, Cheng Zhinan set down his cutlery.

Xiang Yuan: “Is it serious?”

Xiang Ming: “It seems… pretty serious.”

Xiang Yuan bit her lip and took a deep breath.

Cheng Zhinan asked from across the table: “What’s wrong?”

Xiang Yuan: “Dad fell.”

The next moment.

Cheng Zhinan reached his hand toward her. “Let me handle this.”

Xiang Yuan looked at him, hesitated for two seconds, then handed him the phone.

After taking the phone, Cheng Zhinan said to Xiang Ming: “Xiang Ming, this is Cheng Zhinan.”

He methodically inquired about the situation – how their father had fallen, where he’d gotten hurt, and the level of pain.

His calm voice helped steady Xiang Ming.

Medical professionals always maintained exceptional composure in such emergencies.

Xiang Ming answered Cheng Zhinan’s questions truthfully as he asked them.

Cheng Zhinan: “Are there any open wounds?”

Xiang Ming looked down. “No.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Can he move his toes?”

Xiang Ming: “Yes.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Is there any numbness?”

Xiang Ming turned to ask Xiang Shaohui: “Dad, are you feeling numb?”

Xiang Shaohui: “It’s alright.” After speaking, he grew anxious again, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “Can you check if Black is injured?”

Xiang Ming: “Don’t worry, Black isn’t hurt. You’re the one who fell.”

Cheng Zhinan said gently: “Don’t move him randomly or attempt to reset anything. Wait for the ambulance to avoid secondary injuries. Your sister and I will be there right away.”

Having a professional doctor guiding her, Xiang Ming instantly felt reassured.

“Okay, I understand.”

After finishing the call, Cheng Zhinan stood up and returned the phone to Xiang Yuan.

He looked at Xiang Yuan: “Let’s go to the hospital.”

Xiang Yuan hurriedly followed Cheng Zhinan to the car.

During the drive, Xiang Yuan remained silent.

The car was filled with the distinctive woody scent that belonged to him.

Somehow it felt comforting.

Seeing Xiang Yuan’s anxious state, Cheng Zhinan placed a hand over hers. “Don’t worry, I’m here.”

Xiang Yuan wasn’t in the mood for conversation, only managing a hurried nod.

When they arrived at the hospital, the three family members were already in the emergency room.

The nurse was surprised to see Cheng Zhinan. “Doctor Cheng, what brings you here…”

Cheng Zhinan spotted Xiang Shaohui and You Mei nearby.

He greeted them, “Dad, Mom.”

The moment You Mei saw her son-in-law arrive, she immediately felt relieved. “Now that Zhinan is here, I can stop worrying. I was just telling your dad how fortunate we are to have a professional doctor in the family. Otherwise, we’d be completely lost in an emergency like this.”

Cheng Zhinan crouched down and performed a brief examination of Xiang Shaohui’s injury, finding it wasn’t actually serious.

Xiang Shaohui was quite lucky. Despite his age, he remained in good physical condition. Though the fall had been painful, it wasn’t anything serious. Some medicated ointment applied regularly and rest at home would suffice.

When he remained silent, Xiang Yuan anxiously leaned in to ask:

“How is it? Is it serious?”

Cheng Zhinan smiled slightly, comforting the whole family: “Dad’s constitution is strong. This minor injury is nothing. We’ll apply some ice, get some medication, and he can apply it regularly at home.”

Hearing this, the family knew it couldn’t be too serious.

You Mei sighed in relief, but couldn’t help muttering: “I don’t know what’s going on with this father and daughter. They’re like relay runners – even getting injured one after another. So careless, don’t they know to be more careful?”

Xiang Ming chimed in: “My sister and dad didn’t do it on purpose.”

You Mei, who had been worried all evening, found a ready target for her frustration. “It’s all because of that dog you brought home. It usually looks cute, but you never take care of it. Now it’s caused your father to get hurt. Maybe you should just give it away and save us the trouble.”

Before Xiang Ming could respond, Xiang Shaohui objected: “Who said anything about giving it away? Besides, what does my injury have to do with the dog? Don’t let your menopause act up and embarrass us in front of our son-in-law.”

Xiang Ming pouted: “See? Dad isn’t complaining. Stop worrying unnecessarily.”

