Chapter 45: “Dad is Busy, Xiao Chu Sleeps Alone Tonight.”…

Chapter 45: "Daddy’s busy, so Xiao Chu will sleep alone tonight..."

The next day at the studio, Song Tan found many curious gazes directed her way.

Aside from Tao Tao, Zhong Chen, and a few colleagues, most people were unaware of her true relationship with Ji Fuxi. His declaration last night had evidently spread throughout the entire entertainment industry.

However, nothing had leaked online yet—likely because everyone was wary of that powerful figure.

She went to the pantry to get water. After filling her cup, she turned around to find over a dozen curious eyes fixed on her. With a shrug, she spread her hands and said, "Yes, Ji Fuxi is Xiao Chu’s father."

Three seconds of silence.

Then, the room erupted in excited screams.

Someone raised a hand, "Sister Tan, I have a question!"

"Go ahead."

"Does the Ji family live in a palace?"

Song Tan chuckled. "Not quite that exaggerated." But it wasn’t far off...

"I heard there are guards at the entrance, is that true?"

Anyone could visit the Ji family’s old residence, so Song Tan nodded directly, "Yes."

"So our Xiao Chu is basically a princess?"

Song Tan hadn’t expected such silly questions. Smiling, she grabbed her cup and headed back to her office.

Her phone buzzed with messages too.

Jian Jing, who was dabbling in the entertainment industry: "Wow, President Ji is amazing, such a boss move!" "Seriously, you guys should’ve gone public way sooner." "Oh, Teacher Song, can I ask you something?"

Song Tan replied, "Go ahead."

She exited the chat and scrolled through the messages from industry acquaintances—some expressing surprise, others congratulations, and a few angling for favors. She replied selectively.

There was also a message from Li Ji: "Teacher Song, we’ve reevaluated your script. Would you have time to meet again sometime?"

Just as she was about to reply, Zhao Geyun walked in on her high heels. "That Li guy is really opportunistic. He’s been blowing up my phone with calls and messages since last night. I can’t be bothered with him."

Song Tan wasn’t as indignant. It’s all about business; their change in attitude was understandable.

But now, Huaxuan Entertainment was no longer her first choice.

Since she was officially Mrs. Ji now, why share the spoils with outsiders? Making money for Aijia was making money for Ji Fuxi, and making money for Ji Fuxi was making money for Xiao Chu.

Moreover, Aijia Entertainment had grown significantly in recent years, producing hit shows and movies. Partnering with them was the best option.

Additionally, her last film before leaving the industry and her first after returning were both Aijia productions. They were in this together now—no way to separate.

As she pondered this, a friend request popped up on WeChat: "Yan Ning requests to add you as a friend."

This was Aijia’s general manager. She accepted and reached out first: "Hello, President Yan."

While waiting for a reply, she said, "Geyun, we’ll probably need to visit Aijia in the next few days. Be prepared."

"Already on it."

Zhao Geyun was her partner in crime. Song Tan looked at her seriously and said, "Geyun, given the current situation, we’ll have to put in even more effort. Before, 80% used to cut it—now, we need 100%."

Zhao Geyun brimmed with confidence. "No problem. We’ll give 100%!"

Lowering her head to check her phone again, she saw several new messages.

Yan Ning: "Mrs. Ji, when would be a good time for us to meet?"

Song Tan typed: "Tomorrow, we’ll come over. Also, President Yan, no need to call me ‘Mrs. Ji.’ Friendly.jpg"

Jian Jing: "So, um... how did you handle President Ji before?"

Song Tan: "What?"

There was also a message from Ji Fuxi: "I’ll pick up Xiao Chu this afternoon."

Thinking about last night’s discussion of moving rooms and that kiss, Song Tan’s face warmed slightly. "Okay."

Jian Jing had already replied: "I mean, about intimacy during pregnancy. I’m five months along—technically, it’s fine, but I’m scared. That horny Liang Chuwen keeps wanting to... Is it really okay?"

Seeing this, Song Tan’s face turned even redder. She locked her phone.

Zhao Geyun didn’t miss the change in her expression. "Pfft, what are you talking about? President Ji? Did you go at it all night?"

Song Tan scolded her, "Stop talking nonsense."

"What? He stood up for you so fiercely last night, and you didn’t... show your appreciation?"

"Zhao Geyun, get those dirty thoughts out of your head."

"Tsk tsk tsk." Zhao Geyun smirked, amused by her uncharacteristically flustered state. "Something’s up."

"Nothing’s up."

