Chapter 63: Your Father Is About to Show Off

“Ah…”
The next morning, Yu Zhile woke feeling exhausted and sore. He reached out, and as expected, his wife had risen before him.
He walked out of the bedroom and saw Qin Haiyu nursing the baby in the living room. Yawning, he said, “I’m dead tired… Honey, I think we need to sign a week-long ceasefire agreement!”
Qin Haiyu burst out laughing. “A week? Should we make it two?”
“A week is enough!” Yu Zhile grinned. “I’m warning you—no seducing me for the next seven days!”
She giggled again. “Alright, alright. Go brush your teeth, wash your face, and have breakfast. I made chicken soup for you, it’s still hot!”
“Honey, I adore you!” Yu Zhile flirted with a raised eyebrow, then headed for the bathroom.
Qin Haiyu couldn’t help but smile, gently lowering her head to caress her nursing daughter.
She had always worried that after marriage, after the child, her husband would gradually grow distant and their love would cool.
But after marrying and giving birth to their daughter, she found her husband’s affection had not waned in the slightest—it was as passionate as when they had first fallen in love.
Especially these days, she noticed he pampered her more and more, filling her with comfort and satisfaction.
She stroked the baby’s tiny head, wishing this happiness could last forever, all the way to old age.
…
Three days later.
The registration for the chess tournament sponsored by Mighty Bull Yogurt in their hometown county began. The organizers had specially booked an internet café for two days of in-person registration.
Yu Zhile brought his wife and daughter back home for a visit. Since his wife was a celebrity, her fame grew even more after endorsing the yogurt, so it was inconvenient for her to go out; she had to stay indoors.
In the afternoon, Old Yu swaggered back, voice booming: “Too easy! For a chess tournament like this, even a three-year-old could sign up!”
Qin Haiyu watched her father-in-law’s smug expression and smiled, “Dad, you managed to register then?”
Old Yu waved dismissively. “Of course! The process is dead simple. At the café, just beat the computer two out of three games and you’re in! I thought the computer would be tough, but it was child’s play—I could win with my eyes closed!”
Yu Zhile teased, “Dad, you’re exaggerating. If your eyes are closed, how do you see the screen?”
“Get lost! No one thinks you’re mute if you don’t speak!”
Old Yu glared at him, then turned to his daughter-in-law. “I heard you’ll be performing at the New Year’s Eve gala in a couple days?”
Qin Haiyu nodded. “Yes, Eastern TV will broadcast live, and you can watch online too. Dad, will you and Mom spend New Year’s at home or come celebrate with us?”
Old Yu said, “Your mom wants to come up for New Year’s! But I have to compete in the chess tournament that morning.”
Yu Zhile replied, “That’s no problem! The competition starts at ten, you can get back by eight—it’s only about an hour’s drive.”
Old Yu agreed, “Alright, we’ll go up for New Year’s together! By the way, can you get tickets for the gala? I’ve never seen such a big show or concert in person!”
Qin Haiyu smiled, “Dad, if you want to attend, I’ll reserve the best VIP seat for you.”
Yu Zhile rolled his eyes, thinking, My plan was for Dad and Mom to help babysit so I could sneak off to watch my wife perform…
But Dad beat me to it, showing unexpected interest!
He sighed, “Dad, the sound system at the gala is intense! I’m afraid your heart and ears might not handle it!”
Old Yu asked, “How intense? Is it much louder than KTV?”
Qin Haiyu was surprised, “Dad, you go to KTV now?”
Old Yu explained, “I usually don’t! But your mom insists on dragging me along. I’m forced to go! And let me tell you, she shamelessly sings all those love songs you young people like!”
Qin Haiyu laughed, “I didn’t expect Mom to have such hobbies!”
Old Yu quickly cautioned, “Keep this a secret! If she finds out, she’ll be too embarrassed to go, and then I’ll have to hear her nagging nonstop!”
Yu Zhile watched his naïve wife and couldn’t help chuckling, “Honey, believe half of what Dad says at most! From what I know, he actually loves KTV but won’t admit it, so he blames Mom instead!”
“Nonsense!”
Old Yu shot him another glare. This brat was asking for trouble—some things are better left unsaid, even if you know the truth!
After all, a father needs his dignity!
Yu Zhile smiled, deciding not to tease further lest he get himself in trouble.
After dinner, Yu Zhile and his wife took their daughter home. With New Year’s approaching, he needed to find time to arrange music, and Qin Haiyu had to practice her songs.
…
Two days passed.
December 31st finally arrived!
That afternoon, Dad and Mom left their hometown and came over. Qin Haiyu was about to head to the cultural center for rehearsal.
“Dad, here are two front-row VIP tickets. To avoid traffic, it’s best to head over at six after dinner.” Qin Haiyu handed the tickets brought by Xu Ling to her father-in-law.
“Two tickets!” Old Yu took them and turned to his wife, “Wife, want to come with me? Let the brat look after our granddaughter at home!”
Mom replied, “You two go ahead! I can’t stand those booming stage speakers—they make me feel jittery!”
Yu Zhile said, “It’s fine, Mom. If you’re interested, just go with Dad.”
Mom scoffed, “These events are for young people! Your dad just wants to show off and join the fun!”
Old Yu protested, “How am I showing off? What’s wrong with seeing the New Year’s Eve gala in person?”
Mom teased, “Just don’t post about it online or brag to your buddies!”
“Vulgar!”
Old Yu said disdainfully, then turned to his son, “Want to go? If not, I’ll give the ticket to Old Liu!”
Yu Zhile replied, “Give it to Old Liu. If I wanted to go, I could easily get a ticket.”
Mom sneered, “See, your dad is about to show off again!”
“Superficial!”
Old Yu’s face reddened, and he walked out making a phone call to avoid more taunts.
Qin Haiyu couldn’t help but smile. She crouched to play with her mother-in-law as she watched the baby. “Mom, I’m heading off to rehearse!”
Mom encouraged, “Alright, don’t be nervous—sing well!”
Qin Haiyu turned to her husband, “Honey, I’m off!”
Yu Zhile nodded, “Go ahead! Treat it like your own concert.”
Qin Haiyu left with Xu Ling. She noticed her father-in-law had stepped outside for his call, so she called out, “Dad, I’m leaving!”
Old Yu waved in acknowledgment, then said into his phone, “Hey, these tickets aren’t worth much! Just say if you want to go—if you do, I’ll drive over tonight to pick you up, and tomorrow morning I’ll drive you back for the tournament! If you’re worried about your wife, I can drive you home after the show.
Alright, it’s settled! Don’t tell Old Li and the others—I only have two tickets, and my wife isn’t interested so you’re in luck! Okay, that’s settled, I’m hanging up!”
…
Five o’clock in the evening.
After dinner, Old Yu said, “Son, let me borrow your car, I’ll pick up Old Liu.”
Mom laughed, “See? He won’t drive his own car, but wants to take his son’s luxury car—just wants to show off!”
Yu Zhile was resigned. He handed over the keys, “Dad, maybe I should just buy you a luxury car so you can show off every day?”
“Vulgar, no need!” Old Yu took the keys and headed out.
An hour later.
Yu Zhile checked the time. “Mom, I’m heading out too! I’ll come back after your daughter-in-law finishes singing!”
Mom, busy entertaining her granddaughter, replied without looking up, “Go on, go on, you’re just in the way here!”
Yu Zhile couldn’t help but laugh. He sent a message to Yang Bing, asking him to meet and let him in, glanced at his dad’s old car, then drove his wife’s car to the cultural center.