The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 459 - 461. Pei Yinong’s Choice

Chapter 459: 461. Pei Yinong’s Choice

"Mommy doesn’t like Daddy, does she?"

"Yes, but it’s not as simple as that. Initially, your mommy must have liked your daddy; otherwise, you wouldn’t be here. However, after you were born, your daddy left your mommy, and over the years, he hasn’t taken care of you and your mommy. That’s why your mommy doesn’t like your daddy anymore. Do you understand what I’m saying?" Shen Qinglan tried to present the facts as objectively as possible.

Haohao nodded, "Auntie, does Daddy know about me?"

Shen Qinglan pursed her lips, "He didn’t know before, but he does now."

"So Mommy doesn’t want me to see Daddy?"

"Haohao, it’s not that Mommy doesn’t want you to see your daddy. She’s afraid, afraid that if you have a daddy, you might not want a mommy anymore, or that you might want to live with both, or that your daddy might take you away."

Haohao’s head was lowered as he nestled into Shen Qinglan’s embrace, his small hand tightly grasping her clothes in a dependent posture, "Auntie, would Daddy fight with Mommy for me?"

Shen Qinglan shook her head, "Your auntie doesn’t know, but if your daddy and mommy were to fight over you, would you go with your daddy?"

"I wouldn’t, Auntie, I like my mommy, and I love her very much. I wish to be with Mommy for my whole life." Haohao said seriously. The young child might not understand the concept of a lifetime, but he knew it meant a very, very long time.

"If you’re with Mommy, then you can’t be with Daddy. Your mommy and daddy won’t live together like the parents of other kids. Do you understand that?"

"Auntie, I know. Xiao Ming in our class, his mommy and daddy separated a long time ago, and he lives with his mommy. Auntie, my daddy has never seen me. I grew up with Mommy. I don’t want to leave her, and I won’t leave with Daddy."

"Then, do you want to see your daddy?" Shen Qinglan asked softly, touched by how sensible Haohao was.

Haohao nodded, then shook his head, "I will go to see Daddy when Mommy agrees. I want to ask Daddy why he didn’t want me and Mommy." His eyes reddened, and Shen Qinglan, watching him, felt an increasing heartache as she stroked his head, "Haohao, will you hate Daddy?"

"Auntie, I don’t hate Daddy. I used to wish Daddy would come back to protect Mommy so she wouldn’t have to work so hard. I know other kids say I don’t have a daddy, but I don’t care, having Mommy is enough. But I wish there was someone to take care of Mommy."

"So you hope Daddy and Mommy will be together?" Shen Qinglan was concerned that if Haohao changed his mind after knowing the truth and wished his parents would be together, then it would be even more difficult for Pei Yinong and Jiang Chenxi.

Haohao shook his head, "No, it’s okay if Daddy and Mommy aren’t together. Mommy doesn’t like Daddy, she would be unhappy with him. Mommy likes Uncle Jiang. I hope Mommy can be with Uncle Jiang, and ... " He paused, looking at Shen Qinglan, "Auntie, I think Uncle Jiang is more like my daddy, and I like Uncle Jiang better."

Hearing Haohao’s words, Shen Qinglan felt a whirl of emotions. Haohao was even more sensible and mature than she thought. Adults often assume children don’t understand and therefore don’t talk to them about certain things, forgetting that in today’s world, with information everywhere, children are exposed to a much larger world than adults imagine, and they understand more than expected.

"Haohao, if your mommy heard what you just said, she would be so touched," Shen Qinglan said gently as she hugged Haohao closer.

"Auntie, can you not tell Mommy that I know?" asked Haohao.

Shen Qinglan looked down, "Why?"

"I don’t want Mommy to worry about me."

"Okay, your auntie promises you, I won’t tell Mommy," Shen Qinglan said seriously. The door opened, and Anan’s small figure appeared at the entrance, "Mommy, Brother."

Seeing Shen Qinglan holding Haohao, he immediately came over, "Mommy, hug."

Haohao got up voluntarily from Shen Qinglan’s arms, "Auntie, you hug little brother. I’m okay now, I’m a big kid."

