Escaping from the circle of doting grandparents, the two of them headed upstairs. As soon as she took off her hat, Chi Chi couldn't take it anymore.
"Honey, can I wash my hair now?"
She leaned in with a coquettish tone. Chi Chi had already realized the magic of calling him "hubby"—whenever she did, Fu Zhiyé seemed willing to grant any request.
Before coming home, Fu Zhiyé had even consulted with Song Ying again, who simply said to keep warm if she wanted to wash up.
"Go ahead, but only once every five days—not every single day," he relented.
With a happy cheer, Chi Chi dashed into the bathroom.
Fu Zhiyé smiled at her retreating figure. Turning, he checked around the room, closing all the doors and windows. The thermostat was set, it wouldn’t get too cold.
"Baby, let me help you," he offered.
Chi Chi had barely crouched down to get started when Fu Zhiyé walked in.
"Ah, I can do it myself..."
He came in carrying a stool and set it in front of the sink, speaking with irresistible authority. "Sit. Let me wash your hair."
"..."
"Be good—I don’t want your back getting sore."
After all, she’d just had a baby a few days ago and wasn’t fully recovered yet, so Chi Chi obediently took a seat on the stool.
Her hair was long, reaching her waist, with natural lazy waves that even a salon could never replicate. While pregnant with Little Rice Cake, she couldn't bear to cut it, and Fu Zhiyé had grown very adept at helping her wash it.
His washing was pure bliss—big, gentle hands working through her hair with just the right pressure. It was so soothing that Chi Chi almost wanted to drift off.
"Is the water too hot?"
"It’s perfect," Chi Chi replied with a smile, watching herself in the mirror—towel wrapped around her neck, Fu Zhiyé piling suds atop her head.
"Zhiyé, I think you’ve got potential as a salon owner," she joked, bursting into laughter.
"Hmm, babe, then I’ll need you to settle today’s bill in advance."
Chi Chi laughed at herself for digging her own grave. "Can I put it on my tab?"
Fu Zhiyé was thoroughly entertained. He bent down, dabbing a bit of foam on her nose. "Small business, no tabs—but exceptions allowed for my wife."
Once her hair was washed, President Foster provided the full VIP treatment, even blow-drying it for her.
He paused to ask, "Well, baby, satisfied?"
Chi Chi nodded, grinning up at him, bold enough now to tease, "Very satisfied! Next time I’ll request you again."
Her delicate chin was suddenly cupped in a large, firm hand. Fu Zhiyé lowered his head, drawing near. "Still keeping a tab running? I’m going to collect a little interest first."
His lips claimed hers before she could react. President Foster shamelessly took his payment, while Chi Chi instinctively tilted her head back, his strong arm drawing her close, her freshly washed hair tangling around his arm, enveloping them both in its sweet scent.
The kiss deepened. He’d held himself back for so long—ever since realizing his true feelings, he’d never had the chance to touch her.
Their breathing turned ragged. Chi Chi’s small hands clung to his collar. "Mmph..."
Remembering she was still in her postpartum recovery period, Fu Zhiyé summoned every ounce of willpower to tear himself away, holding her tightly in his arms. His breath was hot against her neck, and she could even feel his body's response. Embarrassed, she nestled into his embrace, not daring to move.
After two minutes, Fu Zhiyé finally let out a heavy sigh, burying his face in her neck, a sheen of sweat on his brow. Through clenched teeth, he muttered, "You’re going to be the death of me."
"..."
"Uh...well..."
Chi Chi wanted to say something to ease the tension, but her voice caught in her throat.
Fu Zhiyé chuckled softly. "Baby, let’s just put it all on the tab."
"Yes, yes, on the tab," she agreed.
Fu Zhiyé rubbed her head, then stood and opened the drawer.
Inside was a small red velvet jewelry box. He took it out, sat back by the bed, and looked at Chi Chi.
"What’s that?" she asked curiously.
He opened the box; nestled at its center was the very ring Chi Chi had once left behind—a two-carat diamond, still sparkling.
"Is it time for this to go back to its rightful owner, Mrs. Fu?"
