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Mu Qing, was about to commit a murder, only stopped by the fact he had daughter who couldn’t have her dad in prison.

The entire kitchen was enveloped in flour- the chocolate batter thrown into every corner. Even the ceiling had bits of the brown sludge falling in large bits towards the floor.

And just like the ceiling, Mu Qing was covered, head to toe in the same brown, chocolate mix.

Without thinking, he grabbed the second bowl, holding a similar mixture, and in a swift move, hurled it, uncaring of manners, or class, or the fact that his child was staring wide eyed in the corner.

He’d had enough.

A few hours earlier, two suited and handsome men rushed into Puji Elementary School, running through the halls, almost bumping into various faculty members. Their loud voices echoed down the hallway.

“This is your fault- she gets her troublemaking gene from you!” Mu Qing shouted, his short ponytail whipping back and forth behind him,

“Me?! Why are you blaming me when we don’t even know what she’s done?! She could have been mouthing off to the teacher - and we both know she did not get that annoying trait from me.” Feng Xin replied, brows furrowed.

“Excuse me?!! Annoying?! Maybe if you didn’t say such stupid shit everyday our daughter wouldn’t have to see her father calling out obvious crap all the time.”

“State the obvious? You mean insult the entire time with that annoying ass attitude of yours? She rolled her eyes at me last week for offering to be the topic for her ‘Hero’ essay! It was like looking at a miniature clone of you!”

“As she should! Why the hell would anyone write a ‘Hero’ essay about you?”

“STOP rolling your eyes at me or I’ll-”

“Feng Xin! Mu Qing!”

Both froze in their tracks at the sound of that voice. Xie Lian jogged toward them, sleeves rolled, hair tied up in a bun and looking more exasperated than usual.

Seeing Xie Lian around was common. Seeing him in the school at the exact time they’d been called in? Not so much.

Both Mu Qing and Feng Xin had recently moved into a new town. After their company’s director, Jun Wu was arrested, the entire place spiraled out of control and they needed the help they could get. Thanks to Xie Lian’s help (and reluctantly his snobby husband’s), they had gotten back on track, after a few years of hard work and sleepless nights.

So now, not needing to stick around to the main branch of the company, and thanks to Xie Lian’s suggestion, they decided to move to this quieter part of town, next to their friend, hoping for peace and slower days, and to be able to spend as much time as possible with Meimei.

Or so they thought.

“Xie Lian? What are you doing here?” Feng Xin asked, brows furrowing.

“Were you in the middle of work?” Mu Qing added as the three began to walk to towards the principal’s office.

Xie Lian nodded, scratching his cheek. “Yeah. I was arranging flowers for Shi Qingxuan’s wedding when I got a call from the school.” He chuckled nervously, before his expression turned far more serious, frowning. “Did you…did you two get a call as well?”

Both Feng Xin and Mu Qing looked at each other before nodding in unison, making Xie Lian’s frown deepen.

“That’s strange. Does it by any chance have anything to do with-”

“And here I thought my day couldn’t get worse. What are you two doing here?” A deep voice called through the hallway. Hua Cheng languidly strode up behind Xie Lian, sliding an around his waist, leaning his head on top of his husband’s.

The air in the room suddenly dropped various degrees- and Mu Qing’s jaw locked.

That man- his friend’s husband- the most infuriating human being Mu Qing had ever come to (unfortunately) know.

The only reason Xie Lian’s kid and his hadn’t had a single playdate yet was because Mu Qing refused to spend his free time with that man.

f Mu Qing had a hit list, Hua Cheng’s name would be on it in all caps and flaming font.

Mu Qing’s face immediately darkened, his eye twitching. “Hua Cheng. You’re here.” He said through gritted teeth, aware they were waiting to be called into the principal’s office and getting into a fist fight right at this moment might not be the best idea.

The man in front of him, wearing a half unbuttoned red shirt, hair loose, wild yet seemingly in place, and (of course, a dark eye patch covering his left eye) scoffed, hugging Xie Lian tighter, before looking at him the way one might at their shoes after steeping on dog shit.

“And here I thought seeing you at the nightly PTO meetings would be punishment enough. Now I need to up my monthly quota of looking at you?” He groaned.

Mu Qing didn’t want to admit it. But the same thought had popped into his head.

Before he could reply though, Hua Cheng raised a brow, a small smirk forming on his face before he added, “Though I gotta say- I admire your dedication to finally fill that empty brain with some knowledge- I do fear elementary might be a tad too advanced for you.”

Mu Qing saw red.

Screw the principal.

“OH YOU LITTLE-”

“No, no, ok, ok! Calm down!” Xie Lian wedged himself between them, throwing an arm out as  Feng Xin, after weighing his options, muttered “screw it” and raised a fist as well.

“Mu Qing, Feng Xin- we’re in an elementary school. You need to behave.”  

That earned and indignant protest from Feng Xin, plus a scoff and eye roll from Mu Qing. Xie Lian turned around to face his husband, gently cupping his face. “And San Lang, please stop antagonizing them the second you see them.”

“Wha- does this mean you’re giving him permission to antagonize us later?!”

Xie Lian ignored Feng Xin’s offended question. “We don’t know what is happening yet or why we got called- while I understand we’re all anxious, you can’t take it out on them, alright?”

Ugh, so spoiled. Mu Qing thought, his nose scrunching as he watched Hua Cheng pout (pout?? Seriously how old was he?!) and grumble, before agreeing quietly.

Mu Qing turned back to his husband, both of them giving the cheesy couple a nasty side eye, before looking at each other again, exchanging a look.

This was strange- while they met up with Xie Lian whenever they could, and more often than not coincidentally came across each other around town, the fact they both were in their daughter’s school at the same time began to draw some very concerning red flags. Mu Qing crossed his arms before frowning.

“Xie Lian,” Mu Qing called out, drawing back his attention. “Did you say you got called here? As in, you too? Could it be that-”

The door in front of them creaked opened.

“Are you the parents of Hua Yinghui and Feng Meixu? Please come in.” A voice called out from inside the room- the principal’s office.

Shit.

Shit, shit, shit.

The four of them paled in unison- exchanging glances with one another before quickly heading inside, Mu Qing and Hua Cheng practically slamming into each other as they crossed the door.

They weren’t ready for what was waiting for them inside.

Sitting on a blue sofa was Feng Meixu- Meimei- wearing her school uniform, usually so clean, so tidy, thanks to her father’s insistence and well care, now wrinkled and torn. Her brown hair was wildly sticking out of its usual braid, and her face just like her uniform, was now dirty and scratched along with her scraped knees. She sat there, her brows furrowed in anger, puckering her lower lip.

Mu Qing’s heart leapt at the sight.

Beside her sat a girl her same age in a similar state- black hair undone from its ponytail, holding a broken butterfly clasp on her arms. Her brown eyes watery. Even though she looked so close to crying, she held back, an angry yet determined expression on her face, even with a swollen, purple bruise starting to form on her cheek.

