IWHBDR Chapter 54

Recently, Rong Shu found a love letter in Xiao Tao’s backpack. For the now-adult Xiao Tao and Xiao Putao, Rong Shu had always taken a hands-off approach to their romantic lives.

Seeing the love letter, Rong Shu felt that the day had finally come.

However, when Xiao Tao saw what Rong Shu was holding, he curiously asked, “Dad, what do you have in your hand?”

Clearly, the person involved was unaware of the existence of the love letter hidden in his backpack.

Nearby, Xiao Putao saw this and reached over to take the love letter from Rong Shu, seriously declaring, “Trash.”

Rong Shu: “…”

The carefree Xiao Tao nodded and asked, “Oh, are you going to meet Tongtong later, brother?”

After tossing the “trash” aside, Xiao Putao put on his jacket. “Yeah, do you need something?”

Xiao Tao immediately smiled. “Can you bring me back some ice cream after your date?”

Xiao Putao frowned. “What do you need ice cream for at night?”

“You took Tongtong out for late-night snacks, so why can’t I have ice cream? Ugh, I want to date too. Why is no one pursuing me? Dad, what do you think the problem is?”

Rong Shu glanced at Xiao Putao’s serious expression and thought the problem probably lay with his brother.

“Your brother is right; if you want ice cream, have it tomorrow. No sweets at night.”

After saying that, Rong Shu walked to the entrance with Xiao Putao. As he was changing his shoes, he asked, “What’s going on? Tell me, how much have you ruined your brother’s romantic prospects?”

Xiao Putao finished putting on his shoes and looked up at him. “He’s still young and his thoughts are simple. Just wait a bit longer.”

Rong Shu scoffed. “Tongtong isn’t that much older than him. How can you interfere?”

Xiao Putao felt no guilt about his double standards. “I won’t let him down.”

Rong Shu looked at the serious Xiao Putao, unsure whose shamelessness he had inherited.

That evening, after Shen Huaixiu got home from work and had dinner, Rong Shu couldn’t help but say, “Do you think Xiao Putao is being too strict with Xiao Tao? This kid doesn’t even recognize a love letter and just spends all day playing around and eating. I’m really worried that if Xiao Putao keeps spoiling him like this, he’ll end up useless. Besides, I met you when I was already an adult!”

Shen Huaixiu didn’t see it as a problem. “Xiao Tao is still young; there’s no rush to find a partner. Even if he ends up useless, I can support him for life.”

Rong Shu rolled his eyes. “You and Xiao Putao are truly father and son.”

“Do you have time this Saturday? Let’s take the kids for a picnic,” Shen Huaixiu suggested, rubbing Rong Shu’s cat ears.

Rong Shu nodded. “Sure, let Xiao Putao invite Tongtong.”

Shen Huaixiu agreed.

On Saturday morning, since they had already planned the picnic, Xiao Tao was overly excited. He rushed downstairs early, jumping onto Xiao Putao and yelling, “Bro, when is Tongtong coming?”

Xiao Putao held him up. “Get down! How old are you to still play like this?”

“Hey, bro, why are you so stingy? Can’t I be happy for a moment?” Even as he said this, he hopped off Xiao Putao and ran to bother Shen Huaixiu.

Rong Shu came downstairs, shaking his head. “This mischievous kid makes it feel like we have more people in the house. When is Tongtong arriving?”

Xiao Putao sipped his coffee and replied, “I had the driver pick him up; he should be here soon.”

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Tongtong knocked on the door. Seeing Rong Shu and Shen Huaixiu, he greeted them sweetly.

Xiao Tao leaned on the sofa and called out, “Good morning, Tongtong!”

“You too,” Tongtong replied.

Xiao Tao grinned and leaned closer. “Tongtong, do you have the contact info for that Alpha you said you’d introduce me to? Can I add him first?”

Tongtong, already aware of Xiao Putao’s gaze, replied, “… No.”

Xiao Tao’s expression fell. “I’m already an adult. I missed out on my early romance. I won’t end up alone, will I?”

Tongtong glanced at Xiao Putao, thinking that this kid was really something; he wanted to say, “Please, just act like a person”.

“Last time, you scored 50 in math and you still have the energy to think about dating?”

As soon as Xiao Putao said this, Xiao Tao yelped like he’d stepped on a tail. “Bro, you really hit me where it hurts!”

“How come you’re not dead yet?”

The two brothers bickered back and forth, something everyone had grown used to.

After leaving home, they took a car to an old castle in the countryside. Since they came here every month, everyone was familiar with the place. Once they got out of the car, Xiao Tao ran off excitedly.

Rong Shu watched his wild child, understanding why Xiao Putao was worried. He still had that youthful spirit; though he talked about wanting a relationship, he was really just curious.

“Xiao Putao, why don’t you take Tongtong and the others to play? Be careful.”

“Okay, Dad.”

After sending the kids off, Rong Shu turned to Shen Huaixiu and playfully wiggled his fingers. “Finally, it’s quiet. We can enjoy some time alone.”

Shen Huaixiu smiled and took his hand, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

As Xiao Putao led Tongtong to ride horses, Xiao Tao chased after an alpaca, running around excitedly.

Tongtong couldn’t help but laugh as he watched Xiao Tao giggle while chasing the alpaca. “Why is Tao so cute?”

Xiao Putao expressed some disdain. “What’s so cute? He’s just being silly.”

Tongtong huffed, “You’re being contradictory. You clearly care for Xiao Tao but you always act like you dislike him. Be careful—Xiao Tao might blame you for ruining his chances at love.”

“That’s not going to happen.” Xiao Putao dismissed it without a second thought, and as expected, Tongtong shot him a disapproving look. “You wouldn’t feel at ease no matter who Xiao Tao ends up with, but can you support him for a lifetime? You’re just his brother; one day, he’ll need to leave the family and live his own life.”

“Not yet, though.”

“You’re right. But the current Xiao Tao really deserves to be protected in his innocence.”

Xiao Putao reached out to pat his head. “Don’t mind that little rascal; let’s go ride horses.”

Just as they were about to leave, Xiao Tao spotted them and dashed over, calling, “Brother, Tongtong!”

He was covered in dirt and grass, clearly from rolling around somewhere.

Xiao Putao shielded Tongtong from him. “Look at you! Go change your clothes.”

Xiao Tao pouted. “I’m not done playing yet! I’ll change in a bit. I know you don’t want me interrupting your little world, so I’ll just go, okay? I’m leaving, I’m leaving!”

With that, he let out a playful cry and ran off, clearly wanting to play but acting all put-upon because he thought Xiao Putao was taking too long.

Xiao Putao chuckled and pulled Tongtong along. “Let’s ignore him and go.”

In the glow of the sunset, the sight of Xiao Tao chasing after the alpaca was innocent and delightful, making one want to freeze this beautiful moment forever!

Author’s note:

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