Facing the three children running toward him, Liu Changqing imdiately changed his expression, smiling broadly as he spread his arms and scooped up his youngest daughter Liu Chunnuan. He let his two sons cling to his pant legs, their little faces tilted upward to look at him.
Chen Dafu watched this scene from the side, his initial slight envy growing into full-blown jealousy toward this man. What an ungrateful bastard, blessed with such happiness yet unaware of it.
As the children's uncle, Chen Dafu couldn't bear seeing the two boys neglected. He quickly stepped forward, extending his large hands to pat their heads, forcing an awkward smile.
"Zhi'an, Zhiyun, did you miss Uncle?" he asked.
"......"
"......"
Hearing Chen Dafu's question, both boys imdiately turned their attention to him. Seeing this strange man with an odd smile standing before them, they tightened their grip on their father's pants and shook their heads in unison.
Chen Dafu's forced smile froze at the children's reaction. Like soone deeply wounded, he silently withdrew his hands from their heads and stood up.
"Old Liu..."
"Last ti you saw them, they couldn't even talk yet. Of course they don't rember you."
"But I bought them toys..."
"Those toys broke ages ago. You never visit anyway."
With that, Liu Changqing walked forward carrying his daughter, the two boys following closely behind like ducklings. Chen Dafu stood dazed for a mont before silently trailing after them.
Fortunately, life's blows didn't keep hamring Chen Dafu rcilessly. At least Liu Zhiyue and Liu Xiazhi rembered him well, greeting him with cries of "Uncle Dafu" that instantly revived his spirits, his face breaking into a genuine smile again.
Seeing how beautifully Liu Xiazhi had grown up, Chen Dafu couldn't help but remark, "I have to say, your genes are strong. None of your kids turned out ugly."
"What nonsense. Your three girls are adorable too."
"They're cute alright..."
"Don't overthink it. Girls change dramatically as they grow. They might blossom in a few years."
At Liu Changqing's response, Chen Dafu seed struck by sudden inspiration. He closed his mouth, then his face lit up with excitent as he grabbed Liu Changqing's arm.
"You've got two sons, I've got three daughters. How about we arrange a marr—"
"Ah, wait a second, I should check how the kitchen preparations are going."
Liu Changqing, realizing where this was heading, quickly pulled his arm free and strode toward the kitchen. After a brief pause, Chen Dafu recovered and hurried after him.
"An arranged marriage, what do you say?"
"Wife, is the food ready yet?"
"Old Liu, give a straight answer! With our relationship, becoming in-laws would make us even closer!"
"Oh, Shiyan, your cooking skills have improved! Been practicing?"
"Hey, Old Liu, Old Liu, answer !"
"......"
Watching their father and Chen Dafu head to the kitchen, followed by the three children, Liu Zhiyue smiled slightly and said to his sister beside him:
"Uncle Dafu hasn't changed a bit."
"Yeah... I keep suggesting he join a cody show."
Nodding seriously, Liu Xiazhi agreed with her brother's assessnt. Then she turned to face him, a smile appearing on her face as she spread her arms toward him.
"Welco ho, big brother."
Seeing his sister's gesture, Liu Zhiyue didn't embrace her. Instead, he took two steps forward, reached out to pinch her ear, and leaned down to ask quietly:
"Your placent exam at the start of school... you didn't cheat, did you?"
"......"
His words struck her ears clearly. Her smiling face instantly fell as she unconsciously let out a nervous chuckle.
"Hahaha... O-of course not..."
"......"
Instantly recognizing his sister's lie, Liu Zhiyue didn't press further. He released her ear and straightened up, casually revealing the truth:
"Stop trying to be clever. Dad knows everything—he's just saving your pride."
"Brother..."
"Why do you think he always collects your test papers?"
After saying this, Liu Zhiyue glanced sideways at his sister and added with a smile:
"You should know... the older the ginger, the hotter it gets."
"Zhiyue, co help serve the dishes!"
"Coming!"
Responding to his father's call, Liu Zhiyue patted his sister's shoulder before leaving. Liu Xiazhi remained frozen in place, staring at her brother's retreating figure.
So... Dad knew all along?
————————————————————
Chi Xiaoxiao went to the supermarket near lunchti. As an ordinary high school girl, her hobbies were equally mundane. Between study sessions, she preferred watching TV or listening to music at ho—no dreams of stardom or business ambitions. She simply wanted to study decently, attend a mid-tier university, then find a reasonably good job to work steadily.
A sowhat lackadaisical but realistic outlook.
After buying so snacks, she headed ho. With her parents working through weekends, she spent Saturdays and Sundays alone. To her, nothing was more relaxing than lounging on the sofa with snacks and TV.
Imagining this cozy scene quickened her normally unhurried pace. Soon, she reached her apartnt building.
As she climbed the stairs to go ho, she stopped abruptly on the second-floor landing, staring blankly at the woman sitting on the steps with her head bowed.
For a mont... she stood frozen in place.
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