251 Auntie is not a mother
By the time the two of them finished packing and drove back to the mechanical compound, it was already past noon.
Mother Zhou saw the two of them come in and joked, &ampquot &ampquotWhat are you two busy with at home? if you came later, we would have eaten without waiting for you.&ampquot
Lin Li was a little embarrassed. She blushed and said unnaturally, &ampquot &ampquotI’m sorry.&ampquot
Inside the house, Xiao bin heard the noise in the courtyard. He didn’t care that he was still playing chess with his grandfather. He quickly put down the chess pieces and ran over to the courtyard. When he saw Lin Li, he immediately ran over and hugged her, shouting, &ampquot &ampquotAuntie.&ampquot
Lin Li was caught off guard and almost lost her balance. She took two steps back. Fortunately, Zhou han reached out and stabilized her.
&ampquotHaha, Xiao bin.&ampquot Lin Li smiled and touched the child’s head.
Mother Zhou, who was standing by the side, also smiled and said with some emotion, &ampquot &ampampQuot look at this child. He’s so close to Lin Li. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought that they were mother and son. &ampampQuot
Hearing this, Xiao bin, who was holding Lin Li, suddenly turned to look at mother Zhou and said, &ampquot &ampquotAuntie is not my mother!&ampquot After all, he was still a child, and his voice still sounded a little tender.
The atmosphere in the courtyard seemed to have changed all of a sudden. The original laughter and chatter had suddenly quieted down.
Mother Zhou didn’t expect such a young child to be so sensitive. She felt that what she just said was a bit inappropriate. She looked at Lin Li and the child. On the one hand, she felt sorry for her grandson’s early maturity, and on the other hand, she was a little embarrassed about Lin Li’s embarrassment.
Zhou han, who was at the side, frowned. He went forward and pulled the child’s face over. He looked at him and said seriously, &ampquot &ampquotDon’t mention your mother in this house in the future!&ampquot
The little guy was a little frightened and his body instinctively shrank back.
Upon seeing this, Lin Li quickly went forward to pull Zhou han away. She rolled her eyes at him and said, &ampquot &ampquotWhy are you being so fierce to the child?&ampquot Then, she squatted down and touched Xiao bin’s head, saying, &ampquot it’s fine, it’s fine. Xiao bin, you must be hungry. Let’s go in and eat, okay? &ampquot
Mother Zhou also reacted and said with a dry smile,&ampquotYes, yes, yes. Let’s eat first.&ampquot As he said that, he kept winking at Zhou han.
Although Zhou Han’s face was still serious, he nodded and only said, &ampquot go in. &ampampQuot
The little guy seemed to be really frightened by Zhou Han’s actions just now. He just looked at Zhou han in a daze and was a little scared.
Seeing him like this, Lin Li reached out and took his little hand, smiling at him. &ampampQuot Xiaobin, come in with Auntie, okay? &ampquot
The little guy came back to his senses and nodded at Lin Li. He said in a low voice, &ampquot okay. &ampampQuot
When they entered the house again, the Auntie had already placed the dishes on the table. Father Zhou had also put away the chess game he had played with Xiao bin and put it back in the study.
When they were eating, mother Zhou wanted to call him over to sit beside her, but the little guy looked at Lin Li and was a little unwilling to go.
Lin Lijian smiled and said, &ampquot &ampquotIt’s fine, just sit beside me.&ampquot As she spoke, she patted the little guy’s head and used her chopsticks to pick up a piece of chicken leg for him.
Seeing how Lin Li treated the little fellow, mother Zhou was a little relieved. Relieved that Lin Li truly treated the child well. Because of Ling Lan’s matter, she had originally been worried and sad for her grandson. After all, he was his biological mother, and the child would always be the closest to his mother. Now that Ling LAN was like this, who else could take Ling Lan’s place in his heart in the future? fortunately, fortunately, there was Lin Li.
The atmosphere seemed to have become a little strange since they were in the yard. Mother Zhou blamed her words for being inappropriate and tried to change the slightly awkward situation, so she said, &ampampQuot today’s weather is pretty good. The sun is high up in the sky, and I feel that the temperature is much lower than yesterday. Don’t you think so, Lin Li? &ampquot
Lin Li looked up and nodded with a smile. &ampampQuot &ampquotYes, it’s hotter than yesterday.&ampquot It was indeed much hotter today than yesterday. The temperature was so high that people almost forgot that it was winter, especially in the afternoon when the sun was shining. The high temperature and thick clothes made people feel as if they were entering early summer.
As she spoke, mother Zhou stared at Lin Li and seemed to have discovered something. She asked, a little puzzled, &ampquot &ampquotLin Li, aren’t you hot?&ampquot Staring at the high-collared sweater Lin Li was wearing, mother Zhou asked a little strangely. There was nothing strange about wearing a high-collared sweater in winter. It was just that it was a little too hot today. The temperature difference was more than ten degrees compared to yesterday, so Lin Li’s high-collared sweater seemed particularly out of place in such a situation.
Lin Li was stunned, and then her face turned a little unnaturally red. She laughed dryly, not knowing what to say for a while. She couldn’t possibly say that she was wearing a thick wool high collar on such a hot day just to hide some man-made traces, right?
As she thought about it, she couldn’t help but blame Zhou han in her heart. In the end, she couldn’t take it anymore. She turned her head slightly and looked at Zhou han who was sitting on her right. She quietly put down her chopsticks and reached under the table. She touched Zhou Han’s thigh and pinched it hard.
&ampampQuot cough … &ampampQuot Zhou han snorted and turned his head slightly to look at Lin Li. He saw that Lin Li was also looking at him with a smile on her face. However, she didn’t open her hand under the table, and there seemed to be signs of her strength increasing.
Father Zhou noticed the slight change in his expression and asked, &ampquot &ampquotWhat’s wrong?&ampquot
Zhou han just laughed and shook his head. He stretched his hand under the table and quickly pulled Lin Li’s hand away. He quickly explained on Lin Li’s behalf, &ampquot &ampampQuot Lin Li caught a cold yesterday and went to the doctor to get some medicine. The doctor said that the weather has been unpredictable recently, and many people have caught a cold during this period. He was worried that she would catch a cold again if she got better, so he insisted that she wear more clothes. &ampampQuot After saying that, he turned to look at Lin Li, his expression full of affection.
