zChapter 1276 - [YeXi] Shadow (2/2)

Qin Min desperately muttered, “Did they overhear everything we said?”

Shaoyao only chuckled back, “Madam, don’t worry. It’s not like we said any lies, we only spoke honestly.”

Qin Min narrowed her eyes at her before Shaoyao realized she was too happy about this all and shut up.

Soon enough, Xi Yubo arrived with the nursemaid and child. He was only one years old and was an exceptionally pretty boy despite having unknown parents. Like a porcelain doll, his features were exquisite, with large innocent eyes and jade-like skin. The nursemaid had brought him up with Xi Yubo looking after him, so he’d never met any strangers. Besides walking a bit earlier than other children, he wasn’t extraordinary in any way. Compared to children of other families, he seemed more tender and timid, especially against children like Tang Tang and Rui’er. His nursemaid had led him along at first, but when he saw Gu Beiyue, Qin Min, and the rest, he lost all nerve and clung to her thigh while hiding behind her.

“What’s his name?” Qin Min asked with an aching heart and growing affection. After all, this was supposed to be her and Gu Beiyue’s son in the original plan. She hadn’t thought about him much since she’d never seen him before, but now she realized the magnitude of yesterday’s mistakes. Not only did she ruin Gu Beiyue’s plans, but this child’s ultimate fate. He should have grown up as the son of the Academy Head and Grand Tutor, the future heir to the Shadow Clan. Such a glorious, honorable title had all but disappeared from his hands. She didn’t know how Gu Beiyue would deal with him now.

“He doesn’t have a name yet,” Gu Beiyue said simply, before the nursemaid chimed in quickly, “His nickname is Shadow.” (影子, Yingzi)

“Who told you to talk?” Xi Yubo chided.

The nursemaid shrank back while Shadow clutched her even more fearfully. Gu Beiyue knit his brows, but he didn’t get to speak before Qin Min grew impatiently. “I was asking the big sis a question. Who’s the one cutting in? Who are you, anyways?” It was obvious that the nursemaid doted on Shadow, or else she wouldn’t have spoken up.

Xi Yubo glanced at his master and saw no reaction. Despite feeling resentful, he didn’t dare say anymore. Qin Min dearly wanted to hold Shadow, but was afraid of spooking him. She faced the nursemaid and said, “Big sis, go on and hold him. He’s probably afraid of strangers, let’s not scare him.”

The nursemaid hastily picked up Shadow, who wrapped his arms around her neck and held on for dear life. Qin Min’s heart ached at the sigh and looked towards Gu Beiyue. “Academy Head, I’ll claim this child. I’ll raise him as my own flesh and blood!”

She knew that Gu Beiyue had fostered a son, but she wasn’t sure what made this boy stand out in his eyes. Gu Beiyue only teased, “Are you trying to fight with me over the child?”

Qin Min wasn’t sure what he meant until she realized that he wanted to take in the boy as a foster son.

“Have the child raised here. With the nursemaid and Doctor Xi looking after him, it’ll be his fortune if you’re idle enough to look after him too,” Gu Beiyue said politely.

Wasn’t his foster son hers too? Why was he being so formal about it all?

“I’m already a mother in nearly every sense of the word, so it makes no difference,” Qin Min grinned.

“Then Eldest Miss Qin should give him a name,” Gu Beiyue said.

Qin Min refused. “Academy Head, it should be the father who names the child.”

Gu Beiyue smiled helplessly. “Then let me think it over carefully before I do.”

Just like that, they settled the matter of the child and had him move in with Xi Yubo and the nursemaid. Gu Beiyue had people arrange the courtyard accordingly and gave rooms to the doctor while the nursemaid and Shadow lived with Qin Min under one roof. As usual, Gu Beiyue’s own rooms were left unoccupied. Somehow, Qin Min even managed to acquaint herself with the boy within a day. From then on, Shadow followed her wherever she went. The big and small figures would send Gu Beiyue into distraction whenever he saw them. He never stalked Shadow on purpose, but whenever the boy looked his way, he would smile back. Gradually, Shadow stopped fearing him and even approached him while giggling happily.

Qin Min knew Gu Beiyue wouldn’t stay long, but never expected his stay to be even shorter than her imagination. The man left for Medical City as soon as construction was finished in the back courtyard.

The beginning of the month heralded a new moon. Qin Min refused all followers as she walked with Gu Beiyue to the exit of the alley. He stopped at the entrance and said, “Please still your steps, Eldest Miss Qin.”

Qin Min nodded. “Safe journeys, Academy Head.”

Gu Beiyue nodded with a faint smile before turning to leave, not a sentiment out of place. Still, Qin Min exclaimed after him, “Gu Beiyue!”

Not expecting this, he turned back immediately. This was the first time this woman had shouted at him. What…is going on?

He looked at Qin Min and once again felt that she was quite different from the woman in his imagination.

“Gu Beiyue, if you wanted a child, why not have one yourself? If you ever want your own flesh and blood someday, give me a word. I’ll…” Qin Min stopped.

Gu Beiyue subconsciously knitted his brow even as his heart fluttered in panic.

Qin Min suddenly grinned instead. “Give me a word, and I’ll divorce you.”