Though he couldn't see the exact amount, Xin Hao clearly sensed it was far more than just a few digits.

After holding it in for a long while, he finally managed to blurt out:

"Did you hack the film set's system?"

How else could she have so much money?

Yu Li: "..."

Beside them, Bo Jingmo's phone rang. After glancing at the caller ID, he paused slightly and leaned close to Yu Li's ear. "Lili, I need to step out to take this."

Yu Li nodded. "Go ahead."

Bo Jingmo stood up and walked out of the private room. He waited until the phone rang several more times before answering.

The other end was silent for a few seconds before an elderly voice spoke.

"Jingmo, your father returned this morning."

Bo Jingmo's expression remained unchanged as he lowered his gaze and gave a quiet "Mm."

The caller seemed momentarily taken aback by his reaction before continuing, "Tomorrow is your mother's birthday banquet. Will you come back tonight? Many business partners will be attending. It would be good for you to familiarize yourself with them beforehand."

The café's hallway ended at a viewing railing. Bo Jingmo walked over and rested his slender, well-defined fingers on the railing, tapping lightly as he gazed downward, his calm eyes unfocused.

"Grandfather." His tone was steady and composed. "You shouldn't pin your hopes on me. Older Sister is the better choice for you."

"..." Silence lingered before the old man's voice hardened. "Bo Jingmo, what nonsense are you spouting?!"

"Grandfather, I'm just giving you fair warning."

The man maintained his detached yet polite demeanor, his voice gentle but laced with the unshakable composure honed over years of experience.

"You're old now. You should focus on enjoying your retirement. It's best you stay out of matters between Bai Shaodong and me."

Having lived two lifetimes in this world—even killing Bai Shaodong twice—Bo Jingmo's hatred and resentment had long since faded.

He didn't care what Bai Shaodong had done to him, but one new detail stood out: Bai Shaodong knew Limu.

This time, things couldn't proceed as they had before.

Bo Jingmo glanced back at the private room and spoke softly, "That's all for now. I'll attend the banquet tomorrow. Take care of your health."

When the call disconnected abruptly, Old Master Bo was left stunned. He turned to Bo Hui beside him. "What did he mean by that?"

Bo Hui, who had been hoping to feign ignorance, hesitated. "Well... Grandfather, I'm not sure either. Please don’t get too upset."

The old man took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes.

"How’s the progress with those women you introduced to Jingmo last time?"

Bo Hui: "..."

What progress? She hadn’t even managed to show him their photos.

Besides, he already had someone special tucked away, living quite happily.

Her lips moved wordlessly before she finally mumbled, "It’s... going alright."

Mu Hehe, who had been peeling an orange, looked up with wide, blinking eyes.

"Are you trying to find a wife for Uncle?"

Bo Hui’s heart nearly stopped, bracing for something outrageous—only for the boy to lower his head again and keep eating, as if he’d just mentioned it casually.

Old Master Bo slumped back into his chair and waved a hand. "Forget it. You two should head back. I’ll rest for a while."

He no longer had the energy to deal with these matters. He was old.

But recalling Bo Jingmo’s words, he turned back to Bo Hui. "You... try talking to him when you can. If it doesn’t work, let it be."

Bo Hui hesitated, wanting to say much more, but with Mu Hehe present, she simply nodded. "Understood. Rest well, Grandfather."

"Bye-bye, Grandfather!" Mu Hehe waved cheerfully, his round, fair face utterly endearing.

At least his grandson was sweet. The old man smiled faintly. "Yes, come visit again soon."

On the way home after leaving the estate, Bo Hui wiped Mu Hehe’s hands with a wet wipe. The little boy tilted his head up. "Mom, can I stay at Uncle’s place today?"

"No." Her refusal was firm. "Uncle will be back tomorrow."

"Will Auntie come too?"

Bo Hui’s hands stilled. "I don’t know."

Bo Jingmo probably wouldn’t want to bring Yu Li to face his father.

But... what if?

Should she ask?

Glancing at Mu Hehe’s innocent expression, an idea struck her. "Why don’t you ask Uncle yourself? Send a voice message, or he won’t know it’s you."

Mu Hehe took the phone and huffed as he sent a voice note:

"Uncle, will you bring Auntie tomorrow?"

...

Bo Jingmo and Yu Li had just returned home when the message arrived.

He tapped the voice note, and Mu Hehe’s bright, childish voice filled the room.

Yu Li, who had been changing her shoes, paused mid-motion and arched a brow at him.

After a moment, she remembered what tomorrow was.

"Mu Hehe’s talking about your mother’s birthday banquet?"

Bo Jingmo nodded. "Lili, do you want to go?"

He had asked before, and Yu Li had declined—unsurprising, given her dislike for such gatherings.

True to form, she shook her head. "I’ll pass."

Besides, she had an added class at school tomorrow.

So Bo Jingmo rejected the little boy’s relentless pestering and set his phone aside.

"I’ll make dinner. Go change first, Lili."

"Okay."

When Yu Li came downstairs in loungewear, she found Bo Jingmo already busy in the kitchen.

She blinked, then leaned against the doorway. "Need help?"

This was their usual routine—him cooking while she assisted.

He turned, eyes curving into a smile. "Sure."

Yu Li rolled up her sleeves and moved to the sink.

Outside, the drizzle from the afternoon had thickened into a downpour. Rain drummed against the windows like rapid-fire beats, punctuated by the occasional low rumble of thunder.

Amid the sound of running water in the kitchen, Yu Li’s expression grew momentarily distant.

A flash of lightning illuminated the window. In the sudden quiet, with water still rushing from the tap, she blinked slowly and turned the faucet off.

She handed the washed vegetables to Bo Jingmo.

"Anything else you need help with?"

He had been watching her silently. After a pause, he reached out, cupped her face, and pressed a light kiss to her lips. His voice was tender.

"No. Wait for me outside, wifey."