Ye Ling drove back to Tomson Riviera. It was already almost one oâclock. After parking the car, he went straight upstairs.
"Uncle, this is Yueyue, my cousin."
Ning Ruoxi introduced Luo Yue to Ye Feng.
"Hello, Uncle."
Luo Yue chimed in, the very picture of good manners.
Just then, Luo Yue looked like a perfect little angel. There wasnât the slightest hint of her usual "Little Witch" persona.
"Hello."
Ye Feng nodded. His gaze then fell upon the table laden with food. Though they were all simple, home-cooked dishes, they were perfect in color, aroma, and flavor. The surprise in his eyes deepened.
"You made all these dishes?"
Ye Feng looked at Ning Ruoxi and couldnât help but ask.
"Sort of... To be honest, Ye Ling and Yueyue helped me."
Ning Ruoxi felt a bit embarrassed; after all, all sheâd really done was wash some vegetables and slice a tomato.
"Since thereâs a man in the house, chores like this should be left to him. You brat, how could you let your wife cook?"
Ye Feng, however, shot Ye Ling a very serious glare.
"Alright, alright, I get it. Letâs just eat."
At this point, Ye Ling was utterly exasperated with his old man.
âDamn it, Iâm the one who cooked all this, okay?â
Throughout the meal, Ye Feng mostly just nagged at him, while the two girls snickered on the side from time to time.
Luo Yue, in particular, was laughing so hard her eyes had practically vanished.
âI never knew Master had this side to him!â
Luo Yue was completely surprised. âAfter all, sheâd never seen anyone make Ye Ling back down before!â
âYou just canât beat experience!â
After the meal, Ning Ruoxi took the initiative to clear the table, once again making a good impression.
"What are you waiting for, kid? Go help your girl!"
Ye Fengâs gaze instantly snapped to Ye Ling.
"Fine, Iâm on it. Iâll make sure your precious daughter-in-law doesnât have to touch a single drop of water."
Ye Ling sighed in resignation and went into the kitchen.
Inside, Ning Ruoxi was looking at Ye Ling with a broad smile on her face. "Why donât I do it instead?"
"Hmph!"
Ye Ling snorted, ignoring her. He picked up a bowl and started washing it himself.
âAfter today, Iâm definitely getting her back for this!â
"Mwah~"
Ning Ruoxi glanced back at Ye Feng in the living room, then stood on her tiptoes and gave Ye Ling a kiss on the cheek.
"Thatâs a reward for you~"
Ning Ruoxi said with a beaming smile.
"Donât think this will make me forgive you."
Ye Ling snorted, not buying it in the slightest.
"Darling~"
Ning Ruoxi cooed, and planted another kiss on his cheek.
Instantly, Ye Lingâs hands stilled. He turned his head to look at Ning Ruoxi.
Ning Ruoxi stood there with her head tilted, her eyes curved into smiling crescents. They seemed to sparkle with a faint light, as if they held tiny stars, making her look utterly adorable.
For a moment, Ye Ling completely forgot how she had just set him up, and a smile broke out on his face.
"You little rascal... alright, alright, Iâll let it slide. Go keep my dad company. He seems to have taken a real liking to you."
Ye Ling sighed and shook his head helplessly.
âCome to think of it, his dad had never been this agreeable, not even with him.â
âEven though Ye Feng was very good to himâheâd always tried his best to grant any reasonable requestâhe was also very strict with him.â
âHeâd never seen his father smile at him the way he smiled at Ning Ruoxi today.â
âHonestly... he was actually a little jealous of Ning Ruoxi.â
"Okay, Iâll make it up to you later."
Ning Ruoxi immediately planted another kiss on Ye Lingâs cheek, then skipped happily into the living room.
Clearly, she was very happy that Ye Feng was pleased with her.
After Ye Ling finished washing the dishes, Ye Feng called him over.
"Brat, tell me now, how exactly did you manage to land a girl like her? Do Ruoxiâs parents know about you two?"
"Her dad knows. I met him once before. Alright, old man, you can stop worrying your head about it."
Ye Ling replied with utter exasperation, though by now he was used to his fatherâs attitude.
âHe was just the kid theyâd picked up off the street, after all~â
When it came to his status in the family, Ye Lingâs self-assessment was spot on.
"Uncle, there arenât any major issues with my father, and our relationship is very stable now. Ye Ling is wonderful, so you donât have to worry."
Ning Ruoxi said with a smile, holding onto Ye Lingâs arm.
"Thatâs good, thatâs good."
At her words, Ye Feng nodded, breathing an inward sigh of relief.
âFrom the first moment he saw Ning Ruoxi, he had a feeling she didnât come from a simple background. Heâd been worried her family might object to the relationship.â
âBut judging by her attitude now, it seemed that wouldnât be a major issue.â
"So, Dad, are you reassured now?"
Ye Ling said with a hint of exasperation.
"Youâd better treat her right, kid. If I ever find out youâve wronged Ruoxi, Iâll break your legs."
Ye Feng glared at Ye Ling, then stood up. "Seeing that youâre both doing well is enough. I should probably get going."
"So soon?"
Ning Ruoxi was taken aback for a moment. "Uncle, why donât you stay a little longer?"
"I canât. Thereâll be other chances."
Ye Feng waved his hand, then glanced at Ye Ling and said, "Brat, come with me for a second."
Of course, Ye Ling had no idea what his father wanted to say, but he followed him anyway.
"Hey, Dad, didnât you say you werenât leaving until tonight? Whatâs the rush..."
Ye Ling asked, a little confused.
"Besides coming to Modu to see you two, I also have to meet a client..."
Ye Feng said, then added, "Speaking of which, youâve been making quite a name for yourself lately, kid!"
"Itâs been alright."
Ye Ling let out a small, knowing laugh.
"Alright, I know you. Youâre not the humble type, so donât put on an act for me. Youâve done well, and I wonât ask for details. But I hope that whatever you do, you stay safe. And donât you dare stray onto the wrong path."
Ye Fengâs expression grew serious, and his gaze was filled with deep concern for his son.
"I know, Dad."
Ye Ling nodded, a warmth spreading through his chest.
âHis old man might be harsh with his words, but deep down, he cared for him more than any other parent, not less.â
"Remember, no matter what, youâll always be my pride."
Ye Feng patted Ye Lingâs shoulder, a look of undeniable satisfaction in his eyes.
"Heh, hey, Dad... speaking of which, when are you gonna find me a stepmom?"
Ye Ling thought of something and said with a mischievous grin, "After all, Iâm about to get married and settle down, and youâre still a lonely old bachelor. Must be pretty lonely."
"Get outta here, get outta here! Iâm leaving. Go back and keep your girl company. Remember to treat her right. Donât bother seeing me out."
Ye Feng instantly reverted to his usual self, landing a light kick on Ye Ling before turning to leave.
Feeling the sting on his rear, Ye Ling winced, but then a smile spread across his face. "Now *thatâs* the old man I know."