However, Aurum was very good to him, and he had not suffered any grievances.How a child grows up would leave an indelible mark on them. Shawn hopes that his children will fully experience the childhood happiness he never got to experience. Although Joshua is mischievous, Shawn has never scolded him for it. Boys are meant to be a bit wild."Not bad, not bad. By the way, Shawn, while everyone's here, there's something I'd like to bring up." Lucas chuckled at Joshua's spirited voice."Grandpa, please go ahead."Lucas stroked his beard, pondering for a few seconds. "Now that Joshua and Nicole have returned to the Wood family, shouldn't their surname be changed as well?"Unexpectedly, Lucas brought up the issue of surnames, leaving Gale stunned. She had not even thought about it. However, she could understand Lucas's sentiments.Joshua and Nicole, carrying half of the Wood family's blood, were descendants of the Wood family, yet they both bear Gale's surname, which indeed was not qui
This sight of her family being respectful and loving to each other was what she desired."I'm fine with either. Grandpa, you choose," Gale replied loudly.Lucas did not want to make this decision. He looked at Joshua. "Come on, Joshua, it's your choice. Do you want to take your father's surname or your mother's?"Joshua's eyes twinkled. "Let's ask Nicole! Boys should give way to girls, and ladies first!"Nicole happened to be coming down the stairs, and she heard her name, asking in her childish voice, "What's going on?"She was a true little princess, pampered and spoiled, always wearing pretty dresses, adorned with bows, with long hair and fair skin, and resembled a doll. As soon as Nicole entered the living room, the atmosphere instantly became warm and gentle. No one could maintain a serious expression in front of such a cute and charming little girl."We're choosing a surname! Do you want to be called Nicole Warm or Nicole Wood?" Joshua said to her."Huh?""Which one sound
Nicole smirked at him, feeling very pleased with herself."Alright, alright, let's abide by the bet. You hurry up and choose, everyone's waiting," Joshua said, crossing his arms.Nicole tilted her head and thought for a moment. "I don't want to change my surname, I'll keep Mommy's surname. So, Joshua, you should take Daddy's surname.""Huh?!" Joshua's face fell. He was supposed to have Warm as his surname.Well, okay. Even though he was not very happy about it, he could only reluctantly accept this reality.Joshua Wood, it was."What's with the long face? I haven't even begun to dislike you, yet you're already finding fault with me," Shawn asked, his voice chilly."Why would you dislike me?" Joshua retorted."Why would you dislike me?" Shawn shot back.Joshua continued to ask, "Don't you have any qualms?"Ever since he found out that Lucas could take him to see the spaceship, Joshua felt fearless. He no longer needed to worry about Shawn's mood. He could just be himself and l
However, he would not tell her for the time being.Gale asked puzzledly, "Who could it be? First, you received the intimate photos with Ivy; then, after seeing that we didn't quarrel, they were sent separately to my parents and grandfather. It seems like this person wants to stir up some trouble before giving up.""Exactly. Gale, this is just the beginning. If the photo incident hadn't caused any waves, he wouldn't have stopped. He'll wait for the right moment and plan his next move!" Shawn replied."What could his next step be?""Not sure. He's hidden, which puts us at a disadvantage. We just have to be more vigilant, be on guard everywhere, and not give him a chance to strike."Gale raised an eyebrow, looking up at him. "What's next? This person sends out women even more beautiful, seductive, and cunning than Ivy, continuing to use seduction tactics. The first time you didn't fall for it, he thought it was Ivy's fault. The second time, he'll definitely choose his candidates more
He was a man of integrity and a gentleman; he would not take advantage of someone's vulnerability, let alone stoop to such despicable actions! Gale trusted Aurum. Shawn's gaze grew increasingly intense."Gale, I believe in you, but..."But he did not believe in Aurum. Shawn felt that Aurum might truly be plotting against him, using extremely underhanded and dishonorable means to win Gale over. As resolute as Gale's will might be, as pure as her intentions might remain, it was all one-sided.What if she fell unconscious? Aurum would surely seize the opportunity!"But what? Why don't you continue?" Gale asked."You should try to stay away from Aurum as much as possible. Gale, if you can avoid meeting him, then do so. If you have to meet, make sure there are others present, don't meet alone," Shawn advised."Are you guarding against Aurum?" Gale asked.Shawn pursed his lips and said, "I'm worried about that person harming you two. You wouldn't want Aurum to get involved in this mat
"What's with that look? You're blocking the way, and you blame me? Am I responsible for being late?" Joshua said coolly.Shawn looked around at the vast space ahead and behind him.Nicole had already walked around to the side, "Joshua, you can walk here too, why do you insist on walking between Dad and Mom?""I want to walk between the two of them!"With that, Joshua forcefully squeezed through Shawn and Gale.Gale reached out and grabbed his collar, pulling him back. "What's wrong?" Joshua struggled a bit. "I'm going to kindergarten!"Gale squatted down to eye level with him. "Why the long face? Who made our little master of the Wood family angry?"Joshua glanced at her. "Humph, woman, asking obvious questions!""Oh, because our little master is officially changing his surname to 'Wood', right?""Why do one of us have to take your surname and the other take Shawn's surname? Can't we both take your surname?""You could have refused at the time. Joshua, no one forced you on th
