Mr. Li dreamed of the day when the young master might come home with a child in his arms, even if it was an illegitimate child.
Unfortunately, when he finally witnessed such a scene, this child had no relation to the young master at all.
He Jingyao glanced at him indifferently, "This child will be staying here for a while. You are responsible for taking care of him. Once we find his parents, you’ll send him back."
After saying that, he turned and walked upstairs.
"Okay, rest assured," Mr. Li responded and then turned his attention to the child.
The little one was secretly watching He Jingyao, seemingly reluctant to part with him yet too timid to cling on, thus he could only stand there with a sad face, twisting his fingers, endearing himself to Mr. Li.
He walked over and affectionately touched the boy’s head, "Little friend, what’s your name?"
"Xiaobao," he replied, pouting his lips.
It was all his mother’s fault, insisting a thousand times over that he must not acknowledge his father; otherwise, wouldn’t he have gotten his father to give him a name?
Every time someone asked his name, he could only say he was Xiaobao... How embarrassing.
He frowned as he thought about this.
"Xiaobao," Mr. Li said with a smiling grin, not pressing further for his full name, "Are you hungry? How about I have the kitchen prepare some snacks for you?"
"Yes," he immediately smiled, "Uncle, you are so nice."
The little guy’s sweet words immediately blossomed the heart of Mr. Li who was stepping into old age, fetching snacks and playing cartoons for him, almost granting every request.
Having finished the remaining work and changed clothes, He Jingyao came downstairs to have dinner and saw that the little guy had completely captivated Mr. Li, the ever-loyal butler who didn’t even notice his young master coming down the stairs.
He Jingyao cast a glance in that direction and walked expressionlessly toward the dining room.
But as soon as Xiaobao saw him, he darted over like a cannonball, loudly calling out, "He Jingyao!"
"... Call me uncle," He Jingyao looked down at him, "If you don’t obey, I’ll send you to the police station."
He reluctantly called out "Uncle" with a drooping head.
A trace of a smile flicked across He Jingyao’s eyes as he leaned down to pick him up.
"It’s time for dinner. What would you like to eat?" He Jingyao asked, placing him on a chair.
The little guy, being short in stature, could only reveal a fluffy head above the edge of the table, looking somewhat comical.
He stretched his arms laboriously holding onto the table, gazing around eagerly, and then grimaced, "I don’t like any of these."
"Then pick a few things you can eat. How can a child be a picky eater?" He Jingyao looked down at him from above.
"Hmph..." He picked up a spoon, scooped up some mashed potatoes, and put it into his mouth, only to spit it out with disdain, "Disgusting."
Then he stood on the chair, reached out for a slice of pizza, managed a small bite, and spat it out again, "Disgusting."
He Jingyao raised an eyebrow, watching as the little guy disapproved of all the food on the table, and finally, feeling defeated, dropped his spoon, his hands still clinging to the table, gazing expectantly at him.
He Jingyao pursed his lips, reminding himself to have more patience with children, and then asked, "So what do you like to eat?"
Xiaobao began counting off on his fingers, "Meat buns, egg custard, Shumai, crystal shrimp dumplings, century egg and lean meat porridge..."
He Jingyao’s brow twitched as the little guy listed all his favorite foods.
"I’ll have the kitchen prepare shrimp dumplings and porridge for you," He Jingyao interrupted him.
The child’s tastes, however, reminded him of a certain woman.