A Warm and Cute Strike (GL) - Chapter 25

Hearing Ye Feifei’s question, little Qingnuan, nestled in her mother’s arms, blinked her eyes. Her round, almond-shaped gaze fixed expectantly on Qin Xuening.

Would Sister Xuening like her too? The little girl’s eyes were filled with anticipation.

However, her “big sister” didn’t look at her. Xuening’s back was stiff; under Ye Feifei’s teasing gaze, her eyes darted away, looking utterly at a loss.

If one looked closely, the faint flush that had started at the tip of the girl’s ear had rapidly spread across her entire earlobe. Her tiny ears turned a vivid red, glowing with a soft luster under the lights.

Qin Xuening felt the two sets of eyes—one large and one small—staring at her so intensely it felt like they were piercing right through her. If it weren’t for the plaster cast on her leg, she surely would have fled the room by now.

She had always considered herself a calm person, capable of facing any situation with cool indifference, yet lately, she found her defenses crumbling repeatedly.

She couldn’t understand how someone could declare “liking” someone so naturally. And after saying it, why did they insist on asking her how she felt about it?

Seeing that the big sister didn’t answer for a long time, the light in Qingnuan’s eyes began to fade. She looked down at the pendant on her mother’s chest, her spirits sinking.

“Oh, look! Our little Xuening is shy!”

Ye Feifei burst into laughter. Xuening was still too innocent; how could her emotional shifts escape the eyes of a professional actress?

Teasingly, Feifei looked down at her daughter and said in a helpless tone, “Sweetie, your Sister Xuening is shy. How about we stop asking?”

At these words, two faint red clouds bloomed on Qin Xuening’s elegant, pale face. She couldn’t help but glare at Ye Feifei, her cheeks puffing out slightly, making her look far more adorable than her usual cold self.

However, while she intended to glare at the woman teasing her, she unexpectedly met Qingnuan’s eyes. The little girl was tilting her head, watching her with clear eyes as if pondering what her mother had said.

Seemingly reaching a conclusion, the corners of the girl’s eyes suddenly crinkled, and she revealed a brilliant smile. Under the light, that smile seemed to glow, carrying the unique warmth and kindness inherent to Xiang Qingnuan.

Xuening froze, feeling her face grow even hotter. She hurriedly looked away and pursed her lips. Though she didn’t say a single word, her demeanor betrayed her completely.

Qingnuan grew cheerful again. Nestled in her mother’s arms, she kicked her little feet and happily watched her parents’ interview program. Every so often, she would steal a glance at Xuening, causing the older girl to keep her body tensed.

Holding her daughter, Ye Feifei watched the two sisters, secretly delighted. Their interaction reminded her of her early days with Su Yuyan, reinforcing her belief that bringing Xuening into their home was an incredibly right decision.

On the other sofa, Xiang Nan adjusted his glasses. Infected by their joy, his lips curled into a smile, his gaze toward his wife and daughter overflowing with indulgence. He continued watching the show, occasionally answering his daughter’s quirky questions or joining his wife in teasing Xuening.

The warm atmosphere filled the living room, finally giving the usually quiet Xiang residence the true scent of a home.

Soon, it was 9:30 PM.

Leaning against her mother, Qingnuan began rubbing her eyes, letting out the occasional yawn. It was already past her usual bedtime.

Seeing her tired, Xiang Nan took the initiative to turn off the TV. “It’s late. Everyone should head upstairs to bed.”

Qin Xuening snapped out of her thoughts. Looking at the clock, she realized how quickly time had passed. She nodded and tried to push herself up, but Xiang Nan had already walked over. Without a word, he lifted her and placed her gently into her wheelchair.

“I’ll do it.” Ye Feifei stood up, handing the drowsy Qingnuan to her husband. She took the handles of the wheelchair and pushed Xuening toward the elevator.

Xuening opened her mouth to speak, but ultimately swallowed her words of refusal.

Xiang Nan carried his daughter upstairs, her arms wrapped dizzily around his neck. He turned off the downstairs lights, brought her into her bedroom, helped her wash up and brush her teeth, and changed her into a snowy white lace nightgown.

“Sweetie, do you like Daddy?” After drying her small hands, Xiang Nan looked at her cute face and suddenly put on a sorrowful, jealous expression.

