The guests followed behind Ye Fan. She looked calm and unhurried.

They had already walked this path several times, and by now, Ye Fan had more or less memorized the way.

However, the house they were staying in was still quite far from here.

Ye Fan spoke fluent English and approached the local townspeople to ask for directions.

As she listened, she nodded earnestly, committing every word they said to memory.

Ding Ruoyi and Li Qiong already trusted Ye Fan deeply.

Gu Yachen, who had been skeptical, felt reassured after seeing Ye Fan’s actions.

Though she didn’t say it out loud, she knew clearly that following Ye Fan was the only way to get home.

Along the way, they ran into some Chinese tourists who recognized Ye Fan and Tang Jin.

Since the group was filming a show, the tourists weren’t allowed to approach for autographs and could only take photos from a distance.

Tang Jin was clearly unhappy, but she couldn’t let her frustration show.

By the time the group returned to the house rented by the production team, it was already very late.

The journey had been utterly exhausting—they just wanted a good night’s rest.

Everyone was too exhausted to argue any further. Without another word, they each returned to their own rooms.

As soon as she stopped moving, Ye Fan’s thoughts drifted back to Dudu.

Dudu must be missing her terribly.

That little one always clung to her—whenever she was home, Dudu never wanted to leave her side.

Ye Fan could picture Dudu’s soft, chubby little face in her mind, with dimples appearing whenever he smiled.

She could almost feel those tiny hands cupping her cheeks, and hear that sweet, baby voice calling out, “Mommy.”

Her little Dudu…

Thankfully, she’d be returning to China soon—and that meant she’d finally get to see her baby again.

Thinking of Dudu, Ye Fan slowly closed her eyes.

She drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

…

Ye Fan would be coming home tomorrow. Although Aunt Li had been reminding Dudu of this constantly, it didn’t do much to lift his mood.

It was the first time he’d been away from his mother for so long, and he wasn’t used to it.

Aunt Li realized it had been a while since she last took Dudu out for some fun. Now that he was missing his mom and feeling down, it seemed like a good time.

She packed a few things, planning to take Dudu out for a little outing.

“Sweetie, I’m taking you to the amusement park today,” Aunt Li said, walking over to Ye Fan’s bed and speaking gently to Dudu.

The blanket still carried his mother’s scent. Every day when he was awake, Dudu would cling to Ye Fan’s bed, refusing to leave.

He lay there with his little bottom sticking up, hugging the blanket tightly in his arms.

Aunt Li gave his chubby cheek a gentle pinch. “Be good, sweetheart. Mommy will be back tomorrow. Then you’ll get to see her again.”

Dudu pouted and gave a small nod. In his soft baby voice, he said, “Mommy’s coming home soon.”

Reluctantly, he let go of the blanket and sat up on the bed.

Aunt Li sat down on the edge of the bed. “Let’s go to the amusement park first, then we’ll buy some watercolor pens and make a drawing for Mommy, okay?”

Dudu’s eyes lit up. He clapped his little hands. “A present for Mommy!”

He reached out his arms, and Aunt Li scooped him up from the bed. Dudu cooperated sweetly as she got him dressed, and soon they were ready to head out.

Their destination was an indoor amusement park designed especially for young children.

Not only did it have fun, age-appropriate activities for kids, but it also offered dining areas for parents and even staff on hand to help keep an eye on the children.

Dudu usually spent most of his time at home, so being around other kids his age would be good for him.

Dudu hadn’t been out to play in a long time, and it was his first time at this amusement park. He was instantly captivated and excitedly shouted that he wanted to go play.

Aunt Li figured that with how much fun he was having, he probably wouldn’t keep asking for his mom like before.

When lunchtime rolled around, some parents began taking their children to the kids’ dining area on the other side. Aunt Li called out to Dudu.

“Sweetie, are you hungry? Let’s go eat.”

“I want to play a little longer,” Dudu said, sliding down the slide with a huge grin. He was having such a great time and already thinking how fun it would be to come back with Mommy.

Seeing how happy he was, Aunt Li decided not to interrupt him just yet.

Since the dining area was a bit crowded, she figured she’d order the food first and then bring Dudu over when it was ready.

“Dudu, stay right here and play, okay? Don’t wander off, understand?”

There were staff members stationed both at the entrance and inside, keeping an eye on everything, so it was generally very safe.

Dudu nodded eagerly. “I’ll be good!”

Aunt Li headed toward the dining area, leaving Dudu by the slide. He ran up and down, playing happily.

Just thinking about how Mommy would come here with him next time made Dudu feel better.

Next to the slide area was a toy section, where many parents would buy toys for their kids.

As Dudu slid down again and was about to climb back up using both his hands and feet, something caught his eye—a man’s silhouette over in the toy area.

Dudu froze for a moment—that man looked so familiar.

He had just seen him on TV not long ago.

After hesitating for a bit, Dudu gave up his beloved slide and toddled off toward the toy section.

…

He Han had just wrapped filming for his latest project, and with work temporarily on hold, he planned to stop by the large indoor amusement park to pick up some toys before heading home.

His cousin, Yan Xiaoxiao, had just called him yesterday, complaining that he hadn’t visited her in a while.

