The moment the idea struck her, the three children excitedly shared it with Jiang Ziyu when she brought over the food.
"A swap in identities!" Jiang Ziyu found the idea excellent.
If Yuze, dressed as Qianqian, spent time with Di Mingjue, perhaps seeing their past interactions and blood relation would make Di Mingjue willing to donate a kidney to Yuze.
With her decision made, she left the kindergarten and detoured to a clothing store.
In the evening, Jiang Ziyu returned to the Di residence with Yuze, who was disguised as Qianqian.
"Remember not to make any noise at home," Jiang Ziyu whispered as she bent down to instruct him.
Yuze nodded and, filled with curiosity, followed Jiang Ziyu into the Di residence's grand hall.
"Why are you back so late?" a voice inquired from the sofa.
Having finished his work, Di Mingjue had already returned. Upon learning that Jiang Ziyu was still out, he had been waiting in the living room.
Feeling her palm being held tighter, Jiang Ziyu looked down and met Yuze's gaze. "Don't be scared!"
Their exchanged glance eased Yuze's excited and nervous heart.
Ahead, Di Mingjue, receiving no response, raised his voice, sounding displeased. "Jiang Ziyu, answer me!"
"I temporarily took Qianqian to the amusement park," Jiang Ziyu replied.
"Who told you to take her!" Di Mingjue slammed the table. As he spoke, he realized Qianqian was still present and softened his tone with a warning, "Next time, remember to discuss things with me before acting."
Discuss?
Jiang Ziyu lowered her head and smiled at Yuze.
Still receiving no reply, Di Mingjue gritted his teeth, deciding to discipline her later. He extended his hand and called out, "Qianqian, come here."
Yuze turned to look at Jiang Ziyu.
"Go ahead," Jiang Ziyu nodded at him.
Yuze quickly ran to Di Mingjue's side.
"Did you have fun today?" Di Mingjue habitually reached out to stroke 'Qianqian's' forehead.
His hand paused as it touched down, as if sensing something, and he touched again.
Before Yuze could have any intimate contact with Di Mingjue, he was startled by the suspicious touch.
"Why has your hair suddenly grown longer?" Di Mingjue mumbled, reaching out to touch his shoulder again. "And you've grown sturdier too."
Upon hearing this, Yuze hurriedly broke free from Di Mingjue's touch and stepped back a few paces.
His arm empty, Di Mingjue's confusion deepened. "Qianqian?"
"The hair is a wig," Jiang Ziyu strode forward, standing beside Yuze. "Qianqian's hair was cut badly by Song Qi, so I bought her a wig."
Di Mingjue was aware of this incident, yet he felt something was off, a subtle strangeness he couldn't quite pinpoint.
Could one grow sturdier just from visiting an amusement park?
Pondering this, Di Mingjue spoke again, "Qianqian, come to my side."
Yuze lifted and then lowered his feet, hesitant.
"Qianqian needs to take a bath first," Jiang Ziyu declined.
She held Yuze's hand, denying Di Mingjue the opportunity, and walked past him with quick steps.
Feeling a gust of wind, Di Mingjue raised his hand and, in one swift motion, caught Yuze's hand.
His broad palm enveloped the small hand, and for the first time, Yuze felt the warmth of a father.
"Are you cold?" Di Mingjue touched the long-sleeved shirt Yuze was wearing, and then moved further, his fingers brushing against the mask on Yuze's face.
Although they were born of the same mother, their appearances still differed slightly. Jiang Ziyu worried that the Di family might notice if they looked too closely, so she had Yuze wear a mask.
Jiang Ziyu hadn't expected that Di Mingjue, unable to see, would be the first to inquire, while others hadn't paid much attention.
"We bumped into something outside this afternoon, and my face has some red rash," Jiang Ziyu explained.
"Is it serious?" Di Mingjue asked, concerned.
The genuine concern on his face, even though directed at 'Qianqian,' still filled Yuze's heart with happiness.
If his daddy knew of his existence, knew he was sick, he would surely be even more worried.
Jiang Ziyu wanted to pull Yuze over, but seeing the longing for paternal affection in his eyes, she let go of his hand.
"We went to the hospital. The doctor said it's not a big problem, just needs some ointment. To prevent dust in the air from causing secondary damage, I had her wear a mask."
His doubts dispelled, Di Mingjue relaxed. "It's good that it's nothing serious."
Qianqian was indeed fine; it was Yuze who had the issue.