Chapter 90: Extra 4

“I’m going to see her.” Xu Dian moved to enter, but Meng Ying’s hoarse voice came from inside:  

“Don’t come in.”  

Xu Dian paused.  

Meng Ying: “Get out!”  

Xu Dian: “…”  

Hands in his pockets, Xu Dian stayed silent for a few seconds before turning and walking out without even glancing at the baby in Liang Wen’s arms. He leaned against the wall outside, his face cold, though a trace of pain flickered in his eyes.  

Nearby, Xu Yi played a mobile game casually and said calmly, “I told you not to go in.”  

“You didn’t listen.”  

Xu Dian didn’t respond.  

Xu Yi added indifferently, “Childbirth is like walking through the gates of hell. No matter how well you prepare, the pain on that day is unimaginable.”  

Unless you don’t love this woman.  

Xu Dian still didn’t reply.  

Xu Yi patted his shoulder. “You’ll regret not listening to your elders.”  

*  

After giving birth, though Meng Ying had no injuries, she was still drained, her face pale and her hair damp with sweat. Not to mention her swollen belly and the lack of pants to prevent infection—she was a mess. She didn’t want Xu Dian to see her like this. Fortunately, the delivery room was a suite.  

Once everything was cleaned up and the room restored to its pristine state, Dr. Liang Wen brought the baby back and placed him in the bassinet. “He still hasn’t seen him.”  

A moment later, she leaned in and whispered to Meng Ying, “He cried earlier.”  

Meng Ying, mid-sip of water, froze.  

Liang Wen pressed a finger to the corner of her eye. “He had tears.”  

Swallowing the water, Meng Ying laughed, her complexion brightening slightly. “Maybe he was scared because I screamed so much.”  

“No.” Liang Wen shook her head. “He loves you.”  

She stood, picked up the medical chart, and said, “Drink more water. You must use the bathroom within two hours—unless you want a catheter.”  

“I’ll make sure she does,” Zhao Qiao said, bringing over a bowl of warm water. She dipped a towel in it, wrung it out, and gently wiped Meng Ying’s neck and forehead. Meng Ying didn’t refuse, obediently drinking water while letting Zhao Qiao tend to her.  

Liang Wen left, closing the door behind her.  

Outside, she saw the two men standing against the wall like they were being punished. Smiling, she asked Xu Yi, “Aren’t you going to see the baby?”  

Xu Yi put away his phone and glanced inside. “Is it okay now?”  

“Yes,” Liang Wen replied before walking off.  

Xu Yi cleared his throat and said to Xu Dian, “Shall we go in?”  

Xu Dian gave a quiet “Mmm.”  

Xu Yi entered first, Xu Dian following behind. As soon as they stepped in, they heard voices and laughter—the nanny’s, Zhao Qiao’s, and Meng Ying’s. But the bedroom door was still closed.  

Xu Yi knocked lightly.  

The chatter inside paused.  

Then Zhao Qiao asked, “Are they coming in?”  

Xu Yi’s voice softened, polite as ever. “Yes.”  

Zhao Qiao helped Meng Ying adjust her pants and blankets before saying, “Come in.”  

The door opened.  

Xu Yi walked over, glanced at Meng Ying, and said, “You’ve worked hard.”  

Meng Ying smiled and shook her head. Her gaze drifted past him to where Xu Dian stood, hands in his pockets, his dark eyes fixed on her. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Xu Dian finally stepped forward, bent down, and kissed her lips lightly. Then he brushed his fingers through her hair.  

Zhao Qiao had already helped Meng Ying tidy up. Aside from her slightly messy hair, Meng Ying now looked much better—her complexion had regained some color, and her spirits were high.  

She was satisfied.  

But Xu Dian couldn’t forget her screams so easily. His fingertips lingered on her cheeks, ears, and neck, silent.  

Zhao Qiao and the nanny instantly felt like third wheels and quietly stepped aside.  

Meng Ying grabbed his hand. Xu Dian interlaced their fingers, then leaned down to kiss her again.  

“One daughter is enough. No more,” he murmured, voice low.  

Meng Ying blinked.  

Then, a faint smile curled at the corner of her lips. “Okay.”  

*You said it.*  

Meanwhile, Xu Yi lifted the baby’s blanket for a peek. Just as he overheard this conversation, his hand jerked—the blanket slipped. He hurriedly readjusted it, covering the little one’s bottom. Zhao Qiao sidled over, cooing at the adorable baby, then deliberately waved at Xu Dian. “Son, come see your child! Hurry up!”  

