UD: C07

Chapter: 7 | Speechless, I looked at him with a staunch expression, wearing a faint grin.

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Speechless, I looked at him with a staunch expression,
wearing a faint grin.

---

Chapter Pic

This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{"Well, you said before that my mom looked like a man, and you also said that my mom and Uncle Xiao looked the same too, didn't you? So it must be that Uncle Xiao is actually a woman who looks like a man, right? Because a lot of people said I looked just like him, so I just figured he might be my mom."}N/A

"Well, you said before that my mom looked like a man, and you also said that my mom and Uncle Xiao looked the same too, didn't you? So it must be that Uncle Xiao is actually a woman who looks like a man, right? Because a lot of people said I looked just like him, so I just figured he might be my mom."

_{"!" I fell to the floor on my knees with a plop—I was mortified!}
Li You was the first to notice me after I came in, with Xiao Huaisu seeing me come over afterwards. When she saw me, Liuliu's mom happily said: "You came here too!"

"!" I fell to the floor on my knees with a plop—I was mortified!

_{Huh? The two of you don't even know each other all that well yet, but you're already ganging up to bully me?}
This made me think Liuliu's mother realised her mistake, so I went over to her with a smiling face. I had yet to say a word to her but then she added: "I just knew you weren't Youyou's dad. How could someone as young as you possibly be a father? So you must be Youyou's uncle, right? I finally got to see Youyou's real dad today. That father-daughter pair just look so classy, and the more I look at Youyou, the more she looks like a rare gem!"

Huh? The two of you don't even know each other all that well yet, but you're already ganging up to bully me?

_{"Dad... what are you doing..."}
I stared at the father-daughter pair standing opposite Liuliu's mother with a dumbfounded gaze, wondering: Why am I all of a sudden relegated to the "Young Uncle" position simply by his appearance? Even though I like being called young, I still feel like I got the short end of the stick—my looks are off the charts!

"Dad... what are you doing..."

_{When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly.}
But just as I was feeling a bit on the down side, Li You gave me a little smile.

When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly. Afterwards, he opened he math book. He did not need to read all the questions to know they were correct, as the teacher had put a little red flower at the top of the page. I felt quite proud.

_{{That scared the crap outta me! I was so scared my heart almost gave out...}}Why must I still bear all these unspeakable hardships to raise this darling baby, this little sweetheart, this little angel, this little cutie pie of mine?

That scared the crap outta me! I was so scared my heart almost gave out...

_{I let out a relieved breath. It seems my guilty conscience had made me over think all this a bit since kids don't ever have those kinds of meaning in mind; and even though adults won't think there was not that much difference between the two phrases, I still understood what she said.}
Wearing a curious expression on her face, Liuliu's mother looked at me as she asked: "Huh? But why do I feel, that when Youyou smiles, she somehow looks a lot like you?"

I let out a relieved breath. It seems my guilty conscience had made me over think all this a bit since kids don't ever have those kinds of meaning in mind; and even though adults won't think there was not that much difference between the two phrases, I still understood what she said.

_{Looking at Li You, in my heart all I could think was: {Your dad is love deficient—not calcium deficient!} I then grabbed hold of the refrigerator for support, mentally drained to the max, as I asked her with lips a-tremble: "W-why would you a-ask if U-Uncle Xiao is your mom, love?"}But just as I was having my little moment, Li You walked in without making a sound all of a sudden, and in a fit of nervousness, I whipped up and stood at full attention. But then I noticed that my nerves were still too frazzled, so I switched my pose into one where I bent forward with my hands on my knees, doing my best to relax my voice as much as I could before I asked her: "What's the matter, hun?"

Looking at Li You, in my heart all I could think was: Your dad is love deficient—not calcium deficient! I then grabbed hold of the refrigerator for support, mentally drained to the max, as I asked her with lips a-tremble: "W-why would you a-ask if U-Uncle Xiao is your mom, love?"

_{"Dad, why are you grinning?" Li You sounded a bit suspicious, her gaze was fixed on my face as she had asked, to which I responded: "Nothing... stop looking at me, eyes front. Look, look that guy outside whose umbrella blew over!" I really, really wanted to look at the front seat, but with you staring me down, how the heck am I supposed to take a peek!}
To which I happily replied: "Because I am her father, and this guy here is Li You's uncle." I kept my explanation vague, so whatever scenario she wants to imagine on her own she could go do so.

"Dad, why are you grinning?" Li You sounded a bit suspicious, her gaze was fixed on my face as she had asked, to which I responded: "Nothing... stop looking at me, eyes front. Look, look that guy outside whose umbrella blew over!" I really, really wanted to look at the front seat, but with you staring me down, how the heck am I supposed to take a peek!

_{Speechless, I looked at him with a staunch expression, wearing a faint grin.}
"Is that so... Then I'm really sorry for what I said before." Liuliu's mother was embarrassed.

Speechless, I looked at him with a staunch expression, wearing a faint grin.

_{"Is that so... Then I'm really sorry for what I said before." Liuliu's mother was embarrassed.}This made me think Liuliu's mother realised her mistake, so I went over to her with a smiling face. I had yet to say a word to her but then she added: "I just knew you weren't Youyou's dad. How could someone as young as you possibly be a father? So you must be Youyou's uncle, right? I finally got to see Youyou's real dad today. That father-daughter pair just look so classy, and the more I look at Youyou, the more she looks like a rare gem!"

"Is that so... Then I'm really sorry for what I said before." Liuliu's mother was embarrassed.

_{The corners of Xiao Huaisu's lips pulled into a wide smile, his hand extending to follow the path of the fallen hairs on Li You's cheek in a caress: "He's really not that smart. A long time ago I had to explain a topic to him around three of four times before he was able to understand it," his face bearing a 'yes, he's very stupid' expression as he told Li You of my embarrassing moments—this was just plain insolence to the highest degree! .}***

The corners of Xiao Huaisu's lips pulled into a wide smile, his hand extending to follow the path of the fallen hairs on Li You's cheek in a caress: "He's really not that smart. A long time ago I had to explain a topic to him around three of four times before he was able to understand it," his face bearing a 'yes, he's very stupid' expression as he told Li You of my embarrassing moments—this was just plain insolence to the highest degree!

_{Li You then asked him earnestly: "Uncle Xiao, are you trying to say my dad isn't smart?"}
So I told her it was was all right. In all honesty, her saying Xiao Huaisu was Youyou's dad was not a problem. But right now he doesn't have an official position with us as yet, so he can't get misidentified. And on top of that, is the fact of me having no clue if he had gotten himself a girlfriend in all those years he spent abroad. This was a serious matter to consider.

Li You then asked him earnestly: "Uncle Xiao, are you trying to say my dad isn't smart?"

_{So I told her it was was all right. In all honesty, her saying Xiao Huaisu was Youyou's dad was not a problem. But right now he doesn't have an official position with us as yet, so he can't get misidentified. And on top of that, is the fact of me having no clue if he had gotten himself a girlfriend in all those years he spent abroad. This was a serious matter to consider.}But just as I was feeling a bit on the down side, Li You gave me a little smile.

So I told her it was was all right. In all honesty, her saying Xiao Huaisu was Youyou's dad was not a problem. But right now he doesn't have an official position with us as yet, so he can't get misidentified. And on top of that, is the fact of me having no clue if he had gotten himself a girlfriend in all those years he spent abroad. This was a serious matter to consider.

_{Xiao Huaisu did not look back from the drivers seat, but it did seem like he found Li You's observations quite interesting. So, wearing a smile, this tour guide of ours responded: "The clothes are mine, and I'm the one who bought the shoes."}Li You didn't seem all that concerned about me paying back the money, with her then whispering: "The clothes look really nice."

Xiao Huaisu did not look back from the drivers seat, but it did seem like he found Li You's observations quite interesting. So, wearing a smile, this tour guide of ours responded: "The clothes are mine, and I'm the one who bought the shoes."

