Humans are social animals, and those who prefer solitude are mostly influenced by the outside world. Old Hu noticed Xingxing because he discovered Xingxing's inner longing for liveliness.
At such a young age, he carried more complex thoughts than adults. A lively environment and activities are ordinary things for most people, but for him, they were dreams he dared not hope for.
Xingxing bravely took this step today, and Old Hu was happy for him.
In the back seat, the children were still excitedly recounting happy events, filling the car with an atmosphere of joy.
"Young ladies and gentlemen, we're home!"
About ten minutes later, the car stopped at the entrance of the Ye residence.
As the only girl, Qianqian was carefully helped out of the car by her elder brothers.
"Big Uncle!"
Upon exiting the car, Qianqian greeted Ye Shaoting, who was in the yard.
Her tender and sweet voice echoed in the air. Ye Shaoting, standing in the darkness, looked indifferently at Xingxing amidst the joyous atmosphere.
Shivering slightly, Xingxing tucked the hand holding the candy into his pocket. His nervousness attracted Ye Shaoting's gaze, his stern eyes scanning from Xingxing's face to the pocket where his hand was.
"You came back together?" Ye Shaoting's icy question cut through the air.
Goosebumps rose on Old Hu's skin. Taken aback, he quickly explained, "Yes. I saw young master Xingxing wasn't picked up, so I brought him back with me."
"Mm." Ye Shaoting nodded. "Xingxing, come here."
The three children looked at Ye Shaoting, an involuntary fear growing in their hearts. They watched worriedly as Xingxing strode towards Ye Shaoting, their fear keeping them rooted to the spot, too scared to approach.
Ye Shaoting stroked Xingxing's hair and looked up at the three children still standing rigidly by the door. "It's been a while since I've checked your studies."
Xingxing's scalp tightened. His fingers in his pocket dug into his palm.
"Let's go, we'll see your recent progress in the study," Ye Shaoting placed his hand on Xingxing's shoulder, like a heavy stone, making it difficult for him to breathe.
After they left, the three children simultaneously let out a breath.
Yuze: "Why does Big Uncle seem so scary today?"
Xiao Ran: "Xingxing looks really afraid of him."
Qianqian: "Will Big Uncle punish Xingxing?"
They didn't understand what Ye Shaoting meant by checking studies, as Ye Ziyu always prioritized joyful learning and had never been so strict in checking academic achievements.
Just as the three were feeling sympathetic and worried for Xingxing, Ye Ziyu and Di Mingjue returned together.
"Why are you standing here? Why aren't you going inside?" As soon as Ye Ziyu's voice was heard, the three children immediately put aside their worries for Xingxing.
"Mommy, you're back!"
"Were you very busy today? You didn't come to pick us up."
Listening to the children's complaints, Ye Ziyu felt guilty. She had a lot of work on her hands and hadn't been able to get away recently.
Di Mingjue walked to Ye Ziyu's side and raised his hand, gesturing for the chattering children to quiet down. "Speak softly, don't disturb my wife."
As soon as he spoke, the children froze for a moment, then scoffed dismissively. "Eww~"
"You've been rejected," Ye Ziyu teased.
As long as it made them happy, being teased didn't matter. Di Mingjue casually slung an arm around Ye Ziyu's shoulders. "Your mommy has been very busy with work lately, so you need to be good and let Uncle Hu pick you up. No more chirping complaints in her ear."
Upon hearing this, the children immediately transformed, standing in a quiet and well-behaved line.
Di Mingjue nodded with satisfaction. "Good, teachable!"
"Alright, I'm not made of porcelain, I'm not that fragile." Ye Ziyu nudged Di Mingjue's chest with her elbow and beckoned the children. "Come here."
The children glanced at Di Mingjue and remained rooted to the spot.