As soon as the door opened and the group of parents walked inside, the two girls jumped up from the couch, rushing towards them.

“Baba!”
“Diē! My butterfly broke!”

Mu Qing rushed toward his daughter, scooping her up.

“What happened?” Mu Qing quietly asked Meimei, the proud girl finally breaking down in tears as soon as she was in her father’s arms. Feng Xin gently rubbed her back in an effort to console her, his jaw clenched tight.

Across the room, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng knelt beside Yinghui, who flung herself into both their arms, sobbing. Hua Cheng’s fingers trembled as he traced the bruise on her cheek, expression darkening by the second.

His gaze shifted towards Xie Lian’s kid- wondering for a moment- did they get into a fight? There had clearly been one- that much was obvious- but as much as he disliked Hua Cheng, Xie Lian was still his friend.

Hua Yinghui had nothing to do wither parent’s old grudges- so why would they fight?

Meimei buried her face in his neck, sobbing and choking out.  “He started it!”

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng were practically on the same boat- Yinghui was holding on tight to both her parents, crying loudly. “He broke my butterfly!”

Mu Qing and Xie Lian exchanged a glance. Something had gone very wrong.

Being a parent really changed your perspective in life, both in big and small ways. Every day, Mu Qing learned what being a father entailed- the changes it brought onto him and his life.

He had been selfish once- proud, arrogant- yet the moment Meimei had been placed into his arms, he felt it all fade away for this tiny, little human who couldn’t even open her eyes yet.

Then, Mu Qing learned that being a parent also brought a love so strong it was overwhelming- so strong, he was sure he would burn the world down if it meant bringing happiness to his child. His ray of sunshine.

That’s when he understood why his mother would, more often than not refuse his help whenever he offered. Why she’d insist on him going out to play, rather than look for jobs, or cook, or clean the house. He understood the selflessness that came with being a parent, along with the overwhelming surge to protect.

He tightened his hug on Meimei, his breathing coming out harshly.

Hua Cheng seemed to be in a similar, altered state, his eye wide, almost unblinking.

“Who? Who in the world did this to her.” He bit out, uncaring of the fact it was probably a child as well. All he knew was Yinghui was hurt in a way he had promised himself he’d never allow. And whoever did it- they were going to pay.

Mu Qing undertood that feeling. Of course he wasn’t going to beat them up or anything- but if their parent was around, he would have a few choice words for them. Even if he wanted to do more.

“Sir, actually-”

“Don’t you dare act like your beastly child is the victim when my dear son almost died because of your children!”

Everyone tensed up at the shrill voice.

Mu Qing’s stomach dropped.

Oh fuck no.

Not her.

Jiang Yawen.

The woman stepped forward, her manicured hand tightly pulling along a seven- or eight-year-old child with blonde hair, his face swollen blue and purple and miserable.

Xie Lian rose slowly, moving closer to Hua Cheng and shielding his daughter. He watched as the principal rushed to intercept the woman, trying to calm her down. He noticed both Mu Qing’s and Hua Cheng’s stiffen- moving closer towards his friend before whispering, “who is she?”

Mu Qing’s eye twitched. “Jiang Yawen.”

“It’s the woman I was talking to you about, gege.” Hua Cheng muttered darkly, his eye narrowing. Xie Lian ah’d in recognition. He wasn’t a PTO member- he left that nightmare to Hua Cheng, who had happily volunteered himself immediately when the topic had come up. After all, it let him keep tabs on school politics in a way that looked normal, polite. In reality, it actually gave him a seat at the table—and a reason and way to flip it if he ever deemed it necessary.

Jiang Yawen was the current PTO leader and queen bee, both rich and beautiful. She married an English man (a lord, the title managed to be snatched somehow from being the child of a cousin who was actually a noble even though the man himself had never been raised as such) when she was studying abroad and now thought that meant she was practically royalty. Due to her husband’s family name everyone in the PTO followed her as if she were actual royalty. They would follow her every word as if it were law, and eventually she managed to brainwash everyone in the PTO group.

Feng Xin and Xie Lian listened attentively to Mu Qing, who vigilantly watched her, shoulders taut.

“This woman acts as if she’s the last cup of water in the desert.” He muttered. “If there’s anyone I hate more than your husband, it’s her.”

Hua Cheng raised a brow, but didn’t interrupt.

At least Hua Cheng was open about their rivalry- they would verbally spar each other every time they crossed paths- and while annoying, eventually, after the long years of marriage with Xie Lian, the verbal sparring had become a sort of routine, their sharp insults dulling into harmless jabs that still brought his blood pressure up, but never crossed a line.

Which was not how Jiang Yawen worked.

Her MO was practically the opposite’s of Hua Cheng’s.

That man would tell you directly to your face he didn’t like you, give you a judgmental glance, add an insult and call it a day.

Jiang Yawen would smile and hold your hand, sinking her claws and extracting your deepest worries and fears, before turning around and making them come true one by one. Meanwhile her and her two-faced clique would spread a smear campaign around town, which ended on you being hated by both close friends and the cashier from the fast-food restaurant down the street, before being left alone with no one to turn to and moving town. If she hadn’t gutted you and eaten your insides out first, that is.

That was Jiang Yawen.

Or as Mu Qing liked to call her, the devil incarnate.

He had already bumped heads with her during the monthly PTO meetings once or twice- but she’d only laughed it off, maybe later make one or two passive aggressive comments with her brainwashed clique. And while it pissed him off- Mu Qing had wanted this to be a new start for both him and his daughter. He wasn’t going to be petty and ruin her chance in school just because of a few, nothing better to do, mothers. Besides, he was already used to being talked about in such way- he could ignore it if he tried.

Which is why seeing her here made alarm bells scream in his head.

Jiang Yawen side stepped the principal, still pulling along her child, and behind her, another woman with an ipad stepped through, her round glasses slipping from her face as she rushed behind her heels.

“And her?” Xie Lian whispered again, inching closer to Mu Qing.

“Yang Xinyi.” Mu Qing rolled his eyes. “Her assistant slash errand girl who does everything for her. If you see Jiang Yawen in a room, you can be sure Yang Xinyi will be following right behind her. I’m pretty sure she would probably die they aren’t at least on the same 5-foot radius.”

Xie Lian made a small, quieter ‘oh’, before a shrill voice echoed around the room towards them.

“You!” She shrieked; eyes ablaze. “How dare you call yourself a parent?! Do you realize the pain both of your violent children have instilled to my poor, sweet, Xing-er?!”

Both Hua Cheng and Mu Qing straightened up at once, glaring daggers at the woman. The air in the room shifted, dropping various degrees, as their gazes darkened.

Hua Cheng took a step forward, calm but deadly. “That doesn’t seem to be the full story.” He said cooly, his hand dropped protectively to Yinghui’s shoulder. “My daughter is hurt too- and she has never laid a finger on anyone unless given reason to.”

