A Warm and Cute Strike (GL) - Chapter 21

The man sitting across from the two little sisters paused, his chopsticks hovering mid-air.

What should have been a heartwarming scene made Xiang Nan’s brow furrow slightly. As he looked at the feast laid out before them, he suddenly found the food tasteless. He had seen the moment his daughter picked the green onions out for Qin Xuening, and it made his heart ache.

He didn’t blame Qin Xuening; it was normal for children to be picky eaters, and Qin Xinlan had briefed him on her dietary restrictions. Even if he felt a twinge of discomfort, he had no intention of faulting her.

The problem lay with his own daughter.

A child of only five years old didn’t need an adult’s reminder to know not to waste food. This should have been a point of pride for Xiang Nan as a father, but he couldn’t bring himself to be happy.

This was something he had discovered over the past few days: though Qingnuan was small, she had an obsession with food. It was an obsession strikingly similar to the impoverished people he had encountered in the mountains during his research trips—people who lived in a constant state of hunger.

She didn’t eat because she liked it or because she knew it was good for her; she ate because she didn’t want to waste it. Cherishing food is a virtue, but too much of anything is harmful, and this mindset wasn’t healthy for a child’s growth.

Understanding the cause, Xiang Nan ultimately wanted to curse himself. He was filled with nothing but heartache and self-reproach, alongside a burning hatred for the former nanny.

From what he’d gathered through Cheng Hong, that nanny was currently unemployed. Because her reputation in the industry was ruined, no one dared to hire her. He’d heard she had been beaten into the hospital by her husband over the incident, only to be forcibly taken home by her husband and son because they couldn’t afford the medical bills.

Cheng Hong hadn’t followed up further, but it was safe to assume her life wouldn’t be easy. This was likely a case of “wicked people being tormented by their own kind.”

As Xiang Nan chewed his food, he brainstormed how to guide his daughter. Noticing his gaze, little Qingnuan looked up and beamed at him.

“Daddy, eat the ribs! Sister Lin made them especially yummy!”

Stunned, Xiang Nan quickly forced a smile and placed a piece in her bowl. “If Nuannuan likes them, eat more.”

“Mhm!” Qingnuan turned to Qin Xuening. “Sister Xuening, you eat too!”

Being stared at so earnestly, Xuening—no matter how much she wanted to be left alone—had to look up and nod at her before continuing her meal.

Receiving a response made Qingnuan’s smile even brighter. Watching Xuening eat with such elegance, she blinked and began to mimic her, using her small spoon to take tiny, refined bites instead of gulping it down like before.

Watching this, Xiang Nan suddenly felt that having Qin Xuening as a companion was a truly excellent choice. Though she was young, she was well-bred; since Qingnuan liked her, that subtle influence might help her form better habits.

Qingnuan had no idea her father was worrying his head off for her. She ate happily and felt incredibly content. A beautiful big sister was sitting right beside her to play with, and Daddy was right across from her. If Mommy were here, it would be perfect!

Ring—ring—ring—

Xiang Nan’s phone rang. He pulled it out to see a video call request from Ye Feifei. He smiled knowingly and hit accept.

“Xiang Nan, are you and Xuening home yet?” Ye Feifei was in costume, with a stylist working on her hair in the background. She had just finished a scene and was changing her look; thinking of Xuening’s first day and missing her daughter, she had called.

Now that their relationship was public, she didn’t have to hide in front of others anymore. It felt amazing.

“Mhm, we’re eating,” Xiang Nan smiled at his wife, then pointed the camera at the table.

Qingnuan’s eyes lit up. “Mommy!”

“Nuannuan, are you eating? How are you getting along with your sister?”

“Mhm!” Qingnuan felt a bit shy. “Sister Xuening is right next to me!”

Xiang Nan cooperated by moving the phone to focus on Qin Xuening, who looked a bit stiff.

“Xuening, don’t be formal. Just treat this as your own home. I’ll take you to see your mother in a few days,” Ye Feifei said through the screen.

Hearing that promise, Xuening curled the corners of her mouth slightly and nodded at the camera. Her smile was faint, but it was like melting snow; watching from the side, little Qingnuan was mesmerized.

The big sister looks so pretty when she smiles!

Feifei chatted with them for a few more minutes before hanging up with a gentle smile still on her face.

“Sister Feifei, was that your daughter on the phone? She’s so cute!” the stylist remarked while working. She was curious about the girl named Xuening, but being a veteran in the industry, she knew better than to pry.

Hearing someone praise her daughter, Feifei’s smile deepened. She felt even happier than she did when winning an award. She didn’t say a word, just nodded.

At that moment, the Weibo post Ye Feifei had just made was causing a new wave of excitement online. This was her first statement since the reveal a few days ago, and it naturally drew massive attention.

It was a long post. She started by sincerely comforting her fans and thanking them for their trust, then clarified the negative reports and stated that legal letters had been sent to the media outlets responsible for the defamation.

