The air seemed to freeze once more.
Su Yue gently tugged at Jiang Ci’s sleeve, her slender fingers curling around the fabric. She leaned in close, her voice soft as a whisper, brushing warmly against the shell of his ear. “Are you really planning to stay here for a few days?”
Her breath was warm, sweet, feather-light against his skin, and it sent an itch crawling across Jiang Ci’s ear. The corners of his lips curled up slightly, his smile lazy and teasing. “Of course,” he replied. “If you won’t go back with me, then I have no choice but to stay.”
Su Yue frowned faintly. “I have to go to a banquet with my parents tomorrow,” she explained in a low voice, “I’ll go back after that, alright?”
“Oh,” Jiang Ci replied, his tone relaxed, “Then I’ll go back tomorrow too.” He added under his breath, “Can’t sleep without you there anyway.”
That faint, milky fragrance that always clung to her teased his senses again. His lips curved a little more, a trace of contentment flickering across his features.
Su Yue let out a breath of helplessness. She leaned closer, lowering her voice to a whisper only he could hear. “Please don’t argue with my father.”
He couldn’t see it, but her father’s face was red with fury. Su Yue feared he might not be able to hold back and would actually storm over to give Jiang Ci a beating.
Jiang Ci lazily replied, “I’m not angry.”
Then, after a pause, his lips tugged into a smirk, “I’mtrying to reason with him.”
Su Yue choked. You’re the most unreasonable person I’ve ever met.
Across the room, Su Jindong’s teeth ground together. “There’s no room for you here,” he growled, face stormy.
Jiang Ci snorted, entirely unbothered. “Su Yue and I are husband and wife. I’ll just sleep in her room.”
Su Jindong’s face turned a dangerous shade of blue.
Su Yue’s heart nearly leapt out of her chest. She tugged at Jiang Ci’s sleeve again, her voice urgent, barely more than a breath. “I’m begging you, stop talking.” If she could, she would have covered his mouth right then and there.
Fang Ru quickly stepped in, afraid the situation would spiral into chaos. She was worried that if her husband and son-in-law truly fell out, their daughter would suffer the most.
She gave Su Jindong a pointed look and gently said, “Alright, enough for now. The food’s going cold, and Jiang Ci and the child are still here. Let’s have lunch first. Mrs. Hua, please add two sets of dishes and chopsticks.”
Su Jindong, though fuming, had always listened to his wife. With Fang Ru’s words ringing in his ears, he could only suppress his fury. He shoot daggers at Jiang Ci, his eyes filled with cold disdain, before finally sitting down to eat.
The atmosphere at the dinner table calmed once more, and Su Yue quietly let out a sigh of relief.
At the Jiang household, everything had its proper place. The dishes were positioned just so, and Jiang Ci could help himself with practiced ease. But here at the Su residence, the long dining table held food scattered at random. Without vision, he couldn’t tell what was where.
After Sister-in-Law Hua added dishes in front of Jiang Ci and little Haohao, Su Yue leaned in and began to whisper the names of each item on the table, her tone gentle and full of patience. “There’s braised pork ribs with sauce, steamed osmanthus fish, fragrant flower crab, braised prawns in oil, stewed Chinese cabbage in chicken soup…”
She listed them one by one, careful not to miss a single detail. “What would you like to eat? I’ll get it for you.”
“Anything,” Jiang Ci replied, his voice low and pleasing to the ear. The warmth in her voice tickled him again, and he had the sudden urge to reach up and scratch his ear.
Su Yue observed him, her brows knitting together. “Jiang Ci, did you lose weight recently?” She studied the sharpness of his jaw, how the defined lines on his profile seemed even more distinct than before.
“I’ve been hungry,” he muttered in a soft hum.
Su Yue rolled her eyes internally. Starving? In the Jiang household? She didn’t believe it for a second.
Meanwhile, across the table, Su Jindong’s hand tightened around his chopsticks. His veins bulged. Watching his daughter fuss over that blind man—serving him food, caring for him as if he were a fragile doll—his heart filled with both anger and sorrow.
Jiang Ci was blind and unattractive. He had nothing. And yet, his precious daughter, who had never even served him a bowl of soup, was now personally serving him.
“Yueyue,” Su Jindong called, trying to keep his voice calm, “I’d like some pork ribs. Can you get them for me?”
“Okay,” Su Yue responded quickly. She picked up a piece of juicy, braised pork rib—glistening with sauce, a perfect reddish-brown—and placed it in her father’s bowl. “What else would you like to eat, Dad?”
Su Jindong’s mood lifted slightly. The knot in his chest loosened. “No, that’s enough. You eat too. Don’t just take care of… others.”
The word others was deliberately emphasized, and his eyes flicked sharply toward Jiang Ci.
Jiang Ci snorted, clearly amused. “So old, yet still so childish.”
He turned to Su Yue, his lips curling into a charming arc. “I want to eat fish.”
“You want fish?” Su Yue smiled. “Wait a second. I’ll pick the bones out for you.”
