Su Xiaomeng and Xiao Ang were sitting in the backseat, and before getting into the car, they brought Little Tiger along. Little Tiger seemed to be used to car rides, comfortably lying by the window, enjoying the breeze.
Xiao Ang was sitting between Xiaomeng and Little Tiger,
"Su Xiaomeng, do you like Little Tiger?"
"I really do, Little Tiger is so adorable and well-behaved. But you must keep a close eye on him, otherwise, like the last two times, he could easily get lost."
"Oh! I’ll definitely keep a close eye on him! Little Tiger is so cute, you can come to my house to see him often."
As Xiao Ang spoke, Xiao Yan glanced at Su Xiaomeng and Xiao Ang through the rearview mirror, focusing on Su Xiaomeng’s reaction.
"Once my brother and sister bring the dog back home, you can bring Little Tiger over, and we can play together. The dogs can play together too."
Xiaomeng said.
Xiao Ang lowered his head, pressed his lips together, and touched Little Tiger’s back with his small hand, saying nothing.
Su Xiaomeng could see his disappointment and naturally understood the meaning behind his words—it wasn’t just about seeing Little Tiger, but accompanying him at his home.
Su Xiaomeng liked Xiao Ang a lot, not only because she felt they had a strong connection but also because Xiao Ang was indeed a very likable child. Perhaps the teachers at the art center didn’t like him simply because they hadn’t seriously interacted with him and hadn’t seen his strengths.
But... interactions between people are based on relationships, whether close or distant, there’s reasoning behind it.
No matter how much Su Xiaomeng liked this child, she still recognized the importance of boundaries.
He lacks maternal love...
Not liking Pu Yang but still liking her, this puts Su Xiaomeng in a difficult situation in front of Pu Yang.
Su Xiaomeng is a smart and tactful woman, Xiao Yan could clearly feel this from Xiaomeng’s response to Xiao Ang.
She didn’t want to deceive the child, nor did she want to give him expectations he shouldn’t have. Her kindness was tempered with prudence.
Xiao Yan felt very conflicted. He appreciated this trait in Su Xiaomeng and was relieved by her appropriate handling of the situation, but... he couldn’t feel joyful.
Su Xiaomeng looked out the window; the sky was already pitch black, the night had descended quickly.
The car arrived outside Yin Mansion’s gate, a servant hurried over to open the door, and Xiaomeng had already gotten out of the car. "No need to drive in, I’ll walk in myself. You guys can go back; it’s getting late."
"Su Xiaomeng, wait a moment."
Xiao Yan called out to Xiaomeng, who raised her eyebrows slightly as she saw Xiao Yan step out of the car and walk over to her.
He maintained his gentlemanly demeanor, which couldn’t be hidden even in the dark,
"Is there anything else?"
"Today... I really troubled you. I had a surgery in the afternoon, and it was already five by the time I finished and got back, so I didn’t get a chance to return Xiao Ang’s call. His grandfather... you know..."
"Yes, I know. Doctors are indeed very busy, and saving lives is a very serious matter. But... Xiao Yan, even though I’m not a doctor, nor is my husband, I believe that our work is just as busy as yours. If we’re busy with work and neglect our children and family, it’s actually unfair to the children."
Xiao Yan pressed his lips together, nodded, accepting Su Xiaomeng’s criticism and advice.
Xiaomeng spoke while glancing at Xiao Ang still seated in the car with his head beside Little Tiger, looking at her, and softly said to Xiao Yan,
"Especially a child like Xiao Ang who has been without a mother from a young age. Pu Yang might be a very exceptional person, but evidently... she doesn’t get along well with Xiao Ang. So if you’re going to marry Pu Yang, you need to address the issues between her and Xiao Ang."
"...Yes."
"Actually, it’s not quite appropriate for me to say these things to you, but... since you thanked me, I thought I might as well share my opinion. After all... I am a mother of two children, so I have quite a bit of understanding about kids."
Su Xiaomeng smiled slightly and looked at Xiao Yan, tilted her head a bit, and continued,
"Although you are Xiao Ang’s father, I trust you’ll give him the best; that’s beyond doubt. If you have any questions regarding childcare, feel free to ask me... um... Actually, it might be better if you and my husband have more exchanges. Since you both are fathers, you might find more connection."
Xiao Yan smiled, "Thank you, thank you for saying these things to me today, and thank you for coming to my house specifically to help take care of Xiao Ang, and thank you... for making Xiao Ang so happy."