Chapter 160 The Fragile Uncle Yan

Today, Shao Muyan took a bath with Shao Yun.

As the water sprayed down, Shao Yun wiped the water off his face. Shao Muyan squeezed out some shampoo, lathered it in his palm, and said to Shao Yun, "Lower your head."

Shao Yun bowed slightly, and Shao Muyan rubbed his hair in that position.

Both of them have fine, soft hair that grows quickly, requiring a trim every ten days to two weeks.

Thinking about it carefully, the reason why Shao Muyan felt that taking care of Shao Yun was not difficult at all is because the two of them have too many similarities.

It's just about raising another version of yourself.

"Uncle, my mom gave me this card. My aunt won't accept it, but you have to keep it."

Shao Yun's body was slippery, one hand supporting her against the wall, the other hand habitually gripping Shao Muyan.

Shao Muyan said, "I won't accept it."

Just as Shao Yun was about to look up, Shao Muyan said, "Close your eyes."

He took the showerhead, rinsed the foam off Shao Yun's head, and said, "Your aunt has made it clear enough. How much can a kid like you cost? Do you need to calculate the money with us?"

"Two different things."

Even after emerging from the bathroom, Shao Yun was still arguing his case.

“Uncle, my mother adopted me and took on the responsibility of raising me. I will of course repay her kindness in the future. You and Aunt are taking care of me out of humanitarian concern and are good to me. You have no obligation to raise me.”

Shao Muyan paused in wiping his hair, then laughed in exasperation: "Humanitarianism? You've got quite a few words to use."

Shao Yun: "..."

Their door wasn't closed, and Yu Yan happened to be passing by. She heard everything clearly and knocked on the door: "Can I come in?"

Shao Muyan and Shao Yun were both wearing pajamas, otherwise they wouldn't have left the door open; they always pay close attention to this when they're at home.

"You can go in." Shao Muyan called out and turned around.

Yu Yan hadn't changed her clothes yet; she was wearing jeans and a blue shirt. She had lost a lot of weight recently, and she looked incredibly fresh and capable. Compared to when she first returned to China, their relationship was now much closer.

Their interactions have become natural and familiar.

Otherwise, there would be no way that someone would complain at night.

"Why are we still talking about the card?" Yu Yan frowned slightly and glared at Shao Yun. "Haven't I explained it to you clearly yet?"

Shao Yun could argue with his uncle, but he could only cower in front of Yu Yan.

"Understood."

Having been nagged all night, Shao Yun didn't dare to argue with Yu Yan anymore and quickly said, "Auntie, I'll keep the card for myself and won't give it to you."

Just as Yu Yan showed a "you're teachable" expression, Shao Muyan said, "Don't believe his delaying tactics. He was just talking to me about humanitarianism, saying we have no obligation to support him."

"!"

Shao Yun stared at his uncle in disbelief: How could he betray him!

Is it acceptable for people to report on each other?

Shao Muyan's emotions were very complicated at the moment. He had no intention of putting out the fire at all, and even seemed to be fanning the flames.

So what if I sue them?

“I heard it all from outside.”

Yu Yan and Shao Muyan switched positions very smoothly, and Yu Yan took the towel from Shao Muyan's hand and continued to dry Shao Yun's hair.

"We all know you're sensible, but some things you say can sound different when they're spoken."

Yu Yan knew that Shao Yun was stuck in his own perceptions and had gotten stuck on a rut, so instead of using "complaining" to talk to him, she changed her approach and tried to reason with him about some so-called principles.

“You call me Auntie and Uncle Yan your Uncle. On the surface, this relationship is a continuation of the bond between us and your mother. But is your willingness to live with us and your closeness to us simply because we have a good relationship with your mother?”

Shao Yun looked up and shook her head gently. "It's not just that, I like being with you guys."

"That settles it."

Yu Yan tapped his forehead. "I don't care about you and your uncle, I'm just talking about the two of us. I often feel like you're my power bank; as long as I'm near you, I'm fully charged."

"So, it's not that you need me, it's that I need you."

Yu Yan flicked his nose and said, "I didn't give you any money, and now you're giving me money instead? Isn't that insulting me?"

Shao Yun blushed with embarrassment at her aunt's words, her long eyelashes drooping as she remained silent.

Shao Muyan stood aside, feeling a mix of emotions as he thought about how his own son was living with him and he had to pay him.

With his eyes reddening, Shao Muyan strode out.

Yu Yan and Shao Yun were both taken aback.

Shao Yun watched as Shao Muyan walked into the bathroom and closed the door, and suddenly panicked.

"Auntie, what's wrong with my uncle? Did I upset him?"

Yu Yan half-huddled with him, her gaze fixed on the direction of the bathroom, a sense of unease creeping into her heart.

"It's okay, it won't happen. Your uncle won't really be angry with you."

Just a moment ago they were talking about the child, but now they're comforting him. Yu Yan knew things were different, so she coaxed Shao Yun, "Something might have happened at the experimental center. He hasn't been acting right since he came back."

After drying her hair, Yu Yan took the towel away and touched Shao Yun's worried face.

"It's alright, I'll go take a look."

Yu Yan half-closed the door and stood in the corridor, waiting not too far from the restroom.

Waiting for Shao Muyan to come out.

It would be a lie to say I'm not worried.

From the moment she met Shao Muyan, he always gave her the feeling of being steady and composed. No matter what happened, he always seemed calm and collected, like "It's okay, the sky won't fall down."

It is a dual strength built from both inner strength and personal ability.

In fact, Yu Yan had many role models when she was very young, but those role models were all far away from her. The only person she could closely imitate was Shao Muyan.

Whether it was her youth or her growing years, her words, actions, and ideals were all greatly influenced by Shao Muyan.

It can be said that without Shao Muyan, there would be no Yu Yan as we know her today.

But something happened to Uncle Yan today, and it's definitely not a small matter.

Shao Muyan didn't stay in the bathroom for long, knowing that the two people outside would worry.

After washing his face and coming out of the bathroom, he saw Yu Yan waiting for him. At that moment, his pent-up emotions burst forth like a flood.

Shao Muyan could no longer control himself and suddenly stepped forward to hug Yu Yan.

Yu Yan caught him steadily.

Shao Yun was in the room when she saw the silhouette of her uncle rushing towards her aunt. She sat on the bed and blinked.

...It seems like he's no longer involved.

Yu Yan half-carried and half-held Shao Muyan into her room, and carefully closed the door so as not to make any noise that might frighten the child.

The moment the door slammed shut, Shao Muyan's back stiffened for a split second.

She seemed to be awake, and felt a little embarrassed.

But holding Yu Yan felt so solid that he didn't want to get up at all, and couldn't get up at all.

Although Shao Muyan was much taller than Yu Yan, and it should have been difficult for Yu Yan to carry him like this, she felt a sense of security she had never felt before.

It's like when she was little, she went to the zoo with her parents and saw a big tiger that looked down on everyone. While the other kids covered their eyes and didn't dare to look, Yu Yan really wanted to go over and hug it.

It must feel really good to hug a big tiger.

As Yu Yan grew up, she finally understood.