◎ The gift is for you—you have to unwrap it yourself. ◎

Chen Fang rarely regretted things in life, but tonight was one of those times.

The rabbit apron in front of him was nothing like what he had imagined, if it could even be called an apron.

She had messaged him earlier, excitedly saying that the rabbit apron had arrived. He had skipped over that message, changing the topic to something else. He should have asked her to send a picture then; maybe he would have handled things differently tonight.

Not maybe—definitely.

Chen Fang gave a cryptic smile. “Where did you get this from?”

He couldn’t find anything like this online.

Tao Xiaoxi replied, “I had a colleague who quit her job and went home to open an online shop. She’s making good money.”

Chen Fang was sure it wasn’t a legitimate online shop.

Tao Xiaoxi lightly touched the fluffy black tail on the apron. “I immediately fell in love with this one. I was worried you wouldn’t like pink, so I changed it to black before placing the order. Do you think I was thoughtful?”

It was indeed thoughtful.

Tao Xiaoxi had really fallen for this set. The black lace mesh on the front, paired with white lace trim, with a fluffy tail at the end of the apron’s tie and a black lace bunny ear headband—everything was practically perfect.

She looked at him. “Do you still want to give me a gift?”

It wasn’t a forceful attitude; whether he gave it or not was entirely up to him.

Chen Fang was silent for three seconds, then squeezed out a word from his throat. “Yes.”

Knowing her mischievous personality, since the apron had been bought, she would definitely find a way to make him try it on. Instead of being caught off guard, he figured he’d take the initiative. After all, this was a gift he himself had promised to give her.

Tao Xiaoxi’s eyes sparkled as she handed him the apron. “Should we change now? I’ll put the headband on you last.”

Chen Fang didn’t take it. Instead, he flicked the apron with his finger, his disdain obvious in his expression.

“Tao Xiaoxi, the things you pick really…”

Tao Xiaoxi lay on the bed, propping her chin on her hand, waiting for him to finish his sentence.

“Very good.”

Chen Fang looked at her shining eyes, remembering how red her eyes had been by the car earlier, and reluctantly gave this description.

Tao Xiaoxi nodded. “Yes, that’s why I married you.”

Chen Fang froze. This was a statement worth thinking about—whether she married him because he was good, or because she liked him, or perhaps… it was a bit of both.

They stared at each other across the room, her dark eyes reflecting his image. Chen Fang’s lips curled into a smile. He went to change.

What was there to be unwilling about?

Tao Xiaoxi lay on the bed for a while, then crossed her legs and sat up. She was starting to feel a little bored waiting. She called out, “Chen Fang, are you done yet?”

No one answered. Tao Xiaoxi got out of bed and was about to check on him. How could it take so long? It was just an apron.

Chen Fang slowly walked out of the walk-in closet.

Tao Xiaoxi tilted her head and said, “You’re being way too perfunctory with me.”

He had just thrown the apron on over his clothes. The effect was barely noticeable, except for the fluffy tail sticking out behind him.

Chen Fang walked to the bed, leaned down, and pulled her arm around his neck. “The gift is for you—you have to unwrap it yourself.”

“Huh?” Tao Xiaoxi didn’t understand.

Chen Fang bit her lip. “You help me take off the clothes inside.”

Tao Xiaoxi:…

She never imagined things would go this way.

Chen Fang smiled. “If you don’t take it off, we’ll just leave this gift for later. When you’re ready to take it off, we can open it. I’m not in a hurry.”

“You really…” Tao Xiaoxi touched the corner of his eye. “You’re so bad.”

He always had this ability—she’d be the one to tease him first, but in the end, she’d be the one who got teased.

Chen Fang’s tongue found its way into her mouth. “I can only say, it’s mutual.”

The gift was eventually opened, but that was all. Tao Xiaoxi curled up in the blanket on his chest, her eyes satisfied, and started to feel a bit sleepy.

Chen Fang ran his hand through her long hair, lightly and heavily stroking it. Outside, the sound of firecrackers cracked in the air. As the firecrackers exploded, the New Year bells rang. This scene felt like a dream.

Tao Xiaoxi heard the firecrackers and suddenly sat up.

Chen Fang covered her ears. “Did I scare you?”

Tao Xiaoxi shook her head, then lay back down on his chest. She closed her eyes, reaching up to touch his high nose and thin lips, murmuring, “Happy New Year, Xiao Ah Gang.”

Chen Fang’s shoulder stiffened.

On the New Year’s Eve of his distant memories, he had been curled up in his mother’s arms, watching the Spring Festival Gala, trying to stay awake to hear the New Year’s bells. He planned to go outside with his dad to light firecrackers, but he had fallen asleep before the bell rang. In his blurry dream, he heard the sound of firecrackers. He shifted, and his mom gently patted his back, whispering, “Happy New Year, Xiao Fang.”