Shen Qinglan looked at Haohao and touched her son’s head with her hand, "Go play with your brother."

Anan looked at Mommy, then looked at Brother. Haohao reached out and took Anan’s hand, "Come on, Brother will take you to play with blocks."

Anan, enticed by the mention of blocks, left Mommy and followed Brother.

**

When Pei Yinong walked out of the office and saw the figure downstairs, she was not surprised at all. She approached with a cold face, "Duan Ling, what do you want, doggedly pestering me like this?"

Duan Ling smiled, "Yining, I’ve come to explain about the sudden departure five years ago."

"No need. I don’t want to know. It’s all been so long, and you’re trying to explain now, don’t you think it’s a little late?" Pei Yinong refused.

"Yining, I know it’s a bit late to say these things now, but I still hope you can give me a chance to explain clearly. As for whether you’re willing to forgive me, I’m not insisting."

"Is it that after I hear your explanation, you’ll leave?"

Duan Ling was startled, then nodded, "Yes."

"Fine, then say it here."

Duan Ling looked around at the people coming and going, pursed his lips, "Yining, let’s go somewhere else."

Pei Yinong thought about it, nodded, and followed behind Duan Ling. But at this moment, what Pei Yinong didn’t see was Jiang Chenxi standing not far from her, silently watching her retreating figure, his expression shocked and desolate.

"Speak." Pei Yinong got straight to the point as soon as she sat down.

Duan Ling thought for a moment, "Yining, I know that no matter how I explain it, the fault was mine. I left you back then to marry Gu Jiamin."

Gu Jiamin, this name had disappeared from Pei Yinong’s life for five years. This woman was Duan Ling’s classmate and her love rival. She knew that Gu Jiamin liked Duan Ling and even crazily pursued him.

"So what you want to tell me now is that after you got together with me, you discovered that the person you actually loved was her, so you left me and married her, is that it?" Pei Yinong’s tone was sarcastic.

"It’s not like that, Yining. Listen to me. The person I’ve always loved is you. I married her only because..."

"Because of what? Go on, say it."

"It’s only because she was diagnosed with cancer, in the late stages. They said she had at most six months to live. You know she’s always liked me. After finding out about her condition, she came to me and said she hoped I could accompany her through her last journey."

Pei Yinong laughed, "Great, Duan Ling, I’m discovering for the first time just how noble a man you are. But don’t you think such an excuse is too melodramatic? Diagnosed with cancer, hoping you can accompany her through her last journey, haha, do you think you’re in a Korean drama?"

"Yining, I know it’s hard to believe what I’m saying, but everything I’ve told you is true."

Pei Yinong leaned back in her chair, looking at him indifferently, "So, is she dead now?"

"Yining..." Duan Ling stared at her blankly, seemingly unable to believe she could say something so heartless.

"Don’t like the way I talk? Duan Ling, you should understand I’ve always been this kind of person. Are you back because she’s dead and you’ve remembered me, someone you’ve forgotten about?"

Duan Ling pressed his lips together, gazing firmly at Pei Yinong for a long time before he slowly began to speak, "She passed away two years ago. I’ve been afraid to come back to you. I know I wronged you, but I never forgot about you."

"Hehe, never forgot about me, Duan Ling, when you say this, do you touch your own conscience? Actually, I’m curious. If any woman who admires you tells you she’s terminally ill and hopes you can accompany her through her last journey, will you agree?"

Of course, that would be impossible.

Pei Yinong observed his silence and immediately understood his intent, smiling, "So Duan Ling, never tell me again about how you never forgot me or that I am the only person you’ve loved. I might just throw up."

"Yining, what I’m saying is true. Why won’t you believe me?"

Pei Yinong looked at the man in front of her, still the same face, but why did it feel so strange to her? She tried to convince herself to believe his words but couldn’t manage it no matter what. Time probably really does change a person.

"Yining, I want to ask for your forgiveness, but I’m too ashamed to do so." Duan Ling’s face was full of guilt. No matter what was said about the incident five years ago, he was the one at fault. "Yining, I know you have a boyfriend now, and I’m not asking you to be with me. I just hope you’ll let me see the child. I promise, without your permission, I won’t reveal my identity to the child, nor will I compete with you for the child."