Meng Ying touched Xu Dian’s face. “Go take a look.”  

“You haven’t seen yet.”  

Xu Dian studied her—her color had improved—and nodded. Straightening up, he walked to the bassinet and glanced down.  

Zhao Qiao gushed, “The baby has peach-blossom eyes!”  

“The lips and nose look just like yours too,” she added, glancing between father and son. “They are practically your carbon copy.”  

The baby’s eyes were open, tiny fists clenched tightly as he stared back at his father. Their eyes were strikingly similar—identical in shape.  

The thought of having a daughter who resembled him softened Xu Dian’s resistance. He reached out, letting the baby’s small fingers curl around his own.  

The little one tugged once, then let go, pushing his father’s long fingers away before turning his head as if ignoring him.  

Xu Dian raised an eyebrow. “That’s how you treat me?”  

His tone was indulgent. Just then, Liang Wen entered with the baby’s paperwork and handed it to Xu Dian. “Sign here. A doctor will come later for blood tests.”  

Still smiling faintly, Xu Dian took the pen and paperwork, skimming the details before preparing to sign.  

But as the pen touched the paper, he froze. His gaze shot upward, landing on the gender field.  

[Male]  

Male?  

Male?!  

Xu Dian yanked the blanket aside.  

The evidence was undeniable.  

His hand twitched.  

The blanket slipped back. Face blank, Xu Dian mechanically picked up the pen and signed.  

“You wrote in the wrong spot. It’s your name that goes here.”  

Xu Dian looked down.  

He had scribbled “Girl.”  

Snapping out of it, he crossed it out and rewrote “Xu Dian” beside it.  

“HAHAHAHA—you’re obsessed with having a girl!” Zhao Qiao cackled after peeking at the form. Xu Yi coughed into his fist, and even Liang Wen stifled a laugh.  

The nanny hesitantly chimed in, “Young Master Xu, a boy is wonderful! Some people pray for one and never get so lucky.”  

Xu Dian said nothing.  

After another glance at his son, he turned back to Meng Ying—only for her to point at him. “You still have to learn how to change his diapers. The nanny will teach you.”  

“Don’t forget the agreement you signed.”  

Xu Dian pressed his lips together, then reluctantly returned to the bassinet. Bracing his hands on the edge, he stared down at the baby. Their eyes locked again, a silent battle of wills—until the boy suddenly wailed. Xu Dian jerked his hands back.  

The crying continued.  

Xu Dian: “…”  

*  

Despite being a first-time father, Xu Dian changed the diaper with eerie calm, fastening it efficiently before immediately setting the baby back down. The boy instantly howled.  

Meng Ying, just out of the bathroom and still weak, called out, “Pick him up and bring him to me.”  

Seeing her exhaustion, Xu Dian’s chest ached. He lifted the baby but didn’t hand him over. “Sleep. I’ve got him.”  

The nanny helped Meng Ying back into bed. She murmured agreement and closed her eyes.  

Xu Dian carried the baby out. The crying persisted, so he simply left the room. Zhao Qiao and Xu Yi were in the suite’s kitchen, preparing food for Meng Ying.  

Soon, Chen Jiao, Meng Yulin, and Meng Xiao arrived with armfuls of gifts. The moment they saw Xu Dian holding the wailing baby—with zero intention of soothing him—Chen Jiao dropped everything and rushed over. “Let me.”  

Xu Dian handed the baby off instantly.  

Chen Jiao rocked him gently, and the crying stopped.  

Xu Dian adjusted his collar, meeting his son’s gaze across the room. The boy’s eyes gleamed with a stubbornness eerily like his own.  

Xu Dian scoffed and turned away, heading back to Meng Ying’s side.  

Following the doctor’s orders, Meng Ying had used the bathroom within two hours and now felt much more comfortable, drowsiness pulling her under. Blinking blearily, she saw Xu Dian sit beside her, fingers combing through her hair before buttoning her pajama collar higher.  

He leaned in, whispering at her ear:  

“Don’t breastfeed. Use formula.”  

“A boy isn’t worth it.”  

Meng Ying was already half-asleep.  

But that night, her milk came in—the pain worse than childbirth. Gasping, she clutched the bed rails.  

Liang Wen examined her and asked, “Do you want to nurse, or…?”

“Feed him.”  

“Don’t.”  