"Nothing? Then why are you grinning like a fool? Why is your face bright red?"

Song Tan stiffened, pressed her lips together, and glared. "Work."

"Alright, alright, I’ll stop." Zhao Geyun twirled in her chair. "Someone’s fallen in love~"

"Zhao Geyun!" Changing the subject, Song Tan asked, "What’s the deal with you and your blind date?"

Zhao Geyun had gone home during the New Year for a blind date—only to end up meeting a high school classmate in a ridiculously cliché twist. They’d been in touch intermittently since, so it seemed like it was going somewhere.

At this, Zhao Geyun immediately clammed up. "Focus on yourself, don’t deflect."

Song Tan laughed and shot back, "Someone’s fallen in love~"

"Song Tan!"

...

4 PM, kindergarten.

Today’s after-school game was rock-paper-scissors. Yao Peiqiu picked rock, Li Keke picked scissors. Li Keke lost, but she wasn’t having it. "Rematch!"

Second round: Yao Peiqiu picked rock again, Li Keke still picked scissors.

Li Keke groaned. "Again, again!"

In the third round, Li Keke still played scissors, but Yao Peiqiu played paper. Li Keke finally won once and spun in place with joy, "Yay, I won this time! Xiao Chu, your turn."

When it was Song Chuqing's turn, just as she was about to play, a little boy suddenly darted over and quickly kissed her on the cheek.

Song Chuqing froze, too shocked to move.

Yao Peiqiu, who saw it, immediately stood up and shouted, "Fu Jing, what are you doing? Don’t kiss my sister!"

The little boy named Fu Jing didn’t leave and shouted back, "I like Xiao Chu!"

"That's no excuse—you can’t kiss her!"

"I will kiss her, I will!" The little boy even made a teasing face.

Song Chuqing, who had never been kissed by anyone other than family, burst into loud tears with a "Waaah!"

Yao Peiqiu was furious. He marched over angrily to Fu Jing, grabbed his clothes, and started scuffling with him. Li Keke, equally angry, joined the fight.

The small classroom instantly erupted into chaos.

Hearing the commotion, Teacher Xiao Qing rushed in and separated the three fighting children. "What’s going on? Stop fighting!"

Yao Peiqiu’s face was flushed with anger. "Teacher Xiao Qing, Fu Jing kissed Xiao Chu!"

Teacher Xiao Qing immediately understood what had happened. She hugged Song Chuqing and said sternly, "You three, come with me to the office."

Once in the office, Song Chuqing gradually calmed down and spoke in a small, hurt voice, "Teacher Xiao Qing, Fu Jing kissed me. Mommy said no one is allowed to kiss Xiao Chu without her permission."

"That’s right. No one can kiss Xiao Chu without permission," Teacher Xiao Qing comforted her. "Teacher Xiao Qing will talk to Fu Jing. Don’t worry, Xiao Chu."

Song Chuqing leaned into her embrace and nodded. "Mm."

The three children lined up as Teacher Xiao Qing explained carefully: they could all be friends and play together, but they couldn’t go around kissing people, especially boys kissing girls. Fu Jing’s actions were wrong, and he needed to apologize to Xiao Chu.

Fighting was also wrong. Pei Qiu, Ke Ke, and Fu Jing were all wrong and should have found another way to solve the problem.

By the end, Teacher Xiao Qing’s stern tone softened. "Xiao Jing, do you understand what you did wrong?"

Fu Jing admitted his mistake. "I understand, Teacher Xiao Qing." Then he apologized to Song Chuqing, "Sorry, Xiao Chu. I shouldn’t have kissed you."

Well, she could forgive him this time. Song Chuqing pouted and said, "You can’t kiss me next time."

"Mm, I won’t."

The three children who had fought also made peace, though Yao Peiqiu was still a little angry. "No one can kiss Xiao Chu!"

Li Keke: "Right!"

Parents gradually arrived to pick up their children. Today, it was Song Chuqing’s father who came.

At the kindergarten gate, Yao Peiqiu immediately tattled to his uncle the moment he saw him. "Uncle, today Fu Jing kissed Xiao Chu, and I got so mad I hit him."

Ji Fuxi didn’t know who Fu Jing was—probably another child in the class—but his expression darkened at the words. He scooped up his daughter and comforted her first. "Xiao Chu, don’t be scared."

Then he asked Yao Peiqiu, "How was it handled? Did the teacher know?"

"Yes! Teacher Xiao Qing told Fu Jing off, and Fu Jing apologized to Xiao Chu."