Upon hearing this, mother Zhou nodded and said, &ampquot &ampquotYes, yes, yes. The atmosphere has been particularly bad recently. There are many colds and the like. It’s better to be more careful.&ampquot
Lin Li could only laugh along and almost rolled her eyes at Zhou han.
After the meal, Lin Li helped the Auntie clean up. The little guy quietly followed Lin Li. If Lin Li was in the dining room, he would be in the dining room. When Lin Li carried the dishes into the kitchen, he would follow. No matter where Lin Li went, he would follow her closely.
Lin Li tried to get him to go out and play or watch TV in the living room for a while, but the little guy didn’t respond. His eyes were staring straight into Lin Li’s eyes.
In the end, Lin Li helped to clean up all the dishes on the table, then said goodbye to the Auntie and left the kitchen with the child.
Holding the little guy’s hand, Lin Li brought him to the courtyard. The sun was slowly setting, and most of the sunlight in the courtyard was blocked by the house, so it was cool at the moment.
Lin Li sat down on the stone chair with the child and asked softly, &ampquot &ampquotWhat’s wrong? are you not happy?&ampquot
The little guy looked at Lin Li and stared at her intently. After a while, his big black eyes actually became lecherous. He looked at Lin Li pouting and felt so aggrieved that it made his heart ache.
Upon seeing this, Lin Li quickly reached out to touch his little face and asked with heartache, &ampquot why are you crying? tell Auntie, what happened? &ampquot
Hearing Lin Li’s words, the tears in her eyes couldn’t be held back anymore. Large teardrops rolled down her face as she said in a sobbing tone, &ampquot &ampquotAuntie, did I say something wrong?&ampquot
Lin Li was stunned. She didn’t know where he was coming from and could only comfort him, &ampquot &ampquotNo, when did Xiao bin say something wrong? how come Auntie doesn’t know?&ampquot
The little guy seemed especially fragile and sensitive today. He rushed forward and hugged Lin Li tightly, crying, &ampquot &ampampQuot Auntie is not my mother. Auntie will not hit me, scold me, or poke me with a needle. She will not lock me in the room and disappear to scare me. She will watch TV with me and write with me. So, Auntie is not my mother. Auntie is not my mother … &ampampQuot
Hearing this, Lin Li’s heart felt as if it was being tugged on by someone. It was only now that she understood what he meant when he said ‘aunty, I’m not a mother’. It turned out that he didn’t mean that he disliked her for taking Ling Lan’s place in his heart. He was simply comparing her to his own mother. He clearly drew a line between the two, and this line made her heart ache.
She reached out and hugged the child tightly. She comforted the child in her heart, &ampquot &ampampQuot Okay, okay, okay. Auntie will always be Auntie. Auntie is not Xiaobin’s mother. Auntie will always be Xiaobin’s Auntie, &ampquot She didn’t know how Ling LAN could hurt such a young child to actually make her own son so afraid and fearful. Actually, what could a child know? how old could he be? as long as you gave him a little more care and love, he would remember all the good in his heart. She was the best and most obvious example, wasn’t she?
Her hand gently caressed his back as Lin Li comforted him, &ampquot Auntie will still accompany Xiao bin to read and write in the future. Auntie promised Xiao bin that Auntie will never be fierce to Xiao bin, let alone hit him. Auntie will always be good to Xiao bin and will not let Xiao bin get hurt or sad. &ampampQuot
The little guy was lying on her chest. Because he was crying, his whole body was twitching. He asked pitifully, &ampquot &ampquotReally?&ampquot
Lin Li nodded. Her eyes were also sore and a little uncomfortable, but she still tried her best to force back the tears that were about to fall from her eyes. She lowered her head and gently kissed his head, promising, &ampquot &ampquotIt’s true, it’s all true.&ampquot
The little guy stopped talking and hugged Lin Li’s hand even tighter.
As Lin Li patted him gently, she raised her head to calm herself down. She looked up and met father Zhou’s eyes, who was standing at the entrance of the courtyard. He looked a little serious and his handsome brows were slightly furrowed. When he saw Lin Li looking over, he didn’t say anything and just turned around to go into the house.
Although Lin Li was a little puzzled, she didn’t think much of it. She only gently stroked the child, feeling sorry for him for suffering so much at such a young age.
Perhaps he was tired from crying, the little guy leaned on Lin Li and fell asleep not long after.
By the time Zhou han came out of the house, Lin Li had already slept for a while with the child in her arms. Her entire phone was almost numb.
Lin Li pulled the blanket over the little guy and gently covered him. Then, she turned her head and looked at Zhou han, who was standing at the side. She didn’t say anything, but her eyes were filled with helplessness.
She stood up from the bed and said softly, &ampquotgo out.
Zhou han reached out and pulled her over. He looked into her eyes and lowered his voice, &ampquot &ampquotAre you angry?&ampquot
Lin Li shook her head but didn’t say anything.
Seeing that he didn’t say anything, Zhou han thought that she was still angry. He looked at her and said seriously, &ampquot &ampquotIf you’re really angry, then scold me.&ampquot He knew her feelings for Xiao bin, and he also understood that because she had lost a child back then, the feelings she had for Xiao bin were not simple, just ordinary sympathy and love.
Upon hearing this, Lin Li couldn’t help but chuckle. She looked at him and said, &ampquot &ampquotMom has already scolded you. If I scold you again, you’ll be too pitiful.&ampquot He had just finished his meal when his mother-in-law called him into the room. She didn’t need to guess to know what their conversation was about.
Zhou han also laughed and reached out to touch her face. &ampquotYou know,&ampquot
Lin Li pulled his hand down and sighed. She leaned into his arms and said, &ampquot &ampquotJust don’t be so fierce to the child in the future. The little guy is very fragile.&ampquot
Zhou han closed his hands and lowered his head to kiss her hair. He nodded and said, &ampquot &ampquotAlright, I’ll listen to you,&ampquot
The corners of Lin Li’s mouth raised slightly, and she didn’t say anything more. The two of them stood there, hugging each other for a while.
