Volume One, Chapter 22: He Thought You Were My Boyfriend

After changing her clothes, she went across the hall. Breakfast was already laid out on the dining table, an array of dishes—rice porridge, milk, soft-boiled eggs, and refreshing side dishes, all sumptuous and appealing.

Huo Winter was still busy in the kitchen. Ye Sheng rolled up her sleeves, intending to help, and upon entering saw freshly wrapped wontons on the countertop, with flour still dusting Huo Winter’s hands.

Ye Sheng’s eyes widened. “Brother Lin, did you make these wontons yourself?”

“Mm.” Huo Winter put the wontons into the pot and turned to say, “Don’t worry, they’re edible.”

She hadn’t said they weren’t edible…

Ye Sheng was about to explain when Little Bei stood at the kitchen doorway. “Sheng Sheng, my dad’s wontons are so delicious! Way better than the store-bought ones! They’re my favorite!”

“But Dad doesn’t usually have much time, though every chance he gets, he’ll cook for me.”

Ye Sheng washed Little Bei’s hands, the child chattering nonstop.

He sang praises of his father’s greatness.

Ye Sheng knew well how busy Huo Winter must be in his current profession, even having to schedule time for meals, and yet he still managed to cook for his child…

She couldn’t help but give Huo Winter a thumbs-up. “You’re amazing!”

The tone was that of praising a child… Huo Winter’s lips quirked, clearly pleased.

The meal was delicious; one bowl of wontons warmed her stomach thoroughly. Ye Sheng didn’t leave a drop of soup, eating everything clean—a gesture of appreciation, the highest compliment for the “chef.”

She stood to tidy up, but Huo Winter stopped her. “No need, there’s a dishwasher.”

“Oh.” Ye Sheng obediently set her hands aside and watched Huo Winter deftly load the plates and utensils.

Her sleeve was gently tugged. Little Bei looked up at her, “Sheng Sheng, do you have anything to do later?”

Ye Sheng smiled, tapping his nose. “I’ve got time to play a game with you.”

“Yay, great!” Little Bei happily went to set up the chessboard—he’d been ready for ages!

While the two played chess, Huo Winter worked at the desk nearby.

Sunlight spilled through the windows, warming the room. The quiet living room was filled only with the soft sounds of chess pieces landing and fingers tapping the keyboard.

A rare tranquil moment.

As Ye Sheng waited for Little Bei to make his move, she gazed at the scene before her, lost in a fleeting reverie.

This was the family life she had dreamed of: laughter and joy shared in parent-child activities, everyone busy with their own pursuits afterwards, blending together yet retaining independence.

But such harmony had never existed in her marriage.

They played chess until midday. Little Bei, though losing, was not discouraged; he simply looked tired and reached out for Ye Sheng to hold him.

“So sleepy… Sheng Sheng, I’m going to nap now.”

“Alright.” Ye Sheng knew he must be exhausted again.

Children with leukemia are much weaker than others. She gently stroked the back of Little Bei’s head, feeling a pang of sympathy.

Huo Winter approached. “I’ll carry him back to his room to sleep.”

“Mm~ no, I want Sheng Sheng to hold me while I sleep.” Like a koala, Little Bei clung to Ye Sheng, refusing to let go.

Huo Winter’s voice deepened. “Huo Xiao Bei.”

His answer was Little Bei’s soft snoring.

“…Well, he fell asleep quickly.”

Ye Sheng chuckled quietly. “It’s fine, I’ll hold him for a while. Once he’s sound asleep, we can move him.”

Huo Winter watched Ye Sheng’s adept way of holding the child—protective, supportive. He pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

Perhaps due to his illness, Little Bei had always been clingy, but usually only to him, never to others. This was the first time he’d slept in someone else’s arms.

In truth, even Huo Winter felt that Ye Sheng had a comforting presence, an aura that made people want to draw near.

Just sitting there, she made the room feel warm and calm.

—

Huo Winter went to the bedroom and fetched a blanket, covering his son.

The room was cozy. Little Bei slept soundly on the sofa, a sheen of sweat on his nose. Ye Sheng reached out to wipe it away, her gaze filled with tenderness.

She couldn't help but marvel: A child with leukemia, yet raised to be so lively and cheerful. In this, she was far inferior to Huo Winter.

Thinking of Huo Cong’s temperament, Ye Sheng’s eyes dimmed.

The phone buzzed twice. Huo Winter picked it up and gestured to Ye Sheng before stepping out to the balcony.

Ye Sheng had no intention of eavesdropping, but she caught fragments about school arrangements for the child.

When Huo Winter returned, Ye Sheng said, “Sorry, I overheard a bit. Are you looking for a school for Little Bei?”

“Yes,” Huo Winter nodded, glancing at his son. “He’s the right age for primary school.”

Ye Sheng was surprised. “Will you be staying in the capital for a long time?”

“I’ll be here for a while,” Huo Winter replied.

Ye Sheng understood. She had thought Huo Winter was only passing through, soon to return to his research lab in Meishan.

“I’ve compared many schools. There’s one that’s quite good.” Ye Sheng pulled out her phone and showed the information to Huo Winter. “It’s a public primary school, managed more strictly than private ones, but its faculty and environment are excellent…”

The two sat close, separated only by the width of an arm.

“A classmate of mine teaches there. If you need, I can ask her for you. But…”

“What is it?” Huo Winter looked at her.

Ye Sheng hesitated. “My son attends that school as well.”

No wonder she knew so much.

Huo Winter said earnestly, “If you think it’s inconvenient, I can look for another school.”

“I don’t mind,” Ye Sheng shook her head. “I don’t have custody; his father makes all the decisions. It’s just that, his father saw you at the hotel before and mistakenly thought you were my…”

Huo Winter raised an eyebrow. “Boyfriend?”