Two voices spoke at the same time—Meng Ying’s and Xu Dian’s. Liang Wen froze, glancing between them. Meng Ying shot Xu Dian a look, but he gripped her hand firmly and repeated to Liang Wen, “No breastfeeding.”  

Meng Ying yanked Xu Dian’s collar, insisting, “I want to.”  

Liang Wen was at a loss.  

*Why didn’t these two discuss this earlier?*  

—  

They stayed in the hospital for three more days before being discharged. Liang Wen had initially said they could leave on the third day, but Zhao Qiao insisted on extra caution, so they extended their stay.  

The moment they stepped out, reporters swarmed, cameras flashing. Xu Dian, silver-rimmed glasses glinting, shielded Meng Ying with one arm. He didn’t spare the media a single glance, simply opened the car door and helped her inside. Once she was settled, Meng Ying waved at the press with a smile.  

Under Xu Dian’s icy glare, no reporter dared shout questions—they just snapped more photos.  

Aside from her postpartum figure, Meng Ying looked radiant, reassuring fans of her well-being.  

As for the baby? Zhao Qiao carried him, and all the cameras captured was her back as she hurried into the silver Maybach.  

That evening, #MengYingGivesBirth# trended.  

Fans flooded her Weibo comments:  

“Boy or girl??” 

With no official interview, the baby’s gender remained a mystery—until Meng Ying, propped up in bed after dinner, replied:  

**Meng Ying V:** *A boy~*  

The fandom went silent for three seconds.  

Then erupted in laughter.  

**Comments:**  

– *”OMG, is Boss Xu crying his eyes out? HAHAHAHAHA!”*  

– *”He must be devastated. RIP his dreams.”*  

– *”Bro bought an ENTIRE FLOOR of girl clothes, toys, and even had a custom playground built. This is *tragic*.”*  

– *”Reality hits hard. LOL.”*  

– *”Thought his ‘father’s intuition’ was foolproof? *WHEEZE*.”*  

– *”I just *know* he’s losing his mind right now.”*  

– *”Months of preparation… for a SON. The universe said *sike*.”*  

– *”His daughter slipped through his fingers. Instead, he got a mini-him. *CACKLES*.”*  

– *”Genuinely feel bad for him. *pats*.”*  

Meng Ying scrolled through the ruthless teasing, then glanced at Xu Dian. The man was currently dressing their son by the bed, glasses perched coolly on his nose. His movements were efficient, robotic—flipping the baby like a pancake without an ounce of hesitation.  

Displeased, Meng Ying kicked his arm.  

Xu Dian paused, then raised a brow, catching her ankle. His peach-blossom eyes glinted with amusement. “What?”  

“You’re treating him like a mannequin. At least pretend to have emotions.”  

“Precision ensures proper dressing.” His thumb stroked her foot, his smirk downright sinful—reserved only for her.  

Meng Ying huffed. “You’re a soulless robot.”  

“And yet, the more he grows, the more he looks like you!”  

Xu Dian scoffed.  

“If he resembled you, I’d dislike him far less.”  

“Get lost.” She yanked her foot back, glaring. Xu Dian hesitated, then abruptly scooped up the baby. With stiff awkwardness, he patted the boy’s back. “Be good.”  

The baby responded with ear-splitting wails.  

Xu Dian immediately withdrew his hand.  

The crying stopped instantly.  

Taking off his glasses, Xu Dian set them aside and kissed Meng Ying, balancing the baby in one arm. “See? He doesn’t want my affection either.”  

Meng Ying: “…”  

What is WRONG with you two??  

—  

Having been certain of a daughter, Xu Dian had prepared eight potential names—all feminine.  

When it came time to register the birth, he tossed out a half-hearted suggestion: “Xu Qi.”  

Xu Yi and Zhao Qiao objected—there was already a prominent figure in Licheng named *Qiao Qi*. Naming their grandson similarly was tacky.  

Xu Dian stayed silent.  

Meng Ying tugged his ear and pointed to a name she’d written:  

[Xu Hang]  

“May he sail far, with grand dreams and endless horizons.” Xu Yi approved.  

Zhao Qiao beamed. “This is miles better than ‘Qi’!” She side-eyed her son.  

Xu Dian pressed his lips together but nodded. “Fine. This one.”  

Meng Ying pinched his earlobe. “See? You contributed ‘Qi,’ I added ‘Hang.’”  

It seemed lazy.  

But it wasn’t.  

