"I think I understand. You're talking about Xingxing," Ye Chenhan exclaimed in realization from the side.
After racking his brain for a long time, he finally connected what they were discussing.
"Xingxing got into a fight with a classmate? When did this happen? Do we need to go to school to handle it?" Ye Chenhan asked with concern.
Ye Shaoting had brought Xingxing back as an infant, and as his nominal young uncle, he had even taken care of him.
"You should leave first," Ye Shaoting commanded, dismissing Ye Chenhan.
Ye Chenhan, not understanding, retorted, "Why?"
They were discussing Xingxing's matters, and he wasn't an outsider. What couldn't he hear?
Ye Ziyu turned to look at Ye Chenhan and, like Ye Shaoting, said to him, "Fourth Brother, please return to your office."
"I'm not going back," Ye Chenhan refused.
There was nothing he couldn't hear, or were they hiding something else from him?
"Chenhan!" Ye Shaoting shouted angrily.
Though he wanted to argue further, seeing Ye Shaoting's expression, Ye Chenhan compromised. He took a few steps back, looking unwillingly as he exited the office.
As soon as the door closed, only Ye Shaoting and Ye Ziyu remained in the office.
Ye Ziyu could no longer hold back from discussing Xingxing's situation.
"Big Brother, I just want to help you share the responsibility of caring for Xingxing. You are usually very busy and find it difficult to constantly pay attention to him."
"I know your intentions, but it's not necessary. Xingxing is legally my child, Ye Shaoting. Moreover, you and Di Mingjue already have three children. Caring for your own children is already exhausting; you don't need to exert more effort on Xingxing."
After speaking, Ye Shaoting noticed Ye Ziyu's expression. His words had been too cold, so he added reassuringly, "I regret hitting Xingxing yesterday. You didn't have to bring it up, but I already knew I had been neglecting Xingxing. It's not that I don't want your help in caring for him, but I wish to personally experience it and become father and son who can talk about anything."
He spoke very sincerely, his eyes revealing his guilt towards Xingxing.
There was no blood relation; it could only be maintained through daily care. Yes, he was right.
Ye Ziyu said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I was inconsiderate."
"No need to apologize, I understand your intentions. If Xingxing were a girl like Qianqian, I might have accepted your suggestion," Ye Shaoting said.
Compared to girls, boys needed to be stronger and more manly.
Ye Ziyu understood his meaning and no longer pressed the issue of someone else caring for Xingxing.
"I won't disturb your work, Big Brother."
"Mm, please also spare some time in the next few days to talk to Xingxing for me. I'm afraid he might harbor resentment towards me because of what happened yesterday."
"Alright."
Watching Ye Ziyu leave, Ye Shaoting smiled darkly. Having her care for Xingxing? Wouldn't that make all his efforts a joke!
He picked up his phone from the desk and typed a text message.
On the other side, Ye Ziyu stood in the hallway, tiredly brushing away stray hairs from her forehead. She needed to make adjustments; a small matter had thrown her into disarray.
Returning to her office, Ye Chenhan approached Ye Ziyu like a small puppy sniffing out a scent, "What did you and Big Brother talk about after I left? Tell me, otherwise I won't be able to focus on my work all morning."
"Do you really want to know?"
"Of course. I couldn't stop thinking about it after I left, but I couldn't figure it out. I'm dying of curiosity."
Ye Ziyu shook her head helplessly at Ye Chenhan's nosy demeanor. "I have nothing to say. If you're that curious, go ask Big Brother."
Asking Ye Shaoting? That would be asking for a scolding!
Ye Chenhan turned back and stared intently at Ye Ziyu's face, "You're so heartless!"
"I can be even more heartless, want to try?" Ye Ziyu leaned closer, pretending to be fierce as she looked at him.
Ye Chenhan was stunned for a moment, only snapping back to reality when he was pushed away.