Back then, Xu Yun was a hot young starlet in the entertainment industry. She was stunningly beautiful—like a lotus flower emerging from water—with a gentle, quiet, and elegant temperament rarely seen in the circle. She debuted in an ancient idol drama, where her styling amazed everyone. That Bright and resilient princess in red silk became the "white moonlight" in many people's hearts.
At the peak of her fame, she had 18 million Weibo followers. Then, she retired to marry Ji Xiu. For this marriage, she gave up her career and her youth. Even her family couldn't accept her decision, leading to a rift with her relatives.
She gave her all. Due to various reasons, she couldn't even get a marriage certificate or a wedding when she gave birth to Ji Xiaocong. They simply informed their families and lived together—it was called a marriage, but in reality, it was just cohabitation. She was young and passionate, loving Ji Xiu enough to ignore those external forms.
Unfortunately, the original owner didn't give her a happy future. Recalling the previous life's plot, Ji Xiu despised the original owner's heartlessness and felt deep pity for Xu Yun. If Xiaocong's fate was tragic, Xu Yun’s was no better.
Since he was here now, he would raise the child and protect the woman. Ji Xiu sought out Brother Wang to formally announce Xu Yun's identity. The status the original owner denied her, he would give.
…
Brother Wang suggested a simple Weibo post tagging her. Ji Xiu shook his head, pouring a cup of tea for his manager. "That’s too frivolous. It's not solemn enough for her."
"How is it not enough? That's how every female celebrity in the circle announces it..."
Ji Xiu’s expression remained calm. "She is my wife."
Brother Wang paused, sipping his tea. He looked at Ji Xiu with a mix of amusement and complaint. "Speaking of which, you treated her like air for years. Why the sudden change into a perfect husband and father? The leap is so big it’s scaring me."
Ji Xiu paused his tea-making and looked back. "Didn't you tell me to rest and make it up to them?"
"I did, but I'm surprised you've gone this far."
"I'm older now. My ambition isn't as strong. It's normal to want to enjoy the warmth of a family," Ji Xiu explained, urging him to focus on a plan. "Let's brainstorm."
Brother Wang scratched his head. "How about arranging for the moms to visit on Dad and Me and announcing it there?"
Ji Xiu considered it but shook his head. "There's a better way. Let's live-stream a wedding."
Brother Wang was stunned. "You mean... a redo wedding?" He felt a surge of fraternal pride. "Alright! I'll handle the preparations!"
…
After Brother Wang left, Xu Yun emerged from the kitchen with dinner. Not seeing the manager, she asked, "Why didn't you keep Brother Wang for a meal?"
"He's busy training new recruits," Ji Xiu explained. "It's just us tonight."
He looked at her, his eyes softening. "Go get Congcong. Dinner's ready."
In the study, Ji Xiaocong was lying on a plush rug in his yellow Tuzki pajamas, video-chatting with Gu Xiaoxiao.
"Xiaoxiao, next time we'll go together. Big Brother Chenchen will bring you," the boy said proudly.
"Okay, thank you, Congcong," the little girl replied.
Congcong pouted. "No, call me Brother Congcong. I'm three and a half—six whole months older than you!"
"Okay... Brother Congcong."
"Hey!" Congcong chirped happily. He spotted Ji Xiu and turned around. "Papa, want to talk to Xiaoxiao?"
"Mommy says it's time to eat."
Congcong’s eyes lit up. He hurriedly said goodbye, put on his slippers, and grabbed Ji Xiu’s hand. "Papa, let's go! Mommy promised egg custard. If we're late, it'll be gone!"
At the table, Xiaocong wanted to help. "Mommy, Congcong will get the chopsticks."
"Look at those dirty hands," Xu Yun teased. "Go wash them first."
Congcong looked at his palms, stained with colors. "I was drawing a picture! They aren't dirty hands."
"They're dirty until they're washed," Xu Yun said.
Xiaocong immediately turned to Ji Xiu. "Papa, take Congcong to wash hands." Usually, he only trusted Xu Yun with this, but for the first time, he asked Ji Xiu. Ji Xiu felt his heart swell. He carried the boy to the bathroom and taught him how to scrub with soap.
Listening to the child's laughter, Ji Xiu felt a deep sense of fulfillment. In the Space-Time Bureau, some didn't understand why he didn't just "kill the villain" to fix the world. But Ji Xiu, having grown up in a cold, immortal-cultivation world where he was discarded for having a "trash" spiritual root, understood the pain of a rejected child. He would never let that happen to anyone else if he could help it.
…
After dinner, Ji Xiu pulled out a travel brochure. "Where do you want to take your wedding photos?"
Xu Yun’s eyes widened. "Wedding photos?"
"Every girl should wear a wedding dress once," Ji Xiu said softly. "I want to make up for what we missed. Let's take the photos and have a wedding, okay?"
Xu Yun’s throat moved. She looked at the landscapes in the brochure, her eyes misty. "...Okay."
Ji Xiu pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head. "It's settled then. Xu Yun, thank you for loving me."
"Don't thank me," she whispered against his chest. "I'm just glad I met you."
…
Xu Yun chose Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Like many girls, she dreamed of castles and white horses. They spent half a month abroad, visiting five locations and taking thousands of photos. It was their first real trip together, and their bond deepened significantly.
"Do you think I'm troublesome?" she asked one day, fearing her excitement was annoying.
Ji Xiu shook his head. "No. Every girl has the right to be willful sometimes. It's quite cute."
When they returned to China, it was time for the second recording of Dad and Me. Ji Xiu could feel that Xu Yun was now fully "tethered" to him, no longer looking at him as a distant idol, but as her husband.
Ji Xiu knocked on Xiaocong’s door. "Congcong, time for another trip!"
Xiaocong scrambled out of bed. "Papa, Congcong is coming!"
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