Chapter 8 Dad is responsible for coaxing Mom
When Lin Ke changed her shoes and went inside, the man was already video chatting with his daughter. Si Xiaotie was babbling on and on, and the man was leaning back lazily in his chair, loosening his tie as he listened to the little girl talk.
Lin Ke walked around behind him, took the pajamas she had changed out of that morning, and went to the bathroom.
After changing and talking to her father, Si Xiaotie finally remembered her mother, and Si Yuming handed her the phone.
The room was small, and he sat on the only chair, so Lin Ke had to sit on the bed.
In the video, Aunt Chen is braiding her hair, and Si Xiaotie's little head bobs back and forth in sync with Aunt Chen's movements. "Mommy, why is your face so red?"
Lin Ke explained, "My parents just signed a cooperation agreement, and we celebrated together by having a few drinks."
“Okay.” Si Xiaotie also got excited. “Mom, Dad just said there are big bears over there.”
Lin Ke laughed: "What, you want to raise a giant bear again?"
It was just a joke, but the little one took it seriously and started thinking about it carefully. "Is it okay?"
“…No.” Lin Ke said again, “Big Bear is a protected animal, we can’t keep it as a pet.”
"Okay then." Si Xiaotie then mentioned that tomorrow is Gu Yiyi's birthday, and the kindergarten is going to celebrate his birthday. She wants to give him a big gift, a painting that she and her brother drew together.
The girl was talking enthusiastically, and Lin Ke originally wanted to listen carefully, but her gaze was involuntarily drawn to her—the man in front of the bed took off his tie and began to take off his clothes, revealing his broad shoulders and lean, powerful waist.
She opened her eyes wide and mouthed: What are you doing?
"bath."
After saying that, he went straight to the bathroom.
Lin Ke was stunned. Just as she was about to follow, Si Xiaotie called out on her phone again, so she had to talk to her daughter first.
But he came out again soon after, frowning, and asked, "Did you get your period?"
Lin Ke nodded, indicating that she must have seen the sanitary napkin she had changed.
"What day?"
"Day 1".
Why didn't you say so sooner?
She didn't quite understand what that sentence meant, but thinking that his purpose in coming down might not be pure, her period suddenly arriving now wouldn't be a disturbance to his good time.
Ha, what a scoundrel.
After the call ended, Si Yuming had already taken a shower and come out. Since there were no spare clothes for him, he could only wrap his lower body with her bath towel.
He went to the bedside, picked up his phone, and sent a voice message: "Take my luggage to room 505."
It should be sent to Xu Lin. Lin Ke asked, "Is your assistant tight-lipped?"
The man didn't care at all. "What's there to be afraid of?"
"It's better to avoid trouble." She stood up to go take a shower. "You're going to sleep here?"
"Otherwise what?"
Lin Ke was speechless. "Why are you squeezing into my suite when you have a perfectly good one to sleep in?"
He didn't answer, went to dry his hair, and after a while the doorbell rang, he went to get his suitcase, changed into his pajamas, and lay down on the bed.
The warm yellow light from the decorative lamp hanging above the hotel bed illuminated his face, making him look gentle and approachable.
Lin Ke glanced at it a couple more times before going into the bathroom.
It was past 2 a.m. when I finished everything.
The 1.8-meter bed was quite spacious, but the two of them each occupied one side, looking at their phones like unfamiliar strangers.
After replying to the message, Lin Ke turned off her phone and placed it on the bedside table. She then turned off the light on her side, adjusted her pillow, and lay down on her side.
Half a minute later, the lights on the other side went out, followed by a rustling sound. Breathing came from behind, and a hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her into his arms and then gently massaging her lower abdomen.
Lin Ke was so startled that she didn't dare to move.
I rarely had menstrual cramps before, but ever since Si Xiaotie was born, the two days before my period have been very torturous. It's not the kind of pain that makes you feel like you're dying, but it's just a vague pain that you can feel, which you can't ignore but you can still bear.
That phase is over now, and his rubbing was completely useless.
The warmth of her palms seeped through her pajamas and sent a tingling sensation through her skin, causing Lin Ke's body to stiffen.
