If You Could Hear My Heart

It has to be said, the Shen Family's little black room is very effective. Word is, once you've been in there, you'll fall in line.

After Xu Chaomu went in once, she really did behave. Ever since then, if Shen Chi said east, she wouldn't dare go west.

Xiaobao had also heard of the infamous little black room. He was instantly terrified and stopped making a sound.

Shen Chi ignored him and went to the nursery to check on the little one.

Xu Chaomu was still angry, but Xiaobao, afraid of being sent to the little black room, eventually crept behind her and threw his arms around her neck.

"Mom…" Xiaobao called out gingerly.

"…" Xu Chaomu huffed coldly and ignored him.

"Mom, I was wrong…" Xiaobao proactively admitted, "I shouldn't have drawn on little brother's face. I won't do it again."

"…" Xu Chaomu still ignored him.

"Mom, please don't be angry… Mom… The baby will be good…"

Xiaobao kept calling "Mom" over and over. Hearing it, Xu Chaomu's heart began to melt, and her towering anger dissipated.

"Mom, let's go downstairs and have dinner…" Xiaobao tugged at her hand.

His little hand was soft, and his scent carried a childlike sweetness. Xu Chaomu pursed her lips and decided not to be angry anymore.

Hand in hand, Xiaobao led Xu Chaomu downstairs for dinner. Shen Chi had also brought Erbao out of the crib and was holding him in his arms.

Shen Chi planted a kiss on Erbao's cheek as he descended the stairs.

Erbao had just woken up and was now looking around with his big, curious eyes.

Xiaobao ran up to Shen Chi and said sincerely to Erbao, "Big brother was wrong. Don't stay mad at me, little brother."

Erbao didn't understand a thing, but he extended his hand, wanting to play with Xiaobao.

Only then did Shen Chi's lips curl into a smile, and for a moment, the living room was filled with warmth and joy.

The late autumn air grew chilly, slowly transitioning into winter.

After dinner, Shen Chi took Xu Chaomu and Xiaobao to the home theater to watch a movie.

Since it was a cartoon, Xiaobao watched attentively, while Shen Chi and Xu Chaomu got drowsy.

Xu Chaomu leaned against Shen Chi's shoulder. Sitting in the back, they occasionally whispered to each other, with Xu Chaomu looping an arm around Shen Chi's neck.

Before the movie ended, Xiaobao had already fallen asleep on the sofa.

Shen Chi called for a housekeeper to carry him off to bed, while he stayed in the theater with Xu Chaomu for a little while longer.

The theater was completely dark, so Shen Chi turned on a wall lamp.

The soft light illuminated Xu Chaomu's quiet and gentle features, making her fair face look even more tender.

"Mumu…" Shen Chi lowered his head, his right hand tilting her chin up, gently caressing her.

Meeting his gaze, Xu Chaomu smiled delicately. "Fourth Brother…"

She hadn't called him that in a long time. It felt distant now, but once upon a time, it had been her sole anchor.

Shen Chi also smiled faintly; he had always liked it when she called him that.

Lowering his head, his lips brushed against her brow, her eyes, slowly trailing downward.

Finally, he kissed her soft lips, gradually delving deeper…

Xu Chaomu was most afraid of Shen Chi's tenderness. His gentleness was like an endless ocean, capable of completely engulfing her…

The temperature in the theater climbed rapidly. Their once-cold lips grew warm and passionate.

Shen Chi held Xu Chaomu tightly in his arms.

Wave after wave of heat swept over them. Xu Chaomu melted against him, weakly hooking her arms around his neck, leaving herself at his mercy.

It was unclear how long that kiss lasted. By the time the theater was filled with the sweet, intimate sound of their breaths, Shen Chi finally let her go.

He knew when to stop. For now, he couldn't touch her.

"Shall I carry you to bed?" Shen Chi looked at her.

Xu Chaomu nestled against his chest. "Let's stay here a little longer."

"Alright. I'll keep you company," Shen Chi said softly.

Her eyes shimmered like rippling water, and her delicate face radiated happiness.

That night, Xu Chaomu drifted asleep in Shen Chi's embrace. His warmth was something she could never resist.

In the middle of the night, Shen Chi carried Xu Chaomu to the bedroom.

Even in her sleep, Xu Chaomu remained as unshakable as ever. He carefully placed her on the bed.

Later that night, Ayu called Shen Chi.

"Mr. Shen, I have some information."

Shen Chi walked onto the balcony. "Go ahead."

"Following the lead left by the culprit, I confirmed that Bai Man indeed stayed there."

"And the person?"

"I've set up surveillance. I believe we'll have answers by tomorrow morning."

"Where are you now?"

"Nearby."

"No, she won't go back," Shen Chi said decisively.

"Why not?" Ayu frowned. "She shouldn't know we're onto her."

"I know her. She's cautious and growing increasingly ruthless."

"So, Mr. Shen, what's your plan?"

"We'll lure the snake out of its hole."

With that, Shen Chi lowered his voice and explained something to Ayu.

"Will it be difficult?" Shen Chi asked quietly when he finished.

"I can handle it."

"Alright."

With that, Shen Chi hung up.

…

The next morning, Ayu arrived at the Shen house early.

Ayu's disguise skills were extraordinary. When she arrived, all the house staff mistook her for Xiaobao's teacher.

Even Xiaobao, upon coming downstairs, greeted her with a cheerful, "Teacher, you came so early today."

Shen Chi said nothing, merely telling Xiaobao calmly, "You have the day off. Your teacher will take you to the amusement park."

"Wow, Old Shen, really? Is it true?" Xiaobao excitedly clung to Shen Chi's leg and shook it. "Why are you being so nice today?"

"When am I ever not nice to you?"

"Huh, huh, huh, Old Shen is always nice to Baby!" Xiaobao beamed. No school today!

After breakfast, Ayu took Xiaobao's hand, and with Xiaogao driving them, they headed for the amusement park.

When Xu Chaomu came downstairs, Xiaobao had already left. She smiled and said, "Why are you suddenly being so generous, letting his teacher take him out to play?"

"If I don't let him get out a little, what if he starts to hold a grudge against me?" Shen Chi replied lightly with a smile.

"And you, the dad, won't go with him," Xu Chaomu teased.

"I'm busy today."

Shen Chi could already see that Ayu had fooled everyone's eyes.

When the car reached the amusement park, Xiaogao took a call. Shen Chi had instructed him to pick up some items from the mall.

After jumping out of the car, Xiaogao hailed a cab to the mall, while another driver dressed in casual clothes slid into the driver's seat.

After buying Xiaobao a balloon, Ayu exchanged a few words with the driver.

However, Ayu, never having dealt with kids before, and lacking experience, worried Xiaobao might notice something was amiss.

Fortunately, Xiaobao wasn't particularly attached to his teacher. As they walked, he didn't notice anything strange.

Ayu, unsure of how to entertain kids, resorted to buying Xiaobao balloons and snacks.

Just then, Miao Xiu appeared, holding a toy water gun in his hand.