The family of five entered the living room. Ye Shaoting sat calmly on the sofa, watching the evening news.
"Big brother."
"Mm, you're back."
Ye Shaoting glanced back, his gaze immediately returning to the television screen.
Wasn't it him in the passing vehicle just now?
Ye Ziyu's eyes fell again. Seeing him still in the same posture, she dismissed the fleeting thoughts from her mind.
"Big brother, please continue watching. We're going upstairs."
"Alright."
Ye Ziyu held Qianqian in her arms, with Xiaoran and Yuze following beside her.
"Watch your step."
"Daddy should be carrying Mommy back to the room."
"Yes, like a groom carrying a bride into the bridal chamber."
Di Mingjue's hand rested on Ye Ziyu's waist from behind. "Want a carry?"
"Go away!" Ye Ziyu nudged him with her back.
"Mommy is shy."
"Mommy's face is so red."
The children chattered, reporting Ye Ziyu's every reaction.
A shy blush spread from her cheeks to her ears. Ye Ziyu's steady steps faltered under the children's teasing.
Upon reaching the second floor, Di Mingjue set Qianqian down and said to the three children, "Hurry back to your rooms and rest. No more bullying my wife!"
Ye Ziyu looked at Di Mingjue's stern expression and shook her head helplessly, gently coaxing the children, "Good boys, go back to your rooms."
Xiaoran turned his wide, innocent eyes, a knowing look in them. "Understood."
"You little rascal!" Di Mingjue was almost flustered by his words.
After ushering the children back into their rooms, Di Mingjue put his arm around Ye Ziyu's slender waist, and they playfully pushed each other into their room.
The door closed, and the Ye residence became unusually quiet. Ye Shaoting leaned back on the sofa, his gaze melancholy as he stared at the chandelier overhead.
Groom and bride, a loving couple?
What a happy and harmonious family of five!
Ye Shaoting stood up from the sofa with a somber expression, leaving behind a mangled orange.
A black car stopped by the roadside, the passenger window rolled down. The woman in the driver's seat took off her sunglasses, gazing at the kindergarten across the street.
It was dismissal time, and the kindergarten entrance was crowded with waiting parents. The bell rang, and the security guard opened the gate.
Lively children walked out, led by their teachers. Amidst their parents' calls, the children ran from the teachers into their parents' arms.
"Uncle Hu, Mommy and Daddy aren't here today?"
Old Hu, responsible for picking up and dropping off the children, took their schoolbags. "Yes, they were too busy today and specifically arranged for me to pick you up."
Helping them into the car, Qianqian looked at Xingxing, who was still waiting at the school gate.
"Brother, Brother Xingxing."
Old Hu turned back and looked at Xiaoran and Yuze in front of him. "I'll go and check on Young Master Xingxing."
Normally, Old Hu was only responsible for their transport. Xingxing was picked up by people arranged by Ye Shaoting. It was strange today; it had been a long time since dismissal, and the person responsible for picking him up hadn't arrived.
Under the scorching gazes of the onlookers, Old Hu approached Xingxing. "Young Master Xingxing, is someone coming to pick you up?"
Xingxing looked past Old Hu towards Xiaoran and Yuze behind him. "I don't know."
Ye Shaoting had personally driven him to school. No one had told him who would pick him up after school.
Old Hu glanced back. "Why don't you get in the car too, Young Master Xingxing? I'll take you home together."
They were all returning to the Ye residence, and there was enough space in the car for one more person.
"Thank you, I'll wait a bit longer." Xingxing refused.
He didn't want any connection with them.
Seeing his resolute attitude, Old Hu turned and went back.
"Uncle Hu, why isn't he coming?"
"Young Master Xingxing said he'll wait a bit longer."
"Everyone is leaving, wouldn't he be bored standing here alone?"
Xiaoran moved towards Xingxing.