Chapter 749: Father and Mother Still Have Things to Do
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Mingzhu grumbled, “Fourth Brother, you’re too much! We just met and you’re already opposing me!”
Fu Mingzheng winked at her, indicating she should watch Zhuangzhuang’s reaction. Zhuangzhuang solemnly looked down at the toys in his hands, completely ignoring Fu Mingzheng’s outstretched arms.
Mingzhu couldn’t help but laugh, overjoyed at her son’s loyalty. She kissed Zhuangzhuang hard. “Good boy! Call me Mommy?”
Zhuangzhuang didn’t respond, but Mingzhu was already satisfied and no longer saddened. He had accepted her, and calling her Mommy would come in time.
Since it was very late, Fu Mingzheng and the others didn’t stay long, planning a gathering at the Fu mansion the next day. After some laughter and conversation, they left. While the nursemaid took Zhuangzhuang to change clothes, Yuwen Chu quietly reminded Mingzhu, “Zhuangzhuang is precocious. Though he doesn’t speak, he understands everything. When Millet joins him later, be careful not to upset him.”
Mingzhu was in a good mood. “I know, I’ve discussed this issue with many people along the way. They all say to prioritize the older one over the younger one.”
Discussed this issue with many people? Yuwen Chu couldn’t help but smile. “You’re really attentive.”
The nursemaid entered, holding a newly awakened Millet. “Millet hasn’t seen Wangfei for a long time and is a bit fussy.”
Mingzhu quickly reached out to take Millet and soothe her. Suddenly, she heard Yuwen Chu cough lightly. Turning around, she saw Zhuangzhuang clutching the nursemaid’s skirt, standing at the door, looking up at her with a stern expression.
Mingzhu immediately smiled at him. “My good boy is here. Come to Mommy.” She then said to Millet, “Call your brother, this is your older brother.”
Zhuangzhuang was silent for a moment before wobbling towards Mingzhu. He reached out to her with a serious expression, looking up at her with a hint of grievance in his eyes.
A mother’s intuition told Mingzhu what he meant—he wanted her to choose between him and Millet. It was as if he was saying that Millet had monopolized her attention for so long that she shouldn’t compete with him now.
Even though it seemed like Zhuangzhuang was too young to have such complex thoughts, Mingzhu quickly made her decision. She resolutely handed Millet to Yuwen Chu and bent down to pick up Zhuangzhuang. Satisfied, Zhuangzhuang leaned against her, staring at Millet. Millet, however, was unhappy, kicking and crying loudly.
Zhuangzhuang turned to look at Mingzhu, seemingly wanting to see if she would feel remorseful. Mingzhu smiled and handed him a delicate flower ball. “Give this to your sister so she stops crying.”
Zhuangzhuang silently took the ball and placed it in Millet’s hands. Millet angrily threw it to the ground. Mingzhu picked it up and handed it back to Zhuangzhuang. This time, she didn’t instruct him. Zhuangzhuang quietly placed the ball back in Millet’s hands. When she threw it again, he put it back, stubbornly and silently, just like his father.
Realizing Mingzhu was unwavering, Millet finally looked at Zhuangzhuang, sniffling as she accepted the ball, then reached for the decoration on his hat. Zhuangzhuang took off his hat and handed it to her, then turned to cling to Mingzhu.
Mingzhu and Yuwen Chu exchanged amused glances at their children’s reactions.
After a while, Millet grew tired and was taken away by the nursemaid. Zhuangzhuang knew it was his bedtime too, but he didn’t want to go. He turned and hugged Mingzhu’s neck tightly, whispering, “Mommy, sleep.” Meaning he wanted to sleep with her.
Happiness hit Mingzhu so suddenly that she felt she could pluck the stars from the sky for him. She didn’t even think about what he was asking, simply holding him and repeatedly saying yes. Yuwen Chu, however, frowned and looked at Zhuangzhuang sideways. “Your mom has traveled a long way and is very tired.”
Zhuangzhuang stubbornly replied, “Mom.” Indicating that if she was his real mom, she should sleep with him; otherwise, she wasn’t his real mom.
Yuwen Chu tried to persuade him. “Don’t you want to ride a horse? Tomorrow, Daddy will take you riding. Your mom is tired, or rather, she and I have things to do…”
Zhuangzhuang loudly said, “Mom!”
Mingzhu glared at Yuwen Chu. “Don’t upset him. He’s grown up without me by his side; it’s my turn to be with him.”
Yuwen Chu grumbled, “How can you spoil a child like this? He’s a boy, and clinging to his mom all the time isn’t good…”
“But he’s still a child. He has a long way to go before he grows up, right? Zhuangzhuang?” Mingzhu asked Zhuangzhuang, ignoring Yuwen Chu’s hints.
Zhuangzhuang, though precocious, didn’t understand adult matters. He only followed his instincts, wanting to be with his mom. Finally, his mom was not just a picture but someone warm, gentle, and fun.
Yuwen Chu had no choice but to hint at Mingzhu to put Zhuangzhuang to sleep and then come to him. Mingzhu pretended not to notice and happily took Zhuangzhuang to wash up. Perhaps unused to it or too excited, Zhuangzhuang couldn’t sleep, staring at Mingzhu. She gently held his little hand, talking to him until he finally fell asleep. She also fell asleep beside him.
In a half-dream state, she felt someone squeeze onto the bed. She didn’t react, even when a hand reached over to tickle her. Instead, she moved closer to Zhuangzhuang.
Yuwen Chu, frustrated, moved closer, continuing to disturb her. Zhuangzhuang suddenly woke up and cried loudly. Mingzhu felt heartbroken, quickly soothing him and telling Yuwen Chu, “Go back to sleep in your room. This bed is too small. Besides, I’m still sore. If we squeeze, none of us will sleep well.”
Whether it was due to the grudge over Lady Ji Hui or her longing for her son, Yuwen Chu felt indignant and left, sleeping alone in the soft, fragrant bed. He had planned to confront Mingzhu the next morning, but he was called away early. When he returned, Mingzhu and the children were awake, playing games together. She, lively and cheerful, entertained the children with jokes and funny faces, making them laugh heartily.
Even Zhuangzhuang, who had been quiet and well-behaved, was laughing freely, trying to place his toys in Mingzhu’s hair, ignoring the nursemaid’s advice. Mingzhu happily switched between entertaining the younger and older children, thoroughly enjoying herself.
Yuwen Chu suddenly felt lonely. He coughed loudly, drawing their attention. Smiling, he asked, “What are you playing? It’s time to head to your grandparents’ house.”
Mingzhu smiled but said nothing. Zhuangzhuang, excited, showed his toys to Yuwen Chu. “Playing with Mommy, it’s fun.”
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