Chapter 22: He Called Her “Silly Chi Chi” with Affection
Only then did Song Chi notice the breakfast neatly set on the table, freshly made sandwiches and warm milk.
She looked surprised and checked the time. It was only 7 a.m.
“Sir, you already made breakfast so early?”
Mu Yin noticed her shocked expression and chuckled. “Chi Chi, what’s wrong? Is it strange that I made breakfast?”
“It’s not strange… I just can’t believe it…”
Lowering her head, Song Chi muttered, “When I lived with my aunt, she was always the first to get up. She had to prepare breakfast for my uncle and cousin before they went to work and school. If she was even a little late… she’d get beaten.”
Her voice became muffled at the end.
“I set the alarm for 6:30… but I’ve been so tired lately… I stayed in bed a little longer…”
Mu Yin: “…”
Her words made his heart clench painfully.
He looked at her with seven parts pain and three parts pity. Just as he opened his mouth to speak…
The poor soundproofing of the apartment let in a sharp, scolding voice from the neighboring unit, interrupting him.
“You lazy woman, do you know what time it is?! Get up and make breakfast! Dongzi has to go to work! How will he have energy if he skips breakfast?”
“Mom, I did so much housework yesterday… I’m not feeling well. I just want to sleep a bit more…”
“Hah! You’re already married and still want to sleep in at your in-laws’ place? Dream on! Get up and make breakfast now. If Dongzi doesn’t get his meal before work, you don’t get to eat all day!”
Clang bang! came loud noises from the next door.
Hearing this, Song Chi felt complicated emotions well up.
She quickly said, “Sir, I’m sorry. I won’t sleep in again. I’ll make sure breakfast is ready before you go to work…”
Even though she knew after these past few days that he wasn’t like her uncle,
there was no emotional foundation between them. She feared being too lazy might make him resent her.
Mu Yin: “…”
What the hell was going on next door?
He felt both annoyed and even more sorry for Song Chi. She must have had a tough time living with her aunt’s family all those years.
Mu Yin walked up to her and gently stroked her soft hair. Looking deeply into her eyes, he said:
“Silly Chi Chi, I told you—I’m not like your uncle. Don’t feel pressured. I’ve read books about pregnancy. It says it’s normal for pregnant women to feel drowsy. Don’t feel guilty. Even if you weren’t pregnant, in this house, you can sleep in as much as you want, no one will ever say a word.”
Song Chi: “…”
Really?
Looking into his eyes and hearing his tender words, she couldn’t find a reply—only the sound of her own racing heartbeat.
For a moment, they just stared into each other’s eyes, reflections mirrored within.
The atmosphere grew subtly intimate.
Only the next round of thumping from the neighbors brought them back to reality. They quickly looked away, their hearts slightly rippling with emotions.
Song Chi’s face flushed, and Mu Yin’s ears turned pink.
After a pause, Mu Yin’s low voice came again.
“Chi Chi, understand?”
“…Mm. I got it.”
“Then go wash up. After breakfast, we’re going to the hospital.”
“Okay.”
Only then did Song Chi realize—he had called her ‘Silly Chi Chi’?
Oh my god, that nickname… was so indulgent and doting!
She went to the bathroom, splashed cool water on her burning cheeks, and took several deep breaths to calm down. Once her face cooled to normal, the two sat down at the dining table.
Mu Yin passed her a warm glass of milk. “Chi Chi, I tested the temperature. It’s just right. Eat while it’s hot!”
Song Chi nodded. “Okay.”
Under his considerate care, she didn’t notice the happy smile blooming on her face.
Mu Yin had already finished eating and was reading the newspaper. Song Chi nibbled at breakfast, secretly glancing at him.
Suddenly, she realized—Sir was really handsome…
Just then, Mu Yin’s phone buzzed. He looked at the screen, his gaze turning gentle.
Song Chi, curious, peeked over.
Mu Yin said, “Chi Chi, eat slowly. I need to handle something.”
Song Chi nodded, “Mm.”
Mu Yin stepped onto the balcony to make a call. With the glass door closed, Song Chi couldn’t hear what he was saying.
Who would Sir be calling this early?
His boss? But he didn’t look at the phone like it was his boss.
That gaze… seemed more like how someone looks at a person they like.
So, was it Luo Wanwan?
She hadn’t cared about Luo Wanwan before, but now… something felt like a cat scratching at her chest.
She spiraled into thoughts. No, she didn’t like Sir…
It’s just… people are selfish. After experiencing how good he was to her, she didn’t want anyone else taking that away.
Song Chi was startled by her own dangerous thoughts. She inhaled deeply, forcing her emotions down and focused on finishing breakfast. But somehow, it didn’t taste as good as before.
***
Meanwhile, on the phone, Mu Yin spoke gently.
“So early—what do you need?”
A woman’s voice came through the speaker: “I heard you got married? Is it true?”
Mu Yin smiled. “Mm. Married. Taking her for a prenatal checkup today.”
The other end was silent for a beat, then a scream erupted.
“Ahhh! You brat! You hid something as big as marriage from us?! And even got her pregnant before the wedding? Did you forget our family rules?! Want a beating?!”
The woman ranted on and on. Mu Yin massaged his temples, his smile helpless as he tuned her out.
“Mom, anything else? If not, I’m hanging up.”
“Wait! You clueless man—you even know what to do at a prenatal checkup? Let me tell you…”
The woman was Mu Yin’s mother, Liu Yueru.
She went on about what to watch for during prenatal exams and reminded him again and again to take good care of his pregnant wife.
“Mom, I got it. I’ll take good care of her. I’m hanging up.”
“Wait! After the checkup, report back to us! Our Mu family has had only sons for nine generations. If your wife gives birth to a daughter, I’ll give her a huge red envelope!”
In most families, boys were favored. But in the Mu family, it was the opposite.
Mu Yin said, “Mom, boy or girl, they’re still my child. I won’t treat them differently. I’m hanging up.”
“Fine! When your dad and I return to the country, we’ll come see our daughter-in-law right away!”
The call ended just like that.
***
Mu Yin stepped back inside and saw that Song Chi had already washed the dishes.
His heart ached. “Chi Chi, I was just on the phone—how did you manage to wash everything already? You’re pregnant. You should rest.”
Song Chi replied, “Sir, I can’t let you do all the housework alone.”
She was as obedient as a child. Mu Yin’s heart clenched with emotion as he gently stroked her hair.
“I’m off work today, so of course I should help more. Besides, there’s no law saying wives must do all the chores. You’re pregnant now—I should be the one taking care of you.”
Song Chi’s heart felt warm. She was touched by his words. But thinking of his gentle expression while on the phone earlier… she still felt a bit uneasy.
Gratefully, she said, “Sir, you’re so good to me.”
After a pause, she cautiously asked, “Who were you calling just now?”
Mu Yin raised an eyebrow. “A very important woman in my life. I’ll introduce you someday.”
Song Chi: “…”
Her heart instantly sank.
So Sir really cared about Luo Wanwan… And he even wanted to introduce them? Wasn’t he afraid they’d fight?
