16-20

Chapter 16: Sunrise

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Xia Wanyuan lived a disciplinary life, so she woke up around seven every morning. The clothes she had bought at Tianfu Road the previous time had all been delivered to her place.

It was not cold in the spring season. Since she was going to meet her elders. Xia Wanyuan wore an apricot short skirt and a light blue knee-length windbreaker. The waist design of the windbreaker made her waist look as slim as a willow branch.

The white pear-shaped earrings and the apricot flower embroidery on her dress complemented each other. As she walked, she gave off a gentle and gentle feeling, as well as the vitality of spring.

There was a gigantic French window facing the east of the apartment. There were large pots of various flowers and plants placed at the spacious corner in front of it, where a huge plush carpet was placed in the middle.

Xia Wanyuan sat by the window while Xiao Bao was still asleep. She put on her headphones and searched for her favorite music on her phone.

In the Xia Dynasty, she used to listen to live music played by musical instruments and songs sung by musicians. Thus, two days ago, she had searched for some soothing piano music and ancient zither tunes to listen to when she had time.

But that day, she clicked on the songs that were on the music charts. She wanted to know what kind of songs were popular.

“If it wasn’t for you who had broken into my heart…” Soothing music accompanied by a gentle female voice sounded.

A slight breeze outside the window brought in the morning dew, and the glowing sun slowly rose from the horizon. The number of cars on the roads of the city slowly increased. People began to appear everywhere in the quiet city.The steam from the breakfast stand rose in spirals, mixing with the fog and being carried by the people rushing to work.

“Truly prosperous times.” Xia Wanyuan sighed in her heart. She did not like living in the distant suburbs. Apart from being far away, it was also because she felt that there was a lack of a human atmosphere.

…

“Young Master, it’s already half-past eight now. Why don’t you go up earlier? Little Master and Miss Xia might be up already.”

The chauffeur carefully looked at Jun Shiling, who was looking out of the window with a gloomy expression. The young master, who always timed every second accurately, had miraculously missed the originally scheduled time by half an hour that day.

After a while, the chauffeur thought that Jun Shiling would not speak anymore and was about to mind his own business.

“Which floor are they on?”

“The 16th floor, Young Master.”

By the time he finished speaking, Jun Shiling had already gotten out of the car.

Nanny Li was preparing breakfast on the first floor. Xia Wanyuan had suddenly become very easygoing recently, and she ate whatever she cooked. Moreover, she often praised her cooking skills.

After receiving the praise, Nanny Li spared no effort to work even harder, and every meal was sumptuous and delicious.

The doorbell suddenly rang. Nanny Li looked outside and Jun Shiling’s cold face appeared on the screen.

Nanny Li hurriedly opened the door.

“Young Master.”

“Is Jun Yin awake?”

“Little Master is still sleeping.”

When Nanny Li saw that Jun Shiling did not react, she added, “Miss Xia has already woken up and is watching the sunrise by the window on the second floor.”

“Okay.”

Jun Shiling was expressionless. He changed his shoes and walked towards the second floor.

The noise reduction function of the earpiece was excellent. Xia Wanyuan listened to the song and hummed along, not hearing any movements downstairs.

Jun Shiling walked to the second floor and saw a woman in an apricot skirt and headphones sitting on the carpet. Her exquisite side profile was illuminated by the morning sun behind her.After staring at her for a while, Jun Shiling went back downstairs.

Nanny Li saw that Jun Shiling had come back down very quickly, and thought that Xia Wanyuan might have angered Jun Shiling again. She glanced up worriedly.

Speaking of which, it was strange. In the past, Nanny Li hated Xia Wanyuan very much and wished that Jun Shiling would divorce her as soon as possible. But these few days, Nanny Li felt that Xia Wanyuan might not be the person the rumors said she was.

Jun Shiling sat down on the sofa and picked up the finance magazine that was half turned over on the table.

Not long after, footsteps could be heard from the second floor.

“Good morning, Mommy!”

After brushing his teeth and washing his face, the first thing Xiao Bao did was to look for Xia Wanyuan.

“Good morning, let’s go and have breakfast.”

Taking off her headphones, Xia Wanyuan took Xiao Bao’s hand as they went downstairs. She did not expect to see Jun Shiling sitting on the sofa.

Xia Wanyuan raised an eyebrow. Ignoring everything else, Jun Shiling was truly good-looking.

Jun Shiling heard the commotion and looked up at Xia Wanyuan.

“Daddy.”

Perhaps because his mother was by his side, Xiao Bao felt that Jun Shiling was less scary. When he saw Jun Shiling, his big eyes curved into crescents.

“Young Master, Miss Xia, the food is ready.”

“I’ve already eaten. You guys eat. We will leave at nine.” After Jun Shiling finished speaking, he continued to read the magazine. His sculpted profile was expressionless.

Xia Wanyuan pursed her lips and led Xiao Bao to the dining table to eat. The room was silent for a moment. There was only the sound of chewing.It was exactly nine o’clock after breakfast.