_{"And whose clothes are you wearing?" Li You looked at me and asked, "You even bought some new shoes too."}
If he did have one, then I wouldn't go destroy someone else's relationship, and I also couldn't tell Xiao Huaisu that he and Li You are related. Regardless of who it was, when in a perfectly good dating relationship, if an illegitimate daughter crops up out of nowhere, it would probably be hard for them to accept something like that all of a sudden. And what I do not want more than anything is for Li You to be hurt by something of this nature. So by me not saying anything, a really complicated situation can be avoided.

"And whose clothes are you wearing?" Li You looked at me and asked, "You even bought some new shoes too."

_"Isn't..
After all, that little girl is my baby, everything I do is based on the premise of her not getting hurt, on her not getting bullied, and for her to grow up happy and healthy.

"Isn't... this weather quite refreshing? Ah, the air is just so fresh!" I took a deep breath then stuck both hands into my pockets, pretending nothing embarrassing had just happened. Li You didn't utter a peep, simply turning and began walking away, and Xiao Huaisu taking the umbrella, was also walking away beside her. They both probably thought I was an idiot, but didn't want to hurt my self respect, thus they had both chosen to remain silent. But even though I was misunderstood by the two, I did not cry, I will be strong, and I will most certainly keep on living.

_{I lowered my head to take a look, it was an ordinary long-sleeved shirt paired with a light jacket, a matching set of black and white, nothing about it was overtly special. Then that must mean it looked nice because of my handsome features, so with a wide grin plastered on my face, I said to Li You: "The main reason behind that is your dad's handsomeness~"}

∽***∼

I lowered my head to take a look, it was an ordinary long-sleeved shirt paired with a light jacket, a matching set of black and white, nothing about it was overtly special. Then that must mean it looked nice because of my handsome features, so with a wide grin plastered on my face, I said to Li You: "The main reason behind that is your dad's handsomeness~"

_{Wearing a curious expression on her face, Liuliu's mother looked at me as she asked: "Huh? But why do I feel, that when Youyou smiles, she somehow looks a lot like you?"}
It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.

Wearing a curious expression on her face, Liuliu's mother looked at me as she asked: "Huh? But why do I feel, that when Youyou smiles, she somehow looks a lot like you?"

_{That scared the crap outta me! I was so scared my heart almost gave out...}
Xaio Huaisu was driving, while I sat in the back of the car with Li You, who then asked me: "What happened? You actually kept your word this time, isn't that great?"

That scared the crap outta me! I was so scared my heart almost gave out...

_{I lowered my head to take a look, it was an ordinary long-sleeved shirt paired with a light jacket, a matching set of black and white, nothing about it was overtly special. Then that must mean it looked nice because of my handsome features, so with a wide grin plastered on my face, I said to Li You: "The main reason behind that is your dad's handsomeness~"}He's hinting that I'm stupid, isn't he? Heheh.

I lowered my head to take a look, it was an ordinary long-sleeved shirt paired with a light jacket, a matching set of black and white, nothing about it was overtly special. Then that must mean it looked nice because of my handsome features, so with a wide grin plastered on my face, I said to Li You: "The main reason behind that is your dad's handsomeness~"

_{Li You looked at me with curiosity as she walked towards me, taking hold of my arm to help me up. "Dad, why do you keep falling down so much today? The Doctor Lady told us that falling down a lot can be a sign of calcium deficiency. So are you calcium deficient, dad?"}
"And whose clothes are you wearing?" Li You looked at me and asked, "You even bought some new shoes too."

Li You looked at me with curiosity as she walked towards me, taking hold of my arm to help me up. "Dad, why do you keep falling down so much today? The Doctor Lady told us that falling down a lot can be a sign of calcium deficiency. So are you calcium deficient, dad?"

_{"!" I fell to the floor on my knees with a plop—I was mortified!}Me: "..." Little girl, can you not be so direct? Think of your father's glass heart, why don't you!

"!" I fell to the floor on my knees with a plop—I was mortified!

_{Speechless, I looked at him with a staunch expression, wearing a faint grin.}Li You looked at me with curiosity as she walked towards me, taking hold of my arm to help me up. "Dad, why do you keep falling down so much today? The Doctor Lady told us that falling down a lot can be a sign of calcium deficiency. So are you calcium deficient, dad?"

Speechless, I looked at him with a staunch expression, wearing a faint grin.

_{In contrast, Li You was as calm as ever when she then added: "You drank uncle Xiao's tea."}
Jeez, you don't have to be this attentive, you know.

In contrast, Li You was as calm as ever when she then added: "You drank uncle Xiao's tea."

_***The sound of Li You's voice forced my eyes to spread wide as they searched for its direction, soon noticing that Xiao Huaisu had already made his way over at some point and was now standing together with Li You while they both now stared at me strangely. Finally catching hold of myself, I realised I was holding both my arms open while looking at the foggy sky in the distance.

***

_{Well, I guess I'll be keeping these two cups of tea all for myself then.}
Xiao Huaisu did not look back from the drivers seat, but it did seem like he found Li You's observations quite interesting. So, wearing a smile, this tour guide of ours responded: "The clothes are mine, and I'm the one who bought the shoes."

Well, I guess I'll be keeping these two cups of tea all for myself then.

_{Looking at Li You, in my heart all I could think was: Your dad is love deficient—not calcium deficient! I then grabbed hold of the refrigerator for support, mentally drained to the max, as I asked her with lips a-tremble: "W-why would you a-ask if U-Uncle Xiao is your mom, love?"}
Yes, I did not bring along any cash with me, but he didn't have to explain it in such detail.

Looking at Li You, in my heart all I could think was: Your dad is love deficient—not calcium deficient! I then grabbed hold of the refrigerator for support, mentally drained to the max, as I asked her with lips a-tremble: "W-why would you a-ask if U-Uncle Xiao is your mom, love?"

_{I stared at the father-daughter pair standing opposite Liuliu's mother with a dumbfounded gaze, wondering: Why am I all of a sudden relegated to the "Young Uncle" position simply by his appearance? Even though I like being called young, I still feel like I got the short end of the stick—my looks are off the charts!}
So in order to establish a positive image in front of my daughter, I explained: "Daddy went out in a hurry today and along the way, the rain began pouring. I did not carry an umbrella with me so I got soaked from head to toe. So don't worry, sweetie; dad will find some time in the future to pay back Uncle Xiao the money, okay?" And when that time comes, my plan is to tell him that I don't have any cash on me, then ask him to add me on WeChat so I can transfer the money online. This way, I can get my hands on more info about him, like for example, whether or not he is single. Ain't I a clever boy~

I stared at the father-daughter pair standing opposite Liuliu's mother with a dumbfounded gaze, wondering: Why am I all of a sudden relegated to the "Young Uncle" position simply by his appearance? Even though I like being called young, I still feel like I got the short end of the stick—my looks are off the charts!

_{"These clothes are your Uncle Xiao's... All of Uncle Xiao's clothes are the same... W-what matching couple clothes......" fanning myself with my hand, I explained all this to Li You—for show! Because on the inside, this is what was actually going through my head: Matching couple clothes! Matching couple clothes! I'm wearing matching couple clothes with my Mr. Perfect! I'm so happy!!}
Li You didn't seem all that concerned about me paying back the money, with her then whispering: "The clothes look really nice."

"These clothes are your Uncle Xiao's... All of Uncle Xiao's clothes are the same... W-what matching couple clothes......" fanning myself with my hand, I explained all this to Li You—for show! Because on the inside, this is what was actually going through my head: Matching couple clothes! Matching couple clothes! I'm wearing matching couple clothes with my Mr. Perfect! I'm so happy!!

_{Li You was the first to notice me after I came in, with Xiao Huaisu seeing me come over afterwards. When she saw me, Liuliu's mom happily said: "You came here too!"}I stared at the father-daughter pair standing opposite Liuliu's mother with a dumbfounded gaze, wondering: Why am I all of a sudden relegated to the "Young Uncle" position simply by his appearance? Even though I like being called young, I still feel like I got the short end of the stick—my looks are off the charts!

