Chapter 58: My Parents Are Dating~…

Chapter 58: My Parents Are in Love~...

"Running from what?"

Song Tan half-understood, half-didn't. Her eyes crinkled with amusement. "When did I ever run?"

Ji Fuxi didn't answer, only met her gaze with a warm intensity.

She thought of the morning and was slightly startled. "You saw me this morning?"

He chuckled softly, pulling her close with one arm and cupping her face with the other, then leaned in to kiss her.

Just as their lips met, a car rounded the corner, its headlights sweeping over them. Song Tan, flustered, buried her face against him. "Someone's there..."

Once the car had passed, she pulled away and walked toward her own car.

Standing by the driver's side, she asked, "Are you riding with me or Uncle Li?"

Ji Fuxi had already opened the passenger door.

It was a twenty-five-minute drive from the studio to the old house.

There were so many things she wanted to say, yet she didn't know where to begin. It also felt as though he already understood without her saying anything—his earlier gaze had seen right through her.

And last night, even earlier—it was as if he always saw everything clearly, silently and strongly embracing her, reaching out to steady her when she couldn't quite make it on her own.

Song Tan suddenly felt completely exposed in front of him.

At a red light, she turned to look at him. His eyes were half-closed; whether from a sleepless night or the fatigue of social engagements, he seemed to be dozing.

But he wasn't. With his eyes still shut, he spoke, his voice lazy, deep, and alluring. "What are you looking at me for?"

Song Tan voiced her question: "Ji Fuxi, have you dated before?"

Otherwise, how could he seem so experienced, so adept at romance?

Asking this made her realize how little they had actually talked about "love" between them.

That night five years ago, he hadn't seemed inexperienced, so he must have had girlfriends before then, right?

And in these five years? They had only been a one-night stand—he had no obligations, so surely he hadn't gone five years without dating anyone?

Her curiosity grew stronger.

But unfortunately, she didn't get an answer, only a curt, "Green light."

Song Tan pursed her lips and straightened up to start the car.

Dodging the question proved it: he had.

When they arrived home, she parked the car and turned off the engine.

As her hand hovered over the seatbelt buckle, the man beside her leaned in.

Looking up, she was met with his deep, unreadable gaze.

She froze, leaning back slightly. "What are you doing?"

Before she could finish, he kissed her, cutting her off.

The kiss that had been interrupted in the parking lot now returned with double the fervor.

Song Tan gradually melted into him, her hands climbing up to the back of his neck.

"Biubiubiu."

"Xiao Chu, don't run!"

Children's voices approached from a distance, interrupting the kiss once again.

Song Tan hurriedly sat up straight.

Two children holding water guns ran past the front of the car, stopping when they saw the people inside. Song Chuqing shouted, "Mom! Dad!"

Song Tan's face was still flushed, and she couldn't meet her eyes.

Ji Fuxi got out of the car first.

As the door opened, they heard voices.

"Uncle, what were you doing in the car?"

Song Chuqing took one look at her mother's red face and immediately understood, giggling. "Haha, Mom and Dad are dating!"

She had just seen her dad kissing her mom, so they're totally dating! Coco says that when a boy and a girl are together, it's called dating~

Song Tan was speechless.

Xiao Chu, where did you pick up such nonsense?!

...

Song Tan sat there a moment longer before going inside.

Ji Jiangdie was in the living room, and the two nodded in greeting.

Dinner was nearly ready, so she went to the backyard to find the siblings.

Aunt Jiang had already prepared two garden beds for the budding gardener, and Song Chuqing was enthusiastically explaining the vegetables she had planted to Yao Peiqiu.

"Go wash up for dinner."

The kids raced over, each taking one of her hands. Song Chuqing looked up at her with a sweet smile. "Hehe, Mama~"

Song Tan glanced down, signaling with her eyes for her to be quiet.

The little girl only grinned even harder.

