He asked the little fellow,
Tang Xiaocao didn’t immediately answer Wen Nian but instead looked towards Song Lili. Seeing Song Lili nod at him, he then replied,
"Tang Xiaocao..." Wen Nian pondered this name, then turned to Song Lili, "You didn’t introduce him to me?"
"Tang Xiaohua’s brother."
"Where is Tang Xiaohua?"
"What are you planning to do with this child?"
"I will raise him until he is capable of supporting himself."
"...Raising a child is no small matter, and you didn’t even think to consult me about it."
"Sir, aren’t national affairs keeping you busy enough? There’s no need to bother you with such trivial matters."
Song Lili tilted her head slightly and muttered,
"Besides, whether or not I consult you, the outcome will remain the same."
Wen Nian thought that perhaps he should feel fortunate...
Ever since he was destined to pursue a political career, a nagging worry had always lingered in his mind, a worry that deeply disoriented him whenever he thought of it...
While he was immersed in politics, what about his Lili...
Tying her to his belt, did that mean they were really together?
Wen Nian had always known that such a union was not likely to last.
The current Song Lili seemed no longer to be the one who used to stick around him, calling out "Xiaonian" and "Xiao Kenian" to his left and right. She felt somewhat strange, yet this strangeness was not something Wen Nian resented.
"Give me one of your accounts, I will ask someone to transfer some money to you later,"
Song Lili pursed her lips, pausing for two seconds, "You... don’t plan to take me back with you?"
"I can’t control your decisions, can I?"
"Moreover, given your current state, you might not be able to pass the entrance exam of Xilin Military Academy. If you fail, I will personally come to take you home."
"Sir, rest assured, that day won’t come."
Song Lili’s gaze was resolute.
Wen Nian then looked at Tang Xiaocao, "What book are you reading?"
"A fairy tale book. My sister bought it for me."
Tang Xiaocao quickly handed the book to Wen Nian, who then took a pen from his pocket and wrote a string of numbers on the title page, followed by the character "Nian."
After writing, he handed the book back to Tang Xiaocao,
"Xiaocao, if you encounter any difficulties, or if your sister faces any troubles, call this number."
Tang Xiaocao touched his head, embarrassedly murmuring, "I can’t..."
"Your sister will teach you."
Wen Nian’s tone was gentle, making Tang Xiaocao feel very close and slightly shy as he nodded his head.
"Since you call her sister, just call me brother."
"This character is..."
Tang Xiaocao pointed at the vigorous character on the title page, looking up at Wen Nian,
"Nian, the Nian as in year after year."
Tang Xiaocao murmured to himself.
Song Lili watched Wen Nian’s actions... feeling they were unnecessary.
"Brother Nian, are you ill?"
Tang Xiaocao kept staring at Wen Nian and finally spoke up.
Wen Nian was taken aback.
This question inadvertently made Song Lili also turn to look at Wen Nian...