Li You was the first to notice me after I came in, with Xiao Huaisu seeing me come over afterwards. When she saw me, Liuliu's mom happily said: "You came here too!"

_{Jeez, you don't have to be this attentive, you know.}
I lowered my head to take a look, it was an ordinary long-sleeved shirt paired with a light jacket, a matching set of black and white, nothing about it was overtly special. Then that must mean it looked nice because of my handsome features, so with a wide grin plastered on my face, I said to Li You: "The main reason behind that is your dad's handsomeness~"

Jeez, you don't have to be this attentive, you know.

_{(┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬)}Giving me no chance to express my pride, Xiao Huaisu looked up towards me, an astonished expression on his face as he said: "I never expected Li You's ability o learn English and math to be this good." The expression he wore as he looked at me turned into a complex one as he then whispered, "It seems she has inherited the good genes from her mother's side..."

(┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬)

_{Xaio Huaisu was driving, while I sat in the back of the car with Li You, who then asked me: "What happened? You actually kept your word this time, isn't that great?"}
"But, uhm... why are you two wearing matching couple clothes?" Oh, this is happening because of that time I had taken Li You to buy matching parent-child clothes. At that time, the store we had gone to also had those types of clothes, so other than the matching parent-kid clothing, I had also showed and told her about the matching couple outfits along with other stuff.

Xaio Huaisu was driving, while I sat in the back of the car with Li You, who then asked me: "What happened? You actually kept your word this time, isn't that great?"

_{(┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬)}Li You thought about, rather seriously I may add, before nodding in affirmation: "I think he's not that smart."

(┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬)

_{But just as I was feeling a bit on the down side, Li You gave me a little smile.}The sound of Li You's voice forced my eyes to spread wide as they searched for its direction, soon noticing that Xiao Huaisu had already made his way over at some point and was now standing together with Li You while they both now stared at me strangely. Finally catching hold of myself, I realised I was holding both my arms open while looking at the foggy sky in the distance.

But just as I was feeling a bit on the down side, Li You gave me a little smile.

_{This made me think Liuliu's mother realised her mistake, so I went over to her with a smiling face. I had yet to say a word to her but then she added: "I just knew you weren't Youyou's dad.}
"Uhh?" I lifted my head, taking a look at Xiao Huaisu in the driver's seat, only noticing right at this moment, he was wearing a matching set of a light jacket along with a long-sleeved shirt in black and white too—plus both of our pants were black as well. You know, I have no choice but to admit that these observation skills of Li You's were seriously above that of others. If she hadn't pointed this out to me, I would've never thought of it.

This made me think Liuliu's mother realised her mistake, so I went over to her with a smiling face. I had yet to say a word to her but then she added: "I just knew you weren't Youyou's dad. How could someone as young as you possibly be a father? So you must be Youyou's uncle, right? I finally got to see Youyou's real dad today. That father-daughter pair just look so classy, and the more I look at Youyou, the more she looks like a rare gem!"

_{Yes, I just opened my arms wide for an embrace a little while ago. And, yes, it was a very dumb thing to do. But I will forget a scene like that really quickly. I will do everything in my power to forget all about it!}Why must I still bear all these unspeakable hardships to raise this darling baby, this little sweetheart, this little angel, this little cutie pie of mine?

Yes, I just opened my arms wide for an embrace a little while ago. And, yes, it was a very dumb thing to do. But I will forget a scene like that really quickly. I will do everything in my power to forget all about it!

_{"These clothes are your Uncle Xiao's... All of Uncle Xiao's clothes are the same... W-what matching couple clothes......" fanning myself with my hand, I explained all this to Li You—for show! Because on the inside, this is what was actually going through my head: {Matching couple clothes! Matching couple clothes! I'm wearing matching couple clothes with my Mr. Perfect! I'm so happy!!}}N/A

"These clothes are your Uncle Xiao's... All of Uncle Xiao's clothes are the same... W-what matching couple clothes......" fanning myself with my hand, I explained all this to Li You—for show! Because on the inside, this is what was actually going through my head: Matching couple clothes! Matching couple clothes! I'm wearing matching couple clothes with my Mr. Perfect! I'm so happy!!

_{Me: "..." Little girl, can you not be so direct? Think of your father's glass heart, why don't you!}
"These clothes are your Uncle Xiao's... All of Uncle Xiao's clothes are the same... W-what matching couple clothes......" fanning myself with my hand, I explained all this to Li You—for show! Because on the inside, this is what was actually going through my head: Matching couple clothes! Matching couple clothes! I'm wearing matching couple clothes with my Mr. Perfect! I'm so happy!!

Me: "..." Little girl, can you not be so direct? Think of your father's glass heart, why don't you!

"Dad, why are you grinning?" Li You sounded a bit suspicious, her gaze was fixed on my face as she had asked, to which I responded: "Nothing... stop looking at me, eyes front. Look, look that guy outside whose umbrella blew over!" I really, really wanted to look at the front seat, but with you staring me down, how the heck am I supposed to take a peek!

_{But just as I was feeling a bit on the down side, Li You gave me a little smile.}
Xiao Huaisu saw us off until the ground floor of the building. Looking at him anxiously, I shyly asked: "Would you like to come upstairs and have a cup of tea before you go back? The rain is falling heavily again, it's even falling worse than before and the roads are not safe to drive on right now." To be honest, I was already prepared to be rejected.

But just as I was feeling a bit on the down side, Li You gave me a little smile.

_{The sound of Li You's voice forced my eyes to spread wide as they searched for its direction, soon noticing that Xiao Huaisu had already made his way over at some point and was now standing together with Li You while they both now stared at me strangely. Finally catching hold of myself, I realised I was holding both my arms open while looking at the foggy sky in the distance.}
Never did I expect for Xiao Huaisu to reply indifferently: "Sure." Could it be that he really was tired? Well, he did drive me to the kindergarten as well as accompany us by sitting around for abut an hour on top of taking us home home. So now that I think about it, it must be that he really was tired.

The sound of Li You's voice forced my eyes to spread wide as they searched for its direction, soon noticing that Xiao Huaisu had already made his way over at some point and was now standing together with Li You while they both now stared at me strangely. Finally catching hold of myself, I realised I was holding both my arms open while looking at the foggy sky in the distance.

_{Xaio Huaisu smiled, but then asked Li You seriously: "What do you think?"}But just as I was having my little moment, Li You walked in without making a sound all of a sudden, and in a fit of nervousness, I whipped up and stood at full attention. But then I noticed that my nerves were still too frazzled, so I switched my pose into one where I bent forward with my hands on my knees, doing my best to relax my voice as much as I could before I asked her: "What's the matter, hun?"

Xaio Huaisu smiled, but then asked Li You seriously: "What do you think?"

_{Giving me no chance to express my pride, Xiao Huaisu looked up towards me, an astonished expression on his face as he said: "I never expected Li You's ability o learn English and math to be this good." The expression he wore as he looked at me turned into a complex one as he then whispered, "It seems she has inherited the good genes from her mother's side..."}Xiao Huaisu did not look back from the drivers seat, but it did seem like he found Li You's observations quite interesting. So, wearing a smile, this tour guide of ours responded: "The clothes are mine, and I'm the one who bought the shoes."

Giving me no chance to express my pride, Xiao Huaisu looked up towards me, an astonished expression on his face as he said: "I never expected Li You's ability o learn English and math to be this good." The expression he wore as he looked at me turned into a complex one as he then whispered, "It seems she has inherited the good genes from her mother's side..."

_{Having said what I said, I followed behind Xiao Huaisu and Li You quietly, however, on the inside I yelled: A fantasy, jeez! Make sure you're not fantasizing, man! Control yourself. Control yourself. You must control yourself, dammit!}
Grasping hold of Li You's hand, I waited for Xiao Huaisu to park the car so we could all go in together.

