Besides going to the hospital three times a week, Shen Yuan packed the rest of his days to the brim. Whenever inspiration struck, he sketched design drafts, attended university lectures, visited jewelry or art exhibitions to soak in the atmosphere, and still found time to play with the kids.
His energy was boundless.
Right now, his top priority was the child education course; design work was pushed to second place.
Every week, Shen and Hailou attended four classes and then spent time studying on their own. Two months flew by in a blink.
Shen Yuan was incredibly diligent in class, taking meticulous notes. Not only did he keep his own records, he also checked Hailou’s notes and teased him: “Hailou, are you getting old? Your memory seems to struggle these days. Don’t worry, I’ll give you extra lessons when we get home.”
Hailou raised an eyebrow. “I focus on the essentials. I was top of my class back in the day.”
Shen Yuan retorted, “So you’re saying I didn’t focus on the essentials? I’ve noted every point! You were top of the class, and yet you dropped out of university, didn’t you?”
“I dropped out to start a business. Those who didn’t drop out aren’t more successful than me now. Impudent kid—you wait, I’ll get a copy of their exam, and we’ll see who scores higher.”
Shen Yuan huffed. “Of course I’ll do better, no need to think about it. But I don’t want to compete—winning does me no good.”
He schemed: “If I win, you let me use the gems in your safe for a design project?”
Hailou laughed. “Even if you don’t win, you can still use them—they’re yours. If you do win, I’ll grant another wish of yours.”
Blushing, Shen Yuan decided: “Then I won’t compete. No need to win—I can ask for something anyway. Instead, let’s do this: whoever loses owes the other a favor. If we ever argue, the loser must unconditionally yield.”
Hailou shook his head. “Once is never enough.”
“Do we argue often?”
“Almost every day. Besides, this only works when you start it—you’re the one nagging, and I give in.”
“Bickering isn’t serious,” Shen Yuan argued. “Then what do you suggest?”
“Fine, let’s do it,” Hailou said. “It’ll give me fewer reasons to get scolded.”
Shen Yuan smirked. “You’re just assuming you’ll beat me? We’ll see.”
At home, head-to-head, they supervised each other completing mock tests, correcting each other’s work. Shen Yuan couldn’t believe it—he actually scored lower than Hailou! How could he lose to a middle-aged man?
He suspected foul play. “Hailou, did you sneak answers when you got the test?”
“Haha,” Hailou said proudly. “My memory is always good. Evidence of cheating?”
They then swapped questionnaires and graded each other again. Shen Yuan still couldn’t beat Hailou, and spent several hours sulking, refusing to speak.
Hailou realized trouble was brewing. Before bed, Shen Yuan turned away, back to him. Hailou cuddled him. “I’m using my one favor now—stop being mad. I was wrong. I bullied you.”
He rubbed Shen Yuan’s growing belly—over four months now.
Shen Yuan muttered, still upset, “I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at myself for being so invested, learning so hard, and still losing. Can I really be a good parent?”
Hailou reassured him, “You’ve done well. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.”
Shen Yuan fretted, “It’s a little life we’re talking about. What if all my studying doesn’t translate into real skills? What if I fail to teach them?”
Hailou asked gently, “What kind of parenting are you hoping to do?”
“I don’t expect them to be extraordinary. I just want them healthy, happy, and safe. Whatever they want to do, I’ll support them. That’s it.”
Hailou asked, “Then why so anxious?”
“I can’t help it,” Shen Yuan admitted, frustrated.
Hailou hugged him, kissing the back of his neck. “Don’t worry. Let’s think about baby names instead. Your surname or mine? If it’s a boy… if it’s a girl… have you decided?”
Shen Yuan’s eyes lit up. “I thought of a nickname—‘Little Peanut.’ Cute, right?”
“You’re cuter,” Hailou murmured, melted by his excitement. “Perfect. Little Peanut it is.”
Shen Yuan suddenly feigned anger: “Just decided like that? You didn’t even give your opinion? You’re so irresponsible. Don’t hug me—I’m ignoring you.”
Hailou paused, speechless.
The next morning, Shen Yuan wanted to apologize. Hailou was already dressed and heading out.
“Going out? Business?” Shen Yuan asked.
“Something more important,” Hailou said, adjusting his tie.
“What is it? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Thought I’d give you a surprise,” Hailou said, pulling out a student ID. “I signed up for a postpartum care course for expectant parents. It starts today.”
Shen Yuan softened, then felt embarrassed. “You, a man, learning this yourself? Isn’t that… a bit much? Why not hire professionals?”
Hailou held him gently. “We still need professionals, but learning ourselves is better than worrying in our heads. Let’s do something real.”
Shen Yuan nodded, touched. Before he could speak, Hailou pretended to be exasperated: “I just want to see if this course can teach me how to survive my pregnant husband’s mood swings. You nag me so much; I might not make it through!”
Shen Yuan glared. “You wouldn’t survive without making me angry? You’ve asked for it!”
Hailou laughed heartily, kissing him. Both were mischievous, keeping life lively and full of warmth.