Chapter 26: Living Together?

“Here’s the thing—you’ve been dying to meet Master Huo Yin, right? Well, now there’s a chance. Want to take it?”

“What? You’re serious?!”

Wen Xuxu was stunned. She almost couldn’t believe her ears.

But the assistant on the phone nodded firmly. “Yes. If you can cure our CEO’s condition, I promise you’ll be able to see him every single day.”

“Our CEO’s illness?”

“That’s right. I won’t beat around the bush. That’s why the CEO didn’t bring you back to the Huo family today—he got into an argument with you on the boat, his blood pressure spiked, and then he collapsed. He’s still in the hospital. So if you really can get him to sleep soundly, well… you don’t even need me to say it. He’ll let you see Master Huo Yin. What do you say, Mrs.?”

Finally, Xiao Lin laid it all out—clear as day. And to sweeten the deal, he didn’t hold back: he told her about how Huo Sijue had passed out on the ship that morning.

The moment the words landed, Wen Xuxu froze for half a second.

That damn man was actually in the hospital?

No wonder she hadn’t seen Yin-Yin—or him—when she’d come down earlier. Something had gone wrong.

A tiny smirk tugged at her lips. “Oh, I *do* have the skill. Considering how close he came to dying, it’s actually impressive he’s still breathing.”

Xiao Lin: “….”

After a long pause, he let out a dry chuckle. “Yeah, that’s exactly why I’m here, Mrs. You can rest easy. As long as you fix his condition, everything else is negotiable. Right now, he’s blocking you from seeing Yin-Yin—but you’re still his mother. Once you’re in the house, once you two start bonding, even he won’t be able to stop you.”

That last line hit like a lightning bolt.

It did it. Instantly, Wen Xuxu felt her resolve shift.

Exactly. She and Yin-Yin needed time together. Without it, how could she make up for lost years? How could she earn his forgiveness?

She agreed—without hesitation. But she added one condition of her own.

“I can’t be locked up. I’ll stay at my aunt’s place. Otherwise, they’ll worry. And if things go sideways and end up at the Huo mansion, it’ll be awkward for everyone.”

“No problem,” Xiao Lin said quickly. “Just make sure the CEO sleeps peacefully at night. We won’t restrict your freedom. You can manage your time however you want. But remember—one rule: you *have* to heal him.”

“Don’t worry,” Wen Xuxu said, grinning. “I know what I’m doing.”

She wasn’t just agreeing—she was excited. This was exactly what she wanted: freedom to care for her two little ones. Morning drop-offs at kindergarten, evening pickups, just like when they were abroad.

As for curing that bastard’s health? She didn’t doubt herself for a second.

They settled it then and there: tonight would be the start. Xiao Lin would come pick her up from her apartment soon. First test. If it worked, the agreement was official.

He was coming *now*?

Then she had to hurry back.

Wen Xuxu hung up—and turned to her two precious kids.

“Momo, Ruoruo, Mommy has to run out for a bit. It’s urgent. Can I call Aunt Lan over later?”

Aunt Lan was an old family maid from the Wen household. After the family fell, she’d moved in with Wen Xuxu’s aunt. She was loyal, trustworthy—no question.

Ruoruo didn’t say anything, just blinked innocently. But Momo looked up from his iPad, frowning. “Where’s Mommy going? Will she be back tonight?”

“Of course,” Wen Xuxu said, ruffling his hair. “Just a quick errand—maybe two hours. Don’t worry, sweetheart.”

She comforted him while dialing Aunt Lan.

Sure enough, when she heard about the kids needing care, Aunt Lan immediately agreed. And upon learning the children hadn’t eaten yet, she insisted on stopping by the market to cook something special for them.

With that settled, Wen Xuxu finally stepped out the door.

Ruoruo tilted her head toward her brother, who stood at the balcony, staring after their mom’s retreating figure. “Brother… why are you staring at Mommy like that?”

She toddled over, small arms reaching, and crouched beside him, eyes wide with curiosity.

Momo stayed frozen, watching the big clumsy shape below—the one he called “dumb Mommy.” His little brow furrowed. “Dumb Mommy’s definitely going to see the bad guy again.”

“What?!”

Ruoruo gasped, her eyes widening in panic. “The bad guy?! Is Mommy in danger? Should we save her?”

She was nearly in tears.

Thankfully, Momo shook his head. “Not yet. I’ll handle it tomorrow.”

Ruoruo’s eyes widened further. “You’re going to find the bad guy? Then… then I want to go too! I don’t like that mean guy who hurts Mommy!”

“You stay put,” Momo said, pointing at her. “Help me cover for me at kindergarten. When I find the bad guy tomorrow, I’ll come back and tell you what to do next.”

“Okay!” they agreed, high-fiving with sticky fingers.

—

When Wen Xuxu returned to her apartment, she didn’t have to wait long. Xiao Lin pulled up in a sleek black car.

She grabbed her pre-packed medical kit and headed downstairs.

“Where to? The hospital?”

“No,” Xiao Lin said. “To Shallow Bay. The CEO’s already home.”

She blinked. She’d assumed they were heading to the hospital. But this assistant told her no—it was Shallow Bay.

So suddenly?

Her heart skipped a beat.