In the afternoon, Zhou han was called back to the company by Special Assistant Xu. However, before he left, he specifically told Lin Li to wait for him in the courtyard and that he would come over to pick her and Xiao bin up at night.
After Zhou han left, Lin Li and mother Zhou chatted for a while in the living room. Later, mother Zhou was called away by Mrs. Zhang next door. She said that the dried seafood that mother Zhou asked her to bring last time had already been brought over and asked her to get it.
After mother Zhou left, Lin Li was a little bored. She looked at the flowers in the yard for a while and then went back to her room.
She gently opened the door and went in. The little guy was still sleeping. His eyes were closed, and his thick, black eyelashes were long and curled. They were very beautiful, and his breathing was so steady that he showed no signs of waking up.
She sat by the bed and looked at the child for a while, then stood up and left.
When she returned to the living room, mother Zhou had not returned yet. The Butler Auntie was busy with something in the kitchen.
Bored, he went over to take a look, thinking that there were some things he could help with, and he could find something to do.
After entering, she found out that the housekeeper was making tea.
The Butler Auntie turned her head when she heard the sound. Seeing Lin Li come in, she asked with a smile, &ampquot &ampquotYoung Madam, Would you like some tea? I’ll make you a cup. This is Da Hong Pao, which old master brought back from Fujian. It’s very fragrant.&ampquot
Auntie, just call me by my name. Don’t call me young Madam. It’s so awkward. Lin Li said with a smile. Looking at the teacup on the glass table, she stuck out her tongue at her and said, &ampquot I don’t really know how to drink tea. I probably won’t be able to sleep the whole night after drinking it.
The housekeeper also smiled and said, &ampquot yes, this tea is to refresh one’s mind. However, if you can’t sleep after drinking it for an entire night, then you shouldn’t drink it. If you don’t sleep, you won’t be energetic. As she spoke, she took the lid of the teacup and covered the mouth, then brought it to father Zhou, who was in the study.
Just as she was about to leave, Lin Li curiously asked, &ampquot &ampquotIt’s already done?&ampquot
yeah, I’ve already poured it into boiling water and poured it away. This is the second time. It’ll taste better and not so bitter. The housekeeper had been in the Zhou family for more than ten or twenty years. Of course, she had also made tea for father Zhou for so many years, and she had gained experience and knowledge in making tea.
Just as the housekeeper Auntie was carrying the tea to the kitchen, the phone in the living room rang. The two of them looked at each other, and Lin Li said with a smile, &ampquot &ampquotI’ll send the tea to you, dad.&ampquot She didn’t come back much and didn’t know how to handle some calls. When the time came, she would call the Auntie over to save the trouble.
The Auntie nodded and handed the teacup in her hand to Lin Li, saying, &ampquot &ampquotThe old master is reading in the study.&ampquot
Lin Li nodded and walked toward the study with a cup of tea.
He reached out and knocked on the door of the study. After waiting for a while, there was no response, so he knocked again and called out, &ampquot &ampquotDaddy.&ampquot
After waiting for a while, there was still no sound from inside.
Lin Li frowned in confusion and said to herself, &ampquot Auntie said that it would only happen in the study room. As he spoke, he reached out for the door handle and opened the door.
After opening the door and entering, Lin Li found that there was no one in the study. However, the book on the desk and the glasses next to the book clearly proved that someone had just been in the study.
Guessing that father Zhou had just gone out and would come back later, he didn’t think much about it. He brought the tea over and put it on the desk. When he came closer, he saw that the book on the table was actually the &ampquotcomprehensive study of Zi Zhi.&ampquot
She remembered that the first time she went to an ran’s house, there was also a book on the desk in an ran’s room. It was said that it was a birthday gift from father Gu. She was bored and said that she wanted to pretend to be a cultured person, but after opening it, the classical Chinese characters in it made her dizzy, and she closed it after flipping through a few pages.
He reached out for it and took a few glances. The words were still familiar. Of course, he still felt dizzy. He smiled and put it down again. When she turned around and was about to leave, she caught a glimpse of the document on the table. She suddenly stopped and slowly turned around to take the document.
When father Zhou came back from the bathroom and returned to the study, he was a little surprised that Lin Li was actually inside. What surprised him even more was the thing she was holding in her hand.
Lin Li heard the voice and turned around. She looked at father Zhou and didn’t know what to say.
Father Zhou came back to his senses and looked away. Then, he turned around and closed the door of the study.
daddy! Lin Li looked at him and still didn’t know what to say. She thought that after Zhou han clarified Xiao bin’s identity last time, no one would doubt that Xiao bin was Zhou Han’s biological son anymore. However, she didn’t expect to see Xiao bin’s paternity test report in father Zhou’s study!
Father Zhou looked at her and said indifferently, &ampquot come and sit here. As he spoke, he walked towards the sofa in the guest area of the study.
Upon hearing this, Lin Li had no choice but to follow him. Then, she sat down opposite him, put down the paternity test report in her hand, and said, &ampquot &ampquotI’m sorry, I put it on the table and I accidentally saw it.&ampquot
Father Zhou nodded and didn’t blame her. He said,&ampquotI didn’t put it well.&ampquot
&ampquotDad, Xiao bin …&ampquot Lin Li wanted to say something, but she didn’t know what to say.
Seeing that she didn’t know what to say, father Zhou slowly said, &ampquot although my relationship with Zhou han hasn’t been very good for so many years, he’s my son. I more or less understand his character.
at first, his mother and I strongly opposed his relationship with Ling LAN. First, he and su Yicheng have always been good friends, and I’ve always taught him that he can’t be disloyal and unjust. Second, his mother and I didn’t agree with Ling Lan’s character. Of course, there were some things that we neglected to tell him at the time, which led to him taking Ling LAN to the United States later. To be more specific, we’re also responsible for his obsession with Ling LAN.&ampquot
Lin Li looked at him and only listened quietly, not saying anything.
