In the dead of night, Chuxia was beginning to feel drowsy.

The fan in her hand was moving more and more slowly, and her eyes were half-closed.

At this moment, a hot source suddenly pressed against her, making her snap awake.

“It’s so hot, stay away from me,” Chuxia mumbled softly, pushing Cen Zhengnian away.

Instead of moving, Cen Zhengnian took it a step further and pulled her into his arms, “I don’t feel hot.”

Chuxia stared at him, astonished by his ability to lie with a straight face.

His body was hotter than a furnace.

However, her weak struggles diminished as Cen Zhengnian’s kisses fell on her neck, and she soon forgot what she had initially wanted to do.

Afterward, Cen Zhengnian went out to get water.

Covered in sweat, he knew Chuxia wouldn’t be able to sleep if he didn’t wash up.

The corridor outside was empty, with only the dim yellow light overhead. Although the light was a bit dark, it was enough to see the way.

Cen Zhengnian filled a basin with hot water and another with cold water from the utility room.

As he came out, he bumped into Ye Xingxu, who was groggy and heading to the restroom.

Seeing Cen Zhengnian holding a basin of water, wearing a shirt with most of the buttons undone, his hair a bit messy, and sweat on his forehead, Ye Xingxu’s eyes widened instantly.

He scolded in a hushed voice, “Cen Zhengnian! You sent your son to me while you’re having a good time next door. Can you even call yourself a decent person?”

Cen Zhengnian calmly looked at him, “You’re a researcher. Watch your words. My wife and I are legally married. Our private life isn’t called ‘having a good time.’”

As he carried the basin of water past Ye Xingxu, he added, “I forgot you’re not married. You probably wouldn’t understand.”

Ye Xingxu cursed under his breath and turned around, glaring at Cen Zhengnian in disbelief.

What kind of nonsense was that? It felt like a stab to his heart, repeatedly stabbing and twisting the knife.

He was just unmarried.

Why was he being treated this way?

He decided to call his mother tomorrow and send more blind date photos to him!

---

After returning from Cen Zhengnian’s place, Chuxia continued focusing on her studies.

The time for the college entrance exam was drawing nearer.

On Sunday, after dropping Cen Huai’an off at Grandpa Jiang’s house for chess lessons, Chuxia did two sets of practice papers in the study.

When she came out to get a glass of water and rest her eyes, she saw Jiang Zhiguan rushing in with Zhang Lu.

Upon seeing Chuxia, Jiang Zhiguan quickly walked over, drank a glass of water, and Zhang Lu tugged at her clothes, “Mom, Mom, I want water too.”

Jiang Zhiguan handed the cup to Zhang Lu, “Pour it yourself.”

Then she pulled Chuxia aside, looking like she had a big secret to share, “Do you know? There’s a bun shop in Xidan selling human flesh buns! The owner killed many people, and it’s said that the kitchen is filled with human arms and legs…”

Jiang Zhiguan described in detail how the human flesh bun shop was discovered, with no trace of fear on her face.

Chuxia felt a bit nauseous and decided she wouldn’t be eating buns for a while.

However, she had a question, “I read that human flesh is supposed to be sour and not tasty. Why would the owner make human flesh buns?”

Jiang Zhiguan shrugged, “The person who discovered it was an old gourmand. According to him, if human flesh is properly prepared, it tastes great. If it weren’t for his sensitive taste buds, he wouldn’t have noticed the difference.”

Jiang Zhiguan patted her chest and said, “Luckily, our house is far from that shop, or I might have bought and eaten them.”

Chuxia had the same thought as Jiang Zhiguan.

Xidan is in the western part of the city, and it’s a distance from where she lived and Grandpa Jiang’s house.

Because the case was so big, people kept discussing it when she returned to the alley.

At the end of June, Chuxia planned to return to Liangzhou.

The college entrance exams were on July 7th, 8th, and 9th, so she needed to return early to prepare.

Before heading back to Liangzhou, she visited Cen Zhengnian again with Cen Huai’an.

Cen Zhengnian was as busy as ever.

This time, Chuxia brought watermelons, which she had bought from an old farmer near the bus station.

The watermelons were from his own farm.

She bought four and had the farmer deliver them to the entrance of the staff quarters, which was not far from their place.

Two of the watermelons were for Cen Zhengnian’s research room, and Chuxia and Huai’an ate one in Cen Zhengnian’s dormitory.

She specially chose a small one, cut it in half, and she and Cen Huai’an each used a spoon to scoop and eat.

Cen Huai’an’s mouth was covered in red watermelon juice, and some even dripped onto his clothes.

Chuxia pointed at the watermelon juice on his clothes and said, “Remember to wash your clothes later.”

Cen Huai’an, happily eating, didn’t lift his head and replied, “Mom, I always wash my own clothes.”

Chuxia gave a light cough and continued eating the watermelon in silence.

When Cen Zhengnian returned to the dorm, he saw them eating watermelon.

