In the villa, the evening was peaceful.
Chen Mo stood behind Xiao Yu, carefully drying her hair with a hair dryer. Every time she washed her hair, this task naturally fell to him—a small ritual they'd grown used to, a quiet moment of affection and routine.
The TV played softly in the background, reporting on the latest craze—holographic projectors.
These futuristic devices needed no advertising. The media was already saturated with coverage, and the demand was through the roof. Production had just begun, and with no outside factories involved, supply was still tight. Every batch sold out within moments.
Chen Mo barely paid attention to the profits. He left the company's operations to others—his focus remained firmly on research.
"Honey, do you have time tomorrow?" Xiao Yu suddenly asked.
"It's the weekend, so yes," Chen Mo replied. "Why? Where do you want to go?"
"It's Xinxin's birthday tomorrow. She asked if we could come celebrate with her."
"Right, I almost forgot," Chen Mo said, smacking his forehead lightly. "You're right, it's about that time."
"You forgot your sister's birthday?"
"Well, we've passed her lunar calendar birthday already. Been busy, I didn't keep track. But still, why didn't she call me?"
"She said you're too busy and didn't want to bother you."
"I'm not that busy," Chen Mo said, turning off the hair dryer. "Most days, I'm just tinkering. I haven't seen Xinxin in a while—it'll be good to catch up."
"Mm." Xiao Yu smiled.
The room settled into a soft quiet again. The hum of the hair dryer faded, replaced only by the gentle sound of the TV. Xiao Yu leaned back, enjoying the pampering. Each time Chen Mo ran his fingers through her hair, it sent warmth through her chest.
Then she said it.
"Hubby," she murmured.
"Hmm?"
"I want to have a baby."
Chen Mo paused.
Then gently tucked a few loose strands of her hair behind her ear, pulling her into his arms. "Is it your mom again? Pressuring you to give her a grandchild?"
Xiao Yu chuckled. "She always brings it up when we talk—wants to hold a grandchild. But no, this time it's not her. It's me. I want one."
She looked up at him, her eyes soft and filled with sweetness.
Chen Mo gazed back at her. "Once the large-scale holographic projector is officially released, we'll hold our wedding ceremony. But I don't want you walking down the aisle with a baby bump, okay?"
"Really?" Xiao Yu's eyes lit up with joy.
"Of course. When have I ever lied to you? The wedding won't be far off—I've already started planning. After that, we can start our family."
"For me, it doesn't matter if I'm pregnant or not."
"It matters to me," Chen Mo said firmly. "People can talk about me all they want—but I won't let them say anything about you. I want everything to be perfect for you."
Xiao Yu stared at him, deeply moved.
Moments later, she leaned in, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him.
Binhai University.
Unlike the hustle of city life, the university campus was calm and full of energy.
It was the weekend, so foot traffic was lighter than usual, but the students still moved about with youthful vibrancy. Despite the winter chill, the fashion on display was trendy and bright.
As Chen Mo's car passed through the university gate, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia. It had been a while since he'd last stepped on campus.
He hadn't visited since graduating—not even once to see his sister, Zhang Xinxin, who was now a student here. He felt a little guilty about that.
He parked not far from the girls' dormitory, and Xiao Yu called Xinxin to come out.
Moments later, a lively girl with styled hair and a bright smile dashed out the dormitory doors. It was Zhang Xinxin, all dressed up.
"Brother!" she beamed, running up to him and wrapping her arms around his arm.
"You're a grown woman now. Still acting like a kid?" Chen Mo teased, ruffling her hair.
Xinxin had grown a lot—more mature in appearance—but in his eyes, she would always be the cheeky little sister.
"I don't care. If I don't get married, you'll just have to raise me forever," she grinned.
"Hopeless," Chen Mo muttered, knocking her lightly on the head.
Noticing some curious stares from nearby students, Chen Mo quickly opened the car door, motioning for the two girls to get in. He didn't want to attract attention or let anyone realize that his sister studied here.
"Brother, where's my gift?" Xinxin asked as soon as she got in the car.
"You're not shy at all, huh?" Chen Mo chuckled.
Xiao Yu pulled out two small boxes and handed them over. "Here. This is your birthday gift from both of us. Open it and see if you like it."
"Thanks, Sis Yu. Thanks, bro!" Xinxin said excitedly as she opened the first box.
Inside was a beautiful necklace from Xiao Yu. Her eyes sparkled as she took it out and asked Xiao Yu to help her put it on right away.
The second box left her stunned.
It was a phone—sleek, elegant, but nothing like the Butterfly Eye or any other known model from Marching Ant.
"What kind of phone is this?"
"It's a prototype of my new holographic phone," Chen Mo said calmly.
"Whoa, really?" Xinxin was ecstatic, turning the device over in her hands and immediately powering it on.
She had been following Marching Ant's developments closely, and talk of a future holographic phone had been buzzing all over the internet. To actually hold one—before it even launched—was like holding a piece of the future.
"But the holographic mode is currently locked," Chen Mo added. "You won't be able to use the projection feature yet."
"What? Why not?" she pouted.
"It hasn't been mass-produced. This is just an early unit, not meant for the public yet. I gave it to you early for your birthday—but keep it under wraps, okay? If this leaks, reporters will be hounding you non-stop."
"I figured," Xinxin nodded. "Once people find out I have this, they'll start asking where it came from. That's why I've never told anyone you're my brother. I just want to live a quiet life—not get chased around by journalists or fake friends."
She gave a cheeky smile. "So, since this gift can't be fully used yet, I want another one."
Chen Mo raised an eyebrow. "I didn't prepare a second gift."
"No problem. You've got money, right? You can come shopping with me and Sis Yu—and you're paying," Xinxin declared boldly.
Chen Mo laughed. "Fine, today's your day. Buy whatever you want."