"You've had a tough day," he suddenly said in the silence.
Lin Ke: "It's not hard work, I'm paid to do the work."
Si Yuming smiled silently. It was indeed a lot of money. Shen Wan said she charged over a thousand yuan per hour.
But the money was well spent. He doesn't understand translation; he only measures value by results. If the negotiation and communication went smoothly and the cooperation was secured according to his expectations, then giving her more money wouldn't matter.
Si Yuming recalled the capable woman who stood ramrod straight without making a single mistake that day, then looked at the apricot-colored suit that had been changed out of the small sofa next to him, and then remembered those nonsensical words, his eyes darkened.
Even as a child, Lin Ke displayed her charm early on. She was cute and kind, and spoke in a sweet, gentle voice. Everyone, young and old, liked her, especially her grandfather, who wished he could have her by his side every day.
As for now... He kissed behind her ear, turned her fair and radiant face after removing her makeup, kissed her lips, and bit her gently.
"what……"
The woman struggled and pushed him away, but he didn't go any further, nor could he. He held her close and said, "Come with me to meet a friend tomorrow."
"who?"
"Meng Jing".
Lin Ke was surprised again and turned around, "He's here?"
Meng Jing was the same age as him, and they were also children who grew up together in the compound.
Si Yuming went into business, while Meng Jing took over his father's job at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Lin Ke moved out of the compound early and lost contact with the other children. The only exception was when she was in college, she had a few interactions with Meng Jing through work and they added each other on WeChat, but they only added each other on WeChat and never chatted.
"I heard he was transferred here recently and is preparing for a meeting."
Lin Ke was silent for a moment, then recalled her carefree five or six-year-old self, and said with some emotion, "I haven't seen Brother Meng Jing in a long time."
"Didn't we meet at your wedding?"
"That was so long ago."
He didn't answer, and after a few seconds asked with an ambiguous tone, "Why have I never heard you call me 'brother'?"
Lin Ke was stunned again.
When Si Yuming was a child, he was a cold and arrogant little boy. You could feel his chilling aura as soon as you got close to him. Who would dare to call him brother?
Meng Jing, on the other hand, was the opposite. He always had a smile on his face and was approachable. All the children in the yard loved to play with him.
“I remember you used to hang around him a lot when you were little.”
Lin Ke denied it: "No."
Do I need to remind you?
He spoke right next to her ear, his breath tickling her. Lin Ke pulled away, dragging his hand forward, saying, "No, I want to sleep."
Si Yuming stared at the stubborn figure in the darkness, and the image of a little girl a bit older than Si Xiaotie appeared in his mind's eye. She had big eyes and a round face, and she was always chattering and playing games with other children in the yard, but she was timid and dared not speak in front of him, as if he were very scary.
She always clung to Meng Jing, following him wherever he went. Once, a few boys gathered at his house to play video games, and she followed Meng Jing in. As soon as she saw him, she hid behind someone. Her friends teased her, wondering if he had been bullying her in private.
The little girl couldn't play the boys' games, so she watched quietly by herself. After a while, she turned around and found the girl curled up and asleep on the sofa.
The game was going well, and the air conditioning in the room was set low, so he went outside to find a blanket to cover her. The sleeping Lin Ke was no longer afraid of him. Her sleeping face was peaceful, and she snuggled comfortably with the blanket like a kitten, her chubby cheeks squeezed into red apples.
As things have changed, that girl now lies softly in his arms like a kitten, and has even given birth to a little girl who is more mischievous than her.
Si Yuming moved forward, his hand finding his lower abdomen again, and asked softly, "Are you still feeling uncomfortable?"
The woman gave a weak hum in response.
......
The couple met Meng Jing at a coffee shop near the embassy and arrived first.
After ordering her coffee, Lin Ke went to the restroom to touch up her lipstick. When she returned, two men were already sitting there, chatting happily.
She sat down next to Si Yuming and greeted Meng Jing, "Brother Meng Jing, it's been a long time."
After graduating from the Foreign Affairs College, Meng Jing went directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After several years of working there, he developed the demeanor of a leader, exuding righteousness.
