Forcefully Doting On You - v4c12

 

Chapter 97

Note: Early chapter release. Thank you for the Ko-Fi, Sakuradahl! ◝(ᵔᵕᵔ)◜

Li Yu was sized up and down by Mu Hong's stern gaze. The latter's expression was indifferent, his frown only fleeting.

Despite this, Li Yu paid great attention to the perceptions of him within the Mu family, and he quickly picked up on this slight signal.

It seemed that Cai Cai's big brother was not satisfied with him.

Strangely, once Li Yu realized this, his initial nervousness disappeared. As if his pretense and fear had finally been adjudicated, he was all the more relaxed because the verdict was already in.

He bowed slightly to Mu Hong, respectfully saying, "Hello Mu Brother."

Mu Hong's expression did not change. He responded simply, "Hmm. I've heard about your situation from Cai Cai. Since you are a friend of Cai Cai, feel free to enjoy yourself in our home. There's no need to be formal."

Maintaining his smile, Li Yu responded, "Thank you, Brother Mu."

Noticing the interaction between the two, Mu Cai belatedly sensed something amiss in the atmosphere. He quickly interjected, "Now that we all know each other, I will show Li Yu to his room so he can settle in. We can come back downstairs for dinner later."

At home, hardly anyone ever disagreed with what he said. In particular, in preparation for Mu Cai's return, Aunt Zhang in the kitchen had prepared a large table of food. It was not completely cooked yet, so Father and Mother Mu could wait a little longer.

Only their chubby little nephew seemed a bit upset.

It was almost time for dinner, and after dinner, he'd have to go to bed. He had only this bit of free time to play. If only his uncle would spend it with him!

The aggrieved little nephew did not dare to step forward due to his father's power. He could only open his eyes and try his best to look up at his beautiful little uncle. When Mu Cai was about to take Li Yu upstairs, he glanced inadvertently and saw the eager gaze of his little nephew.

He couldn't help but stop in his tracks, bending down and tenderly pinching the other's soft cheeks. Then, with a smile, he said, "Cheng Li is such a good boy. Your uncle will be at home these days, so I can play with you. Isn't that awesome, Cheng Li?"

Whenever a warm fingertip touched his cheek, the gentle stroke felt magically comforting. Ordinarily, Mu Cheng Li disliked adults pinching his face, even when it was Jiang Lianxin, he would dodge vehemently.

But today, as he looked at his uncle crouched in front of him, he saw bright, gentle eyes gazing at him and a curved, rosy mouth that looked more pleasing to the eye. Plus, his uncle was very affectionate and had promised to play with him!

Mu Cheng Li adored his little uncle.

His chubby little nephew immediately started laughing, his eyes squinting into slits, revealing tiny white teeth that resembled grains of rice, he said in a milky voice, "Uncle, you better keep your promise!"

Mu Cai, melting from his adorable act, immediately agreed, "Okay, I promise you."

The nephew was pleased. He glanced at Li Yu standing behind Mu Cai, feeling incredibly smug.

Humph, even though his little uncle had just run to meet him, his uncle still loved him the most!

Li Yu, who was observing Mu Cai surprisingly, felt like he was the object of someone's gaze. Just as he was about to look and see who was peeking at him from the shadows, he saw Mu Cai standing up.

A soft hand held his arm, and the vague scent of milk lingered around Li Yu's nose. With a slight tug from Mu Cai, Li Yu uncontrollably followed the direction of his pull.

An ethereal and pleasant voice echoed in his ear, "Let's go, we'll go check out your room."

At that moment, Li Yu instantly forgot about Mu Cai's attitude, the hidden gazes, and even his nervousness as a guest. All he could focus on was following the person next to him upstairs, much like a loyal guard.

Seeing that Cai had gone upstairs and anticipating their return shortly, Mother Mu hastily headed towards the kitchen to hurry Aunt Zhang. Father Mu, on the other hand, seated himself on the sofa, starting to watch television cheerfully.

With a frown, Mu Hong watched Mu Cai ascend the stairs and didn't relax even after they disappeared behind a corner. Jiang Lianxin beside him nudged his arm, somewhat annoyed, "Why were you so fierce just then? The child Cai brought back seems pretty sensitive. If he knew you were unhappy, and became upset because of it and distressed Cai Cai, aren't you afraid Cai Cai would leave?"

