Seeing that Cecilia had finally fallen asleep, Mia Moore refrained from waking her. She knew how exhausting it must be to care for the baby.

She fished out a small blanket from the sofa to cover Cecilia, then quietly went back to her drawing.

——

At the old Fu family home.

Having promised Cecilia he’d take care of the baby, Fu Zhiyan set Little Rice Cake down beside him, not letting the nanny handle things.

He was busy with work, just launching into a video meeting when Little Rice Cake’s soft whimpering rose in the background.

"……"

On the other end of the call, the group of shareholders could all hear the baby crying. The CEO is working… while watching a baby??? Absolutely shocked!!

"Tsk, you little crybaby, what’s wrong?"

That gentle tone—wait, was this really the same CEO who only moments ago was biting everyone’s head off? Did something possess him?

Fu the Dad shot a cold order, "Henry Hart, handle this."

Slamming his laptop shut, he crouched down beside the cradle. The moment Little Rice Cake’s big black eyes landed on his father, the crying stopped.

Fu Zhiyan’s heart softened in an instant. Oh, you really do have everyone wrapped around your finger. Not only do you compete with me for your mother every day, now you’re flaunting your cuteness, too.

Little Rice Cake stretched out his tiny hands toward him. Fu Zhiyan offered a finger, and the baby kicked his legs determinedly, acting as if he could sit up on his own—even though all the effort was in vain…

His little mouth moved as if he were about to munch on his father’s hand.

"So it isn’t that you love to cry, you’re just a little glutton, huh? Hungry, are you?"

Gently, Fu Zhiyan scooped up his son. The swaddled baby looked even smaller nestled in the crook of his broad arm.

"Alright, let’s get you fed."

He returned to the bedroom, expertly warming a small bottle in hot water and handing it over to the impatient Little Rice Cake.

"Gulp, gulp, gulp."

As the familiar taste filled his mouth, the baby gazed round-eyed at his dad, eagerly drinking as if worried someone might snatch it away.

Fu Zhiyan found himself watching, a strange feeling surfacing—did that look… actually delicious?

"Son? Is it really that tasty?"

Barely holding onto his composure, Fu Zhiyan resisted the sudden urge to snatch the bottle for himself. Cough, cough.

Satisfied, Little Rice Cake drained every last drop, never giving Dad a chance for even a sip, before closing his big eyes contentedly.

Fu Zhiyan glanced at the clock. Finally, it was time for their appointment. After grabbing the small bag he’d packed, he handed the baby off to Ye Jing and headed out, humming with happiness.

Don’t ask—he was off to pick up his wife, and he couldn’t be more thrilled. It had been a whole three hours since he’d seen her!!

By the time he arrived at Qinghe Residences, Charles Chase’s car was already waiting downstairs. Even though Qinghe was a high-end community, today, two ultra-rare luxury cars—so exclusive that money alone wouldn’t get you one—were parked side by side. Not exactly low-profile.

Cecilia ended her call with Fu Zhiyan and tugged Mia Moore along as they went downstairs.

Mia Moore was cradling a painting she’d completed recently—a blooming rose manor—because Charles Chase had mentioned that her mother loved roses, and a painting would last longer than a bouquet.

As for the other preparations, Charles Chase would handle them. Art was Mia Moore’s specialty; she preferred to leave the rest alone.

They split up and got into separate cars. In the car behind, Charles Chase glanced at Mia Moore and chuckled, "Babe, you look beautiful today."

"...Oh? Was I not beautiful yesterday?" Mia Moore shot him a look, shuffling through her cheat sheet, planning to cram some last-minute etiquette.

"Don’t talk to me—I’m busy!"

Charles Chase leaned over, but Mia Moore quickly stuffed her hand behind her back. In a huff, she snapped, "No peeking!"

"What are you hiding that’s so precious?" Charles Chase didn’t listen—he boldly grabbed her hand.

Mia Moore blushed so fiercely her face seemed to glow. She ducked her head, already bracing herself to be teased, "You’re so annoying. I just don’t want to mess things up."

But instead of laughter, Charles Chase leaned in close, brushing his hand behind her neck to pull her in for a kiss.

His kiss was urgent and possessive, breath mingling with hers. Uh-oh, the tiger’s out again—his grip behind her neck didn’t loosen until she went limp in his arms.

Mia Moore's eyes shone with unshed tears. Huffing, she cried out, "Charles Chase! My lipstick!"

She hurriedly dug out a compact to touch up her makeup. Watching her, Charles Chase couldn’t help but find her both funny and endearing. He teased, “So, you don’t like me kissing you now?”

Mia Moore finally put down the mirror and turned to him. "No, that’s not it. But that guidebook said couples shouldn’t be too lovey-dovey when meeting the parents. We’re supposed to be polite and proper, keep a little distance."

Charles Chase let out a laugh, "You really did your homework."

Holding her hand gently, he said softly, "I’m just happy and grateful that you’re taking this so seriously. My mom is a great person, and she always respects me. The girl I like is naturally the best in the world—she’s bound to love you, too."

He was so serious that Mia Moore stared at him, stunned. Awkwardly, she pinched his hand.

"I know your mom is kind, but I still hope she’ll like me a little more. I want the people you care about to care about me, too."

He ruffled her hair, "As long as I love you, that’s enough. No one’s allowed to outdo me in that."

With that domineering pronouncement, the car finally started up.

Meanwhile, Cecilia and Fu Zhiyan’s car was already pulling out of the neighborhood when they realized the other pair hadn’t followed.

"Zhiyan, what are they doing back there? Don’t tell me Yao Yao got too nervous and ran off?" Cecilia fretted, eyeing the rearview mirror.

"Unlikely. They’re probably just calming their nerves before meeting the mother-in-law."

"Ooh, is that so? My brother is quite something—usually so overbearing, and yet Yao Yao has him eating out of her hand."

"Hmm? What about me, baby?"

Cecilia only smiled at his cheeky question. Always comparing!

"Honey, was Little Rice Cake good today? Did he cry? Did he drink his milk?"

"...He was good. Drank his milk, only cried for a minute or so." Fu the Dad clearly didn’t love that all his wife’s concern was for their son.

"You’re amazing, honey!"

…

Fu Zhiyan’s heartstrings had truly been tied in knots by Cecilia.

——

The car quickly arrived at the Chase family home. Sarah Chase had just gotten back after two days away, readjusting to the time zone. Her first priority was to see Cecilia and her son’s girlfriend.

She'd once mentioned being close friends with Cecilia, which made this whole thing feel somehow fated—like family really does find family.

After freshening up and preparing gifts for the kids, she came downstairs to wait.

Soon, both cars arrived one after the other.

"Baby, the gift’s on the back seat," Fu Zhiyan said as he parked.

Cecilia pulled out the carefully wrapped present and peeked inside.

It was a retro-styled emerald jewelry set—necklace and earrings. One glance made it clear it was very valuable, and Zhiyan must have spent ages choosing it. The perfect gift for a mother-in-law.

"It’s gorgeous. I’m sure Auntie will love it," Cecilia said softly, knowing that Zhiyan had put his whole heart into this because of her. She felt warm and deeply touched.

"Don’t worry," he said with a gentle smile.

The two got out of the car, and Mia Moore and Charles Chase joined them.

Together, the four of them walked toward the house.