“Meimei is the same.” Mu Qing added, placing his daughter down. “She would nev-”

“Well that doesn’t seem to be the case now, does it?!” Jiang Yawen spat, gesturing at her son. “He told me your little monsters have been bullying him for quite some time now. Now look at him! After all of this, you dare to shift the blame? You’re lucky I’m not suing you for all you’ve got!”

“That’s not true!” Hua Yinghui shouted, clinging tightly to her father. “He’s the one who started it! He-”
“And now she’s talking back? Disrespecting her elders? This is what happens when kids aren’t raised right!”

Xie Lian stepped between them, a forced smile upon his face. He gently lifted his hands up, trying to placate the already frenetic woman and stop his husband from doing something they might both regret.

“Ma’am, please, there’s no need. If you’d just let us listen to both sides of the story, then we could figure out what happened. Maybe it’s all a misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding?! Look at the bruises on his face! Do you think those appeared magically?”

Mu Qing crossed his arms, stepping forward to shield Meimei. “No, but we’re saying you’re pointing fingers in the wrong direction.”

“Are you accusing me of lying?!”

The principal quickly stepped in between both parties. “Alright, you three, that’s enough. We can mediate this calmy-- Miss Jiang, please calm down, let’s not make a scene in front of the children.”

Jiang Yawen’s eyes looked as if they were about to pop out. Then, as if a sawitch had flipped, she quickly recovered, turning her scowl into a sweet smile that made everyone present shiver. She took a deep breath.

“You’re right. I am so terribly sorry. In fact, let’s just forget this whole mess, shall we? It’s water under the bridge.”

To say everyone in the room was surprised was an understatement.

Before anyone could say anything, Yang Xinyi spoke up. “Miss, we need to leave now if you want to make it to your spa appointment in time…”

Jiang Yawen nodded, before waving her hand back. “Let’s not have a repeat of this, shall we? See you all soon.”

With that, she left, child in tow, leaving behind a group of parents and a principal with perplexed expressions as the door shut.

It was, in fact, not water under the bridge.

Mu Qing and Feng Xin returned home pissed off, huffing the entire drive home. Meimei had retold the events that had transpired- and Jiang Yawen’s little brat did seem to be the starting force of it all. Later that night, as he laid in bed while Feng Xin was changing out of his work clothes, Mu Qing’s phone buzzed repeatedly, until it abruptly stopped.

He unlocked it to check- and noticed the PTO member’s group chat had been flowing with messages since they left the school. And the one that had unleashed the flurry of messages had been none other than…

Jiang Yawen!

She had sent about four or five long paragraph manifesto, as if the damn woman had a word count to achieve. Mu Qing almost got a seizure- what the hell was this woman droning on about?!  He read it aloud to his husband- something about how the PTO was like a family to her and her son- and how disappointed she was to learn that a certain group of students had been bullying him. She doesn’t wish to name the students of course- but when she met with the parents, they were uncooperative and chose to blame her- her! Instead.

After the message, she said she just wished the parents would publicly apologize- to her and her son, and was met with unending support from the rest of the chat.

As if that weren’t bad enough, the other PTO parents had already put two and two together and somehow realized who the bullies were. Within the hour, both Mu Qing and Hua Cheng had been kicked  from the group chat.

“Bullshit! Who the fuck does she think she is? Making it sound like Meimei’s the bully when her brat was the one who swung first!” Feng Xin spat, yanking off his tie and tossing it on the ground. Then, he sneaked a glance towards Mu Qing before flinching, and retrieved it, carefully placing it inside the laundry basket.

Mu Qing ran a hand through his hair, sighing as he sat on the edge of the bed. “Shut up- you’ll wake her up.”

“Don’t tell me to shut up, you know I’m right! That woman told us everything was fine- but then she goes and shit talks you in front of the whole PTO group. Who the fuck does that?!”
“Jiang Yawen does that. I told you she was shady- her methods are dirty as hell when she doesn’t like you.” Mu Qing answered, rubbing his forehead. “I just don’t understand why she needs to involve the kids as well.”

“I mean- I get you’re not the most agreeable upon the first meeting- you’re too snarky and roll your eyes far too much. And then there’s- Ow!”

Feng Xin let out a startled yelp as a pillow was thrown at his face.

“You asshole! Do you really need to say it like that?” He huffed. “Plus, I really did try to be nice at the PTO meetings! I did everything Xie Lian recommended, even bit my tongue a few times, I really-!” Mu Qing flushed slightly and shook his head, clenching his fists on his lap. “Just because I disagreed with her once or twice during meetings doesn’t grant her the right to react like this.”

His voice wavered slightly. “I’m just worried what that’ll mean for Meimei. She’s been doing so well lately. Made new friends, settled in. And now because of me I may have ruined it all for her.” Mu Qing frowned. “Jiang Yawen can hate me all she wants- that’s fine. But why did she have to involve Meimei as well? I don’t want her school life to be ruined because of me. If those kids are as nasty as their parents then I…”

Feng Xin’s scowl disappeared, face softening once he noticed his husband’s trembling fists. He grabbed the pillow Mu Qing had tossed and placedd it on the bed before walking over to sit beside his husband, hand resting firmly on the back of hius neck.

“A-Qing…you know it’s not your fault. I’m sorry I- crap I didn’t mean to imply it was. This is all that shitty PTO leader’s fault. I’m sure there’s some way to fix it.”
Mu Qing leaned against him, walls crumbling. He rarely showed this side of himself- even after their many years of marriage, it was few the times he’d seek his husband’s comfort so openly. Feng Xin gently caressed his head.

They were quiet for a few moments- unusual for the couple, until Mu Qing huffed. “I don’t think we’ll be able to talk it out after this. And I’m not going to fucking apologize for how her son hurt Meimei. But maybe…if I apologize for talking back at the PTO meeting…if I back off a little…”

Feng Xin jerked back, looking at Mu Qing as if he’d grown a second head. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“Huh?”

“You’re just going to go an apologize for what? Speaking your mind like you always do- just like that? Are you actually Mu Qing?”

Mu Qing flushed slightly, pulling away with a scowl. “You think I want to? If I could I’d tell her exactly what I think of her shitty personality and terrible lack of fashion sense-”

“Then, why would you let her get what she wants? Are you going down without a fight?”

Mu Qing went quiet at that. He didn’t want to- of course he didn’t. But he also didn’t want his daughter to pay the price for his pride. Being a parent meant making sacrifices, and if he had to bow his head down for his daughter to have a good school life- to not go through the same things he went through back then- then he would bow his head down and acquiesce.

“Is that what you want to teach Meimei?” Feng Xin frowned. “That if shit gets hard, she should just bear with it and apologize?”

“What the hell do you want me to do then, Feng Xin?! It’s not like the others parents will believe me either way- or that I can prove that Jiang Yawen is a liar!” Frustration bubbled in his chest, and he inhaled sharply, turning his face away.