Having said what I said, I followed behind Xiao Huaisu and Li You quietly, however, on the inside I yelled: A fantasy, jeez! Make sure you're not fantasizing, man! Control yourself. Control yourself. You must control yourself, dammit!

_{"Well, you said before that my mom looked like a man, and you also said that my mom and Uncle Xiao looked the same too, didn't you? So it must be that Uncle Xiao is actually a woman who looks like a man, right? Because a lot of people said I looked just like him, so I just figured he might be my mom."}Having said what I said, I followed behind Xiao Huaisu and Li You quietly, however, on the inside I yelled: A fantasy, jeez! Make sure you're not fantasizing, man! Control yourself. Control yourself. You must control yourself, dammit!

"Well, you said before that my mom looked like a man, and you also said that my mom and Uncle Xiao looked the same too, didn't you? So it must be that Uncle Xiao is actually a woman who looks like a man, right? Because a lot of people said I looked just like him, so I just figured he might be my mom."

_{Ugh... how embarrassing.}
After he parked, he took out an umbrella, facing it against the wind and rain as he treaded over the fallen raindrops. When he quickly made his way towards our direction in the back, a sudden and indescribable feeling overtook me, urging me to reach out my arms and take him into my embrace.

Ugh... how embarrassing.

_{(┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬)}
"Dad... what are you doing..."

(┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬)

_{Yes, I did not bring along any cash with me, but he didn't have to explain it in such detail.}I was speechless. With a staunch expression, I stared at him while wearing a faint grin.

Yes, I did not bring along any cash with me, but he didn't have to explain it in such detail.

_{Child, that analysis of yours is so reasonable, this dad of yours is utterly unable to refute.}
The sound of Li You's voice forced my eyes to spread wide as they searched for its direction, soon noticing that Xiao Huaisu had already made his way over at some point and was now standing together with Li You while they both now stared at me strangely. Finally catching hold of myself, I realised I was holding both my arms open while looking at the foggy sky in the distance.

Child, that analysis of yours is so reasonable, this dad of yours is utterly unable to refute.

_{So I told her it was was all right. In all honesty, her saying Xiao Huaisu was Youyou's dad was not a problem. But right now he doesn't have an official position with us as yet, so he can't get misidentified. And on top of that, is the fact of me having no clue if he had gotten himself a girlfriend in all those years he spent abroad. This was a serious matter to consider.}"Isn't... this weather quite refreshing? Ah, the air is just so fresh!" I took a deep breath then stuck both hands into my pockets, pretending nothing embarrassing had just happened. Li You didn't utter a peep, simply turning and began walking away, and Xiao Huaisu taking the umbrella, was also walking away beside her. They both probably thought I was an idiot, but didn't want to hurt my self respect, thus they had both chosen to remain silent. But even though I was misunderstood by the two, I did not cry, I will be strong, and I will most certainly keep on living.

So I told her it was was all right. In all honesty, her saying Xiao Huaisu was Youyou's dad was not a problem. But right now he doesn't have an official position with us as yet, so he can't get misidentified. And on top of that, is the fact of me having no clue if he had gotten himself a girlfriend in all those years he spent abroad. This was a serious matter to consider.

_{The sound of Li You's voice forced my eyes to spread wide as they searched for its direction, soon noticing that Xiao Huaisu had already made his way over at some point and was now standing together with Li You while they both now stared at me strangely. Finally catching hold of myself, I realised I was holding both my arms open while looking at the foggy sky in the distance.}Giving me no chance to express my pride, Xiao Huaisu looked up towards me, an astonished expression on his face as he said: "I never expected Li You's ability o learn English and math to be this good." The expression he wore as he looked at me turned into a complex one as he then whispered, "It seems she has inherited the good genes from her mother's side..."

The sound of Li You's voice forced my eyes to spread wide as they searched for its direction, soon noticing that Xiao Huaisu had already made his way over at some point and was now standing together with Li You while they both now stared at me strangely. Finally catching hold of myself, I realised I was holding both my arms open while looking at the foggy sky in the distance.

_{The corners of Xiao Huaisu's lips pulled into a wide smile, his hand extending to follow the path of the fallen hairs on Li You's cheek in a caress: "He's really not that smart. A long time ago I had to explain a topic to him around three of four times before he was able to understand it," his face bearing a 'yes, he's very stupid' expression as he told Li You of my embarrassing moments—this was just plain insolence to the highest degree! .}
Ugh... how embarrassing.

The corners of Xiao Huaisu's lips pulled into a wide smile, his hand extending to follow the path of the fallen hairs on Li You's cheek in a caress: "He's really not that smart. A long time ago I had to explain a topic to him around three of four times before he was able to understand it," his face bearing a 'yes, he's very stupid' expression as he told Li You of my embarrassing moments—this was just plain insolence to the highest degree!

_{Li You thought about, rather seriously I may add, before nodding in affirmation: "I think he's not that smart."}
"Isn't... this weather quite refreshing? Ah, the air is just so fresh!" I took a deep breath then stuck both hands into my pockets, pretending nothing embarrassing had just happened. Li You didn't utter a peep, simply turning and began walking away, and Xiao Huaisu taking the umbrella, was also walking away beside her. They both probably thought I was an idiot, but didn't want to hurt my self respect, thus they had both chosen to remain silent. But even though I was misunderstood by the two, I did not cry, I will be strong, and I will most certainly keep on living.

Li You thought about, rather seriously I may add, before nodding in affirmation: "I think he's not that smart."

_{Xaio Huaisu smiled, but then asked Li You seriously: "What do you think?"}
Having said what I said, I followed behind Xiao Huaisu and Li You quietly, however, on the inside I yelled: A fantasy, jeez! Make sure you're not fantasizing, man! Control yourself. Control yourself. You must control yourself, dammit!

Xaio Huaisu smiled, but then asked Li You seriously: "What do you think?"

_{{Huh? The two of you don't even know each other all that well yet, but you're already ganging up to bully me?}}Huh? The two of you don't even know each other all that well yet, but you're already ganging up to bully me?

Huh? The two of you don't even know each other all that well yet, but you're already ganging up to bully me?

_{Li You looked at me with curiosity as she walked towards me, taking hold of my arm to help me up. "Dad, why do you keep falling down so much today? The Doctor Lady told us that falling down a lot can be a sign of calcium deficiency. So are you calcium deficient, dad?"}Haha. I can't feel any kind of warmth from this world. This feeling... being stabbed in the back by my two most beloved persons, who knew it would be this painful.

Li You looked at me with curiosity as she walked towards me, taking hold of my arm to help me up. "Dad, why do you keep falling down so much today? The Doctor Lady told us that falling down a lot can be a sign of calcium deficiency. So are you calcium deficient, dad?"

_{To which I happily replied: "Because I am her father, and this guy here is Li You's uncle." I kept my explanation vague, so whatever scenario she wants to imagine on her own she could go do so.}
Yes, I just opened my arms wide for an embrace a little while ago. And, yes, it was a very dumb thing to do. But I will forget a scene like that really quickly. I will do everything in my power to forget all about it!

To which I happily replied: "Because I am her father, and this guy here is Li You's uncle." I kept my explanation vague, so whatever scenario she wants to imagine on her own she could go do so.

_{Li You didn't seem all that concerned about me paying back the money, with her then whispering: "The clothes look really nice."}Xaio Huaisu was driving, while I sat in the back of the car with Li You, who then asked me: "What happened? You actually kept your word this time, isn't that great?"

Li You didn't seem all that concerned about me paying back the money, with her then whispering: "The clothes look really nice."

