UD: C23

Chapter: 23 | Li Tian, have you lost your ever-loving mind

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Li Tian, have you lost your ever-loving mind

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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￣)

_{I understand what happened, and what happened made me sad; but Li You's birthday celebration should be a joyful occasion.}
Finding out about Xiao Huaisu's resignation made me sad, and on the inside I was lamenting at the fact that the two of us just seemed to be expectedly out of luck. But, if I'm being honest, I did figure Xiao Huaisu would be leaving the country again at some point. When I first found out about him being a professor at A-University, I got the feeling he wasn't a permanent employee there and would head back overseas after a year or two. After all, his folks and friends weren't here, so what reason would he have to stay in this country on his own? What I hadn't expected, though, was for it to be barely a year before he left. So him leaving out of the blue like this hurts... it really freaking hurts. It made me want to shed tears, but as the old saying goes: getting a man to shed tears is no easy task; and given how strong of a person I am, naturally, I endured.

I understand what happened, and what happened made me sad; but Li You's birthday celebration should be a joyful occasion.

_{Why did he show up at Qianhua?!}
I understand what happened, and what happened made me sad; but Li You's birthday celebration should be a joyful occasion.

Why did he show up at Qianhua?!

_{Because of this action of mine, everyone turned their gazes to me—even the Xiao Huaisu I thought was a figment of my imagination was looking at me.}
However, I did have to go to work on that day. Before, at university, it was easy for me to come up with some excuse to request some time off to spend her entire birthday having fun with her. But now that I'm working, and have just gotten into the company at that, with how much stricter things are there, taking a few days off might end with me losing my job. This society at current is quite brutal, but it's not like we workers can casually challenge the company's bottom line. Experience tells us that most who are brave enough to enter such a battle have all been honourable sacrifices to that beast. So there's no way I would manage to pull off such a victory as a group of one.

Because of this action of mine, everyone turned their gazes to me—even the Xiao Huaisu I thought was a figment of my imagination was looking at me.

_{But I again refused her ruthlessly: "Everything ice-cream related is off the table."}I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?

But I again refused her ruthlessly: "Everything ice-cream related is off the table."

_{Serious, he then asked: "Huh? What ties of friendship do we have?"}Therefore, I bought some Häagen-Dazs and gave Li You a bite, after which, I ate the rest all by myself, not caring whether Li You ate to her hearts content or not as I ate to my own anyway.

Serious, he then asked: "Huh? What ties of friendship do we have?"

_{For this reason, when compared to Li You, I was even more excited. Later, at the park, there were a lot of rides or games Li You couldn't play, and Xiao Huaisu had become the one holding Li You by the hand, as the waited for me who was busy being tossed back and forth on various rides.}
As soon as I got off work that afternoon, I made my way to Li You's kindergarten at the speed of light! Meaning it took me about thirty minutes or so to make it there.

For this reason, when compared to Li You, I was even more excited. Later, at the park, there were a lot of rides or games Li You couldn't play, and Xiao Huaisu had become the one holding Li You by the hand, as the waited for me who was busy being tossed back and forth on various rides.

_{It really does seem as though every attempt I try to give us some semblance of a relationship will end in failure.}The originally quiet meeting room, suddenly grew more silent.

It really does seem as though every attempt I try to give us some semblance of a relationship will end in failure.

_{"The full name is Häagen-Dazs ice-cream, and it's on you no-eat list too. Unless, of course, you want to go to the hospital and get yourself a shot."}"But it's called Häagen-Dazs."

"The full name is Häagen-Dazs ice-cream, and it's on you no-eat list too. Unless, of course, you want to go to the hospital and get yourself a shot."

_{"The full name is Häagen-Dazs ice-cream, and it's on you no-eat list too. Unless, of course, you want to go to the hospital and get yourself a shot."}
While on our way back, the two of us took our sweet time walking though.

"The full name is Häagen-Dazs ice-cream, and it's on you no-eat list too. Unless, of course, you want to go to the hospital and get yourself a shot."

_{Serious, he then asked: "Huh? What ties of friendship do we have?"}Li You lowered her head, thinking rather seriously before saying: "I would like to eat some ice-cream then go to the hospital to get a shot." I couldn't help but stare at her, this little girl was even hard on herself.

Serious, he then asked: "Huh? What ties of friendship do we have?"

_{Now, with my strict father image serving as foil, Xiao Huaisu has completely become Li You's safe haven—her bomb shelter. So if there is any bit of unhappiness on her part, or the slightest hint of her being wronged, and her grandparents aren't there to console her, she'd choose to go to Xiao Huaisu about my behaviour.}
As a courtesy, I asked her: "So how do you want to spend your birthday?" But if she asks for something unreasonable, being the strict father I am, I would of course in no way hesitate to refuse her. It was simply a matter of principle.

Now, with my strict father image serving as foil, Xiao Huaisu has completely become Li You's safe haven—her bomb shelter. So if there is any bit of unhappiness on her part, or the slightest hint of her being wronged, and her grandparents aren't there to console her, she'd choose to go to Xiao Huaisu about my behaviour.

_{The word 'DUMBFOUNDED' wasn't enough to describe my current emotional state. I didn't even hear anything the deputy manager had said during the meeting at all, only when everyone stood up and moved their chair, did my senses finally return. I then looked at that seat in the middle, but Xiao Huaisu was already long gone.}
Hugging the gift I bought her, she looked up at me excitedly and said: "I want to eat ice-cream cake!"

The word 'DUMBFOUNDED' wasn't enough to describe my current emotional state. I didn't even hear anything the deputy manager had said during the meeting at all, only when everyone stood up and moved their chair, did my senses finally return. I then looked at that seat in the middle, but Xiao Huaisu was already long gone.

_{In matters of importance, Li You still has respect for me, so despite her anger towards me earlier, and giving me her cold palace mode; when Xiao Huaisu gave her the gift, she still looked at first for approval, and upon seeing me nod, she accepted it. Smiling, as she then gave her gratitude: "Thank you, Uncle Xiao."}On our way home, Li You was dead silent, and her face was dark. I did feel it was a bit too unfair, and she probably wanted to jump up and scratch me then sever our father-daughter relationship. She seemed rather unhappy.

In matters of importance, Li You still has respect for me, so despite her anger towards me earlier, and giving me her cold palace mode; when Xiao Huaisu gave her the gift, she still looked at first for approval, and upon seeing me nod, she accepted it. Smiling, as she then gave her gratitude: "Thank you, Uncle Xiao."

_{Curious, I lifted my head to take a look, only to notice that sitting calmly in the centre of the room, was no other than Xiao Huaisu...}N/A

Curious, I lifted my head to take a look, only to notice that sitting calmly in the centre of the room, was no other than Xiao Huaisu...

_{"Oh..." This response of his was a bit flat.}
Being a strict father, how could I agree to such an unreasonable demand? Thus, I refused, saying: "Nope." Let me explain, Li You had a slight fever a couple days ago, and even though it was not that serious, I'm not going to let her have something cold like ice-cream.

"Oh..." This response of his was a bit flat.

_{Being a strict father, how could I agree to such an unreasonable demand? Thus, I refused, saying: "Nope." Let me explain, Li You had a slight fever a couple days ago, and even though it was not that serious, I'm not going to let her have something cold like ice-cream.}I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?