As for the details, she and Xiang Nan would appear on the Mango TV talk show “Jingjing Speaks” next Saturday night to share the details of their marriage for the first time.

This was a major boost for Feifei’s fans. In truth, Feifei had never intentionally hyped scandals; her “CP” fans existed because her performances were so successful. She had the talent and the work to back it up. So, while the secret marriage news hurt some fans, most were understanding.

Furthermore, even if they were loath to admit it, their idol’s husband was an accomplished, successful man with an inspiring “underdog” story, which made the fans feel better. A handsome and beautiful couple was a visual treat that was hard to hate. If Feifei’s husband had been a balding, beer-bellied tycoon, the fans would have rioted!

Consequently, despite the flood of “black material,” Feifei’s fans didn’t abandon her as her rivals hoped. Instead, they united, voluntarily debunking the “evidence.” For example, tech-savvy fans proved her “scandalous photos” were fakes, and they fought to prove her innocence regarding the rumors of “sleeping her way to the top.”

The only thing no one could know for sure was whether the daughter was truly Xiang Nan’s. Because of this, Feifei’s fans had been mocked relentlessly by anti-fans. Now, seeing her clarification and heartfelt comfort, they felt their loyalty was justified and began fighting back against the paid trolls with renewed vigor.

Mango TV and Huashi Company took the opportunity to launch a massive promotional campaign. Everyone involved in the “war,” along with an ever-growing crowd of spectators, began waiting for the Saturday night broadcast.

After dinner and getting washed up, Xiang Nan settled Qin Xuening in her room and led his daughter back to theirs.

He had been sleeping with little Qingnuan these past few days. Holding his fragrant, soft daughter every night made him feel like he was back in that moment years ago, holding her for the first time as a tiny infant. That surge of emotion and responsibility filled his heart.

In the blink of an eye, that baby had grown so much. If he didn’t cherish this time, she’d be of marriageable age in another blink. At the thought, Xiang Nan’s heart ached; he quickly stopped himself and started making the bed.

Qingnuan, in her nightgown, sat with her legs swinging as she leaned over the table, scrolling through Weibo. She had seen the photo her father posted—the one with the three of them holding hands—and it made her incredibly happy. Sister Lin said Weibo was where adults recorded their lives, so did that mean Daddy and Mommy were finally recording her?

“Nuannuan, did you drink your milk?” Xiang Nan finished the bed and walked over. “What are you doing?”

Qingnuan quickly covered the screen. She remembered her promise to Lin Wen: her parents couldn’t know she had a Weibo account.

“Hmm?” Her obvious attempt to hide things made Xiang Nan raise an eyebrow. “Is our Nuannuan keeping secrets from Daddy?”

“No!” Qingnuan hesitated for a second before shaking her head decisively and laying the tablet face-down. “Daddy, do you want some milk? It’s warm and very yummy.”

She stared at him with clear, innocent eyes, looking so sincere that it really seemed like she was recommending milk rather than changing the subject.

“You little rascal!” Xiang Nan pinched her nose. Given how cute she was, he decided to let it go for now, but he made a mental note to find out what secrets were on that tablet later. “Finish your milk and get washed up for bed.”

“Okay!” Qingnuan smiled, happy to have kept her secret. She cupped the glass in her small hands and took a sip, squinting with joy at the milky flavor.

Watching her, Xiang Nan couldn’t help but pull out his phone to record the moment. But after a few snaps, he noticed his princess’s smile beginning to fade.

“What’s wrong?” He put the phone down and touched her cheek.

“Daddy… Sister Xuening didn’t talk to me at all today. Does she… not like me?”

Xiang Nan paused, thinking of the gloomy child, and let out a soft sigh. Because of the friendship between Su Yuyan and Ye Feifei, he had seen Xuening a few times before. While not as bubbly as Qingnuan, she had been a cheerful child. Seeing her this despondent because of her parents was tragic.

“It’s not that she doesn’t like you,” he said, pulling his daughter into his arms. “She just went through some things and decided she doesn’t like to talk right now.”

“Why doesn’t she like to talk?”

“Just like how Nuannuan loves to talk, some people prefer silence. Everyone has the right to choose, and we should respect that.”

Qingnuan nodded as if she understood. “So, Sister Xuening doesn’t hate me, she just doesn’t like talking, right?”

“Exactly.” Xiang Nan kissed her forehead. “If someone forced you to be quiet, would you feel sad?”

Qingnuan nodded.

“So if Sister doesn’t want to talk, you should respect and understand her, okay?”

“Mhm, I understand.” Qingnuan nodded again. Knowing the big sister didn’t hate her put her at peace.

The next morning, after breakfast with the two children, Xiang Nan left the house.

For the next month or two, he would be extremely busy with post-production, promotion, and the release of his new film. He could push some work aside, but most required his direct supervision as the director. Furthermore, he needed to cooperate with Feifei’s clarification efforts, such as recording the talk show in a few days. The thought of his first professional collaboration with his wife made him a little excited.

