Ye Shaoting was the only one left standing in the living room, Emperor Mingjue's parting words lingering in his mind.
To give love?
He didn't lack for food or drink, so that was why he began to pursue so-called family affection?
Ye Shaoting looked coldly towards the second floor.
So what if they had overstepped their bounds and given him love he didn't deserve? In the end, wouldn't they still have to face an unacceptable reality?
His gaze shifted back as he walked into the kitchen.
"Zi Yu, you all go out first. I'll take care of him."
As soon as he entered the room, Ye Shaoting issued the order for everyone to leave.
What he called "taking care" was merely him imposing his unreasonable demands. Xingxing, however, tugged at Ye Ziyu's sleeve, unwilling to leave.
"Big Brother, why don't I take care of him?" Ye Ziyu stepped forward.
Ye Shaoting's expression immediately soured. "Zi Yu, I understand you, but you must also understand me. Xingxing is my child, and I have my own way of raising him. I hope you can respect that."
Seeing Ye Ziyu about to speak, Emperor Mingjue stepped forward to stop her. "Let's go out first."
Although they were family, one had to know when to keep quiet. Not everything could be interfered with.
Ye Ziyu looked at Xingxing's reluctance and, also mindful of Ye Shaoting's dismissal, she withdrew her gaze, complied with Emperor Mingjue's words, and turned to leave.
As they walked out of the room, she instantly regretted it.
"Mingjue, Xingxing doesn't seem to like Big Brother very much?" Ye Ziyu said to Emperor Mingjue.
Emperor Mingjue pulled her arm as they walked towards the room ahead. "That's just your imagination. Xingxing has been adopted by him since he was little, so how could he dislike him? Don't think about these things anymore. Lie down and rest. Once your body has recovered, we'll take the children out to play."
Ye Ziyu was forced to lie down on the bed, but her mind couldn't help but wander.
In the adjacent room.
Ye Shaoting looked down at Xingxing by the bedside. "What's wrong with you today! Why aren't you listening to me?"
Xingxing stubbornly turned his face away.
"I'm asking you!" Ye Shaoting grabbed Xingxing's chin, forcefully turning his averted face back.
The moment his grip loosened, Xingxing tried to turn away again.
The repeated disregard angered Ye Shaoting. He grabbed Xingxing by the back of his collar and lifted him up.
With his feet off the ground, the collar choked his neck, causing him to feel suffocating pain. His breathing became difficult, yet Xingxing still refused to beg for mercy.
"It seems I was wrong to bring you back; raising you has only bred resentment!" Ye Shaoting angrily threw Xingxing onto the ground.
His back hit the edge of the bed, and Xiao Ran flinched all over, unable to move.
"Talk to me. What are your grievances with me?" Ye Shaoting grabbed a nearby stool, bent down, and sat in front of him. Resting his hands on his knees, he stared intently at Xingxing's small, angry face.
Talk?
Xingxing stared at him.
"You're suddenly angry with me; it must not be a momentary emotional upset. Did I do something that made you unhappy with me, or did someone else say something to you?" Ye Shaoting continued to press.
Xingxing remained silent.
Since they had reached this point, Ye Shaoting decided not to waste any more time.
"Since you're unwilling to speak, then stay in your room and sort out your thoughts. We can talk when you've figured things out." Ye Shaoting stood up and left.
Naturally, he wouldn't allow Xingxing to roam freely around the house. As he walked out of the room, he locked the door, effectively preventing him from leaving.
As he went downstairs, Ye Shaoting saw Qianqian and the others in the living room.
The moment they saw him descend, they all raised their heads and looked at him.
Ye Shaoting glanced at them, said nothing, and turned to leave.
"He's gone!"
"Then let's go up and check on Xingxing."
The three of them quickly stood up from the carpet and headed for the second floor.