Shen Zhong pressed his tongue against his cheek, and there was no denying it—the little guy had put some force into that slap, and it actually hurt a bit.

“I trust President Shen won’t stoop to a child’s level?” Chi Yao spoke up as Shen Zhong’s gaze darkened while looking at his son.

Chi Yao took a few steps forward, closing the distance between himself and Shen Zhong.

Shen Zhong shifted his focus from the little one’s chubby, porcelain face back to Chi Yao. The look in Chi Yao’s eyes warned that if Shen Zhong dared to harm his son, Chi Yao would spring at him without hesitation.

“Chi Yao, no one has ever slapped my face before.” Now, his son had done just that.

Was he mad?

A bit, yes.

But seeing the concern and anger in Chi Yao’s eyes somehow tempered his irritation.

For a while now, Chi Yao had been leading the situation. But with his son in Shen Zhong’s arms, Shen Zhong felt he now held the upper hand.

“I can let go of your son, but you need to do something first.”

Chi Yao’s brow twitched. “What do you want?”

“Just kiss me.” Shen Zhong said with a serious expression.

Chi Yao was silent for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”

He approached, and Shen Zhong held his son in one arm, awaiting the kiss from Chi Yao.

Just as Shen Zhong anticipated the kiss, Chi Yao’s fingers subtly moved inside his pocket. His thin clothes left little room for any hidden weapon, so Shen Zhong felt no need to be on guard.

Chi Yao pressed his lips together. “President Shen, you’re really surprising me. Using such tactics to get your way?”

Shen Zhong shrugged. “You’re different.”

Seeing that conventional approaches didn’t work with Chi Yao, he decided to try something extreme.

“Don’t worry, baby. Daddy’s here.” Chi Yao assured his son, who was glaring at Shen Zhong. The boy looked like he wanted to lunge and bite, but he remembered his dad’s earlier instruction not to retaliate.

Chi Yao withdrew his hand from his pocket, seemingly empty-handed, and smiled. “If my husband saw this, he’d probably explode with rage.”

“Fu Rong? Lucky guy, isn’t he? Married with a child, both adorable,” Shen Zhong replied, envy obvious in his tone.

Chi Yao placed one hand on Shen Zhong’s shoulder, glancing at his son.

“Close your eyes,” Chi Yao told his son, who sniffled but obeyed.

As he did, Shen Zhong’s satisfaction turned to shock as Chi Yao swiftly pulled out a taser. A surge of electricity shot through Shen Zhong’s body, and at the same instant, Chi Yao retrieved his son from his grip.

Chi Yao hurriedly set his son down, instructing him to hide behind a nearby tree. He then tossed the taser aside and cracked his neck, loosening up.

He returned to face Shen Zhong, who, still reeling from the shock, swayed unsteadily. He might not be able to take Shen Zhong in a fair fight, but right now, Shen Zhong was clearly off balance.

“My temper’s terrible, especially when someone makes my son cry. If you don’t shed a tear or two, this just won’t be fair,” Chi Yao said, smiling.

Shen Zhong burst out laughing, rolling his shoulders. “Fine, if you can knock me down, I’ll cry for you.” He raised his fists, still partially numb, but Chi Yao’s challenge ignited something in him.

“I don’t have your military training, but hopefully, President Shen will go easy on me,” Chi Yao replied before throwing a punch at Shen Zhong’s face.

Shen Zhong lifted his arm to block, but with his slowed reflexes, the punch still landed, pushing him back a couple of steps. He wiped his lip, smirking as Chi Yao came in again, aiming at his stomach. Shen Zhong caught Chi Yao’s arm, twisting it behind him, but Chi Yao bent low, throwing Shen Zhong slightly off balance.

Seizing this opening, Chi Yao twisted and locked Shen Zhong’s neck, attempting to throw him over his shoulder. Shen Zhong countered, grabbing Chi Yao’s shoulder, but was met with another shock as Chi Yao used the taser on his free arm.

Shen Zhong stared at Chi Yao, stunned.

Chi Yao looked at Shen Zhong with a “Why are you looking at me like that? I never said I wouldn’t play a little dirty” expression. Grabbing Shen Zhong’s head, Chi Yao forcefully kneed him in the stomach, releasing him afterward. Shen Zhong stumbled backward, hitting a pillar. If not for it, he would have fallen to the ground. Chi Yao put his pulse igniter back in his pocket. He carried several of them, not just one—he had a naturally fierce nature. Though he had mellowed, some situations still called for caution. If something happened to him, he could handle it, but he couldn’t let anything happen to his child.