At that moment, his smile was perfectly natural. "Lin Ke, long time no see." He then asked, "I heard from Yu Ming that you're working as a translator now?"
"yes."
Have you considered coming here?
Lin Ke didn't expect the conversation to progress so quickly. She glanced at the man beside her who hadn't reacted, hesitated for a moment, and then smiled slightly, "Your place isn't something I can just go to whenever I want."
Meng Jing didn't overestimate himself. "You've always had good grades, so getting in shouldn't be a problem if you prepare well." Then, glancing meaningfully at Si Yuming, she added, "If you can translate for Yuming, your ability level is definitely not bad. I trust you."
Lin Ke laughed and changed the subject, "Brother Meng Jing, how long will you be stationed abroad?"
"Once this period is over, I can go back, and if all goes well, I can even go back for the Spring Festival." Meng Jing said with emotion, "These past three or four years, I've been either in Africa or South America and North America. It's been so long since I've spent the Spring Festival at home. Yu Ming is so lucky. He's successful in his career, married, and has a daughter. Which of us childhood friends isn't envious?"
Si Yuming glanced at him sideways, a smile curving his lips. "It's Director Meng who has lofty ambitions."
Meng Jing laughed heartily, raised her coffee cup and clinked it against his, as if it were a wine glass. "How are things? Is the company alright? Has Sister Si Yun mentioned me?"
As the two chatted about their daily lives, Lin Ke took small sips of her coffee, listening attentively to their conversation, her gaze occasionally falling on the handsome man beside her.
Yesterday, Si Yuming was an aggressive leader, forcefully and calmly negotiating interests. But today, Si Yuming is relaxed and easygoing with his friends, his eyes showing a carefree and unrestrained expression. Where is there a trace of indifference?
She thought of last night, and then of the moments he spent with his daughter. Something flashed through her mind, and she felt a sense of unreality.
The conversation at the table had drifted to the Jiang family, and Meng Jing sighed, "I saw Uncle Jiang once last year or the year before, how come he was all right..."
Si Yuming also composed himself, his expression turning serious.
Meng Jing: "The Jiang family is really a mess. Now that Uncle Jiang is gone, what will happen to Cheng Yin, a girl?"
"Although Uncle Jiang's departure was quite sudden, he wouldn't be without a backup plan, and Cheng Yin won't be easily manipulated, so there's no need to worry too much."
Lin Ke glanced to the side and saw the man's calm, unwavering eyes, which seemed to hold the man in complete control.
He happened to look back, and Lin Ke subconsciously wanted to dodge, but the next second she felt there was no need to dodge, and she smiled.
Si Yuming didn't notice the change in that instant. He put his hand on the back of her chair, moved closer, and naturally asked, "Wife, can I have a cigarette?"
He wasn't a heavy smoker, only occasionally, but Lin Ke disliked the smell of smoke, and after Si Xiaotie got together with him, she made it clear to him that he couldn't smoke at home.
However, she didn't care whether he smoked outside or not, so this question really surprised her.
Before Meng Jing could say anything joking, Lin Ke nodded, picked up her bag, and said, "I'm going to the restroom. You guys chat."
Smoking was prohibited indoors, so the two got up and walked outside. Once outside the coffee shop, Meng Jing gave a meaningful smile. "I never would have guessed, Si Yuming, that you're henpecked?"
Si Yuming glanced at him, took a slender cigarette from the cigarette case he was offered, lit it, and spoke while exhaling blue smoke, "I have children at home, so it's inconvenient."
"Come on," Meng Jing said, lighting a cigarette. "To be honest, I really didn't expect you to marry Lin Ke. Back then, we all thought you and Cheng..."
The man interrupted immediately: "That's not true, don't talk nonsense."
Meng Jing smiled and said, "Okay, if you say no, then no."
Their group of friends didn't actually know whether it was true or not, but Si Yun had liked Cheng Yin since she was a child, and anyone with eyes could see what that meant.
The two spent several more years together abroad, and everyone who had been with them day and night had almost tacitly agreed that they were just waiting to return to China and get married.
Meng Jing, being just an observer, sighed again, "Your daughter is three or four years old now, and the deed is almost done."