“Let’s go.”

Jun Shiling, who was as still as a statue on the sofa, finally stood up and walked out. Xia Wanyuan held Xiao Bao’s hand and followed behind. They had just gotten into the car when several people rushed over from afar. “Where’s Young Master Jun?”

“They’ve already left.”

“…” The building belonged to the Jun family. As Jun Shiling had always kept a low profile and rarely appeared in public, it wasn’t easy for these small managers to hear that their big boss was here. They wanted to get close to him, but what they saw was only the exhaust fumes of the car.

Around ten o’clock, the car finally stopped in a quiet alley.

Xia Wanyuan looked outside curiously. The place where the former head of the Jun family lived was different from what she had imagined.

But the intricately carved eaves and the painted art that could be seen everywhere, were somewhat similar to the former Great Xia Imperial Palace, giving Xia Wanyuan a sense of familiarity.

“Don’t make Grandpa angry. If I find out that you have ill intentions, you’ll bear the consequences yourself.”

Although Xia Wanyuan had changed a lot in the past two days, Jun Shiling still warned her out of concern for her past behavior.

Xia Wanyuan gave a perfunctory “Mm”, then led Xiao Bao out of the car. The alley was surrounded by large sycamore trees, and sunlight danced across their bodies. Jun Shiling watched quietly from behind the two of them, his gaze dark and gloomy. Nobody knew what he was thinking.After a few steps, Xia Wanyuan turned around. A ray of sunlight shone on her face, revealing her long eyelashes. “Lead the way.”

“Hmph.” Jun Shiling snorted lightly and quickened his pace to Xia Wanyuan’s side.

Before long, they arrived at a courtyard with two stone lions at the entrance.

A middle-aged man was waiting at the door. When he saw the three figures, shock flashed across his eyes. However, he quickly went forward with a calm expression.

“Uncle Liu.”

“Young Master, Old Master is practicing calligraphy in the courtyard.” Uncle Liu bowed slightly towards Jun Shiling.

“Okay.”

Just as Jun Shiling was about to step in, Xiao Bao quickly slipped through the gap between the door.

“Great-grandfather, I’m here!” A soft cry startled the pigeons in the courtyard.

Before Xia Wanyuan’s arrival, the person who treated Xiao Bao the best was the old master of the Jun family. Hence, Xiao Bao was close to him.

Chapter 17: Calligraphy

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“Oh, my baby is here.”

Old Master Jun, who was practicing calligraphy under the sycamore tree in the courtyard, heard the familiar childish voice.

Immediately putting down the calligraphy brush in his hand, he walked towards the door with a smile on his kind face.

Mirroring the elderly man’s expression, Xiao Bao, who was wearing a shirt printed with Pikachu, smiled until his eyes curved into crescents. He threw himself into Old Master Jun’s arms.

“Good morning, Great-grandfather.” Xiao Bao grabbed his Great-grandfather’s beard and grinned.

“Morning, sweetheart. Where’s your dad?”

“Daddy and Mommy are outside.”

Xia Wanyuan? The old master remained calm upon hearing Xiao Bao’s words, but deep down, he was contemplating.

He had already felt sorry towards his grandson by forcing him to marry her back then. Hence, he did not comment on the fact that Jun Shiling had neglected Xia Wanyuan.

In the past two years, Jun Shiling had gradually gained a firm foothold. His divorcing Xia Wanyuan was a foreseeable step. He himself did not like Xia Wanyuan’s behavior either.

However, thinking of his precious great-grandson, he had no choice but to give Xia Wanyuan some degree of status.

Well… The old master sighed deeply. He didn’t want to care about their affairs anymore. As he looked at his cute great-grandson, he only hoped that Ah Ling could settle the problems properly without hurting the child.

The sound of the door being pushed open disrupted his train of thought. The old master widened his eyes and stared at the person walking towards him.His impression of Xia Wanyuan was still her being that woman who had approached him with an ultrasound scan four years ago. Her makeup was exquisite, and there was an unconcealable ambition and domineering streak within her eyes.

However, the Xia Wanyuan who was currently standing beside Jun Shiling was elegant and generous. Her brows were composed and exuded a sense of calmness.

Standing under the carved door eaves, she looked like a noble lady who had walked out of a painting, exuding an especially classic elegance.

“Mommy!” Upon seeing Jun Shiling and Xia Wanyuan, Xiao Bao let go of his grandfather’s hand and ran to Xia Wanyuan.

When the little dumpling reached her, Xia Wanyuan smiled and stroked Xiao Bao’s head. At the same time, Jun Shiling bowed slightly towards Old Master Jun. “Grandpa.”

Xia Wanyuan looked at the old man in front of her who was still hale and hearty despite his age. He had a benevolent look on his face. She bowed slightly and greeted him as Jun Shiling did. “Grandfather.”

Her calm and courteous tone, as well as her composed bearing, made the former head of the Jun family exclaim in admiration. He looked at Jun Shiling and Xia Wanyuan up and down involuntarily.

