Mrs. Fu, please be mindful of the appropriate boundaries.

The two of them turned to look at each other at the same time.

The movement, though instantaneous, appeared to Fu Sichen as if it were in slow motion.

Suddenly, two faces, one large and one small, appeared in her eyes at the same time. Fu Sichen heard the rapid beating of her own heart, a feeling of panic she couldn't describe.

"Mother!"

Yan Zheng shouted happily when he saw Fu Sichen coming over.

Fu Sichen went over and reached out to take Yan Zheng, "Yan Zheng, come here!"

His voice was tense and stern.

This uncle would lift him up high, toss him up, and then catch him steadily. The child's affection came inexplicably, and he was reluctant to leave. However, his mother's tone was not good, but Yan Zheng still obediently reached out to let his mother pick him up. He couldn't hide his excitement as he shared with his mother, "Mom, Uncle lifted me up high."

"uncle?"

Fu Sichen felt as if someone had struck a bell hard next to his ear, the long, resonant sound echoing.

But then, as if suddenly realizing something, he muttered to himself, "Yes, Uncle."

The child was suddenly taken away by her, and Yu Shinan did not miss the extremely obvious sense of rejection on her face, the feeling of loss and dejection in her empty arms.

No one had ever seen the longing hidden deep in his heart. He tried his best to find his place as her brother, to show her care and concern. Yet he still discovered the contradictions that Si Chen displayed towards him.

Closeness and rejection.

That chaotic night ultimately left a scar on her heart.

No matter how much you do, it's probably impossible to make up for something like this.

Thinking back to her breakdown, crying, and scolding, those were perhaps her truest thoughts deep down.

Yu Shinan's expression darkened, but he forced himself to remain calm and composed, showing no sign of emotional fluctuation. "Your child?"

"Um."

"So cute."

Yu Shinan smiled and reached out to touch the little guy's short hair.

"Where are your second brother and sister-in-law?"

"In the living room," Fu Sichen said softly.

The man turned and left, and Fu Sichen finally breathed a sigh of relief. She closed her eyes, rested her head against Yan Zheng's forehead, and said, "Go play with your older brother and sister."

Xiao Yanzheng is also obedient and enjoys playing with his older brothers and sisters, even if it's just running around chasing each other.

Fu Sichen turned his head to look and saw that Yu Shinan had already entered the villa.

Second Sister-in-law didn't mention that Brother Nan was coming too.

I was startled to see him with Yan Zheng.

She just lost her composure a bit.

Yu Shinan brought the necessary ingredients, and Xu Qingcheng also prepared some materials that were easy to barbecue. When she saw him arrive, she asked, "These are all the things in the refrigerator. See which ones we can use."

Xu Qingcheng was particularly embarrassed. "Then, I'll leave the ingredients to you and go prepare the drinks."

Before Yu Shinan could speak, Fu Jingting dismissed Xu Qingcheng.

"How long have you and Song Xingzhi been planning this?" Now that there were no outsiders around, Fu Jingting asked directly.

"Not long after. Song Xingzhi's involvement has nothing to do with me. Previously, Song Chang was investigating an environmental pollution issue that threatened someone's interests, and Wei Jingwu detained the person. Fortunately, it was discovered in time."

Yu Shinan downplayed it, but in reality, it was just a coincidence. At that time, he was investigating Wei Jingwu's other movements, but he accidentally learned about Song Chang's detention.

But those people's methods were never exactly honorable, and even though it was discovered in time, Song Chang was still frightened.

Song Xingzhi covered up the whole thing, and everything seemed calm and peaceful, but it was just the calm before the storm.

Fu Jingting didn't ask any more questions, since the matter had already been resolved.

As the two were talking, they suddenly heard a childish, tearful voice, "Uncle."

The two looked over at the same time. Yan Zheng, with his little face upturned, grabbed Fu Jingting's hand and said, "Brother won't let me play with my toy car, go and beat him up!"

Fu Jingting and Yu Shinan looked at him and laughed. Was he tattling on him?

You know, this kid might seem a bit simple-minded, but he knows exactly who to turn to for help.

"If he won't let you play, why don't you just grab it?" Fu Jingting bent down, picked the little guy up, and asked with a smile, "Never managed to snatch it from your brother?"

"Um."

A reluctant, sullen voice.

"What a waste of all that flesh on you." Fu Jingting chuckled. "This guy is much smaller than Qinghan, but much more sturdy."

