"I bought everything you like to eat," Lin Yang said as he placed a pile of takeout boxes on the table.
"But I didn't get the fried chicken—it's too greasy for you right now. You've just given birth, so it's better to avoid it for now."
He carefully set up the small table for Shu Mengyao and laid out the food until the table was covered.
"Did I really pick out this much?" Shu Mengyao exclaimed, staring at the feast. "Isn't this a bit too extravagant?"
After months of budgeting for her pregnancy, she'd grown used to saving money and eating modestly. She hadn't realized she'd chosen so many dishes this time.
"Silly girl," Lin Yang chuckled, patting her on the head gently. "You've just had a baby. You need to recover, and that means eating well. It's not extravagant at all."
His heart ached for her.
She was once the campus beauty of Jiangcheng University. He still remembered the time a wealthy heir had shown up with a sports car and a trunk full of flowers, offering her both if she'd date him. Back then, Shu Mengyao had simply turned and walked away without a word.
Now, this same woman thought having a few extra dishes was indulgent.
"From now on, you don't have to worry about things like this," Lin Yang said, looking into her eyes with unwavering seriousness. "I'll handle it. Leave these things to me, okay?"
Shu Mengyao was momentarily stunned before nodding instinctively. Tears welled up in her beautiful eyes and spilled down her cheeks.
"Why are you crying again?" Lin Yang teased, gently wiping away her tears. "It's only been two days, and you've cried three times already. People might think I've been mistreating you."
"You haven't mistreated me," Shu Mengyao whispered. "I'm just… so touched. You're too good to me."
"You're the mother of my children. Who else would I treat well if not you?" Lin Yang replied, though he kept another thought to himself.
Shu Mengyao wasn't just the mother of his children. She was also the woman he had admired for three years in college and the one who had haunted his thoughts in the fourth.
Now that fate had brought them together, he was determined to cherish her.
He picked up a piece of fish and brought it to her lips.
This time, Shu Mengyao didn't hesitate as much as before. Blushing slightly, she opened her mouth and took a bite.
Just as they finished eating, the nurse returned.
"Ahem, hope I'm not interrupting," the nurse said with a playful cough as she entered.
"Not at all! We were actually waiting for you," Lin Yang replied with a smile.
Shu Mengyao instinctively averted her gaze, her fingers fidgeting nervously. Lin Yang noticed this habit and suddenly recalled her demeanor from their university days. Back then, people had assumed her aloofness was due to arrogance.
But now, seeing her nervous behavior up close, Lin Yang realized the truth—she was socially anxious!
"Yao Yao, what do you think?" Lin Yang asked suddenly, deliberately drawing her into the conversation.
"Huh? Oh… yes…" Shu Mengyao nodded stiffly, her unease evident in the way her fingers twisted together.
So, it wasn't arrogance at all. The campus beauty had been hiding her social anxiety all along.
"Are the babies healthy?" Lin Yang turned to the nurse, his tone serious.
"They're both perfectly healthy," the nurse reassured him. "Your eldest is a boy, weighing five pounds, six ounces. Your youngest is a girl, weighing five pounds, two ounces."
"Make sure you decide on their names soon—you'll need them for the birth certificates."
The nurse then patiently explained some care tips for the babies. Lin Yang listened attentively, jotting down notes.
"You're such a diligent dad," the nurse remarked with a smile before leaving. "Miss, you're very lucky to have him."
Once the nurse left, Shu Mengyao visibly relaxed. Lin Yang noticed the tension leaving her body and felt even more certain about his earlier realization.
"Yao Yao, it's time to name the babies," Lin Yang said gently.
His casual use of her nickname made her blush. For someone who rarely interacted with others, hearing someone call her so affectionately was a new and pleasant experience.
"Do you have any names in mind?" Lin Yang asked.
Shu Mengyao shook her head. "I've thought about it so much, but nothing feels right. Maybe… you should decide."
She looked at him with trust in her eyes, handing over the responsibility.
"I was thinking of the names Yunhe and Xingluo," Lin Yang said after a moment. "The boy can be Yunhe, and the girl Xingluo. What do you think?"
He had been brainstorming names ever since he found out the babies were his. These two names had stood out to him.
"'The clouds obscure the candlelight; the long river reflects the setting stars.' Yunhe and Xingluo… they're beautiful," Shu Mengyao murmured, her eyes lighting up.
The names felt perfect—Yunhe evoked a sense of freedom and vastness, fitting for a boy. Xingluo was gentle and romantic, ideal for a girl.
"That's it, then," Shu Mengyao decided. "Lin Yunhe and Lin Xingluo. Babies, these are your names now. Do you like them?"
Lin Yang leaned down and gently spoke to the babies.
Though only two days old and unable to understand, the babies let out soft coos, almost as if in response.
"Lin Yang, did you see that? They like the names!" Shu Mengyao exclaimed, her face glowing with joy.
The sight of her happiness filled Lin Yang's heart with warmth.
"Alright, Yunhe and Xingluo it is," he said, smiling.