“Alright, since you’re here, come in and have a seat.” Great-Grandfather finally looked away.

It had been a long time since the elderly man had seen Xiao Bao, and he missed the child dearly. Hence, he brought Xiao Bao to see the toys and gifts he had prepared for him.

The room fell silent while Jun Shiling and Xia Wanyuan sat on the sofa.

From the moment she entered, Xia Wanyuan realized that the quadrangle looked rather ordinary and small.

However, the redwood tables and chairs in the room, the double ear vase with golden pheasant carvings, the folding screen that had green enamel carvings, and the various small decorations that could be seen everywhere were all filled with an ancient aura. One look and one could tell that they were well-worn by the sands of time.

There were several picturesque landscapes hanging on the wall. When Xia Wanyuan was young, she had been enlightened by the most respected Master Yu Qian of the Xia Dynasty. Later on, she was nurtured by the most outstanding masters of the four arts.She was very accomplished in painting and calligraphy. Even Master Yu Qian praised her for her native intelligence.

The paintings hanging in the room were all full of content and emotions as if the artist had hidden his pure aura into the paintings, allowing them to pass through time and converse with people a thousand years later.

Xia Wanyuan’s eyes lit up and she couldn’t help but walk to the front of the drawing in the middle. The weather was bleak, the clouds were clear, the brush strokes were fine, and the inkwork was exquisite. Xia Wanyuan couldn’t help but carefully ponder over the strokes.

“…”

Jun Shiling had been shocked too many times before, so he was no longer surprised that Xia Wanyuan seemed to be interested in Chinese arts. His deep gaze was fixed on Xia Wanyuan’s focused profile.

…

It became immediately apparent that Old Master Jun liked spicy food. During lunch, apart from the bland dishes for Jun Shiling and Jun Yin, there were also several plates of Sichuan dishes that were filled with bright red chili oil.

Xia Wanyuan glanced at the Spicy Boiled Fish drenched in pepper and chili. It looked really spicy and glistened enticingly.

Ever since she had arrived in the modern world, the food she had tasted was basically fancy and delicious. She wanted to try it. Xia Wanyuan blinked and finally reached out to pick up a piece and put it into her mouth.

Mm, the spicy sensation filled her mouth, but the taste was indeed not bad. Xia Wanyuan could not help but take another bite. The aftertaste of the chili pepper began to hit her, and Xia Wanyuan felt as if the tip of her tongue was burning.

Just as she was about to swallow a mouthful of rice to relieve the spiciness, someone gave her a glass of water. Xia Wanyuan turned her head and saw Jun Shiling’s cold side profile.

“Thank you,” Xia Wanyuan said softly. Swallowing down the water, it finally relieved the spiciness.Old Master Jun, who was sitting on the main seat, watched Jun Shiling’s actions without batting an eyelid. He picked up a piece of fish and threw it into his mouth, hiding the smile on his face.

After lunch, it was Old Master Jun’s resting time. Xiao Bao had been playing with toys for a long time and he felt sleepy, so he went to nap with Great-Grandfather.

“Young Master, do you and Miss Xia need to rest?”

Compared to how he had neglected Xia Wanyuan when she just arrived, Uncle Liu’s attitude towards her had clearly changed.

After all, if she was able to come home with Jun Shiling and was even close to Little Master, he naturally had to reevaluate Xia Wanyuan’s status. Even the old master seemed to have an undetectable approval of her.

“There’s no need, Uncle Liu. You should go and rest.” Upon seeing Xia Wanyuan walking towards the courtyard, Jun Shiling followed suit.

The afternoon sun was not scorching in the spring season. Instead, it emitted a comfortable warmth. In the blue sky, cotton candy-like clouds slowly floated by. The leaves of the sycamore trees rustled in the spring breeze, and the wind blew the ink-stained paper on the table.

The ink slab on the table was as smooth as jade, and the delicate fragrance of the pine-soot ink drifted along with the wind.

Xia Wanyuan took a look and knew that the ink and paper on the table were of the highest quality, which gave her an itch to show off her skills.

“You can use these. Grandpa likes to practice calligraphy and likes appreciating other people’s works too.”

Jun Shiling had unknowingly walked under the sycamore tree. The afternoon sun shone on his face, making him look every part like an aristocratic gentleman.

“Can I?” Xia Wanyuan tilted her head, her eyes filled with obvious anticipation.

“Mm.” Jun Shiling nodded.

Xia Wanyuan took off her windbreaker and placed it aside. Picking up the brush on the table, she dipped it in ink. Then she tilted her head and thought for a while before putting down the brush.

Xia Wanyuan’s hand seemed slender and weak, but unexpectedly, she did not lose her grip on the thick brush.

The brush glided across the parchment and stretched, guided by her strokes that were firm, yet gentle at the same time.

Meanwhile, Jun Shiling stood by the side and looked at Xia Wanyuan’s side profile. In a daze, he seemed to have walked into an ink painting. The personin front of him had a classic elegance that he could not see through.

