Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

"Kids are like that. We were wild and caused trouble too when we were young—

it's just their nature," Zachary said. "As long as they don't get into serious trouble,

it's fine. Causing a little chaos at home is normal."

He never tried to suppress his children. He believed in letting them be themselves and giving them space to grow naturally.

Josh laughed. "My parents still spoil Milo like crazy. Zachary, you have no idea how strong the bond between grandparents and grandkids is. When I used to mess up as a kid, first my dad would spank me, then my mom would take a turn, and then they'd team up. I got disciplined all the way until my teens. Once I got older and more sensible, they switched to lecturing instead of hitting."

Who would've thought his parents—polished and elegant in public—used to be so strict when it came to disciplining him?

Zachary chuckled. "Your worst beating was probably during New Year's. Your parents were still asleep when you snuck into their room with a string of firecrackers. You lit them and threw them onto their bed. They were scared half to death. The quilt was full of burn holes."

"You almost burned the house down. Tell me, did you not deserve that beating?"

Josh's face turned red as he laughed. "I barely even remember why I got beat up that day, but you remember every detail. Your memory's better than mine."

are like that," Zachary said. "They remember getting punished but forget

too much. Like father,

Just now, River said my son, Baby, is

he's around his cousins. Apparently,

did. The student has outdone

once.

them—blame us for passing on

his computer, stood up, and said, "Alright, let's

the day after tomorrow, but she'll

get it, I get it,"

a playful kick, which Josh

two men walked out of the office, joking

once they stepped outside, their expressions

was still his usual approachable self, smiling as

a commanding presence. As the father of two, he couldn't afford to let his guard down in public. He maintained his aloof, no- nonsense image—and always brought a security