Being a strict father, how could I agree to such an unreasonable demand? Thus, I refused, saying: "Nope." Let me explain, Li You had a slight fever a couple days ago, and even though it was not that serious, I'm not going to let her have something cold like ice-cream.

_{|___(∩^o^)⊃━☆.___|}
Li You tried asking again though: "Then can I just have an ice-cream?"

|___(∩^o^)⊃━☆.___|

_{Li You tried asking again though: "Then can I just have an ice-cream?"}
But I again refused her ruthlessly: "Everything ice-cream related is off the table."

Li You tried asking again though: "Then can I just have an ice-cream?"

_{During this internal debate, Zhang Dong leaned over and asked: "Have you lost your mind?!"}"Oh..." This response of his was a bit flat.

During this internal debate, Zhang Dong leaned over and asked: "Have you lost your mind?!"

_{I heard Xiao Huaisu's tone come through when he replied: "Today's your birthday?" It was gentle, with traces of doting mixed in with a bit of surprise.}As a courtesy, I asked her: "So how do you want to spend your birthday?" But if she asks for something unreasonable, being the strict father I am, I would of course in no way hesitate to refuse her. It was simply a matter of principle.

I heard Xiao Huaisu's tone come through when he replied: "Today's your birthday?" It was gentle, with traces of doting mixed in with a bit of surprise.

_{I never replied, but he did send another message: "Sit tight, I'm coming over."}
"How about Häagen-Dazs?"

I never replied, but he did send another message: "Sit tight, I'm coming over."

_{A smile could be seen in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, but to me all he could do was shake his head. He the pulled out a gift from the passenger side glove compartment, giving it to Li You saying: "It was supposed to be your dad and me accompanying you while you had your fun, but it instead became us accompanying him while he had the time of his life. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Li You."}Raising my hand, I happily chimed in: "I had fun—a lot of fun too!"

A smile could be seen in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, but to me all he could do was shake his head. He the pulled out a gift from the passenger side glove compartment, giving it to Li You saying: "It was supposed to be your dad and me accompanying you while you had your fun, but it instead became us accompanying him while he had the time of his life. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Li You."

_{While on our way back, the two of us took our sweet time walking though.}For a few days following this, because he told me he really had resigned, I was sad.

While on our way back, the two of us took our sweet time walking though.

_{Right as Li You was chatting with Xiao Huaisu, a message from him appeared on my screen. Opening it, the message read: "It's Youyou's birthday and you really never thought about telling me?" Even though it wasn't a voice message he had sent, and only mere words, I could still see the blame with them, along with a faint amount of disappointment? I couldn't understand it.}
"That is also ice-cream."

Right as Li You was chatting with Xiao Huaisu, a message from him appeared on my screen. Opening it, the message read: "It's Youyou's birthday and you really never thought about telling me?" Even though it wasn't a voice message he had sent, and only mere words, I could still see the blame with them, along with a faint amount of disappointment? I couldn't understand it. Maybe I was just overthinking it, after all, I do overthink things quite frequently. Looking back at past incidents, there are a lot of situations that show this, so it was most likely me thinking too much.

_{Li You tried asking again though: "Then can I just have an ice-cream?"}Raising my hand, I happily chimed in: "I had fun—a lot of fun too!"

Li You tried asking again though: "Then can I just have an ice-cream?"

_{Manager Lin slammed his folders on the desk in front of me: "Li Tian, have you lost your ever-loving mind?! Do you have a problem with me? Because if you hove a problem with me, just say it! You don't need to be like this! What would the new president think about me now, huh? What would the deputy director think of me?"}
"But it's called Häagen-Dazs."

Manager Lin slammed his folders on the desk in front of me: "Li Tian, have you lost your ever-loving mind?! Do you have a problem with me? Because if you hove a problem with me, just say it! You don't need to be like this! What would the new president think about me now, huh? What would the deputy director think of me?"

_{This was an excellent idea! I had always wanted to go to an amusement park at night, but because I couldn't guarantee Li You's safety if I took her to such a place on my own. Plus, I was also afraid she might get lost, so we never went out at night. But now since it was two of us taking one kid, there won't be any attacks from the rear.}But as to why I did not tell her this directly, you ask? Well, it was because doing so would be cruel. Even though I'm a strict father, I have a loving father side too. This is why I told her tactfully. Ah yes, I really am an attentive, warm and good papa, no?

This was an excellent idea! I had always wanted to go to an amusement park at night, but because I couldn't guarantee Li You's safety if I took her to such a place on my own. Plus, I was also afraid she might get lost, so we never went out at night. But now since it was two of us taking one kid, there won't be any attacks from the rear.

_{But I again refused her ruthlessly: "Everything ice-cream related is off the table."}
"The full name is Häagen-Dazs ice-cream, and it's on you no-eat list too. Unless, of course, you want to go to the hospital and get yourself a shot."

But I again refused her ruthlessly: "Everything ice-cream related is off the table."

_{But as to why I did not tell her this directly, you ask? Well, it was because doing so would be cruel. Even though I'm a strict father, I have a loving father side too. This is why I told her tactfully. {Ah yes, I really am an attentive, warm and good papa, no?}}This was an excellent idea! I had always wanted to go to an amusement park at night, but because I couldn't guarantee Li You's safety if I took her to such a place on my own. Plus, I was also afraid she might get lost, so we never went out at night. But now since it was two of us taking one kid, there won't be any attacks from the rear.

But as to why I did not tell her this directly, you ask? Well, it was because doing so would be cruel. Even though I'm a strict father, I have a loving father side too. This is why I told her tactfully. Ah yes, I really am an attentive, warm and good papa, no?

_{Swallowing my saliva, I explained: "Of course I'm referring to the ties formed from you doing to tutor me back in the day."}
Li You lowered her head, thinking rather seriously before saying: "I would like to eat some ice-cream then go to the hospital to get a shot." I couldn't help but stare at her, this little girl was even hard on herself.

Swallowing my saliva, I explained: "Of course I'm referring to the ties formed from you doing to tutor me back in the day."

_{Being a strict father, how could I agree to such an unreasonable demand? Thus, I refused, saying: "Nope." Let me explain, Li You had a slight fever a couple days ago, and even though it was not that serious, I'm not going to let her have something cold like ice-cream.}
Speaking of which, I thought it'd be too cruel to refuse her again, since today was her birthday after all.

Being a strict father, how could I agree to such an unreasonable demand? Thus, I refused, saying: "Nope." Let me explain, Li You had a slight fever a couple days ago, and even though it was not that serious, I'm not going to let her have something cold like ice-cream.

_{I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?}
Therefore, I bought some Häagen-Dazs and gave Li You a bite, after which, I ate the rest all by myself, not caring whether Li You ate to her hearts content or not as I ate to my own anyway.

I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?

_{For this reason, when compared to Li You, I was even more excited. Later, at the park, there were a lot of rides or games Li You couldn't play, and Xiao Huaisu had become the one holding Li You by the hand, as the waited for me who was busy being tossed back and forth on various rides.}Xiao Huaisu smiled back, reaching out to ruffle her hair, "You're very welcome."