“Finished!” Xia Wanyuan finally put down her brush. The ink of the best quality truly lived up to its reputation. Although she had not written for a long time, she was able to write very smoothly with the high-quality ink.

The ink painting in front of him suddenly swung open, and the smiling Xia Wanyuan in front of him seemed to have brought him back to reality.

Jun Shiling lowered his head to look at the words written by Xia Wanyuan. His gaze instantly froze, and his almond-shaped eyes flashed with thousands of emotions.

On the paper, there were three characters that were clearly defined and were stretched out like a phoenix circling in the sky.

“Jun”

“Shi”

“Ling”

Chapter 18: Gifting Words

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“Since I borrowed your paper, I gifted you three characters in return.” Xia Wanyuan’s eyelashes curled, and the sunlight cast a glow in her eyes.

“I can’t tell.” Jun Shiling stared intently at the three words on the paper. As he was also somewhat proficient in calligraphy, he could tell that the strokes on the paper had their own unique charm and vigor. It was a rarity.

Jun Shiling looked deeply into Xia Wanyuan’s eyes and finally nodded, revealing a look of certainty.

“It’s well written.”

“Thank you for your praise.” Xia Wanyuan’s smile widened.

“Old Master, what do you think?”

Unknowingly, Old Master Jun had woken up and was standing by the window, looking at the two of them.

“What opinions can I have?” Old Master sighed deeply. “Ah Ling’s parents passed away early and have been alone since young. I am already old, I don’t even know when I am going to…”

Hearing Old Master’s words, Uncle Liu immediately replied, “Old Master, don’t say that. You are still in great health.”

“Sigh, I just feel bad for this grandson of mine. He doesn’t have anyone by his side.”

“Miss Xia seems to be very different from what the rumors say. Didn’t the master say so back then? She is a blessing of the Young Master’s.”

The old man sighed as he looked at the couple under the sunlight.

“I hope so.”

After Xiao Bao woke up, Jun Shiling went back with his men. After they left, Old Master looked at the door for a while before turning back to the courtyard.

“Master, the wind is blowing. Let me bring everything back inside.” Uncle Liu started to collect the paper and brush on the table.

“Hold on.”The old man seemed to have seen something strange as he stared intently at the words on the table.

Uncle Liu tilted his head to take a look. He was a layman, but he could tell that this piece of calligraphy was written with great vigor.

“What is this?” Uncle Liu was shocked. “Miss Xia wrote this just now.”

“Great! Words contain the essence of a person. It looks like I’ve underestimated Xia Wanyuan.”

The more Old Master considered the text, the more he felt that this piece of calligraphy was well written. He was amazed. After looking at it for a while, he finally raised his hand to signal for Uncle Liu.

“Xiao Liu, send these words to the manor.”

The old man looked at it reluctantly and finally made up his mind.

“Yes, Old Master.”

After sending Xia Wanyuan and Xiao Bao back to the apartment, Jun Shiling returned to the manor alone. The car drove in slowly and he looked at the flowers, plants, and pavilions outside.

It was a place that he had lived in for more than twenty years, but this was the first time Jun Shiling felt that his place was too spacious.

In his mind, he couldn’t help but think of the person he had seen outside the window. Under the morning sun and surrounded by flowers and plants, the side profile of hers was as if illuminated by light.

Four marble pillars supported the four corners of the big house and the bright crystal lights emitted a dazzling light.

After taking off his suit, Jun Shiling sat on the sofa and closed his eyes. He had never liked crowds since he was young, so there were very few people in the manor who would appear beside him unless it was necessary.

For some reason, Jun Shiling suddenly felt that the room was too quiet that day.

“Young Master.”A voice suddenly came from the door.

“What is it?”

Jun Shiling opened his eyes and looked towards the door. The servant was holding a rectangular box.

“Young Master, Old Master got someone to send this box over. He said to pass it to you.”

“Bring it over.”

With permission, the servant brought the box in.

After dismissing the servants, Jun Shiling opened the box. The smooth paper was as soft as a baby’s skin under the light. Even as he opened the box, the smell of ink greeted him.

The ink had dried, and the ink-black words glistened under the light.

An imperceptible warmth filled Jun Shiling’s eyes.

…

In the hospital, Xia Yu had just finished his battle with the haters. Putting down his phone in a huff, he looked towards the door for the umpteenth time.

“Why isn’t she here yet?” Xia Yu pursed his lips. Nanny Li came to deliver lunch at noon and told him that Xia Wanyuan might visit later that evening.

Which meant she should have been here by now.

To think that he had been looking forward to it for so long. “Hmph.”

At this moment, the sound of high heels, mixed with the childish chattering of a child, could be heard from outside the door.

Xia Yu hurriedly stuffed his phone under his pillow and covered himself with the blanket. He closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep.

As the temperature was a little colder at night, Xia Wanyuan had returned to the apartment to change her outfit. Once again, Xiao Bao insisted on visiting his uncle, so Xia Wanyuan agreed to bring him along.

“Uncle!”