He took her small hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles, his ink-black eyes brimming with tenderness and boundless love.
Remembering how she’d felt last year, setting down that ring, Chi Chi’s eyes turned red. Back then, she’d thought neither she nor the baby had a home anymore.
Holding out her slender hand, she wiggled her ring finger, nose sniffling. "Hurry up and give it back."
"So demanding," Fu Zhiyé said with a smile, slipping the ring onto her finger. "And this time—you’re never taking it off again."
He kissed her forehead apologetically, his large hand gently caressing her fingers.
"And my photo?" Chi Chi asked. Inside the box, besides the ring, there was also their wedding picture.
"Hmm, I’ve confiscated the photo. I never go anywhere without it—and I’m not giving it back."
"Stingy," she huffed, deciding she could always just print another one later if she wanted.
He drew her into his arms, voice soft. "And that note you wrote me—that’s here too. I’ll keep it forever, as a reminder never to do anything so stupid again."
That note... She’d thrown it out, never knowing he’d found it.
"Baby, I was terrible. I’ll make it up to you, a thousandfold. Whatever you want, whatever makes you happy, I’ll do my very best."
"I believe you," she whispered.
Since they’d reconciled, neither of them had talked so openly about the past. Now, at last, felt like the right time.
They cuddled for a while, until a knock came at the door. It was Aunt Xu Yan, bringing up Little Rice Cake.
"Sir, Ma’am—the baby’s hungry."
Fu Zhiyé stepped forward to take his son. Little Rice Cake was frowning, obviously just done crying, his eyes rimmed red.
He told Xu Yan to go rest, then sat on the bed with the baby. "Oh dear, what a crybaby—our Little Rice Cake."
Little Rice Cake kicked his dad in protest, but his short legs didn’t even reach. He pouted in defeat.
Chi Chi couldn’t bear it. She scooped up her child. "Don’t bully the baby. Give him to me, I’ll feed him."
"He’s not my baby. My baby is you," Fu Zhiyé pouted.
Yep, Chi Chi thought to herself, her husband really didn’t know how to handle kids.
Cradling the baby expertly, Chi Chi began feeding him while Fu Zhiyé sat behind her, letting her lean back into his chest.
Together, they watched Little Rice Cake nurse—one of them gentle and doting, the other quietly gnashing his teeth with jealousy.
---
After baby was fed, it was dinner time. They headed downstairs.
With a full belly, Little Rice Cake was in great spirits in his father’s arms, little hands grabbing at everything.
At the table, everyone discussed who’d take care of the baby at night.
The elders all worried a crying baby would keep Chi Chi from resting properly.
"Chi Chi, let Mom keep Little Rice Cake at night. He’s still waking up every couple of hours," Ye Jing said, concerned for her daughter’s recovery. Like most elders, she worried that improper rest during postpartum confinement could cause lingering health issues.
But Chi Chi wanted the baby with her—she couldn’t stand to be apart. At the hospital, the baby had stayed with her mom and Aunt Xu, and Chi Chi had missed him every time she woke.
"Mom, I can take care of him myself," she said.
Fu Zhiyé added, "Mom, you need to rest, too. I won’t be going to the office for a while, so I’ll help Chi Chi take care of the baby at night. Don’t worry."
Since he’d spoken, no one objected.
"I made Little Rice Cake a small crib—it’s in the living room now, just finished sunning it. I’ll have someone bring it up later," Grandpa Rivers said. He and Old Zhou had made it themselves, not trusting store-bought furniture. They wanted the baby to sleep well and safe.
"Really? Thank you, Grandpa Rivers!" Chi Chi was deeply moved by how much effort her grandfather had put in.
"Let’s eat! And Chi Chi, you need to eat more," Grandma Rivers urged.
"Okay."
After dinner, sure enough, the baby’s new crib was waiting in the living room.
It was simple and unpainted, just polished wood, but every edge was carefully smoothed. Chi Chi loved it instantly and was deeply touched.
When the crib was brought upstairs, Fu Zhiyé scooped up their son and joined her.