Cheng Tian sighed, “You should have properly pursued your wife long ago!”
Upon returning home, Song Yan found Bai Yucheng asleep in the bedroom with their two children. The housekeeper who came to help quietly informed Song Yan that Bai Yucheng had been playing with the children and must have tired himself out. She showed Song Yan the origami Bai Yucheng had made, surprising him with his dexterity.
“I think he just learned it. He was so focused, but the little ones are too young to understand. They just babbled.”
Song Yan imagined the scene and found Bai Yucheng both adorable and earnest, surely teaching their not-yet-one-year-old children with great seriousness. Of course, at that age, the babies could only respond with giggling.
“Thank you, Auntie.”
“You should spend more time with them. I’ve heard some people experience… postpartum depression. They tend to overthink everything!” The housekeeper pulled him closer. “Especially considering Mr. Bai’s unique situation.”
Song Yan nodded.
That’s true. Song Yan thought about it carefully. Could it be this depression causing Bai Yucheng to clash with him at every turn, even refusing to let him hold their daughter?
He had been so clingy during the pregnancy, but after giving birth, he began ignoring Song Yan, going to work, and seeking special services.
“No wonder,” he muttered to himself.
Cheng Tian signaled the housekeeper, who immediately caught on and began to exaggerate, “Oh yes, it happens. But this is when you need to be there for him. Young people these days need to feel secure, you know.”
Seeing Song Yan wavering, Cheng Tian quickly added, “For your company’s New Year party, I’ll watch the children. Your father wants more photos of his grandchildren anyway.”
“But Yucheng said he’d watch them.”
“Oh, come on! Haven’t you wondered why Yucheng sought those special services? It’s because you’re always so busy, not giving him any sense of security!”
The mother’s words hit home. Song Yan finally took it seriously and nodded, “I understand.”
“Go wake Yucheng up. It’s not good to sleep too much,” Cheng Tian smiled. “You should spend time with the children too.”
The housekeeper chimed in, “Mr. Bai barely ate at dinner. If he’s hungry, there’s some food left for him in the kitchen. Just heat it up.”
Having accomplished their mission, the two promptly made their exit.
Song Yan opened the bedroom door to find his son already awake, looking at him curiously. He picked up the tiny boy—thankfully, he had Bai Yucheng’s eyes. He’d surely grow up to be handsome.
Song Yun was well-behaved, his tiny hand grasping Song Yan’s clothes as he giggled softly.
The sight was truly adorable. Song Yan whispered, “Sorry, Daddy came home late.”
Bai Yucheng stirred at the sound, reaching out for the children. Not feeling Song Yun, he startled awake. He sat up abruptly as their daughter rolled over, continuing to sleep.
“Xiao Yun is here,” Song Yan said softly, amused by Bai Yucheng’s panic. “I’m just holding him for a bit.”
Seeing their son, Bai Yucheng finally relaxed.
Song Yan sat beside him, cradling their son. “Do you want something to eat?”
“No,” Bai Yucheng replied, lying back down.
“About the company’s New Year party, you should still come.”
Bai Yucheng looked surprised. “Didn’t we agree I’d watch the children?”
“I want to go with you,” Song Yan gazed at him. “Is that okay?”
Bai Yucheng felt Song Yan must have taken some wrong medicine and didn’t want to agree. Lately, he had Huang Ling accompany him to social events. Who knew if Song Yan might change his mind at the last minute? They were on the brink of divorce; why should he agree to this?
“I don’t want to go. Too many people.”
Song Yan smiled. “Then wait for me to come back. I won’t go either.”
“What’s wrong with you?” Bai Yucheng stared at him. “There are several studios and advertisers looking to collaborate this year. We need to film some promotional videos. How can you, as the decision-maker, not attend? What will your subordinates think?”
“I don’t care about them.”
“…”
“You won’t accompany me, leaving me alone with all those people,” Song Yan looked dejected. “While you get to stay with the children.”
“Work is work.”
“Then come with me.”
“Who will watch the children?”
“My mother and your mother will be here, and the housekeeper too. My father will likely come back to be with my mother. Do you want to be the third wheel?”
“…”
Bai Yucheng couldn’t argue with that. He turned his face away and did not want to pay attention to him.
