Ming Yuqian was deeply skeptical of Fu Yinxiu's intentions.
He questioned whether Fu Yinxiu's feelings for Ming Yutong were genuine love or simply guilt. If it was merely an attempt to make amends, then such pitying affection was not needed.
"Do you really think you can just stay here and pity yourself, and my sister will forgive you just like that?" Ming Yuqian's voice was cold and mocking.
Fu Yinxiu, unfazed, responded, "I didn't think of it that way. I just want to be here for her, even if it's just being close, even if it's just through a door."
Ming Yuqian scoffed, placing the soup and breakfast on a chair. "Take your things back. We don't need them."
"These are meant for Yutong's benefit. Home-cooked meals are better than what the cafeteria offers," Fu Yinxiu said, trying to explain.
Seeing Ming Yuqian's stubborn refusal, Fu Yinxiu's patience remained. "I understand you dislike me, and I don't expect you to accept this from me willingly. Just accept it as if it were from Aunt Liu, and she won't know where it came from. It's just that I want her to have good things."
His voice grew softer, and his eyes lowered in sadness. But he reassured himself that what mattered was Yutong's well-being.
Ming Yuqian refused to accept the food. "Have Aunt Liu prepare it later."
Aunt Huo sighed and said to Ming Yuqian, "Young man, this isn't the time to hold grudges. What's important now is for Miss Ming to recover. There's no need to rush."
Aunt Huo continued, disappointed, "The soup was made with so much care. I stayed up all night watching it cook. Every bit of fat was skimmed off, leaving only the thick, fragrant broth."
"Even though it was Mr. Fu's request, this soup carries all my sincere efforts. If you don't take it, it will just go to waste. Please," Aunt Huo pleaded.
Ming Yuqian, usually tough and unyielding, felt a pang of guilt seeing Aunt Huo's age and hearing her efforts. Though he was typically rebellious, he had great respect for elders.
Seeing Aunt Huo's heartfelt sincerity, Ming Yuqian found himself at a loss for words.
Aunt Huo took advantage of the moment and handed over the breakfast to Ming Yuqian, who reluctantly accepted it, unable to refuse further.
Aunt Huo, with a touch of sentimentality, said, "Good child, just accept it. At least my efforts weren't in vain. My only wish is for Miss Ming to recover soon."
Once Ming Yuqian and Aunt Liu were pushed back into the room, they exchanged puzzled looks.
What had just happened?
Seeing the breakfast in Ming Yuqian's arms, Aunt Liu asked, "So, what about this breakfast…"
Ming Yuqian, with a resigned sigh, said, "Just accept the elder's kindness."
Aunt Liu seemed to have a better understanding of the situation than the average person.
Ming Yuqian then left, only briefly acknowledging Aunt Huo and avoiding Fu Yinxiu.
He didn't care if Fu Yinxiu stayed and wallowed in self-pity.
Ming Yutong would not see him. Despite his frustration, Ming Yuqian made sure to instruct Aunt Liu not to let Fu Yinxiu into the room.
Aunt Liu promptly assured him, and Ming Yuqian departed.
***
At 4 PM, as school was letting out at Jixia Academy's elementary section, Little Jingshi and Mo Jinxi walked out together.
Mo Jinxi was picked up by the Mo family's driver, while Little Jingshi bounced over to Alpha Guard 3 and Alpha Guard 4, getting into their car.
He pulled out a paper flower bouquet from his backpack. The flowers, made from crinkled colored paper in shades of yellow, red, and blue, looked quite realistic from afar.
Little Jingshi held the bouquet up to Alpha Guard 4 and asked, "Uncle Alpha Guard 4, does it look nice?"
"It looks nice," Alpha Guard 4 nodded in response.
"Good," LittleJingshi said cheerfully, cradling the bouquet in his hands. "But it's not for you."
Alpha Guard 4: "…"
He hadn't even asked for it.
But the young master's teasing behavior was quite something.
Little Jingshi explained, "We made these in craft class today. I'm keeping this bouquet to give to Tong Tong. Women like flowers, or so Brother Youxuan said."
Alpha Guard 3: "…"
Alpha Guard 4: "…"
It seemed that the young master understood more about giving flowers than Fu Yinxiu did.
Little Jingshi carefully placed the bouquet back and then looked out the window, noticing they were heading in the wrong direction.
"Where are we going?" Little Jingshi asked.
"To the hospital," Alpha Guard 4 replied.
Little Jingshi's eyes widened in surprise. "To the hospital? Did Daddy get hurt?"
"No—"
Before Alpha Guard 4 could finish, Little Jingshi interrupted, "Then are we going for a check-up? I don't want to go!"
Alpha Guard 4: "…"
Alpha Guard 1 and Alpha Guard 2 must have no idea how exhausting it was to be with the young master every day.
"It's not that," Alpha Guard 4 explained patiently. "Miss Ming is injured, and Mr. Fu is at the hospital. We're going to see her."
"What? Tong Tong is injured? How serious is it? It must be very serious, otherwise Daddy wouldn't be there." Little Jingshi pouted, clearly anxious.