Chapter 27.1

She can dislike them as much as I want her to?

Sheng Zexi couldn’t help but laugh.

Nuo Nuo felt it was very cool to share her father’s enemies. Seeing her father laugh, she became a bit annoyed and said, “Daddy, you can’t laugh at me. I’m helping you dislike them.”

While some adults might find a child’s behavior immature, Sheng Zexi did not. He stifled his laughter and said, “Daddy isn’t laughing at you. I’m just happy you’re willing to help me.”

The little one, pleased by her father’s praise, hummed softly and, feeling proud, said, “Of course, because you’re my daddy.”

“You buy me toys, clothes, and lots of yummy food, so of course I’ll help you,” she said, pouting slightly in a playful manner.

Sheng Zexi smiled gently.

Just as he was about to wait with Nuo Nuo for Xu Ai to return, Nuo Nuo said, “Daddy, that slide looks really fun. I want to play on it.”

Sheng Zexi knew that once Nuo Nuo started playing, she might not stop for a long time. However, her sweet and cute request made it hard for him to refuse. She said she’d stand by him in disliking someone. Even though Nuo Nuo was just a child, Sheng Zexi felt he had gained an ally, someone who understood and supported him.

So, before Xu Ai came back, Sheng Zexi decided to let his daughter play.

When Xu Ai returned, she saw Nuo Nuo happily playing in the playground, while Sheng Zexi watched with a faint smile.

Despite his typically cold demeanor, Sheng Zexi’s smile drew attention, especially from some mothers who glanced his way. Xu Ai guessed their thoughts: “It’s not illegal to look, even if he’s married.”

Though harmless, Xu Ai felt slightly irritated. Even though they were eventually going to divorce, Sheng Zexi was still her husband, and it felt odd to see others eyeing him.

Pushing these thoughts aside, Xu Ai approached Sheng Zexi and asked, “Weren’t we supposed to shop? Why is she playing now?”

Weren’t you in a bad mood? Let’s buy our things and go home quickly.

Sheng Zexi explained, “Nuo Nuo wanted to play, so I let her.”

Xu Ai looked at the bouncing little girl and said, “You know how long she can play once she starts.”

Sheng Zexi, with a slight smile, said, “It’s okay. If you don’t want to wait here, you can go shopping.”

He handed her a card.

Should she stay and watch Nuonuo?

Looking at the card in his hand, Xu Ai hesitated. Staying with Nuo Nuo seemed less appealing than doing something more enjoyable like getting a manicure. After a few seconds, she decisively chose to go shopping.

After all, it was Sheng Zexi’s money, and she’d use it if offered.

Before leaving, she said to Sheng Zexi, “Stay with Nuo Nuo. I’ll be back soon. Call me if you need anything.”

Sheng Zexi: “Okay.”

Xu Ai quickly left, walking briskly without hesitation.

Sheng Zexi stood where he was, watching her graceful figure leave, lazily gazing at her, a slight smile playing on his lips.

After a while, he received a text message on his phone. It seemed Xu Ai was using his card to make purchases. Sheng Zexi continued to watch Nuo Nuo play inside, his smile never fading.

At one point, a child pushed Nuo Nuo, causing her to fall. Nuo Nuo, being the crybaby she was, immediately teared up. But just as Sheng Zexi and a teacher were about to intervene, she got up and continued playing.

After a brief pause, Sheng Zexi resumed his watch.

Xu Ai, taking advantage of Sheng Zexi’s generosity, didn’t hold back. She bought everything she wanted, and after realizing she had bought quite a bit for herself, she also picked up some clothes for Nuo Nuo.

She didn’t buy toys because Nuo Nuo already had plenty, and many of the toys in the store were ones she already owned.

Xu Ai then continued her shopping spree.

Passing by a men’s clothing store, she looked at the card in her hand and pondered.

They say when you take something from someone, you owe them. Since she was using Sheng Zexi’s money so freely, it might be too much not to get him anything.

Though it didn’t sound nice, Sheng Zexi was her cash cow and benefactor at the moment. It wouldn’t be right to treat him poorly.

After some thought, Xu Ai went into the men’s clothing store, browsing around until the sales staff began to wonder if she was actually going to buy anything. Finally, she picked out a belt and a tie.

Knowing Sheng Zexi’s preference for luxury, she chose the more expensive options. After making her purchase, she felt her task was complete and went to get a manicure and facial.

While watching his daughter play, Sheng Zexi replied to a few messages. He then noticed a message from the men’s clothing store.

He was taken aback, finding it hard to believe.

Xu Ai bought something for him?

Was this real?

It seemed unbelievable, yet there was a strange sense of anticipation in his heart.

Too much expectation could lead to disappointment.

Sheng Zexi suppressed his hopes and continued his tasks as if nothing had happened.

But once a seed of hope is planted, it tends to grow.

Xu Ai strolled around some more, and when she felt enough time had passed, she returned. As she arrived, Sheng Zexi glanced at her hands, which were empty, assuming she had the items sent directly to their home. He wondered what she had bought from the men’s store.

Nuo Nuo had played to the point of sweating, emerging from the play area in just her socks, her cheeks rosy. Xu Ai instinctively wanted to help her put on her shoes, but Sheng Zexi was quicker, expertly putting the shoes on their daughter.

Over time, Sheng Zexi had become quite adept at these tasks.

Had he not been the villain of the novel, or had Xu Ai not known everything, she might not have been averse to raising the child together with Sheng Zexi. After all, he had money, looks, and far superior qualities compared to other men.

Even physically, he was more impressive than the muscle men who made countless girls swoon online.

Her thoughts wandered uncontrollably to less appropriate places, and surrounded by people, Xu Ai’s face turned as red as a tomato.

Sheng Zexi quickly finished putting Nuo Nuo’s shoes on. The shoes were slip-ons, making it easy. Nuo Nuo reached out for the water bottle her dad held, taking a few gulps, then noticed her mom’s flushed face. Concerned, she asked, “Mommy, why is your face so red? Do you have a fever?”

Xu Ai felt her face cool a bit, but Nuo Nuo’s question made Sheng Zexi look at her, focusing on her face.

Under his gaze, Xu Ai’s face heated up again. Nuo Nuo, chatty as ever, continued to worry, “Mommy, your face is even redder. Should we see a doctor?”

Nuo Nuo wanted to check her mom’s forehead but couldn’t reach, so she asked her dad, “Daddy.”

She gestured for her dad to lift her so she could check if her mom had a fever.

Sheng Zexi, unsure of Nuo Nuo’s intentions, complied. But Xu Ai changed the topic, asking Nuo Nuo, “Do you need to buy anything else?”

Nuo Nuo, worried about her mom, replied urgently, “Mommy, you look like you have a fever. We can buy things later. You should go to the hospital.”

Xu Ai: …

Hospital? She was perfectly fine.

Xu Ai explained, “Mommy is fine. It’s just too hot here.”

She wanted to say she was overdressed, but seeing she was wearing a light short-sleeve shirt, the excuse seemed weak.

The little one still couldn’t believe it: “But I don’t feel hot.”

Xu Ai rolled her eyes at her: “That’s because you’re just a child. Of course, you wouldn’t feel hot. Now stop talking and quickly buy what you want. Mommy wants to go home.”

Xu Ai just wanted to move on, especially since she could feel the man’s intense gaze on her.

In her mind, she fiercely thought: What are you looking at? If you keep staring, I’ll gouge your eyes out.

But Sheng Zexi couldn’t hear her thoughts, so he felt no threat.