Battered, Ruan Danchen wiped her tears off as she walked when her phone rang.

She took out her cell phone. It was Song Yu who called her, so Ruan Danchen accepted the call. "Song Yu."

Song Yu noticed Ruan Danchen's unusual tone immediately and asked, "What happened to you? Your voice doesn't sound right, are you crying?"

Ruan Danchen took a deep breath and buried her sob forcibly before whispering, "No, what's up?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to tell you that you should bring Youxuan along to our house and have meals together since Chenglin isn't here," said Song Yu.

The paint odors in Prestige Residences were almost fully eliminated. They could move back to Prestige Residences together but unfortunately, Qi Chenglin went on a business trip.

Even though they reached a consensus that Ruan Danchen would move to Prestige Residences with Qi Chenglin and Qi Youxuan once the refurbishment had been completed, it would be impolite to move in alone since Qi Chenglin was not around at the current moment. Thus, she left this aside and planned on waiting for Qi Chenglin's arrival.

"Alright, I'll fetch him and visit your house later once he's done with school," replied Ruan Danchen as she wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks.

"Danchen, are you sure you're alright?" Song Yu asked again as she felt Ruan Danchen was not in a good mood.

"I'm fine, really," insisted Ruan Danchen.

Song Yu did not question Ruan Danchen further and hung up the call.

…

…

Ruan Danchen threw her bag on the couch after returned home and went to the washroom. She looked battered as the reflection in the mirror showed a swollen cheek and red-rimmed eyes.

Did Director Zhao and Madam Zhao really think Ruan Danchen could seduce Xu Haode in this condition?

She washed her face in the washroom before wrapping the ice she took from the kitchen with gauze and applied it on her swollen cheek. She did not want to let Qi Youxuan worry when he saw her swollen face after coming back from school later.

The ice pack was applied right on her burning, swollen, reddish cheek. She went back to her bedroom and sprawled herself across her bed, feeling disgusted as she recalled Xu Haode's behavior this afternoon.

Why did she need to endure this sort of injustice when she had never provoked anyone before?

Ruan Danchen buried herself in a blanket and started to wail, wishing that Qi Chenglin would be there with her at that moment.

The doorbell rang after some time.

Pushing herself off the bed, Ruan Danchen wiped her tears and glanced at her reflection in the mirror. The eyes remained red but the swelling on her cheek had at least subsided.

She let out a sigh of relief before answering the door and was surprised when she saw Song Yu bearing a huge abdomen at her doorstep.

"Song Yu, why are you here?" Ruan Danchen asked in surprise.

"Why are you crying? Your voice sounded unusual over the phone so I went to Chengshi in search of you, but I was told by the people in the design department that you weren't in and nobody told me where you went. I met Director Zhao after I came out of the department and he appeared strange when I said I'm looking for you. Did Director Zhao cause troubles to you again?" said Song Yu as she entered the house.

Song Yu felt fatigued easily while walking around with a huge abdomen, so she went to have a sit on the couch.

Ruan Danchen took a deep breath and sat down with her. "It's my fault for crying for something minor."

"What happened actually?" Song Yu stared at Ruan Danchen, not believing it was just a minor event.

Ruan Danchen was usually well-mannered and staunch. She had a positive attitude toward everything and normally would not act unreasonably.

Ruan Danchen poured a glass of water for Song Yu and told her the truth. She did not bother to hide any details as it would be easy to get the whole story with a simple inquiry.

"They're fools! You don't need to be mad about this. It's not like you need Chengshi to survive," Song Yu said angrily.

"I know. I don't mind resigning but I don't want Yang Yunshu to be the reason for my resignation. I don't want to be a scapegoat when I resign and let others think that I really sold my body in exchange for projects," Ruan Danchen swallowed a few large gulps of water to calm the raging fire that burned inside her.

"Moreover, even though I'm in a relationship with Qi Chenglin, I don't want to be overdependent on him. I prefer to separate business with pleasure so best not to let him worry about my work too." Ruan Danchen placed down the glass with a heavy sigh.

Song Yu suggested that Ruan Danchen return to Viewpark Residence together and have dinner later in fear that she would overthink as though having a bee in her bonnet.

Ruan Danchen felt extremely stressed and impossible to relax when she recalled Qi Chengzhi's usual expression. She rejected Song Yu's offer, claiming that she wanted to rest at home. Since Song Yu now understood her current situation, she did not insist on her offer.

Just when Song Yu was about to leave, Ruan Danchen hesitated for a moment before deciding to break the news. "Song Yu, I have something… that I wanted to tell you."