Although Jiang Lianxin and Mu Hong became husband and wife due to a business alliance, their personalities surprisingly complemented each other. They were deeply devoted as a couple and even agreed on certain things.

Like their unique fondness for Mu Cai.

Jiang Lianxin felt that today's Mu Cai was exceptionally adorable compared to the usual, which made her want to spoil him even more. Normally, though she adored Mu Cai, she would often ignore his friends who weren't familiar to her, after all, those people have no relation to her and she doesn't like them either.

But today, Cai Cai had brought someone home, which showed he cared a lot for this friend. Seeing her husband's unyielding attitude aggravated her; Cai Cai was already somewhat intimidated by him. On the rare occasion he visited, what if he was frightened away?

Mu Hong shook his head and snorted, "This person is very cunning and skilled. He has my brother running in circles and even managed to get invited to our house. I have to show him my temper to let him know our Cai Cai is not to be messed with."

Jiang Lianxin felt he was overthinking. Leaving everything else aside, was there any doubt about Cai Cai's charm? So many children adored him wholeheartedly. According to her observation, this one is likely no different. Didn't she notice his unsteady steps when he was ascending the stairs?

However, Mu Hong turned a blind eye to this and wouldn't listen to his wife's opinion. He furrowed his brows for a moment and then suddenly squatted down, grabbed his little son who was trying to sneak away from his side. The chubby little guy, who was so hefty that Mu Cai had a hard time holding him, was now lifted up by Mu Hong as easily as if he were lifting a chicken.

Mu Cheng Li didn't dare to let out a breath. He sat straight on his father's arm, like a little soldier awaiting orders. Mu Hong was very pleased with his attitude and began to question him as if he were inspecting a subordinate's work, "Mu Cheng Li, do you like your little uncle?"

The chubby-faced little nephew strained his face and said, "I like him."

Mu Hong guided him tenderly, "But there are other people who like your little uncle and want to take him away, what will you do?"

Mu Cheng Li widened his eyes, "That's impossible. Little uncle likes me best! I... I will definitely hold onto little uncle's heart and keep him from being confused!"

Mu Hong was very satisfied, as if his assistant had understood his decision, "Very good. Remember what you just said."

Jiang Lianxin: "..."

Who could have imagined? Not only did she marry a goof, but now she's given birth to a little goof too!

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On New Year's Eve, the entire Mu family got in the car and went to a five-star hotel for a reunion dinner.

By the time they arrived, Li Yu finally understood the question he had been unable to answer for the past few days.

He finally knew why Mu Cai could so easily bring him home, and why the Mu family did not object. In Li Yu's mind, he had always thought that the New Year was a time for family reunions, where outsiders shouldn't meddle. But now, in this large private room of the five-star hotel, there were no less than twenty people present, and rumor had it that there was another room next door with just as many attendees.

It was a family-style gathering. Everyone came and went, nodding, greeting, eating, drinking, and sporting smiles, both genuine and fake. Except for Mu Cai's family, Li Yu didn't recognize anyone. And not just him, there were many people that Mu Cai also didn't know.

Fortunately, under the deterrence of his elder brother, no one was disrespectful enough to try and persuade him to drink or strike up a conversation. Mu Cai sat at his spot, quietly eating his meal, with Li Yu to his left and his chubby nephew to his right.

His elder brother and sister-in-law were busy toasting relatives in the room, and the duties of caring for the little nephew naturally fell onto Mu Cai's shoulders. Fortunately, Mu Cheng Li was very well-behaved, sitting quietly in the chair waiting for his little uncle to feed him, with a bib tied around his chest. Once he was full, he did not act out, but instead quietly leaned against Mu Cai's leg, watching his little uncle eat and talk to the big brother next to him.

Even though he didn't like the big brother who was robbing his little uncle's attention, he had to let his uncle eat first now!

The TV in the private room was broadcasting the Spring Festival Gala. Mu Cai, holding his sleeping nephew, and Li Yu sat together, waiting to wish everyone a happy new year on WeChat at midnight.

At this moment, in this noisy room, Li Yu felt for the first time the joy of tranquility within the hustle and bustle. Mu Cai was quietly leaning against him, so close he could see the soft fuzz on his delicate, pale face.

At this moment, no one disturbed them, giving the feeling they were in their own little world. The relaxed and harmonious atmosphere generated fanciful and unrealistic whims in Li Yu's mind.

This man, this man now resting in his arms, was his.