For this reason, when compared to Li You, I was even more excited. Later, at the park, there were a lot of rides or games Li You couldn't play, and Xiao Huaisu had become the one holding Li You by the hand, as the waited for me who was busy being tossed back and forth on various rides.

_{I countered: "Even if you tell him, he'll still side with me to not let you eat it." Or in summation: telling him would be pointless.}
On our way home, Li You was dead silent, and her face was dark. I did feel it was a bit too unfair, and she probably wanted to jump up and scratch me then sever our father-daughter relationship. She seemed rather unhappy.

I countered: "Even if you tell him, he'll still side with me to not let you eat it." Or in summation: telling him would be pointless.

_{On Monday, at an ordinary company meeting, I was still a little absentminded over the Xiao Huaisu resignation matter. I was letting my imagination get away from me and coming up with plans, such as using the guise of leaving the country for a few days, I could take Li You to my Uncle Xiao's place (Xiao Huaisu's father) to eat, drink and see that perfect guy of mine on his dime.}
After we got home, I deliberately asked her in an innocent manner: "You got to eat the ice-cream you wished for, so why the long face?"

On Monday, at an ordinary company meeting, I was still a little absentminded over the Xiao Huaisu resignation matter. I was letting my imagination get away from me and coming up with plans, such as using the guise of leaving the country for a few days, I could take Li You to my Uncle Xiao's place (Xiao Huaisu's father) to eat, drink and see that perfect guy of mine on his dime. But if Uncle Xiao got a glimpse of how similar Li You was t o Xiao Huaisu he might get the idea I stole a child of their family, right? Huh—

_{Curious, I lifted my head to take a look, only to notice that sitting calmly in the centre of the room, was no other than Xiao Huaisu...}
To this Li You replied accusingly: "But you only let me have one bite! You know today is my birthday, right? Yet you still only let me have one bite!" There was enough resentment in her words to make it seem like a tangible flame—a towering resentment! But, honestly speaking, seeing her taut little baby fat filled face made me feel a bit nervous. Even though I was a strict father, facing this kind of Li You unnerved me. What if I had really pissed her off? Who knows or she would retaliate against me then? It's not like she hadn't once put mustard in my toothpaste before.

Curious, I lifted my head to take a look, only to notice that sitting calmly in the centre of the room, was no other than Xiao Huaisu...

_{A smile could be seen in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, but to me all he could do was shake his head. He the pulled out a gift from the passenger side glove compartment, giving it to Li You saying: "It was supposed to be your dad and me accompanying you while you had your fun, but it instead became us accompanying him while he had the time of his life. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Li You."}Hugging the gift I bought her, she looked up at me excitedly and said: "I want to eat ice-cream cake!"

A smile could be seen in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, but to me all he could do was shake his head. He the pulled out a gift from the passenger side glove compartment, giving it to Li You saying: "It was supposed to be your dad and me accompanying you while you had your fun, but it instead became us accompanying him while he had the time of his life. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Li You."

_{Manager Lin, seeing I wasn't listening to his command and dared to have pointed at Xiao Huaisu, having been angered, motioned to Zhang Dong, who was seated beside me, to pull me down.}
I laughed out loud, though, dryly saying to her in consolation: "Eating a single bite is still considered as having ice-cream, you know?"

Manager Lin, seeing I wasn't listening to his command and dared to have pointed at Xiao Huaisu, having been angered, motioned to Zhang Dong, who was seated beside me, to pull me down.

_{It really does seem as though every attempt I try to give us some semblance of a relationship will end in failure.}
When Li You heard this line from me, her eyes suddenly turned red, and I could see her pain clearly as she said: "I'm going to tell Uncle Xiao."

It really does seem as though every attempt I try to give us some semblance of a relationship will end in failure.

_{However, I did have to go to work on that day. Before, at university, it was easy for me to come up with some excuse to request some time off to spend her entire birthday having fun with her.}It wasn't a hallucination!

However, I did have to go to work on that day. Before, at university, it was easy for me to come up with some excuse to request some time off to spend her entire birthday having fun with her. But now that I'm working, and have just gotten into the company at that, with how much stricter things are there, taking a few days off might end with me losing my job. This society at current is quite brutal, but it's not like we workers can casually challenge the company's bottom line. Experience tells us that most who are brave enough to enter such a battle have all been honourable sacrifices to that beast. So there's no way I would manage to pull off such a victory as a group of one.

_{"How about Häagen-Dazs?"}The originally quiet meeting room, suddenly grew more silent.

"How about Häagen-Dazs?"

_{It wasn't a hallucination!}
I countered: "Even if you tell him, he'll still side with me to not let you eat it." Or in summation: telling him would be pointless.

It wasn't a hallucination!

_{A smile could be seen in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, but to me all he could do was shake his head. He the pulled out a gift from the passenger side glove compartment, giving it to Li You saying: "It was supposed to be your dad and me accompanying you while you had your fun, but it instead became us accompanying him while he had the time of his life. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Li You."}Holding the cotton-candy she had yet to finish, Li You replied: "It was fine. The food was really yummy."

A smile could be seen in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, but to me all he could do was shake his head. He the pulled out a gift from the passenger side glove compartment, giving it to Li You saying: "It was supposed to be your dad and me accompanying you while you had your fun, but it instead became us accompanying him while he had the time of his life. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Li You."

_{As soon as I got off work that afternoon, I made my way to Li You's kindergarten at the speed of light! Meaning it took me about thirty minutes or so to make it there.}I never replied, but he did send another message: "Sit tight, I'm coming over."

As soon as I got off work that afternoon, I made my way to Li You's kindergarten at the speed of light! Meaning it took me about thirty minutes or so to make it there.

_{As soon as I got off work that afternoon, I made my way to Li You's kindergarten at the speed of light! Meaning it took me about thirty minutes or so to make it there.}
But as to why I did not tell her this directly, you ask? Well, it was because doing so would be cruel. Even though I'm a strict father, I have a loving father side too. This is why I told her tactfully. Ah yes, I really am an attentive, warm and good papa, no?

As soon as I got off work that afternoon, I made my way to Li You's kindergarten at the speed of light! Meaning it took me about thirty minutes or so to make it there.

_{However, I did have to go to work on that day. Before, at university, it was easy for me to come up with some excuse to request some time off to spend her entire birthday having fun with her.}It wasn't a hallucination!

However, I did have to go to work on that day. Before, at university, it was easy for me to come up with some excuse to request some time off to spend her entire birthday having fun with her. But now that I'm working, and have just gotten into the company at that, with how much stricter things are there, taking a few days off might end with me losing my job. This society at current is quite brutal, but it's not like we workers can casually challenge the company's bottom line. Experience tells us that most who are brave enough to enter such a battle have all been honourable sacrifices to that beast. So there's no way I would manage to pull off such a victory as a group of one.

_{During this internal debate, Zhang Dong leaned over and asked: "Have you lost your mind?!"}
Li You sat herself on the sofa sniffing her nose, not at all believing a word I said, putting the gift I got her on the coffee table before pulling out her phone from her backpack and opening WeChat, contacting Xiao Huaisu.

During this internal debate, Zhang Dong leaned over and asked: "Have you lost your mind?!"