Yu Shinan glanced back and chuckled, "At first glance, I didn't expect it to be Si Chen's child."

"When she was little, she looked a lot like Si Chen, but now that she's grown up, she doesn't look like him as much anymore."

"Han Yi..." Yu Shinan wanted to talk about Han Yi's infidelity, but after thinking about it, he decided to let Si Chen handle it himself and stopped talking.

The fact that the two have a child together is a hindrance, and it depends on both Si Chen's and Han Yi's attitudes.

Fu Jingting thought he was referring to Han Yi, and clicked his tongue, "I don't see him as a member of the Han family either. Han Yi is such a shrewd person. This kid is just silly."

Fu Jingting glanced at Yu Shinan and joked, "You know what, this kid is a bit like you—wise in disguise!"

Yu Shinan's forehead twitched. "Get lost!"

Actually, Fu Jingting didn't curse anyone. Some people's personalities dictate that just because he appears calm on the surface doesn't mean he's not thinking.

Fu Jingting picked up Yan Zheng and lectured him, "A real man has to fight for what he wants. If you can't take it, beat him up. If you still can't beat him up, then find outside help. Okay, you're not stupid, you know how to use others. Your second uncle will teach you how to beat someone up in a bit!"

Yu Shinan, "..."

Xu Qingcheng and Fu Sichen were outside preparing the table and tablecloth, and setting out flowers and drinks. Before they could finish setting it up, they heard the children, who had been laughing and chatting, suddenly start crying loudly.

Fu Sichen, holding flowers in her hands, couldn't free her hands. "What's wrong?"

"Never mind, I just saw your second brother go over there." Xu Qingcheng's brow twitched, furious. "I won't call him unless I make them cry at least once a day!"

Fu Sichen chuckled, listening intently. "Is that Qinghan crying?"

A moment later, he heard again, "It sounds like Yan Zheng is also there?"

A moment later, Xu Yuan ran over, "Mommy, Qinghan and Zhengzheng are fighting!"

Xu Qingcheng's anger was about to burst forth. "Where's your dad?"

"Dad is teaching them to fight!"

Fu Sichen, "..." Second brother, you're really something!

Xu Qingcheng finally couldn't hold back. She slammed down what she was holding, lifted her skirt, and rushed over.

Fu Sichen suppressed a laugh. She arranged the flowers and turned to look at the other side of the courtyard, where she saw the fairy sister go up and scold her second brother.

She lowered her brows and smiled faintly, truly envious.

Song Xingzhi and Song Chang arrived a little late. Xu Qingcheng and Song Chang hadn't seen each other for a while and had a lot to talk about.

"Second sister-in-law, you talk to Sister Chang. There's not much to do, I'll handle it." Fu Sichen led them into the side hall so they could talk quietly.

Fu Jingting and Song Xingzhi stood by the villa door chatting.

Yu Shinan brought fresh beef and mutton, which he prepared himself.

Fu Sichen and the nanny carried the freshly baked desserts outside.

She went back to the kitchen; the fruit had already been washed, but hadn't been cut yet.

Yu Shinan hadn't even had time to pickle the meat and vegetables yet.

Fu Sichen actually felt very embarrassed to face him again. Looking back on what she did that day, she couldn't understand how she could have done that.

I felt awkward, but I didn't know what to say.

In the end, they could only pretend that nothing had happened.

Fu Sichen stood beside him and said softly, "Brother Nan, I'll cut the fruit platter."

Yu Shinan stepped aside, casually handing her a fruit knife. "Do you know how?"

"I can do the simple ones, but not the complicated carvings. I've already cut them out, can you do the complicated ones?" Fu Sichen asked him.

This has happened before.

She likes pretty designs, but she's unwilling to learn how to make them herself; however, she's willing to watch him cut them out.

Yu Shinan hummed in agreement and handed her the fruit baller.

Fu Sichen took it, cut the cantaloupe in half, and scooped out the flesh spoonful by spoonful.

Yu Shinan glanced at her. She had her eyes downcast and was very serious. Her long eyelashes looked almost fake. The baby fat from her childhood had faded, and her entire profile was soft and delicate. Her long hair was tucked behind her ears, and her small, fair ears couldn't hide her thick, heavy hair. A few strands of hair had fallen to the side of her face and were swaying gently.

Yu Shinan resisted the urge to tuck her hand behind her ear, turning his eyes away as if he couldn't see it.

