Chapter 26: Sharing the Same Bed

Released on January 29, 2026

Jiang Shunnian had gradually come to realize that Fu Yanli, this man, was far from as upright and reliable as he appeared.

He was cunning, always seizing every opportunity.

After all, to secure the position of Fu Corporation president at such a young age, he couldn’t possibly be simple-minded.

Yet, despite all that, Jiang Shunnian felt no aversion to such a confession.

In the end, it was the Fu family’s impressions that were too good—they had shown him such care and acceptance that he couldn’t help wanting to draw closer to them.

He could sense the sincerity and gravity in Fu Yanli’s words.

He admitted he harbored good feelings for Fu Yanli too, but whether to be together or not would require time to sort out.

Moreover, the Qin family issue wasn’t resolved yet.

Fu Yanli had no intention of pressing Jiang Shunnian for an immediate answer. He changed the subject: “Shunnian, I know it’s a bit early to ask this now, and you might not fully trust me yet, but I really want to know—what’s the true reason for your fear of the Qin family?”

Fu Yanli knew he shouldn’t pry rashly, but seeing Jiang Shunnian perpetually shrouded in melancholy and fear pained him deeply.

He wanted to share the burden, even if just as an ordinary friend.

Jiang Shunnian’s expression stiffened abruptly.

So Fu Yanli had seen through it long ago?

He had been considering whether to tell Fu Yanli the truth anyway, and he leaned toward doing so.

After all, Qin Huan was the protagonist of this world. Now that they had formally declared war on the Qin family, Fu Yanli could make better preparations if he learned the truth early.

The Fu family had even accepted the outrageous fact that he could bear children—what was rebirth compared to that?

So Jiang Shunnian sat down on the sofa, arms wrapped around his knees, head lowered, avoiding Fu Yanli’s gaze as he spoke: “Mr. Fu, what I’m about to say might sound utterly absurd, but every word is true. This world is a book—an old-school angsty BL romance novel. Nono is the protagonist shou, and that Qin Huan is the protagonist top. In the future, he’ll torment Nono mercilessly, ruin Nono’s Gaokao, cause him to get into a car accident and lose a leg, get his face slashed by one of Qin Huan’s suitors, and even force Nono to get pregnant with his child. By then, Nono weighed less than a hundred pounds, thin as a wisp of smoke…”

These events were something Jiang Shunnian could never let go of. Every time he recalled them, it felt like a knife twisting in his heart.

Why did his precious Nono, whom he cradled and cherished, have to endure such cruelty?

Jiang Shunnian didn’t look up, so he naturally missed the shock and heartache in Fu Yanli’s eyes.

No wonder Jiang Shunnian always seemed so burdened. No wonder he dreaded Qin Huan so much.

Fu Yanli’s hand clenched suddenly, barely suppressing his raging fury. He wanted to put that little beast Qin Huan down humanely right now.

These past few days, he’d been practicing spoken English with Nono, listening to the little one’s increasingly fluent and complex expressions, and he knew just how bright and brilliant the child was.

Moreover, Nono was so affectionate toward him, calling him “Big Dad” every time, which always touched him deeply.

If even he was furious beyond measure hearing about Nono’s ordeals, how much more for Jiang Shunnian, who had personally given birth to him?

He gazed at Jiang Shunnian with heartache, watching the young man’s body tremble. It took every ounce of his self-control not to pull him into his arms.

Jiang Shunnian held back his emotions, striving for a calm tone: “I suppose I’m reborn. In Nono’s tenth year, I died in a car accident on my way home from work. Then, as a soul, I learned the truth about this world. I don’t know why I was reborn this year—perhaps some cosmic force thought Nono’s fate was too cruel and wanted me to rewrite it.”

Worried the heavy atmosphere might dampen Fu Yanli’s mood, he switched to a lighter tone. “After my rebirth, I knew I couldn’t protect Nono alone. I wanted to find his other father—you—so I brought him back here on impulse. I was really lucky; you found us so quickly. Mr. Fu, you have no idea how grateful I am that you’re Nono’s family.”

After saying it all, he felt an unprecedented lightness. He looked up to gauge Fu Yanli’s reaction and froze at the sight of his reddened eyes.

Fu Yanli was angry, heartbroken, regretful—anything but doubtful.

For Jiang Shunnian, it was immense comfort.

“It’s my failing,” Fu Yanli said hoarsely, full of self-reproach. “I didn’t find you in the previous life, did I? That’s why you suffered misfortune, why Nono had no one.”

As his words fell, a tear slid from the corner of Fu Yanli’s eye.

Jiang Shunnian panicked and grabbed a few tissues to hand over, but Fu Yanli seized his wrist instead, pulling him straight into his embrace.

