Yu Antong chuckled. It's something he usually says without thinking, and had Han Lele not pointed it out, he wouldn't have even noticed. It wasn't intentional flaunting.

Yu Antong thought to himself that it wasn't marriage that changed a person, but becoming a parent.

They exchanged a few more words before Han Lele, presumably caught up with something urgent, ended the call.

Yu Antong intended to discuss a matter with Xing Lixuan once he returned from work. However, a call from Xing revealed he had a business dinner to attend and would be home late.

"Darling, have dinner and get some sleep early. You don’t have to wait up for me," Xing Lixuan said with concern. "Be careful in the shower, don’t slip."

Touched by his care, Yu Antong, patting his belly, mockingly complained, "You really do talk a lot, Xing. We have a non-slip mat in the bathroom. How clumsy do you think I am? You worry too much."

Xing Lixuan chuckled, "Can't help it, I’m always worried about you. Maybe skip the bath tonight? You don't go out much; missing a day or two won’t hurt."

"Do you see me as a little baby?" Yu Antong said with a laugh, "Come on, I'm in my twenties. I can certainly manage a bath. If you're this cautious now, how will you be when I'm heavily pregnant?"

Picturing a humorous scene, Yu Antong teased, "I might be fine, but you’ll end up with pre-birth anxiety."

"You ungrateful little thing," Xing Lixuan laughed in response, "It's because I care and love you so much. You're my precious."

It was rare for the typically reserved Xing Lixuan to express affection so openly, so Yu Antong was taken aback, despite the occasional pet names they shared.

Apart from the time when he learned of the pregnancy which prompted Xing Lixuan's heartfelt confession, this reserved man rarely wore his heart on his sleeve.

Slightly startled, Yu Antong teased, "Since when did you become so cheesy, Xing Lixuan?"

"You're calling me cheesy now?" Xing Lixuan countered, "I thought you liked it. Remember how you insisted I call you 'darling'? And don’t call me by my full name."

Yu Antong mischievously played with a tassel on a cushion, pretending to be puzzled, "Then what should I call you, Xing Lixuan?"

The more Xing Lixuan protested, the more Yu Antong teased him by calling his name with a feigned innocence.

"Trying to provoke me, aren't you?" Xing Lixuan, unable to contain his amusement, said, "Be a good boy and call me 'husband'."

"Hello? Xing Lixuan? What did you say? There seems to be a signal issue; I can barely hear you. Can you hear me, Xing Lixuan? Respond if you can!"

"You're being deliberately mischievous," Xing Lixuan huffed, attempting to regain his authority, "Just wait until I get home."

Energized by the playful threat, Yu Antong quipped, "What will you do? Handcuff me to the bed and use a baton on me? Or lock me up where no one can hear my screams?"

"I'd shout at the top of my lungs! You'd chastise me for even uttering another man's name in our bed, threatening me that I'd be bedridden for days. Oh, I'm so silly."

Yu Antong, amused by his own antics, burst into laughter, clutching a pillow.

Xing Lixuan: "..."

Xing Lixuan momentarily considered posting a plea online: "Wife is pregnant but overly enthusiastic about certain things. What should do? Urgent!"

"Is the signal better now? No more disruptions? Can you hear me?"

Still playful, Yu Antong responded, "I don't know what's wrong with the signal. It's so erratic. As it’s getting colder, maybe you should acquire all the major telecom companies tomorrow, Xing Lixuan!"

Yu Antong, having fun calling him by his full name, decided not to use the term 'husband' and continued to playfully address him.

Xing Lixuan mused to himself, things that come too easily aren’t treasured. It wasn’t long ago that someone shamelessly pestered him for hugs and kisses, and now she won't even use endearing terms.

Xing Li Xuan had never really considered it before. Initially, when Yu An Tong called him "husband", it made him feel uneasy and uncomfortable. But now, when she didn't call him that, he felt odd. It was a significant change.

"Knock, knock, knock!" Xing Li Xuan's assistant entered and said, "Mr. Xing, it's time to head to the banquet venue."

Xing Li Xuan nodded to acknowledge that he understood.

Once the assistant left, Xing Li Xuan checked the time on his phone. Their call had unknowingly lasted over half an hour. Yet, he felt as though they had barely spoken a few words. Time had flown so fast. Had it not been for the assistant's reminder, he wouldn't have wanted to end the call.

Xing Li Xuan, who always valued efficiency and time, now realized why some couples could talk on the phone for hours, discussing seemingly meaningless trivialities. He now understood that when with someone you like, any activity feels delightful, and enjoyable moments seem to pass exceptionally quickly.

Activities that he once considered a waste of time, he now enjoyed them himself, indulging completely.

"Baby, let's stop talking, I have to leave," Xing Li Xuan told Yu An Tong. "Listen, don't take a bath tonight, go to bed soon."

"Mm, okay," Yu An Tong agreed. "Be careful on the road, and you'll probably drink at the banquet. Make sure your assistant is with you, and let him drive you home."

