Although her brother didn’t say it outright, Yu Yuanyuan could tell that her brother also wanted their mother to come home. Suddenly, the little cub seemed to find a purpose in life—her dark, shiny eyes sparkled with determination as she clenched her tiny fists to encourage herself.

Yu Mingxi carefully placed the photos he had taken today, along with his most treasured photograph, back into the box. He gently closed the lid and hid the box back under his bed.

After playing all day, it was time for Yu Mingxi to study in the evening. He composed himself and sat down at his desk. This time, he didn’t ask Yuanyuan to leave the room, allowing her to play quietly inside.

But playing quietly wasn’t much fun, was it?

Yuanyuan, clutching her little lion plushie, waddled over to Yu Yingze’s room.

Her second brother was still working on his homework. He looked so stressed, like he might explode if anyone bothered him. His frazzled appearance made him seem dangerous, as if the slightest poke might make him snap.

Sensing the danger, the little cub switched tactics and tiptoed to the door of Yu Jinxiao’s study instead.

Hmm, her father looked much more relaxed. His brow wasn’t furrowed, and every now and then, he would glance at the once-hated red banner beside him.

The computer was off, which meant he wasn’t talking to other uncles either.

Yuanyuan’s mischievous little mind started whirring. Silently, she moved toward her father’s desk like a little spy.

Her round body slowly crept forward, as if slithering along the carpet in a stealthy crawl.

Yu Jinxiao wasn’t busy tonight. There were no meetings or important tasks. He was just lounging in his study, passing time by scrolling through trending topics online, which he barely found interesting.

Neither of his sons needed help with their homework, and they certainly didn’t need him for any deep conversations.

It wasn’t just his sons who had grown used to his constant busyness—Yu Jinxiao himself had grown accustomed to finding comfort in being occupied.

Keeping himself busy was the only way to avoid thinking about certain things. As long as he stayed preoccupied, the thorn in his heart wouldn’t stir.

But tonight, after barely an hour of idleness, a strange, unavoidable force tugged at him, pulling his thoughts back to that bridge.

He remembered how cold the wind had been that day.

He remembered how cold his wife’s tears had felt as they dripped onto his hand.

Just as the thorn in his heart began to ache, a tiny, moving shadow distracted him.

There she was, his little girl, creeping across the floor like a fluffy white rice dumpling, her small body slithering across the carpet toward the desk.

Yu Jinxiao watched as the little cub made her way toward him, clearly aiming to crawl under the desk.

She really did resemble a little kitten sometimes, always sneaking around and playing these little ambush games.

She had purposefully entered without making a sound, clearly planning something mischievous. Yu Jinxiao couldn’t help but let a smile creep onto his face, though even he didn’t realize it. He pretended not to notice her, keeping her in his peripheral vision while she crawled beneath the desk.

Yuanyuan crouched under the desk, eyes locked on his raised foot, and extended her chubby little paw—

Slap!

Just as she was about to land her sneak attack, Yu Jinxiao casually shifted his legs, causing Yuanyuan’s hand to swipe through thin air.

Heh, he thought, amused. Trying to sneak up on me? Not so fast.

When she raised her tiny paw to try again, aiming for his slipper this time, Yu Jinxiao effortlessly switched legs again, leaving Yuanyuan’s hand grasping at nothing.

After two failed attempts, Yuanyuan started to feel frustrated.

Hmph, I’m supposed to be a quick little kitty! How can I fail at a simple ambush?

Besides, her father hadn’t even noticed she was there yet! (Or so she thought… →_→)

Through the corner of his eye, Yu Jinxiao saw Yuanyuan lift both paws this time, aiming directly at his propped-up foot. Her clumsy yet determined movements were so adorable, it was hard not to laugh.

Well, he thought, after two losses, maybe I’ll let her win this time.

So this time, Yu Jinxiao didn’t move.

But Yuanyuan, expecting him to dodge again, gathered all her strength and launched herself with a loud “heya!,” like a fierce little kitten pouncing on its prey—

“Ow, waaah!” came her pitiful cry as her pounce backfired under the desk.