Chapter 307 - 306: I’ve Got Your Back
Once Xi Yu left, Ji Mingzhu sent the maid to have a meal.
During the New Year, the mansion gave everyone silver as a reward and prepared a New Year’s Eve dinner.
Ji Mingzhu had her own private funds and gave extra money to her personal maid and wet nurse.
Working for her, as long as one follows the rules and doesn’t scheming, she always gives generous rewards during holidays.
It was obvious that the couple didn’t want others around, so Jade gave a bow and led the maids out.
Leaving someone by the door in case the masters gave orders, their meals were kept separate, ready for them when they finished their tasks and returned to their rooms, ensuring they wouldn’t miss out.
Only the four of them were left in the dining room; the second child was fast asleep, and the eldest was, for a change, not causing trouble, calmly resting on Xie Yunzhen’s shoulder.
Occasionally blowing bubbles from their mouth, soaking the fabric on Xie Yunzhen’s shoulder.
Having been a father for a few months, Xie Yunzhen had completely adapted to his new role.
Not only did he not mind the child’s drool, but he also found the milky fragrance quite pleasant.
Zimu was adorable, not only was her face chubby, but her eyes were big and round like jewels.
Her eyelashes were long, like two small fans.
With her clear, innocent gaze, it was hard not to feel fondness.
Like Xie Yunzhen, whenever Ji Mingzhu saw her daughter, her heart would melt.
She reached to take Zimu from Xie Yunzhen so he could focus on eating.
Xie Yunzhen refused, "She’s heavy, mothers shouldn’t often hold their babies, or else they’ll get backaches."
Ji Mingzhu’s lips twitched, "It’s been ages, still calling me a mother in recovery!"
"Anyway, it’s best to be careful."
For some reason, ever since Mingzhu had the baby, she seemed like a fragile porcelain doll to Xie Yunzhen.
Constantly reminding himself he must take good care of Mingzhu, never letting her get hurt.
Even when they were intimate, he didn’t dare be as demanding as before.
Afraid Mingzhu might feel uncomfortable.
"Don’t be overly dramatic."
Saying that, she took the child from him, skillfully cradling her.
Zimu didn’t want to sleep yet; lying in her mother’s arms, she would occasionally make cute, soft sounds.
Her big eyes stared unwaveringly at Ji Mingzhu, as if she was talking to her.
Ji Mingzhu laughed, "When Zimu grows up, when you’re away from the mansion, she can still keep me company."
Though said in jest, it made Xie Yunzhen’s heart ache a bit.
The mansion seemed lively, but in his absence, Mingzhu didn’t have anyone to truly talk with.
Xie Yunzhen was saddened by the hardship Mingzhu endured during childbirth but felt a bit relieved that when he’s away, she has the two children to accompany her.
He placed his large hand over Ji Mingzhu’s hand.
The room was warm, and coupled with the man’s strong presence, Ji Mingzhu felt slightly overwhelmed.
She scolded, "Don’t interfere with my baby holding."
Had Mingzhu not been holding the baby, Xie Yunzhen would have liked to entwine their fingers.
Instead of pulling his hand away, he helped her support their daughter’s small body.
"Do whatever you want, don’t worry about anything, I’ve got your back."
Though not sweet words, Ji Mingzhu felt cheerful hearing them.
Her lips curled into a smile, "What if I make a mess?"
Xie Yunzhen chuckled, pinched her cheek, "Then Madam, prepare to share a cell with me."
Ji Mingzhu laughed at his teasing, chuckled, and said proudly, "Husband and wife are like birds of the same forest, when disaster strikes, they fly separately."
Though joking, Xie Yunzhen nodded in agreement, "If that day ever comes, take good care of Zimu and Zishan."
His life’s meaning lies in protecting Mingzhu and the children.
As long as the mother and kids are alright, nothing else matters to him.
He seriously added, "Even if that day came, you better not remarry, in this lifetime, your husband can only be me—Xie Yunzhen!"
It had been a while since she heard him talk like that.
Hearing it again, Ji Mingzhu thought: It’s still the same Xie Yunzhen, he hasn’t changed a bit!
Pretending to annoy him, "If you’re gone, I’ll take the kids and remarry, let someone else be their father."
Xie Yunzhen suddenly recalled Yuan Changan.
The guy hadn’t married yet; when Zimu and Zishan had their full-month celebration, he even had someone send a gift.
Xie Yunzhen was certain if something happened to him, Yuan Changan would rush to Mingzhu and the children’s side.
If Mingzhu wanted to remarry, the rascal would shamelessly offer himself.
Not only wanting to marry Mingzhu but also becoming Zimu and Zishan’s father!
Just imagining that scene made Xie Yunzhen’s heart sour.
Even though nothing really happened...
Everything was just hypothetical...
"Don’t pick Yuan Changan."
Ji Mingzhu kicked him a bit, "What nonsense are you mumbling, Yuan Changan is a perfectly good gentleman, don’t ruin his reputation."
The man looked aggrieved, "You’re defending him?"
Ji Mingzhu had a headache, "He’s not even in Yanzhou, if you’re going to be jealous, at least have a proper reason?"
"Are you tired of me?"
Ji Mingzhu: "..."
It’s pointless reasoning with a jealous man, especially one who gets jealous for no reason, they’re even harder to deal with.
Turning her body, she held her daughter upright, "Don’t learn from your father, always looking for trouble."
Zimu let out a soft "mm," though sheer coincidence, it sounded like she was agreeing with Ji Mingzhu.
Amused by the little one, Ji Mingzhu was in great spirits, not wanting to argue the point further with Xie Yunzhen.
No matter if Yuan Changan marries or something happens on her side, there wouldn’t be any chance between her and Yuan Changan.
He’s a wonderful man and deserves a great marriage.
Even if he never marries, he should live freely and unrestrainedly, be a figure of romance.
When Xie Yunzhen suddenly leaned to kiss her, Ji Mingzhu was startled.
Quickly raising the baby in her arms, indicating there’s a child present.
Xie Yunzhen stretched his long arm to encircle both of them, preventing the child from falling.
Lightly biting Ji Mingzhu’s lip, he said, "This is truly finding trouble!"
"You..."
The rest of her words were silenced.
Zimu watched with big eyes, suddenly waving her little hand, landing a playful slap on Xie Yunzhen’s face.
It didn’t hurt, like a soft brush.
But it made Xie Yunzhen feel embarrassed to continue.
Pretending to be stern, he glared at the little one, "Don’t interrupt when your parents are bonding."
Zimu’s little hand twitched, and after a few beats of big eyes staring down small ones, she suddenly slapped Xie Yunzhen’s face again.
Ji Mingzhu couldn’t help but laugh.
Watching the man’s flustered expression, she couldn’t stop laughing.
Seeing her mother laugh, Zimu joined in with a silly grin.
The sound was crisp, waking the second child in the cradle, who began to cry intermittently.
Ji Mingzhu tried hard to stifle her laughter, and said in between, "Go hold your son."
Xie Yunzhen picked up the baby.
Coaxing the child, he gave Ji Mingzhu a wistful glance.
Saying meaningfully, "Once the kids are asleep, we’ll bond properly!"