"Alright." Even if Yu An Tong hadn't mentioned it, Xing Li Xuan would have had his assistant accompany him.

"Let's hang up," Yu An Tong quickly added, "Wait, wait! Don’t hang up just yet."

"I'm here, what is it?" Xing Li Xuan thought she had another endearing reminder, but then he heard her say,

"If you drink too much, go to the guest room when you come home. I and our baby won't share a bed with a drunk."

Xing Li Xuan, expecting a loving reminder, felt as though a bucket of cold water had been poured on him. No endearment, just pure disdain.

He paused for a second and said, "Hello? The signal seems bad again. Baby, I couldn't hear you. I'll talk to you when I get home."

Listening to the call ending tone on her phone, Yu An Tong felt like she had shot herself in the foot.

Sly husband, learning so quickly!

Yu An Tong didn't bathe but soaked her feet in warm water to alleviate fatigue.

The foot spa she used was an advanced electric model with a foot massage feature. Xing Li Xuan bought it specially for her, knowing that in the late stages of pregnancy, one might experience swollen and sore legs.

Yu An Tong usually enjoyed baths and didn't specifically soak her feet. So, this appliance had remained unused until now.

She started on the lowest setting. A faint buzzing came, and the massage balls under her feet felt soothing, albeit a bit soft.

She then turned it to the highest setting. The buzzing grew louder, and the sensation was much more pronounced, making her shiver with comfort.

This device was extremely useful. She regretted not trying it out sooner.

The design of this electric foot spa resembled antique wooden tubs. She thought it looked ugly, reminiscent of something older folks would use. It didn't match her elegant, refined aura at all.

It even had wellness and sleep modes. Yu An Tong tried each one, soaking her feet until the water cooled, then dried her feet and went to bed.

As she lay down, she remembered that during their long phone call, she had forgotten to mention the gourmet TV show to Xing Li Xuan.

Let it be. It's hard to clarify over a quick call anyway. We can discuss it tomorrow.

In the most prestigious five-star hotel banquet hall of Jiang City, an assembly of the social elite, dressed in their finest, mingle amidst the gleam of silk and clink of glasses.

"For this building material bid, we owe a huge thanks to Mr. Xing for granting our company this opportunity," a middle-aged businessman, with a noticeable beer belly, raises his glass to Xing Li Xuan, "Here's to your ever-growing success, Mr. Xing."

"To have won the bid speaks volumes of your company's strengths. Outshining numerous competitors is a testament to your competent leadership, Mr. Zhao, and the capability of your firm," Xing Li Xuan replied with careful precision, "If Mr. Zhao offers a toast, I'm bound to accept."

Xing Li Xuan took a sip and explained, "However, my family is strict about drinking. I shouldn't overindulge." It was a respectful nod to Mr. Zhao's gesture.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhao laughed heartily, "Who would've thought, the astute Mr. Xing can be domesticated at home?"

"Li Xuan, there you are! I've been searching for you," Qi Jingyao, dressed in a wine-red suit exuding a blend of seriousness and flamboyance, approached with his drink.

Noticing others joining, Mr. Zhao tactfully excused himself, "Mr. Xing, you two chat. I'll go greet Mr. Wang."

Xing Li Xuan nodded in acknowledgment and then inquired, "What did you want, Jingyao?"

Qi Jingyao scanned the vicinity and asked, "Where's your wife? She didn't come with you?"

Usually, one might bring a companion to such events to enhance the ambiance. In the past, Xing Li Xuan always attended alone, with his assistant waiting in the car.

But that was before he was married. Now that he's wedded and deeply in love, why wouldn't he bring his partner?

Xing Li Xuan replied, "She sleeps early and doesn't drink."

After exchanging pleasantries with a group of business partners, Bao Ji joined the conversation, jokingly commenting, "If you didn’t want to introduce her to us, just say so. Why make excuses?"

"In all seriousness, when can we officially dine with your wife and get to know her better?" Qi Jingyao remarked, "The wedding doesn’t count. We doubted its longevity back then, but now that you two are deeply bonded, it's only right for us brothers to send our blessings."

Burning text

Bao Ji teased, "Are you wishing them well or just angling for a free meal?"

A few days ago, after dining with Qi Jingyao, he mentioned wanting to savor a meal personally prepared by Yu An Tong at Xing Li Xuan’s home. This led Bao Ji to suspect ulterior motives.

He’s probably just craving the dishes prepared by Xing's wife!

A note from the author:

Tong Tong asks for advice: "My husband isn't very proactive. Is there something wrong with his mindset?"

I caught a cold and felt sleepy. Apologies for updating so late after a nap.

A big thank you to the angels who supported me with votes and 'nutrition liquid' between 2020-01-19 22:02:50 and 2020-01-20 23:32:44.

Shoutout to the 'nutrition liquid' donors: hugh? (10 bottles), Xiao Bao Bu Song (4 bottles), Mo Ying じ (1 bottle).

Your support means the world to me. I promise to keep striving!

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