You Mei was left speechless by the two of them, finally saying helplessly:

“It seems I’ll need to visit the temple soon to pray and get rid of this bad luck.”

Xiang Yuan smiled, “I’ll go with you then.”

Cheng Zhinan turned and glanced at Xiang Yuan beside him.

She had been wearing a worried expression on the way here, but upon arriving at the hospital and seeing the family bickering again, she knew there wouldn’t be any serious issues.

The Xiang family had always maintained a harmonious atmosphere. The parents were open-minded, treasuring their two daughters and rarely putting on airs. The whole family chatted and laughed freely, sharing an exceptionally close bond.

The only complication now was the tedious hospital procedures.

But with Cheng Zhinan around, many steps became clearer and simpler.

By the time the family left, it was nearly midnight.

Cheng Zhinan first drove Xiang Shaohui and You Mei back to their villa. When he returned to the car, he found Xiang Yuan and Xiang Ming chatting together.

Xiang Yuan crossed her arms and directly informed Xiang Ming, “You’ll report to the new company tomorrow. I’ve already arranged it with my friend. Work hard there and don’t embarrass me.”

Xiang Ming was also eager to start working, otherwise she’d have to endure constant nagging at home.

“How are the company benefits? Will the work be exhausting?”

Xiang Yuan laughed at her question, “Do you think you’re going there to be a princess?”

But then it occurred to her that Xiang Ming was indeed just experiencing life outside – that meager salary would be pocket change to her.

She softened her tone, “Work hard and treat it as gaining life experience.”

“I understand.” Xiang Ming had a docile nature, especially when facing Xiang Yuan. She idly kicked a pebble on the ground and casually asked, “Is the company owner really your friend?”

Xiang Yuan: “Yes.”

Xiang Ming: “What’s their name? Do I know them?”

Xiang Yuan: “Ke Hang.”

Hearing this name, Xiang Ming blinked, “It’s him?”

Xiang Yuan: “You remember him?”

Xiang Ming had met Ke Hang once or twice, though not frequently.

Ke Hang was considered young and promising – coming from a wealthy family yet making his own mark, having built his startup into a considerable scale.

While all of Xiang Yuan’s friends were doing well, Xiang Ming remembered him particularly clearly.

Back when Xiang Yuan was in high school, Xiang Ming had seen him and thought even then that her older sister’s male classmate looked exactly like the popular Hong Kong-style male celebrities of that era, especially with those peach blossom eyes that seemed to attract girls – amorous and captivating.

Xiang Yuan had been quite popular in school, surrounded by many friends including several who liked her. But she was rather oblivious and didn’t want to date too early, so even if some friends secretly admired her, they didn’t dare breach that boundary, afraid of ruining their friendship.

Xiang Ming recalled how whenever Xiang Yuan’s friends visited their home, Ke Hang had been particularly attentive to her sister.

Teasingly, Xiang Ming asked:

“Does your old classmate know you’re married?”

Xiang Yuan: “Of course, why?”

Xiang Ming: “No reason. I was just wondering if he might still have a crush on you.”

Xiang Yuan: “You…”

Before she could finish, she noticed a tall figure standing nearby.

Cheng Zhinan had appeared at some point and had likely overheard their conversation.

Xiang Yuan curved her lips and waved at him.

Cheng Zhinan strode toward her with his long legs.

Xiang Yuan smiled naturally, “Xiang Ming was just joking. Don’t take it seriously.”

“Mm.” His response was calm, as if he truly hadn’t taken their earlier talk to heart.

Xiang Ming caught her sister’s meaningful glance and quickly made her excuses before scurrying away like grease lightning.

Watching Xiang Ming’s retreating figure, Cheng Zhinan slipped one hand into his pocket and opened the car door for Xiang Yuan.

Xiang Yuan slid into the car, glanced at the time, and sighed softly. “I’ve really troubled you tonight.”

What should have been a perfectly good date had somehow ended up at the hospital.

Fortunately, her father wasn’t seriously ill, otherwise there would have been complete chaos for a while.

Cheng Zhinan remained silent upon hearing her words.

Only after he settled into the driver’s seat and fastened his seatbelt did he respond to Xiang Yuan’s earlier remark.