The man’s expression softened a little. He told the two children, "No one is allowed to kiss or touch Xiao Chu. If something like this happens again, you must tell an adult—tell us."

Yao Peiqiu: "Mm!"

Song Chuqing also nodded obediently. "Mm, Daddy, I know. I’ll protect myself. Boys and girls are different—boys can’t touch Xiao Chu."

"Right."

Once in the car, Song Chuqing noticed a bouquet of sunflowers on the seat, and her sadness vanished. "Wow, thank you, Daddy!"

Not only were there flowers, but there was also the latest Paw Patrol action figure next to them. Song Chuqing was even happier. "Daddy, I’m so happy!"

Ji Fuxi looked at the smile on her face, his heart heavy.

...

At home, Aunt Zhou began making dinner while Song Chuqing went to play with Aqi. Ji Fuxi returned to his study to continue working.

At 6:30, Song Tan came home right at dinner time, and the family had dinner together.

As they sat down, Song Tan asked as usual, "Xiao Chu, how was your day?"

Song Chuqing answered thoughtfully, "Mm, I was a little unhappy, but then Daddy picked me up, and I cheered up."

"Why were you unhappy?"

"Because a little boy kissed me, and I didn’t like it."

Song Tan’s face darkened immediately. Song Chuqing was pretty and petite, and she'd been worried about this very thing when her daughter started kindergarten. She had hoped it wouldn’t happen, but it did. She could educate her own daughter, but she couldn’t control other people’s children.

Frowning, she looked at Ji Fuxi, who nodded, understanding her concern. "The teacher handled it," he said.

Song Tan’s heart was still uneasy. She warned the little girl, "If anyone tries to kiss you again, you must say no firmly and tell the teacher and Mommy and Daddy."

"Mm, Xiao Chu knows."

They continued eating. Ji Fuxi didn’t bring up moving upstairs again. Though the two matters were unrelated, it didn’t feel appropriate to mention it right after teaching their daughter about the differences between boys and girls.

After dinner, Ji Fuxi cleaned up the table while mother and daughter watched cartoons in the living room.

After about five or six minutes, Song Tan glanced back at the tall, somewhat gloomy figure in the kitchen.

She had noticed the sunflowers and gifts he had bought—probably to make amends for last night’s incident with Xiao Chu. But now, his plan was thwarted.

After some thought, Song Tan gathered her daughter close. "Xiao Chu, Mommy wants to talk to you about something."

Dragging her eyes away from the TV, Song Chuqing answered obediently, "What is it?"

"Daddy’s room is on the first floor, and there are bugs there. So, he’ll be moving into Mommy’s room for the next couple of days."

The little germaphobe scrunched her nose. "Bugs are dirty! Daddy should move quickly!"

Song Tan laughed and kissed her cheek. "Okay, we’ll get him moved right away."

Song Chuqing didn't react further and cuddled back into her mother’s arms to keep watching cartoons.

At 8:30, Song Chuqing went upstairs for her bath.

A while later, Ji Fuxi emerged from the study to find just the two of them left in the living room.

Left alone together, Song Tan still felt somewhat shy. She stood up. "I’m going to go bathe too."

Ji Fuxi held her hand, his lips curling into a smile. "Wait, I have something to tell you."

"What is it? About Xiao Chu?"

"No. Today we signed a partnership deal with a foreign company, so I'll be going overseas for a trip."

A business trip... He had mentioned his travel plans for the year during the New Year. Song Tan nodded in understanding. "When?"

"Tomorrow night's flight. One week."

"Go on then."

Ji Fuxi stroked her palm, his gaze tender.

However, the quiet moment was soon interrupted by Xiao Chu, who had just finished her bath upstairs. "Daddy!"

The man let go of her hand and smiled helplessly. "I'll go up first."

"Mm."

Xiao Chu had already put on lotion and tucked herself in. Seeing someone at the door, she said excitedly, "Xixi, I want to hear a panda story today!"

Ji Fuxi had never told a panda story before, so he first looked through her storybook to find one. "This one?" he asked.

"Yes!" she said.

Ji Fuxi sat on the bed and was about to open the picture book when his private phone rang.

His private phone usually didn’t receive work calls. Ji Fuxi checked it.

The little girl asked, "Who is it?"

"Great-grandpa."

"Great-grandpa! Answer it quickly!"

When the old man called at night, Ji Fuxi always answered. He immediately put it on speakerphone. As soon as the call connected, Xiao Chu sweetly greeted, "Great-grandpa!"

On the other end, Ji Gaozheng was silent for a moment before responding, "Ah, Xiao Chu."