As Li Yu thought this, he couldn't help but tighten the arm holding the other, lowering his head to sniff the nape of Mu Cai's neck.

The faint scent of milk.

Mu Cai's delicate, pale fingers were flying across the screen of the phone, busy sending out new year wishes. After finally sending wishes to everyone who needed to be wished, he raised his head to find Li Yu gazing at him.

Li Yu's eyes were as dark as a deep well, as if desiring to swallow him whole. Mu Cai did not realize this, only noting that Li Yu was unusually quiet that night. He couldn't help but ask, "Li Yu? Are you okay today?"

He originally brought someone back home to celebrate the New Year, but if the other party couldn't adapt to this environment, then not only would his purpose not be achieved, but the other person might also become unhappy.

Li Yu controlled his desire and showed forbearance in his eyes. He smiled softly and said, "How could I not be happy? I am genuinely very happy today."

Mu Cai observed him carefully and found that there was no trace of reluctance in Li Yu's expression. So he finally set his heart at ease, using Li Yu as a pillow without any psychological pressure as he held his little nephew in his arms.

It had to be said, Li Yu made an excellent human pillow, warm and dependable!

The New Year's Eve dinner continued until 12:30 a.m. before people started to disperse. As the head of the family, Mu Hong had already arranged for plenty of rooms in the hotel for those who wished to stay overnight.

Since Mu Cai's family had their driver and did not want to linger around, they went straight home by car.

After arriving home, everyone was somewhat tired and went to their rooms to sleep. Mu Cai quickly finished his washing routine and fell into the soft bed, hugging his little dog plushie and sleeping until the sun was already up high the next morning.

By the time Mu Cai finished washing up and went downstairs for breakfast, he saw that his parents, elder brother, sister-in-law, and Li Yu had already gotten up and were sitting downstairs. At the same time, several other people were sitting on the sofa. Mu Cai looked closely and realized it was his childhood friend, Lou Chengye, and his family who lived in the same villa area and had come to pay their New Year's visit.

Li Yu and Lou Chengye, who originally sat on the sofa showing coldness towards each other, heard the movement from upstairs and both turned their heads at the same time, seeing someone walking down from the higher ground.

The young man leaning on the stair's railing had slightly messy hair, and his face still bore traces of just waking up. He was wearing a baggy white turtleneck sweater, and seven-point corduroy pants, revealing a delicate, slender ankle that could be easily encased with one hand.

From this angle, his legs appeared long and straight, his waist slim. The hand resting on the dark brown wooden railing was dazzlingly pale. He exuded an overall lazy and lovable aura that stirred the blood of those who already harbored impure thoughts about him.

Unconsciously, Mu Cai waved lazily at them and greeted with a smile, "Hello uncle, auntie, I wish you a happy new year!"

With that, he descended the staircase.

Almost simultaneously, Li Yu and Lou Chengye stood up and moved towards him.

The two of them quickly realized this and exchanged glances, seeing hostility in each other's eyes.

Li Yu was the first to speak, his voice even softer and gentler than usual, as if a cello was humming, "Cai Cai, you're up."

Lou Chengye didn't want to lose out either, "Cai Cai, have you had breakfast yet?"

Just as Mu Cai was about to respond, he felt a weight on his leg.

A small meaty ball pounced on him.

The chubby little nephew tried his best to hug Mu Cai's leg, his cute big eyes looking up at his uncle, "Uncle, you’re up! Would you like to play with me please? Cheng Li’s room has a lot of toys, Auntie Zhang even brought over a plate of xiaolongbao soup dumplings, uncle come play with me~"

It must be said, Mu Cheng Li’s ability to act cute was first class. Mu Cai was so charmed that he forgot the two people in front of him. He immediately squatted down, unable to resist kissing his little nephew's soft chubby cheeks, then agreed, "Okay, we'll go right away."

With that, he held Mu Cheng Li's small hand and apologized to Li Yu and Lou Chengye, "I'll go play with Cheng Li for a while. If you two have something to discuss, you can go ahead."

Mu Cheng Li turned his face triumphantly, straining to look up at the two adults opposite him. His big eyes were full of victorious laughter.

Humph, did you see that? His uncle only played with him and even kissed him!

As for these two malicious fellows, they should back off quickly!

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Author's Note:

Regent: My son did a great job! I'll record this political achievement for you!

Concubine Li: I never imagined that the road to promotion would be thwarted by a toddler!

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