Chapter Thirty-Four: Divine Intervention by Jiang Xixi

"Brother An, let me tell you about what I've been through these past few years. Do you still remember how I ended up at the orphanage?"

Song Wanshuang let Xixi and Xiaohu play freely, then sat down with Jiang An and spoke softly.

"I remember. According to the director, you were left at the orphanage door as a newborn. Other than your swaddling clothes, only your birth date and name were left behind."

"That's right. Six years ago, after we parted, I actually went to the capital. There, I encountered my family—or rather, they found me. The Song family of the capital, a clan so large it’s beyond your imagination! Do you know why I was abandoned? It was because my mother was the mistress of the Song family head. In other words, I am an illegitimate child!"

A fleeting look of resentment passed over Song Wanshuang’s cool features, but her voice remained calm.

"I don’t know exactly what happened back then, but my mother died of illness just days after giving birth to me. Before her death, perhaps fearing I’d be harmed, she chose to send me to the orphanage… Tell me, when the Song family came to find me and wanted me to return, how could I possibly agree? My mother refused to rely on the Song family, and so will I! But then I heard that something had happened to you in Lin City, so I rushed back, only to find you had vanished without a trace. Alone and powerless, how could I possibly find you? About a year later, there was still no word of you. That’s when I made up my mind—I decided to accept the Song family’s help. First, it was the only way to find you quicker. Second, it was what the Song family owed my mother and me! So I borrowed five million from the Songs. The first thing I did was go to the hospital and use your sperm to undergo artificial insemination! Ha, it was a brilliant move. First, it was my way of honoring my feelings for you and for myself; even if you never returned to this world, I’d always have your child with me. Second, being pregnant out of wedlock kept countless disgusting men at bay and embarrassed that oh-so-dignified Song family. Why wouldn’t I do it? Afterwards, I gave birth to Xixi, founded Xi Zi Company, and Aunt Xue was assigned to take care of us. In the blink of an eye, here we are. Xixi is almost four years old, and only now have you returned. Do you know how much I missed you?!"

At this point, Song Wanshuang nearly burst into tears, but stubbornly held back. Jiang An’s heart ached for her as he tightly clasped her delicate hand and sighed, "I’m here now, and I’ll always be here! You’ve suffered so much these years—it’s my fault!"

"Wuwu!" Song Wanshuang could no longer contain herself. She threw herself into Jiang An’s arms, sobbing quietly, her small fists beating against his chest, while Jiang An gently stroked her hair.

"Daddy, why is Mommy crying again? Did you make her angry?" At some point, Xixi had struggled over with Xiaohu and was now standing behind them, her big eyes wide with concern.

"Of course not. Daddy and Mommy are just playing a game," Jiang An replied with a clumsy excuse.

"What game? Xixi wants to play too!"

"Hehe, it’s the kissing game," Jiang An teased.

Song Wanshuang, still in his arms, gave him a hard pinch and rolled her eyes at him, scolding, "Don’t teach Xixi such nonsense! Besides, dinner’s over, it’s late—shouldn’t you be going home?"

"What? This is my home—where do you want me to go?" Jiang An looked shocked and hurt. "You’re kicking me out?"

But after letting out her feelings, Song Wanshuang was unmoved by his act. She snorted coldly, "Do you really want to stay the night? You think it’s that easy to win me back? Out, out!"

She stood up, determined to push Jiang An toward the door.

Clutching his chest as if in despair, Jiang An turned to Xixi, "Xixi, Mommy wants to kick Daddy out. Daddy can’t stay with you tonight."

The ploy worked perfectly—Xixi instantly panicked, rushed over and grabbed Jiang An’s leg, pouting, "Daddy can’t go! Xixi doesn’t want Daddy to leave. Xixi wants Daddy to sleep with me and tell me a story. Mommy, don’t make Daddy go!"

"My sweet girl!" Jiang An scooped Xixi up and smothered her with kisses, shooting Song Wanshuang a mischievous look.

Song Wanshuang couldn’t help laughing—these two had only spent a day together and were already ganging up on her? She smiled, "Xixi, if you could only pick one, would you choose Daddy or Mommy?"

Xixi looked at Daddy, then at Mommy, and replied, "Both!"

"You can only pick one," Song Wanshuang said with a smile, but Jiang An caught a hint of threat in her tone.

"Only one? But can’t I have both?" Xixi shrank her little head and whispered, unable to choose.

Both adults burst out laughing. Song Wanshuang finally relented. "Fine, your father can stay tonight—but he’ll have to sleep on the sofa. We don’t have a guest room."

"Daddy can sleep in Xixi’s bed!" the little girl suggested.

"Ahem, your bed is so small and Daddy’s so big—he won’t fit!" Jiang An pointed out.

"Then Mommy’s bed is big! Daddy, Mommy, and Xixi can all sleep together, and I’ll sleep in the middle!" Xixi’s eyes lit up. This arrangement must be perfect; other kids always said their parents slept together.

My precious little darling! Jiang An had been waiting for these words. He was never the type to act rashly with women—he simply felt nothing for them. But now all he wanted was to seize every chance to win Xiaoshuang back.

"No way!" Song Wanshuang, blushing at some unknown thought, refused firmly.