Gale was speechless."Hurry up.""Can you behave normally, Joshua Wood?"Joshua nodded, very satisfied. "Hmm, not bad, say it again.""Joshua Wood, you...""Ah, yes, that's it. Mommy, remember, don't call my name wrongly in the future. My name is Joshua Wood!" he said.He nodded to himself and then looked at Shawn, waving his hand. "Goodbye, I'm going to kindergarten. You guys continue."Gale chuckled helplessly. "Shawn, you have overreached yourself. He'll hold grudges if you can't deliver later.""What can't be done, Gale? In fact, I suddenly feel that there should be a star dedicated to witnessing our love."Forever up high in the sky, forever sparkling, forever dazzling."Huh?" Gale blinked, not reacting at first."Shawn Gale star. How about this name?" Shawn said.Gale still had a dazed expression.She thought it was just a playful trick to appease Joshua, but when Shawn said, "Shawn Gale star," her heart suddenly thumped uncontrollably.It sounded really nice!"Hmm
Gale was actually overjoyed. Who could resist a star as a gift? How romantic was that? There would always be a star existing in the universe in the name of her and Shawn's love. Even many years later, when both of them no longer existed in this world, that star would continue to shine!"That's settled then. Let's call it the Shawn Gale star." He believed that good things were meant to be shared with Gale too.Gale snuggled in his embrace. "Do you think Joshua will feel like we're copying him? He wanted the naming rights for the star, but we ended up getting it."These parents were a handful, coveting things their children wanted."One for his name, one for ours. It has no relation," Shawn said."When we get this gift for him, I think Joshua will definitely call you 'daddy' out loud."Shawn raised an eyebrow. "He'll call me that eventually. Let him be stubborn for now, I'm not in a rush.""I'm really happy," Gale looked up at him. "Suddenly we have a gift from the stars.""When
Summer didn't know, but the more she said that, the more unsettled Gale felt inside. Everyone was telling her that Shawn wasn't that busy, didn't need to work overtime, let alone stay in the office until late at night. So, what was he doing that night? Did he have some secret that she couldn't know?Just as she was pondering this, several exclamations suddenly rang out in the office. "Wow! Look at this!" "Oh my god!" "This is so explosive!" "The hype is skyrocketing!"Several colleagues were glued to their computer screens, their faces full of gossip and excitement. Gale was puzzled and asked, "What's going on? What happened?"Summer immediately picked up her phone. "Let me see... Oh my god!"Gale grew even more curious. What on earth had happened? She hurried over and stared at Summer's phone screen.News stories flashed one after another, relentlessly. Gale quickly caught the most crucial information: "Ivy announced her withdrawal from her latest film, leaving the female
She wondered what Shawn was doing that night, that he came home only at dawn. Where did he go? Was he lying?Just a moment ago, Gale merely felt something was off, but now, she was overwhelmed with a strong sense of panic. Joshua's words about how women flocked to Shawn and how men would not be suddenly busy, suddenly flooded her mind.Even though Gale tried hard to tell herself not to overthink things, that it was impossible, and that Shawn deserved her full trust, she was having a hard time controlling herself!“Gale?" Summer called her several times. “What are you thinking about? You seem so distracted.”“Nothing,” she shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m getting ready to work on the design. I really can’t delay any further.”She wasn’t in the mood to joke around with Joe and Summer anymore, so she turned and sat down in front of her computer. Her mind was completely blank. What on earth was Shawn doing that night when he came home so late? Clearly, there wasn’t any urgent matter
Summer chuckled, "Look at you, anyone who doesn't know might think I bully you just because my position is higher than yours. Gale, come on, show some authority. I heard from Joe that Shawn has all the shares...""Shh!" Gale quickly covered her mouth. This was a sensitive matter; it wouldn't do to discuss it casually. If someone with ill intentions overheard, it could lead to unnecessary trouble."Okay, okay, I won't say anything," Summer understood her meaning. "Let's talk about work then? Oh great designer, where's your design draft? It was due last week! You've been delaying for quite some time!"Gale looked embarrassed. "I... I haven't finished it yet...""Show me the draft.""I haven't even started the preliminary draft...""What?!" Summer looked shocked. "Gale, how did you become so lax?""There's so much going on, taking care of two children, and Shawn..." Gale's voice trailed off.At this moment, Joe suddenly appeared from nowhere. "Is Shawn clinging to you, or are you