“…” Si Yuming glanced over, then curled his slender fingers and tapped the cigarette butt.
Meng Jing looked into the distance. "I remember Lin Ke used to be terrified of you. She would hide whenever she saw you, and you seemed to dislike her. But now, they're a couple. I don't know what kind of matchmaking your old man arranged."
Everyone knows what happened back then. The old man, who didn't have much time left, was worried about his grandson's marriage. Lin Ke was a well-behaved and pretty child who was especially liked by the elders. So the old man started to have his eye on her.
Adding to the Lin family's numerous unresolved financial problems, Lin Ke's father was naturally eager to sell his daughter, and the matter was eventually settled.
“The little girl has grown up, beautiful and outstanding.” Meng Jing punched his shoulder with her fist. “Let’s not talk about the past, treat her well, okay?”
The man's gaze drifted into the distance, and after a long while, he responded softly.
......
The next day, we returned to Beicheng.
They arrived just as kindergarten was letting out. Si Yuming went to pick up Si Xiaotie, while Lin Ke took a taxi home.
The Bentley parked on the side only received the order to depart after the woman got into the ride-hailing car not far ahead. Xu Lin, in the passenger seat, watched the car speed away, his mood becoming complicated once again.
That night, his slightest doubt was confirmed—President Si entered Manager Lin's room.
To be honest, his faith crumbled for a moment. He couldn't believe that President Si would do such a thing. His wife and children had clearly helped him pack his luggage, but as soon as he went on a business trip...
But thinking about it, I can understand. Although I have only been transferred to the position of assistant to the general manager for a short time, I have already seen enough messy things in this circle. So, unfortunately, General Manager Si was not spared either.
He took a deep breath, reminding himself to watch his mouth and not to let his words cause trouble.
An hour later, Xu Lin returned to the kindergarten in the city. Listening to the noisy sounds of the children about to be dismissed, his defenses crumbled once again. He held back his voice and said, "President Si, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now."
"Okay, thank you for your hard work."
Xu Lin took his suitcase and waited for a car by the roadside. Two or three minutes later, he turned around and saw that the distinguished man had already picked up his daughter. The little girl was sitting in her father's arms, giggling. The scene was incredibly heartwarming.
He sighed softly and stopped looking.
As Si Xiaotie got into the car, he received a gift that his father had specially brought back.
The little girl pushed the gift forward, saying, "No."
"What does Xiao Tie want?"
Looking at his father whom he hadn't seen for several days, Si Xiaotie felt a surge of sadness after his initial joy, and his eyes welled up with tears. "I want my mom and dad."
As soon as she finished speaking, crystal tears slid down her cheeks, her little mouth pouting, looking pitiful.
Si Yuming lifted the little boy onto his lap, saying, "Mommy and Daddy are back. Little Tie can see Mommy as soon as he gets home."
The young girl replied softly, "Yes, I never want to go on a business trip again."
Si Yuming dared not agree. "How about Mom and Dad take Xiaotie with them next time they go on a business trip?"
This seems like a good idea. Si Xiaotie tilted his head, sniffled to stop crying, and said very seriously, "Okay then, you have to take Xiaotie with you, and you can't sneak around!"
Si Yuming smiled gently, "Okay, I'll definitely bring Xiao Tie." He wiped away the little girl's tears, "Do you still want the gift?"
"No!" Si Xiaotie looked up, starting to get angry in another way. "Dad, today I watched Animal World at kindergarten, and the TV host said that rose tarantulas, red-knee spiders, and many other spiders aren't poisonous. You're lying!"
"......"
Si Xiaotie said confidently, "Then I asked Teacher Bai, and Teacher Bai said there are spiders that don't harm humans. She even showed me pictures, like this..." The girl gestured as she spoke, her expression gradually becoming excited, "They're so beautiful, and they crawl so fast!"
Si Yuming had no objection to her keeping spiders, but...
He thought for a moment and nodded: "Let's go choose a spider now."
The girl's eyes lit up, but quickly dimmed again. She said sadly in a low voice, "But Mom doesn't like it."
"It's okay, Dad will comfort Mom."
A note from the author:
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