The next morning, Chuxia woke up in the warmth and instinctively snuggled towards the cozy spot, immediately feeling the solid, powerful body behind her.

Her drowsiness instantly dissipated as she felt the continuous heat coming from behind her, and the temperature was rising.

Morning was a dangerous time, so she dared not move.

Cen Zhengnian, too, was awake.

As a normal man, he had a natural reaction, but he showed no sign of it. Knowing Chuxia was awake, he propped himself up and gave her a smile. “You’re awake. Lie down a bit longer. I’ll go get breakfast.”

Chuxia, pressed closely against him, could feel his reaction.

Yet Cen Zhengnian managed to suppress his instincts, dressing calmly in his shirt and pants and even pulling the blanket up over Chuxia.

Chuxia admired him silently: he really could control himself.

---

Chuxia went to work.

Recently, the publicity department was relatively relaxed, as there were no major holidays coming up, and employee benefits had already been distributed.

Chuxia’s work involved organizing documents from various activities and preparing for New Year’s celebrations.

Yes, from now on, the publicity department needed to start planning for the New Year, deciding on celebration events and employee benefits.

Since there was still plenty of time, the work didn’t seem urgent.

“Chuxia!”

As Chuxia was sorting through documents for the National Day activities, Huang Tingyue, her colleague, fluttered over to her with a cheerful face, like a butterfly.

Chuxia wasn’t very close with the factory staff, only exchanging pleasantries with them.

She did speak with Huang Tingyue more, as they were closer in age.

Huang Tingyue’s lively and charming personality made her more popular in the department compared to Chuxia, who wasn’t very sociable.

“Hmm? What’s up?” Chuxia smiled and nodded, noticing that the office was almost empty, with only the two of them remaining.

“Chuxia, I need to ask a favor.” Huang Tingyue leaned in with a smile, her cheeks blushing slightly with shyness.

“A favor?” Chuxia was puzzled, not expecting Huang Tingyue to need her help. She said honestly, “I’m new here, and if it’s about work, I might not be of much help.”

“No, no!” Huang Tingyue quickly waved her hand. “It’s not work-related. I have a blind date tomorrow. Can I borrow the red dress you wore last time?”

Huang Tingyue looked at Chuxia expectantly, waiting for her to agree.

For most people, borrowing clothes between colleagues or friends was quite normal, and people even borrowed suits for weddings.

However, for Chuxia, it was a difficult request.

She wasn’t used to lending out personal clothes, mainly due to personal habits and hygiene concerns.

She smiled apologetically and said, “Sorry, I’m not comfortable lending out personal clothes.”

Huang Tingyue was taken aback, clearly not expecting Chuxia to refuse.

Borrowing clothes was quite common, and if someone didn’t have a suitable outfit for a date, they would usually borrow from others.

“Chuxia, I’ll only wear it for one day. I’ll take good care of it and won’t damage your dress!” Huang Tingyue quickly added, thinking that Chuxia was worried about her dress being damaged.

“That’s not the reason,” Chuxia maintained her polite smile but was firm in her refusal. “If you want a similar dress, I can tell you where to buy one, but I can’t lend you mine.”

Huang Tingyue bit her lip, her previously lively demeanor fading.

She looked at Chuxia with a hint of resentment. “Forget it!”

With that, she turned and walked back to her seat, her face darkening.

If she could afford a new dress, she wouldn’t need to borrow Chuxia’s.

After all, it was just a dress—what was the big deal?

---

Cen Zhengnian left the Family Planning Commission, ignoring the various glances he received as he left, and mounted his bicycle to head home.

At this time, family planning supplies were managed by the Family Planning Commission, and although hospitals had them too, few people were comfortable asking for them.

Most would quickly toss them aside if they received them from the commission.

Cen Zhengnian didn’t find anything embarrassing about their situation.

Matters between a husband and wife had existed since ancient times; they were a natural part of human desire and not something to be avoided.

So, he went to the family planning office to get contraceptives without feeling embarrassed, handling it openly and straightforwardly.

However, the young staff member handing him the items was visibly blushing.