Pei Yinong remained silent.

Duan Ling continued, "I know there are lots of rumors about you in Beijing. If needed, I can come forward to clarify."

"Do you want to get Beijing people to recognize me once again as a frivolous woman?" Pei Yinong coldly questioned. This event had been so many years ago, many people had actually forgotten about it. With Duan Ling speaking out at this time, it wasn’t clarification; it was adding fuel to the fire.

"I..." Duan Ling was at a loss for words, facing Pei Yinong’s indifferent expression, he was ultimately very helpless, "Yining, then what do you want me to do?" He was willing to do anything for her, as long as she told him.

"I told you to leave Beijing, never to see Haohao in your lifetime, and never to appear in my life again. Can you do that?"

Duan Ling was speechless once more. If he hadn’t known about his child, perhaps he could have kept away from Pei Yinong’s life; but now that he knew, to not see Haohao even once, truthfully, Duan Ling couldn’t do it.

Pei Yinong understood him too well. Seeing his reaction, how could she not understand? She scoffed, Duan Ling hung his head low, "I’m sorry, Yinong, I just want to see the child for a moment."

"Yinong, I know you don’t want Haohao to know he has a father like me who is irresponsible. I’m not asking him to recognize me; even just to look at him from afar would be enough. Is that all right?" Duan Ling pleaded softly.

Pei Yinong had never seen Duan Ling so subdued. The Duan Ling she knew was always confident and composed. Looking at him like this, Pei Yinong admitted that her heart had softened, "I’ll think about this and let you know when I’ve made up my mind."

Duan Ling’s eyes brightened, "Good, good, good. I will stay in Beijing during this period. You can call me anytime; I am always free."

After Pei Yinong stood up and left, Cui Zeyu arrived, sitting across from Duan Ling, "How did it go?"

Duan Ling gave a wry smile, "Yinong doesn’t trust me." He recounted Yinong’s words to Cui Zeyu. Cui Zeyu looked at Duan Ling, his eyes full of inquiry, "I now also want to know, what exactly were your feelings for Gu Jiamin back then?"

Duan Ling was slightly taken aback, "I don’t know."

Cui Zeyu glanced sideways as Duan Ling gazed down at the floor, "Jiamin was a very good woman. Although I didn’t love her, we had always been very good friends. I used to think that we would be friends for life. In the last three years, I watched her struggle against her illness every day; yet she never gave up on herself, always strong and optimistic. Watching her like that, I..."

"You fell in love with her?" Cui Zeyu asked.

Duan Ling shook his head, "Not love, but a kind of admiration, and also pity. I wanted to protect this woman."

"Isn’t that love? Duan Ling, I suddenly regret helping you," Cui Zeyu said, unsure if by doing so he was causing harm to Pei Yinong.

Duan Ling was slightly startled by the words.

"As a brother, maybe I shouldn’t say this, but from an outsider’s perspective, Duan Ling, I think Pei Yinong is right. Your feelings for Gu Jiamin are not as simple as you say. Your feelings for her are that of a man’s love for a woman."

Duan Ling was silent. Now he too couldn’t differentiate his feelings for Gu Jiamin, "No matter what my feelings for her were, she’s gone now. Let’s not talk about it anymore."

"Alright, then what do you plan on doing next? Waiting for Pei Yinong to get in touch?"

"Yeah, I don’t want to pressure Yinong, give her some time to think clearly," Duan Ling said.

"Well then, just wait. Pei Yinong probably sent the child to the Fu Family. Shen Qinglan is her cousin, and they are very close. Pei Hao often goes to the Fu Family." Cui Zeyu relayed the information he had gathered, saying he didn’t want to help Duan Ling, but after all, this was his only brother, and he couldn’t help but assist.

Even though Duan Ling wasn’t from Beijing, he knew of the Fu Family and the Shen Family.

And for Pei Yinong, thinking over it took three days. After three days, Pei Yinong personally went to the Fu Family to bring Haohao back home.