Song Yu was curious and lowered her gaze to Ruan Danchen who was sitting on the couch, hesitating. She sat back down before asking, "Yes?"

Ruan Danchen inhaled deeply and looked at Song Yu. "To be honest… Youxuan… is my son."

Song Yu blinked, unable to digest the news that she just heard. Ruan Danchen continued, "Biological son."

"What… What do you mean?" Song Yu's face was washed blank with confusion as she stared at Ruan Danchen with wide eyes.

Ruan Danchen told Song Yu everything that happened seven years ago. "I'm lucky to be able to reunite with Qi Chenglin and blessed that he's willing to accept me instead of blaming me and let me reunite with Youxuan again. Since I'm in a relationship with Qi Chenglin now, I don't want to keep this a secret from you."

"Are you planning to let Youxuan know about this?" Song Yu's brain cogs could not turn fast enough to take in the information she just received. If she was reacting this way, who would predict how Qi Youxuan would react.

"I don't know, perhaps let nature takes its course. If he can't accept it, I'll keep this from him forever for his own good. If I can take care of him and watch him grow up, then I'm satisfied," Ruan Danchen answered softly.

Song Yu held Ruan Danchen's hand before saying, "My mouth is sealed."

Ruan Danchen nodded. "I know, and I'm telling you this because you're my best friend."

Song Yu chatted with Ruan Danchen regarding this issue for a while before leaving.

…

…

Xiaoyang drove Ruan Danchen to school at approximately four o'clock in the evening to wait for Qi Youxuan's class to end.

Qi Youxuan was strolling when he saw Ruan Danchen standing at the school gate. Joy and happiness were written all over his face as he trotted toward Ruan Danchen with excitement. "Aunt Ruan, why are you here today? I thought you were supposed to be at work?"

"I'm taking a few days of rest." Ruan Danchen hid her emotions from Qi Youxuan and acted calmly. Moreover, the sight of him made all her gloomy feelings disappear into thin air.

"Really? That's good! Then can you come and fetch me every day?" Qi Youxuan asked happily.

"Alright," Ruan Danchen nodded and bent down in an attempt to lift Qi Youxuan up.

She could not contain her urge to hug him when she saw his chubby appearance.

"Hold on, we're at the school gate now. Aunt Ruan, please don't destroy my image here." Qi Youxuan's face was flushed pink in embarrassment.

Ruan Danchen was stunned at his reaction. She gave him a smile and stroke his hair.

All of a sudden, they heard a childish voice. "Qi Youxuan."

Ruan Danchen and Qi Youxuan shifted their gaze toward the voice. A girl with two ponytails carrying a wheeled bag, followed by a man who appeared to be her chauffeur, walked toward them.

The girl stared at Qi Youxuan, then shifted her gaze to Ruan Danchen in confusion and greeted politely. "Good evening, Auntie."

Ruan Danchen smiled and nodded in response, then she heard the girl asked, "Qi Youxuan, is this your mom?"

It was unprecedented that Qi Youxuan did not answer that question immediately.

He puffed out his cheeks in hesitation. He fought the urge to say 'yes' in fear that Ruan Danchen would be unhappy about it.

Ruan Danchen held Qi Youxuan's hand, squeezing it gently. "Yes."

However, she blushed after answering the question. Luckily, Qi Chenglin was not around to know about this, or else he would be mocking her right now.

Qi Youxuan was gleeful after hearing Ruan Danchen's answer. Joy and exultance were written all over his face as he could finally show off that he had a mother.

"Shen Manman, why are you looking for me?" Qi Youxuan asked. However, he sounded rather impolite as if impatient at the sight of her.

Ruan Danchen glanced at Qi Youxuan in curiosity as this was not his usual attitude.

"I wanted to ask you; is it okay with you if we form a two-man team for tomorrow's group activity?" Shen Manman asked with two small dimples appeared alongside her sweet smile.

"Not okay," Qi Youxuan blurted out.

Shen Manman was taken aback as she did not expect a rejection as straightforward as he did. "Why?"

"I'm not forming a team with a girl, it'll be disastrous if Mumu knows about this," Qi Youxuan explained.

Ruan Danchen did not expect Qi Youxuan would be so loyal to a girl.

"Who's Mumu?" Shen Manman's expression darkened with a tinge of finicky on her face.

"Obviously she's a girl that I like, so stop bothering me from now on," Qi Youxuan answered impatiently.