The only sounds between the two were the clatter of the knife against the cutting board.

He was dressed casually today, in dark colors, with army green cargo pants and a slightly lighter army green T-shirt. He had rolled up the sleeves, exposing his entire muscular forearm.

Compared to his casualness, even without deliberately dressing up, Fu Sichen's refined sense still permeated the air. Her waist-cinching, three-quarter-sleeve dress, in a light color, exuded a pure and innocent charm. No matter how you looked at her, you wouldn't think she was the mother of a little boy who was just over two years old.

Yet these two people, so different from each other, stand together in a surprisingly harmonious way.

"Have you talked to Han Yi?"

In the quiet space, a sense of tension arose, and there was an urgent need to find something to talk about to break the silence.

Fu Sichen paused slightly as he scooped out fruit, then gave a soft "hmm," and said, "We've talked about it."

"What did he say?" Yu Shinan couldn't help but ask.

"We've already discussed it, so don't worry about me."

She clearly didn't want to say more.

Since it was a matter between the couple, Yu Shinan didn't ask any further questions.

He cleaned up the barbecue, and together they made several fruit platters, which they then carried out.

Seeing Song Xingzhi and Fu Jingting leisurely talking at the door, Yu Shinan grabbed two uncut oranges and threw them at the back of their heads.

They really treated him like a cook.

Because he was turned to the side, Fu Jingting reacted quickly and caught it with his hand.

Song Xingzhi wasn't so lucky. It was a blind spot, and by the time he realized what was happening, he could only dodge. He dodged the hidden weapon but almost fell into the green belt.

"Holy crap, chef, you ambushed me!"

Song Xingzhi cursed, steadied himself, and took the orange from Fu Jingting's hand, returning it directly.

The shot missed its mark and went straight for Fu Sichen.

Yu Shinan's eyelids twitched, and he quickly reached out to hug Fu Sichen to avoid her.

With a whoosh!

The aim was excellent, but it ruined a bottle of treasured red wine that Mrs. Fu had prepared.

Xu Qingcheng was furious. "Are you all still children? What are you playing at? The combined age of the three men is over a hundred, and you still think you're as old as Fu Qinghan!"

The three men remained silent after being reprimanded.

Song Chang laughed heartily at their silent demeanor.

Xu Qingcheng asked the housekeeper to clean up the broken pieces. When she turned her head, she saw Yu Shinan loosen his grip on Fu Sichen's hand, take the fruit plate from her arms and put it down. He then handed her a tissue, and the fruit smeared red juice onto her skirt.

The two stood together, the woman as delicate as a flower and the man standing beside her as straight and sturdy as a rough tree trunk. For a moment, Xu Qingcheng was reminded of Si Teng climbing a tree trunk, the two complementing each other.

Xu Qingcheng tilted her head slightly, then scoffed at herself, wondering what she was thinking.

When the barbecue started, the chef was still the main person serving the food. Fu Jingting was kicked by Xu Qingcheng several times before she conscientiously replaced him.

Xu Qingcheng poured wine for Song Chang, but before she could hand it over, Song Xingzhi intercepted it.

"What's going on? Why are you being so strict? We can't even drink alcohol anymore?" Xu Qingcheng scoffed. The two of them had gone through many ups and downs, and even now that they were together, they still couldn't get their families' blessings.

But who cares?

The person Song Chang chose to spend her life with was Song Xingzhi, not Song Xingzhi's parents.

Song Chang just smiled and didn't say anything more.

Xu Qingcheng sensed something was wrong and reached out to poke Song Chang's armpit. "Are you hiding something from me?"

Song Chang raised an eyebrow. "Guess."

Look at her beaming smile; her pretty face couldn't hide her joy.

Thinking of Song Xingzhi's attentive manner, Xu Qingcheng exclaimed, "Am I going to be a godmother?"

Song Chang nodded gently.

"Oh my god, that's wonderful!" Xu Qingcheng excitedly hugged Song Chang. "Congratulations on becoming a mother! How long have you been waiting?"

"Just turned three months old." Song Chang chuckled, a genuine smile from the heart.

When Qin Mingyue found out about Song Chang's first pregnancy, the baby was almost due, but she lost it and almost developed health problems.

Xu Qingcheng knew how hurt Song Chang was back then; God help her.

