Wife, who?

Xu Wei had been called many things in life. A troublemaker. A liar. A smooth talker. But never a mother.

Yet, here he was.

For the first time since waking up in this body, he wasn't being completely ignored by the kids.

Xinyi had started seeking him out, watching him with less hesitation.

Yichen still didn't trust him, but he at least acknowledged his presence now. Small victories.

Still, there was a long way to go.

Which is why, when Xu Wei found himself alone with Yichen in the car on the way home from school, he figured it was the perfect time to test the waters.

"Alright, so let's make a deal," Xu Wei said, adjusting the sleeves of his oversized hoodie.

Yichen, arms crossed, did not look impressed. "What kind of deal?"

"You stop acting like I'm a serial killer, and I'll stop asking you about your love life."

Yichen snorted. "Bold of you to assume I have one."

Xu Wei grinned. This kid had a sharp mouth. He kinda liked that.

"Seriously," Xu Wei continued, "I get that you don't trust me. That makes sense. I wouldn't either."

Yichen gave him a side-eye. "Then why bother?"

Xu Wei shrugged. "Because you're worth the effort."

Yichen froze.

For a split second, his mask of indifference slipped.

It was so fast that if Xu Wei hadn't been paying attention, he would've missed it.

But he saw it.

A flicker of surprise. Maybe even something softer.

Then, just as quickly, Yichen rolled his eyes. "You're annoying."

Xu Wei smirked. "And yet, here we are."

Yichen didn't respond.

But he also didn't shut down the conversation.

And for now, that was enough.

Later that night, Xu Wei found Zhihao in the living room, working late again.

He hesitated.

Lately, he had started noticing things.

The way Zhihao routinely worked until exhaustion. The way he handled every responsibility alone.

The way he never complained.

Xu Wei had spent years avoiding responsibility, floating through life with no real purpose. But standing here, watching this man bear the weight of an entire household without flinching…

He felt something.

Not admiration. Not yet.

But understanding.

"Why are you staring?" Zhihao asked without looking up.

Xu Wei huffed, sitting across from him. "You ever take a break?"

"I don't have that luxury."

Xu Wei studied him for a moment. Then, casually, he said, "What if I made sure you did?"

Zhihao finally looked up, eyes sharp. "What are you getting at?"

Xu Wei smirked. "I mean, if we're going to pretend to be a functional couple, we might as well act like one."

Zhihao exhaled, closing his laptop. "And how do you suggest we do that?"

Xu Wei leaned back. "I don't know. Have dinner together. Act normal in front of the kids. Try being human."

Zhihao was silent for a long moment.

Then, finally—he nodded. "Fine. But if you cause trouble, I'll—"

"Yeah, yeah," Xu Wei waved him off. "You'll kill me in my sleep. Got it."

Zhihao shook his head, returning to his work.

Xu Wei turned away, but not before catching something.

A look on Zhihao's face that was almost amusement.

Something was shifting.

And Xu Wei wasn't sure how he felt about that.