_{"Uhh?" I lifted my head, taking a look at Xiao Huaisu in the driver's seat, only noticing right at this moment, he was wearing a matching set of a light jacket along with a long-sleeved shirt in black and white too—plus both of our pants were black as well. You know, I have no choice but to admit that these observation skills of Li You's were seriously above that of others.}But, man... for a second there I thought Li You could see all those improper thoughts of mine. Anyway, squeezing out a smile, I rejoiced at my good fortune, otherwise I would've pissed myself for real. So next, I calmly explained to Li You: "Oh, I forgot this one was Uncle Xiao's. I'll go make another cup to give to him then." And with that, I took both empty cups, and made my way to the kitchen. Once there, leaning over the sink, I huffed and swallowed huge breaths of air while hurriedly wiping the giant globs of cold sweat from my forehead.

"Uhh?" I lifted my head, taking a look at Xiao Huaisu in the driver's seat, only noticing right at this moment, he was wearing a matching set of a light jacket along with a long-sleeved shirt in black and white too—plus both of our pants were black as well. You know, I have no choice but to admit that these observation skills of Li You's were seriously above that of others. If she hadn't pointed this out to me, I would've never thought of it.

_{That Xiao Huaisu then placed Li You's books back in their proper order. After he was done, he took a look at my fierce expression, and just let out a smile as he did before.}

∽***∼

That Xiao Huaisu then placed Li You's books back in their proper order. After he was done, he took a look at my fierce expression, and just let out a smile as he did before. But then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, Li You asked: "Dad, how much do you like Uncle Xiao?" I almost fell onto the floor from my chair upon hearing this. This frightened falling action of mine, made me think of those New Year sketches the comedian Uncle Benshan had performed—and this isn't an exaggeration, I fell the exact way, grabbing hold of the table for support in a flurry and everything.

_{After he parked, he took out an umbrella, facing it against the wind and rain as he treaded over the fallen raindrops. When he quickly made his way towards our direction in the back, a sudden and indescribable feeling overtook me, urging me to reach out my arms and take him into my embrace.}
When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly. Afterwards, he opened he math book. He did not need to read all the questions to know they were correct, as the teacher had put a little red flower at the top of the page. I felt quite proud.

After he parked, he took out an umbrella, facing it against the wind and rain as he treaded over the fallen raindrops. When he quickly made his way towards our direction in the back, a sudden and indescribable feeling overtook me, urging me to reach out my arms and take him into my embrace.

_{Uncle Benshan{, real name: Zhao Benshan,} is a notable Chinese comedian most known for his performances during the New Year's Gala.[]Let's all pour one out for Li Tian's poor heart; the poor thing. o(TヘTo)}(┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬)

Uncle Benshan, real name: Zhao Benshan, is a notable Chinese comedian most known for his performances during the New Year's Gala.[]Let's all pour one out for Li Tian's poor heart; the poor thing. o(TヘTo)

_{It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.}The sound of Li You's voice forced my eyes to spread wide as they searched for its direction, soon noticing that Xiao Huaisu had already made his way over at some point and was now standing together with Li You while they both now stared at me strangely. Finally catching hold of myself, I realised I was holding both my arms open while looking at the foggy sky in the distance.

It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.

_{Xiao Huaisu did not look back from the drivers seat, but it did seem like he found Li You's observations quite interesting. So, wearing a smile, this tour guide of ours responded: "The clothes are mine, and I'm the one who bought the shoes."}
Giving me no chance to express my pride, Xiao Huaisu looked up towards me, an astonished expression on his face as he said: "I never expected Li You's ability o learn English and math to be this good." The expression he wore as he looked at me turned into a complex one as he then whispered, "It seems she has inherited the good genes from her mother's side..."

Xiao Huaisu did not look back from the drivers seat, but it did seem like he found Li You's observations quite interesting. So, wearing a smile, this tour guide of ours responded: "The clothes are mine, and I'm the one who bought the shoes."

_{Xiao Huaisu saw us off until the ground floor of the building. Looking at him anxiously, I shyly asked: "Would you like to come upstairs and have a cup of tea before you go back? The rain is falling heavily again, it's even falling worse than before and the roads are not safe to drive on right now." To be honest, I was already prepared to be rejected.}Grasping hold of Li You's hand, I waited for Xiao Huaisu to park the car so we could all go in together.

Xiao Huaisu saw us off until the ground floor of the building. Looking at him anxiously, I shyly asked: "Would you like to come upstairs and have a cup of tea before you go back? The rain is falling heavily again, it's even falling worse than before and the roads are not safe to drive on right now." To be honest, I was already prepared to be rejected.

_{Xiao Huaisu saw us off until the ground floor of the building. Looking at him anxiously, I shyly asked: "Would you like to come upstairs and have a cup of tea before you go back? The rain is falling heavily again, it's even falling worse than before and the roads are not safe to drive on right now." To be honest, I was already prepared to be rejected.}
What the heck do you mean by that?

Xiao Huaisu saw us off until the ground floor of the building. Looking at him anxiously, I shyly asked: "Would you like to come upstairs and have a cup of tea before you go back? The rain is falling heavily again, it's even falling worse than before and the roads are not safe to drive on right now." To be honest, I was already prepared to be rejected.

_{When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly.}I was speechless. With a staunch expression, I stared at him while wearing a faint grin.

When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly. Afterwards, he opened he math book. He did not need to read all the questions to know they were correct, as the teacher had put a little red flower at the top of the page. I felt quite proud.

_{When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly.}But, man... for a second there I thought Li You could see all those improper thoughts of mine. Anyway, squeezing out a smile, I rejoiced at my good fortune, otherwise I would've pissed myself for real. So next, I calmly explained to Li You: "Oh, I forgot this one was Uncle Xiao's. I'll go make another cup to give to him then." And with that, I took both empty cups, and made my way to the kitchen. Once there, leaning over the sink, I huffed and swallowed huge breaths of air while hurriedly wiping the giant globs of cold sweat from my forehead.

When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly. Afterwards, he opened he math book. He did not need to read all the questions to know they were correct, as the teacher had put a little red flower at the top of the page. I felt quite proud.

_{Yes, I just opened my arms wide for an embrace a little while ago. And, yes, it was a very dumb thing to do. But I will forget a scene like that really quickly. I will do everything in my power to forget all about it!}
I was speechless. With a staunch expression, I stared at him while wearing a faint grin.

Yes, I just opened my arms wide for an embrace a little while ago. And, yes, it was a very dumb thing to do. But I will forget a scene like that really quickly. I will do everything in my power to forget all about it!

_{"Is Uncle Xiao my mom?"}Yes, I just opened my arms wide for an embrace a little while ago. And, yes, it was a very dumb thing to do. But I will forget a scene like that really quickly. I will do everything in my power to forget all about it!

"Is Uncle Xiao my mom?"

_{Speechless, I looked at him with a staunch expression, wearing a faint grin.}To which I happily replied: "Because I am her father, and this guy here is Li You's uncle." I kept my explanation vague, so whatever scenario she wants to imagine on her own she could go do so.

Speechless, I looked at him with a staunch expression, wearing a faint grin.

_{Grasping hold of Li You's hand, I waited for Xiao Huaisu to park the car so we could all go in together.}
He's hinting that I'm stupid, isn't he? Heheh.

Grasping hold of Li You's hand, I waited for Xiao Huaisu to park the car so we could all go in together.

_{Li You thought about, rather seriously I may add, before nodding in affirmation: "I think he's not that smart."}"!" I fell to the floor on my knees with a plop—I was mortified!

Li You thought about, rather seriously I may add, before nodding in affirmation: "I think he's not that smart."

_{It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.}"!" I fell to the floor on my knees with a plop—I was mortified!

It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.

_{Uncle Benshan, real name: Zhao Benshan, is a notable Chinese comedian most known for his performances during the New Year's Gala.[]Let's all pour one out for Li Tian's poor heart; the poor thing. o(TヘTo)}
Well, I guess I'll be keeping these two cups of tea all for myself then.

Uncle Benshan, real name: Zhao Benshan, is a notable Chinese comedian most known for his performances during the New Year's Gala.[]Let's all pour one out for Li Tian's poor heart; the poor thing. o(TヘTo)

_{When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly.}Well, I guess I'll be keeping these two cups of tea all for myself then.

