Tian Sangsang noticed her eyes glowing, incredibly adorable.
Xu Xixi timidly asked, "Can I eat this?"
"Yes, you can." Tian Sangsang explained with a smile: "The red rabbit is candy, the gray rabbit is a cookie, both for you to eat, Qianqian."
"Black Auntie..." Xu Xixi murmured, pressing her pink lips together.
"Don’t cry anymore, you’ll get ugly if you keep crying." Tian Sangsang’s eyes were full of warmth: "Take your time to eat, be good and wait at home for your aunt to come back, Auntie has to go home now."
Those words, "Black Auntie" really made Tian Sangsang feel embarrassed...
"Thank you." Xu Xixi softly said the two words, reaching out her chubby little hand to tug at her clothes, not letting her leave. "Sangsang Auntie, I’m scared to be home alone."
Tian Sangsang saw the tears in her eyes and thought of Meng Shuyan, surrendering instantly. "Then Auntie will stay here with you."
"Sit down, Sangsang Auntie," Xu Xixi pointed to a chair with her hand.
Tian Sangsang remained standing: "No need, Auntie likes to stand, needs to lose weight."
"Sangsang Auntie, sit down." Xu Xixi, not understanding the concept of losing weight, clumsily pushed a chair in front of her, tilting her head up: "Sit down, Qianqian is very sensible too."
Unable to refuse any longer, Tian Sangsang obediently sat down. It seemed that once a child got stubborn, they could be quite persistent. Xu Xixi’s almond eyes curved into a satisfied smile.
With something to eat, Xu Xixi looked much more well-behaved than before. She was quite the little foodie. Tian Sangsang propped her chin on her hand, watching her profile with admiration.
Xu Xixi ate the candy one by one, the sweet fruity scent lingered in her little mouth. She suddenly felt that this aunt wasn’t so annoying after all. Though she was dark, she smelled nice, and she gave her lots of rabbits. Those were her favorite little rabbits.
"Qianqian, Auntie will sing you a song." The little girl’s cuteness made Tian Sangsang want to sing a song.
"Auntie, you can sing?" Xu Xixi smacked her lips, her eyes sparkling.
"There’s someone cool in my house, impervious to sword and spear with three heads and six arms. His palms are a bit rough, helping me learn to walk. Thank you for taking care, my little monster. You’re the most beautiful love letter I’ve ever written. Fastened with the happiness of a family, loving you without hindrance."
"Daddy~ Daddy~~ Where are we going~~~ With me, there’s nothing to fear. Baby~ Baby~~ You’re my big tree~~~ I’ll watch the sunrise with you for a lifetime."
In the following time, Tian Sangsang began teaching Xu Xixi to sing. Xu Xixi was very interested in this song called "Where’s Dad", and she discovered that Xu Xixi had a talent for singing, especially as her voice was also very pleasant to hear.
The warm sun shone down, and a few lazy butterflies fluttered through the courtyard, flying away as soon as they approached by the shadows of people.
Xu Xixi had finished her candy and cookies. Just as Tian Sangsang was about to take out some more, rustling voices came from outside the door.
She stood up, facing the returning people.
Mother Xu frowned imperceptibly.
Xu Yiyuan exchanged a glance with her, looking somewhat surprised, but his gaze was kind.
Before anyone could speak, little Xu Xixi flew forward with open arms, clinging to Xu Yiyuan’s leg, her cheeks flushed with excitement: "Daddy, Sangsang Auntie just taught me to sing!"
"I can sing, I’ve already learned it."
"I’ll sing it for you."
The little girl chattered for a bit and started clapping and singing.
"Daddy, Daddy, where are we going, with me there’s nothing to fear. Baby, Baby, I’m your big tree, I’ll watch the sunrise with you for a lifetime."
Her lips puckered high, she asked in her childish voice, "Did I sing well???" with a look of seeking praise.
Mother Xu was very surprised, Shui Lian was shocked, and Yao Fangfang was incredulous. She had already thought that with Xu Xixi’s previous influences and her dislike for Tian Sangsang, they would return to a chaotic scene.
"Nice," Yao Fangfang said dazedly, thinking, did I see it wrong? Am I still dreaming? Why is it so harmonious?
"Very good, Qianqian is very capable," Mother Xu said objectively.
"Qianqian learned very quickly," Shui Lian smiled brightly.
Xu Yiyuan had a gentle smile on his lips, glanced at Tian Sangsang, and then gently applauded, "Qianqian sang really well."
"It’s because Sangsang Auntie taught me well. Sangsang Auntie also gave me bunny candies and cookies..." Xu Xixi’s eyes were filled with pink bubbles of happiness.
Sangsang Auntie, Sangsang Auntie was all that was needed. Yao Fangfang shivered suddenly, trying to say something.
But Tian Sangsang wouldn’t let her succeed, quickly saying, "You’re back. Fangfang had something to attend to just now and asked me to help watch Qianqian. Qianqian was crying for her aunt at first, I coaxed her a bit, and she was very obedient and stopped crying soon. Now that you’re back, I’ll hand her back to you. I have to go home and tend to business now."
"Goodbye, Sangsang Auntie," Qianqian said softly.
"Goodbye." Tian Sangsang waved her hand.
"I’ll see you off," a gentle voice sounded, and Xu Yiyuan was already beside her.
"Qianqian isn’t very easygoing, thank you for taking care of her today, it was very much appreciated." Being familiar with his daughter, Xu Yiyuan knew the little girl must have caused some trouble.
"Not at all." Tian Sangsang said sincerely. Actually, children’s emotions shift quickly; once you find the right approach, it’s easy to get along with them.
"What was that song... I’ve never heard it before."
"It’s nothing official, I just made it up."
"... It’s beautiful."
Mother Xu poured a cup of tea, looking at Yao Fangfang with some disappointment, "You actually left Qianqian with a stranger to go to your uncle’s factory. I don’t recall your uncle having any business today that required you."
Yao Fangfang, rarely scolded, suddenly felt a pang of fright: "Aunt, I was wrong, I won’t do it again next time."
"What was the mistake?" Mother Xu asked.
"I... was wrong to go to my uncle’s factory."
"Bang!" Mother Xu furiously slapped the table, releasing her pent-up anger with her words: "Is that what I’m mad about? I’m upset because you left Qianqian with a stranger! From past to present, I’ve always thought you cared deeply for Qianqian, but what did you do? You left her alone at home; one can only imagine how much she cried. You’re her aunt, not anyone else. Did you ever consider her feelings, or do you think I can’t see through your little schemes?"
Xu Xixi shrank back in fear, not understanding why everything was fine just earlier, and suddenly they’re arguing now.
"Aunt..." Yao Fangfang’s eyes reddened, a sense of guilt welling up. Yes, what was she thinking? At that moment, she was only focused on messing with Tian Sangsang, neglecting Qianqian’s feelings. She clearly cherished Qianqian very much.