The night before, Jiang Shunnian bathed with Nono, using strawberry-scented body wash to clean the little one until he was soft and fragrant, like a tempting little cake.
The father and son lay in bed chatting softly. Jiang Shunnian was still nervous, unsure if the Fu Family would be easy to get along with or if they’d really only keep Nono and chase him away.
Nono snuggled against him like a little furnace, his body warm and toasty. He comforted Jiang Shunnian, “Daddy, I’ll behave really well. But if Grandpa, Grandma, and Big Daddy don’t like me—or don’t like you—we’ll leave. I’ll make money to support you later.”
He’d been chatting a lot with his big sister Hehe lately and knew his popularity was sky-high now, with advertisers already knocking on the door. Filming commercials would bring in plenty of pay.
“Big Daddy?” Jiang Shunnian blinked, stunned. His kid had cleverly sorted out the naming issue just like that?
“Yeah, didn’t you say he’s my daddy too? But calling both of you ‘Daddy’ would get confusing.”
Jiang Shunnian nodded. No flaw in that logic at all.
“But I still hope you can win their love and protection.”
Nono was already smarter than kids his age, but he couldn’t grasp things like unspoken rules or blacklisting.
Those are disgusting and utterly vile. I hope Nono never encounters them his whole life.
If the Fu Family truly accepted Nono, they’d surely protect him from that little beast Qin Huan.
“Okay, I will, Daddy,” Nono promised.
The next morning, the pair woke early. Nono washed his face and brushed his teeth on his own, while Jiang Shunnian made breakfast.
After eating, Jiang Shunnian started dressing Nono.
Meeting Grandpa, Grandma, and Big Daddy called for something formal.
So he put Nono in a blue-and-white striped short-sleeved shirt paired with white cropped pants, exposing a section of fair, tender calf. On his feet were a pair of blue-and-white G-brand sneakers that matched perfectly.
Nono was already adorable, and this outfit made him look especially fresh and well-behaved.
Jiang Shunnian dressed similarly. He’d gained some weight back recently, his skin fair and luminous, eyes clear. He didn’t look like a father at all—more like a fresh college grad, and people would buy it.
At 8:50, Jiang Shunnian took Nono’s hand, gifts in tow from the day before, and rode the elevator downstairs.
A black extended Bentley was already waiting below.
Shen Boheng stood by the car in his usual ochre xiangyun gauze Tang suit, his tall frame straight as a rod. When he saw Jiang Shunnian emerge, he stepped forward to take the items. Jiang Shunnian demurred but couldn’t refuse, letting him load them into the trunk.
“Madam was so excited she barely slept. She got up early to double-check the arrangements and insisted I come pick you up personally, just in case you felt uncomfortable anywhere.”
Jiang Shunnian loved listening to Shen Boheng speak—not rushed, always hitting right on his worries.
“Thank you, Uncle Shen.” Jiang Shunnian’s heart settled a bit.
The car glided smoothly toward the Fu Family Manor. Along the way, Shen Boheng briefed Jiang Shunnian on the Fu Family members—there weren’t many, so he finished quickly. Then he turned to Nono, sharing tales from his travels in China and abroad.
Nono sat rapt in his child seat, eyes sparkling.
The Fu Family Manor wasn’t far from downtown—an hour’s drive. As they neared, Jiang Shunnian grew tense again despite himself.
The Fu Family had always respected him, never digging into his info uninvited. He’d encrypted it, but determined folks could still uncover bits.
He was grateful for that. He pondered whether to volunteer the truth.
After all, Nono’s origins were downright fantastical.
Even he found it unbelievable.
Would the Fu Family accept it? Would they see me as a freak?
Lost in wild thoughts, Jiang Shunnian barely noticed as the car entered a lush mountain forest, a clear river winding around it. Ornamental plants and flowers lined the road, blooming vibrantly. From afar, it was a riot of red flowers and green willows—stunning.
Jiang Shunnian, not much for culture, could only marvel at the beautiful scenery. But Jiang Yunnuo piped up, “Grandpa Shen, living here where you ‘brew wine with pine flower water and fry tea with spring water’—Grandpa and Grandma must be super healthy.”
Shen Boheng had always known Nono was exceptionally bright, but this poetic flourish still shocked him.
So outstanding at such a young age—outshining the master. The young master is done for on the beach.
“Yes, after Madam and Sir moved here, their health improved greatly.”
As he spoke, the Bentley passed through ornate carved gates, driving deep into the courtyard before stopping in front of the main building.
Shen Lingyi and Fu Shizhang were already waiting at the door.
Shen Lingyi was dressed solemnly today in a dusky purple kesi silk long skirt, accessorized with a matching high-ice violet jade bracelet. Her features were refined, skin impeccably maintained—no sign of her age. But she carried no airs, just a face full of smiles. The moment the car stopped, she hurried forward.
Jiang Shunnian took a deep breath, unbuckled Nono’s child seat, and lifted him out. Shen Boheng opened the door with a smile. “Madam, Sir—Mr. Jiang and the little young master have arrived safely.”