He Han remembered his assistant mentioning this amusement park when talking about the assistant’s own kids. She’d mentioned that they sold toys here that children really liked, so he decided to pick something up for Xiaoxiao.

He wore a mask, leaving only his eyes visible. Even so, his presence was striking, and several people glanced at him as he passed by.

But since most people were here with their kids, no one connected him to He Han. They didn’t expect a celebrity to be shopping for toys in person.

He had just picked out the toys and was about to leave when suddenly, his step faltered. He clearly felt someone tugging at his pants leg.

He stopped and looked down. A chubby little boy was holding onto his pants, not letting him go.

Dudu’s eyes were wide open, his black-and-white pupils sparkling, clear and bright, reflecting He Han’s figure with perfect clarity.

The moment He Han saw Dudu, he recognized him instantly. He remembered running into Dudu at the supermarket not long ago.

He Han chuckled softly, then crouched down to gently ruffle Dudu’s head.

“Your name is Dudu, right?” He Han’s voice softened.

Dudu nodded, still curious. Why did this uncle seem so familiar?

With his lotus-like little arms, Dudu clung tightly to He Han’s pant leg, showing no sign of letting go.

He Han couldn’t help but chuckle. He didn’t remember when he had become so familiar with this chubby little boy.

The last time they met, Dudu had been wary of him, covering his mouth and refusing to speak.

He Han asked, “Where’s your mom? Why are you here all alone again?”

Dudu didn’t respond right away. Instead, he glanced over toward the children’s dining area, checking if Aunt Li was coming. If she did, he knew he wouldn’t be able to talk to this uncle anymore.

Dudu cautiously waved his little hand at He Han. Understanding, He Han lowered himself to get closer to Dudu.

Dudu cupped his tiny hand around his mouth, leaning in close to He Han’s ear.

In his sweet, babyish voice, Dudu asked, “Uncle, who are you?”

He was genuinely curious.

Ye Fan had told him before not to talk to strangers, but Dudu had completely forgotten.

He scratched his little head, looking confused. “I think I’ve seen you somewhere before?”

He Han smiled, his lips curling up. “We met at the supermarket. And I also know your name is Ye Duo.”

Dudu’s mouth opened slightly, as if something clicked in his mind. “You’re the uncle who called me by the wrong name!”

He Han chuckled softly. “Well, I’ve got your name right now. It’s Dudu.”

Dudu pouted, nodding seriously. “Then you have to remember!”

His eyelashes were thicker than most, and whenever he spoke, his eyes blinked so rhythmically. His long lashes fluttered like tiny brushes, making everyone’s heart melt.

He Han smiled patiently, making a promise to Dudu. “Okay, I’ll remember.”

Dudu peeked over toward Aunt Li’s direction again, then leaned in and whispered to He Han, “Uncle, I’ve seen you on TV.”

His big eyes blinked up at him. “Uncle, you’re really cool.”

Dudu looked up at He Han with pure admiration.

He Han froze for a moment. Dudu must have seen him in the recent TV drama. He hadn’t expected that even in this casual look, Dudu would recognize him.

He Han stared at Dudu’s face and realized that Dudu’s features were somewhat similar to his own. Perhaps that was why Dudu seemed to like him.

Since Dudu was still so young, it was hard to tell for sure, but there was a faint resemblance to He Han. However, He Han didn’t dwell on it too much.

He Han gently supported Dudu under his arms, lifting him in front of him, and straightened the collar of Dudu’s shirt.

Dudu had been playing for a while, and his clothes were a little wrinkled.

As He Han adjusted Dudu’s clothes, Dudu stood still, obediently, without fidgeting.

He Han didn’t have much experience with children, and wasn’t sure how to make Dudu happy. He glanced over at the toy section, then turned back to ask Dudu.

“Do you want a toy? I can buy one for you, okay?” He Han asked kindly.

Dudu pouted and shook his head. “Mommy said I shouldn’t take things from strangers.”

Today, he had already broken his promise to Mommy by talking to a stranger, and he couldn’t go against her words again.

He Han couldn’t help but smile at how adorable Dudu was and teased him lightly. “We’ve been talking for so long, and we’re still strangers?”

Dudu was caught off guard. It seemed like He Han had a point.

As Dudu pondered this, he suddenly spotted Aunt Li walking toward them. A look of panic flashed across his little face.

Dudu gently pushed He Han. “Uncle, you should go now.”

“Grandma will get mad if she sees me talking to a stranger.”

Dudu leaned in close to He Han’s ear, his voice soft and sweet.

“I talked to you today, but you have to keep it a secret, okay?”

He Han nodded in agreement. Dudu then extended his little hand, and they pinky-swore together.

Dudu’s soft little hand in He Han’s made the moment feel unexpectedly warm and heartwarming.

At Dudu’s “urging,” He Han reluctantly stood up to leave.

As he reached the door and turned to look back, he saw Dudu in the arms of a woman, quietly resting his head on her shoulder.

When Dudu’s eyes met He Han’s, he gently waved his hand at him.

He was careful, not wanting anyone to notice.

He Han paused for a moment, then tilted his head and let out a soft laugh.

=^_^=