Chapter 42
The afternoon sun gently streamed into the living room of the Minamino residence.
The air was filled with the scent of baby milk and the fragrance of roses from the garden, warm and dreamlike.
Sakura leaned against the doorframe, quietly watching the scene unfolding on the other side of the sofa—
Shuichi Minamino held the sleeping Hikaru in his arms.
His posture was as steady as a natural father's.
His hand gently supported the back of the child's neck.
With a focused expression and gentle eyes,
She even deliberately kept her breathing soft, afraid of waking the little one in her arms.
That scene softened her heart like a pool of water.
She tiptoed over.
A soft voice: "How strange, Shuichi."
"I didn't expect that you wouldn't turn the house upside down the first time you took care of Huiyi alone."
When Xiuyi looked up and heard her voice, his eyes softened so much they seemed to drip with honey.
"You're awake?"
"Mmm." Sakura smiled and approached.
She leaned down to look at her son, her little hand gently touching a soft strand of hair.
"Huiyi is sleeping so soundly, it seems his dad is taking good care of him."
"Of course."
Minamino Shuichi raised an eyebrow, a hint of pride in his voice.
"I even keep the temperature of the milk powder accurate to 37 degrees Celsius."
"Oh~" Sakura exaggeratedly widened her eyes.
"So President Minamino has such a thoughtful side."
"For you and your son, of course I can."
As he spoke, his tone unconsciously softened.
Sakura couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Looks like Dad passed the test."
"Hmm?" He looked up, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"A qualified father."
She gently patted his shoulder.
"Today's performance deserves a reward."
"award?"
Shuichi's eyes flickered, a hint of cunning in them.
Can I choose for myself?
"Hmm..." Sakura feigned hesitation, smiling with pursed lips.
"It depends on what you choose."
He lowered his voice and leaned close to her ear.
"Then I want—a kiss from the lady."
Sakura paused, her cheeks flushing slightly.
“You…” she chuckled softly and shook her head.
"That little request is quite cute."
She leaned down and gently kissed his forehead.
"Rewards have been distributed."
Minamino Shuichi was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled softly.
"So this is what a 'official' reward is?"
"certainly."
Sakura crossed her arms, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
"The president performed well in his 'childcare duties' today."
Therefore, he received the reward of a kiss from the lady.
"Can I upgrade the rewards next time?"
He asked, half seriously and half jokingly.
"Let's talk about it when you perform better."
Sakura's eyes crinkled with laughter, her voice soft and gentle.
"Perhaps we'll consider upgrading when Hui gets a little older."
Xiuyi sighed and pretended to be aggrieved.
"Sigh, it seems I still have to keep trying."
"Keep trying."
Sakura said softly
"But I'm really happy to see you and Huiyi together."
Shuichi looked up at her.
In that instant, all the jokes faded away, leaving only sincerity.
"I'm very happy too."
He reached out and gently took her fingertips in his hand.
"Because you are here, our family is complete."
Sakura was touched by his words.
Leaning on his shoulder, she responded softly:
"Shuichi, we will always be by your side."
He lowered his head and gently kissed the top of her head.
Hui slept soundly in his arms.
The wind gently swept past the roses in the garden outside the window, swaying them and casting a soft light.
The family of three nestled together quietly.
At that moment, the world seemed so gentle that time itself slowed down.
Outside the garden of the Minamino residence, the wind gently rustles the rose wall.
Sunlight streamed through the windows into the dining room, illuminating the cozy lunch spread across the table.
Tenderly pan-fried steak, vegetable soup, handmade bread, and Sakura's favorite fruit pudding.
The maids said softly, "Madam, lunch is ready."
"Thank you." Sakura smiled and nodded, her gentle expression making each maid take a second look.
Shuichi Minamino walked over to her and considerately pulled out a chair for her.
"Come, sit down. You don't need to lift a finger today."
"It seems like it's always like this," Sakura chuckled as she sat down.
"I feel like I'm getting more and more spoiled."
"Isn't it only natural that you're spoiled by me?"
Shuichi's voice was deep and gentle, with a hint of a smile.
They began to enjoy their lunch quietly.
Sakura ate in small bites, occasionally glancing up to steal a look at Shuichi as he focused on his meal.
His red hair shimmered softly in the sunlight, and his eyes held his usual calmness and gentleness.
Are you looking at me?
Minamino Shuichi noticed the gaze and looked up at her.
"...Really?" Sakura's cheeks flushed slightly.
"It's just because you eat so intently."
Xiuyi chuckled and reached out to wipe the corner of her mouth.
"The lady's eyes were filled with danger today."
"Where is it dangerous?" Sakura asked with a smile.
"It's so dangerous that I'd like to carry you to your room right now."
He lowered his voice and whispered, half-jokingly.
"Shuichi!" Sakura blushed and gently patted him.
"Don't say things like that during the day."
He smiled and stopped teasing her, only looking at her tenderly.
The atmosphere between the two was gentle and sweet.
Just as the two were enjoying a rare moment of peace—
"Wow--!!!"
The baby's cries suddenly came from the nursery.
Sakura and Shuichi looked at each other and burst out laughing almost simultaneously.
"Huiyi is awake."
"I'll go coax her." Xiu stood up, her steps steady and quick.
When he entered the nursery, Huiyi was lying in his crib, his little face scrunched up.
Her little hands were waving wildly in the air, and she was crying so pitifully.
"What's wrong, little fox?"
Shuichi bent down and carefully lifted Hikaru into his arms.
Her movements were skillful yet gentle.
Huiyi's little face was flushed, and his sobs were stuck in his throat.
Feeling the familiar embrace and the scent of her father,
Gradually, the crying turned into low moans of "hmm...hmm..."
"Are you hungry, or do you just want to act cute?"
Shuichi gently rocked his son in his arms.
His tone was full of doting affection.
"Hmm—" Huiyi gave a muffled response.
The little hand clutched at her father's shirt.
Its wet eyes looked like a kitten begging for a hug.
"Okay, okay, I understand."
Shuichi chuckled softly and patted his back gently.
"Dad's here, don't cry."
Huiyi seemed to understand.
She gradually quieted down, resting her head on her father's shoulder.
He even let out a small burp.
"Phew—what a clingy person."
With a smile on her lips, Xiu Yi whispered to the little one in her arms,
"If this continues, you'll steal all of Mom's time."
At that moment, Sakura entered the room.
She was holding a soft little towel in her arms.
“Huiyi, I heard you crying right after I finished eating.”
She moved closer and gently touched her son's cheek.
"Did you have a nightmare?"
Hui responded softly with an "Mmm."
Then, upon seeing her mother, her whole face lit up.
"Looks like we have the answer." Xiuyi smiled and handed the child to her.
"He misses his mother."
Sakura gently took Kouichi from her.
She gently rocked the baby in her arms, her voice so soft it could melt the sunlight.
"Okay, okay, Mommy's here, don't cry."
Huiyi calmed down in her arms, his little hand stroking her hair.
Before long, he closed his eyes and fell asleep again.
Shuichi looked at the scene and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
"There's really no way around it, a mother and child are connected at heart."
“You,” Sakura looked up at him.
"Actually, you were very good at coaxing him."
"Of course." He smiled gently and whispered in her ear:
"After all, what I'm best at is coaxing you."
Sakura burst out laughing, then shook her head and sighed.
"You're getting better and better at talking, President Minamino."
Sunlight shone on them, and Huiyi slept peacefully in his arms.
This afternoon tranquility is as soft as a dream.
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