Zhou han is a responsible person. He has his own clear standards in his heart. He won’t blame the child for an adult’s mistake, especially when the child is his own son. &ampquotAt first, we also thought that his indifference towards Xiao bin might really be because of Ling LAN. We didn’t doubt it at all. Later on, when the news came out, it made me look at his attitude towards Xiao bin again. It made me wonder if there’s such a possibility. Xiao bin really isn’t Zhou Han’s son, just like what the outside world says. That’s why he can’t face his child normally!&ampquot
After a short pause, father Zhou continued, &ampquot since Zhou han could use his connections to make a fake paternity test report, I naturally have my own ways to get a real one. He stared at the report on the table and was silent for a while. this report was sent a few days ago. It’s just as I guessed. Xiao bin isn’t Zhou Han’s son at all. As he spoke, father Zhou’s tone seemed a little lonely.
The study room fell into silence, so quiet that even the air seemed to have become heavy.
Lin Li looked at him. She could see the desolation and disappointment on his face. In fact, if she were to put herself in his shoes, how could she not be disappointed? she thought that he was her biological grandson, but in an instant, she was told that they had no blood relationship. This was a fact that couldn’t be accepted and adapted immediately in one or two days.
The atmosphere was so heavy that Lin Li felt a little uncomfortable. She tried to find a topic to ease the awkwardness at the moment and said, &ampquot actually, actually, Xiao bin is quite similar to Zhou han. Their personalities and tempers are very similar.
Father Zhou looked up at him and stared at him for a while. Without saying anything, he stood up and walked over to the desk. He took the tea that Lin Li had brought in earlier and opened the lid to take a sip. It was a little cold and a little bitter. It didn’t taste as good as when it was just boiled and heated.
He took the teacup and sat down on the sofa again. He placed the tea on the low table in front of him, then looked up at Lin Li and asked, &ampquot &ampquotDid you know about the child’s identity from the beginning?&ampquot
Lin Li was stunned for a moment before she finally nodded. Zhou han told me about it before.
Father Zhou also nodded. He took another sip of tea, his eyes staring at the paternity test report on the low table. He seemed to be thinking about something and didn’t speak for a long time.
Lin Li didn’t know what he was thinking. Just as she was about to ask, there was a knock on the study door. The housekeeper pushed the door open and said, &ampquot &ampquotLin Li, Xiao bin’s awake. He’s looking for you.&ampquot
Upon hearing this, Lin Li looked at father Zhou, only to see him nod. He took the teacup and drank another mouthful of tea, not saying anything from beginning to end.
Lin Li didn’t ask any more questions, got up, and left the study.
The housekeeper seemed to have noticed something. After Lin Li closed the study door, she couldn’t help but ask curiously, &ampquot &ampquotWhat’s wrong?&ampquot
Lin Li glanced at her and only smiled faintly. She shook her head and walked towards the guest room.
When she pushed the door open and entered, the little guy was sitting on the bed, staring at his palm in a daze. His mouth was slightly pouted, and his expression seemed so aggrieved that it made one’s heart ache.
Lin Li stood at the door, her heart twitching. She didn’t know what father Zhou was thinking. If he really couldn’t accept it, what about Xiao bin?
Perhaps sensing that someone was staring at him from behind, the little guy turned his head and saw Lin Li standing at the door. His pouted mouth finally loosened and he shouted at Lin Li, &ampquot &ampquotAuntie.&ampquot
Lin Li also came back to her senses and forced out a smile as she looked at him. She went forward and sat down by the bed. She reached out and touched his hair, asking softly, &ampquotdo you still want to sleep? do you want to sleep a little longer or get up?&ampquot
&ampquotTime to get up.&ampquot The little guy replied loudly, as if he was relieved to see that Lin Li was still there.
Lin Li smiled and kissed his forehead affectionately. Then, she took the small coat on the chair next to him and put it on for him.
Zhou han didn’t come to pick up Lin Li and Xiao bin until after dinner.
Along the way, Lin Li seemed to have something on her mind. She kept looking out the window and didn’t say anything. She was very quiet.
When they were waiting for the traffic light, Zhou han reached out and gently held her hand. Lin Li seemed to have come back to her senses. She didn’t look at the window and turned around to drive.
Zhou han looked at her and asked,&ampquotwhat’s wrong?&ampquot Is there something on your mind?&ampquot
Lin Li stared at him and turned her head to look at Xiao bin behind her. She saw that he was quietly reading the fairy tale book that mother Zhou bought for him, his expression serious and focused.
Seeing that she didn’t answer, Zhou han frowned and asked, &ampquot &ampquotLin Li, did something happen?&ampquot Why did it feel so strange? he was fine before he left in the afternoon. Why did he suddenly seem like a different person when he came back?
Lin Li’s lips twitched, and she shook her head, only saying, &ampquot &ampquotI’m fine.&ampquot
The red light turned green, and the honking sound of a car horn came from behind. Zhou han didn’t ask any more questions. He thought that he would ask clearly when he got home, so he turned around and started the car again.
When the three of them returned home, it was almost nine O ‘clock. Considering that the little guy still had to go to school tomorrow, Lin Li took him to take a bath.
In the bathroom, Lin Li was somewhat absent-minded as she helped the little guy bathe, but her mind was thinking about what father Zhou had said in the study in the afternoon.
When Lin Li applied the shampoo for the fourth time and was about to wash the little guy’s hair again, the little guy finally couldn’t help but say, &ampquotAuntie, you’ve already washed my hair three times.
Lin Li suddenly reacted and said apologetically, &ampquot &ampquotI’m sorry, I’m sorry. Auntie is thinking about something.&ampquot As he spoke, he quickly washed the shampoo off his hands.
The little guy looked at her, his hair still wet, and asked, &ampquot &ampquotAuntie, are you unhappy?&ampquot
Lin Li shook her head and smiled slightly. No. She took a dry towel and wiped his hair.
&ampquotBut you’re not saying anything,&ampquot the little guy said with his tender voice.
Lin Li rubbed his head. alright, hurry up and take a shower. Otherwise, you’ll be late for class tomorrow morning. She pinched his little nose.
The little guy nodded obediently, but he still seemed a little worried. &ampquotAuntie, don’t be unhappy.&ampquot
Lin Li smiled and said yes, feeling very warm.
She pulled the blanket over him and lowered her head to kiss the little guy’s forehead. She whispered, &ampquot &ampquotGood night,&ampquot she said.
&ampquotGood night, Auntie.&ampquot After saying that, she obediently closed her eyes.
