Madam, Please Behave

The atmosphere between father and son was awkward. Watching the two little girls happily disappear around the stairwell, the chubby duo exchanged glances.

“Dad… why do you always bring people home?”

“You think I wanted to? She was sitting by the roadside, wouldn’t leave, and clung to me like glue. And hey—what do you mean, always bring people home?”

“Nothing, nothing…”

Trying to change the topic, Liu Zhiyue thrust the carton of yogurt he was carrying into Liu Changqing’s hands.

“Dad, help me carry this. I’m exhausted.”

“That’s just a sign you’re seriously out of shape.”

Liu Changqing shot him a critical glance.

“Fifty more squats tomorrow.”

“Fifty?! I won’t be able to move for an entire day!”

“Perseverance leads to success, son!”

“There’s no way I can handle that!”

“The human body has no limits…”

Liu Changqing clapped him on the shoulder, speaking in the tone of someone who had been through it all.

“If you don’t push yourself, how will you know your limits? And besides, I’ll be doing it with you. No complaints.”

He waved dismissively and walked ahead, gesturing for Liu Zhiyue to follow.

Watching his father’s retreating back, Liu Zhiyue stood frozen in place, dumbstruck.

At that moment, he realized the night breeze wasn’t as refreshing as he’d thought.

Cool? Can it compare to the chill in my heart?

He tilted his head up, gazing at the moonlight.

Life… is too hard.

The two little girls were chatting endlessly by the door, seemingly unable to run out of things to say.

Though they had run ahead quickly, neither had brought a key, leaving them to wait for Liu Changqing and Liu Zhiyue.

Standing at the landing, hands on her hips, Liu Xiazhi glared down at her father, who was climbing the stairs step by step.

Her expression showed clear disapproval.

“Hmph! Too slow!”

“Sorry, Princess, for keeping you waiting. Let’s open the door now!”

Despite his daughter’s continued attitude, Liu Changqing wasn’t bothered. After all, she was his own flesh and blood.

He firmly believed that the misunderstandings between them would eventually be resolved, and they would return to being a loving family.

Reaching the door, Liu Changqing pulled the key from his pocket and unlocked the security door.

The two little ones couldn’t wait any longer. Before the door was even fully open, they darted inside.

Especially Feng Shuyan, who managed to smear her greasy hand on Liu Changqing’s pants on her way in.

“Xiazhi, take her to wash her hands first!”

Liu Changqing called out.

But the two girls didn’t respond. The sound of Xiazhi’s bedroom door closing followed soon after, leaving the entryway silent once more.

“Sigh…”

Liu Changqing exhaled and switched on the lights, closing the door behind him.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Loud knocking came from the door.

“Dad! Why’d you shut the door?!”

“Almost forgot…”

Liu Changqing reopened the door, revealing a panting Liu Zhiyue standing outside. His face showed a hint of embarrassment.

“Forgot about you.”

“……”

Liu Zhiyue was utterly speechless.

He stepped inside, placing the carton of yogurt by the doorway and switching to house slippers.

On the floor, a trail of distinct black footprints caught his attention.

“She didn’t change her shoes?”

“There weren’t any to give her. We only have three pairs,” Liu Changqing replied as he also switched to slippers and headed for the couch.

“No problem. I’ll pick up a few extra pairs for spares in the next few days.”

Collapsing onto the couch, Liu Changqing let out a long sigh. Today had truly drained him.

Liu Zhiyue followed suit, mimicking his father’s pose as he flopped down next to him.

Liu Changqing glanced at his son.

No doubt about it—he’s definitely my kid.

The living room fell silent for a while.

Turning his head slightly, Liu Zhiyue stared at his father’s face.

The man who had emerged from the shadow of divorce seemed a little different now.

“Dad…”

“Yes? What’s on your mind?” Liu Changqing responded, sitting up slightly as he noticed his son’s hesitation.

“I… uh, today…”

Liu Zhiyue started but faltered, unsure how to continue.

He wanted to tell his father about meeting Ye Rong, but the thought of his father’s usual attitude toward that woman made the words catch in his throat.

“What happened today?”

Liu Changqing leaned forward, focusing on his son.

“Nothing. I just think you’ve been overworking yourself lately, Dad. Take care of yourself, okay?”

In that moment, Liu Changqing’s heart warmed.

In his previous life, he had never had children. A lifelong bachelor, he came from a loving family with supportive and open-minded parents. His life had always been filled with warmth.

After the unexpected transmigration, he had spent the first few days in a state of despair. He hadn’t wanted to leave his old life—a fulfilling family and a life that was finally settling into place.

Being thrust into the body of a man over ten years older than himself, saddled with two children, had felt like an impossible burden.

But as he delved into the memories of this body’s former life and saw Liu Zhiyue’s silent struggle and Liu Xiazhi’s uncontrollable tears, his heart had twisted painfully.

From that moment, he had accepted his new identity.

He was Liu Changqing.

A father of two.

Smiling, he reached out to ruffle his son’s hair.

The memory of holding him as a newborn felt as vivid as if it had happened yesterday.

“Don’t worry, son,” Liu Changqing said gently.

“There’s nothing in this world that can tear our family apart. Nothing and no one.”

His gaze deepened as a figure flashed through his mind.

Not even you, old hag.

Li Chongming sat at his desk.

It had been some time since he last returned to his family home.

Ever since witnessing An Yuanyao’s manic, unrecognizable behavior, he had chosen to stay away.

Fortunately, he wasn’t without options. With several properties under his name, he had no trouble finding a place to stay.

At the moment, he was in one of his other residences.

The sound of another text message buzzed from his phone on the desk.

Frowning, he ignored it, leaning back in his chair.

Again.

He already knew what it was—another notification about his bank card being charged.

Just yesterday, 100,000 yuan had been spent.

When he first saw the transaction, he had been baffled.

A novel website?

For some reason, An Yuanyao had started reading novels.

But he didn’t mind. If spending money could make up for what he owed her emotionally, it was worth it.

Though… the frequency of these expenses seemed a bit excessive.

Exhaling, he reclined in his chair, his gaze shifting to the woman behind him.

She sat with her long black hair cascading down her shoulders, her slender legs crossed as she read a book under the warm glow of a desk lamp.

Every movement, every subtle expression, captivated him.

This is fine. As long as it stays this way.

Li Chongming thought to himself.

He didn’t want his current life to change.