Chuxia’s appetite wasn’t very big, and she was struggling to finish the watermelon.

Seeing Cen Zhengnian, her eyes lit up, and she handed him the watermelon, “I saved this for you. It’s all the sweet watermelon flesh.”

Chuxia looked at Cen Zhengnian with sincere eyes, showing how considerate she was.

Cen Zhengnian glanced at the remaining half of the watermelon in his hand.

The core had been eaten, but he looked down at Chuxia’s face and smiled at her words.

“Then I’ll have to enjoy it.”

Chuxia went to wash her hands and face.

The watermelon juice left on her hands felt sticky and uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Cen Zhengnian enjoyed the remaining watermelon.

At this time, Cen Huai’an had finished his watermelon, his little belly round and full, and he burped contentedly.

He tried to hide the watermelon rind, not letting Cen Zhengnian see that he had eaten every bit, “Dad, I forgot to save some for you.”

His voice carried a hint of guilt.

Cen Zhengnian gently patted his head with his large hand, “It’s okay. I’ll eat what your mom saved for me.”

After Chuxia returned, she mentioned to Cen Zhengnian that she would be going back to Liangzhou.

“This time, I might be gone for a bit longer,” she said.

She needed to finish her exams and fill out her college application forms.

Cen Zhengnian stopped stirring his spoon and looked up at Chuxia with a frown. “Are you going back alone?”

His brows knitted together in concern.

While he had confidence in Chuxia’s preliminary exams and the college entrance exam, the latter was more critical, and he couldn’t be at ease with her going alone.

“I’ll let Dazi know and have him accompany you,” he said. Even though he thought of it, he still wanted to get Chuxia’s consent.

“No need,” Chuxia said nonchalantly. “I’ve already arranged everything for the exams. Besides, where would Dazi stay if he came with me?”

“At a guesthouse.”

Chuxia waved her hand. “No, it’s not necessary. I can handle it myself.”

Cen Huai’an stood quietly nearby, listening to his mother talk about going back to Liangzhou.

When she finished, he tugged at Chuxia’s clothes and said, “Mom, the teacher said we have a week left before vacation. Can I go back with you?”

Chuxia turned and met his hopeful eyes.

It was hard for anyone to remain unmoved by that look.

However, bringing Cen Huai’an along meant she wouldn’t be able to take care of him properly.

While she was busy with her exams, she couldn’t leave him alone at the family compound.

She looked away from Cen Huai’an’s eyes and said firmly, “No. You need to stay here and finish your schoolwork, and you have your final exams too.”

As expected, she saw the light of hope dim in Cen Huai’an’s eyes.

She felt a pang of guilt and gently patted his head. “Cheer up. Mom will be back soon.”

That evening, Chuxia discussed Cen Huai’an’s summer vacation plans with Cen Zhengnian.

“Can you apply for a bigger apartment? That way, I can bring Cen Huai’an to stay at the research institute during the summer.”

“I’ll check,” Cen Zhengnian said, though he couldn’t make any promises.

He was tempted to have Chuxia and Cen Huai’an stay at the institute’s family quarters, but there were many researchers, and the housing was limited.

“If we can’t get one, it’s fine. We can look for a place to rent nearby.”

Chuxia had previously inquired about renting places.

For a basic unit, it could be rented for just a few dollars a month.

Better options like the courtyard house she lived in or a standalone house from a wealthy family would cost around ten dollars.

The research institute was located in the southern suburbs, not in the city center. Most of the nearby area was village-like, so renting wouldn’t be too expensive.

However, finding a rental might be challenging since many households had only one property.

Unless someone moved away, it was hard to come across available rental properties.

Chuxia thought for a moment and said, “Apply for a smaller one, as long as it’s a bit larger than your dorm room.”

“Okay,” Cen Zhengnian agreed.

As before, Chuxia sent Cen Huai’an and the dog to her parents’ house.

If Cen Huai’an had summer vacation, she might send him to Cen Zhengnian’s place at the research institute, where there was no danger and a cafeteria, which would be good for father-son bonding.

But since Cen Huai’an still had school and needed to learn chess from her grandfather, it was more appropriate to send him to her parents’ house.

Jiang Zhida and Cen Huai’an took Chuxia to the train station, but this time, Jiang Zhishu was also in the car.

Chuxia was startled when she saw Jiang Zhishu in the passenger seat as she opened the car door. “Big cousin? You’re coming to the station too?”

Jiang Zhishu replied with a “Hmm” and explained, “I need the car after dropping you off.”

Chuxia immediately said, “Big cousin, I can take the bus to the station. If you need the car, you should take it now.”

“It’s not a big deal,” Jiang Zhishu said without looking back, his voice steady.

At this point, Jiang Zhida walked over, opened the car door, and gently pushed Chuxia inside. “Cousin-in-law, don’t be polite. Get in the car. My older brother’s matter isn’t urgent, and there’s enough time to get you back.”