Caught off guard, Jiang Shunnian didn’t struggle once he was held. He simply rested obediently against Fu Yanli.

The man’s body was warm, his heartbeat slightly quickened, betraying his turbulent emotions.

There was nothing intimate about the embrace. Sensing Fu Yanli’s feelings, Jiang Shunnian wanted him to calm down sooner.

They stayed silent, but Jiang Shunnian grew increasingly awkward.

It was a bit untimely, but with his face pressed right against Fu Yanli’s chest, the well-toned muscles were firm yet soft to the touch… pretty nice, actually.

This chest is huge.

He was starting to feel suffocated.

Just as he tried to pull back a little, Fu Yanli thought he was trying to escape and instinctively held him tighter.

Jiang Shunnian gave up struggling, his face flushed as he buried it in the man’s chest.

“Shunnian, I’ve thought about it,” Fu Yanli said once he’d calmed down. “Since you could be reborn and change Nono’s present, you can certainly change the future. The Qin family isn’t invincible, but I do need to be cautious. Also, I’ll get you a modified car with a driver and bodyguards. From now on, wherever you go, take them with you—don’t cross the street alone, okay?”

He was truly terrified by the previous life’s description he couldn’t even bear imagining how much pain Jiang Shunnian had felt dying in that car accident.

Jiang Shunnian nodded muffledly against him.

As for dealing with the Qin family, Fu Yanli already had plenty of ideas, but Jiang Shunnian didn’t need to know the details.

In short, he would exhaust every resource to protect Shunnian and Nono.

Only then did Fu Yanli notice the young man’s flushed ears and labored breathing as his emotions settled.

“Sorry.” He quickly released him.

Jiang Shunnian finally breathed freely again.

“Mr. Fu, don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” Jiang Shunnian said, returning to his seat. “The plot doesn’t start for another thirteen years—plenty of room to maneuver. The current Qin Huan is just a four-year-old kid, far easier to handle than in thirteen years.”

“I know.”

After sharing his biggest secret with Fu Yanli, Jiang Shunnian felt utterly relaxed, as if their bond had grown even tighter.

He trusted Fu Yanli completely, believing he could change Nono’s fate.

“Can I go see Nono?” Fu Yanli wanted to see the boy now.

“Of course. Nono sleeps soundly; he won’t wake easily,” Jiang Shunnian said.

So they tiptoed back to the bedroom.

The smart light strip under the bed glowed a soft warm yellow, just enough to illuminate Nono’s angelic sleeping face.

The little one’s skin was fair and tender, his eyelashes long, his little belly rising and falling—adorably perfect.

It was impossible to imagine the nightmare of torments awaiting him in thirteen years.

Fu Yanli reached out to gently touch Nono’s soft cheek, his eyes brimming with heartache.

Perhaps sensing his two dads’ presence, Nono, who had been sleeping soundly, woke up in a daze.

He was so good-natured that upon seeing them both, he immediately beamed a warm smile: “Daddy, Big Dad!”

Fu Yanli felt a pang of guilt seeing him awake. “Did we wake you?”

“Nope.” Nono rubbed his eyes, his beautiful amber-gold eyes shining with happiness. “I dreamed about Daddy and Big Dad. We went to the creek to catch fish—lots and lots! A fish tail splashed me, but it didn’t hurt.”

His soft, childlike words melted both dads’ hearts. How could there be such a cute baby?

Fu Yanli couldn’t resist scooping Nono into his arms. So small, so precious—how could fate bear to torment him?

Nono tilted his head, puzzled. Why did Big Dad seem unhappy?

“Big Dad, are you sad?” Nono asked with concern.

“I was a little at first, but seeing you makes it better.” Fu Yanli wished he could pile all the world’s joys at Nono’s feet. “Nono, Big Dad owes you so much before. Is there anything you want? If I can do it, I’ll make it happen.”

Nono thought for a moment. He didn’t lack anything—he already felt like the happiest kid in the world.

But Big Dad seemed to really want to be needed, so Nono thoughtfully picked the simplest request: “Then can Big Dad sleep with me?”

He’d seen it in cartoons—other kids slept sandwiched between mom and dad.

It must feel super safe. Nono wanted to try it!

Jiang Shunnian, caught off guard: “…”

What a great son I have.

Fu Yanli suppressed his twitching lips, feigning casualness: “Is this what Nono wants most right now?”

Nono nodded earnestly, sensing Big Dad’s improved mood: “Yeah!”

“Shunnian.” Fu Yanli kept up the reluctant act. “It’s Nono’s request.”

