11. Why do you even have to hide things from me?

Afternoon at Wen Xuan’s Office

It was almost time to get off work when Yue’er stepped out of their office. Their work arrangement seemed like a kind of half-work, half-study university, perhaps. She walked out alone to stretch her legs, as sitting all day had left her with aches in her back and legs—more exhausting than when she used to be a courier leader. Standing in the courtyard, she twisted her waist and stretched her arms, then suddenly noticed Xiao Siyuan squatting not far away, seemingly engrossed in some game. Yue’er quietly approached and bent down to watch him. It turned out he was watching little ants.

With a soft chuckle, Yue’er gently poked Siyuan’s back with her fingertip. Siyuan turned his head and saw her kind, smiling face. He smiled back. Yue’er crouched beside him and asked, “Are you here all alone? Where’s your uncle?” It felt a bit irresponsible for this bookworm to leave Siyuan by himself. Fortunately, Siyuan was obedient and hadn’t wandered off; otherwise, how would anyone find such a small child? She silently scolded Zhao Chengxian in her mind, unaware that he was inside the room, watching their exact location.

Siyuan replied, “Inside, no, there’s an uncle!” He meant that his uncle was inside, so he wasn’t alone, and there was also another uncle. Children often speak like this; it depends on how well you understand them.

Yue’er got the gist and smiled, asking again, “What’s your name, little one?” She folded her arms around her knees and rested her chin gently on her hands. The gesture was so feminine it made her look quite endearing.

Siyuan thought for a moment and said, “Siyuan. Where’s uncle?” At last, Yue’er learned her little nephew’s name.

Smiling, she touched Siyuan’s rosy cheek and said, “You can call me Uncle Wen Tai!” If one day his aunt could regain her true identity, she would introduce herself properly again. For the past two years, Old Yang had kept her informed about the family’s situation and promised that if Yue’er helped him fulfill his wish, he’d find a way to cure Lady Hui’s illness, which otherwise would never heal.

Siyuan smiled innocently and said, “Uncle Wen Tai!” He was quite a good child—perhaps because he was often away from his parents. Even at night, he didn’t call for his mother, unlike other children who would cry and look for their mothers as soon as darkness fell.

Yue’er picked him up, kissed him, and laughed, “You’re such a good boy, Siyuan. Aunt—no, Uncle likes you so much!” Of course, she would like her little nephew. When everyone came out of the office after work, they thought Yue’er was just trying to flatter Zhao Chengxian by being so affectionate with Siyuan and cast her a look of disdain. Yet Yue’er remained completely unaware and continued playing with Siyuan.

Zhao Chengxian approached with a smile. Siyuan jumped down from Yue’er’s arms and ran into Zhao’s embrace. Zhao Chengxian held him and asked, “Did you have fun with Uncle?” He could tell that Yang Wentai genuinely liked Siyuan and that Siyuan felt no unfamiliarity toward her. This brought Zhao one step closer to his own judgment. He constantly tested Yue’er, desperate to know if she was truly the girl in his heart, yearning to uncover the truth.

Siyuan wrapped his arms around Zhao’s neck and smiled, “I like him. Uncle Wen Tai is handsome!” The remark caused the talented gentlemen emerging from the office to laugh heartily. Children’s words often left people amused and bewildered.

Feeling a bit awkward, Yue’er hesitated—neither staying nor leaving seemed right. After some thought, she decided to leave. She knew a gaze was fixed on her from behind, but she dared not turn back yet. If Zhao Chengxian was willing to wait for her, once everything ended smoothly, she would repay him a lifetime of happiness. If he ultimately chose to give up, she would smile and wish him eternal happiness.

Watching her retreating back, Zhao Chengxian thought, I know it’s you. Why do you even hide this from me? Am I not worthy of your trust? It’s cruel that two people who love each other cannot be together.