Chapter 10.1

Sheng Zexi felt a complex mix of emotions regarding the little one, but he kept his expression neutral, nodding coldly and saying, “Hmm.”

Nuo Nuo, oblivious to her father’s displeasure, was in high spirits after finishing her blocks. She waved her little hand excitedly at him, saying, “Daddy, if you’re busy, you can go ahead! I’ll just play with my blocks.”

Today, she was even more well-behaved than he had expected, yet her independence stirred an uncomfortable feeling within Sheng Zexi. He had intentionally made time for her, but she didn’t seem to need him anymore.

A sense of being replaceable washed over him, leaving an indescribable frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Choosing silence, he waved the young technician away and returned to his desk to work. After a while, his gaze unintentionally drifted towards the little girl.

Nuo Nuo was happily engrossed in her toys, making the most of the office environment. She was even turning paper towels, the ashtray, and fruits into her playthings.

Seeing the dirty ashtray, Sheng Zexi felt a twinge of disgust. After a moment’s thought, he stood up, scooped up the little girl, and said, “Let’s go. I’ll take you out for a bit.”

Nuo Nuo initially wanted to stay and play with her blocks, but since Daddy wanted to take her out, she was more than happy to go. Cherishing her newly assembled blocks, she replied, “Wait a moment, Daddy! Let me put my blocks away first.”

Sheng Zexi set her down, and she obediently put her blocks back on the coffee table. After taking a quick glance, she looked up at her dad and asked, “Daddy, can you have someone watch my blocks? Tell them not to move them around.”

No one dared to touch things in his office. Sheng Zexi said “um” for a while, glanced at the child, and picked her up very naturally.

It was only after a moment that he realized how instinctively he had cradled her in his arms.

He was silent for a moment, trying hard to ignore the strange feeling in his heart.

After a brief silence, he tried to dismiss the strange feeling in his heart.

She was his daughter, and since he had decided to take responsibility for her, holding her more often to build their relationship wouldn’t hurt. Otherwise, she might not listen to him.

Sheng Zexi took the little one out of his office. After thinking about where to take her, he ended up at the elevator.

“Daddy, where are we going?”

With her mom busy at work, Nuo Nuo spent most of her time at home. Being able to go out and breathe fresh air made her unusually happy. She bounced in her father’s arms, her face beaming as she excitedly asked, “Daddy, where are we going?”

Sheng Zexi wasn’t entirely sure where to take her, but seeing her bored with the toys made him feel like taking her out for a stroll was a good idea. He might not have time later in the afternoon.

Initially, he planned to tell Nuo Nuo where they were going, but he thought it best to establish a sense of authority as a father. So instead, he succinctly replied, “You’ll know soon.”

As long as she was going to have fun, Nuo Nuo was already very happy. She rocked her little legs while looking out at the bustling street, pointing at the cars and excitedly telling Sheng Zexi, “Daddy, so many cars!”

“Mm.”

Eventually, he took her to a nearby children’s center filled with toys and various amusement areas, which was truly a paradise for kids.

As soon as Nuo Nuo saw all the fun attractions, her eyes sparkled with excitement. This place was so bright and amazing; she felt her dad was the best for bringing her here. If she hadn’t come with him today, she would never have had this much fun.

The little one was thrilled, her eyes shining as she took in the colorful toys around her.

Spotting something she liked, Nuo Nuo immediately wanted to jump out of her dad’s arms. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she dashed toward the “go-kart” area: “Daddy, I want to play this!”

Seeing the go-karts filled with kids having fun made Nuo Nuo incredibly excited; her eyes sparkled with joy. Sheng Zexi, unsure of what else to do, decided to fulfill her request.

“Okay.”

Nuo Nuo was overjoyed and sincerely praised her dad, “Daddy, you’re so great. Thank you, Daddy.”

When a child doesn’t cry, their smile is like a blooming flower. Sheng Zexi, who was in the middle of paying the ticket clerk, paused at Nuo Nuo’s words.

The go-kart ride cost only about a hundred yuan, which was no big deal for him, yet he hadn’t expected his little girl to express her gratitude.

Having seen so much deceit in the world, he had met many people who resented him for not giving them enough, even after he helped them.