After seeing the emotion color, they all turned pink.

Xu Chuan was truly surprised that this mysterious couple had actually returned to Yiyue City today…

He was so scared when he was given English that he blurted it out.

No wonder I didn't message him all day; he was up to no good and was waiting for me to come here!

"Xu Chuan..."

Xu Wanxing stood up from her chair, nervously looking towards the doorway, at the creaking lock being opened. Her soft voice trembled.

"Who is it...?"

"Uh...it looks like my dear old mother, and my father..."

"..."

Little Star was so frightened upon hearing this that her pretty face turned pale.

Her cheeks and neck, which had been slightly flushed pink from Xu Chuan's stroking of her hair and his voice, turned deathly pale in an instant.

"ah--"

She let out a subconscious groan, her voice trembling with fear, as if she were truly about to cry.

If Xu Chuan hadn't grabbed her forearm, this little weakling would have almost hunched over and crawled under the table to hide...

"The door lock on this house is a bit old; I'll replace it for Chuanzi in a couple of days."

With the final click of the key, the old security door was opened from the outside.

Old Xu stood outside the door, tilting his head and looking at the somewhat worn lock, saying something.

Empress Dowager Su, carrying a cake, smiled and eagerly stepped into the room.

"Happy birthday, Chuan Chuan! Mom and Dad have prepared something for you..."

"..."

Looking at the beautiful view in the living room, Su Ling's smile froze instantly. After a two-second silence, her voice grew softer and softer. "A surprise..."

In her field of vision,

Her eldest son was holding a hairdryer in one hand and pulling the little girl's arm with the other.

His expression was that of someone caught doing something wrong as a child—an awkward, forced smile…

The little girl he was dragging, under her scrutinizing gaze, had her cheeks and neck flushed red and pink again.

The little girl's eyes darted nervously, glistening with a thin layer of mist. Her hair was disheveled, and her face was streaked with tears, as if she had just been crying and now looked like she was about to be bullied again...

"Hmm?" Old Xu's puzzled voice came from outside the door.

He had already taken the key out of the lock, but before he even entered the house, he looked at his wife, who was blocking the doorway and refusing to come in, somewhat bewildered.

"What's wrong? Why don't you come inside and rest? Let my son pour you some tea..."

"Mom...you...why are you here? Isn't things busy in Jingzhou? I remember the project wasn't supposed to be withdrawn until next month..."

Hearing his son's unusually hurried voice from inside, Old Xu became even more confused and slipped into the room as well.

Then, I witnessed this explosive scene...

"Heh... Xu Chuan, you've got it all figured out..."

Su Ling looked at Xu Chuan with a forced smile, her eyes twitching slightly. "But it's alright, your dad and I came back on vacation, otherwise, we wouldn't know what you..."

"Oh, my mother, it seems you've really misunderstood..."

Xu Chuan, with his pale blue aura fully activated, forced himself to remain calm.

He subtly released his grip on Little Star, forced a calm smile, and glanced at Empress Dowager Su.

"This is Xu Wanxing, my good friend! My good teacher! My best confidante! She came all this way to celebrate my birthday today..."

As he spoke, he looked at Xu Wanxing, extended his hand, and introduced her to Empress Dowager Su.

Xu Wanxing blushed, her emotions almost entirely defined by fear, tension, and dread. She blinked her teary eyes at Xu Chuan, as if asking her what to do...

I was absolutely terrified...

"Ah, Xiao Xu, this...this beautiful lady is my mom..."

Xu Chuan faced Xiao Xingxing, encouraging her with a smile, while also reaching out his hand to Empress Dowager Su.

He actually understood why Xu Wanxing was so scared. She was already timid, and now the situation was awkward, to say the least...

The real fear stemmed from deep within her—her fear of her own mother…

But, little star, don't be afraid. My mom is much better than your old Feng.

So please don't be nervous and don't say the wrong thing.

Otherwise... I'm going to explode...