When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly. Afterwards, he opened he math book. He did not need to read all the questions to know they were correct, as the teacher had put a little red flower at the top of the page. I felt quite proud.

_{Therefore I took both cups and chugged their contents with no hesitation.}
Li You then asked him earnestly: "Uncle Xiao, are you trying to say my dad isn't smart?"

Therefore I took both cups and chugged their contents with no hesitation.

Uncle Benshan, real name: Zhao Benshan, is a notable Chinese comedian most known for his performances during the New Year's Gala.[]Let's all pour one out for Li Tian's poor heart; the poor thing. o(TヘTo)

_{But, man..}Why must I still bear all these unspeakable hardships to raise this darling baby, this little sweetheart, this little angel, this little cutie pie of mine?

But, man... for a second there I thought Li You could see all those improper thoughts of mine. Anyway, squeezing out a smile, I rejoiced at my good fortune, otherwise I would've pissed myself for real. So next, I calmly explained to Li You: "Oh, I forgot this one was Uncle Xiao's. I'll go make another cup to give to him then." And with that, I took both empty cups, and made my way to the kitchen. Once there, leaning over the sink, I huffed and swallowed huge breaths of air while hurriedly wiping the giant globs of cold sweat from my forehead.

_{So in order to establish a positive image in front of my daughter, I explained: "Daddy went out in a hurry today and along the way, the rain began pouring. I did not carry an umbrella with me so I got soaked from head to toe.}
Me: "..." Little girl, can you not be so direct? Think of your father's glass heart, why don't you!

So in order to establish a positive image in front of my daughter, I explained: "Daddy went out in a hurry today and along the way, the rain began pouring. I did not carry an umbrella with me so I got soaked from head to toe. So don't worry, sweetie; dad will find some time in the future to pay back Uncle Xiao the money, okay?" And when that time comes, my plan is to tell him that I don't have any cash on me, then ask him to add me on WeChat so I can transfer the money online. This way, I can get my hands on more info about him, like for example, whether or not he is single. Ain't I a clever boy~

_{Therefore I took both cups and chugged their contents with no hesitation.}Looking at Li You, in my heart all I could think was: Your dad is love deficient—not calcium deficient! I then grabbed hold of the refrigerator for support, mentally drained to the max, as I asked her with lips a-tremble: "W-why would you a-ask if U-Uncle Xiao is your mom, love?"

Therefore I took both cups and chugged their contents with no hesitation.

_{So I told her it was was all right. In all honesty, her saying Xiao Huaisu was Youyou's dad was not a problem. But right now he doesn't have an official position with us as yet, so he can't get misidentified. And on top of that, is the fact of me having no clue if he had gotten himself a girlfriend in all those years he spent abroad. This was a serious matter to consider.}(┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬)

So I told her it was was all right. In all honesty, her saying Xiao Huaisu was Youyou's dad was not a problem. But right now he doesn't have an official position with us as yet, so he can't get misidentified. And on top of that, is the fact of me having no clue if he had gotten himself a girlfriend in all those years he spent abroad. This was a serious matter to consider.

_{What the heck do you mean by that?}
Xaio Huaisu smiled, but then asked Li You seriously: "What do you think?"

What the heck do you mean by that?

_{{That scared the crap outta me! I was so scared my heart almost gave out...}}I was speechless. With a staunch expression, I stared at him while wearing a faint grin.

That scared the crap outta me! I was so scared my heart almost gave out...

_{{Haha.} {I can't feel any kind of warmth from this world. This feeling... being stabbed in the back by my two most beloved persons, who knew it would be this painful.}}Jeez, you don't have to be this attentive, you know.

Haha. I can't feel any kind of warmth from this world. This feeling... being stabbed in the back by my two most beloved persons, who knew it would be this painful.

_{So I told her it was was all right. In all honesty, her saying Xiao Huaisu was Youyou's dad was not a problem. But right now he doesn't have an official position with us as yet, so he can't get misidentified. And on top of that, is the fact of me having no clue if he had gotten himself a girlfriend in all those years he spent abroad. This was a serious matter to consider.}
Li You thought about, rather seriously I may add, before nodding in affirmation: "I think he's not that smart."

So I told her it was was all right. In all honesty, her saying Xiao Huaisu was Youyou's dad was not a problem. But right now he doesn't have an official position with us as yet, so he can't get misidentified. And on top of that, is the fact of me having no clue if he had gotten himself a girlfriend in all those years he spent abroad. This was a serious matter to consider.

_{{Why must I still bear all these unspeakable hardships to raise this darling baby, this little sweetheart, this little angel, this little cutie pie of mine?}}

Why must I still bear all these unspeakable hardships to raise this darling baby, this little sweetheart, this little angel, this little cutie pie of mine?

_{"Dad, why are you grinning?" Li You sounded a bit suspicious, her gaze was fixed on my face as she had asked, to which I responded: "Nothing... stop looking at me, eyes front. Look, look that guy outside whose umbrella blew over!" {I really, really wanted to look at the front seat, but with you staring me down, how the heck am I supposed to take a peek!}}"Is that so... Then I'm really sorry for what I said before." Liuliu's mother was embarrassed.

"Dad, why are you grinning?" Li You sounded a bit suspicious, her gaze was fixed on my face as she had asked, to which I responded: "Nothing... stop looking at me, eyes front. Look, look that guy outside whose umbrella blew over!" I really, really wanted to look at the front seat, but with you staring me down, how the heck am I supposed to take a peek!

_***
Huh? The two of you don't even know each other all that well yet, but you're already ganging up to bully me?

_{{He's hinting that I'm stupid, isn't he? Heheh.}}Wearing a curious expression on her face, Liuliu's mother looked at me as she asked: "Huh? But why do I feel, that when Youyou smiles, she somehow looks a lot like you?"

He's hinting that I'm stupid, isn't he? Heheh.

_{When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly.}Well, I guess I'll be keeping these two cups of tea all for myself then.

When I came out the kitchen with the tea, Xiao Huaisu had Li You's math as well as her English textbooks in his hands. At first, he tried out some simple English dialog with her, to which Li You answered quickly and accurately, making Xiao Huaisu to nod his head agreeingly. Afterwards, he opened he math book. He did not need to read all the questions to know they were correct, as the teacher had put a little red flower at the top of the page. I felt quite proud.

_{"Well, you said before that my mom looked like a man, and you also said that my mom and Uncle Xiao looked the same too, didn't you? So it must be that Uncle Xiao is actually a woman who looks like a man, right? Because a lot of people said I looked just like him, so I just figured he might be my mom."}
Haha. I can't feel any kind of warmth from this world. This feeling... being stabbed in the back by my two most beloved persons, who knew it would be this painful.

"Well, you said before that my mom looked like a man, and you also said that my mom and Uncle Xiao looked the same too, didn't you? So it must be that Uncle Xiao is actually a woman who looks like a man, right? Because a lot of people said I looked just like him, so I just figured he might be my mom."

_{But just as I was having my little moment, Li You walked in without making a sound all of a sudden, and in a fit of nervousness, I whipped up and stood at full attention. But then I noticed that my nerves were still too frazzled, so I switched my pose into one where I bent forward with my hands on my knees, doing my best to relax my voice as much as I could before I asked her: "What's the matter, hun?".}
Why must I still bear all these unspeakable hardships to raise this darling baby, this little sweetheart, this little angel, this little cutie pie of mine?

But just as I was having my little moment, Li You walked in without making a sound all of a sudden, and in a fit of nervousness, I whipped up and stood at full attention. But then I noticed that my nerves were still too frazzled, so I switched my pose into one where I bent forward with my hands on my knees, doing my best to relax my voice as much as I could before I asked her: "What's the matter, hun?"