“You can! You can fight back! Listen to me, A-Qing!” Feng Xin cupped his husband’s face, gently turning it so Mu Qing would look at him. “We will prove them wrong. We’re not alone in this. Xie Lian and his menace of a husband have gone through the same thing- so now there’s a second group of people that can help us take her down! If we team up with them, it’ll be easier to prove she’s lying- we can fight back!”

Mu Qing frowned, pulling away, trying to cover up his reddened cheeks. “You freaking- wait.” He suddenly looked up, eyes wide. “You’re actually right for once.”

“Yeah I am - wait what?!”

Mu Qing ignored his husbands protests and stood up, grabbing his phone. “If can show the PTO member she’s lying, those who are actually afraid of her might join and finally speak up- and those who follow her blindly might open up their eyes for once and start thinking for themselves.” His thumbs flew across the screen. A few minutes later- ding! He smirked as he got a reply.

“Yes! Xie Lian is in.” He grinned. “ He agreed to meet up with us tomorrow, that way we can get started on our plan to take Jiang Yawen down!”

Feng Xin felt his heart skip a beat slightly at the determined expression on his husband’s face. He couldn’t help it- it was honestly…hot. He walked up behind him, arms wrapping around his waist, pressing him against him. “While I do find your unshaking resolve adorable,” he murmured, his lips brushing softly against Mu Qing’s neck. “Why don’t you work on that tomorrow? Since we came home early from work, we can-”

He wasn’t able to finish his sentence as Mu Qing turned and covered Feng Xing’s mouth, a flushed expression on his face. “Our daughter has been falsely accused of bullying and all you can think about is that?!”

Feng Xin grabbed his wrist and pulled it away, an offended expression on his face. “Of course I care- I just thought-”

“You thought with the wrong head, you dumbass.” Mu Qing muttered, flicking him on the foirehead. “I’ll be in my office. Do not come near me unless you want to risk losing the ability to give Meimei a sibling in the future.” He threatened.

Feng Xin rubbed his forehead, huffing.

Before he left, Mu Qing paused at the door. He turned back, just briefly, and kissed his husband with surprising tenderness. Then, left the room with confident strides, leaving his husband standing there with a flushed, and befuddled expression.

He wasn’t going to let that woman get away with this- he would do anything in his power to make sure of it!

The next morning, Feng Xin and Mu Qing arrived at Xie Lian’s home.

The lavish mansion was all clearly work of Hua Cheng- it had his finger prints all over it, yet it had a certain sort of charm that didn’t show off its lavishness in a loud way, instead it was subtle, elegant. Though the colorful flowers in the large garden and the swing swaying gently from the tree were all unmistakably Xie Lian’s. They made the place feel like a home- not just a house.

Mu Qing and Feng Xin hadn’t come over to Xie Lian’s home. Mostly because that entailed his husband being there, and neither of them interact with him more than necessary. That’s why meetings were usually help at their place, or at Xie Lian’s flower shop.

Their daughters, hadn’t spent much time together either. That was mostly due to them and Hua Cheng’s mini-rivalry, not wanting to fight in front of the children, but also because honestly; they hadn’t had the time.

Back when Meimei was born, they had both been fairly busy, leaving them to work extra hours and unable to spend time with their daughter, as much as they would have liked to. That was why, as soon as they moved away, they tried to do as many activities together as possible, finally spending time as a family. That was why, in the half a year they had spent settling in the town, their children had only interacted a handful of times. Different classrooms, different friend groups, different activities. This was uncharted territory for all of them.

All three stepped out of the car, to find the familiar face of Yin Yu already waiting for them at the front door.

Yin Yu gave them a polite nod, and silently welcomed them inside, leading them to a spacious living room.

Xie Lian and his husband were cuddled on the couch, leaning against each other. In front of them, Hua Yinghui swung a large toy sword around, her black twin tails flying as a large, intimidating black dog bounced along beside her, barking excitedly. E’ming.

Both Feng Xin and Mu Qing paled at the sight. How was it possible such a horrifying dog could look as cute as a puppy when it wasn’t growling and glaring at you as if he wanted to eat you for lunch?

Hua Yinghui’s bruise cheek seemed to have darkened slightly, but it was smaller than before. The fire in her eyes blazed brightly- like a miniature Xie Lian, but something about the fierceness of it reminded them of Hua Cheng as well.

“Welcome, welcome!” Xie Lian sat up and beamed. “Come in, sit. Ah! I’ll go grab the cookies I baked yesterday and some tea-”

“Not necessary!” Mu Qing and Feng Xin shouted in unison, both slapping their hands over Meimei’s mouth before she could accept the offer for cookies.

Hua Cheng scoffed at them, rolling his eyes. Xie Lian only smiled calmly. “Alright then…Yin Yu, could you please bring in the cookies we bought recently?”

Yin Yu nodded, swiftly disappearing down the hall.

“Hui-er,” Xie Lian said gently, kneeling next to his daughter and patting her head. “Why don’t you go show Meimei the toys Diē brought back from his last trip? I bet playing with her will be more fun than playing alone.” Xie Lian gently pushed his daughter forward- who glanced with narrowed eyes at Feng Xin and Mu Qing (clearly her father’s daughter), before she looked towards Meimei with curiosity.

“Okay…here!” Yinghui said, grabbing Meimei’s hand before dragging her up the stairs- the girl barely having any time to look at her parents before she was pulled away. E’Ming happily padded after them, tail wagging.

Xie Lian chuckled and gestured for his friends to sit.

“I saw the group chat.” He sighed, sitting back down. “San Lang told me what happened. I didn’t think she would have let it go that easily, but I never thought she’d go so far like she did yesterday.”

Mu Qing crossed his arms, scoffing. “Yeah, she’s quite a handful, isn’t she? Sinking so low, knowing she has the entire PTO wrapped around her finger.”

At that moment Yin Yu arrived, bringing along with him a tray with tea and cookies, along with a slim folder which he handed to Hua Cheng.

“So,” Xie Lian said, sipping from his cup. “Mu Qing- you said you had a plan to uncover the truth?”

Mu Qing leaned forward. “Yeah- sort of. It’s still a bit rough around the edges, but I think if we expose who she really is- let people see the damage she’s caused, it’ll be easier to prove our girls are innocent.” Mu Qing leaned back on his seat and crossed his arms. “I tried to see if I could dig up anything in her past that could help- but that woman seems to be a few steps ahead. Her social media pages have all been cleaned spotless. There’s nothing we can really use. And now, she’s began to post instagram stories and quotes about-” he rolled his eyes, “bullying.”

Hua Cheng snorted, unimpressed. “Shocker.” He looked at Mu Qing with a condescending expression. “I’d be more surprised if you had actually found something- in fact, I didn’t think you were capable enough to think of a plan in the first place.”

Mu Qing shot upright, almost bolting up from his seat. “Excuse me, you-“

“San Lang!” Xie Lian warned, frowning.
Hua Cheng leaned back against the couch and crossed his legs. “Sorry gege, I’m just saying.” He shrugged. “We don’t have many options here. Which is why I have already used my far more capable resources of information to find things a normal person usually couldn’t.”

