The mansion gates closed behind Zhang Liu as he stepped into the courtyard, the evening air brushing against his face like a whisper. The lanterns had already been lit, casting soft pools of golden light across the stone path. The house stood quiet, dignified, and still—yet something felt missing.
He paused at the entrance, eyes scanning the hallway. No footsteps. No voice. No Lin Mei.
His heart sank, just slightly. She didn't come again, he thought. Not even today.
The disappointment was sharp, but he swallowed it quickly. She must be tired, he reasoned. She had just given birth a moment ago. A responsible husband wouldn't be petty about such things.
He straightened his collar, adjusted his sleeves, and stepped inside.
Yulan, the head maid, was already moving with quiet efficiency. She turned to another maid and said, "Go to Master Zhang. Tell him to freshen up and come to the dining room. I'll wake Madam."
The younger maid bowed and walked briskly toward Zhang Liu, who was already halfway to the stairs.
"Master Zhang," she said gently, "Madam is resting. Head Maid Yulan will assist her. Please change and come to the dining room."
Zhang Liu frowned. "I want to see Lin Mei and the child first."
The maid hesitated. "Madam is still recovering. It's best if you change first."
He felt irritation rise in his chest. Why must everything be so formal? But then he caught a whiff of his own clothes—office sweat, city dust, the stale scent of a long day.
She wouldn't like this. The children wouldn't either.
He nodded curtly and turned toward his room. Within minutes, he had changed into a fresh robe, combed his magenta colored hair, and washed his face. He looked into the mirror, trying to read his own expression. Calm. Presentable. Ready.
He walked toward Lin Mei's room, heart quickening.
Inside, Lin Mei had already stirred from sleep. Her eyes were still heavy, her body aching, but she had begun to move toward the dining room. The dream she'd been pulled from lingered in her mind—her children laughing, growing, a peaceful home. Strangely, Zhang Liu had not appeared in it. Not strange, she thought. Just honest.
As she reached for the door, it opened abruptly. Zhang Liu stood there, breath slightly uneven, eyes searching.
She frowned instinctively, then softened. He must be excited, she thought. Let him see the boy.
Yulan stood beside her, calm and composed.
Zhang Liu stepped in, eyes flicking from Lin Mei's tired face to the head maid's presence. "Lin Mei," he said, voice low, "How are you? Was everything alright? Did you feel pain? Should I have come earlier?"
The questions spilled out, one after another, like water from a cracked jar.
Lin Mei's temples throbbed. He's always like this, she thought. There was no problem until he arrived.
"I'm fine," she said, voice clipped. "Doctor said I should rest for a week."
She gestured toward the corner of the room, where Lin Kai lay on a soft blanket, his tiny hands reaching toward Lin Ming and Lin Ling, who were playing beside him. Lin Yu was curled up nearby, already asleep.
Zhang Liu's gaze followed her hand. His breath caught. There he is.
He stepped forward, wanting to touch Lin Mei's shoulder, to thank her, to embrace her. But as he reached out, she moved aside—subtle, but unmistakable.
Yulan stepped forward, her voice quiet but firm. "Master Zhang, please see the child first. Madam is still tired. His name is Lin Kai. Dinner will be served shortly."
Zhang Liu's hand dropped. His mood shifted. She won't even let me touch her.
He turned to Lin Mei. "Why didn't you consult me about the name?"
Lin Mei's eyes narrowed. "You named all three girls earlier. I didn't object. I have the right to name my son. You can't object now."
Her tone was calm, but final.
Zhang Liu opened his mouth, then closed it. She's right, he admitted silently. I can't argue with that.
He turned away, shoulders heavy, and walked toward the children.
Lin Ming saw him first. "Papa!" she cried, running to hug him.
Lin Ling followed, her steps graceful, her arms wrapping around his waist.
His mood lifted slightly. At least they're happy to see me.
He knelt beside Lin Yu, who was still sleeping, and kissed her forehead gently. Then he turned to Lin Kai.
The boy looked up, eyes wide, violet and clear. His hair was soft black, with streaks of red glinting under the lantern light.
Unique, Zhang Liu thought. That red… it must be from me. The eyes—those are hers.
Lin Kai giggled, a soft sound like wind through chimes.
Zhang Liu smiled. He's watching me. Studying me.
He reached out, cradled the boy gently, and felt a strange warmth bloom in his chest. He's mine. He's perfect.
He played with Lin Kai for a few minutes, letting the boy grasp his fingers, watching him mimic the movements of his sisters. Then Yulan's voice came from the doorway.
"Master Zhang, dinner is ready. We'll care for the children."
Zhang Liu nodded, placed Lin Kai gently back on the blanket.
Lin Mei stepped forward, lifted the boy into her arms, and whispered in his ear, her voice soft and melodic. "Mama's going to eat now. I'll play with you later."
She kissed his forehead, her smile tender, her eyes glowing.
"Girls," she said, "take care of your brother. The maids will help you eat."
Zhang Liu watched her. She never smiles like that for me, he thought. I fulfilled the contract. We should be happy now.
He swallowed the thought and walked toward the dining room. Lin Mei followed, her steps quiet.
They sat at the table, the maids serving food with practiced grace. Silence hung between them, thick and unmoving.
Zhang Liu glanced at her once, then again. She didn't meet his eyes.
After dinner, they rose together, walking slowly toward their rooms. The hallway was dim, the lanterns casting long shadows.
Zhang Liu stopped.
"Lin Mei," he said quietly, "can I… sleep with you and the children tonight?"
She paused. Her body stiffened. The air shifted.
She turned slowly, her face unreadable, her eyes steady.
And then she began to speak…
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Author's Note:
For those who are confused on color, I can clarify this. Magenta color is like mix of pink-purple color and those with this hair color can have their child inherited red hair color from the recessive gene, and the twin sisters also inherit this from their father. All within logic, hahaha😂😂😂