Xiao Chu: "Great-grandpa, are you asleep?"

"Not yet."

"I'm not either! Daddy is telling me a story."

"Oh? What story?"

"A panda story!"

"A panda story?"

"Yes! It's about Papa Panda, Mama Panda, and Baby Panda going on a forest adventure."

The grandfather and granddaughter chatted like this. Ji Gaozheng’s tone was gentle, sounding cheerful and eager to talk. Ji Fuxi didn’t interrupt, letting them continue.

Xiao Chu flipped open the picture book and began telling the story. Though she couldn’t read the words, she must have heard Song Tan tell it before, as she made up the story vividly based on the pictures. "The panda family has lived in this forest for a very, very long time. The kitty cats, bunnies, and birdies are all their neighbors."

She turned the page. "But one day, mean people came to the forest..." She paused here, looking seriously at the phone. "Great-grandpa, pandas are protected by law. You're not allowed to steal them. The police will catch them!"

Ji Gaozheng chuckled over the phone. "Great-grandpa knows."

"Mm. Then the panda family had to leave. First, they went to..."

The little girl kept going excitedly until she told the whole story from the entire book. Ji Gaozheng never stopped her, and Ji Fuxi didn’t interrupt either.

After finishing, Xiao Chu got out of bed, got herself some water from the bedside table, took a big gulp, and then asked sleepily, "Great-grandpa, are you asleep?"

Ji Gaozheng, of course, wasn’t asleep. "No."

"Then I’ll tell you more forest story!"

Ji Gaozheng chuckled and stopped her. "Great-grandpa's tired. Xiao Chu, go to bed."

"Okay. Goodnight, Great-grandpa."

"Goodnight."

Ji Fuxi took it off speaker and brought the phone to his ear. "Is something wrong, Grandpa?"

"Nothing." The old man’s voice suddenly became curt, losing the warmth he had when talking to the child.

"..." Ji Fuxi explained, "I’m going abroad tomorrow for a week. If you need anything, contact Uncle Li or Zhuang Cheng—or Song Tan."

"I know, I know."

With that, the call ended.

Ji Fuxi couldn’t help but laugh. That grandfather...

Beside him, Xiao Chu heard and asked curiously, "Daddy, are you going abroad?"

Ji Fuxi seized the moment to explain, "Yes, Xiao Chu. Daddy is going on a business trip for a week. Be good for Mommy at home."

"Mm, I’ll listen to Mommy. But Daddy, aren’t you moving in with Mommy anymore?"

He was puzzled.

Xiao Chu frowned. "I hate bugs the most. Bugs are dirty and smelly, crawling everywhere. Ew."

Ji Fuxi realized something. "Mommy told you that?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"Just now."

The man paused for a moment, then stroked her cheek. "Can Xiao Chu sleep by herself tonight?"

"Aren’t you going to tell me a story?"

"Daddy's busy. You'll sleep alone tonight, okay?"

"Okay." Xiao Chu lay down and obediently snuggled under the blanket. "Goodnight, Daddy."

Ji Fuxi bent down and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, Xiao Chu."

When he went out, he heard the sound of a shower in the master bedroom. Ji Fuxi went downstairs.

Song Tan’s shower time wasn’t fixed—sometimes it took half an hour, other times about an hour.

He wasn’t sure when she had started, so he figured she’d still be a while and decided to take a shower himself.

After finishing, he went to the kitchen to pour a glass of warm water before heading upstairs. She always seemed to wake up thirsty at night.

By the time he stood outside the master bedroom again, the sound of water had stopped. Ji Fuxi knocked on the door.

The woman, freshly showered, came to open it. Seeing the water in his hand, she naturally took it. “Thanks.”

Ji Fuxi glanced into the room before looking back at her. “There’s a bug downstairs.”

Song Tan understood and smiled faintly. “How big?”

“This big.” The man gestured with his hands, amusement hidden in his eyes.

Whether there was really a bug or not was uncertain, but his intentions standing here were obvious. Song Tan didn’t bother playing along. “Xiao Chu told you?”

“Yeah.” Ji Fuxi paused for a few seconds before suddenly asking, “Do you have work tomorrow?”

“Yes, I have a meeting with President Yan at Aijia in the morning.”

Ji Fuxi nodded. “Got an extra pillow?”

Song Tan pressed her lips together. “Yeah.”

She stepped aside to let him in. “Go ahead and sleep. I still need to put on a face mask.”

“Okay.”

As she applied the mask, Song Tan looked at herself in the mirror and silently smiled.