Both Mu Qing and Feng Xin raised their eyebrows skeptically, but Xie Lian frowned.

“San Lang! Please don’t tell me you roped Yin Yu into this again. Did you force him to search things up for you?”
Hua Cheng actually had the gall to wince and look nervous.

“How many times have I told you- you cannot keep using company resources for personal reasons! He’s your executive assistant- you can’t make him do these types of things.”

“Gege he’s fine with it- aren’t you Yin Yu?”

“I don’t mind.” Yin Yu said in a monotone voice, shrugging. “It’s not the strangest thing you’ve asked me to do.” He added, before turning on his heel and leaving the room.

“Gege he’s been doing this for a long time. Plus, this is important, it involves Hui-er.”

Xie Lian rubbed his forehead. “I don’t disagree that it isn’t but…” he sighed. “At least just- thank him. And pay him for the extra hours. And maybe a vacation sometime soon.”

“Done.” Hua Cheng nodded, before opening the folder and sliding it across the table.

“You mentioned we needed to expose her specifically in front of the PTO members, but since we have been kicked out of the room, sending it over there wouldn’t be possible. Plus, we’ve probably been blacklisted out of the meetings as well. That just leaves us with finding a place or event where everyone in the PTO gathered, which in this case would be-”

“The school bake off!” Mu Qing yelled, eyes wide.

“Don’t yell.” Hua Cheng’s eye twitched in annoyance.

Mu Qing ignored him. “That thing is a fundraiser competition thing that’s done yearly, isn’t it? I heard Jiang Yawen always wins first place with her special English Royal brownies or whatever the fuck she called them.”

Feng Xin looked lost. “There’s a baking competition?”

“Mu Qing don’t curse.” Xie Lian chided, but then turned enthusiastically towards Feng Xin. “But it’s true! Since the PTO likes making activities for students that cost money, they use gatherings like these to help. The bake off decided to make it a competition to add more incentive and participation. Whoever wins by popularity vote wins a prize.” His smile slowly faded. “I tried to join in when Yinghui was in preschool” He let out a defeated sigh and deflated against the couch. “In the end, I didn’t even place for the participation awards.”

Hua Cheng gently pet his husband’s hand. “I liked every single cupcake Gege made. Those idiots just don’t have any taste.”

“San Lang, most of those people were children, you can’t call them that.”

“I said what I said Gege.”

“Alright enough you two- let’s get back to the matter at hand.” Feng Xin raised a hand to call back their attention. “So, we just go to the bake off and what- scream into the announcers mic that Jiang Yawen is lying?”

Hua Cheng shook his head, his softened gaze hardening as he turned towards them. “Obviously not. There are two ways into the event- either you show up to buy, or you compete. The winners get to stand up on the stage and say a few words about the school, where the proceeds of the money are going, all that boring stuff.”

“You’re saying we need to win for this,” Mu Qing sat back, thinking it over. “We can be given the mic to speak in front of everyone in the school faculty and PTO and expose her. That’s good- but what do we have to prove that she’s a liar?”

Hua Cheng smirked, his eyes glinting darkly. “Well, I found two things that will inevitably make them all turn to our side.” He raised a finger. “Number one: the recipe to the brownies she always makes for the bake off that win first place and sometimes brings to the PTO meetings.”

Both Feng Xin and Xie Lian frowned in confusion- but Mu Qing audibly gasped, before trying to control his expression. “You mean…those brownies?”

Hua Cheng nodded gravely, and Mu Qing almost even looked impressed.

“I’m sorry- brownies? What’s that supposed to do with anything?” Feng Xin blinked in confusion.

“Everything!” Mu Qing shook his husband’s shoulder. “God, does everything I say to you come in one ear and out the other? It’s the magic brownies I told you about when I had my first meeting! The one and only time I said something nice about that woman. They can charm your pants off.”

Feng Xin still looked confused, but Hua Cheng continued.

“Right. Do you remember what she said when the new members asked for the recipe?”

Mu Qing nodded, explaining. “She claimed they were her husband’s English great-grandmother’s secret recipe they used to serve at parties. Said the Queen herself had them at tea parties and were her favorite.” Mu Qing concluded. “Everyone was impressed, especially when she said the Queen had forbidden them from sharing it or something. Practically a load of bullshit.”

“Mu Qing, language!”

“Well Gege, he isn’t exactly wrong.” Hua Cheng nodded towards the folder smugly. “It was bullshit. A lie.”

All three turned to him.

“I found the recipe- and guess what?”

“What?” The three of them said at the same time.

“It isn’t an ages old recipe used for royals to dine. In fact, it isn’t even her recipe.”

Both Mu Qing and Xie Lian gasped loudly. “She stole it?”

“Word for word.”

Mu Qing laughed. “I knew it! Where the hell did she get it? How did she even manage to hide this for so long?”

“Yang Xinyi.” Hua Cheng said matter of factly. “She used to run a cooking blog before she met Jiang Yawen- now deleted, obviously, but I managed to find it archived. There, in one of her many posts she showed her family’s old brownie recipe from back when they used to run a bakery. If we expose that she’s been lying about that, we can show she’s not as genuine as she seems.”

Mu Qing grinned, nodding enthusiastically. “We can beat her at her own game. If we use a variation of the recipe we could kill two birds with one stone- beat her in the bake off with her own brownies, and expose her as a liar to everyone else when the mic’s in our hands.”

“That’s the idea.” Hua Cheng nodded, and then added. “And we’re not done.

Xie Lian narrowed his eyes. He knew what that mischievous look in his husband’s eye meant. “San Lang, love of my life- what did you do.”

“I got a recording.”

“A what?”

“A recording of her practically admitting she blamed our kids.”

“WHAT?!” everyone shouted in unison.

Xie Lian looked slightly horrified. “San Lang how did you even- did you bug her phone?!”

“Of course not Gege, that’s illegal. I’m not a criminal.” Hua Cheng shrugged, trying to look as innocent as possible as though he hadn’t committed a crime. “I just happened upon the recording Gege, it was nothing too incriminating. When you have the right connections, everything is possible.”

Xie Lian still looked unconvinced, and sighed. “San Lang you can’t just- we’re going to have a talk later.”

Hua Cheng actually seemed to shiver slightly in fear at his words- Xie Lian probably being the only human being in the entire planet to be able to do so- but conceded with a defeated nod.

“Alright, I think this will be enough to have people come to our side- now the hard part is winning the bake off.” He checked his phone. “Fuck- I hadn’t realized it would be for this Friday. How many batches of brownies would we even have to make?”
“More than half the school, plus any parents or friends that come around. Add to that some of Jiang Yawen’s social media followers and…at least 250.”

“HOW THE HELL ARE WE GOING TO MAKE THAT MANY BROWNIES?!” Feng Xin yelled, practically jumping off his seat.

Xie Lian raised a hand. “I can help-”

“NO.”

“Oh.”

Hua Cheng wrapped an arm around his husband’s shoulder and kissing his temple. “As much as I’d love to win with Gege’s baking, I don’t think this is the correct event for it. Maybe you can help with the stall decorations.”