Chen Fang pinched the ear of the person in his arms, tilted his head, and gently touched the soft, white ear. He softly said, “Tao Xiaoxi, Happy New Year.”

If one were to summarize the Spring Festival for adults in one sentence, it would be visiting relatives.

On the first day of the new year, you visit relatives. On the second day, you go to your mother’s side to visit relatives, and on the third day, it’s still visiting relatives. Chen Fang didn’t have many relatives, mostly those on Tao Xiaoxi’s side. This year, especially since it was their first year of marriage, she had to lead her new husband around to visit all the relatives. This was an old tradition, to let the new husband get familiar with the maternal side of the family.

Tao Xiaoxi’s side didn’t have many daughters. Her aunt’s family had only sons, and her father’s side had only Tao Xiaoxiao besides her. So, between both families, there were just these two daughters. Naturally, her relatives were extremely eager to meet the new son-in-law. Everywhere they went, there was always a lot of attention.

At first, Tao Xiaoxi thought she had to protect him, making sure no one bullied him. But then she realized that he didn’t need her protection at all. In front of the elders, he was the best at flattering people and could make anyone smile. Her older brothers liked to drink, but his tolerance for alcohol was impressive. He didn’t drink recklessly, though. When it came to handling situations, very few could outsmart him. Tao Xiaoxiao was even easier to handle—a thick red envelope would make her jump in excitement and call him “brother-in-law,” not even mentioning how scary he looked.

Tao Xiaoxi’s second aunt chatted with Meng Qing, “You always said Xiaoxi is soft-tempered and doesn’t have a strong sense of self. But I don’t think you’re right. She can let things go with small matters, but when it comes to important things, she’s very determined. Take finding a partner for example. You didn’t think much of it at first, but now we can see that Xiaoxi’s choice wasn’t wrong. Chen Fang is truly an excellent husband and son-in-law. I’ve realized that emotional intelligence is so important in a man. No matter how good his other qualities are, if his words are like a blunt hammer, always saying things that hurt, he’ll make life unbearable. And some men are so domineering at home, acting like kings, but outside, they shrink away, unable to speak or drink. You expect him to support a family? Forget it.”

She sighed, “I just wish Xiaoxiao’s husband could be half as good as Chen Fang.”

Meng Qing smiled at her, “You didn’t think highly of him at first either.”

Second aunt paused, then said, “I’ve realized now that we can’t always judge people by our old standards. Things like work, family background, and education don’t determine a person. What really matters is their character.” She looked over at Chen Fang and Tao Xiaoxi, “Look at your son-in-law. He’s talking while peeling melon seeds for Xiaoxi. You said she can’t handle him, but if she couldn’t, would he do this?”

Meng Qing also looked over. The two were sitting side by side on the sofa, not very close. Chen Fang was talking to Tao Xiaoxi’s older cousin while peeling melon seeds. He’d place the peeled seeds on a plate, which was already stacked high with them. Tao Xiaoxi was playing a game with Tao Xiaoxiao, occasionally reaching over to grab the seeds and eat them. There was no direct interaction, but it felt naturally intimate.

Second aunt sighed, “I’ve never had anyone peel melon seeds for me.”

Meng Qing laughed at her, “You make it sound so pitiful. Come on, let me peel some for you. See if they taste better when someone else peels them for you.”

Second aunt chuckled and pushed Meng Qing playfully.

Meng Qing’s smile faded slightly. “This is only the beginning. Newlyweds always think everything is perfect. They pamper each other and everything feels fresh. But after the novelty fades, problems will appear. Let’s see how things go in the future.”

Second aunt said, “You’re worrying too much. Right now, they have a solid foundation. Even if problems arise later, they can communicate and resolve them. Every couple argues, but it’s how they make up afterward that matters. Xiaoxi is soft-tempered, and look at Chen Fang—he knows how to soothe her. If a couple is sweet and even argues, we shouldn’t interfere. The older generation should just mind their own business and enjoy their peace.”

Meng Qing replied, “I should record what you said and play it for you when you have a son-in-law.”

The second aunt laughed, “Exactly! It’s easy to talk about others. As mothers, we’ll always worry.”

On the way home, Tao Xiaoxi felt a little happy. Today, they had finished visiting relatives. The weather forecast said it would snow tomorrow. Snowy days are perfect for staying at home. She had already made plans with the old lady to have hotpot with ribs tomorrow night.

Chen Fang glanced at her. “You’re so happy?”

Tao Xiaoxi nodded. “When I was young, the New Year was something I looked forward to. But as I grew older, it became a bit of a burden, especially with visiting relatives. This year, since I’m married, it’s a bit easier. But if I were still single, I’d have to answer the same questions over and over: ‘Do you have a boyfriend?’ ‘When will you get married?’ ‘When are you having kids?’ I know they mean well, but it still gets annoying.”