_{Curious, I lifted my head to take a look, only to notice that sitting calmly in the centre of the room, was no other than Xiao Huaisu...}This was because sounds of flipping documents had permeated the backdrop before, but almost instantaneously, the sounds of turning pages had ceased.

Curious, I lifted my head to take a look, only to notice that sitting calmly in the centre of the room, was no other than Xiao Huaisu...

_{"But it's called Häagen-Dazs."}
She's snitching on me!

"But it's called Häagen-Dazs."

_{Li You lowered her head, thinking rather seriously before saying: "I would like to eat some ice-cream then go to the hospital to get a shot." I couldn't help but stare at her, {this little girl was even hard on herself.}}I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?

Li You lowered her head, thinking rather seriously before saying: "I would like to eat some ice-cream then go to the hospital to get a shot." I couldn't help but stare at her, this little girl was even hard on herself.

_{I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. {That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?}}Holding the cotton-candy she had yet to finish, Li You replied: "It was fine. The food was really yummy."

I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?

_{Li You lowered her head, thinking rather seriously before saying: "I would like to eat some ice-cream then go to the hospital to get a shot." I couldn't help but stare at her, this little girl was even hard on herself.}
Now, with my strict father image serving as foil, Xiao Huaisu has completely become Li You's safe haven—her bomb shelter. So if there is any bit of unhappiness on her part, or the slightest hint of her being wronged, and her grandparents aren't there to console her, she'd choose to go to Xiao Huaisu about my behaviour.

Li You lowered her head, thinking rather seriously before saying: "I would like to eat some ice-cream then go to the hospital to get a shot." I couldn't help but stare at her, this little girl was even hard on herself.

_{When Li You heard this line from me, her eyes suddenly turned red, and I could see her pain clearly as she said: "I'm going to tell Uncle Xiao."}
I heard Xiao Huaisu's tone come through when he replied: "Today's your birthday?" It was gentle, with traces of doting mixed in with a bit of surprise.

When Li You heard this line from me, her eyes suddenly turned red, and I could see her pain clearly as she said: "I'm going to tell Uncle Xiao."

_{A smile could be seen in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, but to me all he could do was shake his head. He the pulled out a gift from the passenger side glove compartment, giving it to Li You saying: "It was supposed to be your dad and me accompanying you while you had your fun, but it instead became us accompanying him while he had the time of his life. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Li You."}
Right as Li You was chatting with Xiao Huaisu, a message from him appeared on my screen. Opening it, the message read: "It's Youyou's birthday and you really never thought about telling me?" Even though it wasn't a voice message he had sent, and only mere words, I could still see the blame with them, along with a faint amount of disappointment? I couldn't understand it. Maybe I was just overthinking it, after all, I do overthink things quite frequently. Looking back at past incidents, there are a lot of situations that show this, so it was most likely me thinking too much.

A smile could be seen in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, but to me all he could do was shake his head. He the pulled out a gift from the passenger side glove compartment, giving it to Li You saying: "It was supposed to be your dad and me accompanying you while you had your fun, but it instead became us accompanying him while he had the time of his life. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Li You."

_{To this Li You replied accusingly: "But you only let me have one bite! You know today is my birthday, right? Yet you still only let me have one bite!" There was enough resentment in her words to make it seem like a tangible flame—a towering resentment! But, honestly speaking, seeing her taut little baby fat filled face made me feel a bit nervous. Even though I was a strict father, facing this kind of Li You unnerved me.}
When I read the message I thought: Why should I tell you? What kind of relationship do I have with you to tell you?

To this Li You replied accusingly: "But you only let me have one bite! You know today is my birthday, right? Yet you still only let me have one bite!" There was enough resentment in her words to make it seem like a tangible flame—a towering resentment! But, honestly speaking, seeing her taut little baby fat filled face made me feel a bit nervous. Even though I was a strict father, facing this kind of Li You unnerved me. What if I had really pissed her off? Who knows or she would retaliate against me then? It's not like she hadn't once put mustard in my toothpaste before.

_{Because of this action of mine, everyone turned their gazes to me—even the Xiao Huaisu I thought was a figment of my imagination was looking at me.}I countered: "Even if you tell him, he'll still side with me to not let you eat it." Or in summation: telling him would be pointless.

Because of this action of mine, everyone turned their gazes to me—even the Xiao Huaisu I thought was a figment of my imagination was looking at me.

_{"Li Tian, hat are you doing? Hurry up and sit back down!"}On Monday, at an ordinary company meeting, I was still a little absentminded over the Xiao Huaisu resignation matter. I was letting my imagination get away from me and coming up with plans, such as using the guise of leaving the country for a few days, I could take Li You to my Uncle Xiao's place (Xiao Huaisu's father) to eat, drink and see that perfect guy of mine on his dime. But if Uncle Xiao got a glimpse of how similar Li You was t o Xiao Huaisu he might get the idea I stole a child of their family, right? Huh—

"Li Tian, hat are you doing? Hurry up and sit back down!"

_{He hummed lightly in reply, affirming it.}
I never replied, but he did send another message: "Sit tight, I'm coming over."

He hummed lightly in reply, affirming it.

_{To this Li You replied accusingly: "But you only let me have one bite! You know today is my birthday, right? Yet you still only let me have one bite!" There was enough resentment in her words to make it seem like a tangible flame—a towering resentment! But, honestly speaking, seeing her taut little baby fat filled face made me feel a bit nervous. Even though I was a strict father, facing this kind of Li You unnerved me.}"That is also ice-cream."

To this Li You replied accusingly: "But you only let me have one bite! You know today is my birthday, right? Yet you still only let me have one bite!" There was enough resentment in her words to make it seem like a tangible flame—a towering resentment! But, honestly speaking, seeing her taut little baby fat filled face made me feel a bit nervous. Even though I was a strict father, facing this kind of Li You unnerved me. What if I had really pissed her off? Who knows or she would retaliate against me then? It's not like she hadn't once put mustard in my toothpaste before.

_{Finding out about Xiao Huaisu's resignation made me sad, and on the inside I was lamenting at the fact that the two of us just seemed to be expectedly out of luck. But, if I'm being honest, I did figure Xiao Huaisu would be leaving the country again at some point.}
Although his written words were reproachful, at the same time however, he used a consoling one to comfort Li You, saying: "I heard you were sick a couple days ago, so that's why your dad couldn't give you ant ice-cream. Just wait a few days, okay? And after you're fulling recovered, he'll definitely give you some." After hearing this, Li You looked at me. Having been pinned down and pressured by both my perfect man and my daughter, I spinelessly nodded in agreement. Yeah yeah yeah... you can all say whatever you want.

Finding out about Xiao Huaisu's resignation made me sad, and on the inside I was lamenting at the fact that the two of us just seemed to be expectedly out of luck. But, if I'm being honest, I did figure Xiao Huaisu would be leaving the country again at some point. When I first found out about him being a professor at A-University, I got the feeling he wasn't a permanent employee there and would head back overseas after a year or two. After all, his folks and friends weren't here, so what reason would he have to stay in this country on his own? What I hadn't expected, though, was for it to be barely a year before he left. So him leaving out of the blue like this hurts... it really freaking hurts. It made me want to shed tears, but as the old saying goes: getting a man to shed tears is no easy task; and given how strong of a person I am, naturally, I endured.