"Mommy, where are we going?" Haohao was dug out of bed by Pei Yinong early in the morning, rubbing his eyes, asking sleepily.

Pei Yinong smiled gently and caressed her son’s soft hair, "Mommy is taking you out to play."

Haohao responded with an "oh," leaning on Pei Yinong’s shoulder, "Where are we going to play today?"

"To the amusement park. Didn’t you say last time you wanted to go to the amusement park?"

"Is Uncle Jiang going? I want Uncle Jiang to ride the pirate ship with me."

Reminded by Haohao, Pei Yinong realized she hadn’t been in contact with Jiang Chenxi for three days and that Jiang Chenxi hadn’t called or sent her a message. A strange feeling arose in Pei Yinong’s heart, thinking to give Jiang Chenxi a call later.

"Your Uncle Jiang is busy today; he can’t join you. How about you play with him next time?"

Hearing there would be no Jiang Chenxi, Haohao was immediately disappointed, "Then let’s wait until Uncle Jiang is free before we go."

"We’ll go by ourselves today and go together with your Uncle Jiang when he’s free."

"Okay," Haohao agreed reluctantly.

At the entrance of the amusement park, Duan Ling paced back and forth, glancing at the road from time to time. He held three tickets in his hand until that familiar figure entered his sight; only then did the restless anxiety in his heart begin to subside, replaced by excitement.

His gaze fixated on the child led by Pei Yinong, and as they drew closer, his heartbeat intensified. However, as they approached, Duan Ling could see Haohao’s face clearly, a shock flashing in his eyes—wasn’t this the same child he had seen at the amusement park and outside the training class? Had he already met his son without knowing it, and was this what they called a predestined fate?

"Mommy, that uncle is weird; he keeps staring at me," Haohao, noticing Duan Ling’s gaze, spoke up. He had already forgotten his prior encounter with Duan Ling.

Pei Yinong pursed her lips, then smiled, "That uncle is a friend of Mommy’s. Mommy has to work today and can’t accompany you, so is it okay if he takes you to play?"

Haohao stared at Duan Ling for a while, clearly unwilling, "Then I don’t want to play either, let’s go back, Mommy."

Pei Yinong was about to persuade her son when Duan Ling walked over, "Yining." He looked down at Haohao, "You must be Haohao, right? I’m Duan Ling, a friend of your mommy’s. You can call me... Uncle." He tried his best to suppress his emotions, to appear calm so as not to scare the child.

Haohao glanced at Duan Ling and politely called him Uncle, holding on tighter to his mother’s hand. Pei Yinong squatted down, "Haohao, you’ve always been a good listener. Why don’t you play with Uncle today, and Mommy will come to pick you up as soon as she’s finished with her work?"

Haohao pursed his lips and said nothing—it was his way of expressing reluctance. Pei Yinong looked at Duan Ling, who squatted down, waved the tickets in front of Haohao, "See, Uncle has already bought the tickets. Today you can play whatever you want. I heard from your mommy that you like to ride the pirate ship; Uncle will take you to play."

Still with pursed lips, Haohao remained silent. Duan Ling looked helplessly at Pei Yinong, "Yining, why don’t you join us today? I’ve bought the tickets already."

Instead of responding to him, Pei Yinong took her son aside, "Haohao, what’s wrong? Are you unhappy?"

Haohao shook his head, "Mommy, I just don’t want to play with this uncle. I want to be with you."

"Why? Don’t you like this uncle?" Pei Yinong’s voice became even gentler.

Haohao looked down, then gently shook his head, "No, I don’t dislike him." The uncle’s gaze was gentle toward him.

"Then why don’t you want to play with the uncle?"

"Mommy, I want Uncle Jiang."

Pei Yinong fell silent, then after a while she spoke, "Tomorrow Mommy will take you to see Uncle Jiang."

After comforting Haohao for a good while, Haohao reluctantly agreed to spend the day with Duan Ling and let him take him to play.

"Haohao is your responsibility today, I’ll come to pick him up in the evening," Pei Yinong said indifferently. Duan Ling took Haohao’s hand, "Okay, if it’s inconvenient for you, I can bring Haohao over to you."

