Mommy, don't be afraid, I'll bring you blind boxes and scam you out of a wealthy family to

In the afternoon, the first thing Wenli did after getting out of kindergarten was to check on the pomegranate tree to make sure it was still intact.

Then she skipped back and turned the invitation she had drawn in the morning into a 3D greeting card—a skill she learned in kindergarten!

Zheng Xinmei was originally worried that with such a young child in the family, how many people would have to follow around and take care of him, and wouldn't it cause a huge commotion?

Surprisingly, Wen Li was a very well-behaved girl. While I was looking at documents, she quietly drew over there.

Occasionally, when she looked up and their eyes met, the little guy would give her a sweet, slightly shy smile.

It's like a little toy that provides a lot of companionship.

Even Zheng Xinmei, who has little interest in children, has to admit that with Wen Li around, the air seems to soften a bit.

A little while later, a phone call came in.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xinmei's expression became more serious:

"Arrived ahead of schedule?"

"Why so suddenly? Are you sure it's today?"

"Okay, I understand."

After hanging up the phone, she went straight to Qin Zhiyuan: "The foundation just received news that the international partner I mentioned to you last time is arriving in Tan City on this afternoon's flight."

She paused. "They specifically requested to meet with you—tonight."

Qin Zhiyuan took the documents and quickly scanned them.

The other party has a special status, and this is an important collaboration that the foundation has been preparing for for a long time. In the past, there was almost no room for adjustment to such arrangements.

She neither immediately refused nor agreed; she simply closed the document gently.

Duan Yuanzhou was confirming the purchase list with the housekeeper when the old ladies' conversation, which he overheard, was not deliberately kept quiet.

The butler took a breath: "Sir, so about this celebration..."

"Do what you're supposed to do." Duan Yuanzhou continued giving instructions as if nothing had happened.

But after a moment he added, "Let's take these two dishes first."

The butler took a look and saw that it was the lady's favorite dish.

This is……

The butler was stunned. The old man continued, "Don't wait for anyone. Proceed according to the original plan."

He neither complained nor tried to persuade him to stay.

This has happened a thousand times before.

Having worked for the Duan family for decades, the butler had naturally witnessed far too many agreements falling through.

He responded softly, "Yes."

On the other side of the living room, the little dumpling was completely unaware of the undercurrents between the adults.

She had just finished making her first greeting card, which included crayon drawings, stickers, and a picture of Grandma and Li Bao holding a pomegranate together—this one was for Grandma.

She nodded in satisfaction at her work and held it up to go find an adult.

"Grandma! Grandpa! Pear is ready!"

Qin Zhiyuan looked at the childish handwriting and ruffled the little guy's hair: "So beautiful."

Little Wenli was initially very happy, but for some reason, her grandmother didn't seem so happy.

Grandpa, Grandma Zheng, and even the butler grandpa all looked tense, as if they were afraid she would discover something.

She tugged at Qin Zhiyuan's sleeve, her voice becoming soft and hesitant: "Grandma, what's wrong...?"

The old lady was taken aback.

Just as she was about to speak, the old man said loudly, "Little girl, come here and come with me to see the pomegranates."

The little dumpling looked at her grandma, then at her grandpa.

In the end, she ran over and took her grandfather's big hand.

But as I walked, I couldn't help but look back.

Grandma and Grandma Zheng stood there, seemingly talking about something.

But she was too far away to hear a word.

The old man stopped, looked up, and gazed at the pomegranate tree nestled among the branches, a tree that the whole family had been eagerly anticipating.

He remained silent for a long time.

The milk dumpling didn't say anything, just stood there quietly with Grandpa.

A breeze blew by, and the leaves rustled.

Grandpa remained motionless, staring at the pomegranate.

His expression was indifferent, without any obvious joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness.

Like waiting.

It's as if they already knew they wouldn't be able to wait.

Ke Wenli felt a little sad—she didn't know if it was for herself or for her grandfather.

Xiao Wenli pursed her lips.

It seems like Grandpa has a story hidden in his heart.

She wanted to figure out why her grandfather had that expression.

-

Milk Dumpling returned to her room and sat cross-legged on the bed.

With her small hands clasped together and eyes tightly closed, she murmured something:

"Hehe, tell Pear, why is Grandpa unhappy?"

She opened her eyes expectantly, and a golden blind box fell from the sky.

Gold! It's an SSR! Pear Baby loves SSRs the most!

What will it be this time?

Could it be "Truth or Dare"?

Once Grandpa eats it, he will tell Li Bao everything on his mind.

Or, "Brave Little Trumpet"?

If you just call out to Grandpa, he will bravely speak up.

Or perhaps... "stickers that won't lie"?

Stick it to Grandpa; every word he says is the truth.

She opened the blind box, and inside was a toy chair.

It was made of wood and wasn't much bigger than her hand.

[Chirp! Congratulations on obtaining [SSR Music Rocking Chair]]

The little one wouldn't think that it's too small for her to fit inside.

A chair is for sitting on!

She happily placed the little rocking chair on the bed, poked her little bottom out, and prepared to sit down.

"oops!"

—Of course, the kid flips over on his chair.

She fell onto the soft pillow, and at the same time, her fluttering little hands accidentally touched a button.

A gentle melody flowed slowly:

The most romantic thing I can think of

It's about growing old with you.

As the singing began, the wooden rocking chair swayed along with it.

