Gu Min sat on the sofa, his face devoid of any expression. He looked at his so-called family with cold detachment, his gaze cutting through them like ice.

Since Su Bai left the house, Gu Erqi hadn’t been able to find food that satisfied his taste buds. Sometimes the meals tasted good, but there would be cilantro—an ingredient he was severely allergic to. Even when he specifically mentioned what not to include, the flavor was mediocre at best. Subconsciously, he knew it was because Su Bai had always cooked with meticulous care, customizing every dish just for him. But in his twisted mind, he convinced himself it was all part of Su Bai’s strategy to manipulate them and gain favor with his elder brother.

Mrs. Gu wasn’t faring any better. She had to cook, wash dishes, and clean their massive house—a routine she was woefully unaccustomed to. Even after all that effort, her younger son barely gave her a glance. They had posted for maids butler and other job posts but now no one came to apply. They live far from the city for quietness. She grumbled to herself, convinced that Su Bai was "playing hard to get," trying to make them suffer so they’d beg him to come back.

Both mother and son shared the same selfish delusion: everything they wanted should come to them effortlessly.

Mr. Gu, meanwhile, sat in silence. A bad premonition settled in his chest as he observed his eldest son, who had returned unannounced, sitting there cold and distant.

“What happened, Ah Min? Is there a problem with the company?” Mrs. Gu asked nervously, unable to contain herself.

Gu Min didn’t respond. He pulled out some documents and placed them on the table before signaling his father to sign them.

Mr. Gu, as always, didn’t bother reading the papers. He trusted his eldest son to handle every issue, just as he always had. Without hesitation, he signed them. That was why Gu Min’s grandfather had bypassed Mr. Gu in his will, leaving the company directly to Gu Min.

But the next words out of Gu Min’s mouth made Mr. Gu regret his blind trust more than anything in his life.

After collecting signatures from his mother and brother as witnesses, Gu Min calmly placed the documents in his bag. Then he spoke:

“This agreement officially severs our parent-child relationship. From today onward, we are no longer connected. I’ll provide alimony every month—five figures, which is more than enough for you to live comfortably as long as you don’t squander it on foolish ventures.”

The room fell into stunned silence.

Gu Erqi stared at his elder brother, his face slack with shock.

“What nonsense is this?!” Mr. Gu finally erupted. “The company was my father’s! How dare you take it all for yourself and then throw us a measly alimony like we’re beggars? You’re rebelling! Have you gone mad? Sever ties with this family, and you’ll get nothing from us!”

Gu Min stood, his patience clearly at its end. His voice was sharp and cutting.

“The company is already mine. Legally, I own 46% of it, and my wife held an additional 5%, as stated in Grandpa’s will. You only have a few shares left, Father. But if you want the company so badly, you can have it.”

Mr. Gu’s eyes brightened for a moment, thinking his threat had worked. But Gu Min’s next words crushed that hope.

“However, if you want the company, you’ll need to manage it yourself. I’ll resign completely. But the severance of our relationship will remain final.”

His gaze swept over their faces, noting the disbelief, anger, and panic that flickered across them. But he felt nothing. They were just clowns—selfish, grasping people who only cared about their own interests, regardless of the cost to others.

He thought back to Su Bai. Before their marriage, he had told everyone that he loved Su Bai and had married him willingly. Yet, step by step, his family had humiliated and mistreated Su Bai, driving him into despair. He was forced by that system but if they had shown even a shred of humanity, Su Bai might not have died the way he did.

Gu Min turned and walked upstairs to pack his things, leaving the room in a heavy, suffocating silence.

---

In the quiet countryside, as the villagers left after praising the cheese-flavored lotus seed fries, Xiaoke grew nervous again. He sat quietly in Su Bai’s arms, his small frame trembling like a frightened animal.

“Baby, tell me what you’re thinking,” Su Bai said gently. “We’re partners, right? You promised to share your thoughts with me.” He held out his pinky finger, a playful reminder of their promise.

Su Bai didn’t rush him, simply rubbing his back in slow, comforting circles. After some time, Xiaoke pouted and finally spoke, his words tumbling out in a confused rush.

“Are you mad at me? I haven’t called you Father… but you adopted me. Are you angry? I… I don’t know what to do. My father is dead, so how can I call you my father? What about him?”

Tears welled in his wide eyes, and Su Bai’s heart ached at the sight.

“Baby,” Su Bai said, cupping Xiaoke’s face in his hands. “I don’t want to pressure you. You had a father, and no one can take his place. I’m not asking you to call me ‘Father.’”

Xiaoke blinked at him, confusion and hope warring in his expression.

“I adopted you because I like you,” Su Bai continued with a warm smile. “Our baby is cute. Just like I call you different names, you can call me whatever you want. Any name you choose, I’ll love it.”

He kissed Xiaoke’s cheek softly, his eyes shining with affection.

Xiaoke’s tears dried as his cheeks flushed red. A shy smile spread across his face, and he leaned forward to press a soft kiss on Su Bai’s cheek in return.

Scratching his little head, Xiaoke giggled nervously. “Beautiful Gege, I get it now! I’ll call you Daddy. I had a father before, but now I have Daddy and Beautiful Gege!”

He laughed, his small frame practically glowing with relief and happiness.

Su Bai patted his head and smiled. Hearing the word "Daddy" stirred something deep in his heart, but he didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he let himself savor the warmth of the moment, holding Xiaoke close.

Xiaohei watched them hugging with large curious eyes. The kitty let out a soft pleading moews. His pink nose twitched slightly. He slowly crawled to Su Bai's lap kneading his paws at Su Bai’s chest, his tail swishing for attention. 

“ hihihi, xiaohei also wants kissy” xiaoke gigglee happy. 

Su Bai chucked softly, swishing up the little ball of fur he kissed his forehead, “little attention seeker”. He began to rub his soft fur avoiding the injured area, xiaoke comfortably purred his paws no longer kneading in protest. 

After getting his share from Su Bai , xiaohei tilted his head towards xiaoke let out a soft meow. As if to say now it's your turn too. 

Xiaoke giggled in amusement planted a loud muahh in his forehead. Xiaohei happily wiggled his little butt with happiness. 

The yard was filled with warm laughter with xiaohei comfortable purring flowing in the gentle breeze.