Pei Yinong nodded indifferently and exchanged a few more words with Haohao before leaving.

Duan Ling looked down at Haohao, "Don’t you recognize me, Haohao? We’ve met before, at this amusement park. Remember when you went to the toilet?"

At first, Haohao appeared confused but finally remembered after Duan Ling’s prompt, "Ah, you’re that uncle. I recognize you."

Seeing a smile on Haohao’s face finally relieved Duan Ling, "I’m glad you remember me. Is it okay if Uncle accompanies you all day today?"

"Okay," Haohao nodded with a smile. "Uncle, can you take me on the roller coaster? Last time Uncle Jiang took me on it."

"Of course," Duan Ling lifted Haohao into his arms, "Who is Uncle Jiang?"

"Uncle Jiang is mommy’s boyfriend; he’s so handsome." Haohao was very cheerful when he mentioned Jiang Chenxi; it was obvious that he liked him a lot.

Duan Ling’s expression dimmed slightly, "Does Uncle Jiang treat you well?"

"Yes, Uncle Jiang is really nice to me. He buys me lots of fun things and tasty food, and he’s very gentle with me."

"Do you like Uncle Jiang a lot?"

"Of course, my favorite people besides my brother, my aunt, and Mommy are Uncle Jiang."

"Brother?" Duan Ling’s expression paused.

"Yeah, my little brother, he’s so adorable, my favorite. His name is Anan. Just a few days ago, I was staying at my aunt’s house and playing with him." Haohao’s eyes lit up.

Duan Ling immediately understood that this little brother was the Fu Family’s grandson.

**

After leaving the amusement park, Pei Yinong called Jiang Chenxi, but no one answered. Checking the time, she guessed he might be in class, so she steered the wheel and headed for A University.

When she reached the school’s gate, Pei Yinong called Jiang Chenxi again, and this time, someone answered.

"Yining." Jiang Chenxi’s warm voice came through the phone, and Pei Yinong smiled, "Chenxi, do you have time for lunch together at noon?"

Jiang Chenxi glanced at the class schedule on his desk, "Sure, I don’t have classes in the afternoon. Where are you now? I’ll come find you."

"I’m right outside your school. Come out," said Pei Yinong.

Jiang Chenxi raised an eyebrow slightly, "You’re at my school’s gate?"

"Yeah, there wasn’t much going on at the company today, so I came over to see you."

"Alright, then. I’ll be out in five minutes. Wait for me."

"No rush, take your time."

Jiang Chenxi came out quickly. Opening the passenger’s side door, he looked to the backseat but didn’t see Haohao, "Where’s Haohao?"

"Haohao didn’t come today. Can’t I have a little alone time with you?" Pei Yinong said jokingly.

Jiang Chenxi gave a slight smile, "Of course you can."

Pei Yinong had chosen a seaside restaurant. Not far from the restaurant was the sea, perfect for a walk after their meal.

"Yining, have you been busy with work these days?" Jiang Chenxi asked casually.

Pei Yinong was momentarily stunned, then caught on, "Chenxi, let’s eat first. I have something I want to talk to you about after the meal."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chenxi stiffened and looked down, his gaze growing sad. Because that person had returned, was she going to break up with him?

During the meal, Jiang Chenxi ate without any appetite, while Pei Yinong was preoccupied with her own thoughts and didn’t notice his unusual demeanor.

After the meal, Jiang Chenxi and Pei Yinong walked on the beach.

"Yining."

"Chenxi."

They both spoke at the same time, and then they were both startled.

"You go first," said Jiang Chenxi gently, tensing the hand by his side.

Pei Yinong pursed her lips, "Chenxi, he’s back."

As expected, was this the moment for a showdown? Jiang Chenxi suddenly regretted coming out with Pei Yinong. He had avoided contacting her for the past few days, fearing she would tell him that man was back and that they should break up.

Seeing Jiang Chenxi silent, Pei Yinong turned her head and looked at him, "Don’t you have anything you want to say?"

