Chapter 62

Lin Xu realized she probably couldn’t become best friends with Shu Rong in the conventional sense of mother and daughter, so she decided to make a concerted effort to change the little one’s impression of her.

She apologized, but Shu Rong refused to look at her and covered her eyes with her little hands. Lin Xu forcibly pinched her cheeks, making her turn her head.

Then, she solemnly reached into the pocket of her top.

She had swiped a chocolate ball from the kitchen that morning and now presented it like a treasure, cradling it in her palm. “Sorry, Rongrong.”

Tempted by the chocolate, Shu Rong’s mouth watered furiously, but a single glance at her ‘pitiful’ mommy gave her boundless courage.

With a milky nasal hum, she sought a hug from her mommy.

“Qingyou…” Lin Xu was helpless. Her daughter ignored her, and she frowned. “Think of something.”

Shu Qingyou lowered her gaze, fondly twirling Shu Rong’s fluffy short hair, and said indifferently, “Sorry, I’m on Rongrong’s side.”

“How could you…”

“You’re both teaming up to bully me.”

Lin Xu pouted and shook her head. She had just coaxed her wife, and now her daughter was throwing a tantrum. Suddenly, her hand felt empty. She looked up to see Shu Qingyou had taken the chocolate ball.

“Rongrong, Mommy will feed you.”

Shu Qingyou peeled off the wrapper, leaned down, and placed it on Shu Rong’s tongue for her to lick in tiny bites.

Thus, Lin Xu sourly shrank back, watching a heartwarming scene of maternal affection.

Ever since her body had recovered, Shu Qingyou no longer spoiled her excessively. Lin Xu’s mind wandered with wild ideas—maybe she should stage another grand wife-protecting spectacle.

Lost in thought, they arrived at the Oceanarium by the seaside. As soon as they got out of the car, a fresh sea breeze greeted them.

Even in winter, visitors streamed into the Oceanarium steadily. On a weekday, the crowds were slightly thinner. Fortunately, Lin Xu strode forward.

The staff knew she was a VIP and offered to assign a guide, but Lin Xu saw Shu Qingyou taking photos of Shu Rong with a penguin plushie.

She waved it off, refusing, wanting to enjoy the visit with them. She nudged Shu Qingyou. “We should take a commemorative photo in front of the building.”

With staff assistance, their group looked stunning. As they said “cheese,” the shutter clicked.

The staff couldn’t help but marvel, “You photograph so well. Your family of three could be models.”

“Thank you.” Lin Xu rarely thanked strangers—usually just a nod sufficed. She found such politeness unnecessary; tips were far more practical.

Not only did she thank him, but she also slipped him a hundred-yuan bill. The staff’s eyes widened, quickly realizing she was loaded—photos for cash?

What a pie-in-the-sky job!

Lin Xu was used to their fussing. She had done this plenty of times. During her playboy days, she frequented nightclubs, five-star hotels, and mid-to-high-end restaurants in the city, tipping by the head in hundreds.

Basic protocol—everyone happy.

“Qingyou, look, look. We match so well.”

Lin Xu repeatedly admired the photo on her phone. She flashed a peace sign, Shu Qingyou’s beautiful lips curved in a subtle smile—less exuberant than Lin Xu’s, somewhat aloof, as if in a different frame.

But Lin Xu clung tightly to her, their long hair entwined.

Shu Rong knew to pose for photos, baring her eight baby teeth that hadn’t fallen out yet.

Shu Qingyou wouldn’t dampen the mood. “As long as you like it.”

“Of course I do. I’ll frame it and hang it by the bed.”

“That’s a bit much,” Shu Qingyou said uncertainly.

Lin Xu nodded vigorously, her smile utterly sincere. “Absolutely. That way, every night before bed, you’ll see us all sweet and lovey-dovey, and you’ll get the urge to promote me to the main wife position.”

“Main wife?” Shu Qingyou looked at her blankly.

“You won’t introduce me to Rongrong,” Lin Xu said, embracing her role as Shu Qingyou’s dog, fully unleashed. “I’m waiting… I’ll wait forever.”

It was a bit creepy. Lin Xu stared intently, giving Shu Qingyou chills down her neck.

Lin Xu took her hand; the smooth, slightly cool skin felt wonderful. Gradually, Lin Xu’s warmth seeped deeply into Shu Qingyou.

Under the golden halogen lights, the exhibit hall glowed in vast swaths of cold blue, everything bathed in oceanic hues.

Shu Qingyou immersed herself in the diverse marine life, reading the exhibits carefully. Shu Rong watched intently, listening to Mommy’s explanations and marveling at the fish’s vibrant colors.

Glancing at Lin Xu, who was taking photos for them, Shu Rong noticed the big sister staring more at Mommy, her eyes holding emotions the child didn’t quite understand.

Overall, the big sister hadn’t bullied Mommy earlier and had even apologized. Shu Rong decided to let Lin Xu hug her later.

Lin Xu grabbed a guidebook, detailing routes and show times.

“Qingyou, we can head to the Penguin Pavilion first, then lunch at the Penguin Restaurant.”

“Sure, sounds good.”

At the mention of penguins, Shu Rong buzzed with excitement like the other kids, clutching Lin Xu’s clothes tightly.

“This is…” Lin Xu looked at the hand half her size and paused.

