Chapter 28: Want Daddy

It was clear that the other person had no interest in dealing with someone avoiding him.

The big kitty stopped paying attention, but the little cub was left a bit confused, staring longingly in that direction.

Logically, she should be relieved that the big kitty wasn’t watching her anymore. But the little dumpling had always been friendly and innocent, carefully nurtured by those around her. Everything she knew had come from Daddy Mo and her older siblings. She had never really encountered truly bad people before. She was always adored—so much so that even when she threw little tantrums, people found her too cute to be upset with. She was never really unreasonable; everyone just wanted to pamper her.

But now, for the first time, she had met someone who remained cold toward her, turned around, and left. And worse—it was because of her! At this moment, the little koi was both conflicted and a little guilty.

Did her reaction just now hurt the big kitty’s feelings?

But they were natural enemies! Big kitties would carry little fish away! That’s why she got scared!

I-If he hadn’t scared her, she definitely wouldn’t have reacted that way! His movement just now clearly meant he wanted to eat fish!

The little dumpling’s mood visibly dropped as she continued staring in that direction.

Liu Wu was now even more convinced that his guess had been right—this little dumpling just wanted to play with someone her own age. He glanced at Yu Mozhi with a smug look, as if saying, See? I knew it.

Yu Mozhi: …

What do you even understand? Are you three or four years old right now?

Noticing that the little dumpling wasn’t as excited as before and that it was almost time for lunch and a nap, Yu Mozhi had no plans to stay out any longer. After changing clothes and paying for everything, he picked up the little dumpling and headed toward the mall exit.

Only then did the little dumpling slowly snap out of her thoughts. She clung tightly to Yu Mozhi’s neck, her little bun-like face puffed up slightly as she glanced at the shopping bags in his other hand and the pile of things Liu Wu was carrying.

Hmm—these all seemed to be Mianmian’s things.

Was Mianmian being wasteful? Did she buy too many things?!

And she hadn’t even helped carry anything! She was still being held by Daddy!

This was completely different from the version of herself she had imagined—being useful, helping Daddy with lots and lots of things.

In an instant, the little dumpling felt as if the sky was falling. She reached out with her tiny, soft hands and turned her daddy’s face toward her.

Yu Mozhi, still wearing his mask, looked slightly puzzled. His cold, thin eyes carried a hint of confusion as he gazed at the little dumpling clinging to him.

Then he heard her nervous little voice.

“D-Daddy, after buying all this stuff… will Mianmian still have food to eat today?”

Yu Mozhi’s words got stuck in his throat.

Liu Wu, upon hearing this, burst into laughter. “What’s this now? Are you starving Mianmian? Not feeding her?”

Even with half his face covered, Yu Mozhi’s expression visibly darkened. Liu Wu, unable to hold back his amusement, shifted all the shopping bags to one side and reached out, attempting to tempt the little dumpling.

“If your daddy won’t feed you, Uncle will! Come on, Uncle will take you to eat.”

Yu Mozhi suddenly had the urge to lift his foot and kick this troublemaker out.

The little cub blinked her big eyes, glanced at Liu Wu’s outstretched hands, then looked at her daddy’s face. After a moment of hesitation, she considered her little tummy… and still clung tightly to her daddy’s neck.

Even if she had to go hungry, she still wanted Daddy, not Uncle.

“Want Daddy.” Her babyish voice was soft and sweet, like it was soaked in honey.

Liu Wu: … That hurt.

Little Dumpling: Even if I’m hungry, I still want Daddy.

People around them: ! Did we just hear what we think we heard?! [Judgmental stares]

Yu Mozhi: …

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(End of Chapter)