_{Raising my hand, I happily chimed in: "I had fun—a lot of fun too!"}
Anyhow, after Xiao Huaisu got here, in order to console Li You for not getting ice-cream, he promised to take her to to a nighttime amusement park after eating cake and having her dinner.

Raising my hand, I happily chimed in: "I had fun—a lot of fun too!"

_{Xiao Huaisu smiled back, reaching out to ruffle her hair, "You're very welcome."}
This was an excellent idea! I had always wanted to go to an amusement park at night, but because I couldn't guarantee Li You's safety if I took her to such a place on my own. Plus, I was also afraid she might get lost, so we never went out at night. But now since it was two of us taking one kid, there won't be any attacks from the rear.

Xiao Huaisu smiled back, reaching out to ruffle her hair, "You're very welcome."

_{As a courtesy, I asked her: "So how do you want to spend your birthday?" But if she asks for something unreasonable, being the strict father I am, I would of course in no way hesitate to refuse her. It was simply a matter of principle.}
For this reason, when compared to Li You, I was even more excited. Later, at the park, there were a lot of rides or games Li You couldn't play, and Xiao Huaisu had become the one holding Li You by the hand, as the waited for me who was busy being tossed back and forth on various rides.

As a courtesy, I asked her: "So how do you want to spend your birthday?" But if she asks for something unreasonable, being the strict father I am, I would of course in no way hesitate to refuse her. It was simply a matter of principle.

_{However, I did have to go to work on that day. Before, at university, it was easy for me to come up with some excuse to request some time off to spend her entire birthday having fun with her.}Raising my hand, I happily chimed in: "I had fun—a lot of fun too!"

However, I did have to go to work on that day. Before, at university, it was easy for me to come up with some excuse to request some time off to spend her entire birthday having fun with her. But now that I'm working, and have just gotten into the company at that, with how much stricter things are there, taking a few days off might end with me losing my job. This society at current is quite brutal, but it's not like we workers can casually challenge the company's bottom line. Experience tells us that most who are brave enough to enter such a battle have all been honourable sacrifices to that beast. So there's no way I would manage to pull off such a victory as a group of one.

_{It really was Xiao Huaisu!}
Therefore, after the amusement park was closed, while were in the car, Xiao Huaisu asked Li You: "Did you have fun?"

It really was Xiao Huaisu!

_{"That is also ice-cream."}
Raising my hand, I happily chimed in: "I had fun—a lot of fun too!"

"That is also ice-cream."

_{Li You sat herself on the sofa sniffing her nose, not at all believing a word I said, putting the gift I got her on the coffee table before pulling out her phone from her backpack and opening WeChat, contacting Xiao Huaisu.}
Holding the cotton-candy she had yet to finish, Li You replied: "It was fine. The food was really yummy."

Li You sat herself on the sofa sniffing her nose, not at all believing a word I said, putting the gift I got her on the coffee table before pulling out her phone from her backpack and opening WeChat, contacting Xiao Huaisu.

_{This was an excellent idea! I had always wanted to go to an amusement park at night, but because I couldn't guarantee Li You's safety if I took her to such a place on my own. Plus, I was also afraid she might get lost, so we never went out at night. But now since it was two of us taking one kid, there won't be any attacks from the rear.}
A smile could be seen in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, but to me all he could do was shake his head. He the pulled out a gift from the passenger side glove compartment, giving it to Li You saying: "It was supposed to be your dad and me accompanying you while you had your fun, but it instead became us accompanying him while he had the time of his life. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Li You."

This was an excellent idea! I had always wanted to go to an amusement park at night, but because I couldn't guarantee Li You's safety if I took her to such a place on my own. Plus, I was also afraid she might get lost, so we never went out at night. But now since it was two of us taking one kid, there won't be any attacks from the rear.

_{While on our way back, the two of us took our sweet time walking though.}The word 'DUMBFOUNDED' wasn't enough to describe my current emotional state. I didn't even hear anything the deputy manager had said during the meeting at all, only when everyone stood up and moved their chair, did my senses finally return. I then looked at that seat in the middle, but Xiao Huaisu was already long gone.

While on our way back, the two of us took our sweet time walking though.

_{I couldn't control myself, shooting up to my feet, rubbing my eyes, wondering: Am I hallucinating him because he's bee in my thoughts all the time?!}
In matters of importance, Li You still has respect for me, so despite her anger towards me earlier, and giving me her cold palace mode; when Xiao Huaisu gave her the gift, she still looked at first for approval, and upon seeing me nod, she accepted it. Smiling, as she then gave her gratitude: "Thank you, Uncle Xiao."

I couldn't control myself, shooting up to my feet, rubbing my eyes, wondering: Am I hallucinating him because he's bee in my thoughts all the time?!

_{"How about Häagen-Dazs?"}
Xiao Huaisu smiled back, reaching out to ruffle her hair, "You're very welcome."

"How about Häagen-Dazs?"

_{Finding out about Xiao Huaisu's resignation made me sad, and on the inside I was lamenting at the fact that the two of us just seemed to be expectedly out of luck. But, if I'm being honest, I did figure Xiao Huaisu would be leaving the country again at some point.}I countered: "Even if you tell him, he'll still side with me to not let you eat it." Or in summation: telling him would be pointless.

Finding out about Xiao Huaisu's resignation made me sad, and on the inside I was lamenting at the fact that the two of us just seemed to be expectedly out of luck. But, if I'm being honest, I did figure Xiao Huaisu would be leaving the country again at some point. When I first found out about him being a professor at A-University, I got the feeling he wasn't a permanent employee there and would head back overseas after a year or two. After all, his folks and friends weren't here, so what reason would he have to stay in this country on his own? What I hadn't expected, though, was for it to be barely a year before he left. So him leaving out of the blue like this hurts... it really freaking hurts. It made me want to shed tears, but as the old saying goes: getting a man to shed tears is no easy task; and given how strong of a person I am, naturally, I endured.

_{The originally quiet meeting room, suddenly grew more silent.}She's snitching on me!

The originally quiet meeting room, suddenly grew more silent.

_{Serious, he then asked: "Huh? What ties of friendship do we have?"}
On our way back, after kicking my heels for a while, I summoned the courage to ask: "I heard you resigned."

Serious, he then asked: "Huh? What ties of friendship do we have?"

_{But as to why I did not tell her this directly, you ask? Well, it was because doing so would be cruel. Even though I'm a strict father, I have a loving father side too. This is why I told her tactfully. {Ah yes, I really am an attentive, warm and good papa, no?}}It really was Xiao Huaisu!

But as to why I did not tell her this directly, you ask? Well, it was because doing so would be cruel. Even though I'm a strict father, I have a loving father side too. This is why I told her tactfully. Ah yes, I really am an attentive, warm and good papa, no?

_{past iana: I really do think Xiao Huaisu is a sadist when it comes to messing with Li Tian.[]Future iana: 😉}
He hummed lightly in reply, affirming it.

past iana: I really do think Xiao Huaisu is a sadist when it comes to messing with Li Tian.[]Future iana: 😉

_{It really does seem as though every attempt I try to give us some semblance of a relationship will end in failure.}She's snitching on me!

It really does seem as though every attempt I try to give us some semblance of a relationship will end in failure.

