My Youth Began With Him

“No, I will keep going until my children come back…” Huo Mian was more than resolute.

“Stop trying. The four of us have known each other the longest. You both know what kind of person Mian is,” Qin Chu said.

Zhu Lingling nodded her head…

“I know. Mian, take care of yourself, okay? You have to be healthy when the kids come back.” Zhu Lingling was so worried about Huo Mian.

“I’m alright, Lingling… I’ll be fine.” Huo Mian squeezed out a smile.

On the way back home, Zhu Lingling was uncharacteristically quiet.

“Baby… what’s wrong? Are you feeling okay?” Gao Ran asked as he drove.

“What else? Of course, I’m worried…” Zhu Lingling pursed her lips.

“Still worried about the twins?”

“Duh! My future daughter-in-law is missing. How could I not worry?”

“You’re taking that seriously? The kids are so young… they don’t even know what the definition of a wife is… seriously…”

“You know nothing… our Boyuan really likes Little Bean.”

“Our son is so young! What are you even talking about?” Gao Ran almost puked out blood.

“I’m serious. So, when we get home, watch your mouth. Don’t let our son know about Little Bean’s disappearance. If he finds out, he’ll stop eating and sleeping. He’ll probably even stop going to kindergarten.”

“Seriously?” Gao Ran was clearly doubtful.

“I’m telling you to be careful. Just listen to me and do as I say.” Zhu Lingling rolled her eyes at him.

– The Gao Mansion –

When Zhu Lingling arrived home, her mother-in-law was watching television with her son.

“Mom.” The two greeted their mom and their son.

“You’re back… just in time too! I should go now.”

“Mom, leave after dinner. I bought vegetables.” Zhu Lingling invited her mother-in-law to stay for dinner.

“No, no, it’s okay. Your dad’s alone at home and he has nothing to eat.”

“Then tell the chauffeur to drive Dad here and we can all eat together,” Gao Ran suggested.

“No, it’s okay. You’re dad’s been going green recently. You won’t like what he eats. My grandson’s a growing boy and he needs to eat meat. I’m heading back now.”

With that, Gao Ran’s mother left in a car with the driver.

“I’ll start cooking then. Are you eating at home?” Zhu Lingling looked at Gao Ran.

Gao Ran looked at his watch. “Will it be ready in half an hour? I need to head back to the bureau after an hour to handle some stuff.”

“Then I’ll cook ramen.”

With that, Zhu Lingling took off her coat and entered the kitchen with the groceries.

“Son, come here, call Dad.” Gao Ran signaled for Gao Boyuan to come over.

To his surprise, Gao Boyuan rolled his eyes. “How old are you? Isn’t that too childish?”

“Oh? You little brat, growing up eh? Don’t even want to call your old man Dad anymore?” Gao Ran scolded.

“No, what I mean is… who still says ‘dad’ nowadays?”

“Then what do you want to call me?” Gao Ran was taken aback.

“Daddy, of course. Didn’t you hear Pudding and Little Bean calling Uncle Qin Daddy? Isn’t that the hip thing to do?”

Gao Ran shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

“See? You’re really out of the loop. I have a classmate who’s super well off. Apparently, he’s related to royalty.”

“Oh? Royalty from the Qing Dynasty?” Gao Ran interrupted.

“Yes! So, he calls his mom and dad Ah Ma and Ah Ba. Isn’t that cool?”

“Son… do you know anything about… Little Bean?” Since they were on the topic of Little Bean, Gao Ran decided to test the waters with his son.