"My mom is incredibly understanding, and she's beautiful too. She's the best mom in the world, the gentlest mom..." Xu Chuan added a few more sentences.

Feeling Xu Chuan's encouraging gaze, despite being extremely nervous and with her heart pounding,

Xu Wanxing pursed her lips, her eyes flickering as she looked towards the doorway, at Su Ling, whose mere stance exuded an intimidating strength.

Her voice trembled slightly.

"Mom...Hello Mom...I'm Xu Chuan's friend...I've come to celebrate his birthday..."

"?"

"?"

"?"

"..."

Sensing the increasingly strange atmosphere, Xu Wanxing didn't immediately react.

It wasn't until she turned her head to look at Xu Chuan and noticed that even Xu Chuan's earlobes were gradually turning red that she suddenly realized what was going on!

Ahh—

Xu Wanxing's face turned even redder, like a ripe red apple...

What did I just say?!

You're so clumsy, Xu Wanxing! Because Xu Chuan had just said "Mom, Mom" ​​several times, she nervously blurted it out unconsciously, forgetting to change her address...

I'm so nervous!

Now, in Xu Chuan's mother's eyes, how promiscuous I must be...

I'm sure I'll be disliked...

Ah—I'd rather die—

Xu Wanxing suddenly lowered her eyes, pursed her lips, and struck that weak pose again, one hand supporting the other elbow.

He dared not look at Su Ling and Xu Jingshan at the door again, nor did he dare to speak.

Xu Chuan truly hadn't expected that this little star would be so brave!

Mom just blurted it out so sweetly!

I'll never call you a little coward again.

However, he also knew that Xu Wanxing was really too nervous and scared.

He tilted his head and watched as the little star struck that same pathetic pose again, like a little animal exposing its belly, letting itself be beaten and bullied...

Xu Chuan pondered his words for a moment, then used a pale blue hue to calm himself down, smiled, and looked towards the door.

"She...she's quite socially awkward, mainly because she didn't know you two were coming today. Come, come, have a seat. Dad, let me tell you how we met, please don't misunderstand..."

Xu Chuan turned on the light, trying to seek help from Lao Xu.

"Well……"

"Don't speak." Before Old Xu could finish speaking, Empress Dowager Su interrupted him.

"By the way, Xu Wanxing is from No. 3 Middle School!"

Xu Chuan suddenly blurted out this remark out of nowhere.

After saying this, even Xu Chuan himself became more confident, and his voice was full of conviction!

Wow, is this the power of results?

Upon hearing this, Xu Jingshan raised his eyebrows, his eyes lighting up instantly as he looked at Xu Wanxing, seemingly about to say something.

"Both of you, shut up!"

Su Ling spoke again, simultaneously silencing both Xu Chuan and Old Xu.

Then, Empress Dowager Su looked at Xu Wanxing, who was looking at her with her head down and lips pursed, and beckoned to her.

"Xiao Ni, come with me."

After saying that, Su Ling turned around and walked straight into the empty bedroom next door that Xu Chuan had not used.

"I……"

Xu Wanxing's face immediately fell, and she pursed her lips as if she was about to cry. She looked at Xu Chuan.

I want to say something, but I don't dare to.

The purple hue of fear outlined in the emotional contours pulsed violently, surging rapidly.

She's... afraid that Empress Dowager Su will beat or scold her...

"It's okay. My mom rarely hits children except me, and she would never hit a girl. Don't worry, she probably just wants to say a few words to you."

Xu Chuan is quite confident.

Furthermore, before Empress Dowager Su entered the bedroom again, the light red in her emotional expression had already faded considerably compared to when she first entered.

"Just tell me what you mean, don't be shy!"

Before Xu Wanxing entered the bedroom, Xu Chuan lowered his voice and gave her urgent instructions.

Hopefully, this weakling can handle the pressure and not say anything reckless; the two of them are completely innocent.

I haven't done anything yet! If I get misunderstood, I'll really lose out!

"Bang."

The bedroom door is closed.

