Yin Xi gazed at the stars flickering in the night sky, wondering if her parents were among them.
She imagined they would be pleased to see the exceptionally handsome man beside her, offering her their heartfelt blessings.
"Dad, Mom, you don't need to worry about me anymore. With Si Ye protecting me and the children, I'm sure I'll be very happy."
The two returned home at ten in the evening.
The villa was silent; everyone had already gone to sleep.
Without turning on any lights, they walked hand-in-hand to the third floor, guided by the faint glow of their phones.
They stopped simultaneously. Just as Yin Xi was about to let go and bid the man beside her goodnight, he suddenly pulled her into his embrace and gently kissed her lips.
Yin Xi was startled at first, but then she unconsciously responded.
After a moment, Qin Si Ye released her and then kissed her forehead, murmuring softly, "Good girl, you performed very well today. Great progress. Goodnight."
With that, he quickly walked towards the master bedroom.
Yin Xi stood there, stunned, watching his retreating figure, feeling a little bewildered.
Performed well? In what aspect?
Eating? Or kissing?
And why was he walking so fast? No one was chasing him.
Little did she know, Qin Si Ye was intensely restraining himself, fearing that if they lingered any longer, he would carry her directly into his bedroom.
The next day, as soon as Yin Xi opened her door, she saw Qin Si Ye approaching her, dressed impeccably in a suit.
Reflecting on his words from the previous night, Yin Xi had thought it likely referred to their kiss.
She hadn't expected her natural response to his touch to earn such affirmation and praise from him.
Had her kissing skills truly improved with his guidance and exploration?
Thinking of this, Yin Xi's heart skipped a beat.
The man stepped forward, affectionately took her hand, and asked, "Did you sleep well last night?"
"Mm. Very well," Yin Xi replied softly, looking down.
As they walked hand-in-hand to the second floor, they bumped into the three children, who were just coming out of their rooms.
"Daddy, Mommy," the three little ones exclaimed excitedly, running towards them.
Chen Chen asked, "Daddy, when did you get back last night?"
"After you fell asleep," Qin Si Ye replied, his eyebrows raised, still holding Yin Xi's hand.
The three exchanged smiling glances.
Yan Yan said, "We waited for you until half past nine last night, wanting to ask how things went. It seems we don't need to ask now."
Qin Si Ye's gaze swept gently over the three little ones, his lips curved in a smile. "Since all three of you are here, I have an announcement to make.
From today onwards, your Mommy and I are officially in love. In the future, dates like last night might happen often, so you'll have to get used to it."
Shuo Shuo ran forward and grabbed Yin Xi's hand, seeking her confirmation. "Mommy, is Daddy telling the truth?"
Yin Xi glanced at the man beside her and replied softly, "Yes. Having you all was an accident back then. After returning to the country, your Daddy and I went through so much together.
Due to our personalities and others' interference, our relationship was always unstable.
It was also because we understood each other too little. Last night, we officially agreed to let go of the past and get to know each other anew.
In your words, we're dating."
"That's great!" The three children were so excited they almost jumped for joy.
Chen Chen laughed and said, "Daddy, Mommy, you can date as much as you want from now on, you don't need to worry about us at all. Don't worry, I'll definitely take good care of my younger siblings."
Shuo Shuo added, "Yes. This is what we've always hoped for."
Yan Yan also said, "Daddy, Mommy, please don't worry, we'll behave ourselves at home and cooperate with Grandma Li."
Qin Si Ye looked at each of them, a satisfied smile on his face. "Good children. Let's go. Let's go downstairs for breakfast together."
Sister Li and Steward Liu in the first-floor hall overheard their conversation clearly. The two exchanged knowing glances, their faces breaking into understanding smiles.
In the evening, Yin Xi picked up the three children from home. As soon as she parked the car, the children opened the doors and ran towards the villa.
A faint smile played on Yin Xi's lips as she locked the car and was about to step forward when she heard someone call her from behind.
"Miss Yin, please wait a moment. I have something I wish to report to you."