Stealing Your Heart

Click. Just then, the door swung open and Zong Qifeng entered with the kids. Zong Yanxi was holding a string that led up to a balloon twisted in the shape of a butterfly. As she ran over, the butterfly bobbed in the air, looking like it was flapping its wings.

She immediately asked, “Where’s my little brother?”

She wanted to give him the balloon.

Zong Yanchen crossed his arms before his chest. He’s a boy. He won’t like something as girly as a butterfly!

Zhuang Zijin exited the room and said, “The baby’s asleep. Don’t go bothering him now.”

The little girl pouted before throwing herself at Zong Jinghao. She cried out sweetly, “Daddy!”

Zong Jinghao lifted her into his lap, tucking her wind-mussed hair back behind her ears. His voice was soft as he asked, “What did you do today?”

Zong Yanxi proceeded to recount all the places they had been to him.

Zong Qifeng greeted Shen Peichuan before he headed back to his room. He was getting on in the years now and bringing two energetic kids around the whole day had exhausted him.

Zong Yanchen sat down off to the side. His back was ramrod straight, making him appear more mature than his actual age. He was staring at his sister cuddling in their father’s embrace.

Shen Peichuan patted the little boy’s head. “I realize you’ve been growing quieter and quieter.”

Zong Yanchen’s voice was indifferent as he replied, “How else am I supposed to act? Am I supposed to be like Yanxi and let Daddy put me in his lap? I’m a big boy now! I’m not doing something so humiliating!”

Shen Peichuan snickered at his words.

Zong Yanxi glared at her brother and huffed. “Yanchen, you’re just jealous that Daddy’s hugging me and not you, right?”

“Hah! As if I’m that childish!” With that said, the little boy slipped off the couch and headed deeper into the house.

A grin tugged at Shen Peichuan’s lips as he looked at Zong Jinghao. “Yanchen is becoming more and more like you.”

Daddy too!” Zong Yanxi threw her arms around

Zong Jinghao answered

looked a lot like him. Their newest child,

little brother!”

Don’t

girl ran off with her butterfly balloon floating along

an hour later, it was time

asleep, Zhuang Zijin was also able to chip in. Not being needed in the kitchen anymore, Lin Xinyan washed her hands and made her way to Zong Qifeng’s room. She raised a hand to knock when she noticed the door was ajar. Through the large crack in the door, she could vaguely see Zong Qifeng

sliding door was shut tight, almost like he was afraid someone

Xinyan rapped on the room door, catching his attention.

asked in concern. She noted the wan look on

briefly before hurriedly waving his hand. “I’m

offered, “We have some medicine in the house.

“I’ve already bought some.”

her insides so she suggested, “Maybe you should go to the hospital?” Zong Qifeng was not exactly young anymore.

I’m fine, really. Don’t

lips, she decided to let the matter go. “Come out

Zong Qifeng nodded.

dining room, the women had finished setting up the table. Zong Qifeng washed his hands before sitting down at the head

Shen Peichuan present, the table was noticeably

most

the kids when Zong Yanchen spoke up, “Mommy,

in, “I wanna peel prawns myself

peeled prawn on Zong Jinghao’s plate. The kids

a second

he

“Grandma, don’t be jealous. I’ll peel one for