She smiled in relief and stood up to turn off the lights in his room. Then, she left the room.
His smile faded as he left the room. His brows were slightly furrowed, and his mind was a little heavy.
Lin Li returned to her room out of habit, but when she pushed the door open, her hand was pulled by Zhou han, who had appeared behind her. She heard Zhou han lower his voice and say in her ear, &ampquot &ampquotDid you enter the wrong room?&ampquot As he spoke, he let go of her hand and slowly placed it on her slender waist.
Lin Li’s face was slightly red, and her rationality instantly returned. She recalled everything that had happened yesterday and this morning.
Zhou han kissed her neck and asked, &ampquot &ampquotWhat happened? why are you so depressed all night?&ampquot
Lin Li pulled his hand away, turned around, and looked at him. &ampquotDad knows about Xiao bin.&ampquot
Upon hearing this, Zhou han was stunned. He looked at her fixedly and didn’t react for a while.
Lin Li pulled him into the room, closed the door, and said, &ampquot I saw Xiao bin’s DNA test report in dad’s study room this afternoon. I know about Xiao bin’s identity.
&ampquotIs that so?&ampquot yes, &ampquotZhou han replied softly as if he had just regained his senses.
Lin Li nodded. yeah.
&ampquotDid he say anything?&ampquot Zhou han asked.
Lin Li shook her head. no, she didn’t say anything. Looking at him, Lin Li asked with some worry, &ampquot &ampquotZhou han, what do you think will happen to dad?&ampquot Would she not acknowledge Xiao bin? If she really didn’t acknowledge Xiao bin, what should she do?
Seeing her worried look, how could Zhou han not know what she was thinking? he reached out and pulled her into his arms, caressing her back and comforting her, &ampquot don’t worry. Since dad didn’t say anything, it means that he has accepted it. He won’t say anything in the future. Based on his understanding of his father, if he didn’t raise any objections now, then his silence meant that he agreed. Back then, he didn’t agree with him and Ling Lan’s relationship. Even if he brought Ling LAN to the US for 7 years, he still wouldn’t agree to it when they came back. So if he didn’t say anything about Xiao bin’s background now, then he wouldn’t say anything in the future.
&ampquotReally?&ampquot Leaning in his arms, Lin Li was a little uncertain.
&ampquotIt’s true.&ampquot Zhou han said affirmatively. He was thinking about whether he should find someone to talk to his father about Xiao bin.
Just as Zhou han said, father Zhou had never mentioned Xiao bin’s matter since that day. It was as if the incident that afternoon had never happened. Sometimes, Lin Li couldn’t help but have the illusion that the picture of the paternity test report she saw in father Zhou’s study that afternoon was simply her own imagination, and in fact, nothing had happened. Of course, these were just Lin Li’s fantasies. How could she treat things that had happened as if nothing had happened? however, mother Zhou seemed to really know nothing. From time to time, she would still call to ask when they would go back for dinner, saying that she missed Xiao bin and wanted to see him.
The little guy had caught a cold, and his snot and cough were very serious. He was also in a daze. In just two days, he seemed to have lost a lot of weight, which made Lin Li’s heart ache a little.
The doctor said it was the flu virus, but because the little guy’s body was weak, the cold was a little serious and he had to go to the hospital every day for an injection.
Zhou han was busy with a new project recently, so Lin Li was the only one who could take the child to the hospital.
After three days of IV drips, the back of the little guy’s hands were red and purple from being poked by needles. Fortunately, these needles and medicine were not used in vain. The child’s cold symptoms were much better, but his throat was still a little inflamed and uncomfortable.
Lin Li held the child’s hand and prepared to walk to the hospital’s parking lot. As they walked, Lin Li asked the child, &ampquot &ampquotXiao bin, Auntie will go to the supermarket later and make Snow Pear and Lily stew for you. Your throat will feel better and it won’t hurt so much.&ampquot
The little fellow nodded and only responded softly, &ampquotokay. Due to the inflammation of her throat, her voice sounded hoarse and broken.
Lin Li touched his head. good boy.
When she approached the parking lot, she accidentally heard two women and a man quarreling in the parking lot. One of the voices sounded familiar. She looked up and was surprised to see that one of them was Xiaoxiao.
you Vixen, you seduced my husband. Are you looking for death? &ampquot The woman standing in front of Xiaoxiao lifted the bag in her hand and threw it at her.
ah, you crazy woman. Brother Qiang, brother Qiang, it’s me. Xiao-Xiao shouted as she hid behind the man.
A-Mei, stop it, stop it, Yingying. the man looked to be in his forties. His belly was slightly protruding, and he looked a little fat.
The woman called A-Mei stopped and looked at the middle-aged man. Her eyes were fierce. She raised her hand and slapped the man’s face, hitting the eye on the man’s nose.
Xiaoxiao, who was hiding behind the man, was a little stunned. She didn’t know where to put her hand on the man’s clothes and looked at him in a daze.
The woman named A-Mei spat at her husband and scolded, &ampquot now that you’re all grown up, you dare to have another woman? do you believe that I’ll ask my father to withdraw all the money he invested in your company? let’s see what a shell company like you can do!
The man picked up the glasses on the ground and put them back on. He said to his wife in a flattering manner, &ampquot ah Mei, don’t be like this. The one I love is you. It’s this woman who keeps pestering me and seducing me. That’s why I accidentally made a mistake. However, the one I love the most is still you. Really, I swear to God!
A-Mei looked at her husband coldly and said sarcastically, &ampquot look at you, how dare you go out and play with women. If not for our son, I would have divorced you long ago!
Seeing that there was room for negotiation, the man called brother Qiang quickly added, &ampquot &ampquotYes, yes, yes. For the sake of our son, please forgive me this once. I won’t do it again.&ampquot
A-Mei snorted coldly, stepped forward, and grabbed Xiaoxiao’s hair.
&ampquotAh!&ampquot Xiaoxiao screamed in shock and kept hitting her back. let go of me! Let go of me! You crazy woman, Xiaoxiao!