_"Isn't..I lowered my head to take a look, it was an ordinary long-sleeved shirt paired with a light jacket, a matching set of black and white, nothing about it was overtly special. Then that must mean it looked nice because of my handsome features, so with a wide grin plastered on my face, I said to Li You: "The main reason behind that is your dad's handsomeness~"

"Isn't... this weather quite refreshing? Ah, the air is just so fresh!" I took a deep breath then stuck both hands into my pockets, pretending nothing embarrassing had just happened. Li You didn't utter a peep, simply turning and began walking away, and Xiao Huaisu taking the umbrella, was also walking away beside her. They both probably thought I was an idiot, but didn't want to hurt my self respect, thus they had both chosen to remain silent. But even though I was misunderstood by the two, I did not cry, I will be strong, and I will most certainly keep on living.

_N/A "!" I fell to the floor on my knees with a plop—I was mortified!

N/A

_{If he did have one, then I wouldn't go destroy someone else's relationship, and I also couldn't tell Xiao Huaisu that he and Li You are related. Regardless of who it was, when in a perfectly good dating relationship, if an illegitimate daughter crops up out of nowhere, it would probably be hard for them to accept something like that all of a sudden.}
The corners of Xiao Huaisu's lips pulled into a wide smile, his hand extending to follow the path of the fallen hairs on Li You's cheek in a caress: "He's really not that smart. A long time ago I had to explain a topic to him around three of four times before he was able to understand it," his face bearing a 'yes, he's very stupid' expression as he told Li You of my embarrassing moments—this was just plain insolence to the highest degree!

If he did have one, then I wouldn't go destroy someone else's relationship, and I also couldn't tell Xiao Huaisu that he and Li You are related. Regardless of who it was, when in a perfectly good dating relationship, if an illegitimate daughter crops up out of nowhere, it would probably be hard for them to accept something like that all of a sudden. And what I do not want more than anything is for Li You to be hurt by something of this nature. So by me not saying anything, a really complicated situation can be avoided.

_{But just as I was having my little moment, Li You walked in without making a sound all of a sudden, and in a fit of nervousness, I whipped up and stood at full attention. But then I noticed that my nerves were still too frazzled, so I switched my pose into one where I bent forward with my hands on my knees, doing my best to relax my voice as much as I could before I asked her: "What's the matter, hun?".}Why must I still bear all these unspeakable hardships to raise this darling baby, this little sweetheart, this little angel, this little cutie pie of mine?

But just as I was having my little moment, Li You walked in without making a sound all of a sudden, and in a fit of nervousness, I whipped up and stood at full attention. But then I noticed that my nerves were still too frazzled, so I switched my pose into one where I bent forward with my hands on my knees, doing my best to relax my voice as much as I could before I asked her: "What's the matter, hun?"

_***
Therefore I took both cups and chugged their contents with no hesitation.

_{If he did have one, then I wouldn't go destroy someone else's relationship, and I also couldn't tell Xiao Huaisu that he and Li You are related. Regardless of who it was, when in a perfectly good dating relationship, if an illegitimate daughter crops up out of nowhere, it would probably be hard for them to accept something like that all of a sudden.}After all, that little girl is my baby, everything I do is based on the premise of her not getting hurt, on her not getting bullied, and for her to grow up happy and healthy.

If he did have one, then I wouldn't go destroy someone else's relationship, and I also couldn't tell Xiao Huaisu that he and Li You are related. Regardless of who it was, when in a perfectly good dating relationship, if an illegitimate daughter crops up out of nowhere, it would probably be hard for them to accept something like that all of a sudden. And what I do not want more than anything is for Li You to be hurt by something of this nature. So by me not saying anything, a really complicated situation can be avoided.

_{It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.}"Uhh?" I lifted my head, taking a look at Xiao Huaisu in the driver's seat, only noticing right at this moment, he was wearing a matching set of a light jacket along with a long-sleeved shirt in black and white too—plus both of our pants were black as well. You know, I have no choice but to admit that these observation skills of Li You's were seriously above that of others. If she hadn't pointed this out to me, I would've never thought of it.

It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.

_{He's hinting that I'm stupid, isn't he? Heheh.}
That Xiao Huaisu then placed Li You's books back in their proper order. After he was done, he took a look at my fierce expression, and just let out a smile as he did before. But then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, Li You asked: "Dad, how much do you like Uncle Xiao?" I almost fell onto the floor from my chair upon hearing this. This frightened falling action of mine, made me think of those New Year sketches the comedian Uncle Benshan^[1] had performed—and this isn't an exaggeration, I fell the exact way, grabbing hold of the table for support in a flurry and everything.

He's hinting that I'm stupid, isn't he? Heheh.

_{I was speechless. With a staunch expression, I stared at him while wearing a faint grin.}"Is Uncle Xiao my mom?"

I was speechless. With a staunch expression, I stared at him while wearing a faint grin.

_{Yes, I did not bring along any cash with me, but he didn't have to explain it in such detail.}
In contrast, Li You was as calm as ever when she then added: "You drank uncle Xiao's tea."

Yes, I did not bring along any cash with me, but he didn't have to explain it in such detail.

_{"!" I fell to the floor on my knees with a plop—I was mortified!}This made me think Liuliu's mother realised her mistake, so I went over to her with a smiling face. I had yet to say a word to her but then she added: "I just knew you weren't Youyou's dad. How could someone as young as you possibly be a father? So you must be Youyou's uncle, right? I finally got to see Youyou's real dad today. That father-daughter pair just look so classy, and the more I look at Youyou, the more she looks like a rare gem!"

"!" I fell to the floor on my knees with a plop—I was mortified!

_{But, man..}It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.

But, man... for a second there I thought Li You could see all those improper thoughts of mine. Anyway, squeezing out a smile, I rejoiced at my good fortune, otherwise I would've pissed myself for real. So next, I calmly explained to Li You: "Oh, I forgot this one was Uncle Xiao's. I'll go make another cup to give to him then." And with that, I took both empty cups, and made my way to the kitchen. Once there, leaning over the sink, I huffed and swallowed huge breaths of air while hurriedly wiping the giant globs of cold sweat from my forehead.

_{Giving me no chance to express my pride, Xiao Huaisu looked up towards me, an astonished expression on his face as he said: "I never expected Li You's ability o learn English and math to be this good." The expression he wore as he looked at me turned into a complex one as he then whispered, "It seems she has inherited the good genes from her mother's side..."}
Oh, what she actually meant was: do you like Uncle Xiao that much, you drank all the tea you planned on giving him.

Giving me no chance to express my pride, Xiao Huaisu looked up towards me, an astonished expression on his face as he said: "I never expected Li You's ability o learn English and math to be this good." The expression he wore as he looked at me turned into a complex one as he then whispered, "It seems she has inherited the good genes from her mother's side..."

_{Xaio Huaisu smiled, but then asked Li You seriously: "What do you think?"}Child, that analysis of yours is so reasonable, this dad of yours is utterly unable to refute.

Xaio Huaisu smiled, but then asked Li You seriously: "What do you think?"

_{Haha. I can't feel any kind of warmth from this world. This feeling... being stabbed in the back by my two most beloved persons, who knew it would be this painful.}
I let out a relieved breath. It seems my guilty conscience had made me over think all this a bit since kids don't ever have those kinds of meaning in mind; and even though adults won't think there was not that much difference between the two phrases, I still understood what she said.

Haha. I can't feel any kind of warmth from this world. This feeling... being stabbed in the back by my two most beloved persons, who knew it would be this painful.

_{It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.}Therefore I took both cups and chugged their contents with no hesitation.

It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.

_{I was speechless. With a staunch expression, I stared at him while wearing a faint grin.}
But, man... for a second there I thought Li You could see all those improper thoughts of mine. Anyway, squeezing out a smile, I rejoiced at my good fortune, otherwise I would've pissed myself for real. So next, I calmly explained to Li You: "Oh, I forgot this one was Uncle Xiao's. I'll go make another cup to give to him then." And with that, I took both empty cups, and made my way to the kitchen. Once there, leaning over the sink, I huffed and swallowed huge breaths of air while hurriedly wiping the giant globs of cold sweat from my forehead.

