Chapter 1564 - 904: Iron Tree Blossoms Twice? The Softest and Cutest Little Tuanzi (2)
Chapter 1564: Chapter 904: Iron Tree Blossoms Twice? The Softest and Cutest Little Tuanzi (2)
Finally figured out how to get along with the kids?
Huo Qinqi was feeling happy inside, at least it showed his daughter wanted to be close to him, but as soon as the little girl entered the room, she saw Jiang Jinsang.
"Brother-in-law—"
Her fingers loosened, and the little girl’s hand slipped smoothly from his palm. Huo Qinqi watched helplessly as his daughter plunged into "another man’s arms."
Jiang Jinsang was originally sitting on the sofa, stood up, bent over, and effortlessly picked her up.
"Where did you get this outfit?" Jiang Jinsang smiled.
"Uncle gave it to me."
The intimacy between the two made Huo Qinqi feel a pang of envy.
Although the little girl had just bravely held Huo Qinqi’s hand, deep inside, she was nervous and uneasy. Now seeing a familiar person, she felt slightly more relaxed. Although she was held in Jiang Jinsang’s arms, her gaze still followed Huo Qinqi.
Jiang Jinsang naturally noticed this detail...
This little girl truly had her "heart in Han" while "being in Cao camp."
"Sissy—" Xiaoyi and Jiang Xiaowai also ran in from the backyard.
The three children gathered together, making a lively scene. Shen Shuci held her daughter, took her to change clothes, and washed and tidied her up.
Huo Qinqi went straight to the kitchen.
Missing so many years, the gap and estrangement couldn’t be easily bridged. Huo Qinqi understood this, and he had prepared for a long-term battle ahead. Now he was focused on preparing dinner to leave a good impression on the child.
He placed the freshly cleaned fish on the cutting board, caught a glimpse of Jiang Jinsang entering the kitchen.
"I’m really curious, how someone like you could have such a lovely daughter?"
Huo Qinqi looked at him without responding.
"This girl’s personality is neither like yours nor like Little Auntie’s. It’s really strange."
"From your personality, it seems like father and daughter may not get along well. Should I take her home for a few days? She used to often stay at our house when you weren’t home."
...
Before Jiang Jinsang finished speaking, a "bang—" was heard. Someone lifted a knife, letting it fall, and the cleaver stood upright embedded in the wooden cutting board.
He turned his head to look at Jiang Jinsang, "What did you say?"
"Nothing." Jiang Jinsang shrugged, then saw him raise the cleaver and begin slicing fish patterns.
It was as if the fish on the cutting board was him, being meticulously dissected.
"Actually, when dealing with kids, don’t always keep a straight face. You should know how frightening your face can be."
Huo Qinqi: "..."
Indeed, Huo Qinqi’s face was quite handsome, but he was deeply conditioned by rigorous training, long accustomed to expressionless discipline.
"Even adults find your face intimidating, let alone children. Even if they want to be close, they’ll approach cautiously. Families shouldn’t be like this."
"Besides, you’re no longer on the front lines. You should change your old ways."
Huo Qinqi knew Jiang Jinsang’s words were reasonable, though some habits weren’t easily changed overnight.
Jiang Jinsang folded his arms, leaned against the countertop, tilted his head, "Can you smile to show me?"
Huo Qinqi turned his head, forcing a slight smile from the corner of his mouth...
With a dry laugh, Jiang Jinsang said, "Carry on cooking, I’m leaving."
Huo Qinqi: "..."
That smile...
Was simply terrifying!
It’s hard for him to imagine how his true demeanor was when courting Little Auntie. How did he manage to win her over with such clandestine, sneaky ways back then?
**
Meanwhile, Shen Shuci had just bathed her daughter, found her a pretty dress, blow-dried her hair until semi-dry, "Okay, you can go out now."
But the little girl hung her head, tugging at the skirt hem, seemingly reluctant to leave.
"What’s wrong?" Shen Shuci smiled, looking at her, "Afraid of Dad? Haven’t you always said you like him very much?"
"Dressed like this... will he like it?" The little girl was somewhat uneasy.
"Of course, look, even before you came back, Dad bought you so many things. In your room, those dolls and models were all bought by Dad. He actually cares for you a lot, just not good at expressing it." Shen Shuci used to be less talkative, but after having the kids, her personality changed a lot.
People described it as:
She’s become much softer!
"Actually, your dad is very gentle. He may not speak much, but he truly loves you and your brother."
"Knowing you’re back, he’s even cooking personally. Plus, he bought your favorite cream puffs."
...
The little girl listened intently, in thoughtful reflection.
As she ventured out, Jiang Jinsang intercepted her again.
"Brother-in-law?" The little girl looked at him innocently.
Jiang Jinsang’s words mirrored Shen Shuci’s. Perhaps he knew Huo Qinqi well, understanding it’s difficult for a blockhead to understand fully, planning to work through the child.
Didn’t place hope on Xiaoyi mainly because of a certain lad’s personality, similar to Huo Qinqi’s, stubborn and proud, seemingly different but essentially alike.
"I understand everything you said." The little girl earnestly replied.
"He truly isn’t as scary as he seems..."
Jiang Jinsang felt he had done all he could. What’s needed now is for them to slowly adjust within their family.
He thought, if only Huo Qinqi could blend personalities with Qi Zeyan or his Fourth Brother, it’d be better.
Huo Qinqi is the type who doesn’t say much but does everything, while the other two are the type who, even before doing anything, claim the credit for themselves, flaunting everywhere, complete opposites.
**
Once the meal was ready and plated, Shen Shuci sent Huo Qinqi to wash and tidy up a bit. The plating and serving were left to her.
By the time Huo Qinqi returned, everyone was seated, even the kids were in their high chairs, and the only vacant seat was right between the two children.
"Hurry and sit down." Shen Shuci beckoned him, "We’re all waiting for you to eat."
To the left was the son, to the right was the daughter, Huo Qinqi approached step by step, with a stern expression, as if heading to battle.
Jiang Jinsang lowered his head, stifling a laugh.
Creating moments for him to interact with the kids, why did he act like he was making a heroic sacrifice?
Just as Huo Qinqi sat down, he heard the little girl beside him softly call, "Daddy..."
"Hmm?" Huo Qinqi turned to look at her.
"Can you help me tie my hair? Otherwise, I can’t eat." The little girl said and handed him a pink hair tie with a strawberry charm wrapped around her wrist.
Huo Qinqi had never tied anyone’s hair before, looking blankly towards Shen Shuci, seemingly seeking help, but Shen Shuci turned her head, chatting with Tang Wan, completely ignoring him.
As he wanted to bond with his daughter, he naturally couldn’t refuse.
Under everyone’s gaze, they watched Huo Qinqi handle the pink hair tie, starting to tie his daughter’s hair.
Although inexperienced, his experience in military combat, tying things, packing luggage came in handy, cautious not to tug her hair...
Awkwardly, unsure how to use the hair tie, but he finally managed to tie the hair up.
"Thank you, Daddy." The little girl flashed him a smile, leaving Huo Qinqi’s heart warm and fluttery.
Huo Qinqi nodded, returning to his seat, discreetly wiped the sweat from his palms under the table.
Who knew braiding a little girl’s hair could be this challenging.
Seems like he’ll need more practice in the future.
Xiaoyi sat nearby, pouting as he watched.
He only regretted not having...
Long hair!
Could it be he lost because of his hair?