Su Wanyan stepped into the attached bathroom with little Mo Yan cradled securely in her arms, the baby's warm weight resting against her chest.
She scanned the space quickly, hoping for a proper changing table, but found only sleek tiles, a wide sink, and a large mirror. No padded surface, no safety straps—nothing designed for a wriggling four-month-old.
A soft sigh escaped her. She had rushed in without thinking ahead.
She turned on her heel and walked back out, the baby still calm and sleepy in her hold. Across the living area, Mo Xingxue was chatting quietly with Zhao Yichen, their heads tilted toward each other in easy conversation.
The moment the bathroom door clicked, Mo Xingxue's gaze shifted, landing on them with instant worry softening her elegant features.
Su Wanyan offered a reassuring smile and continued toward one of the nearby rooms without a word. The space was simple and bright—two neatly made beds with soft linens, matching wooden cabinets on either side, and sunlight spilling across the floor from a wide window.
She set the pink diaper bag down beside the nearer bed, then gently lowered Mo Yan onto the smooth coverlet.
The baby made a tiny sound but stayed peaceful.
Su Wanyan opened the bag and pulled out a fresh diaper and a pack of wipes, laying them within easy reach. With careful hands, she eased down Mo Yan's adorable white-and-pink pants—decorated with tiny hearts and stars that matched her little top—and set them aside. She opened the wipes, took two soft sheets, and began the familiar routine.
She undid the tabs on the old diaper, lifting the front carefully. The unmistakable smell rose into the air, sharp and earthy, but Su Wanyan's expression never changed. Years of hospital shifts had taught her to stay steady. She lifted Mo Yan's legs gently with one hand, wiped thoroughly with the other, then removed the soiled diaper completely. She rolled it neatly and set it aside for now.
Fresh diaper in place, she fastened the tabs with practiced ease, then slipped Mo Yan's back on, making sure everything sat snug and comfortable. Mo Yan kicked her legs once, content.
Su Wanyan scooped the baby back into her arms, balancing her securely against her left side while her right hand gathered the pink bag and the wrapped diaper. Just as she straightened, Mo Yan squirmed again and blinked open her eyes.
Those eyes—phoenix-shaped, sharp and cool like her mother's—gave an almost regal first impression. But then the baby's lips curved into a wide, gummy smile, softening every sharp line into pure sweetness.
Su Wanyan's heart melted on the spot. "Hi there, baby Mo Yan," she whispered, voice warm and fond.
Mo Yan cooed back, as if answering.
"Ahhhh, you're so cute," Su Wanyan murmured, unable to stop the delighted grin spreading across her face. She bounced lightly, earning another happy wiggle.
With Mo Yan settled happily in her hold, Su Wanyan left the room and walked back toward the main living area.
The other guests were still scattered in easy conversation, laughter rising here and there. Mo Xingxue had returned to talking with Zhao Yichen, their voices low as they discussed the unpredictable nature of love variety shows—how quickly things could shift, how cameras captured every moment.
The sound of the door opening pulled every head in their direction.
Su Wanyan emerged holding Mo Yan securely against her left shoulder, one arm wrapped protectively around the baby as if afraid even a breeze might disturb her. In her right hand dangled the pink diaper bag and the neatly rolled dirty diaper.
The sight was equal parts wholesome and quietly funny—a tall, gentle alpha carrying both baby and evidence of diaper duty with complete seriousness.
Qin Yuran burst into loud laughter first. "You're already acting like her other parent!"
Su Wanyan shot her a playful eyebrow raise and stuck her tongue out for a second, the gesture light and teasing. Inside, she was already plotting friendly revenge on her new friend.
Mo Xingxue, however, couldn't look away. The image of Su Wanyan walking out with such open adoration in her eyes—gazing down at Mo Yan like she was the most precious thing in the world—stayed burned in her mind. Little Mo Yan looked perfectly content snuggled against that steady chest.
Su Wanyan crossed to the sofa area, set the pink bag back in its original spot, and gently transferred Mo Yan into Mo Xingxue's waiting arms.
"I'm so sorry for the trouble, Yanyan," Mo Xingxue said, voice soft with gratitude.
Su Wanyan laughed gently and shook her head. "You don't have to apologize. That's what friends are for, right?" She spoke the words easily, meaning them.
Mo Xingxue's shoulders eased a fraction as she held her daughter close.
Su Wanyan excused herself briefly, heading back to the bathroom to dispose of the dirty diaper properly. She had no idea that a sharp gaze had been tracking her every movement since she'd returned.
Gu Chengze watched with a clenched jaw. Why was this inferior alpha acting so familiar with his wife and daughter? It should have been him—speaking sweetly to Mo Xingxue, earning those soft smiles.
Bitterness coiled tight in his chest. He forced his eyes away and looked instead at Lin Xuanyu, letting his brows relax. At least he could enjoy time with his current favorite while still chasing the one who he truly love.
Meanwhile, Mo Xingxue fussed quietly over Mo Yan. Ever since Su Wanyan had stepped away, the baby had started squirming again, letting out small, distressed whimpers that threatened to turn into full cries.
"Yan'er, Mommy's here. What's wrong?" Mo Xingxue asked, voice tight with worry. The whimpers only grew.
Then a gentle voice sounded right beside her. "What's wrong, little one?"
Instantly, Mo Yan stopped fussing. She turned her head toward the sound and broke into a small, trusting smile.
Mo Xingxue looked up at Su Wanyan, her eyes stinging with sudden tears which she quickly blinked back.
Su Wanyan noticed and understood. Raising a baby alone from the start must have piled on layers of stress and exhaustion. She reached out and gently played with Mo Yan's soft cheek using her index finger. "Don't give your mommy such a hard time, okay?" she said, voice warm and fond.
Mo Yan cooed happily, as if she understood perfectly.
Su Wanyan and Mo Xingxue met each other's eyes and shared a soft, relieved laugh.
Just then, Zhao Yichen clapped his hands to gather everyone. "Okay, okay, settle down, everyone."
The guests drifted back to their seats. Zhao Yichen glanced at the group with a satisfied nod. "Let's decide on the actual rooms now, shall we?"
A chorus of agreement followed. They studied the layout together—two floors, multiple options. For convenience and quiet, Su Wanyan and Mo Xingxue chose the peaceful first-floor room where the diaper change had happened.
Qin Yuran and Song Meiyu took the left-side room on the upper floor. Gu Chengze and Lin Xuanyu claimed the middle one, while Zhao Yichen and Han Jiho settled on the far-right upper room.
"Great," Zhao Yichen said, checking the time. Lunch hour was approaching. He turned to Su Wanyan with a hopeful smile. "Dr. Su, would we be able to taste your cooking soon?"
Su Wanyan returned the smile, warm and easy. "Sure. I'd be happy to."