Xing Xing knows that there’s a new little baby in Daddy’s belly now.
These days, Daddy has been caring a lot for the bad uncle lying in the hospital bed. He’s not like before, when he only loved Xing Xing.
So, when Xing Xing first found out that Yu Bai was pregnant, he thought about how daddy’s love would have to be shared with the new baby once it’s born. He felt jealous and didn’t look forward to the baby’s arrival at all.
Until one day, Xing Xing went with Yu Bai to see the doctor’s black-and-white image of the little baby.
In the image, the baby was so tiny. The not-yet-fully-formed little baby looked even more petite and cute in the black-and-white image.
At that moment, Xing Xing whispered “Xiaobao” through Daddy’s belly.
Magically, in the image, the baby inside Yu Bai’s belly seemed to have heard Xing Xing’s voice and gently moved its tiny body!
The baby inside Yu Bai’s belly seemed to particularly enjoy being called “Xiaobao” by Xing Xing.
“Xiaobao” became the nickname for the baby inside Yu Bai’s belly, and Xing Xing also fell in love with the new life coming to Daddy’s belly at that moment.
The little baby liked him, and as the older brother, Xing Xing naturally liked the little baby too!
Now, Xing Xing acts like a little housekeeper every day, taking care of Yu Bai around the clock.
Xing Xing sometimes reminds Yu Bai to rest, and other times he encourages Yu Bai to eat more, fearing that if Yu Bai feels uncomfortable, the baby might feel the same way.
He wants to protect Daddy well and ensure that Daddy gives birth to the baby safely and smoothly.
In early childhood education videos, they say that when a baby is born, it’s like a blank sheet of paper that needs someone to teach it everything.
Smart and clever as Xing Xing is, he’s planning something in his mind.
After Daddy gives birth to the baby, he intends to stay by the baby’s side all the time, teaching the baby many things. Then, he’ll “convert” the baby, pulling the baby into his camp and rebelling together against the bad uncle who’s been occupying Daddy’s attention for so long!
Xing Xing knows that it’s not easy for Daddy to carry and give birth to the baby. Daddy needs to eat well, drink well, and get all the necessary nutrients.
So today, when Grandma Rong and Grandpa Ji came to the hospital, Xing Xing asked Grandpa Ji to take him to the fruit store outside the hospital and bought a lot of apples!
Xing Xing specifically picked a big, red apple. He washed the apple clean himself, used a tissue to wipe off the moisture on the apple’s surface, and then carefully held the apple.
With his little legs, he followed behind Grandpa Ji, searching for Daddy in the hospital.
It was time for Daddy to eat fruits now, but Daddy had been with the bad uncle and hadn’t come back. So, Xing Xing decided to deliver the apples that daddy was supposed to eat to him himself!
Ji Cheng pushed open the doors to the hospital room, taking long strides, while Xing Xing followed behind.
However, as soon as Xing Xing entered the room, he saw three pairs of eyes inside all looking in his direction.
Xing Xing blinked his watery eyes and spoke with a soft and tender voice, “Daddy, it’s time to eat fruits! These are the apples I’ve cleaned especially for you!”
Xing Xing walked to Yu Bai’s side, holding up the apple in his hand, trying to give it to Yu Bai.
“Daddy, here!”
The next second, the apple in Xing Xing’s hand disappeared.
Lying on the hospital bed, Ji Rongyu reached out and took the red apple from Xing Xing’s hand.
Xing Xing widened his eyes, looking at Ji Rongyu who had “acted spoiled” with disbelief.
Did Daddy spoil the bad uncle too much? The bad uncle actually took away the red apple he gave to daddy!
Ji Rongyu: “Your dad just finished drinking chicken soup. He can’t eat fruits now, so I’m eating it on his behalf.”
Ji Rongyu took a bite of the apple, the sound of his chewing crisp and clear.
Xing Xing stomped his foot in frustration, “This apple wasn’t for you! I especially got it for daddy!”
“I know,” Ji Rongyu revealed a smug smile, “but kiddo, I’m your dad too.”
“Moreover, the kind who’s your biological dad.”
—
September 1st.