Xiao Bao opened the door and ran in, calling out to Xia Yu with his cute voice.

Xia Yu’s eyes twitched but he still pretended to be asleep.

“Uncle, it’s time to get up and eat!” Xiao Bao leaned on the bed and poked Xia Yu’s cheek with a chubby finger.

Deciding enough time had passed, Xia Yu opened his eyes slowly as though someone had woken him up. He rubbed his eyes and looked at the little dumpling.

“Uncle!” Xiao Bao grinned from ear to ear.“Good boy!” Xia Yu patted Xiao Bao’s head and looked at Xia Wanyuan nonchalantly. “Why are you here again?”

“I’m bringing you food. Why are you more picky than Xiao Bao? He’s a good boy and eats his carrots too.”

Xia Wanyuan placed the dishes on the table.

“Uncle, you can’t be so picky! Carrots are delicious.”

With that, Xiao Bao reached out and handed the bowl of pork ribs and carrots to Xia Yu.

“…”

Although he disliked the taste of carrots, Xia Yu still finished the plate when he saw Xiao Bao’s sparkling eyes.

After dinner, Xia Yu played games with Xiao Bao for some time. Xia Yu was young and had many tricks up his sleeve, and Xiao Bao was thoroughly enthralled by him.

During that time, Xia Wanyuan found out more about Xia Yu’s condition from the doctor before she returned to the ward. Seeing the two grinning faces, the corners of Xia Wanyuan’s lips curled up. Although Xia Yu looked like a devil incarnate, he was actually still a child himself.

“The doctor said that you’ll be discharged tomorrow. Do you plan to go home?”

Xia Yu, who was playing with Xiao Bao, paused when he heard this and his eyes were filled with mockery.

“Home? Which home are you referring to? And who is my so-called family? Is it Chairman Xia who has never cared about me, or is it the woman who wants me to disappear as soon as possible so that she can make space for her other child?”

The ridicule from the outside world these past few days and the depression caged in his heart suddenly erupted from the word ‘home’.

After shouting at Xia Wanyuan, Xia Yu finally realized that he shouldn’t have said that to her. He pursed his lips and lowered his head to hide the redness in his eyes.

There was a long silence.

“Then come back with me. I’ll be joining the production team in a few days. You can stay at home and accompany Xiao Bao.”

‘What?’

Xia Yu raised his head abruptly, his eyes glistening.

“No need. I don’t like to trouble others.”

Ever since he was young, he knew that no one liked him. He was also used to not troubling anyone.

“Uncle, come back with us. That way, we can play together every day!”

As if to emphasize his point, Xiao Bao hugged Xia Yu’s arm and looked up at him expectantly.

“You’re not troubling anyone. The house is already prepared. I’ll have someone pick you up tomorrow.” After coming to a decision, Xia Wanyuan picked Xiao Bao up from the bed and pulled him away.

On the bed, Xia Yu’s eyes glimmered with redness as he watched Xia Wanyuan leave the room.

Chapter 19: Pick Somebody Up

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

The next morning, Xia Wanyuan sent a chauffeur to pick up Xia Yu.

Worried that his pink hair would affect the little dumpling’s innocent view of the world, Xia Yu went to the hair salon to dye his hair before he arrived at the house. With his soft black hair, Xia Yu looked more youthful.

He didn’t bring much luggage as Xia Wanyuan had already prepared the basic necessities for his daily life. Once he arrived, she brought Xia Yu around the house.

“Nanny Li has already tidied up the room on the first floor. You can stay in that room.”

“Oh.” Xia Yu stuck his head out and measured the renovation of the house with his eyes. He then thought about the superior location and couldn’t help but be amazed.

“Hey, this is for you.” Xia Yu handed Xia Wanyuan a card.

“What?” Xia Wanyuan raised her eyebrows in confusion.

“You know, that man didn’t give me much money a month. There’s not much left. I’ll give it to you every month from now on.”

Xia Yu pursed his lips nonchalantly. “Consider it my living expenses. I don’t want to be eating braised chicken every meal.”

A flash of amusement crossed Xia Wanyuan’s expression. He must have seen the comments online and was worried that she was poor, so he gave her the bank card.

She pushed the card in front of her back.

“I’m not that poor.”“Hmph, forget it if you don’t want it. You’re so stubborn.” Xia Yu felt a little embarrassed after being rejected, but he felt that Xia Wanyuan was being stubborn for not accepting the money.

After all, the Xia family was now bankrupt and had no more money for her to squander. Speaking of which, even though Xia Wanyuan was married to a big shot, based on his understanding of Jun Shiling, if Xia Wanyuan died on the streets, Jun Shiling wouldn’t even spare her a glance.

“Alright, let’s go and eat first. I’m going to the south to film tomorrow. You can stay here.”

After lunch, Xiao Bao took a nap. Xia Wanyuan leaned on the balcony and looked at the butterfly orchids by the window.

“Why did you bring me back? Didn’t you always treat me like air?”

Now that there was no one around, Xia Yu finally asked the question he had been hiding in his heart for the past few days.

