Chi Chi nodded eagerly, her face lighting up with delight she couldn’t hide. "Yes, yes! He’s my favorite modern artist. His work is so beautiful—bold and unrestrained."
Thinking of her lazy, couch-potato older brother, Zhou Ya felt a pang of guilt. But still, she had to admit—her brother’s art had plenty of admirers.
"Teacher Xiao Ye, he’s my big brother—really! This is one of his paintings."
"No way!" The surprise was audible. "What a coincidence!"
"Yeah! And he’s actually seen your works, you know—the ones at Shuiyun Pavilion. He’s a big fan. He said your art feels warm and healing—he can’t help but go back and look again."
The thrill of being praised by her idol exploded like fireworks in Chi Chi’s mind.
"Oh my gosh, this is the best! I adore your brother too."
"Who do you adore?"
Xavier Foster had just stepped inside when he heard his wife’s confession—although, sadly, it wasn’t for him.
At six foot two, Xavier Foster’s presence made the three people on the sofa look especially small.
He cast a glance at the two girls—ah, the little artists from the studio.
"M-Mr. Fu, hello. We just came to see Teacher Xiao Ye."
An Ke swallowed nervously. Mr. Fu looked truly intimidating when he was serious. She remembered when he’d modeled for them—
Xavier Foster bent down and scooped Little Ricecake from Chi Chi's arms. "Don’t hold him all the time. It's tiring."
"Ah... okay."
The two girls exchanged glances and saw a hint of sugary delight in each other's eyes.
"Who’s her brother?"
The jealous man wasn’t about to let this topic drop. He rocked Little Ricecake gently as he looked over.
"Ahem... um, Yaya’s brother is Quentin Zane. You’ve heard of him. I’m a big fan."
"I see." Hearing that she liked the art, Xavier Foster relaxed. He carried the baby to the window and let him enjoy the sunlight.
The two girls, torn between loving this couple's sweetness and being intimidated by Xavier Foster’s cold air, gamely sat a few more minutes before standing to leave.
"Teacher Xiao Ye, we’ll head back now!"
Chi Chi got up to see them off. "Okay! Be careful going home, okay? I’ll have the driver take you back."
They didn't refuse. The two girls nodded—wow, a ride in a Fu family luxury car? Not bad at all.
An Ke lingered a moment at the door. "By the way, Teacher Xiao Ye, there are a bunch of baby clothes in there—don’t forget to dress your little one up! And if the studio ever reopens, please let me know!"
"Absolutely—thank you both! I had so much fun today."
Chi Chi smiled as she saw them to the door and called for Lao San to drive them home.
Back in the hospital room, Xavier Foster was already sitting on the sofa where they just were. Chi Chi sat beside him, leaning against his shoulder. "Finished with everything?"
"Yeah. Why’d they leave so fast?"
Chi Chi frowned, debating whether to tell her husband he could be a little scary.
Shifting Little Ricecake to his right hand, Xavier Foster gently pulled Chi Chi into his arms. "You seem to really like them. You looked so happy."
Chi Chi nodded, rubbing her cheek against his chest. "I do. They’re adorable, and I love painting with them."
"Then when you’re well again, you can head back to the studio." He kissed her forehead.
"Really?"
Chi Chi lifted her head, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. She’d thought Zhiye would have her stay home to take care of the baby.
"Really. I want you to do what makes you happy—just stay this cheerful every day."
Chi Chi propped herself up and planted a kiss on his face. "Hubby, you’re the best."
Xavier Foster smiled a satisfied smile. It seemed like ever since the baby’s birth, his Chi Chi had become more affectionate—perks every day.
Little Ricecake grabbed at his mom, demanding a kiss too.
Chi Chi bent down and kissed his tiny hand.
—
The next day, Chi Chi was finally ready to be discharged. Little Ricecake lay curiously in his carrier, peeking out at the world through the see-through cover.