Xie Lian visibly perked up, and nodded. “Then, who will help with the baking?”

“I will.”

“I will.”

Both Hua Cheng and Mu Qing spoke up at the same time- then froze. Mu Qing’s eye twitched as he looked at him.

“You do realize this competition doesn’t allow for others to bake for you? It’s something that must be done by the parents themselves.”

“When did I ever mention hiring someone else to bake? Of course, I will be making every single brownie myself. It would be better to have someone bake them who knows what they’re doing and can actually cook.”

“I can cook! Who the fuck said I couldn’t cook, huh?! I bet I can cook better than you!”

Xie Lian rubbed his temples. “There might not be getting any cooking done if you two keep this up.” He shrugged. “Why not just have the both of you make the brownies?”

“Absolutely not! Xie Lian this man is insane!’

“Gege, you can’t really expect me to work with this guy, can you? I’d rather bake with Qi Rong than him.”

“Excuse ME YOU-!”

“ENOUGH!” Xie Lian clapped his hands, standing up, voice firm. “You two are behaving like children- remember we are the parents in this situation! We’re doing this for our daughters- would you two seriously rather focus on your egos or helping our children?”

Everyone in the room straightened up at the commanding tone. Hua Cheng looked at his husband with a frightened, yet awed expression, while Feng Xin and Mu Qing both froze up.

Eventually Mu Qing and Hua Cheng both mumbled, “our daughters…” begrudgingly.

Xie Lian’s serious expression turned back into his gentle smile. “Perfect! Then we will meet up on Friday to bake enough brownies that will make Jiang Yawen regret ever messing with us! Are we all in agreement?”

They all nodded, expressions still glum.

The game was on.

Thanks to Hua Cheng’s connections, they were able to find a bakery for them to bake the unholy number of brownies.

That Friday afternoon, Mu Qing and Feng Xin arrived, each carrying a large bag of ingredients in each hand- while Meimei trailed behind with a backpack full of crayons, glitter, and carton paper.

Inside, Hua Cheng had started already, two trays cooling off in a counter, along with mixing a batch with the help of Hua Yinghui- who immediately dropped down from her chair to greet Meimei with open arms. The two girls immediately ran off to the corner of the large kitchen to show off their drawing utensils and color.

Hua Cheng raised a brow. “Took you long enough.”

“We’re like two minutes late.” Mu Qing grunted, rolling his eyes and placing the extra ingredients on the counter with a heavy thud. “Where’s Xie Lian?”

“Had to finish up some stuff in the flower shop. Told us to get started without him. I already have two batches of twenty ready.”

The three of them grimaced as they got to work. Due to the large amount and overly complicated brownie recipe, they all had to get baking as quickly as possible.

Feng Xin, after a few mix ups eventually gave up and joined the girls painting and drawing for the stall.

So now, off in the back of the room stood Hua Cheng and Mu Qing, both cooking, sleeves rolled up, their hairs clipped back and tied in a ponytail, wearing various different aprons (that Xie Lian somehow had had time to make, each one personalized.)

Mu Qing eyed Hua Cheng´s bowl, and frowned. “Aren’t you putting too much sugar on those? What, do you wanna give everyone diabetes in there?”

Hua Cheng scoffed without looking up. “This is the right amount. Besides isn’t this entire recipe a sugar overdose anyway?”

“Yeah, but we should dial it down- did you forget to make the batch of caramel for this one? We don’t have any more left.”

“Not my problem. I’m not the only one working on this, make your own batch. Be grateful I let you use what I had left.”

“Hey, you selfish prick we’re both on the same boat here, don’t be a smart ass.” Mu Qing gritted his teeth. “It’s precisely because you’re not the only one working on the brownies that we- ugh I don’t know why I bother explaining, you won’t get it either way.”
“Even so, don’t try and act like you’re the head chef here and can order me around. I agreed working in the same kitchen around you, not to be your assistant, make your own damn caramel.”
“You’re making this into way too big of a deal. And you know what? I should be ordering you around, because I seem to be the only one to have some fucking common sense around here. Why’d you even volunteer to make the brownies if you’re going to make a total sugary mess?”

Hua Cheng narrowed his eye. “Sugary? Your brownies tase like drywall. Mine are far better than yours, and it’s quite pitiful you keep trying to delude yourself into thinking otherwise.” He snapped, and then added. “Gege thinks so too.”

“You eat his cooking; you can’t talk to me about taste.”

“You really want me to shove you into an oven, don’t you?”
Mu Qing clenched his fist, before looking over at their kids playing in the front of the kitchen, and calmed down. “You- ugh lets just go back to baking.”

“I was baking until you opened your damn mouth, like always.”

“IN SILENCE.”

Hua Cheng scoffed but they both somehow fell quiet for a few minutes.

Eventually, Hua Cheng stopped and checked his phone. He bit his lip in thought before sighing. “Gege just finished work and needs a ride. Hui-er let’s go pick Baba up.”

“Nooo, don’t wanna! I’m playing with Meimei!” The young girl whined, and quickly threw herself on Meimei, hugging her tightly.

“You can play with Meixu after we help Baba close up shop. She’s not leaving.”

“Nuh-uh! I’m staying here- I’m not going!”

Before Hua Cheng could say anything else, she quickly grabbed Meimei’s hand and scooped up a few crayons and paper, then dashed inside the bakery’s storage room, locking the door.

Feng Xin let out a small snort- quickly stifled down by Hua Cheng’s glare and cleared his throat.

“Well, there’s your proof that’s your child. Stubborn as hell.” He said, picking up some of the spread-out crayons and markers on the ground.

Hua Cheng rolled his eye and turned to look at the two of them.

“Listen up. I’m going to pick up Gege. If I come back in twenty minutes and there’s even a scratch on Meimei or a single burnt brownie, we’re switching from brownies to meat pies, and the two of you are going to be the main fucking ingredient. Don’t try me.” He warned, then left out the door before either of them could respond.

Mu Qing and Feng Xin stood there in silence, astonished for a few seconds before Feng Xin blew out a breath.

“Yknow I think he’s 100% serious with that one.”

“Yeah definitely. Now come help with the brownies.”

The two of them worked for a while, until finally Xie Lian and Hua Cheng arrived. Xie Lian seemed quite pleased with the pace of things- they really had achieved quite a lot in such little time, thanks to the many ovens around.

On the floor, with scattered markers and bright colored cardboards, Xie Lian and Feng Xin, plus the children, focused on the stall and flyers, the girls making drawings of brownies and happy people eating them. Meanwhile, in the back of the room, Hua Cheng and Mu Qing baked.

Or tried to.

“Hey. Move. I’m stirring here.”

“So am I, you’re not special.”

Mu Qing’s brow twitched. “There’s literally an entire fucking kitchen in here and you’re choosing to be exactly where I am? Are you trying to piss me off on purpose?”

