"You can’t have the fish and the bear’s paw at the sa ti, or are you saying you regret choosing ?"
Le Tong raised her head and looked straight into his eyes without blinking. Clearly, Ji Rui was more dominant in every aspect compared to her, but Ji Rui could distinctly feel the force and intimidation in her gaze.
He vaguely understood that if he dared to say no, she would definitely turn hostile on the spot.
Of course, he wasn’t foolish enough to waste this perfect opportunity to express his feelings.
"Of course not!" He pulled her into his arms with a strong embrace, holding her tightly.
She was the only woman he had ever loved and committed to in thirty-one years; how could he regret it?!
Le Tong was quite satisfied with his decisiveness and snuggled comfortably in his embrace before looking up. She twisted the hand she placed on his chest forcefully, causing even soone as resilient to pain as Ji Rui to furrow his brow.
"So, just like you, I don’t regret choosing you at all. Since we have chosen each other without hesitation, no matter what happens next, we must face it together. Apologizing or taking all the responsibility yourself is a foolish thing; don’t do it again in the future!"
Le Tong’s words made Ji Rui’s heart feel as if it was filled with honey, and her fierce deanor was unmatched in his eyes.
"Yes, Madam! I won’t dare do it again..."
Ji Rui mimicked Baobao’s tone, with a pitiful expression that bore a six to seven part resemblance to Baobao.
Le Tong found it impossible to be angry with this version of Ji Rui.
"I’ll let you off this ti, but if you do it again..."
"What if I do it again?" Ji Rui nervously interrupted her.
"Hey, are you going to let sleep or not?" Le Tong rolled her eyes at him, though in truth, she couldn’t think of a way to deal with him if he did it again.
"Of course!" Ji Rui half-leaned, laying Le Tong down on the bed.
Le Tong didn’t resist, allowing the man to place a pillow under her head and gently cover her with a blanket.
The mont her head touched the pillow, Le Tong closed her eyes. After all, she wasn’t made of iron, working overti and taking care of a child every day was exhausting.
Ji Rui tucked her in, propping his hand on the bed, silently watching her for a while. He carefully kissed her on the lips, causing Le Tong to slightly furrow her brows and move her head a few tis on the pillow.
Ji Rui guessed her germophobia was acting up and softly said, "Soone cleans here every day, the bedding is clean, just sleep well, I’ll wake you up later."
"Mm..." Le Tong responded with a soft hum through her nose, then ignored Ji Rui.
Only when he heard her breathing beco steady and even, did Ji Rui stand up and walk out.
Going downstairs, a servant inford him that the old master and the little master were in the north garden.
Housekeeper Li approached, worriedly pulling him aside, "Young master, since the old master was discharged, he’s been depressed, sotis not speaking a word all day, and eating very little. You should try to persuade him."
Ji Rui didn’t respond, silently turned into the kitchen, took so drinks and snacks, placed them on a tray, and walked out the door.
In the north garden, Baobao was lying by the fish pond watching the turtles, with Mr. Ji sitting in a wheelchair behind him, staring blankly.
"Bao, co and drink so milk."
Ji Rui placed the tray on the stone table in the pavilion and shouted to the little mischief who was wriggling intently with his little bottom in the air.
The old and the young by the fish pond turned their heads simultaneously, "Okay!"
Baobao responded cheerfully but didn’t hurry to run to the pavilion. Instead, he held onto the wheelchair’s back and tried to push Mr. Ji there.
"Good boy, Bao, Grandpa can push himself over!"
The tall man in the pavilion couldn’t stand watching anymore, stepping over with large strides, supporting the wheelchair and helping Baobao push Mr. Ji into the pavilion.
"Baobao, first wipe your hands with a wet tissue!"
It wasn’t that Ji Rui was fussy; it was just that Baobao was still in recovery, and minor inflammations and viruses could easily overwhelm him.
"Oh... Grandpa, you wipe too!"
Baobao pulled out a wet tissue and handed it to Mr. Ji, then pulled out another to wipe his own face and hands.
"Uncle Li said you didn’t eat much at noon, have so snacks first. We bought a lot of dumpling ingredients just now, so we’ll make dumplings for dinner."
Ji Rui wasn’t sure if Mr. Ji had no appetite or was intentionally saving so room for dumplings.
One thing, however, was certain: the old man’s attitude towards Le Tong had changed completely; you’d think it was a world of difference.
"Mm." Mr. Ji seed in a good mood, accepting the snacks Ji Rui handed him, taking a big bite and eating half a piece in one go.
Ji Rui picked up the freshly brewed reishi tea and offered it to his mouth.
Mr. Ji looked at him, overwheld. It’s worth noting, since his mom passed away, this eldest son had very rarely shown him such kindness. Especially after officially taking over the Ji Family, their father-son relationship had deteriorated to the point of being virtually strangers.
"Drink up!" Ji Rui nudged the teacup closer to his mouth.
Mr. Ji’s eyes reddened slightly. His hands trembled as he took the cup.
Ji Rui sat on a nearby stone stool, occasionally reaching over to wipe the crumbs from Baobao’s sticky mouth.
"Daddy, where’s Mommy?" Baobao finally noticed his mommy was gone.
"Mommy got up early today and worked all morning, so she’s sleeping now."
Baobao’s face showed faint worry, responding with an "Oh..." as he lowered his head, chewing his snack slowly, looking burdened with thoughts.
After a while, Baobao looked up, snuggling up to Ji Rui and asked, "Daddy, can you teach ?"
Ji Rui was puzzled by his question, "Teach you what?"
"The things you and Mommy do every day!" Baobao couldn’t wait to explain.
Ji Rui vaguely understood what he ant but was not entirely sure.
"Huh?! What things?"
"You and Mommy are so busy, is it like doing howork? The teacher said I’m smart, you can teach , once I learn, I can help Mommy, then she won’t be so tired!"
Baobao tilted his little face up, earnestly pouring out his thoughts.
Ji Rui’s heart felt full, and he squeezed the little one’s soft cheek, feeling complex emotions.
He’s only six years old, how could he be so thoughtful and considerate?!
At his age, shouldn’t he be nestled in his parents’ arms, acting spoiled and seeking attention?
"Don’t overthink it, Baobao, Daddy and Mommy just need a few more busy days to finish up, there’s no need for Baobao to help."
At that mont, Ji Rui genuinely felt useless; not only had he failed to provide Le Tong a better and more peaceful life, but he had also made their son worry and care for her so deeply.
The feelings of guilt towards Le Tong surged within Ji Rui.
"Really?" Baobao blinked his eyes, clearly not fully convinced by Ji Rui’s words.
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