Ji Xuan carried Xiao Yu all the way to the parking lot. When the driver waiting nearby saw them approaching, he quickly stepped forward to open the car door.

The backseat had a specially modified seat. Once Xiao Yu settled in, she found it quite comfortable and even gave Ji Xuan a satisfied smile.

Ji Xuan frowned. “What’s that weird smile for?”

Xiao Yu: “…” Single for life.

As Ji Xuan leaned down to buckle her seatbelt, Xiao Yu’s voice sounded above him. “Do you have any thoughts about how I handled Xiaoyu just now?”

Without even looking up, Ji Xuan replied, “No. You’re her mother. Disciplining her is your responsibility—I have no right to interfere.”

Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow. Well now, the man actually had a solid grasp of legal boundaries.

Pleased with his answer, she pressed further, “And what about Yi Lanya telling the child that lying is wrong? What’s your opinion on that?”

After securing the seatbelt and giving it a firm tug to make sure it wouldn’t come loose, Ji Xuan straightened up and looked her in the eye. He said seriously, “No opinion. Kids shouldn’t lie. That’s one of the most basic values adults should teach them—no matter the situation.”

Xiao Yu nodded and asked, “So, you think it was wrong of me to tell Xiaoyu that sometimes it’s okay to lie?”

Ji Xuan replied, “Like I said, I have no issue with how you choose to teach Xiaoyu. I actually agree with what you said, so I support you teaching her about kind lies. At the same time, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Yi Lanya telling her that lying is bad.”

“Alright then,” Xiao Yu continued, “what’s your take on Yi Lanya insisting Xiaoyu call anyone over 20 ‘auntie’?”

Ji Xuan paused, then said, “I didn’t know about that in advance, and Xiaoyu’s always been a bit cheeky, so I didn’t think much of it. But honestly, calling someone older ‘auntie’ isn’t unusual.”

Xiao Yu made a mock expression of sudden realization and said, “Ohhh, I see!” She nodded while speaking. “President Ji, do you enjoy it when people call you uncle or old man?”

Ji Xuan: “…”

He gave her a look and said, “Isn’t the male equivalent ‘uncle’? Who calls someone ‘old man’? Are you trying to mess with me because you think I don’t know better?”

Xiao Yu laughed and said, “But calling a 20-year-old girl ‘auntie’ hits different—it’s like someone calling you ‘old man’ on the street. Imagine still being in college and some kid calls you auntie. You know what people are probably thinking? ‘What the heck, whose brat is this? I’m only 23!’”

Ji Xuan: “…”

He pictured himself walking down the street and someone calling him old man—and instantly got goosebumps. Yeah, that was just rude.

Xiao Yu went on, “So sure, it’s not a big deal. There’s no rule that says calling someone ‘auntie’ is wrong, and it’s not like it actually hurts anyone. But still—it gives people a bad first impression of the kid. So why do it?”

Ji Xuan: “…”

He had absolutely no way to argue with her.

Xiao Yu continued, “Women know this stuff best. Call someone ‘big sister’—whether it makes sense or not—they’ll feel good about it and treat the kid with more patience. Otherwise, why do you think shop assistants always call women ‘pretty lady’ and men ‘handsome guy’? You really think they mean it?”

Ji Xuan: “…” No comeback for that one either.

“Yi Lanya is a woman—a beautiful woman, no less—so there’s no way she doesn’t understand this. The fact that she still told Xiao Yu to call people ‘auntie’ just shows her intentions weren’t exactly pure.”

Ji Xuan raised an eyebrow and let out a short laugh. “Are you gossiping right now?”

Xiao Yu met his gaze and gave him a sweet smile. “Obviously… yes. Not only am I gossiping, I’m being passive-aggressive and full of backhanded criticism. And just so you know—I fully intend to keep doing it, and maybe even throw in a little gaslighting while I’m at it. Problem?”

Ji Xuan was speechless for a second before finally saying, “Can you at least pretend to feel guilty when you talk like this?”

“Not a chance!” Xiao Yu shot back cheerfully.

Ji Xuan: “…Alright then. As long as you’re happy. I’m going inside to pick up the kids. If anything comes up, tell the driver.”

With a blank expression, Ji Xuan turned and walked off—he was done talking to this woman.

Not long after, he came back holding hands with Xiao Ruoguang and Ji Yu. Auntie Wang followed behind carrying a large bag. Xiao Yu guessed that must’ve been all the pots and pans—Ji Xuan had probably tossed the rest.

Ji Yu climbed into the car first and sat down next to Xiao Yu. Ji Xuan then had Xiao Ruoguang sit beside Ji Yu while he took the front passenger seat. The rest of the group took another car.

Ji Yu leaned proudly against Xiao Ruoguang and said, “Mommy, we’re going home soon! Aren’t you excited? There’s so much yummy stuff at my house.”

Xiao Yu smiled kindly. “I’m very excited.”

Xiao Ruoguang leaned over to Ji Yu and added, “I’m excited too, big sis!”

Ji Yu grinned smugly, crossed her arms, and propped one leg over the other. “Once we’re home, I’ll have the nanny make you something delicious. We’ve got everything—our bathtub is this big, we can even swim in it! Is there anything you want?”

Xiao Ruoguang immediately said, “I want to grow up.”

Ji Yu: “…That’s not something you can want.”

“Why not?” Xiao Ruoguang tilted his head.

Ji Yu replied solemnly, “Because growing up takes time.”

Xiao Ruoguang then asked, “So… does big sister not have time?”

Ji Yu was caught off guard. She paused, thought about it, and finally responded, “Of course I have time!”

“Then why can’t I grow up?”

Ji Yu snapped, clearly frustrated, “Why do you ask so many questions? Because my time is mine, that’s why!”

Xiao Ruoguang quickly lowered his head and apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t know anything.”

Ji Yu couldn’t stand when he acted like that. She shouted, “Now I’m mad! I’m not talking to you anymore. Daddy, you tell him! My time is mine!”

Ji Xuan turned around and explained to Xiao Ruoguang gently, “Xiaoguang, growing up is a process. You have to use your own time to grow up. Your sister’s and my time belong to us—we can’t give them to you.”

Xiao Ruoguang looked down, disappointed. “Sorry… it’s just that Mommy is always willing to give me her time.”

Both Ji Yu and Ji Xuan suddenly turned to look at Xiao Yu. She smiled softly and said, “That’s right. I’ve given him quite a lot of my time.”

Ji Xuan looked at her in disbelief. “How exactly did you give him your time?” What the hell? She can give my son her time but I can’t? Now my son’s probably going to think I don’t love him!

Xiao Yu turned to Xiao Ruoguang and gently said, “Don’t be sad, sweetheart. Mommy will give you more time.”

“I’ve already taken so much of your time, Mommy. I shouldn’t take any more.”

“It’s okay!” Xiao Yu replied warmly. “Mommy still has lots of time. Come on, give me your hand.”

Xiao Ruoguang leaned over Ji Yu and held out his hand to Xiao Yu. She brought his hand close, blew a soft breath over his palm, and said, “There, I just gave you a whole month of my time. Be sure to treasure it!”

Xiao Ruoguang closed his fingers tightly and hugged his hand to his chest. “I will, Mommy! Did I grow up a little bit now?”

“Of course,” Xiao Yu said with a calm nod. “I gave you a whole month’s worth of time—so you’ve grown exactly 0.1 millimeters.”

Xiao Ruoguang lit up with joy. “Thank you, Mommy! I’ll grow up fast so I can take care of you!”

“Mhm,” Xiao Yu nodded serenely.

Ji Yu: “…”

Ji Xuan: “…” Seriously? That works?!

=^_^=