"I believe love should be given only to someone who truly deserves it.
Just like how plum blossoms bloom only in winter, and the snow makes them even more beautiful.
Or like me... I only love you, Xavi. You've made my life complete.
That's how it should be."
Xavi had been listening seriously to what Jewel was saying, expecting her to explain the meaning behind the story as usual. But by the end, she boldly confessed her feelings right in front of him.
Jewel looked at his blushing face and smiled.
"And remember, stories are just that—stories. They're made up by writers and shouldn't be taken too seriously. Xavi, don't get so sad just because of a story, alright?
Come here, don't cry. You've cried yourself into a little kitten. Let me wipe your tears."
"Okay…"
Gurgle~ gurgle~
Just as she was gently rubbing his cheeks with her hands, his stomach suddenly growled.
Xavi felt her hand freeze midair. Then she burst out laughing.
Embarrassed, Xavi just wanted her to stop teasing him.
"Jewel, don't laugh at me…"
He was just too focused on the story and forgot to eat. That's all…
His soft little voice made Jewel's heart melt. She looked at him with eyes full of love and affection.
"How can you be this cute…"
"Jewel~"
Xavi's protest only made her laugh even more.
Inside the room, the two of them chatted softly and sweetly.
Outside the door.
Jewel's father had noticed the sky was getting dark, so he came over to call the couple for dinner. But just as he reached the door, he overheard some very affectionate words from inside…
And Xavi calling "Jewel" over and over again in such a tender voice.
He froze for a second, then quickly backed away three steps!
Looking at the tightly closed door for a moment, he suddenly turned and ran off.
In the kitchen, Mrs. Xie was just about to bring the food to their room when she saw her husband rushing in.
She looked around the kitchen, confused—nothing seemed wrong…
"No, don't call the kids," he said, catching his breath. "Just keep their food warm in the kitchen. They'll come eat when they're hungry."
The two of them were clearly doing something important—continuing the family line! Now wasn't the time to bother them.
"But I just finished cooking… the food is freshest now," she said, not quite understanding.
"They're newlyweds," he said with extra emphasis. "Let's not disturb them right now."
Realizing what he meant, she nodded in understanding.
"Got it. Don't worry, we won't make a sound tonight or go anywhere near their room."
Mr. Xie nodded, pleased, and took some food back to his own room.
"You and our son should eat early too. I'll head back now."
Mrs. Xie had cooked for five as usual. There was a big table in the kitchen, and sometimes the family would eat together, other times in their own rooms.
It was up to everyone.
She left Jewel and Xavi's food in a warm pot and took the rest to eat with her son.
When Mr. Xie got back, his grandson was already playing, wide-eyed and babbling:
"Ahh~ waah~ smells yummy~"
As he passed near the newlyweds' room, Mr. Xie tiptoed to avoid disturbing their sweet time together.
Back in his room, eating a warm meal, he happily imagined that maybe by next year, he'd be holding his precious grandson—or granddaughter.
Life in the Xie household was peaceful and warm.
That morning, Jewel put on a new pouch Xavi had made for her. It was light blue, embroidered with a small orchid. He had redone it many times before getting it just right.
Since the restaurant was about to open, she planned to check in today.
"Xavi, want to come with me?"
Ever since they moved, Xavi no longer insisted on following her everywhere. He'd grown more comfortable staying home, writing, doing accounting, and sewing clothes for her.
She felt like it had been a long time since they'd gone out together, and today seemed like a good day for it.
Still half-asleep, Xavi rolled over lazily in bed. He usually got up later in the morning, and it was still early.
He peeked open his eyes for a moment, then shut them again.
Jewel looked at his drowsy, adorable face and could only smile helplessly.
"Alright, I disturbed your rest…"
She decided to go alone. She gently tucked the covers back over his legs and planted a soft kiss on his forehead before leaving.
In his mind, two voices were arguing—one telling him to get up and go with her, the other saying, "Go back to sleep~"
In the end, he sat up and called out just as she reached the door:
"Jewel."
She turned to see him trying to get dressed, eyes still closed.
Smiling, she came back to help him with his shoes.
They had breakfast together, then left for the restaurant.
On the third floor, the biggest private room of the Yanxi Restaurant was filled with staff gathered around the round table.
Jewel was explaining all the details for opening day. Xavi sat quietly beside her.
He watched her hold a stack of notes and explain every point clearly to the staff.
It was the first time he realized how much work went into running a business—not just buying and selling, but so many other details to manage.
Through the whole meeting, not a single word she said was wasted. Every sentence was on point.
Her leadership, organization, and strategic thinking once again won everyone's admiration.