Chapter Sixty-Two: The Little Ancestor Is Watching You

Xiao Jingxuan never imagined that Yun Bai’s words could be so venomous. Just as he angrily raised his hand, Zhuo Yue’an darted between Yun Bai and him, his voice stern for the first time in so many years.

“My lord!”

“Is this how your mother taught you to speak?” Xiao Jingxuan had no interest in Lin Wanwan—he simply felt pity for his cousin’s tragic life and cared for her somewhat. Now, after being splattered with his own son’s filth, his anger was boiling over. But glancing at Zhuo Yue’an before him, he let his raised hand fall.

“My mother never taught me to cuddle up with ugly monsters.” Yun Bai’s little face flushed red with fury, his eyes blazing as he glared at Xiao Jingxuan and Lin Wanwan.

Ugly monster? Did he mean Lin Wanwan? Zhuo Yue’an stared at Yun Bai, bewildered. Young master, that’s really not right—though he didn’t like Lin Wanwan either, she was certainly pretty. Alas, such a young child with skewed vision and taste—it was worrisome.

Xiao Jingxuan sighed inwardly. Yun Bai had kept himself isolated for five years, accumulating a heavy resentment. He couldn’t bring himself to strike his own son, and the boy wouldn’t listen to instruction. What was he to do?

“Wanwan, don’t say any more. Go back.” Unable to manage his son, Xiao Jingxuan urged Lin Wanwan to leave quickly. Besides, she had fallen silent; a little grievance was nothing.

“Cousin, I…”

“Let Zhuo Yue’an escort you home. It’s not safe at night.” Xiao Jingxuan gave the order to leave before Lin Wanwan could object.

Yun Bai shot a vicious look at Lin Wanwan, pointing at her with his chubby finger and growling, “Just wait, you.”

“Yun Bai, mind your manners!” Xiao Jingxuan hastily scolded. Without Su Jingluo, no one could rein in this unruly child.

“I won’t mind my manners, hmph.” Yun Bai rolled his eyes at Xiao Jingxuan. If he weren’t his father, he’d have dealt with him already. All this talk of manners—Yun Bai was thoroughly unconvinced.

Xiao Jingxuan truly had no way to deal with this little tyrant. Beating or scolding would only worsen their already frosty relationship—perhaps even escalate it to a blizzard. Helpless, he grabbed Yun Bai and headed toward the carriage.

Yun Bai yanked his hand away fiercely; Xiao Jingxuan grabbed him again, only for Yun Bai to pull free once more. The father and son, awkward and stubborn, continued this struggle all the way onto the carriage.

“Let’s go, Miss Lin.” Zhuo Yue’an made a reluctant gesture. Lin Wanwan had dared to come alone at night, so why was she afraid to return on her own? Zhuo Yue’an wasn’t keen on this errand, feeling it was unsafe for him to walk back alone.

Lin Wanwan watched as Xiao Jingxuan didn’t even look back, fully absorbed in calming his son. Her heart twisted painfully. Even as the carriage slowly receded into the distance, she couldn’t bring herself to leave. She refused to believe Xiao Jingxuan could love another; over the years, she had repelled countless suitors with threats of death. How could Xiao Jingxuan possibly let someone else into his heart? Biting her lip, she gazed at the vanished carriage, its curtain never once lifted, her heart hollow and desolate. Beside her, Zhuo Yue’an’s expressionless face urged her to head home.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Jingxuan hadn’t once lifted the curtain to glance at Lin Wanwan. He watched Yun Bai, who sat with his arms crossed and lips pursed, refusing to acknowledge him. Restless, Xiao Jingxuan realized he had never learned how to comfort a child.

“Well, let me tell you—when your mother wakes up, don’t mention what happened just now.” Ever since hearing Su Jingluo’s words in the grand hall, Xiao Jingxuan felt a sudden clarity. Su Jingluo hadn’t been indifferent—she had been utterly heartbroken and thus resigned to it all.

“Don’t tell me—I won’t remember anyway.” Yun Bai had no intention of helping his father deceive his mother; in fact, he hoped she’d get angry and join him in dealing with these villains. Turning his head away, arms folded, his little face was puffed up with indignation.

Ah, Xiao Jingxuan rubbed his temples, feeling the pain shoot through his nerves.