"So you’re here to break up with me?" Jiang Chenxi’s voice was low, carried by the wind into Pei Yinong’s ears. She was taken aback, and her stunned expression made Jiang Chenxi believe his guess was right.

"Yining, do you like that man so much?" Jiang Chenxi’s expression was sorrowful.

Pei Yining burst into laughter, her heart, however, ached with each beat. Holding Jiang Chenxi’s hand, she asked, "So you think I asked you out today to break up with you?"

Jiang Chenxi raised his gaze, "Isn’t it?"

Pei Yining chuckled, "You really are a fool." She sobered, fixing her gaze firmly on Jiang Chenxi, "Chenxi, I don’t want to keep you in the dark. It was only a few days ago that I found out he’s back. I was shocked to see him. I had even thought that he might never show up in my life again. Countless times, I’ve wondered what I would do if he were to appear before me again—whether I would be so full of hate that I’d strangle him or if I’d still be unable to stop thinking about him. But Chenxi, neither of those scenarios happened."

"You..." Jiang Chenxi hesitated.

"Chenxi, I’ve moved on from him. At some point, he became part of my past. If he hadn’t shown up this time, I might not even remember what he looks like."

"So you’re not breaking up with me?"

Pei Yining smiled faintly and wrapped her arms around Jiang Chenxi’s waist, "To call you a fool would be an understatement. The person I love now is you; the person I want to be with is also you. Duan Ling’s re-emergence has only clarified my feelings. Chenxi, I want to be with you for the rest of my life."

Jiang Chenxi held Pei Yining tighter, burying his head in the crook of her neck and shoulder, "Yining, I thought I was going to lose you." If he had never had her, Jiang Chenxi might have been saddened to see Pei Yining with Duan Ling, but having loved and then lost, Jiang Chenxi wasn’t sure he could endure the pain of losing Pei Yining.

"I saw you with Duan Ling that day, and I thought you..." Jiang Chenxi didn’t finish, but Pei Yining understood what he meant.

"Which day was that? Three days ago?" Pei Yining asked.

Jiang Chenxi nodded, "Yes."

Pei Yining laughed from within Jiang Chenxi’s embrace, "Ha ha, so you haven’t been in touch these past few days because of this?" She had thought Jiang Chenxi was just busy with work. It turned out he’d been afraid she would break up with him. Pei Yining laughed, her heart aching all the more for this silly man.

Jiang Chenxi hugged Pei Yining tight, "Yining, I’m afraid of losing you."

Pei Yining sighed, "You really are foolish, how could I bear to leave you?" It’s not easy to find someone who truly cares for you, and this man had also waited for her for so long.

Knowing that Pei Yining wasn’t breaking up with him, Jiang Chenxi’s mood brightened considerably, and he held her hand, strolling along the beach, "Is Haohao at home today?"

"No, he’s with Duan Ling." Pei Yining candidly replied, "He begged me several times, hoping I would let him meet the child. I was also worried that if I didn’t let them meet now, Haohao would grow up, learn the truth, and resent me. Chenxi, would you blame me?"

Jiang Chenxi smiled, "How could I? Haohao is his biological child, and no one can deny that. His request to meet isn’t unreasonable."

"I don’t want them to acknowledge each other; Haohao is my son, and I won’t let him go with anyone."

"Yining, don’t worry. Even if you let them acknowledge each other as father and son, it’s fine. If you’re concerned because of me, there’s even less need to worry, I’m alright," Jiang Chenxi said with a smile.

Pei Yining was taken aback. She had to admit that one of the reasons she didn’t want the father and son to recognize each other was indeed because of Jiang Chenxi. She couldn’t guarantee whether Haohao would still be as close to Jiang Chenxi once he knew his father had returned.

Jiang Chenxi treated Haohao as if he were his own, and if Haohao’s relationship with Jiang Chenxi changed because of Duan Ling’s presence, not just Jiang Chenxi, even Pei Yining would feel heartbroken.

Pei Yining held Jiang Chenxi’s hand tighter and softly said, "Thank you, Chenxi."

**

Theme park.