Xu Dian smirked, deliberately needling her. “Or I just couldn’t be bothered to think.”  

Meng Ying snorted coldly.  

What a tsundere bastard.  

With the name settled, preparations for the full-month banquet began. Meng Ying’s body gradually recovered, and she started yoga to restore her figure. Thanks to her good foundation and seizing the golden recovery period, her progress was swift. The banquet was held at the villa in Yiwanshanshui, with both Chinese and Western chefs hired for the occasion. The guest list was nearly identical to their wedding—except this time, Xu Dian’s brothers-in-arms gifted bizarre presents instead of red envelopes.  

Zhou Yang sent two large boxes of dresses.  

Xu Dian nearly kicked the boxes into orbit.  

The Wen brothers, Ze Li and Ze Xin, gifted two pink toy motorcycles.  

They strolled in, feigning innocence: “Oops, forgot you had a son. What a shame~”  

Xu Dian: “Get out.”  

Li Yi handed over a red envelope—seemingly safe—until Xu Dian flipped it over to find a photo of a baby girl taped to the back.  

Xu Dian: “……”  

Jiang Yu topped them all by bringing his daughter, Jiang Tiantian, who immediately pointed at the baby in Meng Ying’s arms and chanted: “Meimei! Meimei! Meimei!” (Little sister)  

Meng Ying gently corrected, “He’s your didi.” (Little brother)  

Tiantian blinked. “Uncle Zhou Yang said if I call him ‘meimei’ enough times, he’ll turn into one! Then Uncle Xu Dian gets his daughter!”  

Xu Dian: “……”  

He turned on his heel to murder Zhou Yang.  

As for the female guests? They swarmed around baby Xu Hang, cooing:  

“God, he looks just like Xu Dian! Oh—he’s smiling at me!”  

“Those peach-blossom eyes are lethal. Even his blinks feel flirty.”  

“Better get him glasses young, or he’ll drown in admirers.”  

Zhao Qiao, cradling Xu Hang, sighed. “Xu Dian started wearing glasses at ten specifically to curb his peach blossoms.”  

“Wait, he’s not actually nearsighted?!”  

“Pfft. As if.”  

“Then Xu Hang’s doomed to follow his footsteps.”  

Zhao Qiao smirked. “Boys change drastically as they grow. He might end up looking like Meng Ying.”  

“Hah! We’ll see.”  

—  

After the banquet, Meng Ying rested for three more months. She wanted to return to work, but Xu Dian insisted she fully recuperate. Stuck at home, she took up gardening and cooking with the nannies (all three of whom were banned from overnight stays, forcing Zhao Qiao and Xu Yi to move in as “helpers”).  

Zhao Qiao had planned to handle night feedings—only to find Xu Dian monopolizing the task.  

Xu Hang’s schedule was military-precise: asleep by midnight, awake at 6 AM. Xu Dian, already up, would activate the smart bottle warmer, scoop up his son, and feed him while Meng Ying drowsily clung to his arm.  

“Husband…” she’d murmur.  

“Mn.”  

“You should sleep more…” He’d glance at her mid-feed, their gazes tangling. She’d kiss the corner of his lips—  

—only for Xu Dian’s eyes to drop to her loosened pajama collar. “Pull it down further,” he’d growl.  

Flushing, she’d yank the fabric up instead. He’d chase her retreat with a searing kiss—  

“WAAAAAH—”  

Xu Hang would spit out his bottle, howling. Meng Ying would jolt back, clutching her collar while Xu Dian slammed the bottle onto the nightstand, glaring at his son.  

Instant silence.  

The baby would smack his lips, staring back defiantly.  

Xu Dian, icy: “Oh now you’re hungry? Should’ve thought of that before crying.”  

Meng Ying would shove the bottle into his hands. “FEED. HIM.”  

Grudgingly, Xu Dian obeyed, the two males locked in a silent battle of wills as Meng Ying rested her chin on his shoulder, breathing in his shower-fresh scent. Before her: their son’s contented face.  

Her heart swelled.  

This was perfection.  

—  

By day, Zhao Qiao doted on Xu Hang; by night, he slept between his parents. Xu Dian handled every diaper change and outfit swap—with zero gentleness. Strangely, the boy thrived on it, screaming if his dad dared soften.  

At ten months, Xu Hang began recognizing faces—only two mattered: Zhao Qiao and Meng Ying. If Zhao Qiao left his sight, he’d wail even for Xu Yi. At bedtime, he’d burrow into Meng Ying’s arms, ignoring Xu Dian despite the man being his personal toilet attendant.  