Ruan Danchen felt Qi Youxuan was not being narcissistic as Shen Manman's face went red and appeared unhappy as though her heart just took a beating.

"Humph, what makes you think I care?" Shen Manman asked. With her cheeks puffed in anger, she pulled her bag and walked away.

Ruan Danchen then held Qi Youxuan's hand and entered the car. She did not expect him to be so popular among girls in the first few days of school.

"Aunt Ruan, don't tell Mumu about what happened just now. I feared that she may misunderstand me," Qi Youxuan said seriously.

"..." Ruan Danchen kept quiet as she felt Little Muran might not care about this.

"Who was the little girl just now?" Ruan Danchen asked out of curiosity.

"She's a nuisance, kept bothering me since the first day of school. I made myself very clear and hope she won't bother me anymore," Qi Youxuan said coolly.

Ruan Danchen felt that Qi Youxuan's attitude toward females was the same as Qi Chengzhi and Qi Chenglin. None of them would bat an eye toward women who they dislike.

"Aunt Ruan, why are you taking a few days rest?" Qi Youxuan took out his bottle from the side pocket of the bag and started drinking with the straw.

"The company gave me a few days of holiday, so I can make use of this opportunity to accompany you," Ruan Danchen explained with a smile on her face.

The car was parked at Ruan Danchen's house and she got down from the car first, but after waiting for some time, Qi Youxuan still had not exited the car.

She peeked into the car out of curiosity and saw Qi Youxuan with a reddened face remained seated with his seatbelt on. He clutched onto the seatbelt with his chubby hand and whispered with embarrassment. "Aunt Ruan, you wanted to pick me up and hug me just now, right?"

Ruan Danchen laughed. Qi Youxuan wanted to protect his reputation and dignity at school so he disallowed her to carry and hug him. Now that they were alone, his desire grew stronger.

Ruan Danchen leaned into the car and unbuckled his seatbelt, then she gestured him to sit near to the door before picking him up.

Qi Youxuan was a little overweight for his age so Ruan Danchen felt strenuous lifting his weight. However, it would be impossible for her to lift him up as he grew older, so Ruan Danchen appreciated this moment and carried him despite the tiredness.

Ruan Danchen went to prepare dinner in the kitchen once they returned home. Qi Youxuan took out his kid's Totoro cell phone from his bag and looked around vigilantly. When he saw Ruan Danchen remained in the kitchen and preparing dinner attentively, he hurried to the washroom.

His hands expertly dialed Qi Chenglin's phone number.

"Dad, it's me."

"..."

"Yes, we're fine today. Aunt Ruan is on holiday now and she said she'll accompany me at home."

"..."

"How many days of holiday? I don't know, I forgot to ask."

"..."

"I don't know why she's on holiday. Aunt Ruan didn't mention anything other than she's on a holiday now."

"..."

"Dad, I'm only six years old right now. You're asking too much out of me."

"..."

"Return home early if you're worried. You kept asking me questions but you're not satisfied when I can't answer them. Why are you so stubborn?"

"..."

"No, I didn't notice any emotional changes in Aunt Ruan."

"..."

"Aunt Ruan went to school and fetched me today. There was a girl in my class asking if she was my mother and Aunt Ruan said yes. Aunt Ruan is a nice woman."

"..."

"Oh Dad, when are you coming back?"

"..."

"Alright."

Qi Youxuan heard Ruan Danchen's voice traveled from the kitchen when he hung up the call. "Youxuan, it's time for dinner."

Qi Youxuan placed his phone back into his pocket quickly and washed his hands before exiting the washroom.

…

…

Qi Youxuan had a lot of arts and crafting works to complete instead of homework at the current moment. Ruan Danchen tutored him on his homework and put him to bed at half-past eight at night.

She went back to her bedroom once Qi Youxuan fell asleep. Sitting alone in the room, all the upsetting moments started to overwhelm her like a great rush of water.

Her eyes started to water and her chest started to ache as she went down the memory lane.

Then, the phone rang. It was Qi Chenglin.

Ruan Danchen quickly wiped the tears off and took a few deep breaths before answering the call.

"Are you asleep?" Qi Chenglin asked after the call was answered.

"Not yet," Ruan Danchen lowered her voice and answered. She relaxed when the voice produced did not convey unusual emotions in fear that he might get worried during his outstation. "I'm lying on the bed now with nothing to do."

"I'm not at home, is that why you have nothing to do in bed?" Qi Chenglin's sexy voice traveled from across the phone. Ruan Danchen could imagine the flirty curl to his lips by just hearing his voice.