Chen Fang tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “So, you should thank me for helping you avoid all that annoyance.”

Tao Xiaoxi asked, “How should I thank you?”

She admitted, this year’s family visits were much easier, as he had helped handle most of the difficult tasks. He was calm and handled things well, and she just followed along, responding when necessary.

Chen Fang pinched her cheek. “I’ll have to think about it.”

Tao Xiaoxi also pinched her cheek, a little worried. Her face seemed to have gained weight. She hadn’t dared to step on the scale recently. As long as she didn’t see the numbers change, it felt like she hadn’t gained any weight.

She asked him, “Do I look much fatter?”

Chen Fang replied, “No, you’re not fat. Go ahead and eat more if you want.”

Tao Xiaoxi didn’t believe him. “After the fifth day of the New Year, I’ll stop eating dinner. I’m going on a diet, at least to get back to my pre-marriage weight.”

“I really don’t think you’ve gained weight. With your small frame, I could pick you up with one hand. If you stop eating dinner, a strong wind might blow you away, and I won’t be able to find you.”

Tao Xiaoxi: …

“I’ve really gained weight. My… clothes are getting tight.” She paused, almost blurting out something about her clothes being tight.

Chen Fang glanced at the place where her seatbelt was tight. “Well, let me check tonight to see where you’ve gained weight, and then you can decide if you want to lose weight.”

He looked at her openly.

Tao Xiaoxi shifted her body and gave him a side glance. “Hurry up and drive your car. Chuntao is coming over later to ask me some questions. You can check yourself.”

Chen Fang laughed, his expression wild and carefree.

Tao Xiaoxi reached out and pinched his thigh.

Chen Fang grabbed her hand, massaging it and giving it a little squeeze. “Don’t be in such a rush. If you want to check me out, I can let you do that tonight.”

Tao Xiaoxi felt like she shouldn’t have pinched his thigh. She should have pinched his mouth instead.

Tao Xiaoxi met Chuntao on the first day of the Lunar New Year. According to local customs, when a new bride marries, the neighbors come over to visit her on the first day of the new year to wish her good luck. Chuntao came over with her grandmother. When she saw Tao Xiaoxi, she smiled brightly and greeted her, “Sister Xiaoxi.”

Chuntao was a plump girl. She spoke bluntly and decisively, saying that when she was in school, she had been more focused on playing than studying. After seeing the world outside, she realized how narrow her perspective had been. Now, she wanted to improve herself while it was still not too late.

Tao Xiaoxi, recognizing Chuntao’s determination, naturally wanted to help. Chuntao knew that Tao Xiaoxi would be busy these days and wouldn’t disturb her in the evening. They agreed that Chuntao could come over starting on the third day of the new year.

After dinner, Yan Qiufang set out all kinds of snacks—sunflower seeds, peanuts, and fruits. There were also three types of drinks.

Chen Fang, seeing his grandmother still pulling things out of the fridge, smiled and said, “Isn’t our house supposed to be a tutoring center? How did it turn into a convenience store?”

The old lady waved him off, telling him not to block the way. “Go, go, go. You, a ‘vegetable bun,’ don’t understand. Learning requires brainpower, and you need to supplement your energy at all times.”

… His grandmother never spared him any face. His grades weren’t great, but they weren’t bad enough to be called a “vegetable bun^[1]In China, calling someone a “菜包子” (vegetable bun) is a playful or slightly mocking way to say they are inexperienced, weak, or lacking ability—similar to calling someone a rookie, … Continue reading.”

Tao Xiaoxi stifled a laugh nearby, and Chen Fang lightly tapped her forehead. “Do you find it so funny when grandma insults me?”

Tao Xiaoxi took a step back, distancing herself a little from him. “Grandma isn’t insulting you. Isn’t it the truth?”

Chen Fang: …

He felt that his authority as the head of the household was being questioned by the two women in the house. He couldn’t do much about his grandmother, but with her, he could still put her in her place. He reached out to grab her, but the doorbell rang, and the white rabbit slipped out of his grasp.

“Chuntao’s here. I’ll go open the door.”

Chuntao did not come empty-handed. She brought some fruits and nutritional supplements for the elderly. The old lady kept praising her for being thoughtful, and they didn’t refuse. Later, they would ask Chen Fang to buy some things for Chuntao’s grandmother.

After settling Tao Xiaoxi and Chuntao, the old lady happily went to play Mahjong. Chuntao, a bit embarrassed, warned Tao Xiaoxi, “Sister Xiaoxi, I have a weak foundation and don’t know much. Sometimes I might ask some silly questions, so please don’t laugh at me.”

