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On the eve of their wedding, Shen Du took Yao Nian to see a suite. It was a townhouse with three levels, including a basement, and it came with a small yard.
Deciding to buy the house was somewhat of a whim for Shen Du. After graduating, Yao Nian had moved all her belongings into the apartment, and being a girl who loved beauty, Shen Du noticed one day while organizing the closet that her clothes, bags, and jewelry were crammed inside, making it feel a bit crowded. The layout of the apartment was originally designed without much room for change, which sparked the idea of buying another place where he could set up a separate dressing room for Yao Nian.
In a city like Shanghai, where every inch of land is precious, Yao Nian couldn't help but think that Shen Du was being extravagant. "Lawyer Shen, are you really spending so much just to get married?"
Shen Du remained noncommittal. "Isn't this just planning to keep a beauty in a golden house?"
As they pushed open the white picket fence in the yard, a round little head peeked in from the doorway.
The little girl looked about four years old, exquisitely delicate with features like finely carved jade. She wore a bright yellow beret and a mini qipao in matching colors. Her big eyes blinked curiously as she stared at them.
Yao Nian was instantly charmed by the little girl and crouched down in front of her. "Are you here alone, little one?"
She pointed next door and said in a sweet voice, "I came out to play!"
Shen Du glanced outside and guessed she must belong to the neighbors.
The little girl tilted her head at Yao Nian and asked, "Sister, do you live here? I’ve never seen you before."
Yao Nian adjusted her beret and smiled. "What if I become your neighbor from now on?"
The girl rolled her eyes toward Shen Du. "Does this uncle live here too?"
Shen Du felt an inexplicable sense of melancholy.
Yao Nian chuckled and pinched the girl's chubby cheek. "What’s your name?"
"I’m Xu Yuan," she replied proudly. "I make wishes! You know, when everyone has their birthday, they blow out candles and make wishes."
"Really?" Yao Nian smiled brightly at her. "Then how about we take you home now? Your mom and dad might be worried if they can't find you."
"Huh?" Little Xu Yuan's round face was filled with confusion. "Why do you call yourself 'Auntie'? My mom says not to call girls 'Auntie' casually."
Yao Nian glanced at Shen Du and winked. "This uncle is my husband."
Yao Nian had various ways of addressing him; during normal conversations, she usually referred to him as "you," teased him with "Lawyer Shen," and when she was angry, she would call him by his full name. Occasionally, very occasionally when she felt playful, she would deliberately call him "Uncle Shen."
This was the first time Shen Du had heard her call him that, and the impact was indeed quite significant. He pretended not to hear clearly, asking, "What did you say?" Even though he had heard her perfectly, he still feigned ignorance.
Yao Nian leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear as she elongated the word: "Husband."
The corners of the man's mouth couldn't help but curve into a smile. "I'm here."
Yao Nian held Xiao Xiyuan's hand and walked her home. When they reached the neighboring house, she raised her hand to ring the doorbell, but before she could do so, the door swung open from the inside.
The woman in front of them looked anxious, dressed in loungewear with a khaki cashmere shawl draped over her shoulders. Her long hair was loosely tied up at the back of her head. Despite her simple appearance, it couldn't hide her ethereal charm.
"Mom!" Xiao Xiyuan called out excitedly.
Cong Ye paused for a moment, visibly relieved. "Where have you been?"
Xiao Xiyuan replied with enthusiasm, "We have neighbors now!"
Only then did Cong Ye notice Yao Nian and Shen Du standing in front of her. "I'm sorry! Thank you for bringing her back. I didn't realize she had run out."
Yao Nian was somewhat surprised; if it weren't for Xiao Xiyuan calling her "Mom," she would never have guessed that this woman had given birth. She looked too well-maintained.
"No need to be polite," Yao Nian smiled. "Since we've delivered her safely, we'll take our leave now."
Xiao Xiyuan tugged at Yao Nian's hand, unwilling to let go. "Auntie, my dad bought me a super big Shelly Mae at Disneyland yesterday! Do you want to see it?"
Yao Nian didn't know how to refuse this enthusiastic little girl and awkwardly said, "Maybe next time?"
Cong Ye chuckled and invited them in. "Come on in! I made raspberry cake; let's all try some together!"
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