"Indecent bastard," Ruan Danchen turned over and covered herself with a blanket to the chin level. She felt incredibly uncomfortable lying alone in bed without Qi Chenglin at her side.

The bed was the same as before, but now with the addition of the lonesome feeling.

She curled herself into a tight ball. Qi Chenglin's voice caressed her delicate skin and right now she wished that he was just beside her, hugging her to sleep.

"How are you at home?" Qi Chenglin asked softly.

"I'm good, I got Youxuan to accompany me," Ruan Danchen answered. She slowly regained calmness as she listened to his mellow voice.

"Youxuan said you're on holiday right now?" A faint smile appeared on Qi Chenglin's face.

"Yes." Ruan Danchen had no idea when Qi Youxuan called Qi Chenglin.

"Why are you on holiday all of a sudden?" Qi Chenglin asked out of confusion.

"Nothing, just wanted to take some rest for the moment. I can use the time to accompany Youxuan too," Ruan Danchen answered, skipping most of the details as she did not want to lie to him.

There was a moment of silence from the other end of the phone, or at least Ruan Danchen felt that that period of silence was particularly long.

"When are you coming back?" Ruan Danchen asked with a guilty conscience in fear that he might detect some abnormalities, plus she really missed him right now.

"Miss me?" Qi Chenglin's mellow voice mixed with a tinge of happiness.

"Yes," she whispered with a snotty tone as Ruan Danchen's eyes felt sore all of a sudden.

She missed him initially, and now the feeling grew stronger as she listened to his voice. Her nose became red and wished he could be beside her now.

"Miss me until you cry?" Qi Chenglin's voice was deep and husky over the phone.

It felt like Qi Chenglin was whispering against her ears when she held her phone close to her ears, and the voice caressed her skin, coaxing shivers out of her.

"No," Ruan Danchen denied.

"I'm going back soon," Qi Chenglin said softly.

"How are you? Are you eating regularly?" She remembered Qi Chenglin's gastric problem.

"I'm taking note of my eating habits. Do you want me to report every meal to you when I go outstation next time?" Qi Chenglin replied as warmth spread throughout his entire body. He liked it when Ruan Danchen was concerned about him.

"Then will others mock you if you do this?" Ruan Danchen broke into laughter. Tears started to break free and rolled down her cheeks, which she wiped off immediately.

"They'll only feel envious because I have a wife who cares about me," Qi Chenglin said softly with his head and gaze lowered.

"Who's your wife now?" Ruan Danchen blushed, realizing that they had not discussed their future plans yet.

To be honest, she did not dare to start the discussion. She did not want to fantasize about it either as she had no idea what kind of planning Qi Chenglin had for them.

Qi Chenglin smiled and asked her to rest early and not overthinking before hanging up the call.

Ruan Danchen yearned for Qi Chenglin after the phone call. She glanced through the call history in her phone and felt particularly sweet and warm when she stared at the word 'Qi Chenglin' on her phone. For some reason, her dependence on Qi Chenglin grew stronger.

She did not expect her relationship would come to this, that it would be getting out of hand.

She was used to loneliness after living her life alone for the past twenty-six years. She could only depend solely on herself whenever she hit rock-bottom. Qi Chenglin became someone who she could depend on, and she could finally relax and did not have the need to remain strong again. Now, she wanted to depend on him so badly.

To be honest, this was what she had been trying hard to avoid but it seemed like the attempt was an utter failure.

She put her phone down and closed her eyes, rolling on the bed for quite some time before finally able to fall asleep late at night.

However, she was not sleeping well, and she woke up semi-consciously upon hearing a noise in the bedroom. She thought it was Qi Youxuan who wanted to sleep with her since Qi Chenglin went outstation, but her eyes opened to a humongous and tall figure standing among the darkness.

Ruan Danchen was shocked. She jolted awake and quickly sat up, then she heard a soft voice, "Sh, it's me."

Ruan Danchen was stunned as she could not believe her ears. The voice sounded exactly like Qi Chenglin.

She turned on the table lamp on the bedside table, and true enough, it really was Qi Chenglin standing right in front of her.

---

Extra Mini-Scene:

"Little Young Master, are you really that popular in class?" asked Jiang Yuan.

"Of course," replied Qi Youxuan, "it's rare to see a boy as handsome as I am."

Jiang Yuan failed to muster a reply.

"Please be humble," said Qi Chenglin.

"My teacher taught us to be honest since young, so I can't lie with a guilty conscience," Qi Youxuan bit back.

Ruan Danchen was at a loss of words.