Jiang An shook his head with a sigh, feigning sorrow. "Poor Xixi, growing up without ever snuggling up to both parents at bedtime. It’s all my fault…"

Song Wanshuang’s expression softened. Suddenly, she scooped Xixi from Jiang An’s arms and headed for the bathroom. "Come, Xixi, Mommy will bathe you," she said, pointedly ignoring any mention of where Jiang An would sleep.

Jiang An thought to himself, isn’t that tacit permission? I knew you couldn’t really send me away. Alright, alright, I know women are shy—I'll just be a little bolder later. Let nature take its course!

To ensure Xixi’s safety and environment, Song Wanshuang lived in an upscale community, each building a standalone duplex with more than enough space. Jiang An glanced around—the house truly had no guest room. Not that it was surprising: with Xiaoshuang’s usual chilly demeanor, she’d never expect guests, or perhaps she did it on purpose, refusing to buy even one extra bed.

But that suited him perfectly…

A while later, Jiang An lounged on the living room sofa, ears picking up the sound of rushing water from the upstairs bathroom and the laughter of mother and daughter. For the first time, he resented his acute hearing, so he simply stroked the tiger's fluffy head and waited.

He waited for at least an hour before little Xixi, in her tiny pajamas, came toddling downstairs and leapt into his arms. "Daddy, does Xixi smell nice?"

She wore an adorable animal onesie, her damp, jet-black hair framing cheeks as tender as eggshells, her eyes dark as night, as if outlined by contact lenses. She was already beautiful enough to bewitch nations, yet carried a hint of grace that made Jiang An dote on her all the more.

"My little darling is the most beautiful princess—so fragrant! Daddy wants a kiss!"

He scooped her up, teasing her.

"Giggle, giggle! Mommy smells nice too! Daddy, Mommy said your pajamas are in the bathroom—go take a bath," the little one relayed her mother’s instructions.

"And did Mommy say where Daddy will sleep tonight?"

"Aren’t you sleeping with Xixi?"

"Alright! Then Xixi, lead the way!" Jiang An picked her up and headed upstairs, glancing back at the tiger. "You find a spot on the first floor. Guard the house!"

"Woof woof woof!"

Of course, Jiang An didn’t really need a bath, but to reassure Song Wanshuang, he lingered in the bathroom for nearly ten minutes before donning the men’s pajamas she’d bought years ago but never used. He stepped out and approached the master bedroom.

He didn’t knock—the door was ajar. Smiling, he entered to find Song Wanshuang lying on the inside edge of the bed, reading a story to Xixi, as delicate as a princess in a fairy tale. The moment Jiang An entered, her face flushed crimson, and she immediately rolled over, cocooning herself in the blanket. "Your daddy’s here—let him read to you. Mommy’s going to sleep!"

But Xixi, too excited to care about stories, bounced gleefully on the springy bed, calling out, "Daddy, come over!"

Jiang An cleared his throat, went over, lifted the covers, and slid his legs under. At that instant, he could feel Song Wanshuang’s heart pounding.

"Come here, Xixi, Daddy will read you a story."

But it was Xixi’s first time sleeping between her parents—she was so excited she clung to Jiang An like an octopus, mischievously slipping her little hand into his pajamas to tickle him.

"Daddy, why aren’t you laughing? Hmm, why is it hard here?" The little one curiously lifted Jiang An’s pajama top, pointing at his well-defined abs as if she’d discovered a new continent.

Hard?

Hidden beneath the covers, Song Wanshuang misunderstood, her thoughts drifting elsewhere. She whipped the blanket aside to find Jiang An lying flat on his back, shirtless, playing "airplane" with Xixi, making her giggle endlessly.

But then her gaze lingered on his body. His physique was outstanding, all angular lines and muscle—not the bulky build of a bodybuilder, but lean and powerful like a panther, every muscle perfectly proportioned, not an ounce of excess fat, his skin taut over hidden strength. Every movement exuded a magnetic charm, as if he were a living masterpiece.

It’s not just men who admire women’s bodies—women are just as captivated by a good-looking man, especially when he carries a clean, refreshing scent.

"Alright sweetheart, it’s late. Time to sleep. Would you like Mommy and Daddy to hold you as you fall asleep?" Jiang An put Xixi down gently.

"Yes!"

Xixi obediently nestled between her parents, clinging tightly to Jiang An’s arm, tugging her mother closer. Sandwiched in the middle, she felt a safety and contentment she’d never known. Her little mouth yawned, and soon she drifted off to sleep. Children are like that—after excitement comes deep slumber.

"My love, you’re so beautiful," Jiang An gazed deeply at the stunning Song Wanshuang, pulled her hand close, and kissed it, but made no further move. "Tonight, being able to hold you both as I sleep is enough for me. Don’t worry, I won’t force you. We have all the time in the world."

"Mm," Song Wanshuang replied softly, her heart both reassured and a little disappointed. She gently squeezed Jiang An’s large hand, feeling warmth and fulfillment.

Click!

Jiang An switched off the light. The room was plunged into deep darkness, but inside, his heart burned as bright as the sun, as if he had finally pierced the fog and seen the goal of his life.