Xu Dian’s resentment peaked. His solution? Sandwiching Meng Ying between them—her holding Xu Hang, him holding her.  

Some nights, after the baby fell asleep, Xu Dian would relocate Xu Hang to the crib, then yank Meng Ying into his arms, kissing her senseless—  

—until 30 minutes later, Xu Hang’s nuclear wails forced them apart.  

Xu Dian would sit up, robe hanging open, murder in his eyes as Meng Ying rushed to soothe their son.  

The moment Xu Hang drifted off again, smug in her arms:  

Xu Dian: “……Fuck.”  

—  

By age three, Xu Hang refused to say “Baba.”  

“Mama.” ✅  

“Nainai.” (Grandma) ✅  

“Ayí.” (Nanny) ✅  

“Yéye.” (Grandpa) ✅  

“Baba”? ❌  

Xu Dian pretended not to care—their mutual disdain was a bonding activity. Yet when Xu Hang needed pants changed, he’d toddle straight to Xu Dian’s home office, thrusting the garment at him like a royal decree.  

Xu Dian, mid-document review, would wordlessly take the pants, haul the kid onto his desk, and swap them—even during video conferences.  

Colleagues witnessed the surreal sight of their frosty CEO changing diapers in a tailored suit.  

…Somehow, it worked.  

After changing him, Xu Dian unceremoniously plopped Xu Hang back on the floor. The little boy clutched his soiled pants, waddling out on stubby legs—only to pause at the door and shoot his father a disgusted look.  

Xu Dian glared back. “Go call your mother upstairs.”  

“No.” Xu Hang crossed his arms.  

Xu Dian gritted his teeth. “Trash baby they gave away with a phone plan.”  

“Liar! Mama grew me in her tummy!”  

Xu Dian: “……”  

Xu Hang took two steps out, then suddenly spun around, gripping the doorframe. “B—”  

Xu Dian, halfway through unwrapping a mint, froze. He waited—but the little demon just stuck out his tongue and bolted downstairs.  

On the video call, Yan Xing scratched his head. “Did he just… almost call you ‘Baba’?”  

Xu Dian’s fingers stilled on the keyboard. “You heard that?”  

“Crystal clear.”  

Xu Dian said nothing, pulling a file closer. But the faintest smirk tugged at his lips as he resumed the meeting.  

—  

### Age 4: Family Trip to Buddha Mountain  

With Meng Ying between projects, the trio embarked on a low-key trip to Tianjin City—specifically, Buddha Mountain. No paparazzi, no entourage. Just a high-speed train ride, then a transfer to the mountain’s base.  

By afternoon, steep stone steps stretched before them. Xu Hang clung to Meng Ying like a koala, whining to be carried.  

Xu Dian’s eye twitched. “The path’s too steep. Your mother’s tired—I’ll carry you.”  

“No!” Xu Hang burrowed into Meng Ying’s neck, his chubby hand conveniently slipping under her collar.  

Behind silver-rimmed glasses, Xu Dian’s gaze turned lethal. He yanked the fabric back up.  

Unfazed, Xu Hang kept squirming, even pinching Meng Ying’s ear.  

“Enough.” Xu Dian snatched him up. The boy howled, clawing at his father’s neck.  

“Stinky Baba!”  

Xu Dian blinked—then laughed, hoisting him higher with one arm while lacing fingers with Meng Ying. “Stinky didi.”  

“I’m not stinky! You are!” Xu Hang swiped at his face. Xu Dian dodged, letting the boy grab his earlobe instead.  

“Don’t pull. That belongs to your mother.”  

Xu Hang switched to throttling his neck.  

“Also your mother’s property.”  

“WAAAH! WHY IS EVERYTHING MAMA’S?!”  

Meng Ying leaned in, kissing Xu Hang’s tear-streaked cheek. “Because you’re mine too.”  

“R-really?”  

“Mn.” She tickled his belly. “You and Baba are mine. Baba and I are yours. We’re family.”  

Xu Hang peered up at his towering father. “Then why’re you so meaaan?”  

Xu Dian pulled Meng Ying closer, matching peach-blossom eyes clashing. “Because even family needs boundaries—especially when someone hogs my wife.”  

Xu Hang’s lip quivered. “……”  

Worst. Dad. Ever.  

—  

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