_{Because of this action of mine, everyone turned their gazes to me—even the Xiao Huaisu I thought was a figment of my imagination was looking at me.}Finding out about Xiao Huaisu's resignation made me sad, and on the inside I was lamenting at the fact that the two of us just seemed to be expectedly out of luck. But, if I'm being honest, I did figure Xiao Huaisu would be leaving the country again at some point. When I first found out about him being a professor at A-University, I got the feeling he wasn't a permanent employee there and would head back overseas after a year or two. After all, his folks and friends weren't here, so what reason would he have to stay in this country on his own? What I hadn't expected, though, was for it to be barely a year before he left. So him leaving out of the blue like this hurts... it really freaking hurts. It made me want to shed tears, but as the old saying goes: getting a man to shed tears is no easy task; and given how strong of a person I am, naturally, I endured.

Because of this action of mine, everyone turned their gazes to me—even the Xiao Huaisu I thought was a figment of my imagination was looking at me.

_{Hugging the gift I bought her, she looked up at me excitedly and said: "I want to eat ice-cream cake!"}
Hearing his response, I got a "the day had finally come" reality shock. Before, part of me always felt it was just a rumour, but even though it was hard letting someone leave, after organising my emotions, I told him with a smile: "I'll miss you then. Remember to miss me too, okay? Our friendship ties aren't just ordinary ones."

Hugging the gift I bought her, she looked up at me excitedly and said: "I want to eat ice-cream cake!"

_{Anyhow, after Xiao Huaisu got here, in order to console Li You for not getting ice-cream, he promised to take her to to a nighttime amusement park after eating cake and having her dinner.}
Serious, he then asked: "Huh? What ties of friendship do we have?"

Anyhow, after Xiao Huaisu got here, in order to console Li You for not getting ice-cream, he promised to take her to to a nighttime amusement park after eating cake and having her dinner.

_{I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. {That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?}}Therefore, after the amusement park was closed, while were in the car, Xiao Huaisu asked Li You: "Did you have fun?"

I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?

_{Receiving the order, Zhang Dong grabbed the back of my clothes and yanked me back to my seat. Once seated, I pinched myself.}I countered: "Even if you tell him, he'll still side with me to not let you eat it." Or in summation: telling him would be pointless.

Receiving the order, Zhang Dong grabbed the back of my clothes and yanked me back to my seat. Once seated, I pinched myself.

_{However, I did have to go to work on that day. Before, at university, it was easy for me to come up with some excuse to request some time off to spend her entire birthday having fun with her.}
Swallowing my saliva, I explained: "Of course I'm referring to the ties formed from you doing to tutor me back in the day."

However, I did have to go to work on that day. Before, at university, it was easy for me to come up with some excuse to request some time off to spend her entire birthday having fun with her. But now that I'm working, and have just gotten into the company at that, with how much stricter things are there, taking a few days off might end with me losing my job. This society at current is quite brutal, but it's not like we workers can casually challenge the company's bottom line. Experience tells us that most who are brave enough to enter such a battle have all been honourable sacrifices to that beast. So there's no way I would manage to pull off such a victory as a group of one.

_{After we got home, I deliberately asked her in an innocent manner: "You got to eat the ice-cream you wished for, so why the long face?"}This was an excellent idea! I had always wanted to go to an amusement park at night, but because I couldn't guarantee Li You's safety if I took her to such a place on my own. Plus, I was also afraid she might get lost, so we never went out at night. But now since it was two of us taking one kid, there won't be any attacks from the rear.

After we got home, I deliberately asked her in an innocent manner: "You got to eat the ice-cream you wished for, so why the long face?"

_{"Li Tian, hat are you doing? Hurry up and sit back down!"}Xiao Huaisu smiled back, reaching out to ruffle her hair, "You're very welcome."

"Li Tian, hat are you doing? Hurry up and sit back down!"

_{The one in charge of us, Manager Lin, frowned at me and whispered to me to sit down.}
"Oh..." This response of his was a bit flat.

The one in charge of us, Manager Lin, frowned at me and whispered to me to sit down.

_{Li Tian, have you lost your ever-loving mind}
It really does seem as though every attempt I try to give us some semblance of a relationship will end in failure.

Li Tian, have you lost your ever-loving mind

_{On our way back, after kicking my heels for a while, I summoned the courage to ask: "I heard you resigned."}To this Li You replied accusingly: "But you only let me have one bite! You know today is my birthday, right? Yet you still only let me have one bite!" There was enough resentment in her words to make it seem like a tangible flame—a towering resentment! But, honestly speaking, seeing her taut little baby fat filled face made me feel a bit nervous. Even though I was a strict father, facing this kind of Li You unnerved me. What if I had really pissed her off? Who knows or she would retaliate against me then? It's not like she hadn't once put mustard in my toothpaste before.

On our way back, after kicking my heels for a while, I summoned the courage to ask: "I heard you resigned."

_{I couldn't control myself, shooting up to my feet, rubbing my eyes, wondering: Am I hallucinating him because he's bee in my thoughts all the time?!}I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?

I couldn't control myself, shooting up to my feet, rubbing my eyes, wondering: Am I hallucinating him because he's bee in my thoughts all the time?!

_{But as to why I did not tell her this directly, you ask? Well, it was because doing so would be cruel. Even though I'm a strict father, I have a loving father side too. This is why I told her tactfully. Ah yes, I really am an attentive, warm and good papa, no?}
For a few days following this, because he told me he really had resigned, I was sad.

But as to why I did not tell her this directly, you ask? Well, it was because doing so would be cruel. Even though I'm a strict father, I have a loving father side too. This is why I told her tactfully. Ah yes, I really am an attentive, warm and good papa, no?

_{Finding out about Xiao Huaisu's resignation made me sad, and on the inside I was lamenting at the fact that the two of us just seemed to be expectedly out of luck. But, if I'm being honest, I did figure Xiao Huaisu would be leaving the country again at some point.}past iana: I really do think Xiao Huaisu is a sadist when it comes to messing with Li Tian.[]Future iana: 😉

Finding out about Xiao Huaisu's resignation made me sad, and on the inside I was lamenting at the fact that the two of us just seemed to be expectedly out of luck. But, if I'm being honest, I did figure Xiao Huaisu would be leaving the country again at some point. When I first found out about him being a professor at A-University, I got the feeling he wasn't a permanent employee there and would head back overseas after a year or two. After all, his folks and friends weren't here, so what reason would he have to stay in this country on his own? What I hadn't expected, though, was for it to be barely a year before he left. So him leaving out of the blue like this hurts... it really freaking hurts. It made me want to shed tears, but as the old saying goes: getting a man to shed tears is no easy task; and given how strong of a person I am, naturally, I endured.

_{Receiving the order, Zhang Dong grabbed the back of my clothes and yanked me back to my seat. Once seated, I pinched myself.}On our way home, Li You was dead silent, and her face was dark. I did feel it was a bit too unfair, and she probably wanted to jump up and scratch me then sever our father-daughter relationship. She seemed rather unhappy.

Receiving the order, Zhang Dong grabbed the back of my clothes and yanked me back to my seat. Once seated, I pinched myself.