Hua Cheng scoffed. “I would never waste my time by spending more than 3 seconds thinking about you. Why the hell would I try to piss you off in the middle of baking?”

“Because that’s what you always do! Go bake over there.”

“I am just doing my job. And you’re in the way.” Hua Cheng bumped his hip against Mu Qing, pushing him out of the way. “Go be a nuisance somewhere else.”
Mu Qing felt a wave of anger run through his body, and his hands tightened around his bowl.

“Don’t push!” He slammed into Hua Cheng back, earning a cold glare from him before he smirked sardonically.

“Are you serious?” Hua Cheng bumped into him even harder this time- almost sending Mu Qing stumbling. Mu Qing gritted his teeth, slamming into him in return with more force.

Hua Cheng grunted, catching his balancr, before staring at him with a cold smile.

“Oh, you want to go huh?” He pushed back again. Hard.

The two of them shoved and bumped- the brownies long forgotten.

Until Hua Cheng, still with a bowl in hand, turned around, just in time for Mu Qing to slam into him. The hit made the entire contents inside the bowl fly and splatter.

All of it fell right into Mu Qing’s apron, and shirt. Neither moved as batter dripped down his front.

“That one was actually an accident.” Hua Cheng said after a pause, still holding the bowl. It was true, that hadn’t exactly been the intention but…seeing the clean freak Mu Qing all covered in brownie batter…

He began to snort- then chuckle, and then fully burst out laughing at the chocolate covered Mu Qing.

The two girls, who had been happily drawing now something far from the stall posters, stopped chattering, looking up at the sound.

Meimei and Hui-er began to giggle along with Hua Cheng, who only laughed harder. Feng Xin and Xie Lian who watched across the room couldn’t help but join in as well.

Mu Qing, stood still, trembling with fury. It was like something had finally snapped.

He grabbed a nearby bowl with batter- flinging it towards Hua Cheng, who stopped in mid laughter as the contents spilled on him. It covered his hair, his apron, his red shirt, his pants- everywhere.

Slowly, he raised his hand, unblinking as he wiped a streak of batter off his cheek. His  gaze narrowed as he zeroed in on Mu Qing, who hmphed smugly making the others laugh even harder.

Wrong move.

It was war.

Bowls, batter, caramel, chocolate chips, eggs, sugar, flour, every single ingredient within reach flew through the air.

Mu Qing and Hua Cheng didn’t care anymore- how could they after the person they hated the most had humiliated them in front of their daughters, and husbands?

Hua Cheng began to throw eggs and that was when Mu Qing lost control and swung out a fist. Hua Cheng dodged, immediately hitting back.

Mu Qing could barely see through the floor and egg yolk running down his eyes. He couldn’t hear the way Xie Lian and Feng Xin’s laughter had turned to shocked silence, then worried yells.

Hua Cheng and Mu Qing had slammed each other against the counter, pulling and tearing, and throwing any ingredients they found.

Feng Xin scrambled to get the kids away towards the front of the bakery, trying his best to comfort them and not join in on the fight.

Mu Qing had been pushed against the wall; Hua Cheng gripping his collar, while Mu Qing attacked by smearing more caramel on his face, making him huff.

“YOU ASSHOLE!” Mu Qing screamed, kicking him.

“YOU STARTED THIS!” Hua Cheng, surprisingly, screamed as well, his patience and composure snapping. For a moment, Mu Qing saw the bratty, stubborn child from so long ago.

“You threw the batter at me first! With that kind of temper, what kind of father are you?!” Then before he could stop it, the words stumbled out. “You call Jian Yiangwen a trash parent yet here you are-!”

Hua Cheng’s eye flashed with fury, his voice turning colder. “Say that again. I told you it was an accident! Not everything is an attack towards you, you insecure-”

“Both of you that is enough!” A gentle but firm hand reached in between them, gripping Hua Cheng’s wrist, and pulling away.

Both men froze. They turned their heads to see Xie Lian, brows furrowed, not angry just...disappointed.

“To the counter. Now.” He ordered with no room for argument, as if he were talking to two misbehaved children instead of his husband and best friend.

Mu Qing and Hua Cheng recoiled, blinking in surprise before they let go of each other, slowly walking towards the counter.

Xie Lian rubbed his temples, leaning down to pick up the fallen bowls.

“Gege you don’t have to-”

Xie Lian raised a hand and Hua Cheng stopped talking immediatly. After picking up the bowls (only one small part of the mess they had made) Xie Lian looked at them both.

“San Lang, come with me. We need to talk.”

Then, he turned to Mu Qing. “Mu Qing, you stay here. Don’t touch anything.”

The finality in his voice reminded them both of Xie Lian’s younger self, gentle, kind, but able to lead when needed to. Hua Chen trailed behind his husband like a nagged puppy with its tail down, following him out.

Mu Qing huffed, turning towards the counter. He began to wipe the mess with a cloth with a quiet intensity.

The words Hua Cheng had thrown at him made his heart clench.

Insecure.

His fists trembled where he was clenching them tightly- before he slammed a hand down against the counter, uncaring of the mix splashing on his clothes- he was covered in it already.

After a few minutes, seeing the situation had calmed down, Feng Xin entered with the girls behind him. Meimei took a look at her father, both with curiosity and confusion at seeing this new side of her father.

She knew her father’s temper- after all, Mu Qing and Feng Xin’s marriage wasn’t a quiet, lovey-dovey one. They argued and teased, lightly pushed sometimes- but she could always tell they weren’t being serious. That the nicknames and nags were all inside jokes and meant lightly.

And then there was the look in their eyes- the bright shine and the way they softened when they looked at each other.

Which is why this side of her father, brows furrowed and eyes flashing with anger, and hurt made her stomach twist in a strange way she didn’t understand. Her heart clenched at his expression- he looked like he was about to burst into tears.

And that was the worst thing of all.

Meixu wanted to walk over to her dad, pat his back like he did whenever she wanted to cry after a nightmare, or falling. But her father turned away, unable to look at his daughter.

Feng Xin distracted the girls by handing them his phone and the markers. Then, he walked up beside his husband hesitantly.

He opened his mouth, but before any words could come out Mu Qing raised his hand to stop him.

“Don’t. I know.” He cut him off.

Feng Xin sighed, running a finger through his hair, leaning against the clean space in the counter. “He shouldn’t have said that though. That asshole.”

“We both stepped out of line.” He murmured- surprising Feng Xin. He never thought he’d hear him defend Hua Cheng. Sort of.
“Even so, what he said-”

The reminder of the words once again made Mu Qing flinch. Because that damned red clothed bastard was right. No matter how much he tried to hide it beneath the pride and snark.

He was insecure- and that dickhead just yelled about it in front of his husband, in front of Meimei, laid bare for everyone to see.

Fuck, he was so pathetic.

But even so, that asshole just had to keep pushing and pushing-

And he had thought things had gotten better. Slightly. That maybe he had made up for his mistakes and could have friends even after…

Nevermind.

Suddenly, a small figure slammed against Feng Xin’s legs, looking up at him.