I was speechless. With a staunch expression, I stared at him while wearing a faint grin.

_{"Is Uncle Xiao my mom?"}
That scared the crap outta me! I was so scared my heart almost gave out...

"Is Uncle Xiao my mom?"

_{After all, that little girl is my baby, everything I do is based on the premise of her not getting hurt, on her not getting bullied, and for her to grow up happy and healthy.}I lowered my head to take a look, it was an ordinary long-sleeved shirt paired with a light jacket, a matching set of black and white, nothing about it was overtly special. Then that must mean it looked nice because of my handsome features, so with a wide grin plastered on my face, I said to Li You: "The main reason behind that is your dad's handsomeness~"

After all, that little girl is my baby, everything I do is based on the premise of her not getting hurt, on her not getting bullied, and for her to grow up happy and healthy.

_{Oh, what she actually meant was: do you like Uncle Xiao that much, you drank all the tea you planned on giving him.}
But just as I was having my little moment, Li You walked in without making a sound all of a sudden, and in a fit of nervousness, I whipped up and stood at full attention. But then I noticed that my nerves were still too frazzled, so I switched my pose into one where I bent forward with my hands on my knees, doing my best to relax my voice as much as I could before I asked her: "What's the matter, hun?"

Oh, what she actually meant was: do you like Uncle Xiao that much, you drank all the tea you planned on giving him.

_{But just as I was having my little moment, Li You walked in without making a sound all of a sudden, and in a fit of nervousness, I whipped up and stood at full attention. But then I noticed that my nerves were still too frazzled, so I switched my pose into one where I bent forward with my hands on my knees, doing my best to relax my voice as much as I could before I asked her: "What's the matter, hun?".}After all, that little girl is my baby, everything I do is based on the premise of her not getting hurt, on her not getting bullied, and for her to grow up happy and healthy.

But just as I was having my little moment, Li You walked in without making a sound all of a sudden, and in a fit of nervousness, I whipped up and stood at full attention. But then I noticed that my nerves were still too frazzled, so I switched my pose into one where I bent forward with my hands on my knees, doing my best to relax my voice as much as I could before I asked her: "What's the matter, hun?"

_{But, man..}But, man... for a second there I thought Li You could see all those improper thoughts of mine. Anyway, squeezing out a smile, I rejoiced at my good fortune, otherwise I would've pissed myself for real. So next, I calmly explained to Li You: "Oh, I forgot this one was Uncle Xiao's. I'll go make another cup to give to him then." And with that, I took both empty cups, and made my way to the kitchen. Once there, leaning over the sink, I huffed and swallowed huge breaths of air while hurriedly wiping the giant globs of cold sweat from my forehead.

But, man... for a second there I thought Li You could see all those improper thoughts of mine. Anyway, squeezing out a smile, I rejoiced at my good fortune, otherwise I would've pissed myself for real. So next, I calmly explained to Li You: "Oh, I forgot this one was Uncle Xiao's. I'll go make another cup to give to him then." And with that, I took both empty cups, and made my way to the kitchen. Once there, leaning over the sink, I huffed and swallowed huge breaths of air while hurriedly wiping the giant globs of cold sweat from my forehead.

_{Li You was the first to notice me after I came in, with Xiao Huaisu seeing me come over afterwards. When she saw me, Liuliu's mom happily said: "You came here too!"}
"Is Uncle Xiao my mom?"

Li You was the first to notice me after I came in, with Xiao Huaisu seeing me come over afterwards. When she saw me, Liuliu's mom happily said: "You came here too!"

_{It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.}
"!" I fell to the floor on my knees with a plop—I was mortified!

It was already four-thirty by the time the conference had ended. By then, the heavy showers outside and turned into light showers.

_{Jeez, you don't have to be this attentive, you know.}He's hinting that I'm stupid, isn't he? Heheh.

Jeez, you don't have to be this attentive, you know.

_{Xaio Huaisu was driving, while I sat in the back of the car with Li You, who then asked me: "What happened? You actually kept your word this time, isn't that great?"}Haha. I can't feel any kind of warmth from this world. This feeling... being stabbed in the back by my two most beloved persons, who knew it would be this painful.

Xaio Huaisu was driving, while I sat in the back of the car with Li You, who then asked me: "What happened? You actually kept your word this time, isn't that great?"

_{"But, uhm... why are you two wearing matching couple clothes?" Oh, this is happening because of that time I had taken Li You to buy matching parent-child clothes. At that time, the store we had gone to also had those types of clothes, so other than the matching parent-kid clothing, I had also showed and told her about the matching couple outfits along with other stuff.}
Li You looked at me with curiosity as she walked towards me, taking hold of my arm to help me up. "Dad, why do you keep falling down so much today? The Doctor Lady told us that falling down a lot can be a sign of calcium deficiency. So are you calcium deficient, dad?"

"But, uhm... why are you two wearing matching couple clothes?" Oh, this is happening because of that time I had taken Li You to buy matching parent-child clothes. At that time, the store we had gone to also had those types of clothes, so other than the matching parent-kid clothing, I had also showed and told her about the matching couple outfits along with other stuff.

_{"Uhh?" I lifted my head, taking a look at Xiao Huaisu in the driver's seat, only noticing right at this moment, he was wearing a matching set of a light jacket along with a long-sleeved shirt in black and white too—plus both of our pants were black as well. You know, I have no choice but to admit that these observation skills of Li You's were seriously above that of others.}
Looking at Li You, in my heart all I could think was: Your dad is love deficient—not calcium deficient! I then grabbed hold of the refrigerator for support, mentally drained to the max, as I asked her with lips a-tremble: "W-why would you a-ask if U-Uncle Xiao is your mom, love?"

"Uhh?" I lifted my head, taking a look at Xiao Huaisu in the driver's seat, only noticing right at this moment, he was wearing a matching set of a light jacket along with a long-sleeved shirt in black and white too—plus both of our pants were black as well. You know, I have no choice but to admit that these observation skills of Li You's were seriously above that of others. If she hadn't pointed this out to me, I would've never thought of it.

_{After all, that little girl is my baby, everything I do is based on the premise of her not getting hurt, on her not getting bullied, and for her to grow up happy and healthy.}
"Well, you said before that my mom looked like a man, and you also said that my mom and Uncle Xiao looked the same too, didn't you? So it must be that Uncle Xiao is actually a woman who looks like a man, right? Because a lot of people said I looked just like him, so I just figured he might be my mom."

After all, that little girl is my baby, everything I do is based on the premise of her not getting hurt, on her not getting bullied, and for her to grow up happy and healthy.

_{I let out a relieved breath. It seems my guilty conscience had made me over think all this a bit since kids don't ever have those kinds of meaning in mind; and even though adults won't think there was not that much difference between the two phrases, I still understood what she said.}Jeez, you don't have to be this attentive, you know.

I let out a relieved breath. It seems my guilty conscience had made me over think all this a bit since kids don't ever have those kinds of meaning in mind; and even though adults won't think there was not that much difference between the two phrases, I still understood what she said.

_{"Is that so... Then I'm really sorry for what I said before." Liuliu's mother was embarrassed.}
Child, that analysis of yours is so reasonable, this dad of yours is utterly unable to refute.

"Is that so... Then I'm really sorry for what I said before." Liuliu's mother was embarrassed.

_{Why must I still bear all these unspeakable hardships to raise this darling baby, this little sweetheart, this little angel, this little cutie pie of mine?}(┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬||┬┬﹏┬┬)

Why must I still bear all these unspeakable hardships to raise this darling baby, this little sweetheart, this little angel, this little cutie pie of mine?

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

^1. Uncle Benshan{, real name: Zhao Benshan,} is a notable Chinese comedian most known for his performances during the New Year's Gala.

Let's all pour one out for Li Tian's poor heart; the poor thing. o(TヘTo)

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