“I’m your sister.” Xia Wanyuan turned around and smiled at Xia Yu. “Besides, you’re a kind child.”

She wasn’t a saint who would save anyone she saw. Xia Yu wasn’t a bad child. She was only willing to help him because he lacked someone to care for him.

Xia Yu looked at Xia Wanyuan in disbelief. He was kind? The devil incarnate was kind? People in Beijing would laugh to death if they heard that.

However, hearing Xia Wanyuan’s words, Xia Yu could not deny that his heart was filled with joy. “I would have believed you when I was three years old. What is your real motive?”

“My motive is to find a toy for Xiao Bao, is that reason enough?” Xia Wanyuan laughed. “Go and unpack your luggage. Don’t expect others to unpack for you.”

With that said, Xia Wanyuan waved her hand to dismiss Xia Yu. She didn’t want to argue with a child.

“Why would I expect someone to unpack for me?”

Xia Yu mumbled to himself as he went downstairs. Although he didn’t get a definite answer, he still felt happy for some reason.

‘I’m such a big man and he’s such a little dumpling. Who’s going to be a toy for whom? Hmph.’

…

“Young Master, the young master of the Xia family, Xia Yu, is Miss Xia’s half-brother. Miss Xia brought him back to the apartment. I heard that she wants him to stay there.”

Jun Shiling had just finished an acquisition meeting and returned to his office when Lin Jing approached him.

“Okay.”Jun Shiling didn’t have much of an impression of the Xia family, so he answered calmly. He had planned to give her the house when they got divorced anyway. It was her own freedom to decide who could move in.

“Pay close attention to Jun Yin.”

“Understood.”

Lin Jing was about to leave when Jun Shiling suddenly stopped him.

“Wait.” Jun Shiling put down the pen he was signing with. “How old is Xia Yu?”

“Based on the checks, Xia Yu just turned 18.”

Hearing Lin Jing’s words, Jun Shiling raised his eyebrows and frowned, but didn’t say anything in the end.

“You go down first.”

Lin Jing glanced at Jun Shiling, who hadn’t even blinked at the billion-dollar acquisition just now. He was actually frowning? An unknown light flashed in his eyes behind his gold spectacled frame.

After pondering for half a second, Lin Jing said decisively, “I heard that Miss Xia is going to the filming set tomorrow. I’m afraid she doesn’t have time to take care of Little Master. Young Master, do you want to bring Little Master back to the manor to take care of him?”

Upon hearing Lin Jing’s words, Jun Shiling stayed silent for a while before he finally spoke.

“Prepare the car.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

The expressionless Lin Jing turned around, then showed a look of ‘as I thought’.

They had just finished dinner. Xia Wanyuan was sitting on the sofa with Xiao Bao watching cartoons, while Xia Yu was watching them with his legs crossed, speechless.It was one thing for that three-year-old little dumpling to enjoy watching such childish cartoons, but what was wrong with that woman who was smiling so widely and being so engrossed in it?

“Uncle, do you think the big tiger took the village chief away?”

“Obviously not. Didn’t you see the footprint just now? It was clearly a wolf’s footprint.”

Xia Yu was still complaining about the little dumpling a second ago, but in the next second, he began to explain everything.

The doorbell rang, but Xiao Bao and Xia Yu, who were immersed in the cartoon, did not notice.

Xia Wanyuan got up to open the door and suddenly met a pair of ink-black eyes. Jun Shiling was tall and slender, but he emitted an indifferent vibe.

“Jun Shiling?”

Her voice was as clear as a spring. It was the first time Xia Wanyuan had called him by his name. For some reason, Jun Shiling found it pleasant.

Jun Shiling glanced at Xia Wanyuan and then looked into the house. Behind the flowers, the clear voice of a youth and Xiao Bao’s childish laughter could be heard.

“Since you’re going to the film set tomorrow, I’ll bring Xiao Bao back,” Jun Shiling said calmly.

“Oh.” Only then did Xia Wanyuan remember that she had forgotten about Jun Shiling. If she was going to the set, it was only right for her to bring the child back to his biological father.

With that, Xia Wanyuan stepped aside and gestured for Jun Shiling to enter.A bright young man and Xiao Bao were together on the sofa. Xiao Bao was so amused by his interesting uncle that he only noticed Jun Shiling when he walked in front of him.

“Daddy.” Xiao Bao stopped laughing and looked at Jun Shiling timidly.

It was the first time Xia Yu had seen Jun Shiling. He wouldn’t deny that he was intimidated by the man in front of him and fell silent for a moment. However, when he turned around and saw Xia Wanyuan who was behind Jun Shiling, he forced himself to straighten his back.

Sensing Xiao Bao’s fear of him, and noticing how the laughter in the room quieted down because of his arrival, Jun Shiling looked down.

“Your mother is going to the film set tomorrow. I’m here to take you back to the manor.”

“Okay, Daddy. Can I still live with Mommy when she comes back?”

“About this…” Jun Shiling looked behind him. “Let’s see if she’s willing to bring you back.”