As Cen Zhengnian entered the family quarters, acquaintances greeted him, and the shopkeeper’s wife called out, “Someone from Chu Xia’s family called for you just now!”

Cen Zhengnian’s heart skipped a beat, already guessing who had called.

His smile faded, and he sighed internally.

Indeed, the call was from his base leader, instructing him to return to work immediately.

The details of the issue weren’t discussed over the phone, but Cen Zhengnian could sense the urgency in his leader’s voice, suggesting a problem with the project.

He had requested a minimum of half a month off during his vacation, and since he was being called back before that period was up, it meant the issue was significant.

It was likely related to a new project.

The one he was working on before his vacation had achieved results, and they were now delving into more advanced research.

Cen Zhengnian’s mind flew to the northwest, running through calculations he had been working on.

Various complex formulas floated in his mind, and he wasn’t sure if his deductions were correct.

He needed to return to the base quickly; time was of the essence.

He didn’t go home but went straight to the station to buy a train ticket.

Unfortunately, tickets for the day were sold out, so he had to purchase one for the next day.

When Chu Xia came home, she saw Cen Zhengnian’s suitcase pulled out, open on the floor, and Cen Zhengnian packing clothes into it.

Chu Xia’s face showed surprise. “You’re going back to the northwest?”

Cen Zhengnian’s mood was low, his brows furrowed. “Yes.”

“Why so soon?” Chu Xia couldn’t help but ask.

Cen Zhengnian had been back for less than half a month.

He had just started bonding with Huai’an, and she was only beginning to understand him a little.

Now, he was leaving so soon.

The time was too short; it was hard for Chu Xia, but even more so for Huai’an.

Just as father and son were developing some affection, they were going to be separated again.

It was uncertain when they would see each other next and how their relationship might change.

“Orders from above.” Cen Zhengnian didn’t want to leave so soon.

He wished he could stay with Chu Xia and Huai’an as a family.

But some tasks had to be done, and since he had the ability, he had to take on the responsibility.

He didn’t see his actions as anything heroic; he was merely fulfilling his duties.

Chu Xia helped him pack, and the room became heavy with silence, leaving Chu Xia feeling uneasy.

She checked the time, then took Cen Zhengnian’s wrist. “Go pick up Huai’an and tell him yourself. I’ll finish packing.”

Cen Zhengnian looked at Chu Xia’s slender, pale fingers, which were firm and unyielding.

He placed his hand over hers and said, “Alright, I understand.”

Cen Zhengnian didn’t have much to pack.

Chu Xia discovered that besides the clothes he brought back, he had bought almost nothing for himself.

His clothes were simple—shirts, pants, or Zhongshan suits—without any extra decorations, yet they never went unnoticed.

While sorting Cen Zhengnian’s shirts, a photograph fell out.

Chu Xia picked it up and saw it was a photo of her and Huai’an.

It was one of the pictures she had sent to Cen Zhengnian, and he had kept it in his shirt pocket.

Chu Xia couldn’t quite describe her feelings at that moment—warm, sweet, and slightly bitter.

She placed the photo back into the suitcase and didn’t touch his things any further.

Perhaps their family should take a family photo, Chu Xia suddenly thought.

When Cen Zhengnian and Huai’an returned home, Huai’an immediately pulled away from Cen Zhengnian’s hand and ran into the back room, sulking.

Chu Xia noticed Huai’an’s behavior and looked at Cen Zhengnian. “Did you tell him?”

Cen Zhengnian sighed, his gaze full of concern as he looked towards the back room.

He nodded. “He had to know sooner or later.”

Regardless of when he told Huai’an, Cen Zhengnian had to leave.

It was better for Huai’an to learn the truth sooner so he could accept it.

Huai’an lay on his small bed, covering himself with a blanket, feeling deeply betrayed. “Liars! All liars! They said they would always be with me! It was all a lie!”

During a family walk before, Huai’an had asked Cen Zhengnian if they could always be together.

Cen Zhengnian had said, “Of course, Dad will always be here and will be with you forever.”

Huai’an had taken those words to heart.

Now, with Cen Zhengnian leaving, he couldn’t accept it all at once.

In truth, Cen Zhengnian hadn’t lied.

