Chapter 1986

Chapter 1986

In the Dong family courtyard.

Dong Xuebing had been playing with the child for a while.

Summer afternoons were still quite hot, but courtyard houses were much cooler in winter and summer compared to apartment buildings. Plus, the yard had shade from trees, so it wasn’t unbearably hot. A large jar under the tree held two watermelons chilling in cold water, and now and then, a breeze would bring a bit of incredible relief.

Nearby, Luan Xiaoping came out after tidying up the house.

“Xiaobing, go get some sleep.”

Xie Guobang said, “In-laws, we’ll head out first.”

Luan Xiaoping was surprised, “What? It’s still early—stay for dinner!”

Xie Guoliang smiled as he stood up with his wife. “No, we’ll pass. The old man just left; we’ll go check in. Lao San’s got some work stuff too, right?”

Xie Guojian nodded, “I have a business trip. It’s an evening flight—I need to go home and pack.”

Luan Xiaoping clicked her tongue. “The watermelons are already chilled, and no one’s even touched them. At least take a couple with you.”

Xie Hao didn’t hesitate, grabbed one from the jar, and hugged it with a grin.

“Heh heh, then I won’t be polite. I’m taking one!”

Han Jing smiled, “In-laws, let the child take his nap. We’ll gather again when there’s time.”

Luan Xiaoping didn’t insist further. She knew they were all busy people. High positions came with high responsibilities, and time was always tight—even weekends weren’t free. Unlike her, now that school was on summer break, she had plenty of free time.

Yang Zhaode took a call at that moment. After speaking briefly, he told Luan Xiaoping, “I should get going too. The car’s waiting outside. There’s a meeting in the province this afternoon—I must rush back.”

Luan Xiaoping knew this already. “Got everything with you?”

“All packed. What about you?” he asked.

“I’ll stay a couple more days. Haven’t seen my son in so long,” she smiled, “and my chubby grandson too, hehe.”

Dong Xuebing muttered, “Why is everyone leaving? I’ve only just arrived.”

Han Jing teased, “That’s what you get for coming late. Alright, go to sleep. Look at those dark circles under your eyes. You didn’t eat on the plane, did you?”

“I just slept through the flight,” Dong Xuebing replied.

Han Jing said, “Then let Huilan make something for you.”

Xie Huilan pretended not to hear, happily watching her son from under the shade of the tree.

Dong Xuebing glanced at her. As if I could ever count on your daughter to cook for me—I’d probably starve to death waiting.

Ten minutes later.

Dong Xuebing and the others saw off Old Yang and the Xie family at the end of the alley. Then they returned to the courtyard. Only Dong Xuebing, Luan Xiaoping, and Xie Huilan were left. No—the adorable little guy was also stretching in his mother’s arms. So, four people.

“My son’s sleepy,” said Xie Huilan.

“Then let him nap with me,” Dong Xuebing offered.

Luan Xiaoping smiled, “All three of you go lie down. I’ll cook some dough drop soup for Xiaobing, which will be ready in five minutes. Do you want an egg in it?”

“Yeah—one. No, two!” Dong Xuebing replied quickly.

“Got it.” She nudged his shoulder. “Go lie down.”

Xie Huilan handed over the baby. “Mom, I’ll go. You’ve been busy all day.”

“No need. I’ll be done in a minute. Go,” said Luan Xiaoping.

Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan took the child into the north room as his mom went to the kitchen. Dong Xuebing, not even waiting, took off his shoes and clothes, flopped onto the bed, and pulled a light blanket over himself. Bathed in the sunlight shining through the window paper, he stretched luxuriously.

“So comfy.”

Xie Huilan put the baby on the bed. “You hold him while I change.”

“Sure thing.” Dong Xuebing cradled the sleepy little guy, who could barely open his eyes. Finding him utterly adorable, he kissed his forehead.

Little Dong Chong was annoyed and twisted away, “Yah!”

Dong Xuebing laughed, “Alright, alright. Daddy won’t mess with you. Go to sleep, baby.”

But the little guy refused to sleep, even though he was exhausted. He kept reaching toward his mom, who was changing clothes.

Xie Huilan climbed into bed. “He wants to nurse before sleeping.”

Dong Xuebing chuckled, “Even this tired, and he still insists on milk.”

“Well, he’s my precious son,” she said, smiling as she pulled him in and opened her shirt for him to nurse. “You think everyone’s like you?”

