Robin Roland didn’t find it funny either. That was just how it was for single-parent families; it wasn’t easy for a father to take on a mother’s responsibilities as well.

Just like her.

Holly Winslow’s eyes began to sting. Not wanting them to notice, she turned onto her side and feigned sleep.

A few minutes later, Robin Roland was ready to leave. Seeing that Holly was asleep, she quietly let Wyatt Winslow know. Wyatt glanced at her foot, which seemed to be bothering her slightly, and pursed his lips. "I’ll take you home."

Robin Roland waved her hand and said with a quiet laugh, "There’s no need. The bus stop is right downstairs, and I’m sure I’ll find a seat."

Wyatt Winslow insisted, so Robin Roland felt she couldn’t refuse.

Once they had left, Holly Winslow opened her eyes. ’Dad and Robin Roland actually make a pretty good pair,’ she thought for a fleeting moment.

After seeing Robin Roland to her building’s entrance, Robin suddenly remembered something. "Holly’s Father, wait a moment." With that, she rushed upstairs.

A few minutes later, she returned carrying more than a dozen eggs, which she handed to Wyatt Winslow. "My mom brought these from the countryside. They’re farm-fresh. Perfect for steamed egg custard or sunny-side up."

Wyatt Winslow glanced at her. Her skin had a yellowish tint, and fine lines crinkled the corners of her eyes—a stark contrast to Yvonne Lewis’s impeccably maintained complexion.

"That’s not necessary. We can buy our own."

Robin Roland smiled, placing the bag of eggs on the passenger seat. "It’s hard to find authentic farm-fresh eggs in the big city. Anyway, I won’t hold you up. I’ll get going now." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

...

Mortimer Quincy arrived in B-City that afternoon. When he saw Holly Winslow in the hospital bed, his expression darkened. "Can’t resist your cravings, can you?"

He had been so careful about her diet; he couldn’t believe she’d still aggravated her condition.

Holly Winslow rubbed her nose sheepishly. She glanced at Wyatt Winslow, silently pleading with him to put in a good word for her.

Wyatt Winslow, however, said nothing.

Holly Winslow: "..."

She looked up and said, "I only have it once in a while."

Mortimer Quincy never indulged her when it came to her health. His tone was stern. "’Once in a while?’ Then from now on, you can’t have it at all."

"What have I told you? Huh? Was I not clear?"

Holly wanted to retort, but seeing the worry and displeasure on his face, she just rubbed her nose and swallowed her words.

"It won’t happen again."

"You still want there to be a ’next time’? If it happens again, you’re copying all of your college textbooks. By hand," Mortimer Quincy threatened darkly.

Holly Winslow: "..."

’She was sure of it,’ Holly thought. ’If Dad weren’t here, his threat would’ve ended with, "don’t blame me for resorting to ’domestic violence’." ’

"I get it."

With her assurance, Mortimer Quincy’s expression softened considerably. "I’m going to go ask the doctor something."

After he left, Wyatt Winslow watched Holly let out a long breath. She looked genuinely frightened. He pursed his lips. "You really should listen to him about this stuff."

"Dad, I just get a little craving once in a while," Holly said with a sheepish giggle.

"Cravings are no excuse," Wyatt Winslow said, not buying it.

Holly promised, "Dad, I won’t do it again."

Mortimer Quincy came back half an hour later. "You’re cleared for discharge. I’ve already taken care of the bill."

The three of them then headed back.

After that, Mortimer Quincy started bringing her medicinal broths, three times a day, right on schedule. Soon, many people at the factory learned that Holly had a boyfriend.

Every time the security guard saw Holly come to pick up a delivery, he would chuckle and say, "Holly, your boyfriend’s a good one."

Many of the older women at the factory agreed.

This, of course, made that rascal Mortimer Quincy insufferably smug. He posted a status update: The Nation’s Husband.

Holly: More like the Shameless Husband.

Pantheon: And here they go again with the PDA.

Zeke Zane: Mortimer, how come you’re not answering my messages?

Pantheon replied to Zeke Zane: HAHAHAHA, obviously he’s just ignoring you.

Zeke Zane: ...Get lost, you idiot.

Cynthia Owens replied to Zeke Zane: He’s ignoring you.