His promise of companionship wasn’t just physical but also emotional.

However, Huai’an didn’t understand this; he only knew that his father was leaving, and it made him very upset.

Cen Zhengnian felt uncomfortable seeing his son’s displeasure but hesitated to approach, fearing it might upset An An further.

Chuxia, understanding An An’s nature, suggested, “You should go and comfort him. An An is reasonable. If you explain to him about your work and why you have to leave, he won’t stay angry for long.”

Cen Zhengnian approached, wrapping An An in the blanket, turning him around so that he faced him.

“An An, I want to apologize first,” Cen Zhengnian said.

Although Cen Huai’an turned his face away and pressed his lips tightly together, clearly upset, he still perked up his ears, listening intently to his father.

“If I could, I’d like to stay with you and Mom all the time, but I have things that I must do…” Cen Zhengnian continued.

Cen Huai’an’s body slowly relaxed, though he kept his head down and remained silent.

---

At lunchtime, Cen Huai’an was still a bit sullen, though he was no longer as angry as before.

His mood was still low, and the food didn’t seem as appetizing.

Chuxia gently touched his little face and looked up at Cen Zhengnian. “Let’s go take a family photo.”

Cen Zhengnian had planned to suggest this but hadn’t found the time.

Seeing Cen Huai’an’s hopeful expression, he smiled and said, “An An, how about we take a picture with Mom and Dad?”

Cen Huai’an’s mood lifted slightly.

He buried his head in his bowl and muttered, “I’ll listen to Mom.”

Seeing his response, Cen Zhengnian felt a mix of helplessness and affection.

He patted An An’s head, relieved that his son seemed to be understanding.

On the way to the photo studio, Cen Zhengnian lifted Cen Huai’an onto his shoulders, knowing that he enjoyed this.

Since he would be leaving soon, he wanted his son to experience the joy of riding on his shoulders once more.

Chuxia initially intended for them to walk, but seeing Cen Huai’an’s delighted expression, she decided to let it go.

They went to the same photo studio as last time, this time requesting expedited service.

In the family portrait, Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian sat together, with Cen Huai’an on Cen Zhengnian’s lap.

“Closer, a bit closer, smile! Alright!” The photographer instructed them to move in closer.

Chuxia leaned her head on Cen Zhengnian’s shoulder.

The expedited photo turned out well.

Chuxia, smiling and resting her head on Cen Zhengnian’s shoulder, looked content.

Cen Zhengnian held her with one arm and Cen Huai’an with the other, his eyes full of warmth.

Cen Huai’an had a slight smile on his lips, showing a hint of happiness.

Chuxia was very fond of the photo, and Cen Zhengnian gazed at it for a long time, reluctant to look away.

Cen Huai’an scrutinized the photo, feeling something was off and thinking he should have smiled wider.

However, seeing his parents’ enjoyment of the photo, he decided it was good enough.

Chuxia kept two copies of the family photo—one for the house and one for Cen Zhengnian to take with him.

After dinner, the family took a walk around the residential area.

However, with Cen Zhengnian leaving the next morning, the mood was subdued and somewhat melancholic.

After a short while, feeling the chill in the air, Chuxia suggested they head back.

“An An, would you like to sleep with us tonight?”

As they were getting ready for bed, Chuxia asked Cen Huai’an.

Since Cen Zhengnian would be leaving early the next morning, and Cen Huai’an might still be asleep then, this was their last chance to sleep together.

Cen Huai’an turned over and said, “I want to sleep by myself.” He wasn’t ready to forgive his dad for leaving.

Cen Zhengnian looked at An An cocooned in his blanket, smiling and gently lifting him onto the big bed. “Dad is leaving tomorrow. Can An An sleep with Dad tonight?”

Cen Huai’an initially wanted to resist, but hearing that his dad would be leaving the next day, his mood immediately sank, and he became less resistant.

He lay between Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian.

Cen Zhengnian gently stroked Cen Huai’an’s soft hair and said, “An An, how about I tell you a story?”

Cen Huai’an stirred slightly but remained silent, as Cen Zhengnian began narrating a story from his childhood about his school days.