She changed into her own clothes. It was August, and the air was already cooling down. Xavier Foster brought over a scarf and wrapped it around her, then bundled her into a thick coat.
Chi Chi, mummified like a zongzi rice dumpling, tugged at the scarf around her neck, speechless.
"Zhiye... Isn’t this a bit much? Who even wears a scarf in mid-August?"
Xavier Foster turned, now holding a hat. "It’s not too much. You can’t catch a chill, or you’ll get headaches later."
He plopped a fluffy rabbit-eared hat on her head—adorable. Then, without warning, he scooped her into his arms and carried her downstairs.
"Let Lao San and the others handle the bags. Let’s just go home."
Chi Chi reflexively looped her arms around his neck. "I can walk myself…"
"I want to hold you."
"..."
Well, if he wants to, so be it. Chi Chi pulled the scarf up to cover her face—hmm, maybe scarves aren’t so bad after all.
By the time they got home, Grandpa Rivers and Grandma Rivers had already grown anxious waiting. Aunt Whitney and the others were all there, excited to see Little Ricecake.
"Chi Chi, you’re finally back. Are you tired? Want to rest a bit first?"
Grandma Rivers always adored Chi Chi most; she pulled her close as soon as she walked in.
"Grandma Rivers, I’m fine! Not tired at all."
Compared to when she was pregnant, having the baby out made her feel a hundred times lighter.
Little Ricecake was whisked off by Xu Yan. Grandpa Rivers, Aunt Whitney, and the rest swarmed around the baby, leaving Chi Chi nothing to worry about.
Grandma Rivers sat Chi Chi beside her on the sofa, then pulled out a little handkerchief-wrapped bundle from her pocket. Chi Chi eyed her grandmother’s actions with some puzzlement.
"What’s this, Grandma Rivers…?"
"Something little for you, dear."
Grandma Rivers unfolded the white handkerchief, revealing a jade bracelet—a pale, misty green, so pure and lustrous it was clearly worth a fortune.
"Grandma Rivers, it’s too valuable. I can’t accept this."
But Grandma Rivers wouldn’t hear it. She took Chi Chi’s wrist and slipped the bangle on. Against her fair skin, it looked exquisite.
"Nonsense. This isn’t valuable—it’s something I’ve kept for years. I was going to give it to Zhiye’s mother, but… sigh. It actually belonged to my own grandmother. If I don’t give it to you, who would I give it to?"
Grandma Rivers had always belonged to a cultured family and cared little for worldly possessions. Losing Zhiye’s parents was her greatest sorrow—but having Chi Chi join the family had brought life back to the house. For elders, nothing is dearer than a happy family.
"Take it, Grandma Rivers wants you to have it."
Xavier Foster had snuck over at some point, leaning against the sofa and rubbing Chi Chi’s head.
"Thank you, Grandma Rivers." Chi Chi wrapped her arms around her, acting spoiled and sweet.
"Hey! That wasn’t the plan! Weren’t we supposed to give gifts together?"
Grandpa Rivers bustled over, waving a folder, and glared at Grandma Rivers for upstaging him.
"Chi Chi, Grandpa Rivers doesn’t have a family heirloom or anything. All I can give you is this—do you like it?"
Grandpa Rivers was as direct as always, worried his present wouldn’t measure up.
Chi Chi opened the folder—
…
Just like that, Grandpa Rivers had given her a chunk of his company shares. What was she supposed to do with that?!
"Grandpa Rivers, I… I really don’t understand this stuff. How can you give it to me?"
The old man waved her off. "I’m getting old. I’ll leave things to you and Little Ricecake in the future. I’ll be glad to have less to fuss over."
"..."
A full 25% of Fu Group’s shares. Chi Chi turned helplessly to Xavier Foster.
"Jealous?" Xavier Foster chuckled, leaning in. "Baby, if you want, I’ll give you all of it—way more than that."
"You brat! Undercutting your grandpa, huh?!"
Grandpa Rivers brandished his cane, pretending he was about to teach Xavier Foster a lesson.