After being "mocked" by the couple, Zeke Zane: ...

Second Cousin, don’t you guys gang up on an outsider like me.

Pantheon, gloating: Good. As long as you know.

Zeke Zane @Anna Willow: Someone’s picking on me.

Anna Willow: Serves you right.

Holly laughed as she scrolled through the comments, then replied to Anna Willow: Anna, wanna hang out tomorrow? We could go see a movie.

Anna Willow: Sure. I’ll let Ellie know.

Iris Kensington: I already know. What are we watching?

Mortimer Quincy: I want to go.

Zeke Zane: Me too!

Holly replied to Mortimer Quincy: Mr. Nation’s Husband, tomorrow you belong to the nation.

Mortimer Quincy: I belong to you.

Holly Winslow: "..."

Pantheon: Tsk tsk.

Zeke Zane: Tsk tsk.

Paul Powell: Count us in. Luna Lynch and me.

What was supposed to be a girls’ movie night turned into a small group date for couples.

Holly hadn’t seen Luna Lynch in a while, and she noticed she’d changed quite a bit. She was wearing contacts now, and while her hair was still black, she no longer had bangs.

She wore a red, ruffled chiffon blouse with white shorts and white sandals.

The whole look gave her a more refined air.

Holly beamed. "Luna, you look amazing."

Luna Lynch flushed slightly. "You’re the one who looks amazing, Holly."

Holly had long, wavy black hair and such great skin that she didn’t need foundation. Just a swipe of lipstick was enough to make her look as if she were wearing a full face of makeup.

Even a simple white t-shirt and light-blue jeans looked incredible on her, especially with her long, straight legs.

There were over twenty people in their group for the movie. Someone had suggested they rent out the entire theater. Holly was still wondering why, since splitting the cost would come out to more than 120 yuan per person.

She found out why after the movie ended.

Mortimer Quincy was proposing.

Just as Holly started to get up, the big screen lit up with photos of her and Mortimer Quincy. It was a slideshow from high school to college, with many solo pictures of her, always smiling.

When two dozen phones suddenly pointed at her, she froze for a few seconds before quickly covering her face. "I’m not wearing any makeup! Let me put some on first!"

The theater filled with laughter, and Mortimer Quincy chuckled too.

Pantheon, phone in hand, hollered, "Future sis-in-law, you’re gorgeous even without makeup! You’re the most beautiful woman here tonight!"

Zeke Zane kicked him. "You moron, that’s Mortimer’s line!"

Mortimer Quincy took the bouquet of money roses someone handed him and presented it to Holly. He smiled. "Honey, do you like these flowers?"

The crowd immediately erupted, chanting, "She likes them! She likes them! She likes them!"

Holly stopped hiding her face and took the bouquet. Blushing, she grinned and said, "I’d like them even more if there were a few more."

Pantheon yelled, "Mortimer, quick! Top it up with your secret savings!"

Mortimer shrugged, holding his hands out as if to show they were empty. "I’ve already handed over the rest. This was all that was left from my last paycheck."

"Oof, so sweet I think I’m getting a cavity!" Pantheon exclaimed, clutching his face dramatically while his other arm held Cynthia Owens by the waist.

Mortimer’s gaze remained fixed on Holly. He asked softly, "So, honey, do you like them?"

"I love them," Holly said, unable to stop smiling.

In the next instant, Mortimer Quincy dropped to one knee, produced a ring from his pocket, and said, "Then marry me."

Paul Powell, never one to miss a chance to stir up trouble, yelled, "Holly, don’t say yes yet! Make him swear to uphold the ’three obediences and four virtues’ for husbands! We’ll get it all on video for you!"

Mortimer Quincy shot him a cool look, and Paul Powell immediately felt a sense of foreboding.

But Holly didn’t make things difficult for Mortimer. She simply held out her hand to him and said without hesitation, "Yes."

She truly hadn’t expected Mortimer to give her a proper proposal. She’d thought they were already past the need for such things.

Facing a proposal again, her feelings were completely different. The first time, she had been filled with joy, but also with apprehension about the future. Now, however, she was filled with conviction. She firmly believed that she and Mortimer would be happy, that they would build a wonderful life together.

"Quincy the Puppy, I love you."