Xiao Bao looked at Xia Wanyuan expectantly, with his round eyes full of attachment.

“Mommy will pick you up as soon as I finish my work.” Xia Wanyuan smiled and winked at Xiao Bao.

“Okay!” Xiao Bao was finally satisfied. However, his expression turned dark when he suddenly remembered that he wouldn’t be able to see his uncle if he went back to the manor. “Then I won’t be able to play with Uncle.”

Jun Shiling then shifted his gaze to Xia Yu, who was staring at him warily. His deep gaze made Xia Yu’s heart turn cold with just a glance.

Jun Shiling was about to say that he would send Xia Yu back to the Xia family when Xia Wanyuan stepped forward unexpectedly.

“I’ve always heard that among all the young talents, Young Master Jun is the most outstanding one. If Xia Yu is lucky enough to study under Young Master Jun for some time, it would be more useful to him than him studying ten years in university.”

As he listened to Xia Wanyuan’s compliments, Jun Shiling, who had been looked up to by countless people since he was young, suddenly felt his heart stir.

Xia Wanyuan looked at Jun Shiling with her eyes swirling. “Besides, Xiao Bao wants his uncle to accompany him. I wonder if Young Master Jun can let Xia Yu stay with him for a while?”

Xiao Bao’s eyes lit up when he heard Xia Wanyuan. He ran over and grabbed Jun Shiling’s thigh, looking at him expectantly.The adult had flickering eyes, while the child had an innocent and naive look. Jun Shiling clenched his fists.

“Then let’s go back together.”

Xia Wanyuan smiled gratefully at Jun Shiling, revealing half of her dimples. Thump. The sight made Jun Shiling’s heart skip a beat.

Xia Yu was too mischievous. Xia Wanyuan felt that there were too few people who could subdue Xia Yu. After much thought, there was no one in Beijing more suitable than Jun Shiling.

Besides, what she said just now was sincere. Jun Shiling was indeed the most outstanding person she had ever seen in both her lives. It was not a loss for Xia Yu to follow Jun Shiling to learn.

Just like that, the opinions of the male in question were ignored.

Looking at Jun Shiling’s king-like face, Xia Yu’s heart raced a million miles an hour.

‘Ahhhhhhhhhh, I’m still too young to die!!!!!’

Chapter 20: Put To Bed

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

However, no one cared about Xia Yu’s resistance.

“Jun Yin will come back with me tonight, he still has school tomorrow.” Jun Shiling looked unhappily at Xiao Bao, who was clinging onto Xia Wanyuan.

Knowing that she would be leaving very early tomorrow, Xia Wanyuan nodded in agreement.

“But I want to sleep with Mommy.” Upon knowing that he was going to be separated from Xia Wanyuan, tears slowly welled up in Xiao Bao’s eyes. He couldn’t bear to part with Mommy. A few anguished sobs burst out of his trembling lips.

Xia Yu looked at Xiao Bao’s crying face and gloated inwardly. ‘That little devil is going to be punished by his father.’

“Stop fooling around. You have school tomorrow. Let’s go.”

Jun Shiling walked up and held Xiao Bao’s hand. Just as he was about to leave, he stopped and looked at Xia Yu expressionlessly. “You too.”

“…”

Xia Yu’s gloating expression changed immediately. “I… Can’t I go tomorrow?”

Jun Shiling glanced at Xia Wanyuan’s exposed legs, which were as fair as an exquisite piece of jade, and felt an inexplicable surge of anger.

“Either you leave now or you don’t go at all."Xia Wanyuan didn’t know why Jun Shiling was angry, but she still tried to ease the atmosphere by persuading Xia Yu.

“It’s alright, go with him and help take care of Xiao Bao. I have to go out very early tomorrow.”

Whatever struggles he had were futile. In the end, Jun Shiling held Xiao Bao’s hand and left the apartment with Xia Yu, whose face was as wrinkled as a bun.

The boisterous house suddenly quieted down. Xia Wanyuan sat on the carpet, holding a cup of tea as she looked out the window. The modern city was unlike the ancient times where everywhere would be closed once night fell. At night, the modern city lit up with countless neon lights, giving it a unique charm.

As she looked out the window at the myriad of lights outside, Xia Wanyuan began to miss the little dumpling that had always clung to her. She wondered if they had arrived safely.

At this moment, the phone vibrated, and the screen showed a flashing black profile picture with a few stars on it.

The caller ID displayed one word, “Jun”.

Before Xiao Bao left, he was especially reluctant to part with Xia Wanyuan, so she had promised him a video call to coax him to sleep. It seemed that they had reached home safely.

Xia Wanyuan smiled, put down the cup in her hand, and pressed the answer button.

“Mommy!”

A white and cuddly dumpling squeezed into the screen.

“Good boy. Have you showered?” Xia Wanyuan gently responded.

“Yes, Mommy. The auntie at home helped me take a bath. I smell so good now. Smell me!”

With that, Xiao Bao put his arm in front of the phone.