“I do!” Qingnuan answered without thinking.

“Then, between Daddy, Mommy, and Sister Xuening, who do you like the most?” Xiang Nan asked quite craftily.

Qingnuan tilted her head to think, then looked at her father and answered, “I like everyone the same!”

Xiang Nan’s eyes crinkled with a smile. Why did he feel such a sense of relief? Hmph, he would never admit he was terrified she’d say she liked Mommy or Xuening more!

“Daddy loves our little baby too~” Xiang Nan gave his daughter a happy kiss on the cheek.

He had been busy lately and had just flown back today; he hadn’t had time to shave. Qingnuan’s skin was delicate, and the prickle of his stubble made her scrounge up her brow. She touched her cheek, enduring the sting without complaining.

Xiang Nan didn’t miss her reaction. He felt his chin, realizing he had scratched her. Filled with heartache and guilt, he quickly apologized.

“It’s okay, it doesn’t hurt.”

Qingnuan reached out to comfortingly touch his cheek. Seeing his slight eye bags and dark circles, she said concernedly:

“Daddy should go to bed early tonight. Sister Lin says that if you sleep very late, your eyes will turn black like a panda’s, and you’ll get sick! Being sick feels bad; Nuannuan doesn’t want Daddy to be sick.”

Xiang Nan didn’t find her chattering annoying at all; instead, he felt a sting of emotion in his nose.

“Alright, Daddy promises Nuannuan that I’ll sleep early from now on and won’t get sick!”

“Mhm, that’s a good Daddy~”

Qingnuan grinned. Mimicking what Xiang Nan and Ye Feifei usually did when she was good, she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek, leaving the man in his thirties smiling like a child.

Ye Feifei had also just finished settling Xuening into her room. Looking at the quiet, beautiful girl leaning against the headboard, a gentle smile touched her face.

It was hard to imagine that this woman—usually so fierce and striking—could smile with such soft elegance, looking like a different person entirely.

“Xuening, I’m so glad you’re at our house.” Feifei took the girl’s hand and patted the back of it. “I’m sorry I’ve been so busy. I couldn’t even pick you up on your first day.”

“Please don’t say that…” Xuening lowered her head slightly. Feifei’s intense and warm gaze was a bit much for her to handle.

“You are Su Yuyan’s daughter, so you are my daughter too.” Feifei held her hand, her smile full of maternal warmth. “Just treat this as your own home. Don’t be formal with me!”

Xuening felt the warmth from Feifei’s palm. This warmth was different from Qingnuan’s; it carried a scent of a “mother.”

Mother…

Xuening blinked, suppressing the moisture in her eyes. She looked up into the woman’s sincere eyes and slowly revealed a shallow smile.

“Auntie Fei, thank you…”

“Haha! Your mother and I are like sisters. This is the least I can do!”

While holding her hand, Feifei accidentally noticed the slight redness on her fingertips, and her expression turned serious. “Xuening, I heard from Zhu Lin that you’ve been practicing the piano for seven or eight hours a day?”

Xuening quickly pulled her hand back, lowering her head in silence.

“I’m proud of your discipline for your mother’s sake,” Feifei said thoughtfully. “But you can’t rush things. Your leg hasn’t healed, and you had a head injury in the accident. You need to rest. What if you get sick from exhaustion? Don’t you agree?”

“Mhm…” Xuening could hear the concern. She nodded slightly, unable to refuse her kindness. Her voice was quiet, but it made Feifei’s expression soften.

Though only seven, Xuening was more mature and steady than most children due to the tragedy. Feifei believed that if she agreed, she would at least take it to heart.

Feifei nodded, then remembered something. “Nuannuan… because of your Uncle Xiang’s and my negligence… she suffered a bit and didn’t have any playmates. She was so happy to see you that she might be annoying… Please be patient with her, for my sake.”

Xuening was slightly taken aback, then shook her head and said seriously: “No. Qingnuan is… very good.”

Feifei smiled happily; she loved hearing people praise her daughter. She helped Xuening lie down, tucked her in, and kissed her forehead before turning off the light and quietly closing the door.

Once Feifei was gone, the room grew quiet. Xuening stared at the ceiling, then reached out to touch the empty space beside her. The little tot probably won’t come tonight, right? Though she had much more room, she felt as if something were missing, leaving her heart feeling empty. She adjusted her position, pulled the covers over her head, and closed her eyes.

