The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 426: A Lazy Bun is Born

Chapter 426: A Lazy Bun is Born

Lee Hua couldn’t shake off the disbelief that gnawed at him as he’d watched his youngest son, Lee Mo, a few days ago.

Xiao Momo had played idly with a few cloth toys nearby after Brother Min had volunteered to do the heavy lifting when it came to their move to the servants’ quarters.

The memories flooded back—memories of a time not so long ago when Lee Mo had been his reliable little helper, a helpful little ger who always supported him and his daughter.

Yes, this was the same toddler who had tirelessly assisted his older sister, Lee An, in every task they faced. Whether it was carrying firewood to keep them warm during the harsh winters or lugging back foraged food from the nearby forests to fill their empty bellies.

He could carry several pounds of berries for miles with a goal of filling their bellies in mind. He could and would even carry several pounds of water from the village well back to his shack at the edge of the village.

Lee Mo had always been there, his small but sturdy little frame was always there to support his family to the best of his abilities.

But now, as Lee Hua reflected on the events of the previous days, he couldn’t reconcile the image of his hardworking son with the child who had struggled to lift a mere basket of soft clothing and toys.

It was as if overnight, Lee Mo had transformed from a diligent helper into a pampered child.

In the past, his little son was always trailing behind Lee An, helping her with all the tasks she found difficult to accomplish alone.

Even though he was younger than his sister, as a ger, he was naturally a little stronger physically.

Despite the age difference, they could lift around the same weight, so Lee Mo helping Lee An was never a big deal to the midwife—As a child he always did things for his own sister, but Lee Hua had no idea it was because he wasn’t liked...

The realization hit Lee Hua like a ton of bricks. How could his son, who had always been so eager to lend a hand, suddenly become so uncooperative? Was it laziness? Or was there something more troubling lurking beneath the surface?

As he thought of Lee Mo’s carefree demeanor, Lee Hua couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt.

Perhaps he had overlooked the signs, too preoccupied with their recent move and securing his own position in Nanshan Estate to notice his son’s subtle shift in behavior.

They had already moved to the new rooms for the most part. Brother Min and his brothers had done the majority of the work in one trip.

All that remained in their Budding Courtyard home were the custom beds Xu Feng had ordered for Lee An and Lee Mo.

They were as long as the adult beds that were few and far between in Nanshan Estate. The main difference was that they were more narrow and easier for the children to get up on the beds themselves.

The attached step stools were custom made, and special railings were installed to keep the two children from falling out of bed at night.

With these beds, the two children, Xiao An and Xiao Momo, were excited to sleep on their own for the first time in their lives.

While the children still shared a room, they slept on their own, and Lee Hua slept in his own room.

They already spent their last night in Budding Courtyard a few days ago and were instructed to move out the rest of their belongings this morning after they were given the sign.

What was the sign? Lee Hua didn’t know yet, he was just hoping they wouldn’t lose their new rooms and be kicked out onto the streets.

Now he knew he apparently had two children who weren’t accustomed to working anymore...

"What are you thinking?" Min asked, ignoring the contact or now the lack of contact between them. He was more curious about the variety of expressions running across the ger’s face.

The movement around them seemed so much more unimportant in comparison.

With a furrowed brow and wrinkled mouth, he voiced his concerns aloud, his voice tinged with a mixture of worry and frustration. How would his children ever find suitable partners if they continued to grow lazier by the day?

"My children have gotten much more lively since we moved to this place, but they are more lazy. How will they marry in the future?" Lee Hua was really caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

Beside him, Min observed Lee Hua with a curious expression, his brow raised inquisitively. Yet, as he caught sight of the troubled look etched on the midwife’s face, a gentle smile graced his lips. It seemed there was more to Lee Hua’s distress than met the eye.

For days, Min had observed Lee Hua’s growing unease, attributing it to the unfamiliarity of his new surroundings or the prospect of being separated from familiar faces.

It had nothing to do with the discomfort of his new quarters, or the fact that Lee Hua would be farther away from... the people he often spent time with... he wouldn’t see Xu Si and Xu San as often... or him... and his brothers...

But now, as he watched Lee Hua fret over the future of his children, Min realized the true source of his friend’s anxiety.

The midwife was true to his core, he was instead most worried about his children. Gently cradling Lee Mo in his arms, Min marveled at the toddler’s chubby cheeks and small nose.

The little man had plumped up well. Much quicker than Xiao An at his feet. That was a given as he was more outgoing, and had too many uncles and aunts in Nanshan Estate feeding him all sorts of snacks.

Despite his young age, Lee Mo had already endeared himself to the residents of Nanshan Estate, his new outgoing nature and irresistible charm melting even the stoniest of hearts.

Whether it was hardened men like his brothers, the detached master, Xu Zeng, the always busy Xu Hu Zhe, or even the preoccupied Xu Si and Xu San, this natural cutie was favored by all.