Xinyi said, “Oh but I should inform your Mama first before taking you to my room. Otherwise, she will get worried.”

The mention of her mother tensed up Chyou. Her shoulders drooped and she sadly looked down.

“It’s okay not to tell Mama.”

Xinyi smiled. “That’s what you think but as your mother, she will surely be concerned for you. Let’s find her and I will ask her permission.”

Chyou imagined Caihong flipping out again and her small fingers clutched onto Xinyi’s hand. Her soft voice was strained and fearful. “Aunt please… i-it is really okay. Mama will not…”

She wanted to say that Caihong wouldn’t care at all, but she felt embarrassed to say it.

If Aunty knows that Mama doesn’t care about me then she will think that I am a bad girl. That is why Mama doesn’t love me. Then-then Aunty will hate me too…

Xinyi didn’t understand why the little girl seemed so sad at her mother’s mention.

Perhaps her mother scolded her or something…

Though Xinyi was right, she had no idea that it was an everyday occurrence. She patted her head.

“Alright. How about your father?”

Chyou was a little relaxed now. “En!”

“Great. Let’s look for him.”

A dark glint passed by Xiaosi’s eyes and he sneered.

Not now Mrs. Han. Not now.

Xiaosi already saw Zhiyuan and Siying just outside so he knew their room was empty. There was no threat of Siying recognizing Chyou and recalling that she had pushed him.

Still hiding behind the wall, he cleared his throat and spoke in a heavier tone. “You can go to Aunty’s room.”

Xinyi was surprised and she looked around. “Who spoke?”

“Aunty. It’s my Dada! He said I can go to your room!” She flailed her hands up in excitement.

“But where is he?”

Xiaosi said, “I have to be somewhere. I am in a rush. You can take her with you and then bring her directly in the gathering.”

He tilted his head and smiled. “There my daughter will introduce to you who her Mama is.”

Chyou looked a little nervous. She didn’t want Caihong to speak rudely to Xinyi or scold her in front of her. “Dada you…”

“I will be there too.”

Hearing that, she nodded. “Okay.”

Xinyi found this so strange.

Is he in so much rush that he cannot come forward for just a moment?

She said, “Okay. I will bring her to the gathering. Rest assured. I will take care of her.”

Xiaosi mysteriously said, “I know that…Mrs. Han.”

“You know me?”

He smirked and left without giving a response.

Xinyi was more confused about this man’s behavior now.

Chyou eagerly tugged her. “Let’s go, Aunty.”

Xinyi smiled. “Yes let’s go.”

—

After an hour everybody started gathering in the big, luxurious hall. Tall and beautiful chandeliers hung on the ceiling, casting their golden light on all.

Siying was running around, tasting the various starters already. Zhiyuan quickly held his shoulder. “Siying, don’t run around.”

He pouted. “But I got bored listening to you and the uncles talking. I am hungry too!”

“Well then wait for Xinyi. She will take you with her to eat something. I don’t want to lose sight of you.”

Siying suddenly pointed his finger. “Dada! Mama came!”

Zhiyuan turned. “Where?”

Siying giggled and quickly ran away taking advantage. “I lied! Boooo!”

“Siying! Wait!” Zhiyuan called him but he was gone. He pressed his brows and sighed.

The others around him chuckled seeing the helpless father.

Zhiyuan touched his chin. “Sometimes children really don’t listen, do they?”

—

When Siying finally came out of his father’s radar, he stopped running. He laughed. “I won! Dada lost!”

All that running around made him hungrier so he looked around for some snacks. There was a station of barbecue sticks hotly served.

*Grumbleeee*

Siying hopped at the station. “Uncle, one plate please!”

But the sizzling and crackling sound of the barbecue drowned his voice. Plus, Siying was just a child. His stature was small to be noticed by the waiter.

“Uncle, one plate pleaseeee.” He said again.

Still no response.

Siying sadly bit his lip. The delicious smell was making him even hungrier but he wasn’t getting his plate of sticks.

He sulked.

“Here.”

He slowly saw one plate appearing in front of his eyes. They sparkled and he drooled. “My barbecue sticks!”

He raised his head and smiled brightly. “Thank you!”

But then he was taken aback to see that familiar face.

“Shoelace Aunty!”

Caihong raised her brow in amusement.

What a nickname…

She was just feeling pathetic being forced to be a part of this get-together and mingling with all the socialites, but then her sight fell on a child who was helplessly asking for a plate but was unheard. Caihong narrowed her eyes and she instantly recognized him.

What is he doing here?

She saw him sulk and suddenly felt weird in her chest as if something was pricking her.

“Excuse me.”

Caihong separated herself from the crowd, causing the ladies to frown at her behavior.

“Still as haughty as always.”

“I hate her attitude and guts. She straightaway left.”

“Hmph. Being Zhu Xiaosi’s wife has gotten to her head.”

On their end, Siying’s whole demeanor changed and it brightened even more.

Caihong amusingly said, “You are always in a problem whenever I see you.”

Then she shot a glare at the waiter. “Pay attention to your job. You almost left him hungry.”

The waiter finally saw Siying and widened his eyes.

“I-I am so sorry, Mam! I didn’t…It won’t happen again!” He bowed.

Caihong snorted.

Siying took one stick from his plate and offered it to her. “Aunty! Take this stick as my thank you! Say aaahh!” He was excited to feed her as he raised his small hand towards her.

Caihong touched her chin. “No, thank you.”

He frowned and paused. Then he looked as if he realized something. “Aunty, you look really beautiful! You don’t have to diet.”

Her eyes widened at his innocent comment. Her shoulders trembled and she suddenly burst into laughter. “Hahahaha. Ahahaha…you think I am dieting?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Where did you learn this?”

“My Aunt diets. She is my Dada’s sister. She says it is important to diet to look beautiful.”

That woman must be too health-conscious, Caihong wondered.

“Who is that Aunt?”