"Stop messing around!" I quickly scolded the mischievous Ye Xiao Xian.

This kid—leave her unsupervised for three days, and she’d be climbing the roof tiles!

What if her childish antics ruined the important moment between Senpai Yueyan and me? If Xiao Xian snatched my phone, she’d instantly message Senpai Yueyan: "Mom!"

Senpai Yueyan would definitely think I’d lost my mind!

So first things first: stay calm. I understood Xiao Xian’s eagerness to see her mom… but there needed to be a process. Even if she truly was Senpai Yueyan’s future daughter, blurting it out now would backfire badly.

It felt like forcing the issue. I liked Senpai Yueyan—I’d pursue her properly—but never by using Xiao Xian as leverage. Not to mention, Senpai Yueyan might not believe a word of it. She’d think I was insane, and any goodwill she had toward me would vanish.

So, my little troublemaker, please don’t stir up trouble. If you want Daddy and Mommy to be happy together, just wait patiently for the fruit to ripen. By then, Senpai Yueyan will surely welcome Xiao Xian with open arms.

I hoisted the phone high. Even jumping from the sofa, Xiao Xian couldn’t reach it. I grinned playfully at her; her face crumpled into a deeply wronged pout.

Honestly, my heart softened—but I locked the screen, stuffed the phone into my jacket pocket, and zipped it shut in one smooth motion.

Soft-hearted as I was, Senpai Yueyan wouldn’t have the patience to accept "future daughter" out of nowhere. Sorry, my sweet Xiao Xian—you’ll have to wait just a little longer.

"Daddy’s a big bad guy…" Ye Xiao Xian pouted, tapping my chest with tiny pink fists. It didn’t hurt one bit—and honestly, she looked adorably pitiful.

I flicked her forehead lightly. She clutched her head, crouched down, and let out soft whimpers.

"Stop it. If you told Senpai Yueyan right now you’re her daughter, would she believe you? She’d think you’re a strange kid—and me a total weirdo. Do you still want Daddy and Mommy to get together?"

"I… I do…" Xiao Xian clasped her hands over her forehead, kneeling on the sofa with a tearful, wronged look. Too bad—the pitiful act and cute loli routine didn’t work on me.

"Just hang in there. Once Senpai Yueyan and I are together…"

*Click.* A flash of inspiration struck me.

Wait—!

Had I forgotten something? Yes!

Why ignore the perfect cheat code right beside me and rely on over a decade of single-life "experience" to woo her?!

That cheat code was Xiao Xian herself!

She was my daughter—and Senpai Yueyan’s. Setting aside why future-me turned into a jerk, Xiao Xian knew Senpai Yueyan inside out. With her as my wingman? Winning Senpai Yueyan’s heart was practically guaranteed!

My eyes lit up. I turned eagerly to Ye Xiao Xian. She’d been peeking through her fingers—but caught my gaze and shuddered.

"Daddy… your eyes look so creepy…"

Pfft. Where’d you even learn that word, you little rascal? Bottom itching for another spanking?

Sensing my shift in expression, Ye Xiao Xian straightened up instantly, kneeling properly on the sofa with her head bowed like she was apologizing.

But my mind was already locked on Senpai Yueyan. To understand her—I needed to start with Xiao Xian.

"Hey, Xiao Xian," I asked gently, "what kind of person do you think Mom is?" I didn’t ask bluntly about preferences or how to win her over. I wanted to know *her*—the real person.

To my surprise, Xiao Xian grew quiet, her small face thoughtful in a way rare for her age. After a slight pause, she spoke with quiet certainty:

—"Mom… seems like someone who’s very afraid of being alone."