Chi Yao walked toward his son, who was awestruck by his father’s show of strength. Was this really his dad? His dad was that amazing? He thought his dad just liked to tease him! The child ran to Chi Yao, throwing himself into his arms. “Dad, you’re so awesome! So awesome!” he clapped excitedly. His dad was like a hero, beating up the bad guy.

Chi Yao held his son and stood in front of Shen Zhong, who was still tingling from the electric shock. Shen Zhong hadn’t realized at first what the little device was; now he knew—it was a pulse igniter, usually used for lighting incense, but powerful enough to deliver a shocking, unforgettable jolt. Shen Zhong looked at Chi Yao in surprise, almost captivated.

“Mr. Shen, I’m sorry. Will you take revenge?” Chi Yao asked, pausing before he left.

Shen Zhong laughed to himself, leaning against the pillar. Revenge? He had thought about it, but since Chi Yao asked so earnestly, maybe not.

“No, I won’t.”

“I trust you’re a man of your word,” Chi Yao replied with a smile. “Do you need me to call an ambulance?” he added before leaving.

Shen Zhong shook his head. “No.”

“By the way,” Shen Zhong suddenly said, making Chi Yao pause.

“I’m sorry, little guy,” Shen Zhong apologized to the child.

The boy glared at the “bad guy,” his tiny fists clenched, ready to fight if Chi Yao hadn’t been holding him. Chi Yao unclenched his son’s fists gently.

“Baby, he apologized. What do you say?”

The child pouted, only giving in after his dad nudged him, “It’s okay.”

“And?” Chi Yao added.

The boy blinked, unsure.

“You slapped him earlier,” Chi Yao stressed, glancing at Shen Zhong.

“Sorry…” the child replied, even less willing.

“There we go. He didn’t hurt you; he only picked you up because he likes you, but you hit him right away, which wasn’t right.”

“I understand,” the child nodded, his eyes still red.

Earlier, when his dad fought the “bad guy,” he’d been afraid his dad would get hurt too.

“In the future, you leave these people to me. Just watch, alright?” Chi Yao reassured him, and the child’s eyes brightened.

Shen Zhong laughed at that.

Chapter 64: Competing for Gifts with His Son

Chi Yao waved goodbye to Shen Zhong, feeling in good spirits despite the scuffle. Now things with Shen Zhong were in the open—he’d wanted this for a long time. Chi Yao left with his son and called Fu Rong once they were in the car.

“I gave Shen Zhong a good beating,” Chi Yao said over the phone.

Fu Rong’s voice was tense. “Who did you say you beat up?”

“Shen Zhong, Shen Ling’s older brother.”

“What happened? Are you two okay? Where are you now?” Fu Rong sounded worried.

“We’re fine. He’s the one who’s not so well; it’ll take him some time to recover. I’m taking the baby shopping a bit longer but will come home early.”

Relieved by Chi Yao’s calm tone, Fu Rong relaxed slightly. “Be careful.”

After hanging up, Fu Rong immediately called Shen Zhong.

Shen Zhong was still aching from the fight, his fingers tingling. He tried to pick up his phone but it slipped, so he turned on the speaker.

“Shen Zhong,” Fu Rong’s cold voice sounded through the line, and Shen Zhong knew immediately how serious Fu Rong was.

“He told you already?”

Shen Zhong chuckled; it seemed their relationship was as close as it looked, making him a bit envious.

“Are you planning to end up like your brother Shen Ling?” Fu Rong asked, his voice hinting at anger.

“Why would I? I’m just having fun with Chi Yao.” Shen Zhong laughed. Yes, to him, it was just play.

“Fun? Why don’t you try that with me?” Fu Rong challenged.

Shen Zhong laughed, moving to sit down. “Sure.”

“Then let’s have some fun,” Fu Rong replied icily.

“Just kidding, Fu Rong. You hate money; I don’t.” Shen Zhong valued his wealth, even if he didn’t need it—he loved watching his numbers grow.

“Shen Zhong, know your limits,” Fu Rong warned.

“Alright, I’ll back off. Your wife is fierce, and I lost fair and square,” Shen Zhong admitted, still a bit deflated. But he’d learned something—Chi Yao was best admired from afar, not touched.

Shen Zhong also recalled the child’s angelic face with tearful eyes, fearing his dad would be hurt. At that moment, Shen Zhong almost felt a pang of softness himself.

Shen Zhong didn’t have any children of his own and wasn’t planning on it. He wasn’t particularly fond of children either, but after seeing Chi Yao’s child, he suddenly thought it might be fun to raise one or two just for amusement.

“By the way, your son slapped me. Your kid’s pretty impressive.”

“Oh, really? What should I say—‘Good job’?”

With the phone in hand, Fu Rong moved to the window and looked out, wondering where Chi Yao and his son had gone and what they might be doing at that moment.