“Galaxy Snack Shop” had clearly become the liveliest snack shop in J City. Every day, guests from all over Huaxia came there because of its reputation.
“Galaxy Snack Shop” had bustling business, and it successfully spurred the commercial development of the entire Sanjiaokou in the Qingqiao District.
Every afternoon, a variety of snack shops and stalls gradually opened for business, and many clothing stores, jewelry stores, and bubble tea shops also chose to operate in Sanjiaokou.
Recently, J City’s official food and entertainment section reporters came to Sanjiaokou for promotion, bringing a wave of massive customer flow to the entire Sanjiaokou.
Nowadays, Sanjiaokou has become one of the most popular and famous snack streets in J City.
Today is the first day of the new semester.
Zhao Miaomiao walked into the classroom and saw Ning Ning and Ling Zi, whom she hadn’t seen for a long time, whispering to each other. She immediately walked over.
“What are you two talking about?”
“Miaomiao, you’re here just in time!” Ling Zi’s eyes lit up. “Ning Ning and I are discussing what snacks to have after school this afternoon!”
Zhao Miaomiao put down her school bag. “Do we even need to think about it? It’s definitely ‘Galaxy Snack Shop’!”
“Today is the first day of school, and ‘Galaxy Snack Shop’ is sure to be packed!”
The students from the nearby areas of Sanjiaokou, some of whom lived in the Qingqiao District, while others lived in other areas, didn’t find it easy to make a trip to Sanjiaokou on ordinary days.
At the beginning of the school year, those students who lived far from Sanjiaokou would surely be tempted by the delicacies and rush to various snack shops and stalls in Sanjiaokou.
Naturally, “Galaxy Snack Shop,” being the best business in Sanjiaokou, would be filled with people.
Ling Zi said, “I remember that the crispy chicken and candied haws stalls at Sanjiaokou are also good. How about we try these two today?”
Ning Ning added, “The candied haws stall is still there… but I’m afraid the crispy chicken stall might not be available.”
Ling Zi frowned, “Why?”
Ning Ning lived near Sanjiaokou, so she was well aware of the situation on the snack street.
“During the summer vacation, the big son of the lady selling crispy chicken came to help. Coincidentally, a popular food blogger was ‘exploring’ around here and happened to capture the young man’s image… The son of the lady selling crispy chicken is tall and handsome, always wearing a sunny smile. He gained popularity online, so the crispy chicken from the lady also gained some attention…”
“Recently, the lady managed to secure a nearby rental store in Sanjiaokou. She’s busy decorating it and plans to open her crispy chicken stall after the renovation is done!”
Ling Zi’s eyes brightened, “Handsome guy? I like that. Do you have a photo?”
Zhao Miaomiao lightly tapped Ling Zi’s head, “Don’t derail the conversation. You can look at the photo later. Right now, let’s discuss snacks.”
Zhao Miaomiao continued, “But I heard that ‘Galaxy Snack Shop’ just introduced a limited edition osmanthus wine sweet rice ball for the autumn season, paired with a limited edition osmanthus sticky rice ball…”
Ning Ning added, “Introduced today? Oh no, won’t ‘Galaxy Snack Shop’ be incredibly crowded today?!”
“Galaxy Snack Shop” introduces new snack items every once in a while, and each one happens to be delicious.
So, whenever “Galaxy Snack Shop” introduces new items, there are countless customers rushing to the shop, wanting to be “early tasters” – just to post on their social media and show off a bit, making their friends on their contact list jealous.
“But the osmanthus wine sweet rice ball and osmanthus sticky rice ball sound so tempting…” Ling Zi swallowed hard, her mouth watering. “This morning on my way to school, I passed by a poster from ‘Galaxy Snack Shop’. The sticky rice ball and wine sweet rice ball on it were golden and adorned with golden osmanthus flowers, looking exceptionally beautiful.”
Ling Zi’s vivid description ignited Ning Ning’s imagination.
She suddenly slammed the table.
“That settles it then! After school, we’re going to ‘Galaxy Snack Shop’!”
Before 8 AM, outside the Little Red Flower Kindergarten.
Xing Xing, with his chubby little hands, tightly held onto Yu Bai’s large hand, his round ink-black eyes seemed to hold glistening tears.