She reached for the fish with nimble fingers, her voice soft and warm.
Opposite them, Su Jindong’s expression twisted again, his handsome features contorting in a mix of helplessness and disbelief.
That evening, when Su Zhi returned from school, he paused in the doorway, stunned. On the sofa sat a small boy snuggled in his mother’s arms. Across from them, lounging comfortably, was a man with a face that could scare children.
How did he end up here?
“Dad, Mom, I’m back.” Su Zhi tossed his schoolbag aside, strode to the back of the sofa, and with a quick push, jumped up and landed beside them in one smooth motion.
He cast a disapproving glance at Jiang Ci, then turned to his mother. “Mom, where’s my sister?”
“She’s in the kitchen,” Fang Ru said with a smile, cradling little Haohao. “She said she’s making mango cake.”
“Grandma, Haohao wants to eat mango cake!” the little one chimed in, voice sweet and sticky like honey.
“Alright, alright. We’ll eat it soon.” Fang Ru gently patted his fluffy little head, her face glowing with affection.
Haohao nodded solemnly, his small round cheeks puffed with determination.
Su Zhi blinked. “Mom… you’re really letting him call you grandma? He’s not even my sister’s child. Who knows which woman gave birth to him? You’re actually accepting this?”
Haohao looked at Su Zhi, his big black eyes filled with confusion.
“Watch your mouth in front of the child,” Fang Ru scolded, giving him a light slap.
To be honest, she had struggled to accept this situation too. It had hurt her deeply when her daughter married Jiang Ci and became a stepmother. But it was done now, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t bring herself to hate such a soft and lovable child.
“I’m just telling the truth,” Su Zhi muttered, his tone laced with bitterness.
To him, Jiang Ci wasn’t worthy of his sister—not even close.
Maybe back when his sister was still plain-looking, Jiang Ci’s striking features had overshadowed hers. But now that she had bloomed into a beauty, Jiang Ci just seemed uglier by the day. And that brat—probably an illegitimate child—was definitely dragging her down.
His sister was just too softhearted.
For once, Su Zhi found himself standing on the same side as Su Jindong.
Just then, Su Yue walked out of the kitchen with a tray in hand. The moment she stepped into the room, she noticed her father and brother sitting stiffly on one side, their gazes practically burning holes into Jiang Ci. And Jiang Ci, relaxed as always, lounged on the sofa without the faintest trace of discomfort—as if he couldn’t feel the two laser-like stares boring into him.
“I made cake,” Su Yue announced, placing the dessert on the coffee table.
A rich, sweet aroma wafted through the room, instantly tickling everyone’s senses.
Xiao Haohao couldn’t help himself—his little mouth parted, and he drooled slightly, eyes fixated on the cake.
Both Su Jindong and Su Zhi knew all too well how divine Su Yue’s desserts were. Her mango cake in particular—soft, fluffy, with just the right balance of sweetness—was unforgettable. The creamy milk mingled with the juicy mango, and the moment it touched the tongue, it was like an explosion of flavor. It was the kind of cake that made people want to lick their plates clean… or even swallow their tongues along with it.“It’s mine.”
From across the room, Jiang Ci caught the scent of mango cake wafting through the air. His eyes, usually cold and aloof, widened with unmistakable intent.
“Why!”
Su Jindong and his son, Su Zhi, turned to glare at Jiang Ci in disbelief. This… this disfigured man actually wanted the whole cake to himself?
Utterly shameless!
Jiang Ci let out a cold snort, expression untouched by their hostility.
Su Yue’s scalp tingled nervously. Fearing they’d start quarreling, she quickly stepped in to pacify him. “If you like it, I’ll make more for you when we go back. But for now, this is for everyone to share.”
Jiang Ci’s lips curved slightly, but he said nothing. Still, the absence of refusal was a rare compromise.
Su Jindong’s face darkened. He turned angrily to his daughter. “Yueyue, why are you trying to coax him? Let him be! If he doesn’t like it, he can just get out!”
Jiang Ci raised his eyelids lazily, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I’m not getting out.” Then, ignoring Su Jindong entirely, he turned to Su Yue and said calmly, “Cut the cake.”
It was as if Su Jindong had swung his fist into cotton—his anger found no outlet, and his refined face twisted with frustration.
Nearby, little Haohao was nestled in Fang Ru’s arms. His big eyes were locked onto the cake, his tiny hands clenched into fists. His lips parted slightly as he swallowed down a trail of drool.
Haohao also wanted to eat it alone…
As the night deepened. The silver moonlight poured quietly into the garden, painting the swaying leaves in gentle light as the evening breeze passed through them.
Though reluctantly, Su Jindong ordered someone to prepare a guest room for Jiang Ci. Yet Jiang Ci rejected it without a second thought. “Husband and wife don’t sleep separately,” he stated with finality. Su Jindong choked with rage and stormed off before he could even speak another word. Fang Ru had to pull him away.