The woman pulled her closer and said while looking at her face, &ampquot look at your slutty face. If you don’t have any tricks up your sleeve, don’t come out and snatch other people’s men. He patted Xiaoxiao’s face and continued, &ampquot &ampquotWhat do you think men are? I tell you, all men are f * cking bad guys. After lifting up their pants, they would forget about the look of the woman under them. If you think that you can get his money and house by sleeping with him, you’re too naïve!&ampquot Then, he pushed Xiaoxiao out.
Xiaoxiao couldn’t stand still and fell to the ground. Tears fell from her eyes as she looked at the man who called her brother Qiang and said aggrievedly, &ampquot brother Qiang, you said you loved me. You said you wanted to divorce this hag!
&ampquotDon’t talk nonsense. When did I say that I wanted to divorce my wife? I’m telling you, the one I love the most is my wife. Don’t bother me anymore!&ampquot Then, he quickly pulled his wife and said, &ampquothoney, let’s go. People are watching. As he spoke, he raised his head and looked at Lin Li.
Upon hearing this, ah Mei glanced in Lin Li’s direction, then snorted coldly at Xiaoxiao, before turning to leave.
&ampquotAuntie.&ampquot The little guy beside her pulled Lin Li’s hand.
Lin Li turned her head, regretting that she had forgotten to take Xiao bin away and let the child see such an ugly scene.
He touched the child’s head and asked,&ampquotis Xiao bin scared?&ampquot
The little guy shook his head, then nodded, not saying a word.
Lin Li knew that he was really a little scared. In fact, he wasn’t the only one who was scared. Back then, when mo Fei abandoned Anran and married Tong Xiaojie, she was worried that Anran would be sad, so she had pulled Anran aside and said a lot of harsh words. However, she was only saying them in passing, and she had never gone to practice. Of course, after mo Fei got married, he went directly to the United States to develop his career, and he didn’t wait for her to actually do it. However, seeing this scene today really shocked her. In the past, she thought that these things were very far away, and at most, she would only see them on TV. However, she didn’t expect that she would bump into Xiaoxiao today, and one of the ‘mistresses’ was Xiaoxiao.
After the couple left, Xiaoxiao stood up from the ground, cursing. When she saw Lin Li standing here and looked at her own embarrassing appearance at the moment, she couldn’t help but feel a little angry from embarrassment. She rushed over to Lin Li and said, &ampquot &ampquotWhat are you looking at? you must be very proud to see me like this.&ampquot
Lin Li only looked at her indifferently and didn’t say anything. She lowered her head and took the little guy’s hand, ready to leave.
Seeing that Lin Li was ignoring her, the anger in Xiao-Xiao’s heart grew even more. She shouted at Lin Li’s back, &ampquot what’s the matter? did you find a remarried to be someone’s stepmother? don’t say I didn’t warn you. Be careful not to let someone use you as a nanny!
Upon hearing this, Lin Li stopped and turned to look at Xiaoxiao, saying, &ampquot being a stepmother or a nanny is good. At least I’m the legitimate Mrs. Zhou, and I have a title. It’s better than you following someone else’s husband without a title. Even if you’re caught and beaten on the street, no one will look at you and come out to help you.
you!!! Xiaoxiao was speechless and could only glare at her.
&ampquotI really feel bad for Chengxiang. He was actually infatuated with you for so many years.&ampquot Lin Li looked at her and recalled the way she saw Chengxiang the other day. you’ve let down his deep feelings.
&ampquotI’ve let him down, hehe.&ampquot Xiao-Xiao sneered, &ampquot he’s a cripple now. Do you want me to take care of a cripple for the rest of my life?! What a big joke!&ampquot
Lin Li didn’t say anything else. Perhaps Xiaoxiao didn’t love Cheng Xiang at all. From the beginning to the end, she only treated Cheng Xiang as a piece of driftwood when she was drowning. Once she got onto the shore, she would abandon him, which was why she could be so indifferent to the current Cheng Xiang and turn a blind eye to him.
He did not look at her anymore and turned around to take the child to the car.
At night, Lin Li made Snow Pear Lily soup for Xiao bin. The little guy sat at the dining table and asked Lin Li as he drank, &quot &quotAuntie, are you still going to sleep with me tonight?&quot
He didn’t know if it was because he had been with Lin Li for a long time, but he had developed a certain amount of feelings and reliance on her. After his cold this time, the little guy seemed to have become a little spoiled. He said that he didn’t want to sleep alone and hoped that Lin Li could accompany him.
Lin Li’s heart ached for him to begin with, and when she saw his pleading eyes, she naturally couldn’t refuse.
&quotSure, Auntie will sleep with Xiao bin tonight.&quot
Hearing that, the little guy’s eyes curved into crescents. He finished the soup in his bowl and looked at Lin Li.&quotAuntie, I want another bowl.&quot
When Zhou han came back, it was already late at night. Recently, he was so busy with a new project that he almost couldn’t touch the ground. For a few days in a row, he didn’t go home on time for a day.
She threw the briefcase in her hand onto the sofa in the living room, pinched her sore eyebrows, and went straight to her room.
He opened the door and turned on the doorknob. The bedroom, which was originally dark, suddenly lit up. He looked at the bed and saw that it was neatly made, as if no one had touched it at all.
He subconsciously frowned. How many times had it been? After returning for a few days, the woman who was supposed to be lying in this room and on this bed was nowhere to be seen!
The reason was that she had gone to sleep with another man!
Displeasure and anger filled her entire mind. She could not care less about her fatigue and sleepiness. She turned around and went straight to the children’s room.
He took big steps, and his expression was full of dissatisfaction and anger. However, when he opened the door, his movements became very light for no reason. When he went in, he could also take light steps. He approached the small bed that was a little crowded for two people to sleep on. As expected, the woman who was supposed to be in his room was lying there with her eyes closed and sleeping soundly. The man who had stolen his wife from him was sleeping in her arms, as obedient as a kitten.
His brows furrowed even more as he stared at the two of them for a while. He admitted that he was not gentlemanly enough to snatch someone away from a sick little brat who even called him ‘dad’. However, there was no reason for him to be alone in his room for four days after he was married and had a wife!
As he thought about it, he moved down and gently moved the little person in her arms away. Then, he picked up the woman who was sleeping soundly by the waist and went straight to his room.