“That’s why you’re a family,” Shen Zhong remarked, chuckling freely, his voice carrying through the receiver to Fu Rong.

“You and Shen Ling don’t seem much like family,” Fu Rong replied, hinting at something more.

“All right, then. I’ve been beaten up by your wife so badly I need to get to a hospital. Fu Rong, you’ll cover my medical bills, right?”

Shen Zhong wasn’t short on money, but he still had Fu Rong pay the hospital fees.

“Of course, send the bill anytime.”

After hanging up, Fu Rong found himself reflecting on the fact that Chi Yao actually fought with Shen Zhong. He had thought Chi Yao might have mellowed after having a baby and wouldn’t get into fights so easily. Apparently, he was wrong—his wife was still the same as ever.

But no matter what Chi Yao was like, good points or flaws, Fu Rong loved every part of him.

The little one admired his dad especially, even asking him to teach him how to fight so he could become as tough as his father.

Chi Yao refused, holding his son’s little arms and legs and telling him that what he really needed to learn was how to run away. After doing something naughty, the best thing was to run, unless you’re absolutely sure you can win.

Otherwise, just run.

The child didn’t fully understand, but he figured he’d learn later; when he grew up, he was sure he’d be as tough as his dad.

Shen Zhong actually went to the hospital and had a full body check-up. Chi Yao had broken one of his ribs, a rare experience for Shen Zhong.

Without telling anyone how he’d broken the rib, Shen Zhong kept it to himself.

In the past, Shen Zhong had ignored Shen Ling’s questions about Chi Yao. Now, though, he would reply that Chi Yao’s family was doing well, and their child was especially adorable.

Upon hearing this, Shen Ling knew it was time to let go of his last lingering hope. He busied himself with work abroad to distract himself.

After Chi Yao’s fight with Shen Zhong, it was as if Shen Zhong had disappeared from Chi Yao’s world, leaving only the medical bill that arrived at Fu Rong’s place for him to pay.

“Just one rib?” Chi Yao commented, looking as if it hadn’t been enough.

Fu Rong pulled Chi Yao close, his gaze cold. “Don’t do that again. I worry about you.”

“Alright,” Chi Yao nodded.

He nodded, but he’d likely do the same next time. He wasn’t one to hold back.

Fu Rong could only accept everything about Chi Yao with resignation.

Shen Zhong, physically resilient, healed quickly and left for an out-of-town business trip once he was better. He wasn’t thinking of revenge; if it had been Shen Ling who got his ribs broken, he’d absolutely get even. But since it was himself, he remembered Chi Yao’s form when throwing punches and thought it was actually quite beautiful. Sending others to surround Chi Yao just wasn’t worth it—what if that beautiful form got damaged?

Oddly, getting beaten up made Shen Zhong more clear-headed. He realized that it had been him harassing Chi Yao, and if the roles were reversed, one punch would hardly suffice.

So Chi Yao had actually held back.

Shen Zhong thought he’d come along too late in life for someone like that—no other person would be quite the same. He suddenly wondered if it might be nice to find someone to play around with or start a relationship.

Finding the right person wasn’t easy, though, so he decided to set the idea aside and focus on work for now.

With Shen Zhong out of the picture, Chi Yao was at ease. Over the next half month, he worked on tailoring clothes for his child, and when they arrived, Xu Dong didn’t come inside but stayed in the car and sent someone in with them.

He had previously told Chi Yan that he wouldn’t come again to avoid upsetting the child.

Chi Yao was home at the time and tried two sets on his child. The fabric was very soft, and the fit was perfect, making the child look like a little prince.

Chi Yao didn’t take all the clothes, as one outfit’s color was a bit odd and not to his liking, so he planned to return it.

The child, however, liked that one the most. It was a suit with tiny green dinosaurs, which made Chi Yao shake his head with a smile. Since the child liked it, they kept it.

After the staff member left and returned to the car empty-handed, Xu Dong was relieved, knowing that the child had liked everything.

As soon as the car pulled out, his phone rang—it was Chi Yao, expressing thanks for the well-fitting clothes.

Xu Dong replied that they could always reach out if they needed more.

Chi Yao hummed in acknowledgment and sent over the final payment with a bit extra.

The child refused to take off his dinosaur suit, and Chi Yao went over to wipe some food residue off his cheek.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was Chi Yao’s birthday. He invited friends out for a meal.

Many people brought two gifts, one for Chi Yao’s birthday and one for the child.

The child’s gift was often even more expensive than Chi Yao’s.

Chi Yao accepted the gifts and asked, “Isn’t today my birthday, not my son’s?”

Xue Zhongming and the others laughed, “You’re a grown man; do you still need birthday gifts? Aren’t you embarrassed?”