“Sorry, Gale, I'll be more careful next time.” He hugged her, lightly brushing her forehead with his chin.Gale wondered if she was overthinking things. It was just normal work busyness that made Shawn come home a bit late, and she hadn't really minded or dwelled on it. But, it seemed this issue kept resurfacing in her mind.Just as she was thinking, she suddenly felt lighter."Ah..." Gale exclaimed, "Shawn!"He scooped her up horizontally and headed upstairs in large strides. It was another night of intense entanglement. Gale was tired and sleepy. Her eyes were barely open, but just before drifting off to sleep, she managed to say, "I have to go to work tomorrow, on time... no more skipping.""Okay."With Shawn's response, she immediately fell into a deep sleep.She left everything else to him… She was going to fall apart! She didn't know what was going on with Shawn, these past two nights have been endless. Before, he might ask for too much, but he would care about her physica
The trip back home was serene and filled with warmth for Gale. Shawn in contrast, felt tumultuous. By the time they arrived home, the two little ones were already fast asleep in the back seat, slumped over in different directions."Just a moment ago they were chattering non-stop, now they're all curled up asleep," Gale chuckled. "No matter how clever they are, they're still just kids."They were her little darlings. She opened the back door and gently lifted Nicole out. For some reason, when she lifted Nicole, she felt a bit unsteady and swayed."Careful," Shawn noticed and reached out, pulling her and their daughter into his embrace.Gale leaned securely against him. "With you here, how could I fall?""No worries, maybe Nicole's just gotten heavier as she's grown. I'm having trouble carrying her now," Gale said."Let me."She tilted her chin. "You take Joshua. I can manage for this short walk, really.""I can handle both," Shawn replied."Yeah, yeah, I know you're strong."S
"Alright, alright," Joshua shrugged and said, "Old man, you do your thing. Actually, I hope you could be a bit busier.""You want me to be busier?""Yeah, just a bit busier than now. Not too much, just a moderate increase," Joshua gestured, "You're always so leisurely, it makes me uneasy, Shawn!"Shawn asked, "What makes you uneasy?""Your business. I'll have to inherit it in the future! If you continue being so idle and not managing the company well, when I take over, I'll be swamped! Shawn, can't you think about your son?"So that was Joshua's concern. He feared Shawn wouldn’t manage the company well and it would burden him in the future.Gale sighed repeatedly, "How did I end up with such... "She couldn't find the right words.Smart?Mischievous?Shawn replied calmly, "Joshua, do you now realize you're my son? I should consider you? Then let me ask you, what do you want to call me?""Daddy."Joshua smoothly said.Both Shawn and Gale were somewhat surprised.He actuall
"Joshua!" Gale turned around to look at him. "What's been going on in that little head of yours day after day?"Joshua replied seriously, "I'm thinking about you, Mommy. Shawn leaves work on time every day, never stays late. Suddenly he's busy until midnight. Don't you think that's a bit strange?"As he said this, Gale felt something wasn't quite right. But she trusted Shawn enough. The company was big, with lots of business, so the occasional unexpected situation was normal. Even if she pushed the thought further, what would Shawn do? Would he be seeing other women? Gale wasn't concerned at all because Shawn wouldn't give any woman a chance! He loved only her and she was confident that she held the only place in his heart."Alright, I think you've been watching too many dramas lately," Gale said. "Joshua, from now on, you need to cut down on your TV drama time!""No! I refuse!""Joshua, your protest is futile!"Joshua was getting frustrated; he really wanted to watch TV.After
Joshua reluctantly said goodbye to Ivy, "Bye-bye, Ivy. I'll come over again when I have time. You can come to my house too! Love you! Mwah mwah!"He kept blowing kisses."Shawn," Gale looked at him, "Does your son know no shame?""I'm starting to suspect he might have a genetic mutation."Both Shawn and Gale were quite reserved by nature, especially in expressing their feelings. They loved subtly and rarely voiced it openly. But Joshua was different. He worked his charm on everyone from the old Lucas down to babies. He could make anyone happy if he wanted to!The car moved along the road.Gale asked, "What do you think about Ivy's condition today?""What do I think?""Yes.""I didn’t observe closely," Shawn replied. "Why?"Gale couldn't help but laugh, "I allow you to look and give your opinion. It's fine. You don’t have to create your distance so strictly.""She's better than last time," Shawn said. "Beyond that, I don’t know."Even if he knew, he couldn't say.Gale reac
Ivy stared at Gale, her eyes bright and clear.“Gale, if I hold the truth in my hands, would you want me to reveal it?”Gale nodded firmly. “Yes!”“Do you want to know the whole truth?”“I do!”Ivy blinked, then suddenly smiled. “Okay, okay, Gale, I know what to do now.”“Can you tell me now?”“Not yet.”“Why?” Gale asked. “Have you been threatened?”She grew tense all of a sudden.Ivy shook her head. “No. It’s just too complicated to explain in a few words. But with your support, I suddenly feel stronger and know what I need to do!”Even if President Wood tried to stop her, she would expose it. She would vent her anger, punish Paul, tear off Aurum’s hypocritical mask, let Gale know Aurum's ugliness... Ivy decided to act on her own. She resolved silently.Smells of food wafted from the kitchen.“Dinner’s ready,” Ivy smiled. “Joshua, Nicole, did you wash your hands?”They replied, “We’re going now!”“I’ll take you.”“No,” Gale stopped her. “They’re big enough to wash the