The butler didn't understand romance, nor why his wise, free-spirited master would spend half his life devoted to one woman.
Mr. He's calm tone carried a hint of displeasure. "You know what I don't like to hear."
The butler immediately fell silent.
The corridor.
Xixi heard their conversation clearly and grew even more curious.
Who was this woman?
It seemed he would have to investigate properly.
The next day, Xixi went down for breakfast as usual and was surprised to see Mr. He there as well. "Are you feeling better?"
Mr. He paused, not questioning how Xixi knew, and replied gently, "Much better. No need to worry."
"I'm not worried about you."
Xixi turned and headed downstairs.
Mr. He chuckled and followed. Just then, the butler came down, and Mr. He glanced at him, saying in a low voice, "If the little one asks, don't tell him."
The butler acknowledged the instruction.
By the time they reached the dining area, Xixi was already sitting obediently at the table. He even greeted the butler enthusiastically.
"Hello, Uncle Butler."
The butler nodded slightly and smiled. "Good morning, little one. Did you sleep well last night?"
"Very well!"
The butler had to admit that seeing such a rosy-cheeked little angel smiling at him first thing in the morning was a delightful experience.
Breakfast was a quiet yet cheerful affair.
The atmosphere remained pleasant throughout.
However, to everyone's surprise, Xixi didn't ask about Mr. He's health after the meal.
He sat on the sofa, propping his chin with his hands, his clear eyes looking at Mr. He. "Uncle He, shall we go out and play today?"
"Of course."
Mr. He readily agreed.
"Where do you want to go? An amusement park or an arcade? Or maybe watch a movie, or go for dessert? We could even make a schedule. I have nothing else to do today and can accompany you the whole time."
Xixi's gaze was complex. "Uncle doesn't need to attend to company matters?"
"No, today is a day off."
It seemed to be due to his health.
Xixi observed Mr. He's complexion. He was still a bit pale, clearly not feeling well, yet he remained silent.
Xixi pursed his lips and suddenly said, "Then let's do as Uncle suggested. First, the amusement park, then the arcade, then a movie, and finally dessert. That should take us until past 8 PM, and then we can go home, bathe, and sleep."
The butler hesitated to speak.
Xixi acted as if he hadn't noticed.
Mr. He certainly wouldn't ask the butler what he wanted to say, and he smiled in agreement. "I'll have someone arrange our outing right away. Do you want to go upstairs and change your clothes?"
Children's home clothes looked no different from their outerwear, both being cute styles.
Xixi, however, was meticulous. "Of course, I have to change. Since we're going out to play, I must dress cool!"
Mr. He chuckled. "Alright, I'll wait for you."
Xixi scampered upstairs on his little legs.
The butler, having held back for a long time, could finally voice his concerns. "Sir, the doctor said yesterday that your body needs rest. Why are you going out?"
Mr. He took a tissue and wiped his mouth with elegant movements and a smile. "What's there to not go to? The child has made a rare request, and I can't dampen his spirits."
The butler's eyes widened. He was utterly helpless. "How can you be like this, not taking care of yourself, just ruining your health like this!"
He was clearly upset but had no way to deal with Mr. He, and his scolding became more intense.
Mr. He laughed. "You've been with me for so many years, don't you understand me? What kind of person do you think I am? How could I not care about my own health?"
The butler kept a stern face and remained silent.
Mr. He continued, "Don't worry, I know my own condition. Since I've already promised the little one, I can't go back on my word. I promise you, just today, and tomorrow I'll rest well."
Since his master was speaking so gently and reasonably, the butler had no choice but to yield. "Then you must remember your promise!"
"Alright."
Mr. He agreed good-naturedly.
A short while later, Xixi came downstairs. He had changed into denim overalls, printed with the back of a woman. In her arms, she held a child, whose face was Xixi's.
Mr. He raised an eyebrow slightly. "This is..."
Xixi glanced at his chest and gently stroked it with his small hand. "This is my mommy! My mommy is very beautiful!"
Mr. He looked at the pattern.
Indeed, the woman's face was not visible, only the rounded back of her head, her cascade of long hair, and her slender, graceful back.
Judging by these details alone, she was likely a beauty.
Mr. He's gaze settled on Xixi's face. "Actually, I've always suspected your mother must be beautiful."
"Why?"
Had he guessed who his mother was?
Mr. He extended a hand to him. Xixi toddled over and took his large palm. Mr. He then said,
"Because, Xixi, you are so handsome. To have such a cute child, your parents must have given you excellent genes."
Xixi suppressed a smile but couldn't help it, his brows filled with pride and radiance. "That's for sure. My parents are handsome and beautiful, and they're both very capable. I also have an older brother."
"Oh? The little one has a brother."
Mr. He chatted with him as they walked out and got into the car, heading to their first destination of the day.
The amusement park.
They went to the largest and most luxurious amusement park in the city, boasting numerous rides, and correspondingly high prices.
However, Mr. He was wealthy and didn't concern himself with the cost. Whatever Xixi wanted to play, Mr. He arranged it.
He even brought two bodyguards specifically to help them queue.
While waiting, Mr. He and Xixi stayed under a nearby sunshade.
After about an hour of playing, Xixi had had his fill. He turned and saw Mr. He looking down, seemingly not feeling well.
He went over and asked, "Are you okay?"
Mr. He looked up, his face a little pale. "I'm fine. Don't worry."
Xixi turned his head. "I'm not worried about you."
This slightly petulant demeanor made Mr. He chuckle. "Yes, you're not worried about me. You're just afraid that if I'm sick, no one will take you out to play, right?"
Xixi snorted.
Mr. He smiled. "It's alright. What else do you want to do next?"
Xixi pursed his lips. "I don't want to play anymore."
"Then let's go watch a movie," Mr. He said patiently, not asking why Xixi was throwing a tantrum again. "After the movie, we'll eat, or shall we eat first and then watch the movie?"
Xixi rubbed his tummy. He had already eaten quite a bit of local delicacies in the park and was full. "Let's watch the movie first."
"Okay."
Mr. He took him to the cinema.