Duan Ling took Haohao through almost every game at the park, leaving Haohao sweaty and breathless from joy. Duan Ling tenderly wiped the sweat from Haohao’s forehead, "Did you have fun today?"

Haohao nodded, "Um, very happy, thank you, Uncle."

"Whatever else you want to play, just tell Uncle, and I’ll take you," Duan Ling offered.

Noting Haohao’s flushed cheeks, Duan Ling extracted a bottle of water from his bag, "Here, take a drink."

Haohao drank nearly half the bottle with Duan Ling’s help, "Do you want more?" Duan Ling asked.

Haohao shook his head and patted his little stomach, "Uncle, I’m hungry."

Looking at the time, Duan Ling realized it was already past four in the afternoon. Haohao had only had a bun for lunch and had been playing for the better half of the day; he must indeed be hungry, "Uncle has been negligent. What would you like to eat? I’ll take you there."

"Mama said I can’t have fried chicken, so can I have a steak instead?"

"Of course, we’ll go for steak right now," Duan Ling readily agreed, wanting to pick Haohao up, but Haohao refused, "Uncle, I’m a big kid now, I don’t need to be carried anymore."

Duan Ling smiled, "Okay, then I’ll hold your hand."

In Duan Ling’s palm was Haohao’s soft little hand, and in his heart was a sense of satisfaction he had never felt before, a feeling more thrilling than closing a multimillion-dollar deal.

Duan Ling chose a restaurant with good online reviews, "Order whatever you want, Uncle is treating you." Duan Ling handed the menu to Haohao.

Haohao swung his little legs back and forth and glanced at the person next to him from time to time. When Duan Ling met Haohao’s gaze, his eyes were tender, "What’s up? Do you want to say something to Uncle? Or don’t you like the food here? If you don’t, we can go to another restaurant."

Haohao shook his head, "Uncle, I’m not picky."

"What’s your favorite food then?" Duan Ling asked.

"Steak," Haohao said.

Duan Ling flipped through the menu and ordered a children’s steak for him, "Did you have fun today?"

Haohao nodded, "I had a lot of fun, thank you, Uncle, for taking me out today."

"You’re welcome; if you want to go out again, just call your Uncle, and I’ll take you," Duan Ling said as he watched Haohao, feeling an affection that only grew. This was his child. Though Haohao looked like Pei Yinong and Duan Ling could hardly see himself in Haohao, Haohao was indeed his own child. He had grown from a baby into such a big boy without Duan Ling knowing, and realizing this deepened the guilt he felt.

"Uncle, how come I never saw you before?" Haohao asked with his big, innocent eyes.

Duan Ling smiled, "That’s because your Uncle was abroad before and only came back recently."

"Then how do you know my mom?"

"Your mom and I were college classmates; we knew each other in college."

"College?"

Duan Ling nodded, "Yeah, college. Do you know what college is?"

"Sure, my mom told me about it. So, you’ve known my mom for a long time?"

"Yeah, for a very long time," Duan Ling smiled and carefully cut the steak into small pieces for Haohao and arranged the knife and fork neatly.

After eating a piece of steak, Haohao’s eyes lit up with joy, "Uncle, this is really good."

"If you like it, eat more. If it’s not enough, your Uncle will order you some more," Duan Ling said, delighted to see Haohao enjoying the meal.

"Uncle, since you’ve known my mom for so long, are you a really good friend of hers?"

Duan Ling’s hand holding the knife and fork paused briefly, and he looked into Haohao’s pure eyes with a slight smile, "We are friends." He said friends but didn’t dare to call themselves close friends.

Haohao, still young, didn’t notice this detail and simply nodded, "Oh." His gaze fell on Duan Ling’s hand, "Huh, Uncle, are you married? My Aunt’s husband has a ring like that, too. He said you can wear one only if you’re married. So, Uncle, are you married?"

Duan Ling felt a lump in his throat and couldn’t bring himself to say the word. He even regretted slightly why he hadn’t taken the ring off.

Haohao was still waiting for Duan Ling’s answer, under Haohao’s gaze Duan Ling nodded gently, "Yes, your Uncle is married."

