No wonder Su Wenjun liked Xiao Su—this dog truly understood human relations. Seeing how his owner treasured the two strangers before him, the pup quickly trotted over and rubbed against their legs.
Ye Qingyi was charmed by its clever antics and scooped it up for a playful roughhousing session. Xiao Su didn’t resist, seemingly enjoying the attention.
“Dad, when Mom messaged me earlier, she only got halfway through before saying you’d brought back a little brother for me. It really gave me a scare,” Ye Qingyi said, her acting flawless, without a single crack.
“Your mom’s just like that.”
“What do you know? I was just teasing our son,” Yu Xiaowen huffed before heading to the kitchen.
Su Wenjun fetched a bottle of homemade fruit wine from the storeroom and placed it on the table, glancing at Su Mo. “This is our family’s homemade fruit wine—low alcohol, no additives. Care for some?”
“No, Uncle. I get drunk too easily. Last time—” Halfway through his sentence, both Su Mo and Ye Qingyi were reminded of that awkward night, their faces flushing red. “Last time… I was out after just one glass.”
Su Wenjun raised an eyebrow, turning to Ye Qingyi. “Come with me for a moment.”
Then, to Su Mo: “You just drink some water for now. Dinner will be ready soon.”
Su Mo nodded obediently, taking a sip of hot water while his gaze flickered over the fruit wine bottle. Internally, he mourned for Ye Qingyi.
This is bad. Dad’s definitely about to lecture her again.
Sigh… If he ever finds out the one he’s lecturing isn’t his son but his future daughter-in-law, his expression will be priceless.
Three minutes later, the two returned to the table. Ye Qingyi wore a strange expression, sneaking glances at Su Mo.
Unexpectedly, Su Wenjun suddenly spoke up. “Qingyi, even though you two are adults now, you’re still young. We don’t oppose you dating, but there are some things you absolutely can’t indulge him in. If this brat dares to bully you, just tell us—we’ll beat him up for you.”
Su Mo: “???”
Why would he say that?
Wait… Su Mo’s mind raced. Oh no… Did Dad misunderstand because I mentioned getting drunk last time?!
This is terrible. I’m never speaking carelessly again.
Su Mo could only force himself to feign shock. “Uncle, you’ve got it wrong! He treats me really well—there’s no way he’d bully me…”
“Good to hear.” Su Wenjun nodded in satisfaction, glancing toward the kitchen. “You two chat. I’ll go help in the kitchen.”
“Dad, I’ll go.”
“Uncle, I’ll help too.”
Su Wenjun stopped in his tracks, eyeing them both. “Both of you, sit right here. I’ll go. No one’s taking this from me!”
Before long, the sound of Su Wenjun and Yu Xiaowen stifling laughter drifted from the kitchen.
During dinner, no one drank alcohol—per Su Wenjun’s orders, everyone stuck to homemade fruit juice.
Xiao Su, of course, received the same treatment.
After the meal, Su Wenjun single-handedly took over dishwashing duty, shooing everyone out of the kitchen.
Su Mo was both amused and exasperated. Dad’s acting is a bit too obvious today. Normally, no chore was ever settled without a casual, “Son, your mom’s calling you.”
Once done, Su Wenjun strode out of the kitchen with an air of authority, settling onto the sofa like the patriarch he was. “Xiao Mo, your mom and I have something to discuss with you.”
Then, as an afterthought, he added, “Qingyi, you come too. We’re all family—I’ve got something to ask you as well.”
Though the words were directed at “Ye Qingyi,” the real Ye Qingyi felt a warmth in her chest. Here, she truly felt the embrace of family.
The four gathered around the table. Su Wenjun posed his first question: “Are you two truly serious about each other?”
Ye Qingyi’s heart skipped a beat, her expression turning puzzled. “Dad, what are you doubting? Of course we’re serious.”
Su Mo chimed in, “Right, Uncle. Su Mo and I are truly together.”
Su Wenjun’s sharp gaze swept over them, searching for any cracks.
Yu Xiaowen elbowed him. “What nonsense are you spouting?”
“Qingyi, don’t misunderstand. I just don’t want you doing anything reckless. You’re still young, after all.”
What he didn’t say was: You’re only eighteen and already bringing your girlfriend home for the New Year? Even I didn’t have the guts back then!
Su Mo knew what he was worried about and quickly clarified, “Uncle, don’t worry. She wouldn’t dare try anything without my consent—the difference in strength is obvious.”
“Exactly! He’s way stronger than me. I can’t beat him…” Ye Qingyi put on a pitiful expression.
“Good.” Su Wenjun sighed in relief before turning a stern gaze to his “son.” “The second matter is about superhumans. We’ve discussed it in detail online, but I feel it’s better to talk face-to-face.”
As a father, Su Wenjun’s words were predictable—both Su Mo and Ye Qingyi could guess what was coming. The only surprise was his full support for Su Mo’s choices.
“You’re a superhuman now, and so is Qingyi. The future will bring many dangers. All your mom and I can do is support you silently.” He paused. “But remember—never overestimate yourself. Stay low-key. ‘The nail that sticks out gets hammered down’—you understand that better than we do.”
“Got it, Dad.”
“Understood, Uncle. Su Mo and I will remember your advice.”
Ye Qingyi noticed Yu Xiaowen’s subdued mood and knew it stemmed from worry. Softly, she said, “Mom, both Qingyi and I are D-rank now. If we stay low-key like Dad said, we won’t easily run into strong enemies. Please don’t worry.”
Yu Xiaowen’s eyes reddened instantly. “How can I not worry? If not for your dad convincing me—saying boys need to follow their own path and not be swayed by others—I’d have objected long ago.”
Ye Qingyi walked over and gently hugged her “mother,” warmth flooding her heart. Seeing this, Su Mo smiled knowingly.
……
Late at night.
It should have been time to rest, but Ye Qingyi was summoned to the rooftop by Su Wenjun.
“Dad, did you need something?”
“Nothing urgent. Just felt like a drink. It’s been a while since we had a father-son chat.” Su Wenjun pulled out two glasses, filled them, and handed one to Ye Qingyi.
Thanks to his father’s influence, Su Mo had been introduced to alcohol early—but only in strict moderation.
Su Wenjun’s philosophy was clear: A man must know how to drink, but never overindulge. If you get drunk and lose control, you’ll only do things you regret.
Thus, Su Wenjun never allowed himself to get drunk.
But tonight was different. He downed glass after glass, quickly growing tipsy. Despite Ye Qingyi’s protests, he refused to stop. “Don’t nag me. I’m happy. My son’s more capable than I ever was. That’s worth celebrating.”
“Dad, I—”
“Who are you?”
“I’m your son. Xiao Mo.”
“You’re not my son. You’re my daughter-in-law. Hah! My daughter-in-law called me ‘Dad’—guess I’ll be holding a grandkid soon!”
Ye Qingyi stiffened, fearing the truth had been exposed—until she realized Su Wenjun was just drunk and rambling.
Of course. There’s no way anyone could figure it out so easily. Not even parents. It’s not like everyone’s like Soul Immortal, able to see through souls.
“Dad, you’re drunk. I’m Xiao Mo.”
Su Wenjun squinted at her for a long moment before suddenly bursting into laughter. “Really?”
“Of course it’s true.”
“Alright then. You’re my son. And I’m… Wait, who am I again?”