Because of the addition of Qin Xuening, Xiang Nan was afraid Zhu Lin wouldn’t be able to handle it alone. Plus, Zhu Lin was hired as an assistant, and it wasn’t right to keep her doing nanny work. So, he hired a professional nanny. For now, Zhu Lin’s task was mainly supervision; once he finished his current workload, she would return to her original post, and he would officially take over as a stay-at-home dad.

Qingnuan was used to her parents being away, so when Xiang Nan explained his departure, she simply patted his shoulder and told him to work hard. Watching her wave him off and then run back inside to find Xuening, Xiang Nan could only smile wryly. It seemed his status in the family was still on shaky ground.

In the third-floor music room, Qin Xuening slowly drew the curtains, letting the brilliant sunlight flood in. Sitting in her wheelchair, she stared at the piano; its elegant, flowing lines reflected the light, and her eyes filled with obsession.

Using her crutches, she struggled to stand. Gritting her teeth, she slowly moved her body onto the bench. Once settled, she gently opened the lid. Looking at the row of black and white keys, her eyes seemed to glow—the kind of light that only appears when seeing one’s favorite thing.

Since waking up in this life, she had been in a constant state of worry for her mother and her own future. Now, with those worries temporarily eased, she could finally pick up the music she had neglected for so many years. Her legs were injured, so she couldn’t use the pedals, but for simple practice, it didn’t matter.

She hadn’t practiced in so long that she expected to be a mess, but her body still held the instinct. The moment she touched the keys, her fingers began to play naturally. Music was the only path she could see for herself.

Before pressing the keys, her expression was solemn and sacred. But the moment the first note jumped out, she forgot all her distractions and immersed herself in the sound.

Little Qingnuan trotted up to the second floor, ready to knock on Xuening’s door, when she heard the faint, melodious sound of a piano drifting from above. Following the music, she climbed the stairs to the third-floor music room. She knocked softly and pushed the door open.

The music grew louder. Qingnuan stared at the girl playing at the piano, her eyes widening in awe. The girl’s fingertips danced across the keys, and the cheerful melody seemed to wash away all gloom. In the sunlight, the big sister was smiling slightly, looking like a happy sprite.

Qingnuan was reminded of the photo she first saw on Weibo. At this moment, Xuening was just as radiant and glowing.

When the song ended, Xuening was panting slightly, feeling unsated. She finally remembered her father’s words: music is meant to make people happy; playing with joy and heart is the only way to perform.

Just as she was about to start another piece, she sensed something. Turning her head, she saw the little “tot” of the Xiang family standing at the door. Their gazes met for a long time.

Qingnuan blushed. After hesitating at the door, she ran inside. “Sister Xuening, were you playing the piano?” she asked, looking up. Though five years old, she was much smaller than the seven-year-old Xuening.

Xuening looked down at her, said nothing, and went back to playing. The melodious music rose again. Seeing her ignored, Qingnuan felt a bit dejected. After staying in the room for a while, she suddenly turned and dashed out.

Xuening didn’t stop playing, but she glanced at the door, feeling a distinct sense of relief. She knew Qingnuan wasn’t a “brat,” but she still didn’t know how to interact with children. She figured the girl had gotten bored and left.

She put the thought aside and immersed herself in the music piece after piece, venting all her suppressed emotions into the keys, completely losing track of time. Finally, exhaustion forced her to stop. Her young body was still weak from the accident and her leg injuries; high-intensity practice took its toll.

She caught her breath and turned her head, only to be met by a pair of smiling, crinkled eyes.

On the floor of the music room, a picnic blanket had been spread out. On it sat a small table with a teapot, cups, and a plate of delicate snacks. The little girl was sitting there playing on her tablet. Hearing the music stop, she looked over and smiled.

“Sister Xuening, are you done? Do you want some juice?”

Before Xuening could refuse, Qingnuan had already put down the tablet and run over with a glass of juice. “It’s pear juice. Sister Lin says it’s good for thirst, and it’s sweet and very yummy.”

Xuening looked at her, then at the glass. Not wanting to brush off her kindness, she took the juice. Under the girl’s expectant gaze, she took a sip. The cool, sweet liquid relieved the dryness in her throat, making her let out a comfortable sigh.

“Is it sweet?” Qingnuan asked, looking up with a beaming smile.

Xuening took another sip. Looking at the shallow dimple on the girl’s cheek, she nodded gently.

It was indeed very sweet.

The day passed quietly with piano practice. After dinner and a bath, Qin Xuening lay in bed, her bedside lamp on, reading through a music score. It was a handwritten book filled with her father’s handwriting—his compositions, inspirations, and notes. She had found it while sorting his belongings and cherished it. She was playing the notes in her head, which was a form of practice itself.

Knock—knock—

Someone knocked. Then, the door creaked open a crack. In the light from the hallway, a small figure holding a pillow appeared at the door…