In the master bedroom, Xiang Nan carried his soft, fragrant “little princess” out of the bathroom. He had already instructed Auntie Lin to bring Qingnuan’s doll and pillow over to the master bed. He figured since the family was finally together, she should sleep with them.

Thinking of sleeping with his wife and daughter in his arms made Xiang Nan feel like he was walking on air. He was absolutely beaming.

However, as soon as he placed her on the bed, the little girl in the princess nightgown crawled to the center, grabbed her doll, and nimbly scrambled back down.

Watching her pitter-patter toward the door, Xiang Nan felt confused. “Nuannuan, where are you going?”

“I’m going to sleep with Sister.” Qingnuan turned back and gave him an innocent wave. “Goodnight, Daddy.”

Then she turned and ran out on her short legs, leaving Xiang Nan with a look of utter betrayal. I’ve only been away for a week, and the daughter who used to beg to sleep with me doesn’t want me anymore?

In the hallway, Qingnuan ran into Ye Feifei.

“Nuannuan? Where’s your father? It’s bedtime, where are you going?” Feifei was also confused.

“I’m going to find Sister Xuening,” the girl smiled innocently.

“What for?”

“To sleep!” she answered crisply.

“Oh, I see. Go ahead then.” Feifei smiled; she certainly wouldn’t object to the two sisters getting closer.

“Mhm! Goodnight, Mommy!” With that, Qingnuan hugged her doll and, under her mother’s gaze, entered Xuening’s room with practiced ease.

Feifei entered the master bedroom with a smile, only to see her husband looking heartbroken. She blinked. “What’s wrong with you?”

Xiang Nan was feeling resentful. Seeing his wife enter looking so radiant and beautiful, his eyes flickered, and he immediately adopted a look of utter despair. As a director, he often had to coach actors personally; his own acting was top-tier. At this moment, he completely fooled the defenseless Feifei.

“What is it? Just now you were… wait, what are you doing?” Feifei walked over to comfort him, but before she knew it, he had tackled her onto the bed.

“What am I doing?” Xiang Nan chuckled. “Fulfilling my duties as a husband.”

Feifei felt a bit annoyed but didn’t refuse. Blushing, she told him to go lock the door first…

In Xuening’s bedroom, the girl lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Finally, she threw off the covers, intending to look at some music scores. But just as she turned on the bedside lamp, the door opened.

She stared blankly at the tiny figure who had crept in and quietly closed the door. Hugging her fluffy doll, the girl ran to the bedside.

“Sister Xuening, I’m back!” Qingnuan looked up and smiled.

Xuening couldn’t help but let a smile touch her lips. “Come up,” she said softly.

“Mhm!” With permission granted, Qingnuan scrambled onto the bed and plunged into her arms, snuggling contentedly.

This time, Xuening didn’t push her away. She rubbed the girl’s head; fresh from the bath, her hair was fluffy and soft, smelling faintly of shampoo. Nestled together, the warmth from the child brought her a sense of peace.

“Sister Xuening, I’ll sleep with you all the time from now on, okay?” The girl looked up, her eyes sparkling in the lamplight.

Xuening couldn’t help but reach out and pinch her little cheek. She only smiled and didn’t answer. She turned off the lamp and, holding the little girl and smelling her faint sweet scent, closed her eyes.

Qingnuan touched her pinched cheek. Instead of being angry, she giggled secretly. Soon, the two girls were fast asleep in each other’s arms.

The next morning, Ye Feifei—who had been “tossed around” by Xiang Nan all night—woke up early as usual. She had taken time off yesterday but had to rush back to the film set today.

Xiang Nan didn’t sleep in either. After seeing his wife off to the van, he had Auntie Lin brew a pot of coffee and sat by the window, enjoying a rare moment of leisure with the newspaper. While he was busy, he could occasionally find pockets of peace, unlike his wife whose schedule left her with zero personal space.

Ring—ring—ring— The landline rang.

Auntie Lin went to answer it. After a series of “mhm’s,” she set the receiver down and ran to inform Xiang Nan.

“Mr. Xiang, it seems to be someone from Mango TV. A Mr. Zhou. Would you like to take it?”