Chapter 13: Can You Add a Bit More Sweetness, Please?

The little milky voice was filled with joy. As she spoke, her tiny body twisted back and forth in satisfaction. Yu Mozhi nearly lost his hold on her, but he instinctively tried to explain himself.

“I’m not…” her dad.

But before Yu Mozhi could finish his sentence, the little dumpling spoke up again, blinking her big eyes. “Mianmian loves Daddy the most! So, from now on, Mianmian will take care of Daddy. Mianmian will also tell others that it’s really hard work and that they have to pay her!”

Yu Mozhi: …

So that’s why she was being so insistent.

But getting back to the core issue—how exactly was she planning to take care of him?

He wasn’t some disabled person in need of a three- or four-year-old to support him.

He still had some money on hand. It was just that now, being at odds with the agency, things were going to be complicated.

“Mianmian wants to take care of Daddy when she grows up? That’s amazing.”

The owner of the pancake stall hadn’t realized the little one was being serious. He smiled warmly and spoke in a tone used to coax children. “Mianmian is the most impressive little one I’ve ever met. Your daddy is really lucky.”

He really wasn’t this child’s father…

But when Yu Mozhi met the little dumpling’s hopeful and serious gaze, he suddenly realized—everything he said, even casually, this little dumpling would take to heart. She would seriously think about it, with eyes full of sparkle and the purest intentions.

It felt like… if he denied it now, she’d be so upset she might cry. Just like when he accepted her flower and then tried to send her away—it hurt her feelings terribly.

Forget it. It was just a title anyway. If the little dumpling liked it, she could call him that.

He never expected to be entangled with anyone—whether it was the family he left at a young age who never liked him, or the women who approached him for his looks or status.

Usually, he just felt a little annoyed, but otherwise, he remained completely indifferent.

Only this little dumpling was different. If he truly didn’t want her around, he would have firmly stopped it from the beginning. But each time, he only felt a slight softness in his heart.

When he received the pancake, Yu Mozhi noticed the vendor’s envious gaze. Holding the pancake in one hand and the little dumpling in the other, he was unexpectedly okay with this feeling.

Over at the wonton stall, the owner finally couldn’t hold back and poked his head out. “Sweetie, if you’re eating a pancake, you have to pair it with wontons! Come try Grandpa’s wontons—they’ve been around for decades. You’ll love them!”

It wasn’t that he was deliberately trying to attract customers—this little girl was just too adorable. He couldn’t help himself.

“Oh no, Old Li! If you put it like that, I have to object! My porridge shop has been around almost as long as yours. I say pancakes should go with porridge! What kind of porridge do you like, little one? It’s on the house—take some home to try, and if you like it, come again!”

Even the local residents buying breakfast couldn’t resist. Hands full of shopping bags, their eyes still followed the little dumpling wherever she went.

Yu Mozhi originally thought the little one in his arms might not be able to handle this much attention from so many enthusiastic neighbors. Unexpectedly, the little dumpling didn’t shy away at all. Smiling sweetly, she called out “Grandpa” and “Grandma” to everyone, her voice sugary sweet. On the contrary, he was the one feeling a bit out of place with all the enthusiastic attention.

In the end, the little dumpling spoke in her soft, milky voice, “Daddy has to take Mianmian home to eat now. Let’s play again next time, okay, Grandpa and Grandma?”

She sounded like a little adult, but with the cutest childish tone.

The neighbors laughed and responded kindly. As the crowd finally began to disperse, Yu Mozhi breathed a sigh of relief.

They eventually decided on buying porridge. The little dumpling, nestled in his arms, leaned out halfway and gazed longingly at the spoon Grandma was using to scoop sugar.

“A little more, Grandma—can you add a bit more sweetness for Mianmian, please?”

*****

Just a heads-up: the little dumpling is a pure-hearted child, having been protected for a long time. She was raised well by Immortal Mo and is naturally polite and well-behaved. Her understanding of the human world comes from the memories of her current body. So think of her as an unusually sensible three-year-old—no need for overly high expectations.

(End of Chapter)