Jiang Ci had already called ahead during the day. Clothes for both himself and little Haohao were delivered in advance, so he wasn’t worried about having nothing to wear.
Later, after Haohao had taken a bath and changed into pajamas, he lay obediently on the bed. Su Yue gently patted his soft hair.
“Your father and I are in the room next door. If you get scared, you can come find us, okay?”
Haohao’s little face puffed up in seriousness. “Haohao’s not scared. Haohao is not a coward,” he declared with righteous pride.
Su Yue smiled warmly and praised, “I know. Haohao is a very brave little boy.”
As bedtime approached, the little guy—chatting with her properly for the first time—squirmed slightly under the sheets. He spoke in a soft, milky voice, a little shy. “The mango cake you made was really yummy.”
“You liked it?” Su Yue looked into his sparkling eyes, her smile gentle and kind.
“Haohao liked it,” he said seriously. Then, as if remembering something important, he added, “Dad liked it too.”
“I see,” Su Yue’s smile deepened, her dark eyes reflecting the golden glow of the nightlight. “Then I’ll make mango cake for you often, alright?”
The little boy couldn’t contain his joy anymore. His serious face cracked into a wide grin, showing his neat little white teeth. “Make it for Dad too.” His thoughts were still full of his father.
“Okay.” Su Yue leaned down and kissed his soft little forehead. “Goodnight.”
Haohao’s cheeks instantly flushed red. His big round eyes held a flash of shy panic, and the tips of his small ears burned. Without another word, he yanked the quilt over his head and mumbled fiercely, “Goodnight!”
Darn it… the bad woman kissed him.
But after Su Yue left the room, in the quiet darkness, Haohao’s wide eyes sparkled as he peeked out from under the quilt. Somewhere inside, something warm stirred. That kiss, that goodnight—it felt just like the ones he saw on TV. The mother would always kiss the child goodnight before sleep.
He couldn’t help but curl his lips into a secret little smile.
If… if she does it again next time, maybe… he won’t call her a bad woman anymore.
—
When Su Yue returned to her room, she saw that Jiang Ci had already finished his shower and changed into pajamas.
As always, he wore black. The top few buttons were undone, revealing his sculpted collarbone and the sharp rise of his Adam’s apple. His long legs stretched out in a relaxed posture. Even without his once-dazzling face, his entire presence carried an inexplicable allure—a kind of dangerous laziness that made it hard to look away.
Su Yue quickly turned her gaze. She walked over to the closet and pulled out a pillow and a thin quilt.
“You didn’t bring any bedding, so just use mine for now,” she said. Afraid he’d mind, she added hastily, “Everything’s clean. Aunt Hua puts them out in the sun regularly. There’s no smell.”
She quietly set about making the bed for him.
“Mm.” Jiang Ci responded indifferently, but his senses were flooded by the scent of Su Yue. Though he could not see, every corner of this room smelled like her.
And he liked it—he liked it a lot.
“I’m going to sleep now,” Jiang Ci said casually.
“Alright, I’ll turn off the lights,” Su Yue replied. She turned off the overhead light, leaving only a small, warm yellow lamp glowing softly by the bed, casting gentle shadows on the walls.
Jiang Ci lay on the bed in his usual stiff posture. The moment his back touched the mattress, his brows twitched.
This bed… was far too soft. His body sank into it almost helplessly. Even the quilt felt like clouds.
Hmph. Women really were delicate creatures, even their beds had to be this soft.
After a while, he realized Su Yue had placed a quilt in the middle of the bed as a divider. Under different circumstances, he might’ve agreed—it was practical. After all, he had once thought she might take advantage of him.
But now, he sneered, “What’s the quilt for? Do you think the weather’s too cold, or is the bed too big?”
Su Yue paused. “I’m just worried I might sleepwalk again and accidentally roll to your side.” Better to say it first before he accused her of trying to take advantage of him again.
Jiang Ci was silent for a moment. Then, his voice, tinged with something unreadable, floated over, “You can let it go.”
With that, he closed his eyes.
—
In the stillness of the night, the house fell into silence. The moon had quietly slipped behind the clouds, leaving only a few stars scattered across the sky.
Listening to the soft, steady breathing next to him, Jiang Ci opened his eyes.
The corners of his lips curved.
Without a sound, he lifted his leg and kicked the dividing quilt off the bed, letting it fall silently to the floor.
Then, he shifted closer.
A warm, soft body unconsciously leaned into his chest, like a cat curling into a warm blanket.
Jiang Ci’s brows rose slightly, and a rare, contented smile appeared on his lips. Su Yue’s breath landed gently on his chest, warm and ticklish, yet somehow comforting.
He lifted part of her quilt and pulled it over himself too, snug and seamless.
With a satisfied yawn, his voice came out low and husky in the darkness, “This time, it’s you who got lucky.”
Then, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Her body was as soft and comforting as the bed beneath him.
Jiang Ci buried his face into the crook of her neck and shoulder, took in her scent deeply, and closed his eyes.
It was the most peaceful sleep he’d had in a long time.