"Oh." Haohao lowered his head to take another bite of steak, so Duan Ling missed the disappointment in Haohao’s eyes.

"Uncle, do you have kids?" Haohao looked up at him again.

Duan Ling smiled, "Yes, your Uncle has a son who is about your age this year."

Haohao lowered his head and took another bite of steak. It wasn’t long before he set down his knife and fork. "Uncle, I’m full."

Duan Ling glanced at the more than half of the steak left on Haohao’s plate and frowned slightly, asking, "You’re not eating anymore after so little? Is it because it’s not tasty?"

"No, Uncle, the steak is delicious, but I’m full, and I miss my mommy. I want to go home," Haohao said, looking up at Duan Ling with innocent eyes, which also held a longing for his mother.

Duan Ling couldn’t bring himself to ask Haohao to stay and nodded his head, "Alright, Uncle will call your mommy and then take you home, okay?"

"There’s no need, I have my mommy’s phone number, I’ll call her myself." With that, Haohao used his phone watch to call Pei Yinong.

The phone was answered by Jiang Chenxi, "Haohao, this is Uncle Jiang. Your mommy went to the restroom."

Haohao’s eyes brightened when he heard Jiang Chenxi’s voice, "Uncle Jiang, are you together with mommy?"

"Yes, your mommy and I are having dinner. Just wait a moment; she’ll be back soon," Jiang Chenxi said gently.

Haohao grinned, "Uncle Jiang, I don’t need mommy, you and mommy enjoy your meal." Saying that, Haohao hung up the phone and looked at Duan Ling, "Uncle, I don’t want to go home now, can you take me to watch a movie?"

Duan Ling had heard what Haohao said to Jiang Chenxi and understood the little guy’s plan, but he wanted to spend more time with Haohao too, so he nodded, "Sure, Uncle will take you to the movies. Which one do you want to see?"

"I want to see ’Coco.’" That was the movie Pei Yinong had promised to take him to see.

"Okay, Uncle will take you there after a while."

When Pei Yinong returned to her seat, Jiang Chenxi told her about Haohao’s phone call, and she called Haohao back.

"Mommy."

"Haohao, did you want to say something to mommy when you called just now?"

"Nothing much, I just wanted to tell mommy that I’m having a great time with Uncle and want to stay with him a little longer."

Duan Ling, sitting to the side and listening to his son on the phone, suddenly realized that his son was quite the clever little imp. He felt a burst of pride in his heart, but it was accompanied by a bitter sweetness.

Seeing one’s son trying to match the woman he liked with another man would fill anyone with heartache, wouldn’t it?

Haohao sat alone in the backseat, swinging his plump little legs and humming a nursery rhyme. Duan Ling turned to look at him, his eyes full of doting affection, "Does Haohao like to sing?"

"No, I prefer playing the piano more."

Duan Ling suddenly remembered. The second time he met Haohao was outside a training class, as Haohao had just come out from the intermediate class. "How long have you been learning the piano?"

"A year now. I started learning the piano when I was four," Haohao said seriously, holding up one finger.

"Why did you start learning piano so young? Isn’t it tough?" Duan Ling felt empathy for the child.

Haohao shook his head, puzzled, "It’s not tough at all. I think playing the piano is a very interesting thing. Why would it feel tough?"

Duan Ling thought of Cui Zeyu’s son, Cui Baicheng, who really didn’t like playing the piano. Every piano practice dragged on, and he would try to get out of it if he could, even faking illness to get a leave. So even after a year, he couldn’t play even ’Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ all the way through.

Reflecting on this, Duan Ling looked at Haohao’s little face, full of pride.

It was already 7:30 in the evening when they came out of the movie theater, and now it was truly time to take Haohao home. Duan Ling called Pei Yinong to inform her of his location and waited quietly for her to come and pick up the child.

In Haohao’s hand was a small plush toy of Baymax, which Duan Ling had just bought for him.

"Haohao, I’ve already called your mommy. She’s on her way here now."

"Okay," Haohao responded obediently. After a moment, Haohao suddenly looked up at Duan Ling, "Uncle, you are actually my daddy, aren’t you?"