Collect every bit of laughter along the way.

We can talk about it later while sitting in rocking chairs.

As the song played, it grew little by little, and soon became a real wooden rocking chair, still rocking gently, waiting for someone to sit on it.

Little Wenli exclaimed "Wow!" and climbed up using both her hands and feet.

squeak-

The scene before my eyes gradually blurred.

The bed, the window, and the snow dragon all transformed into warm golden specks of light.

The rocking chair rocked faster and faster, and Wen Li quickly grabbed the armrests, calling out anxiously, "Hehe, where is Li Bao going?"

No one answered.

The interplay of light and shadow is like countless springs, summers, autumns, and winters flashing by before my eyes.

-

As the last glimmer of light faded, Xiao Wenli stumbled and landed on the soft grass.

She subconsciously looked up and saw an unfamiliar courtyard.

"Hehe..."

Wen Li called out softly, but there was still no response.

The surroundings were quiet, and the milk ball sniffed, looking very uneasy.

Where am I?

Where's Grandpa? Where's Grandma?

Where's the horn?

Just then, a soft "ding-ding-ding" sound came.

Wen Li quickly looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young man climbing a ladder and hanging a string of small lights on a tree.

Seeing that there were other people around, the little girl felt a bit more at ease.

She hesitated for a moment, then mustered her courage and approached, softly calling out, "Uncle..."

The young man seemed not to hear him.

Wen Li took two more steps forward and gently waved her little hand: "Uncle?"

There was still no response.

The milk ball was stunned.

Why are you ignoring Li Bao?

She couldn't help but reach out her small hand and touch the corner of the man's clothes.

It felt like passing through a gust of wind.

Wen Li hurriedly withdrew her hand, her heart pounding.

What's wrong? Pear Baby, you've turned transparent?

Can it change back?

The man climbed down the ladder, bent down to arrange the flowers on the table, and moved the plates around.

After doing all that, I took two steps back to get a general overview and make sure everything was in the best place.

Wen Li wondered, was her uncle preparing a meal?

But why are there two sets of cutlery?

She leaned closer and counted them on tiptoe.

There really are two sets!

This means there's another person who will be joining us.

Just then, the sound of a car stopping came from outside the courtyard gate.

The man immediately looked up, his previously calm eyes suddenly lighting up.

Xiao Wenli also looked over.

A young woman strode into the courtyard, dressed in a business suit, her long hair tied back, and carrying a stack of documents in her arms.

She saw the little lamp in the tree and the flowers on the table.

She also saw people standing under the tree waiting for her.

The milk ball looked at this one, then at that one.

It feels so familiar.

Especially that uncle, when he laughs, it seems like...

Who does it resemble?

"Not bad, right?" The man took her coat, seeking praise.

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness." The woman smiled. "—Happy first wedding anniversary."

Before she could say anything more, the phone rang urgently.

The man's expression cooled, and she felt a little embarrassed, but she still answered the call.

"……good."

"I'll be right there."

Wen Li could tell that her aunt was leaving.

She looked at the table full of food, then at her uncle, and became a little anxious.

Uncle has prepared so much!

The man didn't complain or blame, but simply said in a low voice, "Go on, work is important."

He then handed the coat back.

The woman felt guilty: "Yuanzhou..."

Wen Li's eyes widened suddenly.

Yuanzhou, Duan Yuanzhou, is my grandfather's name!

This uncle is actually my grandfather when he was young!

So, Auntie is Grandma!

No wonder they looked so familiar...

The young Qin Zhiyuan hesitated for a moment, but finally said quickly, "I'll try to come back as soon as possible," and turned to walk outside.

"grandmother!"

Wen Li panicked and ran after him with her short legs moving quickly.

"Grandma, don't go!"

"Grandpa prepared flowers, lamps, and lots and lots of other things..."

"Grandpa has been waiting for you!"

Tears welled in her eyes as she ran, waving her little hand frantically, crying, "Today, this is a very important day—"

The young Qin Zhiyuan paused in her steps.

Even though there was no one else around, she seemed to hear a soft, sweet little voice calling her name over and over again, saying something.

She couldn't hear clearly, but she felt that the owner of the voice must be very anxious.

In the end, she got into the car.

Watching the car drive away, Xiao Wenli was panting heavily, her face flushed.

She immediately turned around and went to find her grandfather.

"Grandpa, go after her! Run fast, you can catch up with Grandma!"

But the young Duan Yuanzhou, just like before, did not react to her words at all.

He remained where he was, gazing at the courtyard, which was still brightly lit but felt strangely desolate.

The little bundle of joy wasn't giving up. It went around to the other side and waved its hands vigorously.

"grandfather!"

"Li Bao is here!"

"Grandpa, look at Li Bao..."

It was completely dark, and the small lights looked like strings of stars that had fallen onto the treetops.

Duan Yuanzhou picked up his chopsticks, picked something up, and then put it down.

He didn't intend to tidy up, nor did he go back inside; he just sat there.

Wen Li ran to the door and looked outside. There were no cars or people.

"Grandma hasn't come back yet." Even though Grandpa can't hear her, she still wants to tell him.

After a while, she went out to take another look.

still none.

She simply sat down next to her grandfather in his chair, resting her chin on her hands, and waited with him.

Until the night was deep, until the food was completely cold, until the flowers withered and drooped.

Grandma still hasn't come back.