Summer was fading into autumn.
Under Chen Xiaoxi's suggestion, Zhang Yichen bought a light-purple casual shirt paired with fitted slacks. Coincidentally, Xiaoxi was wearing the lavender dress he had picked out for her earlier.
Together, they looked like a perfect pair—golden boy and jade girl. Their matching presence drew countless eyes in the mall.
At just the right moment, Li Yue snapped a photo of Xiaoxi adjusting Yichen's collar. Then she discreetly followed and caught another shot of her pulling out a bank card to pay.
With that, the mall's "paparazzi mission" was complete.
But since Yichen had chosen to step into the spotlight, one outfit was far from enough. Despite his reluctance, Xiaoxi insisted on choosing a sports set for him as well.
When they finally stepped out of the mall, Xiaoxi clung to Yichen's arm, unease flickering in her gaze.
"Ah Chen, aren't we being too high-profile like this?"
Yichen smiled faintly, tucking a strand of her loose hair behind her ear."Xiaoxi, the entertainment industry is built on being high-profile. What we want is exactly this attention."
Her lips pressed together, the uncertainty in her eyes slowly giving way to determination."Alright. From now on, I'll listen to everything you say."
The truth was, Xiaoxi only knew how to sing. She had never understood the filth and schemes of the entertainment circle. All the attention she once received came purely from her voice.
She was pure, a true singer, a proud artist… and also a timid woman.
So when she discovered her pregnancy, her only instinct had been to run. To flee from her beloved career, from the dazzling stage, from the glamorous industry she once ruled.
And in the end, she had made a mess of her life.
Fortunately, fate had brought her Zhang Yichen.
She was lucky.
Next, they headed to the hospital, where the "photo mission" went smoothly. Along the way, they also got checkups for Xiaoxi and the baby.
The baby was perfectly healthy.
Xiaoxi, however, was in terrible condition. Her body was full of hidden problems, and the doctors strongly advised immediate hospitalization.
Yichen rejected it outright. He believed his own methods were more effective than any hospital treatment. The only reason he had agreed to this checkup was so Xiaoxi could clearly see her condition.
Unfortunately, Yue flat-out refused to be examined—otherwise, Yichen could have proven his medical skill on the spot.
By the time everything was done, it was nearly noon.
"Aiyo! Your sister's exhausted!" Yue groaned, dragging her feet after running errands all morning.
"Yue, thank you," Xiaoxi said softly. "Why don't we go grab something to eat?"
"Let's eat at home. I'll cook a medicinal meal for you." Yichen's gaze was warm and indulgent.
Xiaoxi looked up at him, lips curving into a smile."Alright, whatever you say."
Yue hugged the baby, muttering under her breath."These two never stop showing off their love. Poor me, just the extra wheel here."
She seemed to have forgotten that from now on, living together meant endless "public displays."
Hearing her grumbling, Yichen nearly laughed.
He had helped the orphanage dean care for children since he was small, so he knew exactly how heavy a baby could get. After a whole morning of carrying one, Yue's arms would probably be useless tomorrow.
"Yue, how does it feel? My daughter let you hold her all morning—satisfied yet?"
Yue rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile."Satisfied? Impossible. I could never get enough."
She lowered her head, gently tapping the baby's cheek."This little one is too cute. I can't bear to let her go."
Yichen chuckled and took the baby back."Alright, don't strain yourself. When we get home, let Xiaoxi massage your arms."
"Tch!" Yue stretched her sore arms. "You'd let Xiaoxi massage me? As if you'd share her hands!"
Xiaoxi laughed, looping her arm through Yue's."Don't worry, I'll do it. Who else would I help if not you? I can't exactly let Ah Chen massage you, right?"
"Ew, no thanks. He's your man, not mine!" Yue made a face.
The three of them bickered their way back to the car.
This time, Yichen took the wheel.
In this life, he had gotten his license less than a month ago with little practice. But in his previous life, he had been an experienced driver—his skills far surpassed Yue's.
In just over ten minutes, he smoothly drove them to the gates of the Sichuan Luxury Villas.
This residential area bordered the sea to the south and Phoenix Mountain to the north. It was the most luxurious neighborhood in the city, home only to the rich and powerful.
At the entrance, there was even a community service center. No need to go to a separate market—everything Yichen needed was sold there, though at thirty percent higher prices.
But really, who living in a mansion like this would care about vegetable prices? Yichen certainly didn't.
Groceries in hand, they followed Yue's directions and arrived at Villa No. 8.
As the gates automatically swung open, Yichen drove in and realized this wasn't just a house—it was a full courtyard estate.
The villa had three floors above ground and a basement garage, covering nearly 2,000 square meters. The yard itself was over 1,200 square meters. Each floor was massive—the first alone about 800, with the second and third combined reaching another thousand.
No wonder even the cheapest homes here cost over a billion.
This was a mansion. A true mansion.
Of course, Yichen had lived in such places in his past life, so he remained calm. He didn't gawk like a country bumpkin stepping into a palace.
That steadiness only made Xiaoxi and Yue admire him more.
Yichen parked, stepped out, and carefully took the baby from Xiaoxi. The child was sleeping soundly, her tiny face pressed against his chest like a soft kitten.
He looked down, a tender smile tugging at his lips."Sleeping so sweetly."
Xiaoxi followed, her gaze sweeping over the vast courtyard and villa. Memories stirred in her chest.
She had once owned a house like this. But to pay her contract breach penalty, she had been forced to sell it.
Her fingers brushed the cold car door, her heart aching faintly."Yue, this house… it's too beautiful."
Yue swung her sore arm and looped it through Xiaoxi's."So? Pretty good choice, right? From now on, this is our home."
Meeting Yue's proud gaze, Xiaoxi could only smile helplessly."You… always so extravagant. I don't even know what to say."
Yichen walked up with the baby, his eyes calmly scanning the villa's walls as though it were any ordinary apartment."Save the emotions for later. Let's go inside and see first."
With that, he led the way and pushed the door open.
Inside, a bright, spacious living room welcomed them. The design was minimalistic yet luxurious, every piece of furniture blending seamlessly into the overall style.
On the first floor alone, there was a living room, kitchen, study, dining room, guest lounge, tea room, gym, and more. Everything one could ask for—except bedrooms.
Those, Yue had deliberately placed on the second and third floors. She herself lived on the third.
"The interior is quite stylish," Yichen remarked.
"Of course. From design to materials to construction, I oversaw every detail myself," Yue replied proudly.
"Good. When Xiaoxi and I buy our own place in the future, we'll leave the renovations to you."
Yichen never hesitated to assign her tasks.
"Fine, fine. You're the boss, so whatever you say goes." Yue sighed in surrender.
"Alright, I'll head to the kitchen and make lunch. Leave the luggage to me later. You two should rest for now."
With that, Yichen carried the groceries into the kitchen without looking back.