“This is a child, not a pet. I just hope you’ve thought this through and aren’t treating her as a replacement—”

“Stop assuming you know what I’m thinking,” Yu Jinxiao coldly interrupted Old Master Yu. “Yuanyuan is Yuanyuan. She’s not anyone’s substitute, and I’m not that bored.”

The conversation between father and son had barely begun, and the tension was already thick with hostility.

Old Master Yu wanted to say more, but the sharp edge in Yu Jinxiao’s demeanor made it clear the discussion wasn’t going any further.

“I don’t dislike Yuanyuan,” Old Master Yu’s voice softened, and even his usual indifference was touched by a hint of a smile. “You’re free to do whatever you want, as always. I just hope you’ll learn to let go of the past and stop punishing yourself.”

“I don’t need you telling me what to do.”

Yu Jinxiao’s hostility intensified, like a blade suddenly drawn, determined to cut deep, even if it meant both of them getting hurt.

“I’m your father. Can’t I tell you anything?”

“Have you forgotten? I’m a father now too. I’m not the same ‘stupid kid’ I used to be.”

A chill erupted from Yu Jinxiao’s dark eyes, so intense that even the air seemed to fill with prickly tension, forcing Old Master Yu to swallow back whatever words were left.

He hadn’t meant for it to go this way, but why did things always end up like this?

Old Master Yu felt a weight pressing on his chest, leaving him uncomfortable. With a frown, he pushed the door open and walked straight for the front entrance.

Downstairs, Yuanyuan barely had time to greet her grandfather before seeing him storm off, his face dark with anger. There was no sound from upstairs.

Why didn’t Daddy come down?

Yu Mingxi and Yu Yingze exchanged glances, silently guessing that the conversation hadn’t ended well.

“Grandpa, Grandpa…” Oblivious to the tension, the little girl darted out on her short legs.

The conversation had ended faster than expected, and Old Master Yu hadn’t even called for his driver yet, so he had to wait by the door. He glanced back, seeing only the little dumpling running after him, while Yu Jinxiao hadn’t made any sign of following.

Hmph. He’s so angry that his heart hurts.

“Grandpa, Grandpa!” Yuanyuan, as energetic as a little dumpling boiling in water, rolled right up to him.

Still fuming, Old Master Yu grumbled, “What are you, a Calabash Boy?”

“Grandpa, I’m Yuanyuan!” The little dumpling took him seriously, her eyes widening in shock.

Did Grandpa forget who she was??

The sight of her earnestly correcting him was so amusing that Old Master Yu couldn’t stay angry.

“Go back inside. It’s dark out,” he said, affectionately patting her fluffy head, his gaze drifting toward the dark road ahead.

It would take at least half an hour for his driver to arrive, but Old Master Yu wasn’t in the mood to wait inside. Staying in that house felt too much like admitting defeat to that stubborn son of his.

“Grandpa, are you leaving already?” Yu Mingxi and Yu Yingze had also come out to see him off.

Seeing his two grandsons joining the farewell softened Old Master Yu’s temper even more.

The night was calm, with a half-moon hanging in the sky.

The garden outside was bathed in pale moonlight, and the cool breeze seemed to soothe his nerves.

Old Master Yu lifted Yuanyuan into his lap as they sat on the swing. Yu Mingxi and Yu Yingze huddled close, all three children leaning against their grandfather as they gazed up at the moon.

“Grandpa, what does the moon look like to you?” Yuanyuan snuggled into his arms, her tiny finger pointing to the sky.

Yu Yingze stared at it for a while. “Isn’t it just the moon? What else could it be, a washbasin?”

“It looks like a cookie that Yuanyuan took a bite out of.” Yuanyuan answered with the utmost seriousness.

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The Calabash Boy (or Huluwa in Chinese) refers to characters from a popular Chinese animated series and folk tale known as “Calabash Brothers” or “Huluwa”. The story revolves around seven brothers who were born from calabash fruits, each possessing unique abilities and characteristics. They work together to fight evil forces, particularly a powerful snake demon who threatens their village.

The series is notable for its themes of teamwork, bravery, and the importance of family. The Calabash Brothers have become iconic figures in Chinese culture, often symbolizing heroism and the fight against evil.