“DiēDiē! I need to go to the bathroom!”

 Feng Xin raised a brow. “You can go by yourself.”
“No! It’s too far, what if there are monsters? I’m not scary enough to chase them away, and Hui-er isn’t too!”

Feng Xin glanced at his husband, who just waved him off without turning around.

He sighed. “Fine, fine, let’s go.” Feng Xin quickly hauled up Meimei, carrying her like a sack of potatoes before walking off.

Now it was only Mu Qing and Hua Yinghui.

He kept his gaze ducked, focused on cleaning the counter. It was awkward.

He had never been good with kids that weren’t his own- even Feng Xin’s previous kid was a something he worked hard on trying to forge a relationship with. Kids weren’t really his forte- and especially not the kid of the man who he’d just insulted and hit, and who in return had humiliated him.

Plus, he felt a small ache in his heart every time he saw Hua Yinghui.

While she had Hua Cheng’s same hair color and determined look, her face was an exact copy of Xie Lian’s- the same round cheeks, soft smile, kind brown eyes. It reminded him of Xie Lian before their fallout- back when it was just the three of them against the world- before Mu Qing and Xie Lian fell apart.

It all felt quite bittersweet now- those memories, while happy, also filled him with sadness.

He was so deep into his thoughts, scrubbing the counter with a cloth- that he didn’t expect the sudden tug at his shirt- and let out a yelp.

He looked down, startled. Yinghui stood there, staring up at him with a serious expression. One hand was holding a piece of paper, while the other one reached to grab a bowl.

“Hey…child.” Mu Qing tried to compose himself.

Yinghui didn’t answer immediately. She only stopped before she looked at him, and said solemnly; “My Diē doesn’t like you.”
Mu Qing’s eye twitched. “You don’t say.”

“I do!” She replied, not understanding his sarcasm. “He says you’re a egotistical and selfish guy that shouldn’t hang out with Baba.” She paused, thinking deeply. “I don’t think you’re that much of a fish though.”

Mu Qing twitched. “Figures.” He muttered, then sighed. “Selfish isn’t being a fish. It’s thinking only of oneself.”

“Oh. I knew that didn’t make sense.” Yinghui leaned forward on her heels. “He said I shouldn’t talk to you. Or if I did that, I should kick you.”

Mu Qing tried not to crack. “Great.”

“Yeah.” She tugged on his sleeve and motioned for him to bring down the bowl with the left-over brownie batter. Mu Qing, rolled his eyes and handed her the bowl and a spoon. It didn’t really matter now either way.

“Baba says you shouldn’t roll your eyes.” Yinhui nagged as she grabbed the bowl and spoon and started licking it happily.

Mu Qing groaned.

Then, she added, “Mm, I don’t think you’re that bad tho. Meimei says you’re her favorite Baba.”

She gasped, covering her mouth, “I wasn’t supposed to say that.”

Mu Qing looked at her for a few moments, before his expression softened, and his lips twitched into a small smile. “I see.”

Yinghui had forgotten the spoon, now using her fingers smeared in chocolate, deep into the brownie batter. “She told me you’re good.” She said casually. “That you always knit her clothes pretty things. Baba said so too. He said you helped make Diē´s birthday belt.”

Mu Qing nodded, watching as she smeared some of the chocolate around her mouth and clothes.

Once she had been satisfied with the chocolate, she wiped her hands on her shirt and held out a piece of paper. Mu Qing cringed, watching her handprints be left on it. He took it gingerly, and saw two figures; one in red wearing an eyepatch and the other one with really angry eyebrows, baked what appeared to be brownies while yelling at each other.

Mu Qing’s nose scrunched up, letting out a small snort. Yinghui patted his hand. “Baba said that if Diē didn’t really like you, he wouldn’t waste that much time with you. He said it’s also good to say sorry after a fight. I don’t like saying it at the start but after I do I feel better.” Before he could respond she turned on her heel after hearing the jingle of the front door open. Probably her parents.

Before leaving, she whispered loudly to Mu Qing. “If it helps, Diē said that while he didn’t like it, working with you wouldn’t be that bad. That at least you kind of know what you’re doing.” With that, she skipped over to hug Xie Lian, who smiled before freezing in horror once he noticed her brownie covered hands and shirt. He gently scolded her, rushing to get a towel.

At the same time, Feng Xin reemerged with Meimei from the bathroom. Xie Lian gestured him over, gently placing a hand on his back and leading him out, along with the girls. But before leaving, he looked back at Hua Cheng and Mu Qing.

“We will be leaving now.” He said quietly. “The two of you; focus on what’s really important. I’m not asking you to make up, or become friends- but please remember who you’re doing this for.”

With those words, he walked out, following behind Feng Xin and the girls, leaving the pair in the kitchen.

The two of them didn’t speak. Instead, cleaned in silence, scrubbing counters and sweeping flour without looking at each other. Then, they got back to work.

They managed to work quietly for a few hours. No more flying eggs or brownie mixes, or shouting. It was just them, and the new steady routine and rhythm of passing bowls without any comment, caramel being shared with no fight, ingredients exchanged with no problems.

It was all going steady, actually quite…efficient.

At some point, Hua Cheng had just finished taking a batch out when he noticed in the corner of the counter, almost tucked away, the drawing. He placed the brownies down and picked it up.

A small chuckle left his lips.

Mu Qing glanced over and spoke up, voice a bit rough from unuse. “Yinghui gave it to me. When Xie Lian was telling you off. It’s not half bad.” He shrugged.

“She captured your angry eyebrows perfectly.” He said, examining the picture with an amused glint in his eyes.

Mu Qing glared. “And your annoying, punchable face.” He snapped, pinching his nose. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to calm down. “…She’s a good kid. Reminds me a little of Xie Lian. When we were younger.”

Hua Cheng softened slightly at the mention of his daughter. He let out a quiet hum of agreement. “Gege is happy she’s getting along with Meimei. She doesn’t make friends easily…”

He paused before adding, “For being you guy’s kid she’s pretty damn great. Hui’er told me when that bratty son of Jiang Yawen came to bother her, Meimei stood up for her.” He gave Mu Qing a sideways glance and shrugged. “Not that she’d need help, but…it’s still…appreciated.”

Mu Qing rolled his eyes at his hidden barbs, but relaxed slightly. Hua Cheng placed the picture down and stepped closer, now baking beside him on the counter. He passed him a bowl, the corner of his lips quirking up.

“So,” he said, raising a brow, “are we ready to kick that pompous mom’s ass for messing with our kids?”
Mu Qing huffed, grabbing the bowl from Hua Cheng’s hands. “More than ready. Let’s make sure she never wants to eat another brownie ever again.”

It wasn’t an apology- not really. Still, the air in the room shifted, and felt lighter.

Mu Qing wasn’t sure if they would ever make peace and be friends- or if the grudges of the past would ever be forgiven. But right now, for their children? They made quite a good team.

The PTO leader wouldn’t even know what hit her.