“Dad, why are you throwing it away?” Yu Mingxi rushed forward, carefully taking down the banner, “If you don’t want to hang it in the living room, we can… maybe hang it in the study!”

Yu Yuanyuan’s eyes lit up, nodding eagerly in agreement.

The two kids thought it was an incredibly heroic accomplishment, and Yu Jinxiao’s initial sense of embarrassment started to waver.

The adoring looks in their eyes were something he had never experienced before.

After hesitating for a moment, Yu Jinxiao compromised, pointing upstairs, “Hang it in the study, but not somewhere too obvious.”

“Understood, understood!” Uncle Yang mimicked Yu Mingxi’s respectful posture, carefully holding the banner and heading upstairs.

For a moment, Yu Jinxiao felt as though he had been crowned with some sort of extraordinary achievement.

“Dad, what about Yuanyuan…” Yu Mingxi, having moved on from the banner excitement, curiously asked about Yuanyuan. “Weren’t we supposed to send her back this morning?”

“Yuanyuan is going to live with big brother and Daddy from now on!” The little one beat Yu Jinxiao to the answer, happily cheering as she waved her tiny arms around them.

The stern and aloof father reached out, grabbing the little one by the collar and pulling her back in front of him, “Don’t steal my lines.”

“Yes, Daddy,” Yuanyuan immediately stood still, as obedient as a little soldier at attention. “Daddy, speak.”

“I’ve already completed the paperwork to adopt Yuanyuan,” Yu Jinxiao took a deep breath, carefully considering how to explain it, “The situation was unique, so I didn’t have time to discuss it with you…”

“That’s wonderful!!!” Yu Mingxi interrupted, swooping down to lift Yuanyuan in his arms, the two kids celebrating with joy like fools.

Yu Jinxiao froze for a moment, then continued with the explanation he had planned out earlier, “This situation…”

“Yuanyuan, how about I tell you a bedtime story tonight?” Yu Mingxi beamed brightly.

The little one in his arms nodded vigorously, “Yes, yes!”

Yu Jinxiao, who was slowly fading into the background: “…If you have any thoughts on this… we can discuss it…”

“Yuanyuan can sing! Big brother, do you want to hear Yuanyuan sing?”

“Sure, we can play after I finish my homework.”

Yu Jinxiao, completely forgotten: “…” It seems I’ve become the unnecessary one here.

Sensing the change in atmosphere, Yu Mingxi paused, holding Yuanyuan as they both turned around, “Dad, did you say something just now?”

“…No.”

“Well, I’m taking Yuanyuan upstairs now.”

“…Alright.”

Yu Jinxiao stood there, watching the two happy children head upstairs.

Who am I? Where am I? What am I supposed to do?

Forget it. Let them do whatever they want.

Just then, Gao Zhou returned, carrying bags of items. “Mr. Yu, I bought everything!” The bags were full of clothes for a little girl.

There had to be a bit of ceremony for this occasion.

Before the meeting earlier, Yu Jinxiao had asked Gao Zhou to buy some clothes for Yuanyuan as a small gesture to welcome the new family member.

Every piece of clothing had been personally selected by Yu Jinxiao after Gao Zhou sent him photos for approval.

Yu Mingxi hadn’t expected that Yuanyuan would become a permanent part of the family. His dad had even given her the room that was once reserved for his sister. Now, he was showing Yuanyuan around the newly arranged room.

It felt different now.

Their dad had never let them enter that room before. Sometimes, when no one was around, Yu Mingxi would sneak a peek inside. The room had always been filled with sadness and a stifling atmosphere.

But now, it was different.

The room was filled with Yuanyuan’s sweet voice, as lively and playful as a kitten.

The whole place now felt alive.

“Yu Yuanyuan, come here,” Yu Jinxiao entered, placing the bags of clothes on the bed. “See if you like them.”

Even though he was giving gifts, his tone sounded more like he was summoning someone for punishment.

The little one, confused, stepped forward and pulled out a piece of clothing from one of the bags.

Yu Mingxi took one look at it and fell silent.