_{Therefore, I bought some Häagen-Dazs and gave Li You a bite, after which, I ate the rest all by myself, not caring whether Li You ate to her hearts content or not as I ate to my own anyway.}
On Monday, at an ordinary company meeting, I was still a little absentminded over the Xiao Huaisu resignation matter. I was letting my imagination get away from me and coming up with plans, such as using the guise of leaving the country for a few days, I could take Li You to my Uncle Xiao's place (Xiao Huaisu's father) to eat, drink and see that perfect guy of mine on his dime. But if Uncle Xiao got a glimpse of how similar Li You was t o Xiao Huaisu he might get the idea I stole a child of their family, right? Huh—

Therefore, I bought some Häagen-Dazs and gave Li You a bite, after which, I ate the rest all by myself, not caring whether Li You ate to her hearts content or not as I ate to my own anyway.

_{As soon as I got off work that afternoon, I made my way to Li You's kindergarten at the speed of light! Meaning it took me about thirty minutes or so to make it there.}"Li Tian, hat are you doing? Hurry up and sit back down!"

As soon as I got off work that afternoon, I made my way to Li You's kindergarten at the speed of light! Meaning it took me about thirty minutes or so to make it there.

_{In matters of importance, Li You still has respect for me, so despite her anger towards me earlier, and giving me her cold palace mode; when Xiao Huaisu gave her the gift, she still looked at first for approval, and upon seeing me nod, she accepted it. Smiling, as she then gave her gratitude: "Thank you, Uncle Xiao."}It wasn't a hallucination!

In matters of importance, Li You still has respect for me, so despite her anger towards me earlier, and giving me her cold palace mode; when Xiao Huaisu gave her the gift, she still looked at first for approval, and upon seeing me nod, she accepted it. Smiling, as she then gave her gratitude: "Thank you, Uncle Xiao."

_{She's snitching on me!}
The originally quiet meeting room, suddenly grew more silent.

She's snitching on me!

_{It really does seem as though every attempt I try to give us some semblance of a relationship will end in failure.}It wasn't a hallucination!

It really does seem as though every attempt I try to give us some semblance of a relationship will end in failure.

_{While on our way back, the two of us took our sweet time walking though.}
This was because sounds of flipping documents had permeated the backdrop before, but almost instantaneously, the sounds of turning pages had ceased.

While on our way back, the two of us took our sweet time walking though.

_{Curious, I lifted my head to take a look, only to notice that sitting calmly in the centre of the room, was no other than Xiao Huaisu...}"Li Tian, hat are you doing? Hurry up and sit back down!"

Curious, I lifted my head to take a look, only to notice that sitting calmly in the centre of the room, was no other than Xiao Huaisu...

_{Therefore, I bought some Häagen-Dazs and gave Li You a bite, after which, I ate the rest all by myself, not caring whether Li You ate to her hearts content or not as I ate to my own anyway.}Manager Lin, seeing I wasn't listening to his command and dared to have pointed at Xiao Huaisu, having been angered, motioned to Zhang Dong, who was seated beside me, to pull me down.

Therefore, I bought some Häagen-Dazs and gave Li You a bite, after which, I ate the rest all by myself, not caring whether Li You ate to her hearts content or not as I ate to my own anyway.

_{Holding the cotton-candy she had yet to finish, Li You replied: "It was fine. The food was really yummy."}
Curious, I lifted my head to take a look, only to notice that sitting calmly in the centre of the room, was no other than Xiao Huaisu...

Holding the cotton-candy she had yet to finish, Li You replied: "It was fine. The food was really yummy."

_{past iana: I really do think Xiao Huaisu is a sadist when it comes to messing with Li Tian.[]Future iana: 😉}This was an excellent idea! I had always wanted to go to an amusement park at night, but because I couldn't guarantee Li You's safety if I took her to such a place on my own. Plus, I was also afraid she might get lost, so we never went out at night. But now since it was two of us taking one kid, there won't be any attacks from the rear.

past iana: I really do think Xiao Huaisu is a sadist when it comes to messing with Li Tian.[]Future iana: 😉

_{Hearing his response, I got a "the day had finally come" reality shock. Before, part of me always felt it was just a rumour, but even though it was hard letting someone leave, after organising my emotions, I told him with a smile: "I'll miss you then. Remember to miss me too, okay? Our friendship ties aren't just ordinary ones."}
I couldn't control myself, shooting up to my feet, rubbing my eyes, wondering: Am I hallucinating him because he's bee in my thoughts all the time?!

Hearing his response, I got a "the day had finally come" reality shock. Before, part of me always felt it was just a rumour, but even though it was hard letting someone leave, after organising my emotions, I told him with a smile: "I'll miss you then. Remember to miss me too, okay? Our friendship ties aren't just ordinary ones."

_{After we got home, I deliberately asked her in an innocent manner: "You got to eat the ice-cream you wished for, so why the long face?"}
Because of this action of mine, everyone turned their gazes to me—even the Xiao Huaisu I thought was a figment of my imagination was looking at me.

After we got home, I deliberately asked her in an innocent manner: "You got to eat the ice-cream you wished for, so why the long face?"

_{But all I did was point a trembling finger, looking on in terror at that calm, elegant—not at all the same as the gentle elegant guy he had been at school—Xiao Huaisu, who now appeared to fierce temperament.}
The one in charge of us, Manager Lin, frowned at me and whispered to me to sit down.

But all I did was point a trembling finger, looking on in terror at that calm, elegant—not at all the same as the gentle elegant guy he had been at school—Xiao Huaisu, who now appeared to fierce temperament.

_{I never replied, but he did send another message: "Sit tight, I'm coming over."}Manager Lin slammed his folders on the desk in front of me: "Li Tian, have you lost your ever-loving mind?! Do you have a problem with me? Because if you hove a problem with me, just say it! You don't need to be like this! What would the new president think about me now, huh? What would the deputy director think of me?"

I never replied, but he did send another message: "Sit tight, I'm coming over."

_N/A
"Li Tian, hat are you doing? Hurry up and sit back down!"

N/A

_{I heard Xiao Huaisu's tone come through when he replied: "Today's your birthday?" It was gentle, with traces of doting mixed in with a bit of surprise.}
But all I did was point a trembling finger, looking on in terror at that calm, elegant—not at all the same as the gentle elegant guy he had been at school—Xiao Huaisu, who now appeared to fierce temperament.

I heard Xiao Huaisu's tone come through when he replied: "Today's your birthday?" It was gentle, with traces of doting mixed in with a bit of surprise.

_N/AI never replied, but he did send another message: "Sit tight, I'm coming over."

N/A

_{Receiving the order, Zhang Dong grabbed the back of my clothes and yanked me back to my seat. Once seated, I pinched myself.}
Manager Lin, seeing I wasn't listening to his command and dared to have pointed at Xiao Huaisu, having been angered, motioned to Zhang Dong, who was seated beside me, to pull me down.

Receiving the order, Zhang Dong grabbed the back of my clothes and yanked me back to my seat. Once seated, I pinched myself.

_{After we got home, I deliberately asked her in an innocent manner: "You got to eat the ice-cream you wished for, so why the long face?"}The originally quiet meeting room, suddenly grew more silent.

After we got home, I deliberately asked her in an innocent manner: "You got to eat the ice-cream you wished for, so why the long face?"