It was Saturday, and with Ji Jiangdie and Yao Peiqiu visiting, dinner was a feast, packed with the kids' favorites.

Song Chuqing picked food for Great-Grandpa, and Yao Peiqiu did the same, back and forth, until Ji Gaozheng had to stop them. "Alright, that's enough. Eat your own food."

After speaking, he coughed twice. Song Chuqing asked worriedly, "Great-Grandpa, are you feeling unwell?"

Ji Gaozheng coughed again. "I'm fine." Then he changed the subject, asking Ji Jiangdie, "Why didn't Lian Kang come?"

"He's swamped lately. He's still out tonight, wining and dining superiors."

Elder Ji nodded. "Things are shaky lately. Watch him closely—don't let him align himself or act recklessly."

"I know, Grandpa," she said.

Ji Gaozheng glanced over again, looked at Song Tan for a moment, and said to her, "Your circle is too messy. If anything happens, discuss it with Fu Xi in time. Don't lose the watermelon over sesame seeds."

Song Tan replied, "Yes, sir."

"Elder Zuo's birthday is in two days. Later, Fu Xi will fill you in. Don't go in blind and offend anyone."

"Got it."

Beside them, Ji Jiangdie listened, feeling a pang of resentment.

Elder Zuo was a rank higher than Grandpa, yet now his birthday celebration would include her.

She silently picked up a bite of food and said nothing.

Once the adults finished talking, Song Chuqing jumped in. The two children took turns, making their great-grandfather beam.

Song Tan occasionally refilled the little girl's cup with water—otherwise, her throat would go dry.

Watching the old man's smile, Song Tan couldn't help but reflect. In the capital, families like the Ji clan were usually bustling, but by comparison, the Ji family was sparse. Ji Jiangdie's family didn't live in the main house. On weekdays, the couple worked, Song Chuqing went to school, leaving only the old man at home.

Before Song Chuqing was born, the house had been even emptier. She understood more and more why Ji Jiangdie often brought her child back—and why she herself had been accepted. Back then, her gamble had paid off. For an elderly man, wasn't this scene of children and grandchildren gathered around exactly what he longed for?

...

After dinner, Song Chuqing still wanted to play, but Ji Fuxi scooped her upstairs. "You're stinky. Go take a bath."

The little girl obediently complied, sniffing at herself. "Huh? I don't smell! Daddy, where do I smell?"

"..." With Yao Peiqiu here, if he let them keep playing, Song Chuqing wouldn't sleep until ten. Ji Fuxi said solemnly, "I can smell it."

"Okay, bath time!"

After her bath, Ji Fuxi supervised her as she got dressed and put on lotion, then picked up a book for bedtime story.

Song Chuqing's eyes lit up as she remembered something. "Xixi, I forgot to put the watering can away!"

"I'll get it later."

"Okay."

Mid-story, she recalled another thing. "Daddy, tomorrow morning, Gege and I are going on an adventure in the forest. Will you come?"

Behind the house was a small woodland, within the Ji family's grounds and safe. Ji Fuxi said, "Daddy's not coming. Xiao Chu and Gege can have fun."

"Come on, come on!" Song Chuqing shook his leg, deploying her puppy-dog eyes.

Ji Fuxi relented. "Fine, we'll go together."

"Then I'll call Mommy! She'll come too."

The little girl made to scramble off the bed, but Ji Fuxi caught her. "Mommy isn't going."

Her little face puckered in confusion. "Why?"

"...Mommy's been tired lately. Let her sleep well."

That made sense. Mommy had grownup stuff. Mommy needed sleep. Song Chuqing dropped it and returned to the story.

At 8:30, after finishing the book, Ji Fuxi looked down at her still-bright eyes and sighed. "Xiao Chu, not sleepy yet?"

"Nope! Daddy, I want to see the veggies. You said nighttime is when nature's creatures grow and breathe freely. I want to see the veggies breathe!"

Her big eyes shone with curiosity. Ji Fuxi let out a breath, dressed her in a coat, and carried her outside.