In her sleep, Lin Li felt as if she was sitting on a plane. She felt as if she was in the air. This plane seemed very strange, but it felt very familiar. Even the seat seemed to have a familiar temperature.
He gently placed Lin Li on the bed and pulled the blanket over her. Zhou han then turned around to take his clothes and went into the bathroom to take a shower.
After washing up, he came out of the bathroom and looked at the person sleeping soundly on the bed. Zhou han suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction.
He lifted the blanket from the other side of the bed and lay down. He reached around her neck and let her head rest on his arm. His other hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her into his arms.
Lin Li was awoken by his movements in a daze. She frowned and opened her eyes slightly. Only then did she see the enlarged face in front of her. She was a little surprised and uncertain. Zhou han? &quot
When she woke up, Zhou han lowered his head and kissed her lips. He asked in a low voice, &quot &quotDid I wake you up?&quot
The corners of Lin Li’s mouth raised slightly, but her eyes were still a little heavy. She blinked a few times and shook her head. &quotYou, come back.&quot Actually, to be honest, although the two of them lived in the same house, Zhou han didn’t stay overnight outside when he came back every day. However, ever since he started to be busy with the new project and she didn’t go to work because of Xiao bin’s matter, the two of them actually didn’t see each other for a few days. Basically, when he came back, she would fall asleep, and when she woke up, he would have already gone out.
&quotYes.&quot Zhou han responded softly and lowered his head to kiss her. All of a sudden, it was as if all his fatigue had disappeared. He just wanted to kiss her properly.
Of course, Zhou han wasn’t a person who only thought about it and didn’t do it. He immediately put it into action and lowered his body to kiss her. His teeth bit her soft cotton-like lips, and the tip of his tongue took the opportunity to enter when she was in pain. It was overbearing and affectionate, but of course, it wasn’t gentle.
Suddenly, Lin Li seemed to have thought of something and pushed him away. Xiao, Xiao bin. She turned around to look for the little guy and realized that this was not his room, and this bed was not his bed.
Then, she turned around and looked at the man who was pressing her down. &quotYou, why did you carry me Back?&quot She couldn’t help but worry if the little guy would be scared if he woke up in the middle of the night and didn’t see her.
Zhou han lowered his head and bit her nose as a punishment. you’re my wife. Why do you let me stay in the room alone all day?! His tone was like that of a resentful husband.
Lin Li laughed and patted him, saying, &quot &quotWhat ‘alone’? I didn’t go anywhere. I’m at home every day. I don’t know who left early and returned late, but I can’t even see their shadow.&quot
Zhou han laughed too. He turned over and pressed his entire body on top of her. His strong legs rubbed against her intentionally or unintentionally. He whispered in her ear, &quot &quotSo you’re complaining that I ‘left you out?&quot The meaning behind that low voice and those ambiguous words was self-evident, causing the temperature in the room to rise by a few degrees.
Lin Li swallowed her saliva. Her face was red, and her body temperature rose a few degrees. She reached out and pushed him. what, what do you want? &quot
Zhou han pulled away the hand that was between the two of them and directly raised it above her head. A big palm restrained them, and their bodies were tightly pressed against each other, so intimate that there was no gap. Zhou Han’s hoarse voice rang in Lin Li’s ear. I neglected you a few days ago.
Lin Li swallowed her saliva. How could she not know what he wanted to do? she wanted to push him away, but she didn’t have the strength to do so. She didn’t know if she really couldn’t use her strength, or if she didn’t even want to push him away.
Zhou han opened his mouth and sucked on her ear. The tip of his tongue traced her chubby earlobe as he said, &quot Then I’ll make it up to you today, Yingluo. as he said that, he let go of her ear and slid down her ear.
Lin Li trembled, her heart throbbing from every kiss he gave her. Her hands clutched his shoulders tightly, not knowing if she wanted to push him away or pull him closer.
With only a trace of rationality left, Lin Li cupped her face that was buried in her chest. Her chest heaved up and down as she panted and asked, &quot &quotYou, aren’t you tired?&quot He had gone out so early in the morning, so why did he come back so late at night? she was worried that his body would not be able to take the workload of more than sixteen hours a day.
Zhou han lowered his head and kissed her eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth. He kissed her all over. Lin Li’s last trace of rationality finally collapsed completely under his kisses. Before she completely sank into oblivion with him, she heard him say in her ear, &quot &quotDon’t ask a man if he’s tired in bed.&quot
She chuckled as she accepted all the passion he gave her. She felt that he was cute when he was serious sometimes.
When Lin Li woke up again, it was already the next morning. Zhou han was no longer by her side. Her whole body felt like it had fallen apart, and she was sore and in pain. Thinking back to last night, Lin Li’s face couldn’t help but feel a little hot.
She raised her hand to look at her watch and was shocked to realize that it was almost nine O ‘clock. Thinking of the little guy, she ignored the soreness in her waist and her weak legs and got up from the bed. She took some clothes from the cloakroom, changed into a simple wash, and left the room.
When Lin Li rushed to the little guy’s room, the little guy had already woken up and was sitting in front of his small desk reading a book. When he saw her open the door and come in, he put down the book in his hand and ran over to Lin Li, hugging her. Auntie!
Lin Li hugged him back and gently patted his back. She comforted him, &quot &quotXiao bin, I’m sorry, Auntie woke up late.&quot
After withdrawing from Lin Li’s arms, the little guy looked at Lin Li and asked, &quot &quotAuntie, do you feel better?&quot
&quotEh?&quot Lin Li was stunned and looked at him in confusion. what? &quot
&quotDad said you’re sick and need to rest.&quot As he spoke, the little guy pulled Lin Li to his small bed and let her sit on it. Auntie, if you’re still not feeling well, you can sleep for a while longer. I’m already better, and my throat doesn’t feel uncomfortable anymore.
Lin Li touched his head with relief and said, &quot Auntie is fine. Auntie is not feeling unwell.
&quotReally?&quot The child looked at her, his eyes clean and without any impurities.
&quotIt’s true.&quot &quotXiao bin, you must be hungry. What do you want to eat? Auntie will make breakfast for you.&quot She asked.
&quotI’ve had breakfast.&quot The little guy said, &quotdad made me a sandwich this morning. dad also made a sandwich for Auntie. He put it in the refrigerator. He said that he’ll heat it up when you get up.
