Chu Lingzhi didn't dare to hope that Nangong Yehen would ever fall for her.
She was already content that he cared about the son she had given him.
They weren't lovers, let alone a couple who shared hardships together.
There was no need for staged, affectionate embraces or kisses—this wasn't genuine warmth.
Chu Lingzhi only wanted to see her sons happy and joyful, and to know that Nangong Yehen could cherish them.
As for herself... when she thought of how he had coughed up blood in agitation at the sight of Ouyang Ruobing, she dared not hope for anything more.
No expectations, no heartfelt pursuit—just doing her part was enough.
Nangong Yehen had already wrapped his arm around her, facing the camera.
If he were to kiss her next, she felt... he wouldn't go that far.
The camera belonged to Nangong Yichen. What if, by some chance, Ouyang Ruobing saw it?
Just as Chu Lingzhi was lost in a whirl of thoughts, Nangong Yehen suddenly turned her around.
A warmth touched her forehead—his thin, warm lips pressed against it.
It was as if time had frozen. Chu Lingzhi's breath caught, her mind went blank, and she forgot to think.
Her body stiffened, her heart raced, her cheeks flushed—it felt surreal, like a dream.
Even though it was only a kiss on the forehead, she could feel his sincerity.
It seemed... he wasn't just going through the motions for their sons, but truly wanted to kiss her.
After the kiss, he held her close, leaned back comfortably in his chair, and smiled at the camera.
His performance satisfied the two little ones.
Nangong Yichen's lips curled into a faint smile.
"What a warm scene. Dad, the moment you kissed Mom was perfectly captured," Chu Junyu said with a grin.
"Was it my kiss or your filming that made it perfect?" Nangong Yehen asked, a sly smile curling his lips.
Chu Junyu's dark, starry eyes sparkled. "Dad's kiss was perfect, and my filming wasn't bad either."
"..." Chu Lingzhi stared at him, utterly speechless.
With one sentence, he could praise both Nangong Yehen and himself.
"Dad, one more," Chu Junyu urged, as if addicted.
Nangong Yehen, still holding Chu Lingzhi, rested his head against the seat back. "Scenes unsuitable for children—you shouldn't watch too many. I'm going to close my eyes and rest."
He shot a quick smile at Chu Lingzhi, then shut his eyes.
Chu Lingzhi looked up at his strong jawline, a thousand thoughts swirling in her mind.
Still, being held like this warmed her heart.
A flicker of complexity passed through her eyes. She furrowed her brow slightly, silently watching him for a few seconds before turning her gaze to Chu Junyu.
Chu Junyu blinked his innocent eyes at her and tilted his head, signaling her to rest her head on Nangong Yehen's chest.
Chu Lingzhi swallowed hard. This little rascal was clearly trying to play matchmaker.
At around six in the evening, the car drove into Lizhu Village.
Lizhu Village seemed forgotten by the world, nestled at the end of this road.
Far from the city and in a remote area, the villagers here all lived off farming.
True to its name, Lizhu—"Pearl Village"—was surrounded by towering mountains, a place of stunning beauty.
Stepping into it felt like entering a paradise.
Chu Junyu and Nangong Yichen were fascinated by the scenery.
Even before the car stopped, they were already brimming with excitement.
The moment the car halted, they flung open the doors and dashed out, like birds freed from a cage, joyfully taking in their surroundings.
Chu Lingzhi sat in the car, her expression dim as she gazed outside.
Her two treasures were filled with wonder at this place.
But for her, it was all too familiar.
Thirteen years had passed, yet the village remained unchanged...