Once out, Song Chuqing remembered Yao Peiqiu and directed him to fetch him. Soon, the two children eagerly set off to witness veggies breathing.

At the garden, they crouched, studying the baby vegetables.

Song Chuqing gasped, amazed, as she noticed the leaves, spread open during the day, now slightly curled. "Wow! The veggies are really sleeping!"

Yao Peiqiu: "Yeah!"

Song Chuqing: "Gege, do you see them breathing?"

Yao Peiqiu: "No."

Song Chuqing: "Me neither."

Yao Peiqiu: "Maybe we can't see their noses."

Song Chuqing: "Ohhhh."

Not far behind, the man listened to their back-and-forth, torn between laughter and exasperation. He glanced up at the lighted master bedroom on the second floor and sighed again.

By 9:00, after veggie-breathing observation, they went upstairs. After more coaxing, by 9:30, the little girl finally dozed off.

Ji Fuxi tucked her kicking feet under the blanket, kissed her forehead, and sneaked out.

...

Back in their room, the bedroom and bathroom were empty—Song Tan was in the small study next door.

He walked to the study door.

The just-bathed woman sat at the desk, focused on her laptop, her hair falling loose, expression soft and focused.

He recalled the sadness in her eyes last night. Yet in just a day, it had all vanished.

He'd been worried, making a point to fetch her in the afternoon. But she'd met him with a smile—one carrying something new, something he hadn't seen before.

Ji Fuxi's chest tightened. He felt he hadn't done enough, letting her bear and work through those emotions alone.

Jiarui had a point—heartache was where the fall began. He couldn't pinpoint when it began, but with each pang, he fell further.

He didn't know the definition of love. Maybe it was her identity evolving from being Xiao Chu's mom to his lifelong partner. Maybe it was his urge to give her everything, to shield her from any hurt. Maybe it was how she made him feel more alive, letting him feel love and joy.

Loving her came far easier than he'd ever imagined.

Standing there watching her for two minutes, he knocked.

She looked up, her mouth curling. "Asleep?" she asked.

"Fast asleep."

"You go shower first then."

The man didn't move. As their locked gaze grew more intense, he stepped forward, cupped her face with both hands, dipped his head, and kissed her.

More passionate than ever, their clothes soon fell away. Song Tan was overwhelmed, growing breathless. Gasping between kisses, she managed to say, "Shower first..."

Before she could finish, he lifted her effortlessly, carrying her toward the bathroom.

Song Tan pushed weakly at his chest, "I already showered!"

"Again."

The master bathroom was expansive, divided into a bathtub, shower, and vanity area. A full-length mirror with heating function stood before the vanity, keeping it fog-free during showers.

Under the sound of running water, Song Tan caught sight of herself in the mirror.

The visual impact heightened her sensitivity, her skin flushing deeper than ever—flushed crimson.

Embarrassed yet unable to look away, she let out a shuddering breath.

Moments later, the man stood up, one hand pressing her shoulder while the other gripped her wrist, lifting and pressing it to the fogged glass.

He leaned in, then turned her face toward him, capturing her lips in a kiss.

Song Tan tasted something intimate—her own taste on his lips from earlier.

This small tenderness was unlike him.

He played her body like an instrument.

Capital men were wolves—offering a taste of sweetness first, only to seize control afterward, leaving no room for refusal.

Ji Fuxi was the most formidable businessman in the capital.

They rarely spoke, but tonight, he seemed unusually eager, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke, "Do you have work tomorrow?"

Work...? Yes, a lot. Yet she answered, "No."

"Want to go on an adventure together?"

Song Tan couldn't focus, his relentless pace stealing her coherence. "What?"

He repeated, "Want to go on an adventure together?"

"Now?"

The man chuckled, his voice dark with promise. "Isn't this adventure enough? Do you like it?"

"..."

She did. She loved thrilling adventures.

She craved how he claimed the unknown within her.