How did this feel so natural, like an old married couple?

After fifteen minutes in the bathroom, she came out to find the man leaning against the headboard, scrolling on his phone. He set it down when he saw her, his gaze lingering.

The scene felt unfamiliar—someone waiting in her bed, under her blanket, on her pillow.

Suppressing the odd feeling in her chest, Song Tan walked to the other side. “Lights off?”

“Mm.”

She turned off all the lights and lay down in the dark, pulling the covers over herself.

Nothing would happen. She had to wake up early tomorrow, and he was leaving at night. Though unspoken, they both understood when she let him in.

Otherwise, their conversation wouldn’t have been so calm.

Yet her heart still raced.

After all, it was the first time they were sharing a bed alone. There was still some excitement.

Even if they did go further, it wouldn’t be impossible.

Neither spoke, as if they truly intended to spend the night peacefully.

But their breathing was heavy.

After a while, the person beside her remained motionless, his breaths gradually steadying, as if asleep.

He slept quietly, barely moving all night, lying straight—she’d noticed that last time at the old house.

Was he really asleep?

Could he really hold back?

A moment later, Song Tan called softly, “Ji Fuxi.”

The man beside her immediately responded with a muffled “Mm.”

So he wasn’t asleep…

Staring at the blurry ceiling in the dark, she hesitated before whispering, “I can wake up a little later tomorrow…”

The moment she finished, even their breathing seemed to stop in the room.

One second, three seconds, five seconds—no reaction. Song Tan grew both embarrassed and annoyed. Blame Jian Jing, blame Zhao Geyun, with all their nonsense earlier. She regretted saying it and turned over, facing away.

And then she got mad.

Hmph, if he wasn’t planning anything, why come over? Just to sleep under the same blanket?

But the moment she turned, an arm suddenly reached over, pulling her close until their bodies pressed together.

His breath against her neck was warm—so warm her face flushed. Song Tan instantly forgot her earlier frustration.

Ji Fuxi understood perfectly, but he only kissed the top of her head, his voice low and restrained. “Didn’t bring protection. Let’s sleep.”

He was no saint, and given how far they’d come, he naturally desired her.

It wasn’t until he stood at the door that he remembered the issue of condoms. She had work in the morning, and no matter how much he wanted her, he wasn’t that much of a beast.

More importantly, if they started tonight, how was he supposed to survive the next week?

So he didn’t even dare to kiss her properly.

Song Tan suddenly realized—inexperienced as she was, she’d completely forgotten about it too.

Ordering some wasn’t a big deal, but she couldn’t bring herself to suggest it. It’d make her seem too eager.

She carefully held the large hand resting on her stomach and closed her eyes. “Goodnight.”

...

When she woke up in the morning, the other side of the bed was empty.

Song Tan sat up, looking at the indentation on the pillow—the one she usually treated as just a hug pillow—and couldn’t help but smile.

Eventually, exhaustion had overpowered her nerves and slight embarrassment, and she’d fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep until dawn.

It had been a lovely experience.

After washing up and heading downstairs, she found Ji Fuxi still there, having breakfast with their daughter.

The kindergarten served meals, but Xiao Chu usually ate at home.

The little girl jumped off her chair and ran over to take her hand as soon as she saw her. "Morning, Mom."

"Good morning."

Song Tan shared a look with the man at the dining table before sitting down beside him.

Song Chuqing cheerfully slid the steaming bowl of porridge toward her. "Mommy, eat."

"Thanks, baby."

Giggling, "Mommy, did you sleep well last night?"

The little girl tilted her head with a bright smile. Song Tan, recalling the embrace from the night before in those innocent eyes, almost choked on her porridge.

Ji Fuxi chuckled and gently patted her back.

Recovering, Song Tan avoided his gaze and turned to the little girl. "So good, so good. Now eat up so you can go to school."

"Hehe."

After breakfast, everyone went their separate ways - to work and to kindergarten. Song Chuqing sat obediently on the small stool by the entrance, putting on her shoes while Song Tan checked her backpack for the water bottle, spare clothes, and books before handing it to Ji Fuxi.

Not knowing he'd already told her, she said, "Daddy is going on a business trip today. From now on, it'll be Mommy and Sister Chenchen picking up Xiao Chu, okay?"

Song Chuqing, now fully shoed, bounced up and down excitedly. "I already knew!"

Ji Fuxi looked over, their eyes meeting.

After a second, he leaned slightly, reaching past the little one between them to give her a light embrace, whispering in her ear, "Wait for me to come back."