I pulled the plastic-wrapped beef I’d bought from the fridge. After tearing off the wrap, well-marbled chunks came into view. I only splurged because it was on sale—normally, I’d just make do with instant noodles, little cakes, or cookies.

After all, what’s the point of cooking a feast when I live alone? Finishing quick and heading back to my room to game feels way better.

I’ve saved decently from my allowance, but that doesn’t mean I can spend carelessly. Even without concrete future plans, thinking about post-graduation hurdles and little dreams—like catching the World Championship—keeps me cautious.

So cutting back never felt like much. But now? Plans need adjusting. Xiao Xian’s arrival means I’m no longer alone—at least for a while. I’ve got to step up and take care of her.

My gaze drifted to the knife rack. The fruit knife Xiao Xian held today sat right there. Honestly, that moment didn’t scare me much—just felt bizarre. She didn’t seem like a cold-blooded killer at all.

Tears filled her eyes as she lunged. Considering how she’d been following me these days… the little one must’ve been hesitating all along. Even if I’m a jerk… I am her father.

I could see it—Xiao Xian missed her dad deeply. Maybe because he was rarely home, that longing twisted into something unhealthy. A father absent from her and her mom… yet building a new life in another woman’s home…

Unforgivable…

My heart ached—sad, heartbroken, frustrated. So helpless. She loved him so much. Missed him so deeply…

I shuddered. Gotta admit, I know a thing or two about yandere types.

Creeping to the kitchen doorway, I sneakily peeked into the living room. Xiao Xian didn’t notice. An innocent smile on her face, she stayed lost in *Peppa Pig*.

Phew~ I exhaled slowly, returned to the counter, and started dicing the beef. It’d been ages since I cooked properly, but the knife skills ingrained in my memory felt just as sharp.

The rice cooker hummed softly—I’d washed the rice at noon. Xiao Xian’s arrival had derailed my instant-noodle plan. But now? I’d changed my mind.

Xiao Xian is my daughter. What kind of father serves instant noodles on their first meeting?

…What *is* this sweet burden?

Anyway, a little girl’s early education matters. Xiao Xian’s stuck in a dead end—that’s the real issue.

And then… Senior Jiang…

My knife hand froze mid-cut.

How do I face Senior Jiang Yueyan now? Ever since Xiao Xian came into the picture, seeing her makes me think… we’ve already… and even brought Xiao Xian into this world… which implies… well… all sorts of intimate moments might’ve happened…

*Cough cough*… Not sure if I should feel thrilled or guilty.

But it’s a blessing in disguise. At least I’ve got the confidence to keep pursuing her. Last time I made a fool of myself in front of her—I stayed down for weeks.

But now.

I even have a daughter!

How hard can it be to win over her mom?!

The future *can* change! I, Ye Huaixian, am a good man!