Lin Li nodded, feeling warm in her heart. She glanced at his small desk and said, &quot &quotThen, Xiaobin, go and read your books. Auntie will go and have breakfast.&quot
The little guy nodded obediently and returned to his desk.
Lin Li retreated from the children’s room, walked to the kitchen, and opened the refrigerator. There was indeed a sandwich in it, and there was a note next to it. heat it up before eating!
The smile at the corner of his mouth seemed to be out of control, hanging faintly.
Lin Liyuan thought that father Zhou would express his opinion about Xiao bin’s matter, but it was just as Zhou han said, he never mentioned it again. After that, Lin Li brought the child back to the courtyard a few times, and he didn’t say much, as if nothing had happened. In his spare time, he would teach Xiao bin how to read and even play chess with him.
But this was good, otherwise, if father Zhou really couldn’t accept Xiao bin’s words, then he really didn’t know what to do.
Before dinner, Zhou han called and said that he had a social gathering that night and couldn’t rush back to the courtyard to have dinner with them. However, he said that he would come over directly after the dinner.
&quotDon’t drink so much. You had a stomachache two days ago.&quot Before hanging up the phone, Lin Li warned him.
She had accompanied him to a few social events before, and it was nothing more than an endless amount of alcohol. One glass after another. After opening up to Zhou han, she naturally noticed everything about him. His stomach wasn’t good and he couldn’t eat things that were too cold. If he ate them, he would get gastroenteritis. He also had a little bad morning temper. Although he always woke up very early, he would always pull a long face and smell bad when he was disturbed a few times later. She also noticed that he always drank the soup before eating. Lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling for a while before going to bed, and many other small details were not deliberately remembered, but when you like someone, you can’t help but care about everything about him.
&quotI know,&quot Zhou han replied on the other side of the phone. He suddenly thought of something and asked, &quot by the way, didn’t you have a stomach ache two days ago? have you gone to the hospital for a checkup? &quot
I’m fine now. I might have felt nauseated earlier because I ate something bad. Lin Li said indifferently.
&quotYou’re really fine?&quot
of course I’m fine. Alright, you can go back to work. Don’t drive if you’re drunk tonight.
&quotI know.&quot
After hanging up the phone, Lin Li turned around and was about to enter the house, but when she turned her head, she happened to meet father Zhou’s eyes.
Lin Li smiled at him and called out somewhat cautiously, dad.
Father Zhou nodded and asked, I’m calling Zhou han.
Lin Li nodded, yeah.
What time did he say he’ll be back tonight? Father Zhou asked again.
Zhou han has a dinner appointment tonight. He might only be back after he’s done. Lin Li answered honestly.
Father Zhou nodded and walked towards the courtyard.
The daytime in winter was always so short. Before six O ‘clock, the sky was already so dark that it was almost invisible. The street lamps outside the courtyard had already been lit.
Lin Li was thinking about how to make an excuse to go in because she was really afraid that he would ask her about Xiao bin.
Father Zhou looked at the sky and said slowly, Zhou han came to talk to me before.
Lin Li was stunned. She raised her head and looked at him. She didn’t know that Zhou han had looked for father Zhou.
he said that from the moment he decided to show the DNA report to the media, he would take up the responsibility of a father for the child even if he wasn’t related to the child by blood! Father Zhou spoke very calmly, and there was even a smile on his face.
I … I didn’t know he was looking for you. Zhou han didn’t mention it to her, so she didn’t know at all.
Father Zhou turned his head and looked at Lin Li with a serious expression. If this is his choice, then I respect his choice.
So, ran ran, you’re going to accept Xiao bin? Was this what he meant?
Father Zhou laughed. since Xiao bin is Zhou Han’s son, he’s naturally my grandson. Is there a problem with that? he asked.
Lin Li understood what he meant and laughed as well. She shook her head and said, No more problems.
Father Zhou nodded, looked at Lin Li, and said, Let’s go in and eat. As he said that, he took the lead and walked into the house.
Lin Li nodded and followed him in.
As they walked, father Zhou thought of something and said, bring your parents over to Jiang city for the new year at the end of the year. It’ll be more lively with the two families together.
Okay, Lin Li nodded after a moment of surprise. In fact, she had this plan from the beginning. She was the only daughter of her parents. She couldn’t bear to spend the new year alone with them without anyone to talk to.
When Zhou han returned to the courtyard, it was already past nine O ‘clock. Mother Zhou had already gone to bed with Xiao bin. The housekeeper was cleaning the living room. When she saw him return, she asked, young master, you’re back. Have you eaten? do you want me to cook you some supper?
Zhou han shook his head and refused, it’s okay, Auntie. I’ve already had dinner. Are dad and mom asleep?
The helper nodded and replied, old master has a meeting tomorrow morning. He’s already asleep. Madam said that she wanted to sleep with Xiaobin. She’s probably asleep now.
Zhou han nodded and asked, Where’s Lin Li?
young Madam didn’t seem to be feeling well during dinner, so she went back to her room to rest early. When dinner was served, everything was fine at first. The family sat together for a meal and the atmosphere was quite good, but for some reason, halfway through the meal, Lin Li suddenly covered her mouth and ran away, saying that her stomach was a little uncomfortable. Seeing that she was in so much pain, he let her go back to her room to rest. After dinner, she brought some hot soup for her to drink, but it seemed that she still had no appetite. After a few sips, she said that she did not want to drink.
Lin Li? Zhou han frowned and asked, is Lin Li not feeling well?
Yes. The housekeeper nodded.
Zhou han didn’t say anything more. He carried his bag and went to his room.
When he pushed the door open, he saw Lin Li lying on the bed, resting. Her eyes were closed, and she seemed to be asleep.
Zhou han placed the briefcase in his hand on the cabinet at the side and bent down to reach out to her forehead.
Lin Li didn’t sleep deeply. She felt someone’s hand on her forehead and slowly opened her eyes. When she saw Zhou han standing in front of the bed, she smirked. you’re back. She propped herself up and wanted to get up.
Upon seeing this, Zhou han reached out to help her up. Then, he sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled her into his arms, asking, Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?