“Yes, you smell good.” Xia Wanyuan’s lips curled up at the child’s adorable actions.

Beside Xiao Bao sat Jun Shiling, who was reading the documents on his computer seriously. However, although Xiao Bao had been chatting with Xia Wanyuan for almost fifteen minutes, he was still on the first page.

“Alright, it’s time to sleep. You have to wake up early for school tomorrow.”A low and attractive male voice could be heard. Xia Wanyuan, who had wanted to talk to Xiao Bao for a while more, realized that it was already very late.

“Daddy, can I sleep with you? I’m afraid of the little monsters.”

Xia Wanyuan had been watching Ultraman with Xiao Bao those few days, and Xiao Bao needed Xia Wanyuan to accompany him to sleep at night as he was afraid that the little monsters would catch him and take him away while he was asleep.

Jun Shiling, who had never been close to anyone, wanted to reprimand him, but when he looked down and saw the pair of wet eyes that resembled his own, he finally allowed it.

“Mommy, the song you sang yesterday was really nice. I want to hear it today too.”

After being thrown onto the bed and stuffed under the blanket by Jun Shiling, Xiao Bao still held on to his phone to speak with Xia Wanyuan.

“Okay, then lie down and put your phone aside. Mommy will sing. Be good and sleep.”

Xia Wanyuan had enjoyed listening to popular songs recently. The melody was easy to remember and the lyrics were catchy. Therefore, when she coaxed Jun Yin to sleep, she often hummed songs that she had just learned.

“Mmm!” Xiao Bao obediently placed his phone by his pillow and closed his eyes.

Jun Shiling glared at him silently. He was so uncooperative when he was showering just now, unlike now. It was a pity that Xiao Bao’s eyes were closed and he did not notice Jun Shiling’s gaze.

Xia Wanyuan’s clear singing voice came through the phone. Her voice was like a clear pool of water striking a spring as if it was the only sound that could seep into the depths of one’s heart in this quiet night.

Slowly, Xiao Bao’s breathing became calmer, and the singing on the phone became softer gradually. Xia Wanyuan had slowly fallen asleep too.

Jun Shiling, who had been sitting quietly by the bed for a long time, gently took the phone from the pillow when he heard no sound from the phone anymore.

All that was left in the image was a clean and exquisite side profile. Her hair was scattered messily on the pillow. Xia Wanyuan’s long eyelashes were like a small arc fan, casting a shadow on her lower eyelids.

Jun Shiling was dazzled. He looked at her quietly for a while, then reached out to the phone and hung up the call.The little dumpling curled up on the bed unconsciously, as though he was looking for someone to lean on. Jun Shiling, who was about to continue working overtime, lifted the blanket and fell asleep beside Xiao Bao.

Sensing a source of warmth, Xiao Bao’s arms and legs wrapped around him.

It took him by surprise. Jun Shiling, who had never been so close to anyone before, froze for a moment. After a while, he reached out and hugged the soft little dumpling who was not even half his height.

The man’s heart swelled with warmth as he took in the warm, milky scent emanating from the little dumpling’s body. That was the natural bond that came with being related by blood.

The night finally quieted down.

…

They were supposed to meet at the airport at half-past eight in the morning. However, considering Xia Wanyuan’s usual lazy habits, she probably wouldn’t come until nine o’clock. Hence, Chen Yun ate leisurely before arriving at the airport.

Unexpectedly, the moment he entered the VIP room, he saw Xia Wanyuan sitting quietly on a chair with sunglasses on, drinking tea.

She was wearing a white floral print shirt and a pair of white tight-fitting pants that made her legs look as slender as a pair of bamboo chopsticks. She also wore a pink windbreaker with long flower petals sleeves and a long belt around her waist, which made her look like a budding flower.

“…”

He knew that Xia Wanyuan was beautiful and she had always liked bold colors and a flamboyant style. After a long time, he had already gotten used to her style.

However, the current Xia Wanyuan, although dressed in such a relatively monotonous color, was as delicate and moving as a lotus in the rain, leaving one with an endless aftertaste.

“Hey, um, you’re here so early?” He felt a bit guilty. In addition, he was surprised by Xia Wanyuan’s sudden change in style. Chen Yun approached her with some degree of embarrassment.

“Didn’t we agree to meet at half-past eight?”

“…” He didn’t know what to say.

“It’s about time, let’s go and check-in.”Until they had boarded the plane, Xia Wanyuan was actually confused. After all, that was her first time going through ticket inspection and security checks. Fortunately, because the original owner of the body was lazy in the past, Chen Yun had to handle many things for her. Hence, no flaws were seen.

The plane gradually rose into the sky. Xia Wanyuan recovered from her dizziness and looked outside, only to find that she was already in the clouds.

Large clouds were piled outside the window like cotton candy. When she was still a little princess, she often asked her mother what was above the clouds. Her mother told her that it was a place for immortals to live.

Looking at the clouds outside the window now, Xia Wanyuan felt an inexplicable bitterness in her heart.