Father Chen and Mother Chen

"What's wrong, Ye Shuang? You seem distracted."

In the car, Chen Qin noticed Ye Shuang's prolonged silence and couldn't help but ask. She assumed he was still thinking about what had happened earlier—running into his ex-girlfriend. Though Chen Qin personally disliked Zhao Mengyao, she was more concerned about Ye Shuang's current state.

"Ah, no." Ye Shuang snapped out of his thoughts and smiled. "I was just wondering what Auntie is cooking for dinner tonight."

Chen Qin knew Ye Shuang too well to buy his lie, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she quietly settled into the passenger seat.

Ye Shuang drove up a slope, and after a short distance, the entrance to Chen Qin’s gated community came into view.

"Good evening." A security guard approached to verify their identity. For residents, the gate would automatically open if the license plate was registered.

"It's me," Chen Qin called from the passenger seat.

The guard saluted and raised the barrier.

Ye Shuang drove into the estate, and after another ten minutes, they finally arrived at Chen Qin’s home.

Her family lived in a sprawling manor-style villa, covering over 3,000 square meters. Lush green lawns surrounded the property, with dedicated gardeners tending to the plants. A small fountain gurgled at the center of a decorative pool.

The villa’s black iron gate emitted a mechanical "Welcome home" as Ye Shuang’s car approached, then slid open automatically.

"The garage seems full. Just park outside, Ye Shuang," Chen Qin said. Their garage could only fit five cars, and it was currently occupied.

"Got it."

Ye Shuang parked beside the garage. The moment he stepped out, a golden retriever came bounding over from the side. "Woof!"

"Xian Dan, you heard us coming?" Chen Qin crouched down, laughing as she ruffled the dog’s head.

But the golden retriever ignored her and instead dashed to Ye Shuang, wagging its tail excitedly. "Aroo!"

"Long time no see." Ye Shuang smiled as the dog stood on its hind legs, paws resting against his clothes. He gave its head a gentle pat. This dog was one he and Chen Qin had found abandoned on the street years ago, sick and neglected.

Back then, they were only in fifth or sixth grade. Now, the dog was well into its teens—practically a senior in human years.

"You’re back." A woman approached, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Chen Qin and Ye Shuang. "Xiao Shuang!"

"Auntie, it’s been a while." Ye Shuang greeted her warmly, lifting the bag of fruit he’d brought.

"Oh, you silly boy. You didn’t have to bring anything." Chen's Mother scolded him affectionately. "We’re family."

Ye Shuang chuckled.

"Where’s Uncle Chen?" he asked.

"Probably upstairs fiddling with his antiques. I already called him down."

The three of them headed inside, the golden retriever bouncing around joyfully. The grand foyer opened up before them, dominated by a sweeping spiral staircase with an elevator to one side.

Just then, the elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. A stern-faced middle-aged man stepped out.

Seeing Ye Shuang and Chen Qin, Chen's Father brightened. "You’re here."

"Uncle Chen."

"Old Chen, look at this boy—he even brought fruit. As if we’re strangers!"

"Ah, what’s the harm? They’re not officially married yet."

The back-and-forth between the parents made Ye Shuang shift awkwardly, while Chen Qin grinned mischievously.

"What’s this about marriage?" she teased.

"You tell me."

"Heh."

Once settled in the living room, Chen's Father poured tea and spoke earnestly. "Xiao Shuang, your father and I served together—brothers in arms. Life’s unpredictable, and what happened… was tragic."

"But I’ve always considered you like a son. You should stay here from now on. Help Qin’er manage the company."

"Uncle Chen," Ye Shuang replied sincerely, "I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me. But there’s something else I need to focus on right now."

Chen's Father raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What is it?"

Ye Shuang hesitated, unsure how to explain Bai Yuyou—an eighteen-year-old girl he’d suddenly taken under his wing. He couldn’t imagine how Uncle Chen would react.

"Daddy, Ye Shuang’s still young. Let him figure things out first," Chen Qin interjected, rescuing him.

"True. With Xiao Shuang’s talents, he can succeed at anything." Chen's Father nodded approvingly.

He’d watched Ye Shuang grow up—bright, principled, and kind. Years ago, he’d lamented that fate hadn’t brought his daughter and Ye Shuang together. But now, it seemed heaven had granted them another chance.

Just then, Chen's Mother sat beside Ye Shuang and took his hand. "Xiao Shuang…"

"Yes, Auntie?"

"Qin’er and you are already in your late twenties. Why don’t we pick a date and get you two engaged?" she suggested. "We’ll handle the rest. Just give us old folks some peace of mind."

Ye Shuang: "…"

"You two were practically betrothed as kids—just a casual promise between your father and me back in the army. But an engagement now would be perfect," Chen's Father added, sipping his tea with a smile.

Both Ye Shuang and Chen Qin were stunned. Neither had known about this arrangement.

"Sir, Madam, the chef has arrived," a middle-aged maid announced respectfully.

"Good." Chen's Father turned to his wife. "Darling, weren’t you going to help prepare dinner?"

"I’ve already got the soup simmering. Just a few more dishes." Chen's Mother stood and led the private chef toward the kitchen.

Chen's Father turned back to Ye Shuang. "Your aunt was overjoyed when she heard you were coming for dinner. Insisted on cooking herself to celebrate your birthday."

"Stay the night after the meal. Have a drink with me."

Ye Shuang sighed inwardly, knowing refusal wasn’t an option. "Of course, Uncle Chen."

Yet his thoughts drifted back to Bai Yuyou—he’d promised to spend his birthday with her.

"Um, Uncle Chen?"

"Yeah?"