When Chen Mo arrived home, the rich aroma of home-cooked food greeted him.
In the dining area, Chen Mu and Xiao Yu's mother were just placing the final hot dishes on the table. Xiao Yu turned to welcome him with a smile, while Xin Xin and Xiao Man, busy playing games nearby, looked up and waved hello.
Chen Mo set down his backpack, changed into house slippers, and made his way to the table.
The two elders were in high spirits—clearly because Xiao Yu's injury had fully healed.
"Xiao Yu, eat more," Shao Xuemei said with a hint of concern. "You've lost weight from the injury."
Recently, Xiao Yu had been at home, constantly being fed nourishing soups and tonics, practically treated like she was being fattened up. But in the eyes of a mother, the child was always too thin. Xiao Yu could only nod in resignation.
"Now that the wound's healed, your body needs to recover. If you plan to get pregnant, you'll need to build your strength."
"Exactly," Chen Mu chimed in with a chuckle.
Xiao Yu's cheeks flushed pink. "Mom, we haven't even started talking about that yet."
"Well, you should start preparing," Shao Xuemei replied playfully.
Their back-and-forth made Xiao Yu blush harder, while Xiao Man and Xin Xin giggled, teasing her with knowing looks before quickly burying their heads in their bowls.
"Xiao Mo," Chen Mu said, switching to a more serious tone, "since Xiao Yu is better now, your mother and I are thinking of heading back home tomorrow. You have to take good care of her, understood?"
"Mom, why don't you two stay a little longer?" Chen Mo asked, setting down his chopsticks.
"We've spent most of our lives in Huacheng. That's where all our friends and family are. Here, we don't even have anyone to talk to. Everything at home is managed by robots and the housekeeper now—we don't even have chores to do. If Xiao Yu hadn't taken us out shopping these past few days, we might've gone stir-crazy," Shao Xuemei said with a smile.
"You and Xiao Yu are young and busy with work. You can't be expected to stay home and keep us company all day. Besides, your father is alone at home—someone needs to be there with him."
Xiao Yu's mother nodded in agreement.
Chen Mo could only sigh and accept it.
Elders had their own rhythm and habits, and no matter how luxurious life became, they couldn't be expected to settle into a life of idle leisure. Forcing them would only make them uncomfortable.
"All right. Just take care of your health when you go back. Travel with Dad from time to time, relax."
"We will," both elders replied in unison.
"Xiao Man, are you staying with your sister for a while?" Chen Mo turned to her.
"Of course! Don't worry, brother-in-law—I'm not going to be shy about it. Living in a house like this has always been a dream," Xiao Man said with a grin. "But I can only stay for a bit longer. I have to head back soon to finish my graduation project."
After dinner, the whole family took a stroll through the night market before returning home.
Later that night, Chen Mo sat on the edge of the bed, holding a small ring box in his hand.
It was a custom-designed wedding ring from Psychic Jewelry, delivered just that day.
The ring shimmered like silk, the colors perfectly matching the design he had submitted. Under the soft light, its faint glimmer sparkled subtly. Every detail—every curve—was flawlessly crafted, revealing the care and effort of a meticulous jeweler.
For the past while, Chen Mo had been consumed with his plans for revenge against the CIA.
But now that it was behind him, it was time to shift his focus back to the woman he loved.
Xiao Yu had been hurt because of him. The least he could do was make her happy, make her feel cherished.
As he mulled over how best to present the ring, the bathroom door creaked open.
Startled, Chen Mo hurriedly slipped the box behind him—then froze when he looked up.
Xiao Yu stepped out, her skin still dewy from her shower, delicate and radiant. Her long hair cascaded down over her shoulders, just barely covering her soft, porcelain skin. The white silk nightdress she wore clung to her form and shimmered slightly under the light, revealing the graceful curves beneath.
Chen Mo's heartbeat quickened.
"Husband... do I look good?" she asked coyly.
She had noticed his gaze, and it made her heart flutter with delight. Every woman longs to be admired by the man she loves—Xiao Yu was no exception.
"You look incredible," Chen Mo whispered.
He stepped forward, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her close. But then his eyes caught the faint pink mark on her shoulder.
The wound had healed beautifully, leaving only a thumb-sized scar and a soft pink trace.
"The scab just fell off," Xiao Yu murmured, touching the mark with her fingertips. "But I think this scar might not fade."
Her skin was pale and flawless. Against it, even a small scar stood out starkly. Wearing off-shoulder or sleeveless dresses in the future would make it impossible to hide.
"It'll fade," Chen Mo said gently, sensing her insecurity. "Don't worry."
In the Science and Technology Library, there were plenty of ointment formulas for removing scars—basic stuff from the early apprenticeship phase. Chen Mo had always focused on high-tech fields, never bothering with cosmetics or skincare. But now, he had a reason to revisit those formulas.
If Xiao Yu needed it, he would make it.
"What if it doesn't go away?" she asked, looking at him.
Chen Mo lightly pinched her nose. "Then I'll draw a little Peppa Pig on it. You'll be a proper socialite."
"I don't want to be a socialite," she laughed. "If it doesn't fade, I'll draw a flower over it and become a seductive little fairy."
"You don't need to become anything. You're already enchanting enough to me," he replied. "But the scar will fade. Trust me."
"Mm." Xiao Yu nodded and nestled into his arms. She felt safe and cherished.
Then, tilting her head up, she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.
"You close your eyes. I have a surprise for you," Chen Mo said with a grin.
"Okay," she said sweetly, closing her eyes with anticipation.
Chen Mo took the ring box from behind his back and held it in front of her.
"All right, open them."
"Wow!"
Her eyes lit up like stars. She gasped in delight and snatched the box from his hands.
It was the wedding ring Chen Mo had designed for her.
She'd only seen it in holographic projections, dreaming of the day it would be real. And now, it was here—gorgeous and even more beautiful than she had imagined.
"You like it?" he asked.
"I love it." Xiao Yu hugged the box to her chest, beaming.
"Such a silly girl. You don't want to try it on?" Chen Mo teased.
"You put it on me," she said, handing him the box and extending her hand expectantly.
Chen Mo smiled and slid the ring onto her finger.
Xiao Yu stared at it, mesmerized, not willing to look away.
Watching her, Chen Mo felt a deep warmth blossom in his heart.
This woman... was the one he wanted to protect for the rest of his life.
"Husband..." Xiao Yu whispered, her eyes soft with emotion. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again.
The next morning, Chen Mo woke to the gentle touch of soft fingers caressing his cheek.
He turned and found Xiao Yu gazing at him, smiling sweetly.
"When did you wake up?" he asked.
"Just now."
He turned over and pulled her into his arms, brushing his fingers along her slender waist.
For a while, they lay there quietly, breathing in each other's presence.
Eventually, Chen Mo patted her back lightly.
"All right, little lazy fish. Time to get up. After breakfast, we'll drop Mom off at the airport—and then I want you to come with me to the company. Time to try on your wedding dress and check the fit."
"Wedding dress? Really?" Xiao Yu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Of course. I told you—once you were healed, I'd take you to try it on. I never go back on my word."
"I love you, husband."