Chapter 3 (1/2)

Chapter 3

After dinner, Aunt Li washed the dishes, and then she decided to watch a drama on TV. When she finished watching two episodes, it was already 9:30 p.m. She knew that children should be going to sleep at this time, however, Xiao Zhuo was still playing on the sofa. Aunt Li patted his back and said, “Xiao Zhuo, it’s 9:30 now. You should take a bath and then go to bed.”

In response, Ji Xiao Zhuo glanced at the time and pursed his lips. He was reluctant to part with the tablet in his hands and softly said, “Aunt Li, I want to wait a bit longer before going to bed.”

Aunt Li glanced at the tablet in his hand and sighed while stroking his head, “Xiao Zhuo ah, it’s already half past nine, your father won’t video call. He must be on a mission. He’ll call you when he is free, so go to sleep first, okay?”

Ji Xiao Zhuo silently lowered his head. He touched the tablet, lifted his head, and replied, “Let me wait for a bit longer. Daddy could call at any minute now. Please?”

Aunt Li could only nod helplessly in response, “Alright, just another 30 minutes, and then you must go to sleep.”

Ji Xiao Zhuo nodded, and then he continued staring at the tablet.

Tang Tang sat silently on the sofa. She also stared at the tablet as she didn’t understand why the little mochi kept staring at it. She also wondered what video call meant.

After 30 minutes passed, Aunt Li didn’t allow Ji Xiao Zhou to continue waiting. She decided to take away the tablet and said, “That’s enough, Xiao Zhuo. It’s 10 p.m. already, so your father won’t call tonight. Now come with me for a bath. It’s time for bed.”

Ji Xiao Zhuo lowered his head and stayed silent. After a while, he climbed down from the sofa and followed Aunt Li into a room. Tang Tang had good eyesight, so she was able to notice that the little guy’s eyes were red. He looked like he was going to cry.

Bao Bao appeared to be quite upset. Was he waiting for some news about his father? Was he upset because he couldn’t wait any longer? But, military rules were strict, and they couldn’t visit their families whenever they wanted. The little mochi most likely missed his father.

Tang Tang thought as she walked back into her room to take a bath. After spending a lot of effort, she finally figured out how things worked out in the bathroom. Once she finished cleaning herself, she was both mentally and physically exhausted. However, even though she was in bed, Tang Tang couldn’t easily fall asleep. Her mind kept thinking about all sorts of things. In the end, she kept recalling the little guy’s red eyes and couldn’t sleep. The next moment she got up and quietly opened the door before limping to his room, where she carefully turned the door’s handle.

The bedside lamp was still on, and Tang Tang assumed it made it easier for the little guy when he wanted to go to the toilet at night. The little one was sleeping deeply in his bed. He was only wearing underwear, his mouth was slightly open, and his chubby legs and arms were spread out into a ‘大’ shape. His stomach moved as he breathed. Also, if one were to listen carefully, they would be able to hear some snoring.

Tang Tang unconsciously smiled. She reached out to the little mochi’s arm and gave him a little pinch. Her heart softened.

Even though she was not his real mother, she had now become his mother. She was also willing to be his mother, so she would watch after him well in the future. Otherwise, what was the reason she came here for? She always dreamt about having a family, and now she finally got one. This family was now her everything. If she didn’t have a family, she wouldn’t know what to do or which path she should take.

Tang Tang kept looking at the little one until she felt tired. Then, she kissed the little guy’s forehead and covered him with his blanket before silently returning to her room.

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The next day, when Tang Tang woke up, Aunt Li was in the kitchen making breakfast. The little guy was sitting at the dining table while swinging his short legs as he waited for the food.

Tang Tang smiled as she took the initiative to wave at the little kid, “Good morning, little darling ~.”

Ji Xiao Zhuo subconsciously looked up at her. Then he pouted before he humphed and looked down as he stopped looking at her.

Tang Tang didn’t mind. She smiled, went into the kitchen, and helped to get the bowls and utensils. When Aunt Li saw Tang Tang in the kitchen, she was shocked. She wasn’t used to Tang Tang entering the kitchen to help since she never saw her take a step into the kitchen before.

Aunt Li suppressed the suspicion she had in her heart and poured a cup of milk for Ji Xiao Zhuo. Then she gave him two buns. After he started eating, she poured herself a bowl of congee and started to eat as well. She didn’t bother with Tang Tang’s portion.

Tang Tang could only pour a bowl of congee for herself before she sat down to eat with them. But, before she could eat anything, she felt their gazes locked on her, so she looked up and noticed that the little guy was staring at her with curiosity and surprise. When he saw that Tang Tang was watching him, he immediately turned around and pretended that he never looked at her.

Tang Tang could only turn to Aunt Li. She noticed that Aunt Li was also looking at her in surprise. Tang Tang was confused, so she asked, “Aunt Li, why are both of you looking at me like that? Is there something wrong with me?”

Aunt Li frowned and glanced at the congee in front of Tang Tang before replying, “Madam, you never ate breakfast in the past. How come today …” Truthfully, she normally didn’t eat and just drank alcohol all day. That was the reason she was as skinny as a skeleton. Why did she suddenly decide to have breakfast today?

“Ah…” Tang Tang scratched her head. She didn’t know how to respond and just said, “I forgot. But, not eating breakfast is bad, so I will eat with Bao Bao from now on. Is that good, Bao Bao?”

“Humph!” The little guy’s eyelashes moved quickly, but it seemed that he wasn’t willing to look up at her. He just quietly expressed his displeasure.

Tang Tang chuckled. Why did she feel that the little guy liked to humph at her?. But, she had already decided to treat him well. So, she knew this couldn’t carry on. She must think of a way to shorten their distance.

After thinking for a while, Tang Tang asked, “Bao Bao, what are you going to do later? I’ll accompany you, okay?”