Dong Xuebing snorted and leaned closer. “Then I want to be pampered too—let me have a sip.”

Xie Huilan glanced at him sideways. “Everything’s your business, huh? You think you can drink your sister-in-law’s milk? Bold of you. Oh, by the way, I’ve got the wedding money in my bag. We didn’t take much from outsiders—mostly just close family. My aunt and uncle couldn’t come, but they sent money anyway. You decide whether to give it to your mom or keep it.”

Dong Xuebing closed his eyes, “Up to you.”

“Alright. Then give it to Mom when she leaves.”

Once the baby finished nursing, his little face was full of satisfaction. As Xie Huilan cuddled him gently, he quickly drifted off to sleep.

The door opened.

Luan Xiaoping walked in with a steaming bowl of soup. “The baby asleep?”

“Just now,” Xie Huilan whispered.

“Tell Xiaobin to eat—soup’s ready.” She brought it over.

Dong Xuebing wasn’t asleep yet. He looked at her and groaned weakly,

“Mom, I’m too tired to move. Feed me.”

Luan Xiaoping rolled her eyes. “Feed you? How old are you now? Already a county party secretary and still acting like a kid. Your wife will laugh at you.”

Dong Xuebing played the fool, “But I’m exhausted. Then let Huilan feed me.”

She snorted, “You think you’re the only busy one? Your wife’s been getting everything ready and dealing with people since early morning. And she didn’t even complain. You’ve barely done anything, and you’re whining already.”

Dong Xuebing sheepishly said, “I’ve been working since yesterday, too. I haven’t slept or eaten in over 24 hours.”

Luan Xiaoping replied, “Back during that earthquake, you were buried in the hospital rubble for weeks without food, and came out just fine.”

Dong Xuebing: “…”

She shoved the bowl at him. “Eat it yourself.”

“It’s fine, Mom,” Xie Huilan said, taking the bowl. “I’ll feed him.”

“Don’t spoil him, Huilan,” Luan Xiaoping warned. “He’ll only get more entitled.”

Dong Xuebing pretended not to hear and hugged his wife’s soft hips. “My wife is the best.” He opened his mouth.

Xie Huilan smiled, cooled a spoonful, and fed him.

Dong Xuebing happily chewed, “Mmm, delicious.”

Watching them, Luan Xiaoping just shook her head. “After you eat, put the bowl on the table and get some rest. Don’t talk too loud—don’t wake the baby.”

“Got it, Mom.” Dong Xuebing took another spoonful.

Thunk. The door quietly closed as Luan Xiaoping left—probably for a nap herself.

As soon as she was gone, Xie Huilan’s expression changed. Still smiling, she handed him the bowl and turned over.

“Sleep now.”

Dong Xuebing protested, “You only fed me a few bites!”

“That was for your mom’s sake,” she replied.

Dong Xuebing knew he was no match for his wife. Fine, he’d eat by himself. Sitting up carefully, he wolfed down the soup in a few bites, licking the last drop before tossing the bowl on the table and crawling back into bed to cuddle his wife.

He squeezed her thigh.

Patted her curvy rear.

“You’ve lost weight again,” he said. “Even thinner than after giving birth. Don’t you dare be dieting again—vanity’s dangerous.”

The baby was on her far side, so there was no fear of bumping him.

Xie Huilan turned to face him. “I don’t need vanity—I’m naturally beautiful.”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “Don’t say that when you’re back in Xiaxing City. If a farmer’s cow goes missing, they’ll probably think you blew it away with your bragging.”

“Enough nonsense. Not sleepy?”

“Seeing my wife wakes me right up.”

“More like that soup woke you.”

“Not really. If I could have another sip of milk, that’d be perfect.”

“All you think about is milk? Maybe I should buy you a tin of formula—I’ll mix it for you at night.”

“I don’t want formula—I want yours.”

“We’ll see if you’ve got the guts.”

“Oh? Sounds like a challenge. Now you’re asking for it. Don’t move.”

And with that, Dong Xuebing began flirting seriously with Xie Huilan. Though they had met recently when she had a work trip to Baohong City, it still felt too long apart. Now, finally reunited and with some private time, the couple made the most of it, chatting and cuddling. Emotional bonds need maintenance, or they’ll fade with time.

“Stop fooling around.”

“Just one sip—come on!”

The two teased each other for over twenty minutes until Dong Xuebing, sweating from the effort, finally caught her off guard and managed to sneak a big gulp and swallow it down.

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