Yu Mingxi had only intended to come downstairs for a drink of water, but when he saw his father had returned, he made a special effort to greet him.

However, what greeted him was an utterly shocking scene!

His father was holding a little girl, who was eagerly reaching out toward him with eyes gleaming brightly, smiling as she asked to be hugged.

As far back as Yu Mingxi could remember, his father was always busy with the company and rarely spent time with him and his brother, let alone hug them.

He could even feel that his father wasn’t particularly fond of being around children.

Yet now, his father was actually holding a little girl!

Noticing the surprise in Yu Mingxi’s eyes, Yu Jin Xiao put Yuan Yuan down, intending to explain things to his son. But before he could, the little munchkin, like a puppy let off its leash, bounced toward Yu Mingxi.

“Yu Yuan Yuan, stay here and don’t move.” A large hand grabbed the back of her collar, stopping her from running any further, no matter how hard she tried to charge forward.

His voice was cold, and it sounded so harsh.

Yu Yuan Yuan immediately pretended to be obedient, standing still with her eyes constantly glancing over at Yu Mingxi.

“This little… girl, is someone I met on the street. She got separated from her family,” Yu Jin Xiao led Yu Mingxi to the side, confident that his sensible son would understand, “Once we locate her family, I’ll send her home. She’ll stay here temporarily for now.”

“Understood, I’ll take care of her,” Yu Mingxi nodded, tilting his head slightly to get a better look at the little girl.

She was dressed in a shabby white dress, her hair was a mess, and she was covered in dirt. She looked both cute and pitiful.

Yu Mingxi, who was naturally gentle, was used to looking after his younger brother at home. Seeing Yuan Yuan standing there all alone, he was suddenly reminded of the past, feeling as though a wound had been reopened in his heart.

She… she looks just like my sister. If only my sister were still here…

“And she’s young, so she tends to talk nonsense.” Yu Jin Xiao glanced at Yuan Yuan. Just as he was about to turn back, a small voice behind him called out, “Daddy.”

Yu Mingxi’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“I told you, she talks nonsense,” Yu Jin Xiao’s lips twitched slightly, and for a moment, Yu Mingxi could see a hint of exhaustion in his father’s eyes.

Yu Mingxi knew very well how the people in Jiangcheng viewed his father. To them, his father was like a demon king, but today, he actually saw a trace of helplessness in the demon king’s eyes.

For some reason, Yu Mingxi found it quite amusing.

“Hello, what’s your name?” Yu Mingxi walked forward with a smile, crouching down in front of Yuan Yuan, extending his hand gently.

Yuan Yuan didn’t dare move, her obsidian-like eyes swiveling to look at Yu Jin Xiao, “Daddy, can I move now?”

Is this a game of Red Light, Green Light?

“Move,” Yu Jin Xiao sighed like an exasperated dragon.

“Brother, you’re here too?” The moment she got the green light, Yuan Yuan launched herself like a cannonball into Yu Mingxi’s arms, rubbing her little head against his chest.

This overly enthusiastic move caught Yu Mingxi, who was accustomed to dealing with children, off guard.

“Your name is…”

“I’m Yuan Yuan!” She bounced up and down, studying Yu Mingxi’s eyes closely for a long time, “Don’t you… recognize me?”

Though she was young, Yuan Yuan was used to trusting her instincts. The familiar face in front of her showed no signs of recognition.

He’s not really my brother. He’s just the brother from the book.

Realizing this, Yuan Yuan lowered her head, staring gloomily at her fingers.

“That’s such a cute name, Yuan Yuan. How about I play with you tonight?” Yu Mingxi quickly shifted into caretaker mode, leading Yuan Yuan to the table, “Are you hungry? We have some delicious snacks at home!”

At the mention of food, Yuan Yuan’s eyes lit up, “What kind of snacks?”

“Milk custard taro balls.”

“Ah!” Yuan Yuan clutched her clothes nervously, “You’re going to eat Yuan Yuan? Don’t eat Yuan Yuan, I don’t taste good…”

“It’s taro balls, not you, Yuan Yuan,” Yu Mingxi laughed, patting her head.

Watching the harmonious interaction between the two, Yu Jin Xiao couldn’t help but feel a wave of irritation.

Just a moment ago, she was clinging to him, sweetly calling him daddy, but now that they’re home… she only has eyes for her brother.

Where did the ‘daddy’ go? Vanished into thin air!

“Yuan Yuan, so your name is Yu Yuan Yuan, huh,” Yuan Yuan timidly confirmed.

Yu Yuan Yuan… Yu… with the surname Yu…

Not only was Yu Mingxi stunned, but so were the servants behind him.

“Dad, you actually brought an illegitimate daughter home?!” An angry shout from the staircase suddenly shattered the tense atmosphere.

Even Yuan Yuan jumped in fright, her shoulders trembling slightly.