Tao Xiaoxi shook her head. “Of course not. If you don’t understand something, asking is the right thing to do. Don’t feel embarrassed or worry about what others think. Once you’ve asked and understood, you’ve gained knowledge. That’s what matters—gaining knowledge for yourself, right?”

Chuntao nodded vigorously, chuckling softly.

Every time Tao Xiaoxi explained a question, she would list the key concepts involved and ask Chuntao to review them. The next day, she would give her a similar question to see if she had truly understood.

During a break, Chuntao went to the bathroom, and Tao Xiaoxi took an orange. She looked up and saw someone at the dining table, startled. She thought he had left. “Aren’t you going out? Didn’t you say you were going to play Mahjong with Zhao Yijiang?”

Chen Fang walked over with two cups of warm water, handing one to her and placing the other on the coffee table. “I’m not going anymore. Zhao Yijiang said he needed to spend time with his wife and kids, so the game was canceled.”

“Oh.” Tao Xiaoxi looked at him. “Won’t you be bored?”

Chen Fang rubbed her hair. “How could I be bored listening to Teacher Tao’s lecture? Even this ‘vegetable bun’ has to receive some educational enlightenment.”

Tao Xiaoxi murmured, “I haven’t taught anyone in years. I’m afraid I won’t explain it well and end up wasting your time.”

“You explain it very well. If you were the one tutoring me in high school, I probably could have gotten into a 211 university^[2]A 211 University in China is a prestigious school selected for extra government funding to improve education and research..”

Tao Xiaoxi looked at him doubtfully.

Chen Fang thought about teasing her—was she doubting his teaching abilities, or doubting his potential to attend a 211 university?

Chuntao came back from the bathroom. Tao Xiaoxi subtly nudged Chen Fang’s leg with her elbow, signaling for him to move aside so she wouldn’t be distracted from teaching.

Chen Fang winked at her, silently telling her to wait. He would let her finish her class, then he would get his turn. He turned around to grab the phone from the dining table, which was ringing, and went to the kitchen.

Zhao Yijiang yelled from the other side, “Brother Fang, you said you were coming. Where are you? We’re one player short.”

Chen Fang responded, “I told you I’m not going. I don’t believe you can’t find someone else.”

“It’s no fun playing with someone else. We want you here. We know you’re successful in both love and career, so we figured your luck at Mahjong would be bad today. We were hoping to win some money off you. If we don’t win now, when will we get the chance again? Come out for a while. You can always spend time with your wife, but New Year’s is a time to relax. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? Be careful that sister-in-law might get annoyed with you if you stick to her too much.”

Chen Fang laughed. “You think I’m like you? I’m not the type to annoy people. Don’t call me anymore. We’re in the middle of a class and need peace and quiet.”

Zhao Yijiang clicked his tongue. What was he playing at now? A lecture, huh?

The lesson ended around ten o’clock. Chuntao glanced at her phone and realized how late it had gotten. Tao Xiaoxi spoke so gently and explained the questions so clearly that she didn’t even notice the time passing. Chuntao stuck out her tongue. Luckily, she checked the time. If she had stayed any longer, Chen Fang would have gotten upset. She quickly got up to say goodbye, and Tao Xiaoxi told her to come over after dinner tomorrow.

Chen Fang sat on the sofa, waiting for Teacher Tao to return. “Come on, tell me, what did that suspicious look mean earlier?”

“What suspicious look?” Tao Xiaoxi was tidying up the coffee table.

Chen Fang grabbed her arm and pulled her down onto the sofa. “No need to tidy up, I’ll do it later. I need to clarify something. My grades may be bad, but I’m not completely useless. My math and science are okay, it’s just that English and Chinese are beyond saving, which dragged my overall score down. You know why Old Zhou likes me so much, right? It’s because my math isn’t bad.”

Tao Xiaoxi gave him a half-smile, eyeing him.

“What does that smile mean? Don’t believe me?”

Tao Xiaoxi silently responded with a look. She didn’t remember his exact subject scores, but she remembered he was always among the last in class. If his math and science were really good, then his English and Chinese must have been terrible to drag his overall performance down like that.

Chen Fang couldn’t help but laugh.

Tao Xiaoxi made a suggestion. “How about I give you a high school math problem to solve? If you can get it right, I’ll believe you.”

“Sure.” Chen Fang agreed, feeling he had no choice. If he refused, he’d never get anywhere with her.

“Shall we place a bet?” Tao Xiaoxi played with his hands.

“Bet on what?”

Tao Xiaoxi whispered, “If you can’t solve it, then in the future… you can’t do that thing… more than once.”

Chen Fang hesitated. Although he didn’t think he’d forgotten everything from high school, she was known for her tricks. What if she gave him some competition-level problem? That could be a big issue.

Tao Xiaoxi pulled his hand and placed it on her waist.

“If you solve it, I’ll wear that bunny apron and let you do a physical check-up.”

Chen Fang: …