Xing Xing hesitated, “Daddy…”
Yu Bai crouched down, pressing his cheek against Xing Xing’s chubby one.
“Xing Xing, you’re almost four years old now, you’re becoming a grown-up and good child.” Yu Bai gently touched Xing Xing’s little head, “Daddy believes that you can get along well with your friends in kindergarten. And you must listen to your teacher, okay?”
Xing Xing obediently nodded, “Okay!”
Ji Rongyu said, “It’s almost 8 o’clock. If you don’t go in now, you’ll be late.”
Xing Xing squinted his round eyes and gave Ji Rongyu an annoyed glance.
This big scoundrel! He’s really ruining the atmosphere between me and Daddy!
Xing Xing’s little face willingly pressed against Yu Bai’s cheek, and under Ji Rongyu’s watchful eyes, he planted a firm kiss on Yu Bai’s cheek.
“Daddy! I’ll be a good boy! Don’t worry!”
Xing Xing gently patted Yu Bai’s slightly protruding belly, “Xiaobao, goodbye!”
Xing Xing waved to Yu Bai again, “Goodbye, Daddy!”
Xing Xing looked at Ji Rongyu, pouted his little mouth, and stiffly spat out two emotionless words.
“Goodbye, hmph!”
After saying that, Xing Xing turned and walked into the Little Red Flower Kindergarten.
Soon, a teacher from the kindergarten came forward and led Xing Xing to his class.
Yu Bai stood up. He and Ji Rongyu stood shoulder to shoulder, watching Xing Xing’s figure gradually disappear from their view. Yu Bai let out a gentle sigh.
Ji Rongyu asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
“No,” Yu Bai wasn’t sure if it was because there was a little life in his belly now, but his recent emotions had become somewhat sensitive. “I’m just worried about Xing Xing going to kindergarten alone… He’s so well-behaved, what if he gets bullied by other kids?”
He should have said a few more words to Xing Xing just now, that he shouldn’t silently endure any bullying from other kids.
Upon hearing Yu Bai’s worries, Ji Rongyu fell silent.
Xing Xing, that little rascal, being bullied by others?
Xing Xing, that little rascal, has more tricks up his sleeve than a leaky bucket. The innocent and naive kids at the kindergarten won’t be able to bully Xing Xing at all.
“Don’t overthink it. Xing Xing is so clever, he’ll be just fine.”
Ji Rongyu embraced Yu Bai’s slender waist, ignoring the other parents who were also sending their children to kindergarten. He leaned his chin on Yu Bai’s shoulder.
With slightly narrowed phoenix eyes, Ji Rongyu’s expression was like that of a majestic lion lazily flicking its tail in its own territory.
Yu Bai attempted to push Ji Rongyu’s head away, but Ji Rongyu shamelessly nuzzled against Yu Bai’s neck.
Yu Bai paused, his face slightly reddened. “There are so many people around.”
Since becoming pregnant, his body had become more sensitive compared to before.
“Don’t want to.” Ji Rongyu elongated his magnetic voice, adopting a coquettish tone. “After sending Xing Xing, should we head home?.”
“Today, ‘Galaxy Snack Shop’ is launching something new. I need to go to the store and supervise. Chen Jing is also at the store, so I’ll take the chance to discuss the specific process for the opening of the chain stores next month…”
“There’s Chen Jing and Yun He in the store… I also had Hang Yuanshu come to help watch over things. Everything should be fine.” Ji Rongyu nuzzled against Yu Bai again, his tone pitiful. “Can’t you take a day off today? It’s been several days since we’ve been alone together…”
Ji Rongyu, like a wild dog, lightly bit Yu Bai’s earlobe.
In a low voice, he said, “I’ve missed you so much.”
When he mentioned “missed,” Ji Rongyu’s tone grew heavier.
Uttering the word “missed” so openly in public, Yu Bai’s face turned explosively red.
Yu Bai: “You, you, why are you like this…”
Before he could finish, Ji Rongyu turned him and led him into the black car parked nearby.
Author’s note:
Xing Xing discovering his origin: “I’m not clean!”
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PS: End of the main text! Thanks for all the support you’ve given for so long! Bow!