Lu Yan watched the bouncing figure of the Little Pink Dumpling from behind, his cold and hard features softening a bit.
He took a few strides with his long legs and quickly caught up with her.
Seeing Lu Yan catching up, Little Sweet Orange blinked her large, grape-like eyes and asked in a childish voice, Unca, why did you follow me?
Looking at the little girl's pretty, soft, and squishy face, Lu Yan's heart melted. I will walk you back to the hotel.
Li Zeqian was truly careless. How could he let such a little girl run out all by herself?
There were so many bad people out there right now; what if she got kidnapped?
A sweet smile appeared on Little Sweet Orange's exquisitely carved little face. Unca, are you worried I will get kidnapped by bad guys?
Lu Yan nodded.
Little Sweet Orange stretched out her fair, tender wrist. Do not worry! Look, this is a self-defense bracelet Mommy prepared for me. It has silver needles tipped with anesthetic. Just one needle can knock out an elephant.
Lu Yan looked at the little girl showing off her self-defense weapon and could not help but curl his lips into a smile. Aren't you afraid I am a bad guy since you are telling me your secret?
Little Sweet Orange pouted her soft pink lips. Not afraid at all.
How could someone who looked so much like her brother be a bad guy?
Unca, you keep following me. Do you want to eat my little cake?
Little Sweet Orange pulled Lu Yan to sit under a palm tree on the beach. She opened her cake box, scooped up a bite, and offered it to Lu Yan's lips. I will let Unca have the first bite.
Looking at the cake the little girl was feeding him, Lu Yan's tall frame stiffened in shock.
Since when was he so popular with children?
In the past, other kids would burst into tears of fright just by looking at him.
Yet the Little Pink Dumpling right in front of him was actually feeding him cake herself.
Lu Yan felt a sudden tug at his heartstrings, and his nose inexplicably tingled with a sour ache.
If Jiang Shuyin had not aborted their child, they would probably be just as cute as this little girl if they had been born!
Uncle will not eat, Lu Yan said, gently patting Little Sweet Orange's head. Next time, do not just feed things to strangers.
Little Sweet Orange nodded obediently.
Standing in the shadows, Jiang Shuyin saw this scene, a mix of shock and complex emotions flashing in her eyes.
She had taught Little Sweet Orange from a young age not to talk to strangers casually.
Although Little Sweet Orange was innocent and naive, she had always had a strong sense of safety.
She had only met Lu Yan today, yet she was bold and comfortable enough to feed him.
She had to admit that blood ties were truly miraculous.
As for Lu Yan, she actually saw a trace of softness on his usually cold and indifferent face.
When he patted Little Sweet Orange's head, his gesture carried a deep sense of fatherly love.
Watching the father and daughter sitting on the beach, getting along so harmoniously, Jiang Shuyin felt an indescribable emotion welling up in her heart.
Was it too selfish of her to keep the children's existence a secret from Lu Yan?
However, based on her understanding of Lu Yan, if he knew about the children, he would definitely fight her for custody.
With her current abilities, there was no way she could win against him.
The twins were her life. She had raised them for three years, and she could not bear to be separated from them.
Jiang Shuyin lowered her long eyelashes, conflict and complexity flashing in her eyes.
Whether or not she should let him know about the children was a question she needed to consider carefully.
...
After finishing the cake, Little Sweet Orange licked the corners of her lips in satisfaction.
Aw, I have had way too many sweets today. I cannot eat any more for the next few days.
Looking at the little girl who started regretting and blaming herself right after eating, a smile appeared in Lu Yan's deep eyes. Little kids really should eat fewer sweets.
Little Sweet Orange rubbed her bulging little tummy. But it was so yummy! I just could not resist the temptation.
Lu Yan stood up from the sandy beach. You have been out for a while. I will take you back to the hotel.
Little Sweet Orange was too full and did not want to walk. She instinctively opened her fair, chubby arms. Unca, can you carry me?
Without any hesitation, Lu Yan reached out and scooped the little girl up into his arms.
The little girl felt as if she were made of water, soft and boneless, smelling faintly of milk.
The lake of Lu Yan's heart rippled, as if brushed by a soft feather.
It was a very wondrous feeling.
He once again thought of the child he and Jiang Shuyin were supposed to have.
Suddenly, a dense, needle-like pain spread across his chest.
Perhaps in this lifetime, he would never have a child of his own again!
After Lu Yan carried Little Sweet Orange to the hotel entrance, she slipped down from his embrace. Unca, I can go upstairs by myself! Thank you for carrying me back.
Lu Yan did not feel comfortable letting Little Sweet Orange go upstairs alone. Just as he was about to follow her into the elevator, the little girl closed the doors.
Lu Yan watched the floor indicator until the elevator stopped on the sixteenth floor before turning to leave.
Jiang Shuyin waited until Lu Yan's figure had completely disappeared from sight before she returned to the hotel.
She entered the suite, just in time to see Little Yiyi sitting on the sofa, scolding Little Sweet Orange with a cold face. You secretly bought an ice cream cone at the airport, and then ran out in the middle of the night to sneak some cake. Jiang Chengcheng, if you dare run off like that again, I am going to spank your bottom!
Normally, Little Yiyi spoke very little, unless Little Sweet Orange was being disobedient and making mistakes.
Little Sweet Orange started to cry. Crystal clear teardrops hung from her long eyelashes, and even her crying face looked incredibly cute and soft.
I would not get lost anyway! It is just because my brother is usually too strict and does not let me eat sweets...
Little Yiyi interrupted Little Sweet Orange with a cold, stern expression on his small face. You still dare to talk back?
Looking at Little Yiyi, whose angry expression perfectly mirrored Lu Yan's, Jiang Shuyin stood silently in the entryway without saying a word.
The little guy was wise beyond his years and highly intelligent. Sometimes when he got angry, even she felt a bit intimidated.
Perhaps the psychological shadow that man had left on her was simply too deep.
Catching a glimpse of Jiang Shuyin from the corner of her eye, Little Sweet Orange felt as if she had seen her savior. She had been holding back her sobs, but suddenly she burst out crying with a loud wail.
Mommy, my brother is bullying me! I do not like my brother anymore.
Jiang Shuyin had never played favorites. She cleared her throat softly. You ran off on your own. It is only right for your brother to teach you a lesson.
Little Sweet Orange pouted her little mouth, and the golden teardrops fell faster and faster.
Little Yiyi usually doted on his sister the most. Seeing her crying so aggrievedly and heartbrokenly, he could not bear it any longer. He raised his small hand to wipe away her tears. Next time you really want to eat sweets, just tell me. But you are not allowed to sneak out anymore.
Little Sweet Orange instantly stopped crying and gave a cheeky smile. Brother, I want to eat chocolate tomorrow.
Little Yiyi replied, Do not push your luck.
Boohoo, didn't you just say I could tell you if I wanted to eat some? You are going back on your word.
Little Yiyi's handsome, heroic little brows furrowed tightly. Then tomorrow you can only have one at most.
Okay! One is better than none.
Jiang Shuyin shook her head helplessly.
Little Yiyi seemed cold and domineering, but whenever faced with his sister's tearful attacks, he would always abandon his principles.
In other words, the little guy was completely wrapped around his sister's little finger.
...
After Little Sweet Orange finished her bath, Jiang Shuyin carried her to the bed.
Looking at the soft and pink little sticky rice ball, Jiang Shuyin kissed her forehead with eyes full of doting love. Baby, do you want to know who your daddy is?
