Early next morning, dawn’s rays passed through the gaps between the motley branches and leaves and spilled onto the windowsill. Ye Zhen woke up from dreamland and opened her eyes. She blankly looked at the ceiling. Once she was fully awake, she immediately thought of Zhouzhou.

  She remembered checking Zhouzhou’s temperature last night.

  Incapable of focusing on too many things at once, Ye Zhen lifted up her blanket and got out of bed. On her way out of the room, she draped an outer layer over her shoulders and saw a post-in on the bedside table. Each stroke on the post-it was seriously written and the ink penetrated through the paper.

  — Zhouzhou’s temperature is normal. Don’t worry. The movie matter has come to an end for the time being. You’ve been working hard lately. Take the week off and rest at home.

  Ye Zhen didn’t have any memory of returning to the bedroom last night. Lu Beichuan probably carried her back, but she didn’t think too much of it. Preoccupied with thoughts of Zhouzhou, she put the note in the drawer and walked over Zhouzhou’s room, which was right next door. Nanny Yue was currently feeding Zhouzhou milk.

  Ye Zhen stroked Zhouzhou’s forehead and whispered, “Nanny Yue, how’s Zhouzhou’s temperature?”


  Nanny Yue smiled. “Don’t worry. The doctor checked this morning. There’s no serious issues.”


  Ye Zhen sighed in relief and held her hand out for the milk bottle. “Give it to me.”


  Nanny Yue took the milk bottle out of Zhouzhou’s mouth. Zhouzhou, who had his hands around the milk bottle and had been drinking the milk with shut eyes, sucked on empty air. Not getting any milk, he smacked his lips. Unhappy, he pouted and was about to cry.

  Ye Zhen hastily took him from Nanny Yue. Holding this little ancestor, she carefully coaxed him, “Baby, don’t cry. Mom is here.”


  The little dumpling was small and thin. During this age when he was so fragile, Ye Zhen was worried that he would bump into or knock against something. She didn’t even dare to use too much strength in holding him for fear that she would hurt him.

  Zhouzhou, who had been about to cry, immediately smiled when he saw Ye Zhen. He hugged Ye Zhen’s neck like a monkey and wouldn’t let go. Scared, Ye Zhen hurriedly put her arms behind Zhouzhou’s neck and waist to prevent him from accidentally falling back and getting hurt.

  The little fellow didn’t take Ye Zhen’s nervous motherly mindset into consideration at all. Opening his mouth, he giggled. He was radiant with delight. Saliva flowed down from the corners of his mouth as he stared at Ye Zhen with a pair of big eyes that were as bright as stars. Ye Zhen’s nervous expression was reflected in his pure and limpid eyes. He laughed even more like a silly, little fool.

  Ye Zhen could only silently think to herself that this was her son and bring the milk bottle to Zhouzhou’s mouth. “Be good and finish the milk. Mom will stay at home to spend the day with you.”


  Zhouzhou was a little rascal. Hearing the words, he perceptively held the milk bottle and quietly drank the milk. He didn’t need anyone to fuss over him at all.

  After finishing the last drop, Zhouzhou presented both sides of the milk bottle to Ye Zhen as if it was treasure.

  “So well-behaved! You finished it all!” Ye Zhen took a glance and kissed Zhouzhou’s cheek. The scent of milk and a baby’s tender chubby face made Ye Zhen kiss his cheek again. “Mom will stay at home to keep baby company. Okay?”


  It might have been the tone of Ye Zhen’s voice or her kisses. Zhouzhou happily gesticulated with his limbs before hugging Ye Zhen’s neck and looking very dependent.

  Ye Zhen wanted to go wash her face, brush her teeth, and change her clothes, but that little ancestor wouldn’t let go of her neck. As soon as she tried to pull his arm away, he would open his mouth and loudly cry.

  Mother Lu, who had been eating breakfast downstairs, heard Zhouzhou crying and rushed upstairs.