Xu Qingcheng burst into tears of joy. She hugged Song Chang and sincerely blessed her, "That's wonderful, really, Changchang, that's wonderful."

Song Chang gently patted Xu Qingcheng's shoulder, smiling, but unable to hide her tears. "What's wrong? Don't be so sentimental, you're about to cry."

The two women were crying and laughing together.

Xu Qingcheng wiped the moisture from the corner of her eyes, turned around and rushed towards Song Xingzhi, "Song Xingzhi, I'm warning you, if you can't protect her this time, I'll hide Changchang away so you'll never see her again, and you can forget about getting any more information out of me."

Song Xingzhi's lips curled into a smile, and he made a somewhat awkward military salute with two fingers by his ear. "Yes, sir."

Laughter spread throughout the courtyard.

Fu Sichen poured Song Chang a glass of warm water. "Sister Chang, congratulations!"

Song Chang took the water and looked at the innocent-looking girl in front of her. Even though she was married and had children, she was still that bubbly and innocent little girl in her and Qingcheng's eyes.

"Kids really do grow the fastest when you can't see them." Song Chang glanced at the children running around the table, then looked at Fu Sichen. "Sichen, I've heard some news lately about Han Yi."

"I know." Fu Sichen pursed his lips. "It's okay. I just talked to my second sister-in-law about it today."

Qingcheng already knew that Sichen was preparing to reveal his true colors, so she didn't say anything more.

Four children, six adults, and a baby hidden in the mother's belly.

The chef is the only one who's still single, so the conversation inevitably turns to him.

However, the topic wasn't so lighthearted; neither Song Xingzhi nor Fu Jingting gave Lin Yuanqing a pleasant look when the subject came up.

"That woman should have been dealt with a long time ago. You've really put up with it until now," Song Xingzhi complained.

Fu Jingting said irritably, "The cook is so sentimental, he puts all sorts of rotten vegetables into his own basket. He finally knows to pick them out and throw them away, but he hasn't even gotten around to it himself yet."

Yu Shinan remained silent, letting them complain. For him, the matter was already resolved, so there was no point in enduring it or worrying about saving face. Everyone makes different choices, and he was not some kind of pure and virtuous person.

The torment Lin Yuanqing has endured these past few years has been like being slowly cut with a dull knife or boiled like a frog in lukewarm water.

For him, what truly tormented him was never Lin Yuanqing.

Because of Wei Jingwu's potential relationship with the Qin family, Song Xingzhi cooperated deeply with Yu Shinan on this matter, and naturally knew more about some things.

In front of the person in question, Song Chang couldn't gossip openly.

He whispered in Xu Qingcheng's ear, explaining the whole story in a low voice.

Fu Sichen listened silently, his fingers holding the fork trembling slightly.

She overheard Lin Yuanqing entangled with other men, and that the child Lin Yuanqing was pregnant with wasn't Nan Ge's child at all.

She looked up at the man standing by the barbecue grill; the firelight flickered between his brows and eyes, and he remained silent as a boulder.

No matter how much he experienced, whether it was difficult or easy, he suppressed it all, without letting a single trace spill out.

Song Xingzhi asked the chef with great interest, "What kind of woman do you like? Let Xiaobai introduce you to one?"

"If there are any good newbies, keep them first. Why should anyone else have a chance?" Fu Jingting rejected the idea without hesitation.

Song Xingzhi chuckled, "That's true."

As the subject of the discussion, they showed absolutely no intention of participating in the topic.

He reached out and grabbed Yan Zheng, who was running past him. He noticed that Yan Zheng had been running around and hadn't been eating much. He wondered how Yan Zheng had gotten so fat.

When Yu Shinan picked up Yan Zheng, he subconsciously looked at Fu Sichen and happened to see her looking over as well.

The man's jawline twitched slightly, and he still explained, "Let him eat something."

"Um."

Fu Sichen's nose stung with tears. She didn't want things to be like this. He was being so careful, as if he had to check her expression even before hugging a child.

It was her previous attitude that made him resentful.

Yan Zheng was being held by Yu Shinan, and he smiled and called him "Uncle".

The child was covered in sweat from running, so Yu Shinan pulled out a tissue and handed it to him, gesturing for him to wipe his sweat.

Yan Zheng clumsily smeared the entire tissue on his face, making a mess of it.

The man got him another sheet, but didn't help him wipe it himself. Yan Zheng obediently did so, and after wiping it, he asked, "Is it done?"