Shu Rong tugged a few more times.

Understanding dawned, Lin Xu took on the load, teasing the oblivious child. “Oh, such a good girl. Rongrong’s worried Mommy’s tired, so she’s exploiting me instead. Good kid.”

She turned to Shu Qingyou for praise. “Kiss me? For helping carry this little rascal’s weight.”

“Mm…” Shu Qingyou agreed without thinking, spreading the love with a kiss for each. “There, so Rongrong won’t get jealous.”

Everything revolved around the child for Shu Qingyou—Lin Xu was nearly driven to depression.

The Penguin Pavilion was bustling. Black-and-white penguins waddled, slid down chutes on their bellies, and frolicked in the water.

Visitors could feed them and take close-up photos with the little ones.

Here, Lin Xu shone brightest, wielding her money power to let Shu Rong play to her heart’s content.

After photos with the penguins, Shu Rong reluctantly rubbed against Lin Xu and pointed at one.

Lin Xu guessed her daughter’s intent, a spark lighting up. “Mommy will buy you the whole Oceanarium someday.”

“No more just penguins—seals, dolphins, big sharks, the works.”

Shu Rong floated in a fog of big promises, confused. Who’s Mommy?

Shu Qingyou shot Lin Xu a reproachful glance. “Rongrong, don’t be too greedy. Take care of the pets at home first.”

“Lin Xu, same goes for you. No tricking my daughter.”

Caught out, Lin Xu didn’t mind. If Shu Qingyou approved, she’d build Shu Rong a princess castle.

That’s how she grew up, after all. Shu Qingyou’s parenting views diverged somewhat.

“Help! I’m honest and straightforward—no tricks up my sleeve. I just want you smiling more every day. A beauty should show her prettiest side to me.”

Whenever Shu Qingyou smiled at her, a warm current swirled in Lin Xu’s heart, making them feel a bit more connected.

Shu Qingyou couldn’t stand her slick tongue. Helplessly, she said, “So, I can only smile for you?”

“Exactly. If you smile at others like that…” Lin Xu mimicked her ambiguous expression. “That’d be you cheating on me.”

Over the top. Shu Qingyou was full of question marks, though the mimicry was spot-on, quickening her pulse.

She bit her lip, reached out, and poked Lin Xu’s forehead with her index finger, whispering tenderly, “Then work twice as hard. Don’t let me fall for someone else.”

The spot Shu Qingyou touched burned, leaving Lin Xu dazed. Was that a roundabout confession?

She stood frozen for dozens of seconds until Shu Qingyou prompted, “Let’s go.”

“Oh, right, right.” Lin Xu responded blankly, walking on air like stepping on clouds.

Shu Qingyou scanned the QR code and handed the phone to Lin Xu. “Menu. Anything else?”

“Why so polite between us? My treat.” Lin Xu pulled out her latest-model phone, swiping the screen. “Let me see…”

“Hot fruit drinks. Rongrong, pick the penguin cup—cute, right?”

Shu Qingyou paused, her fan-like lashes lowering, casting diamond shadows on her eyelids.

To Lin Xu, it was trivial—a thousand-yuan phone, unworthy of her status, embarrassing even.

But recalling Lin Xu’s joy receiving that gift, her sparkling eyes so different now.

“Qingyou, what’s wrong? Uncomfortable? Stomach?”

“No,” Shu Qingyou said, a fleeting disappointment in her eyes. She smiled. “What did you order?”

“Lots: little cakes, hot drinks, iced cola, two adult sets, one kids’ set.” Lin Xu listed them off. “I’ll grab the drinks. Wait here.”

As she stood, Lin Xu leaned over Shu Qingyou, planting a kiss on her cheek and whispering in her ear, “Wait for me. Be right back.”

“Okay…”

The warm softness lingered on her face. Shu Qingyou zoned out, her gaze drifting to Lin Xu’s phone.

Forgot to bring hers, the scatterbrain… Shu Qingyou smiled knowingly.

Diners bustled around noisily. Shu Rong viewed everything with wonder—staring at a penguin statue one moment, eyeing others’ toys the next.

Not back yet? Shu Qingyou glanced back; Lin Xu’s tall figure stood out in the long queue.

Lin Xu kept her figure well, her features more approachable than Shu Qingyou’s, plus a faint natural fragrance.

Every aspect was irresistible to Shu Qingyou.

Seeing Shu Rong fidgeting, Shu Qingyou grabbed her to prevent a dash. “Rongrong, sit nicely. Wait for… Mommy to come back.”

She had long accepted Lin Xu; she just didn’t know why she held back. Shu Rong missed the words amid the din and her mommy’s soft voice.

As Shu Qingyou shot a warning look, her peripheral vision caught the phone screen lighting up.

Distracted, she scooped up Shu Rong and glanced instinctively.

Peeking at someone’s phone was wrong, even a partner’s—consent required.

Shu Qingyou’s upbringing forbade such sneakiness.

She looked away, but curiously, those words nagged. Guilty, she craned her neck.

The phone wasn’t locked; white-green light burst from the screen—green background, black text, glaring.

【Who knew, sis? You reeled in such a juicy one. You’re the pro.】

【Does she know you wrecked her family company? Lol, you’re something. Is this ‘sleeping with the enemy’?】