_{On our way back, after kicking my heels for a while, I summoned the courage to ask: "I heard you resigned."}
Receiving the order, Zhang Dong grabbed the back of my clothes and yanked me back to my seat. Once seated, I pinched myself.

On our way back, after kicking my heels for a while, I summoned the courage to ask: "I heard you resigned."

_{In matters of importance, Li You still has respect for me, so despite her anger towards me earlier, and giving me her cold palace mode; when Xiao Huaisu gave her the gift, she still looked at first for approval, and upon seeing me nod, she accepted it. Smiling, as she then gave her gratitude: "Thank you, Uncle Xiao."}"Li Tian, hat are you doing? Hurry up and sit back down!"

In matters of importance, Li You still has respect for me, so despite her anger towards me earlier, and giving me her cold palace mode; when Xiao Huaisu gave her the gift, she still looked at first for approval, and upon seeing me nod, she accepted it. Smiling, as she then gave her gratitude: "Thank you, Uncle Xiao."

_{The originally quiet meeting room, suddenly grew more silent.}
It wasn't a hallucination!

The originally quiet meeting room, suddenly grew more silent.

_{On our way home, Li You was dead silent, and her face was dark. I did feel it was a bit too unfair, and she probably wanted to jump up and scratch me then sever our father-daughter relationship. She seemed rather unhappy.}As soon as I got off work that afternoon, I made my way to Li You's kindergarten at the speed of light! Meaning it took me about thirty minutes or so to make it there.

On our way home, Li You was dead silent, and her face was dark. I did feel it was a bit too unfair, and she probably wanted to jump up and scratch me then sever our father-daughter relationship. She seemed rather unhappy.

_{This was an excellent idea! I had always wanted to go to an amusement park at night, but because I couldn't guarantee Li You's safety if I took her to such a place on my own. Plus, I was also afraid she might get lost, so we never went out at night. But now since it was two of us taking one kid, there won't be any attacks from the rear.}I laughed out loud, though, dryly saying to her in consolation: "Eating a single bite is still considered as having ice-cream, you know?"

This was an excellent idea! I had always wanted to go to an amusement park at night, but because I couldn't guarantee Li You's safety if I took her to such a place on my own. Plus, I was also afraid she might get lost, so we never went out at night. But now since it was two of us taking one kid, there won't be any attacks from the rear.

_{Therefore, after the amusement park was closed, while were in the car, Xiao Huaisu asked Li You: "Did you have fun?"}
It really was Xiao Huaisu!

Therefore, after the amusement park was closed, while were in the car, Xiao Huaisu asked Li You: "Did you have fun?"

_{While on our way back, the two of us took our sweet time walking though.}On our way home, Li You was dead silent, and her face was dark. I did feel it was a bit too unfair, and she probably wanted to jump up and scratch me then sever our father-daughter relationship. She seemed rather unhappy.

While on our way back, the two of us took our sweet time walking though.

_{I laughed out loud, though, dryly saying to her in consolation: "Eating a single bite is still considered as having ice-cream, you know?"}
Why did he show up at Qianhua?!

I laughed out loud, though, dryly saying to her in consolation: "Eating a single bite is still considered as having ice-cream, you know?"

_{On our way home, Li You was dead silent, and her face was dark. I did feel it was a bit too unfair, and she probably wanted to jump up and scratch me then sever our father-daughter relationship. She seemed rather unhappy.}
During this internal debate, Zhang Dong leaned over and asked: "Have you lost your mind?!"

On our way home, Li You was dead silent, and her face was dark. I did feel it was a bit too unfair, and she probably wanted to jump up and scratch me then sever our father-daughter relationship. She seemed rather unhappy.

_{When I read the message I thought:{ Why should I tell you? What kind of relationship do I have with you to tell you?}}Although his written words were reproachful, at the same time however, he used a consoling one to comfort Li You, saying: "I heard you were sick a couple days ago, so that's why your dad couldn't give you ant ice-cream. Just wait a few days, okay? And after you're fulling recovered, he'll definitely give you some." After hearing this, Li You looked at me. Having been pinned down and pressured by both my perfect man and my daughter, I spinelessly nodded in agreement. Yeah yeah yeah... you can all say whatever you want.

When I read the message I thought: Why should I tell you? What kind of relationship do I have with you to tell you?

_{After we got home, I deliberately asked her in an innocent manner: "You got to eat the ice-cream you wished for, so why the long face?"}A smile could be seen in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, but to me all he could do was shake his head. He the pulled out a gift from the passenger side glove compartment, giving it to Li You saying: "It was supposed to be your dad and me accompanying you while you had your fun, but it instead became us accompanying him while he had the time of his life. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Li You."

After we got home, I deliberately asked her in an innocent manner: "You got to eat the ice-cream you wished for, so why the long face?"

_{This was because sounds of flipping documents had permeated the backdrop before, but almost instantaneously, the sounds of turning pages had ceased.}
I... I wasn't crazy. I was going crazy... my mind was a lump of goop. That guy was going back abroad, so why the heck was he here now?

This was because sounds of flipping documents had permeated the backdrop before, but almost instantaneously, the sounds of turning pages had ceased.

_{For a few days following this, because he told me he really had resigned, I was sad.}
The word 'DUMBFOUNDED' wasn't enough to describe my current emotional state. I didn't even hear anything the deputy manager had said during the meeting at all, only when everyone stood up and moved their chair, did my senses finally return. I then looked at that seat in the middle, but Xiao Huaisu was already long gone.

For a few days following this, because he told me he really had resigned, I was sad.

_{When I read the message I thought: Why should I tell you? What kind of relationship do I have with you to tell you?}
Manager Lin slammed his folders on the desk in front of me: "Li Tian, have you lost your ever-loving mind?! Do you have a problem with me? Because if you hove a problem with me, just say it! You don't need to be like this! What would the new president think about me now, huh? What would the deputy director think of me?"

When I read the message I thought: Why should I tell you? What kind of relationship do I have with you to tell you?

_{Speaking of which, I thought it'd be too cruel to refuse her again, since today was her birthday after all.}
|___(∩^o^)⊃━☆.___|

Speaking of which, I thought it'd be too cruel to refuse her again, since today was her birthday after all.

_{Speaking of which, I thought it'd be too cruel to refuse her again, since today was her birthday after all.}It really was Xiao Huaisu!

Speaking of which, I thought it'd be too cruel to refuse her again, since today was her birthday after all.

_{Holding the cotton-candy she had yet to finish, Li You replied: "It was fine. The food was really yummy."}Although his written words were reproachful, at the same time however, he used a consoling one to comfort Li You, saying: "I heard you were sick a couple days ago, so that's why your dad couldn't give you ant ice-cream. Just wait a few days, okay? And after you're fulling recovered, he'll definitely give you some." After hearing this, Li You looked at me. Having been pinned down and pressured by both my perfect man and my daughter, I spinelessly nodded in agreement. Yeah yeah yeah... you can all say whatever you want.

Holding the cotton-candy she had yet to finish, Li You replied: "It was fine. The food was really yummy."

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

past iana: I really do think Xiao Huaisu is a sadist when it comes to messing with Li Tian.

Future iana: 😉

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