Song Yan also showed patience, speaking softly again, “How about we see how things go when the time comes? Is that okay?”
After a few seconds, Bai Yucheng nodded.
The situation seemed stable now. Song Yan was secretly pleased. He put their son down and went to wash up, then naturally returned to lie beside Bai Yucheng and the children.
“Tonight, I want to be with the children. They’re over half a year old now, and they’ve always slept with you.”
Bai Yucheng stood up to leave, as Song Yan had expected. He said nothing, but their daughter suddenly began to cry. Song Yan quickly seized the opportunity, “What should we do now…?”
“I’ll take her with me.”
Song Yan took the chance to hold him back. “But what about our son? He looks like he’s about to cry too… He must be used to you, not me.”
“What nonsense…”
“Waa waa—”
Sure enough, their son began crying on cue. With both children wailing, Bai Yucheng’s heart ached. He blamed Song Yan, “This is all your fault.”
Bai Yucheng came back to comfort the children. They must be hungry again. Usually, he would breastfeed them at this time. Although Song Yan was still there, he couldn’t worry about that now.
After being busy for a while, the little dumplings were finally fed and content, sleeping happily between Song Yan and Bai Yucheng.
Throughout this process, Song Yan had been watching him intently. Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Bai Yucheng blushed and said, “I need to clean up. I’ll be back soon.”
“There are wet wipes right next to you,” Song Yan kept watching him. “Right here.”
What a pervert! Bai Yucheng felt a bit angry. He turned away, grabbing the wet wipes and getting up—to clean himself with his back turned.
Song Yan calmly said in a low voice, “I’m so envious of you two.”
These words were clearly meant for Bai Yucheng, making him involuntarily recall that night. He couldn’t help but let out a soft hum. However, nothing happened that night. Song Yan had indeed been quite tired lately.
It was his first time experiencing the whole family sleeping together on one big bed. He felt at peace. The children had a faint sweet scent, just like Bai Yucheng’s.
Seeing Song Yan finally take the initiative, the old mother shed tears of joy! This young couple really kept her on her toes!
In the morning, Song Yun was the first to wake up. His little hand grasped Bai Yucheng’s side of the blanket as he rolled over, hugging Bai Yucheng. This woke Bai Yucheng up. He opened his eyes to see his son’s adorable little face, smiled tenderly, and pulled him close for a kiss.
The little one kissed him back, giggling and babbling.
“Shh, Daddy and sister are still sleeping,” he said, his face full of love. “Are you hungry?”
“Puu puu—” The child started playing with his own drool.
Bai Yucheng reached for a tissue, then glanced at Song Yan’s sleeping face. Remembering that Song Yan had been working continuously for over half a month, he felt a pang of sympathy. With the year-end approaching, things were indeed busier—next year’s plans, employee year-end bonuses, activities for various stores, designers’ bonuses, and so on.
There were also some social engagements for the New Year.
Let him sleep a bit longer.
Carrying the child, Bai Yucheng tiptoed downstairs to find the housekeeper and Cheng Tian chatting quietly. Seeing them come down, they returned to the kitchen to fetch things.
“We have freshly ground soy milk this morning,” Cheng Tian smiled. “What would you like to eat, Yucheng? We have buns and small steamed buns. Would you like some porridge? Your father asked the housekeeper to make some century egg and lean pork porridge this morning.”
“I’ll have the small steamed buns,” Bai Yucheng said, holding Song Yun. “I’ll go prepare some formula for Xiao Yun.”
Cheng Tian nodded, reaching out to take her grandson.
Seeing Bai Yucheng so gentle and adorable, she lightly pinched her grandson’s cheek and whispered, “Xiao Yun is their bond, you know. How were they last night?”
Of course, the little grandson couldn’t understand. He laughed happily, kicking his little feet.
“By the way, what dishes is Auntie planning to make for lunch today?” Bai Yucheng asked the housekeeper softly.
The housekeeper, while helping him get water, replied, “Old Mr. Song said you’re all here today, so he wanted to ask what you’d like to eat.”
“Could we have some shrimp?” Bai Yucheng shook the milk bottle in his hand. “I’ve noticed Song Yan seems tired lately, but don’t make it too spicy.”
“Of course, that’s fine.”
“Thank you, Auntie.”
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