Little Yuanbao and Little Xixi were each adapting to life with peers in their own ways.

Meanwhile, with the children no longer needing constant cuddles, Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi could finally devote time to their passions and self-improvement.

The now-married Lin Youxi had recently become engrossed in reading, while Xia Yuan busied herself with releasing a new album.

After the official launch of Yuanxi Fantasy Realm, Mei Fang’s ambitions in the gaming industry were fulfilled, leaving him devoid of career drive—instead spending his days doting on his daughters.

Moreover, he’d gradually grown addicted to his new role as a stay-at-home husband.

He’d rise at 6 AM sharp to prepare breakfast;

By 7:30, he’d wake his still-sleeping wives and daughters with sweet morning kisses before finishing the meal.

After breakfast, they’d help Little Yuanbao and Little Xixi get dressed and pack their kindergarten bags.

Then he’d drive Mei Xiaoyuan and Mei Zhixi to school, sending them off with cheek kisses to begin their kindergarten day.

When returning home to chores, he’d often find Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan had already completed them.

Because despite being the “househusband,” his wives hadn’t left the household either.

Xia Yuan had her own livestream studio that doubled as a workspace.

Lin Youxi would immerse herself in reading or occasionally handle technical programming tasks remotely.

While everyone focused on their morning routines, Mei Fang would exercise.

At noon, Lin Youxi prepared lunch with Xia Yuan assisting when free—otherwise, she’d just wash dishes.

Afternoons were reserved for napping together, a cherished private time for the trio.

Post-workout, Mei Fang would get ready to fetch the children.

Since kindergarten classes usually ended by 4 PM, most pickups were done by grandparents or stay-at-home moms—making Mei Fang, a young, able-bodied father doing daily pickups, quite the anomaly.

This inevitably drew whispers, especially from young mothers:

“Hey… that guy—he’s Mei Xiaoyuan’s dad, right?”

“I think he’s Mei Zhixi’s dad too.”

“Are they sisters? Why haven’t I heard? They don’t seem to share a mom…”

“Shh, this is Pengcheng. Anything goes here—don’t ask unnecessary questions.”

“But objectively, that dad is ridiculously handsome… my ideal type. He even looks vaguely familiar—like a celebrity.”

“What celebrity would pick up kids daily without disguises? It’s just your imagination.”

Mei Fang remained polite yet distant with other parents, though he’d engage cordially if approached.

“Young Mei, you’re at your prime—shouldn’t you be working or improving yourself? Let moms or grandmas handle pickups!”

“It’s alright, Granny Su. I enjoy fetching them myself,” Mei Fang smiled.

“Xiao Mei, be honest—are you being… what do kids call it—’henpecked’? A husband needs masculinity! Spoiling your wife is fine, but people will think you’re whipped!”

“Not at all. My wives dote on me—I just love picking up my kids.”

“Oh dear… you sound just like my foolish son! Ever since marrying, he barely eats with us—”

The auntie launched into complaints about her daughter-in-law, with Mei Fang patiently humoring her.

Though mostly trivial gossip, these mundane exchanges were life’s unvarnished truths…

What Mei Fang didn’t realize was how unflatteringly the aunties perceived him:

“Probably some rich woman’s boytoy—a live-in gigolo.”

“So young yet already a freeloader. Tsk, with teeth that white?”

“But young folks struggle nowadays. Outsiders without assets can’t survive in Pengcheng without… alternative arrangements.”

“Well, it is Pengcheng—anything goes.”

As Mei Fang waited idly for dismissal, a young mother approached.

“Yuanbao-Xixi’s dad, on pickup duty again?”

“Ah… yes. Hello, Mengmeng’s mom.”

Lin Meng was one of Mei Xiaoyuan’s closest friends, often seen holding hands with both sisters at pickup. Her mother had thus grown familiar with Mei Fang.

“Your wife must be incredibly blessed.”

Lin Meng’s mom smiled. “To have such a devoted husband doting on her and the girls daily.”

“No father could resist loving daughters like mine!”

“True… Yuanbao and Xixi are fairy-tale-level adorable. Compared to them, my child—”

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Don’t say that—Mengmeng’s lovely too.”

“But your girls look like storybook princesses. Their mother must be stunning…”

“Haha… that she is.”

Mei Fang never hesitated to praise his wives publicly.

“Yes… truly beautiful.”

Lin Meng’s mom nodded. “I’d love to meet her someday.”

After a thoughtful pause, Mei Fang replied:

“You’ll likely get that chance soon.”

Though reveling in fatherhood, Mei Fang knew the mothers’ absence invited schoolyard whispers.

While he didn’t mind being misunderstood, he refused to let anyone think the girls lacked maternal love.

“Next month’s parent-child cooking competition—you want both me and Youxi to attend?”

Xia Yuan stroked Mei Xiaoyuan’s hair. “Won’t that spark rumors? Is it appropriate?”

“But mothers never showing up isn’t good either. There’ll be sports days later… they’ll have to appear eventually.”

“Me and Ah Fang appearing is manageable, but Yuan Yuan—as a public figure—would essentially announce our three-way relationship and two kids.”

Lin Youxi ruffled Mei Fang’s hair. “So… has Ah Fang steeled himself for this?”

“Mhm.”

Mei Fang nodded, gently patting the now-sleeping Mei Zhixi. “All those preparations years ago were for this very moment, no?”

“Fair point…”

Lin Youxi exhaled deeply, swaying slightly with Mei Fang in her arms as Xia Yuan leaned against her shoulder.

“As long as we face this together as a family, no storm is insurmountable.”

The main story should be concluding soon!