"Ouch, ouch, Mommy, that hurts, let go." Chu Junyu was dragged back to the room by his ear, yelping in pain as he begged for mercy. "Dad, what are you doing? Why aren't you saving your eldest son? Ouch, Dad, help—"
...
Hearing their voices from the room, Nangong Yichen's handsome lips curled up slightly, a faint smile forming. He looked at the half-open door, his delicate, jade-like face no longer so cold.
The half-open door was pushed open, and Nangong Yehen's tall figure appeared. He leaned against the doorframe, not entering. Seeing him, Nangong Yichen's once childlike handsome face turned a few degrees colder. His gaze at Nangong Yehen carried a hint of reproach and a touch of resentment.
Nangong Yehen looked at him deeply for a moment and said, "Go to bed early."
"Mm." He responded indifferently.
After Nangong Yehen left, Nangong Yichen called Ouyang Ruobing.
"Mom." His childish voice carried a hint of longing.
"Yichen, is it the unfamiliar environment keeping you awake?" Ouyang Ruobing's gentle voice traveled through the phone to Nangong Yichen's heart.
Nangong Yichen chuckled. "No, I'm not picky about beds or environments. I was just busy a moment ago."
"You're a child; you shouldn't stay up too late."
"I know, Mom. What are you doing?"
"I'm hanging out with some good friends."
"Don't drink too much." His tone was like a boyfriend checking on his girlfriend.
"Got it, good son."
Nangong Yichen's gaze suddenly turned cold as he glanced toward the door. "Mom, I'll talk to you later. Good night."
Chu Lingzhi, holding a glass of milk, stood at the doorway. Hearing Nangong Yichen call Ouyang Ruobing "Mom" so obediently, her heart felt like it had been pricked by a needle. It wasn't pain, but a pang of bitterness.
She didn't mind Nangong Yichen calling Ouyang Ruobing "Mom." After all, wasn't it good for her child to have another mother's love? What bothered her was that over these five years, she hadn't been able to care for and accompany him like she did with Chu Junyu.
What bothered her even more was that Nangong Yehen hadn't given him better fatherly love during these five years. And she also minded how cold Nangong Yichen's attitude toward her was.
Chu Lingzhi took a deep breath, refusing to lose heart. Children are innocent, their eyes are sharp, and their hearts are pure. Whoever treats them well, they'll like. From now on, she would treat him well and give him all the affection she could. He would surely accept her as his mom.
Chu Lingzhi buried that bitterness deep in her heart, her beautiful face adorned with a kind smile as she carried the milk into the room.
Nangong Yichen's expression was indifferent, his gaze at her cold and aloof, radiating a cool demeanor. Meeting such a frosty look, Chu Lingzhi's heart sank again.
"Yichen, Mommy made you a glass of warm milk. Drink it before bed; it'll help you sleep." Chu Lingzhi placed the milk on the table, speaking softly. "It's a bit hot, so wait a moment before drinking."
"Mm." Nangong Yichen responded, his bright eyes still cold.
Chu Lingzhi sat down on the bed, smiling at him. He raised an eyebrow slightly, looking at her with displeasure. "Still not leaving?"
Chu Lingzhi's heart ached. "Yichen, I gave birth to you."
The implication was that a son shouldn't disrespect his mother, let alone drive her away.
"I know." Nangong Yichen said, looking at her.
"Mommy wants to stay with you for a bit."
"It's late. I need to sleep."
Chu Lingzhi pointed to the glass of milk. "Drink it before you sleep."
"Mm." Nangong Yichen jumped off the bed and headed into the bathroom.