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Bonus chapter! Thank you to Fray for the donation! ^^
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Ren Yanqing’s expression was utterly desolate, as if his child had truly grown up, leaving him feeling like an empty nester.
Yet, he restrained himself, not wanting Ruan Qing to notice. After speaking, he immediately turned his head away, unwilling to let Ruan Qing see his vulnerability and sadness.
Ren Yanqing’s reaction was no different from that of most typical parents. No matter how much it hurt, he would bear it alone, not wanting to affect his child.
However, he didn’t simply turn and leave. Even as he looked away, his gaze remained firmly locked on Ruan Qing, completely unlike the demeanor he was trying to project.
And all this was just because Ruan Qing had said he could handle things on his own.
But Ruan Qing didn’t seem to realize this. He bit his lip guiltily and, just as Ren Yanqing was about to turn away in sorrow, reached out and gently tugged at the hem of Ren Yanqing’s clothes.
Ren Yanqing’s eyes immediately shifted downward, staring intently at Ruan Qing’s slender, pale fingers. Yet, his voice remained deeply melancholic. “Dad’s fine, Qingqing. You don’t have to force yourself.”
Though he claimed to be fine, the strain in his tone was unmistakable. Anyone could tell he was holding back.
Ruan Qing’s long lashes fluttered slightly. He bit his lip and lowered his head, hesitating for a few seconds before speaking in a voice so soft it was almost inaudible, “…Hug.”
At these words, Ren Yanqing’s pupils dilated once again, staring blankly at the person before him.
The boy’s lashes were long and delicate, casting a shadow under his eyes as he looked down, making him appear even more captivating. His soft, silky hair framed his face, and his pale, thin lips were slightly pursed, giving him an air of innocence and obedience.
He looked so well-behaved that it was impossible to resist.
And perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed, a faint blush spread across the boy’s delicate face, making him look breathtakingly beautiful.
Even the most vibrant blooming flowers couldn’t compare to this sight.
Ren Yanqing could no longer contain the excitement in his eyes. His pupils darkened into an abyss-like black, so deep it seemed capable of swallowing everything.
The darkness continued to expand until it filled his entire eyes, creating an eerie and terrifying effect.
Ren Yanqing clenched his fists tightly, and in the next moment, his eyes returned to normal, as if what had just happened was merely an illusion.
He looked down at the boy, his voice sounding slightly hoarse. “What did you just say, Qingqing? Your voice was too soft. Dad didn’t hear you.”
Ruan Qing pursed his lips, his jade-like face flushing even redder. He stretched out his arms toward Ren Yanqing and spoke a little louder this time, “…Hug.”
The voice was still somewhat soft, but this time it was clear enough to be heard.
Ren Yanqing's pupils once again deepened, becoming unfathomable. He bent down, gently and restrainedly brushing aside the stray hairs at Ruan Qing's temple, then scooped him up into his arms.
Ruan Qing didn't struggle either, obediently wrapping his arms around Ren Yanqing's neck, allowing himself to be carried off the bed.
Originally, Ruan Qing thought "Dad" would put shoes on him, but instead, he was carried directly to the dining table downstairs.
Seeing the food already prepared, Ruan Qing realized he was so hungry he felt weak.
Ruan Qing loosened his hold on Ren Yanqing, preparing to be set down on the chair.
However, to his surprise, Ren Yanqing didn't let go. Instead, he sat down on the chair himself, with Ruan Qing still in his arms, now sitting on his lap.
It was like a parent feeding a two or three-year-old child.
If Ruan Qing were indeed two or three years old, this position would be perfectly normal. But the problem was, he was no longer a toddler, and the pose between the two was undeniably intimate.
Although Ruan Qing didn't realize anything was amiss, he didn't lean into Ren Yanqing either, instead sitting up straight somewhat awkwardly.
Clearly, he wasn't used to sitting on someone else's lap.
Ruan Qing wanted to get down, but his waist was encircled by Ren Yanqing's arm, and with a slight tug, he was pulled completely into Ren Yanqing's embrace, leaving no space between them.
Feeling the warmth from behind, Ruan Qing's slender body stiffened immediately, his eyes filled with a hint of bewilderment, his delicate fingers unconsciously clutching at his sleeves.
Perhaps Ruan Qing's discomfort was too obvious, catching Ren Yanqing's attention. Ren Yanqing looked down at him and asked gently, "What's wrong?"
Ruan Qing opened his mouth as if to say something, but after a moment of hesitation, he just murmured, "It's nothing."
Hearing this, Ren Yanqing picked up a bowl and chopsticks from the table, selected some food, and brought it to Ruan Qing's lips.
Just like an adult feeding a child who can't eat on their own.
Ruan Qing's eyelashes fluttered as he looked at the food before him, his beautiful eyes filled with resistance. He pressed his lips together, refusing to open his mouth.
But Ren Yanqing seemed not to notice Ruan Qing's reluctance, holding the chopsticks steady without moving.
It appeared to be a pitiful persistence, but in reality, it was filled with an unyielding force.
A flicker of hesitation and struggle passed through Ruan Qing's eyes, and after a few seconds, he finally opened his mouth slightly and took the food in.
Obedient and quiet.
Ren Yanqing never looked away, his gaze fixed on the boy as he obediently took the food into his mouth.
The boy's lips were pale but beautifully shaped, like ripe cherries, tempting one to take a small taste.
As he bit into the food, his thin lips parted slightly, revealing a hint of pink inside.
The food, held by chopsticks, wasn't easy to bite into directly. The boy gently bit down, his pink tongue moving slightly as he smoothly took the food into his mouth.
Though it was just a normal act of eating, it looked incredibly sensual.
It was as if the boy wasn't eating but doing something far more heart-pounding.
After swallowing, the boy lightly pursed his thin lips, making them moist and even more alluring.
His demeanor seemed almost deliberate, as if he were trying to seduce someone.
In an instant, Ren Yanqing reacted. He stared intently at Ruan Qing's lips, his eyes already consumed by a deep, unfathomable darkness that sent shivers down one's spine.
However, Ruan Qing didn't turn around and thus noticed nothing unusual.
After Ruan Qing swallowed, Ren Yanqing reached out and gently wiped the corner of Ruan Qing's mouth. "You had something on your face."
His gesture was playful and ambiguous, carrying an indescribable sensuality. As he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Ruan Qing's lips.
Even his thumb accidentally brushed against Ruan Qing's lips.
Ren Yanqing lowered his eyes, looking at Ruan Qing's lips, and rubbed them subtly a few times before pressing lightly.
The sensation was exactly as he had imagined—soft, warm, and moist, like a feather tickling his heart, driving him nearly mad.
But Ren Yanqing's expression remained perfectly natural, as if this were the most ordinary thing in the world.
Ruan Qing pursed his lips uncomfortably, tilting his head slightly to avoid Ren Yanqing's hand, and then whispered, "Thank you, Dad."
"You're welcome," Ren Yanqing replied in a hoarse voice. He then picked up another piece of food with his chopsticks and brought it to Ruan Qing's lips.
Ruan Qing had no choice but to eat it again.
