Xu Ye set off back to Shanghai on the afternoon of the 6th, half a day earlier than planned.

Starting on the 4th, Chen Qingqing had messaged him every day to ask whether he was done with things at home. She never said it outright, but Xu Ye knew what she was really saying: she wanted him back soon.

By the time he drove into Yang Lin's complex, it was already dark. Xu Ye knew the way by heart and took the elevator up. When it reached the fifteenth floor and the doors slid open, he saw everyone in the living room.

Yang Lin sat on the sofa in loose pajamas, looking a little worn out. Jiang Meilin sat beside her, and in front of them was a bassinet. Chen Qingqing stood on the other side of it. All three had been watching the baby. Only when they heard the elevator did they look over at Xu Ye.

"You're back~"

"Mm."

Xu Ye went over and stood next to Chen Qingqing. He bent down to look at the sleeping baby and smiled. "He really does look different every day. He's gotten all chubby."

"That's how babies are."

Seeing how close Xu Ye had leaned in, Chen Qingqing quickly pulled him back, looking thoroughly disgusted. "Don't get so close."

Xu Ye laughed, exasperated. "Did you know that apart from the nurse, I was the first person to hold him after he was born?"

"Like I'd believe that."

Jiang Meilin smiled. "It's true. Xiao Xu held him first."

Xu Ye immediately looked very pleased with himself.

Chen Qingqing froze for a second. When she saw the smug look on his face, the kind that was asking for a smack, she gave him a shove and pouted. "What are you so smug about? Honestly."

Xu Ye laughed and took her little hand. "Auntie Jiang, I'm taking Qingqing out to eat. We'll come back tomorrow morning."

"Okay. Get some rest early, you two."

Xu Ye nodded and started to lead Chen Qingqing out, but she tugged her hand free. She slipped quietly back into…