Xu Chuan breathed a sigh of relief and turned his head to look at Old Xu, who was now sitting at the dining table.

In Lao Xu's description of his emotions, the orange color representing joy and excited anticipation bounced around—he was just having fun...

However, Xu Chuan suddenly noticed that, in addition to the cake that Empress Dowager Su had just placed on the dining table, there was another object on the chair next to it.

"Wow, I even got a birthday present!"

Xu Chuan tried to change the subject, sat down next to Lao Xu, and looked down to see the objects on the chair.

It is an exquisitely enclosed little cage with a small window.

Through the small window, he saw what was inside: an old man!

"This is what I bought for you. Your mom was planning to bring a cake anyway," Old Xu said with a boastful tone.

"Thank you, Dad."

Xu Chuan picked up the cage, opened it, boldly reached inside, and grabbed it.

Domain Expansion - Blue Sky Breeze Garden

"Hey! Watch out!"

Before Old Xu's reminder had even finished, Xu Chuan had already scooped the little dog out. The little dog let out a soft moan and obediently let him hold it.

Pale blue, the strictest father to all pets and little brats.

Xu Chuan glanced at it twice and suddenly felt that it looked strangely familiar...

"This orange cat..."

Isn't that the cold noodle π from when I went to the pet store with Little Star?!

Old Xu bought it back? What a coincidence, it's truly wonderful.

"You live alone, and your mother and I are busy with work. We're worried you'll be lonely living alone, so we're finding you a companion."

At this point, Old Xu glanced at the tightly closed bedroom door across the way, smiled, and said, "But it seems like we've gone to unnecessary trouble?"

"..."

However, in reality, it does seem to be unnecessary.

Xu Chuan was too lazy to take care of himself before; he would just come home, finish his studies, wash up, and go to sleep. Now, another old man has been added to his family.

Goodness, Old Xu doesn't care about his grades at all...

"What might my mom say...?"

Xu Chuan was still a little uneasy. Although the Xu family's upbringing wasn't that strict, Empress Dowager Su had still given him some warnings regarding his interactions with women...

This time, he was caught red-handed, and the worst part was that he was blow-drying Little Star's hair at the time...

Merlin's beard, I haven't even styled Empress Dowager Su's hair yet...

"I don't know, anyway..."

Old Xu pulled out a bag of sunflower seeds from somewhere and started cracking them open, speaking casually.

"Anyway, you're finished."

"Actually, I feel my mom's reaction was a bit excessive. Xiao Xu and I... are completely innocent. You can rest assured about her character. By the way, Youzi knows her too; we're all on the same side..."

"have no idea."

Xu Jingshan maintained his amused demeanor, munching on sunflower seeds while watching Xu Chuan's disheveled state. "Anyway, you're finished..."

"..."

Old Xu, you're my grandma!

Although he didn't concern himself with such matters, Empress Dowager Su had almost complete control over things like family education.

But can't you put in a good word for me?

Xu Chuan sighed, gently stroking the cat's back, praying that Empress Dowager Su wouldn't make things too difficult for Little Star...

About half an hour later, they still hadn't finished talking. Xu Chuan was about to go up and eavesdrop when Old Xu grabbed him.

"How's Chuanzi doing at school lately?" Old Xu started the conversation.

It seems his job is to keep an eye on him.

Good grief, this mysterious couple, each watching one of them, are trying to interrogate him and Little Star separately...

"It's alright..."

Old Xu didn't actually have high expectations for his studies, and Xu Chuan knew that, so he didn't bother arguing with him about it.

Xu Chuan idly pulled out his phone and browsed through it.

He suddenly realized that someone had sent him a message an hour or two ago, and he was only seeing it now.

Crayon Koi: [Happy Birthday!]

Crayon Stream: [Animated emoticon: A little yellow duck pacing around]

Lin Xixi found out it was his birthday yesterday, wished him a happy birthday in advance yesterday afternoon, and came again tonight.

As expected of Princess Xixi, she's so thoughtful.

