The next day.
Xiao Fei got up early.
It was rare to have no classes for the entire day.
After a quick wash and change of clothes, he prepared to head out.
"Brother Xiao, where are you off to so early in the morning?"
His roommate, Wu Zitao, who slept in the bed opposite Xiao Fei, heard the noise and asked sleepily.
"Got some errands to run, heading out for a bit."
Xiao Fei answered nonchalantly.
"Oh…"
Wu Zitao rolled over and went back to sleep.
Last night, the three of them had played video games until the wee hours—now, he was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open.
Xiao Fei didn't pay much attention to his roommates and left the dorm room.
On the way.
While walking, he opened the rental app he had just downloaded and started searching for houses near campus.
Ideally, one big enough for two adults and three kids...
Price wasn't really an issue.
After all, he had more than enough extra money saved up thanks to the system rewards.
For his wife and kids, he certainly wanted to pick the best possible place.
If he encountered a shady landlord who used harmful materials for renovations, that would be a huge regret.
Xiao Fei quickly browsed through the rental app and soon found a home he liked.
He contacted the agent and immediately went to inspect it in person.
Indeed, it was great—very consistent with the description in the app.
The neighborhood was quiet, surrounded by greenery, and the flowerbeds were beautifully maintained.
Although it wasn't as luxurious and comfortable as a standalone villa, the benefits lay in its peaceful and tidy environment.
In addition, the layout was sensible, and the floor plan was great.
Three bedrooms, one living room, plus an entryway garden—Xiao Fei was very happy with it.
Within less than half an hour, Xiao Fei finalized the rental.
Monthly rent: 5,000 yuan, with two months' deposit and one month's advance payment.
By Shanghai standards, this rent was already quite cheap.
...
After renting the house.
The time came to noon, 12 o'clock.
Xiao Fei took out his phone and called Tang Yuxin directly.
Not long after, the call went through.
"Hello, Yuxin."
"Where are you now?"
Xiao Fei asked with concern.
"I… I'm eating at the faculty cafeteria."
Tang Yuxin's voice sounded slightly flustered.
"Oh…"
Xiao Fei said with slight disappointment, "I wanted to ask you out for lunch together!"
"No… there's no need."
"The faculty cafeteria's meals are pretty tasty and cheap too."
Tang Yuxin quickly declined.
"Alright then."
Xiao Fei nodded, saying, "I just rented a house near campus. If you don't have classes this afternoon, we can head back and move in together."
"What?"
Tang Yuxin exclaimed in surprise at Xiao Fei's words:
"Why did you rent a house?"
"I already told you, there's no need to rent me a house… That's such a waste!"
Xiao Fei responded firmly, "It's not a waste. The place you're living now is so far from campus; you waste hours commuting every day."
"If you move closer to school, it's also easier for me to take care of the kids."
"It's a win-win, isn't it!"
"Alright…"
Xiao Fei's assertiveness left Tang Yuxin no choice but to agree.
Soon after, at 4 p.m.
Tang Yuxin called Xiao Fei to say her classes for the day were over.
The two arranged to meet at the snack street near campus.
Not long later, Tang Yuxin appeared in Xiao Fei's view.
Xiao Fei greeted her with a bright smile. Looking at Tang Yuxin's shy expression, he asked gently, "How was it? How did your first day of classes feel?"
"Those younger students wouldn't have given you a hard time, right?"
"It was alright."
Tang Yuxin tilted her head slightly, her gaze lowered, and asked, "The house you rented… Was it pricey?"
Xiao Fei shook his head and said, "Not pricey. Don't worry about it. I rented a proper neighborhood apartment. It's only two kilometers from campus—a three-bedroom unit with plenty of space."
Hearing it was so close to school, Tang Yuxin's expression brightened slightly.
Being nearby.
She'd be able to see the kids sooner after finishing classes.
She glanced tenderly at Xiao Fei and murmured softly, "Thank you."
"No need to thank me."
"Let's go. I'll help you move your stuff."
Tang Yuxin, wanting to save on expenses, had initially planned to take the subway back.
But Xiao Fei didn't give her the chance—he flagged down a cab without hesitation.
Half an hour later.
The two of them arrived at Tang Yuxin's apartment together.
As soon as they stepped inside, they saw Aunt Wang in the living room, entertaining the three children.
"Miss Tang, Mr. Xiao."
"You're back."
Upon seeing the two appear, Aunt Wang welcomed them warmly.
After Xiao Fei left yesterday, Aunt Wang had chatted with Tang Yuxin for a while.
She quickly learned that Xiao Fei was the father who had been absent all this time.
Although she didn't know much about the situation.
Seeing Xiao Fei hand over a large sum of money to Tang Yuxin as soon as he met her.
Her impression of Xiao Fei as an irresponsible father changed drastically.
After all, during this time, she'd seen firsthand how hard Tang Yuxin worked to take care of the three kids.
Now that their father finally appeared and was so considerate toward Tang Yuxin, Aunt Wang truly felt happy for her.
"By the way, Aunt Wang."
While Aunt Wang was lost in thought, Xiao Fei suddenly said, "Thank you so much for taking care of Yuxin for me during this time."
Listening to Xiao Fei refer to her like that, Tang Yuxin's face flushed bright red.
"Oh, no need to thank me…"
Aunt Wang, seeing Xiao Fei take Sanbao from her arms, smiled even more brightly.
"It's like this, Aunt Wang."
"Yuxin and I rented an apartment near Shanghai Jiao Tong University. It's much bigger than this one, and the neighborhood environment is great."
"Would you be willing to come over and help us take care of the kids there?"
Xiao Fei said, as he played with Sanbao.
"Of course, no problem."
"To be honest, commuting to Shanghai Jiao Tong University is actually closer than coming here."
Hearing Aunt Wang's response, Xiao Fei immediately made the decision, "Great. Let's move now, and Aunt Wang, you'll come with us."
"Yuxin and the kids will still rely on you a lot going forward."
"And to celebrate moving to a new home, I'll increase your salary by 50% on top of the current amount."
Hearing this, Aunt Wang couldn't stop smiling.
The new workplace was closer to her home.
The salary increased, too—who wouldn't be thrilled?
Tang Yuxin also had no objections.
Because over this period, Aunt Wang had indeed taken great care of her. A raise seemed well-deserved.
Without delay, the three of them began packing.
Tang Yuxin didn't have many belongings—everything fit in a single suitcase.
The most items came from the three kids.
Baby formula, diapers, clothes—several large boxes couldn't contain everything.
The stark contrast made Xiao Fei's heart ache.
Once everything was packed up.
Xiao Fei called a moving company.
And then, with Tang Yuxin and Aunt Wang, they arrived at the Rose Garden District near campus.
Walking into the living room and seeing the spacious new home, Tang Yuxin's eyes lit up with joy.
At the doorway, watching Xiao Fei busily carrying luggage back and forth, Tang Yuxin suddenly heard Aunt Wang say:
"Miss Tang, you've got good taste."
"Mr. Xiao is a great man."
"Now that your family is reunited, life will only get better from here on."
Hearing Aunt Wang's words, Tang Yuxin's cheeks reddened slightly.
"Thank you, Aunt Wang."
Tang Yuxin replied softly.
At this moment, her heart was filled with happiness.