The Si family already knew that Si Ruohan had a girlfriend, and Si Grandma had even visited her once, returning home to tell Si Grandpa that she was very pleased with the girl.
Hearing this, everyone else in the family became curious to meet Pei Xi. When Si Ruohan returned to the ancestral home, they expected him to bring her along—but he came alone.
Si Grandpa and Si Grandma shot him a disapproving look, muttering about how useless he was. Grandpa even gave him an order: next time he came home for a meal, he must bring his girlfriend along.
Si Ruohan tried to find excuses to postpone it, but this time his parents had returned, and his mother specifically requested to meet her future daughter-in-law.
Recently, Si Ruohan had been looking for an opportunity to tell Pei Xi about this.
Pei Xi was in a great mood that day because she had called the orphanage director. The director said that while no new children had joined this year, several of the older ones had successfully entered university.
Pei Xi was thrilled to hear that the children she cared for were doing well. The orphanage now received support from all sectors and the government, making life much better than before.
Previously, when Si Ruohan asked where Pei Xi had lived, she had told him so he could help. Si Ruohan had donated some money through his company.
That day, Pei Xi tried to transfer 50,000 yuan to the director, but the director initially refused, knowing Pei Xi had just graduated and that earning money was difficult.
Pei Xi insisted, explaining that she had helped her company avoid a major loss and had been rewarded 100,000 yuan—enough for the director to accept her donation. The director, knowing how capable Pei Xi was, finally accepted it, saying it would be the last time, and to focus on work and eventually buying her own home. She offered to keep the money in case Pei Xi needed it in the future.
The orphanage children’s lives were stable enough now, so there was no need to touch Pei Xi’s donation.
Pei Xi’s surname was not the same as the director’s. The director explained that when she found Pei Xi, she carried a small note with the character “Pei” on it, so that became her name—found at the break of dawn, when the first light came.
That day, Si Ruohan returned home late due to work, so Pei Xi didn’t wait for him for dinner.
After showering, Si Ruohan comfortably lay beside Pei Xi and noticed her happily playing on her phone.
“What’s got you in such a good mood today? Tell me.”
Pei Xi leaned closer and showed him her phone:
“I called the orphanage director today. She said several kids had entered university this year. Seeing their efforts pay off made both her and me happy.”
She also told him about the money she transferred. Most of it came from her own earnings—she didn’t want anyone thinking she spent Si Ruohan’s money.
Si Ruohan pulled her onto his shoulder, sighing softly:
“You’re my wife—why be so distant? That money is yours; spend it however you like. How about I make another donation from my company to the orphanage, to help them even more?”
Pei Xi shook her head:
“You already donated last time. It hasn’t been long. Don’t want the director to suspect anything. I already transferred some myself; life at the orphanage is much better now. Let it be for now.”
Life that was too comfortable could make orphanage children lose motivation; they still needed to strive. Donations of clothes, books, food, and daily necessities from kind-hearted people, plus Si Ruohan’s generous contributions, were enough.
Si Ruohan nodded:
“Alright, we’ll donate again in the future.”
He thought about a call he received at work that day and held Pei Xi’s hand tightly:
“Xi Xi, my mom called. She and my dad are back today—they want to meet you.”
Pei Xi sat up abruptly, panic written all over her face:
“What? Meet me? Tomorrow? So sudden! What do I do?”
Seeing her flustered, Si Ruohan couldn’t help but laugh.
Pei Xi swatted him in annoyance:
“Stop gloating! Help me think—what do my future in-laws like? Do I need to prepare gifts?”
Si Ruohan held her gently:
“No need. You don’t have to prepare anything—I’ve already taken care of it. Just come with me happily.”
Pei Xi relaxed and hugged his neck:
“Oh my! You’re so thoughtful! Thank you so much.”
Si Ruohan pulled her closer:
“Who am I? What should you call me? You promised—how should you call me privately?”
He stared at her, waiting to hear her voice say his name.
Pei Xi huffed softly: “Hubby~ Hubby~ Enough already!”
Satisfied but teasing, Si Ruohan said:
“Since I helped you, shouldn’t I get a reward?”
He touched her tender lips, clearly hinting at a kiss. Pei Xi felt shy—her courage in this area was always small.
After a moment, she slowly met his lips. Initially, she planned a quick peck, but he didn’t give her a chance. She couldn’t pull away at all.
When they finally separated, her lips were even redder.
Si Ruohan’s eyes held an undeniable desire—he wanted more.
Her hair fanned across the pillow as he leaned over, kissing her gently.
“Xi Xi, I want you,” he whispered, carefully mindful of their unborn child.
Pei Xi felt overwhelmed but trusted him:
“Be careful,” she said.
He nodded, moving with extreme gentleness, ensuring she wasn’t harmed. That night, the lights stayed on until dawn.
Finally, after cleaning up together, Si Ruohan held Pei Xi close and fell asleep, satisfied and content.