Jiang Shunnian wanted to retort, but he could feel Nono’s little longing. For his cub… he had no choice. “Alright, but we don’t have spare clothes for you here.”

“I’ll run upstairs and change—be quick.” Fu Yanli kissed Nono’s forehead and gently set him down. “Wait for me, Nono. I’ll be right back.”

With that, he bolted out at lightning speed.

Nono happily rolled around on the bed. Yay! Now I get to sleep surrounded by Daddy and Big Dad!

Jiang Shunnian sighed helplessly, making Nono lie still as he went to remove his makeup and freshen up.

He didn’t shower first. After brushing his teeth, the doorbell rang.

He opened the door to find Fu Yanli already in a navy sleep robe, hair still damp—he’d clearly showered but hadn’t fully dried it.

This eager? It’s not like I wouldn’t let him in. Jiang Shunnian finally let the quip slip in his mind.

Fu Yanli asked strategically: “Nono’s not asleep yet, right?”

Jiang Shunnian found it amusing—this lively side of Fu Yanli was… kinda cute.

“Nope, waiting for you. No idea what magic potion you fed him.”

Fu Yanli chuckled lowly, wisely not arguing, and entered.

Sure enough, Nono was still awake and grinned at him: “Big Dad!”

Fu Yanli started toward him to play, but Jiang Shunnian grabbed his arm and shoved him toward the bathroom: “Go dry your hair.”

Fu Yanli obediently went.

Only after blow-drying did Fu Yanli get permission to get on the bed. Jiang Shunnian took a deep breath and headed to the bathroom for his shower.

The shower was a bit torturous. He recalled that night—they’d bathed together once because he felt sticky and wanted to wash up. Fu Yanli had carried him in, and midway through, in the bathroom…

Jiang Shunnian stepped under the spray, letting the water wash away the alluring thought.

Freshly showered, Jiang Shunnian’s aura softened into something gentle and radiant. Even without makeup, his features were flawlessly exquisite, glowing like jade under the warm light.

He wore an apricot-white sleep robe similar to Fu Yanli’s, accentuating his slender, resilient waist—drawing the eye irresistibly.

The bed was spacious enough for two adults and a child, but Fu Yanli’s presence was so commanding that Jiang Shunnian’s breathing grew erratic.

Nono, oblivious to the adults’ tension, patted the spot to his right and chirped happily: “Daddy, come quick!”

He was getting sleepy again.

Jiang Shunnian steeled himself and lay down on Nono’s side.

Fu Yanli mirrored the position.

Sandwiched between the two adults, Nono felt unparalleled security and grinned blissfully: “Daddy, Big Dad, I love you so much!”

“Daddy loves you too.” Jiang Shunnian’s heart melted as he pinched the boy’s plush cheek. “Alright, time for good kids to sleep.”

Nono obediently closed his eyes and drifted off quickly.

Even after drifting off to sleep, the dimples on his little face remained faintly visible.

Fu Yanli’s gaze softened as he looked at Jiang Shunnian.

The truth he’d learned tonight was utterly earth-shattering. In this moment, seeing Jiang Shunnian and Nono lying beside him was undoubtedly a comfort.

Thank goodness Jiang Shunnian was reborn, he thought. Otherwise, I’d never have had the chance to find him and Nono.

With that in mind, Fu Yanli pulled out his phone and transferred five million to Shen Boheng.

Shen Boheng replied instantly: Young Master, no need to stand on ceremony. This is all part of my duties. Wishing you a pleasant evening.

Jiang Shunnian vaguely sensed Fu Yanli’s turbulent emotions. He said softly, “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. I’ll protect Nono right alongside you.”

He resolved to work hard at acting, to earn money and climb to greater heights—maybe then he could lend a hand too.

“Alright, I know.” Fu Yanli didn’t insist on shouldering it all alone. After all, Jiang Shunnian’s love for Nono burned even fiercer than his own. They were comrades in arms, fighting side by side—not him shielding some fragile weakling.

Seeing Fu Yanli still staring at him, Jiang Shunnian held back as long as he could before finally saying, “Mr. Fu, it’s time to sleep.”

“Good night, Shunnian.” Fu Yanli obediently closed his eyes.

Jiang Shunnian let out a quiet breath of relief and settled in to sleep.

He’d thought sharing the bed with an extra person would make it impossible to drift off, but between the day’s exhaustion and the emotional rollercoaster, he fell asleep surprisingly quickly. Like Nono, he even felt a newfound sense of security.

Whether Fu Yanli actually slept or not, Jiang Shunnian had no idea.

But the next morning, Nono woke up bright and early and scratched his head in confusion. How did I end up at the foot of the bed? And why are Dada and Papa hugging each other?