"I like it too."

He loved her impossibly soft waist, her skin that flushed at the slightest touch, her breathless pleas, her warmth—everything about her left him insatiable.

The steam became oppressive, eventually fogging the mirror.

Sometime later, the bathroom door opened. Song Tan was carried to the bed, still connected with him as he lay down beside her.

Outside the second-floor master bedroom window stood a mimosa tree, nearly eight meters tall. Lush in spring and summer, it bloomed with beautiful pink flowers in early June, like feathered plumes.

Song Tan gazed out, watching the branches sway.

Yet there seemed to be no wind today.

...

The soaked sheets demanded changing. He went to change them while Song Tan headed for the shower.

The bathroom still hummed with their recent passion. Too embarrassed to stay, she cleaned up quickly and left.

As usual, he took his time showering before returning, cool and refreshed, to pull her into his arms. Studying his composed expression, Song Tan thought of his relentless inventiveness and pressed again for the unanswered question, "Ji Fuxi, how many relationships have you really had?"

Ji Fuxi lowered his gaze, amusement in his eyes. "So eager to know?"

"..." Smooth evasion. Song Tan pouted and dropped it.

But the answer came the next second. "Just you."

Song Tan looked up, startled. "Just me?"

He confirmed, "Yes, just you."

"Really? Don't lie to me."

"I'm not."

"Then five years ago..." He'd moved like a seasoned lover. Or were men just naturally gifted?

Ji Fuxi's eyes glinting with mischief. "What about five years ago?"

She wouldn't compliment his skill, but the topic made her ask, "Ji Fuxi, why didn't you push me away back then?"

That night, she'd entered to find a freshly showered man, his towel slung low on his hips. Both froze, she confirmed she had the wrong room and turned to leave.

But footsteps in the hallway kept passing outside, trapping her there. After several attempts, she glanced back at the now fully dressed man and asked if she could stay a while longer. Of course, he didn't refuse.

An open bottle of wine sat on the suite's living room table, half-finished.

She remembered their second meeting at the hospital and heard his father had recently passed. Maybe he was feeling low.

Her intentions weren't pure, but she hadn't aimed for intimacy—just that this man was a titan of industry, and she wasn't that principled to walk away. So she dropped strategic hints to steer the conversation.

Ji Fuxi naturally ignored her, so she poured herself wine and began talking about her life.

The pressure had been crushing then. As she spoke, the dam broke, while he listened intently—an unexpected anchor.

Then, drunk on wine and want, she sought an outlet.

Knowing this was temporary, she even asked permission before closing the distance.

He didn't refuse.

So she wanted to know why. And more... Song Tan reached up, her thumb tracing his jaw. "Ji Fuxi, do you love me?"

The documents declared he did. Tao Tao said he did. She wasn't a fool—her body knew the truth.

The way he looked at her, held her hand, the silent gestures he made for her, even the burning salt that fell onto her chest.

But her inexperience made her wonder—was this really love?

She wanted confirmation.

Ji Fuxi's gaze sharpened, unwavering as he looked at the woman in front of him, her cheeks still flushed.

Why hadn't he refused?

Hooking up with a stranger—what decent excuse could there be?

But looking back now, she hadn't been a stranger to him at all.

That huge billboard outside the downtown hotel had been there for years. Through all his ups and downs, she seemed to have been by his side.

He was willing to give her an answer. “I might've had some… naughty thoughts about you back then.”

Song Tan was even more shocked, sitting up a little. “You liked me even then?”

Ji Fuxi shook his head. “Not that much.”

She got it, and Song Tan teased with a smile, “Was it because I was too beautiful?”

Yes, too beautiful—so beautiful it made his heart race.

She saw the answer in the flicker of his eyes and leaned in to kiss the corner of his lips, completely satisfied with his response.

But Ji Fuxi still had one question left unanswered. Pulling her closer, he drew her into his life completely.

“Yes, I love you,” he admitted.