Xu Chuan: [Thank you, Princess Xixi]

Xu Chuan: [(Animated emoticon: Heart-shaped bunny)]

"Beep beep".

I had just exited Crayon Creek's chat window when another message came in.

Crayon Koi: [(Animated emoticon: Black face with a smile)]

Crayon Stream: [But I know some bad news, I don't know if you want to hear it.]

Crayon Koi: [(Animated emoticon: Black face with a smile)]

Bad news?

Xu Chuan pondered for a while, but couldn't think of any bad news Lin Xixi could tell him.

Could it be... that Xiaoxuan, a nobody, is going to start pursuing me next week when school starts?

Oh, I wouldn't even deign to! What a load of rubbish!

"Who are you chatting with?" Old Xu suddenly asked.

He moved his chair to sit next to Xu Chuan, but as soon as his gaze slid across the phone screen for two seconds, Xu Chuan turned the phone away to prevent him from looking.

"We're just classmates, don't look at me like that, I also have privacy..." Xu Chuan protested.

"Tsk tsk, your dad, whom you haven't seen in so long, is sitting right in front of you, and instead of talking to him, you go chat with your classmates whom you see every day. How disheartening!"

Old Xu shook his head.

"Old Xu, there's no more feeling between us. We've drifted further and further apart..."

Xu Chuan sighed softly. In order to avoid being spied on any longer, he moved his chair a little further away, but before he could even settle down properly, he was still sitting on the edge.

My phone suddenly vibrated.

Old Xu: [1000 RMB transferred via WeChat - Happy Birthday]

"my father!"

Xu Chuan wiped his eyes, then quickly stood up and respectfully poured Old Xu a cup of tea.

Then he strolled over to Old Xu's back and massaged his father's tired and stiff shoulders and neck with vigorous and professional technique.

"Huh? Your technique?"

Xu Jingshan had initially thought Xu Chuan would continue his usual joking manner, but he was surprised to find that his massage techniques were surprisingly professional.

Really! In just a few moments, I felt instantly relaxed and comfortable...

Just as a beautiful scene of filial piety was unfolding here, the closed door of the empty bedroom creaked open from the inside.

Xu Chuan felt as if almost an hour had passed...

At that moment, he nervously swallowed, massaging Old Xu's shoulders while glancing up at the bedroom door.

Xu Wanxing walked out from inside with her head down, her lips pursed, and she occasionally choked up.

She walked slowly to the dining table, and the black in her mood seemed to have lessened slightly compared to when she entered.

But other miscellaneous emotions were chaotic; after so much time, the fear and tension had lessened somewhat...

Xu Chuan kept staring at her face.

Xu Wanxing's pretty and delicate face was covered in tear stains, and glistening teardrops clung to her long eyelashes. Her eyes were red and swollen...

This……

Xu Chuan's heart tightened, and he turned his head to look at the bedroom door again.

Empress Dowager Su walked out from there.

Then, Xu Chuan suddenly opened his eyes wide.

God...

This was the first time Xu Chuan had ever seen his mother, Su Ling, like this in front of him since he was born.

Xu Jingshan was also stunned.

The middle-aged woman in her forties had eyes swollen like soaked walnuts, and the tip of her nose was bright red.

He was still clutching a crumpled tissue in his hand, his knuckles were white, and his shoulders were still trembling slightly.

Although the Empress Dowager is known for her emotional nature and often cries while watching dramas, this appearance is still too...

Seeing that Xu Chuan was still staring at her with wide eyes, Empress Dowager Su raised her hand to wipe her eyes with a piece of paper, then suddenly threw the paper ball out and scolded him loudly in a hoarse voice.

"What are you looking at! Haven't you ever seen someone cry before? What are you two surnamed Xu standing there for? Cut the cake for Little Star!"

"?"

Little star?

No, I haven't even called her yet! Empress Dowager Su has already called her name so sweetly?! How infuriating!!

So... what exactly did they talk about in that hour and a half?