Yu Shinan patted his round head, smiled, and nodded, asking him, "What do you want to eat?"

"Meatballs".

Yu Shinan got him some barbecue, but since the child was still young, he chose some that was easy to chew.

Yan Zheng eats very well, doesn't move around much, and basically eats whatever is given to him.

Yu Shinan himself didn't eat much either, but he ate a little.

The two, one big and one small, sat side by side, their movements remarkably synchronized.

Xu Qingcheng was taking care of Ruchu's meals and thought of having Fu Jingting take care of Qinghan. The aunt couldn't handle him, and the little guy was a picky eater with many problems, but he was afraid of his father.

As soon as he turned his head, he saw Fu Jingting staring at Yu Shinan.

"What are you looking at?" Xu Qingcheng asked, and looked over as well.

Just then, Song Xingzhi clinked glasses with Yu Shinan, and Yan Zheng also shouted that he wanted to clink glasses, holding up his small water glass.

The two adults smiled and went over to clink glasses with Xiao Yanzheng.

The way he tilts his head back to drink water is simply—

As Song Xingzhi put down his cup, he teased, "They say a nephew resembles his uncle, but I don't think Yan Zheng looks like his uncle at all. He looks more like you, his cheap uncle."

Fu Sichen was so shocked by these words that his heart was pounding.

Yu Shinan didn't think there was anything wrong with it, and just smiled and turned his head to look at Yan Zheng.

Fu Jingting withdrew his gaze, turned his head to look at Xu Qingcheng, and asked, "What did you just say?"

"Go and watch Qinghan eat."

Fu Jingting raised an eyebrow and called out directly, "Fu Qinghan, come here."

The aloof little guy couldn't resist his father's tyranny, so he scurried over. His aunt added a stool for him next to his father, and Fu Qinghan sat down.

Fu Jingting simply pushed a plate in front of him, and the little guy hung his head and didn't move.

"Not eating? You'll go hungry if you don't eat."

Xiao Qinghan's eyes were full of tears, but Xu Qingcheng pretended not to see them.

He endured it for less than a minute before resigning himself to eating the food he didn't like.

Having been exploited for so long, the unequal treatment was so great that when Fu Qinghan was ten years old, he finally couldn't bear it anymore and asked his mother, "Mom, am I not Dad's biological child? My older sister and younger sister are."

Xu Qingcheng: "Hmm, maybe you were a free gift with a phone top-up."

Fu Qinghan, "..."

The dinner party ended in a harmonious atmosphere, beginning with Han Yi picking up Fu Sichen.

Perhaps because she knew about Si Chen and Han Yi's relationship, Xu Qingcheng was not as enthusiastic as before. She helped Fu Si Chen prepare Yan Zheng's things, and the two sisters-in-law whispered a few words to each other.

Yan Zheng was very affectionate towards Han Yi, calling him "Dad, Dad."

Han Yi's face was full of smiles as he shouted.

Han Yi paused slightly when he took Yan Zheng from Yu Shinan's hands. His gaze swept over the two of them imperceptibly. He kissed Yan Zheng's little cheek and asked, "Did you have fun?"

"I'm so happy." Yan Zheng turned around and pointed at Yu Shinan, "Uncle can toss things high in the air."

"Is that so?" Han Yi smiled at Yan Zheng, then looked at Yu Shinan. When his gaze met the man's unfriendly gaze, he couldn't help but chuckle.

Fu Sichen packed his things, came out, and got into the car.

She held Yan Zheng in her arms as they sat in the back seat, and rolled down the window to say goodbye to everyone.

He deliberately avoided looking at someone, but couldn't help glancing at Brother Nan again the moment the car started.

She reached out and nudged Yan Zheng's arm. "Say goodbye to your uncle."

Goodbye, Uncle.

Yan Zheng obediently shouted.

I don't know which uncle I'm saying goodbye to, but they're all uncles anyway.

Yu Shinan stood there, watching their car leave. Since Han Yi had come to pick her up, it seemed that the two of them had already reached an agreement.

He should offer his blessings.

Instead of hoping for other people's families to break up, we should not.

After the party ended, the children in the house, tired from playing, were taken to bed by the nanny.

When Fu Jingting came out after taking a shower, he saw the woman sitting on the edge of the bed applying lotion, clearly waiting for him.

The man raised an eyebrow slightly. "Is Mrs. Fu feeling lonely?"