Jiang Shunnian followed, stepping out gracefully to greet them. “Uncle, Auntie, good morning. I’m Jiang Shunnian. This is Nono—he’ll be four in four months.”
“Good morning, Grandma. Good morning, Grandpa. I’m Nono.”
Little kids could sense good from evil on instinct. Nono felt only thick affection from Shen Lingyi and Fu Shizhang—no rejection at all. Relieved, he even secretly pinched his daddy’s shoulder: Grandpa and Grandma are nice.
Shen Lingyi was already on the verge of fainting from excitement. Seeing Nono on video had been enough to make her adore him, but nothing compared to the rush of meeting the real child—the pull of blood calling to blood.
This was her grandson, unseen until past three years old. How could she not love him!
Her eyes reddened instantly. She opened her arms hopefully. “Nono, sweetie, I’m Grandma. Can I… hug you?”
Her voice choked at the end.
Nono flung open his little arms right away, letting her take him—and even wiped her tears. “Don’t cry, Grandma. If you cry, I’ll want to cry too.”
That only made Shen Lingyi’s tears fall harder.
She didn’t know why she was so overwhelmed. She’d prepped to play it cool, not to scare the kid. But the instant she held Nono, she lost all control.
As if I’d truly lost him once before.
The inexplicable grief even surprised her. Fu Shizhang’s usual scholarly poise cracked; he fumbled for a handkerchief to dab her tears. Nono caught the mood and pouted, starting to cry.
Jiang Shunnian, needless to say, was tied to Nono’s every emotion. His eyes rimmed red too.
So their grand first meeting barely got past hellos before dissolving.
Finally, Fu Shizhang steadied Shen Lingyi’s shoulder. “Nono has delicate skin—don’t let the sun get to it. Let’s head inside first.”
“Right, right—can’t let our little treasure get sunburned.” Shen Lingyi wiped her tears hastily, hugging Nono as she led the way in.
Jiang Shunnian followed.
Once seated, Shen Lingyi still refused to let go of Nono. Her grandson grew more lovable by the second.
Composing herself, she spoke to Jiang Shunnian. “Sorry, I lost it back there.”
Jiang Shunnian shook his head frantically. “No, no, Auntie. I know it’s because you like Nono so much.”
All his worries evaporated. The Fu Family was truly wonderful.
Nono had never been around older women before. Still shy with her, he perched on Shen Lingyi’s lap and tilted up his little face. “Grandma, am I heavy? Are you tired?”
“No, little treasure. Grandma loves holding you.” Shen Lingyi had the maid fetch the baby face cream she’d bought yesterday and gently applied it. Can’t let my handsome grandson’s face chap.
Reassured, Nono settled in—but still fussed. “If Grandma gets tired, just tell Nono. I can sit with Grandpa for a bit.”
Everyone burst out laughing—even Shen Boheng. The little young master’s emotional intelligence outstripped most adults.
Fu Shizhang chimed in, “Nono can come to Grandpa right now.” He’d been eyeing his grandson for ages.
Shen Lingyi shot him a glare.
Nono’s words lightened the lingering sadness. Smiling, Shen Lingyi said, “Shunnian, thank you so much for raising Nono so healthy and outstanding.”
Jiang Shunnian opted for the truth—Shen Lingyi would learn it eventually. “Auntie, I didn’t teach him much. Nono picked it up himself.”
He paused, then added a little flattery. “Must be good genes.”
But… from arrival to now, no sign of the kid’s Big Daddy?
Does Big Daddy not accept him?
Shen Lingyi stifled a laugh. “It’s your good genes. I’ve never seen a kid as well-behaved as Nono. Don’t let him take after his other dad—that neat freak could drive anyone mad. Nono’s the sweet one. He wouldn’t let me hold him like this as a toddler.”
Jiang Shunnian and Nono both perked up with curiosity. What kind of person is this Fu Yanli / Big Daddy?
Four years ago, terrified of being seen, Jiang Shunnian had begged during their most intimate moments not to turn on the lights. The man had obliged, so Jiang Shunnian had no idea what he looked like—only imagining from Nono’s features.
Shen Boheng chimed in timely. “The young master is away on business. If he knew about his child, he’d probably drop everything and rush back to meet the little young master. That’s why Madam wants to keep it secret for now.”
Jiang Shunnian nodded. As long as Fu Yanli accepted Nono, that was fine.
“It’s his loss not seeing you right away.” Shen Lingyi grinned slyly. “Want to see his photo? Nono looked just like Yanli as a kid.”
She took a shine to Jiang Shunnian. In entertainment despite his field, he was diligent and proper—a great partner prospect.
With a child already, imagine if they ended up together—perfect harmony.
So she decided to give her son a nudge.
Jiang Shunnian nodded, and she had someone fetch the photo album.
He opened it, and a picture fluttered out—Nono’s spitting image, under a year old, staring sternly at the camera like he disapproved. He wore split pants, faintly revealing…
Jiang Shunnian froze, eyes glued uncontrollably.
Not big as a kid either. What did he eat to grow into a monster?
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