An Xin’s words left Bai Yichen stunned. He hadn’t expected her to say something so profound. She continued speaking.

“The marriage life I want isn’t just about the trivialities of daily life like rice, oil, and salt. I also want independence in work, financial independence, and self-respect. Do you understand what I mean?”

Bai Yichen: “…”

He seemed to grasp her meaning somewhat. After letting out a sigh, he conceded.

“Alright! You can pursue the life you want. But if one day you feel that chasing your career becomes too exhausting, you can always come back to a simpler life. I will always be your strongest support.”

Even if he couldn’t become extraordinarily wealthy in his lifetime, he could at least ensure that Anxin would never lack anything. He never intended to confine her to being an idle housewife. Since Anxin had dreams and pursuits, he would never clip her wings. Bai Yichen was not a selfish man.

Anxin: “…” Feeling a touch of warmth.

She hadn’t expected this cold and detached man to say something so considerate.

Gratitude flashed through her eyes as Bai Yichen agreed so readily. She didn’t hesitate to express it.

“Bai Yichen, you’re different from what I imagined. Thank you.”

Thank you for not locking me away and letting me become a purposeless woman. Although Anxin didn’t see herself as the type to become aimless, this man gave her the greatest freedom.

“No need to thank me. We’re husband and wife. Whatever you want to do, it’s only natural that I support you.”

Looking at her radiant face, Bai Yichen’s gaze softened. Then he added:

“Of course, while working outside, you have to be careful with some friends.”

Hearing this, Anxin immediately understood. So it was about Kaizi sending her home last night.

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing!”

She was a married woman, after all. How could she mess around with someone else before resolving things with Bai Yichen?

“Alright, as long as you’re clear about it. Do whatever you want; I’ll support you as much as I can.”

Whether it was financial or material, Bai Yichen was willing to meet her needs as much as possible.

Although his expression was cold, his words carried warmth. For a fleeting moment, Anxin felt that Bai Yichen wasn’t so bad after all. Sure, he was a little emotionally dense and reserved, but he had a sense of responsibility and reliability.

At that moment, the door to the operating room suddenly opened, interrupting their conversation. Reflexively, Anxin shot up from her chair. Bai Yichen also stood up at the same time. A few doctors in white coats and masks emerged from the room. Anxin quickly approached them.

“Doctor, how’s my mom’s surgery?”

Wasn’t surgery supposed to take a long time? It felt like barely any time had passed. Did something go wrong? The thought made Anxin’s heart sink, completely erasing the joy she’d felt earlier while talking to Bai Yichen.

Dr. Song, the lead doctor, removed his mask. Glancing at the anxious Anxin and then at the man behind her, he smiled faintly and said:

“You’re the patient’s family, right? Don’t worry. The surgery was very successful, even finishing earlier than scheduled. In a moment, the nurses will wheel her out. Just follow the post-surgery care instructions and take good care of her.”

Hearing this, the weight lifted off Anxin’s chest. She clasped her hands together in gratitude and said:

“Thank you, doctor. Thank you for saving my mom.”

Bai Yichen, standing beside her, also expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you, doctor.”

Perhaps their sincere attitude surprised the doctors. They exchanged kind smiles with the couple before quickly departing after providing a few instructions.

As the doctors left, the operating room doors opened again. A nurse pushed out a mobile hospital bed. Anxin and Bai Yichen immediately approached her.

“Are you the patient’s family?” the nurse asked.

“Yes, she’s my mom. I’m her daughter,” Anxin responded quickly.

Handing over the bed’s handles, the nurse instructed:

“The patient is in your care now. Just follow the doctor’s instructions.”

Anxin and Bai Yichen nodded, thanking her.

“Alright. Thank you!”

The nurse waved them off and headed to clean equipment.

“It’s no trouble. Take her to her room. We’ll come by for routine checks later.”

Since Anxin’s mother had undergone a minor procedure, the nurse didn’t need to accompany them back to the ward. So, Anxin and Bai Yichen pushed the mobile bed back on their own.

In the ward, Anxin tidied the bed while Bai Yichen stepped forward.

“Let me handle this.”

Rolling up his sleeves, Bai Yichen got to work. His movements were skilled and efficient, exuding a sense of calm elegance. Within moments, he’d prepared the bed. Then he gently carried Chen Hongyan from the mobile bed to the hospital bed, hung the IV bottle on its stand, adjusted the tubes, and tucked her in—all in one smooth motion.

Anxin stood silently to the side, marveling at him.

Having a man in the house really makes life easier. All the heavy lifting is taken care of. Maybe I’ve been overzealous about managing everything myself. My husband isn’t a hands-off person at all. In fact, he’s an organized and dependable man.

Once everything was settled, Bai Yichen sat down on a chair and noticed Anxin staring at him as if seeing him for the first time. His lips curved into a faint smile.

“What is it?”

Why did she look like she was getting to know him all over again?

Realizing she’d been caught staring, Anxin hurriedly averted her gaze and changed the subject.

“Oh, right. It’s getting late. Mom might wake up soon. The doctor said she can have some soup. I’ll go home and make some. Do you want anything for lunch?”

Anxin’s mood was noticeably light. Not only had Bai Yichen agreed to let her work, but her mother’s surgery had also gone well. Naturally, she asked him about his preferences.