“I’m your husband, and also your family. So helping with family matters isn’t considered trouble—it’s my responsibility.”

Xiang Yuan hadn’t expected him to take her casual words so seriously.

She was momentarily stunned, and didn’t have the energy to correct her earlier phrasing.

Probably because her nerves had been stretched taut all evening, she felt drowsy sitting in the passenger seat.

No music played in the car as it moved steadily forward.

Just as Xiang Yuan was about to fall asleep, she suddenly heard Cheng Zhinan speaking to her.

“Earlier I overheard you talking with Xiang Ming—did you find her a new job at your friend’s company?”

Xiang Yuan rested her fingertips on her temples, answering weakly, “Yes.”

The man’s slender, bony hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel, as if he wanted to ask something more, but ultimately, he remained silent.

Xiang Yuan didn’t have the extra energy to wait for his questions either, and within minutes, she fell into a deep slumber.

Fifteen minutes later.

The car parked in the underground garage.

Cheng Zhinan glanced sideways at the soundly sleeping Xiang Yuan, then opened the door and scooped her up in a princess carry, heading toward home.

After such a busy day, she really must be exhausted.

Xiang Yuan wasn’t completely unaware.

When Cheng Zhinan carried her into the elevator, she could still sense that she was nestled against the man’s broad, warm chest.

Despite Cheng Zhinan’s busy work schedule, how did he still find time to exercise regularly and maintain his physique?

This man’s restraint had always been formidable.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have achieved such remarkable success at such a young age.

Thinking this, Xiang Yuan couldn’t help but shift her cheek, nuzzling against his firm chest muscle.

So soft.

So substantial.

The sensation of pressing against it felt wonderful.

Noticing her subtle movement, Cheng Zhinan paused briefly but didn’t stop her, as if tacitly permitting her behavior.

By the time they reached home, unlocked the fingerprint lock, and he laid Xiang Yuan on the bedroom bed, it was nearly half past midnight.

As he straightened up to leave after settling her, he met her slowly opening eyes.

She had slept restlessly; her beautiful eyes were tinged with red veins—a lingering effect of her recent frequent late nights.

Those bright eyes had always been captivating, their corners slightly upturned yet without any hint of vulgarity. Her brown pupils held a touch of innocent confusion, like a fledgling bird just exploring the world.

Gazing into her eyes, Cheng Zhinan’s throat tightened, leaving him momentarily speechless for two seconds.

Just as he thought his movements had been too rough and accidentally disturbed her, making her wake displeased, Xiang Yuan spoke instead.

Her hands clutching his shirt collar, she glanced at the wall clock, her expression overflowing with grievance and dissatisfaction.

She had waited for two weeks.

And now this Sunday had passed just like that.

Her mood simply couldn’t be described as anything less than grievous indignation.

Cheng Zhinan couldn’t read her thoughts. He rested a hand on her wrist and asked:

“Sleepy?”

Xiang Yuan shook her head, then spoke softly:

“Tonight—”

“Hmm?” The man’s magnetic voice sounded by her ear.

Xiang Yuan suddenly bit her lip, her voice barely audible, yet her cheeks instantly flushed crimson.

“We haven’t kissed yet.”

As the words fell.

Cheng Zhinan understood her meaning.

He turned to glance at the clock.

So much time had passed unnoticed.

Seeing Cheng Zhinan remain silent, Xiang Yuan felt inexplicably ashamed.

When it came to marital intimacy, Cheng Zhinan always seemed somewhat indifferent.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t perform, just that he appeared largely uninterested.

Flustered, she tried to change the subject. “Forget it, it’s too late anyway. Maybe we should—”

Before she could finish, the man’s handsome, magnified face suddenly drew near, his thick dark lashes brushing against her lower eyelids.

A moist, warm kiss descended.

Xiang Yuan’s eyes widened at first, then she felt his warm tongue part her lips, somewhat dominantly claiming territory, damply enveloping her breath as he completely took the lead.

She had nearly forgotten.

In such matters, Cheng Zhinan always assumed the dominant role.

Her breathing grew increasingly labored. Just as she thought to respond, the man before her firmly grasped her jaw with one hand, deepening the kiss completely.

His other free hand pushed aside the hem of her white dress.