Xiao Nainai wore a matching little blouse and skirt just like Xia Xiyao’s, while Gu Xingyi sported a well-fitted casual outfit.

As the family of three walked from their apartment complex onto the street, every passerby turned to look—their combined head-turn rate shot to a hundred percent.

Everyone’s eyes were drawn by their appearance. At the same time, they were all wondering—how had they never seen such a heavenly-looking family living in the same neighborhood?

Xiao Nainai held Papa’s hand with one little hand and Mama’s with the other, hopping along with a big smile blooming on her face.

She had never imagined that one day, she’d be able to go out holding both Papa and Mama’s hands like other kids.

At this moment, Xiao Nainai felt like her happiness couldn’t even be contained in her giant princess house!

Even though the weather was a bit hot, the family of three didn’t seem to feel it at all. The smiles on their faces said everything—their moods were clearly great.

On the roadside, Gu Xingyi hailed a taxi. He first lifted the little one into the back seat, then, like a true gentleman, held the door for Xia Xiyao and closed it after her.

As for himself, he took the front passenger seat.

They were heading to Yida Plaza in the city center, where Xia Xiyao had arranged to meet her former assistant, Tao Lele, at a bubble tea shop.

The reason for bringing Gu Xingyi and Xiao Nainai along was entirely because Tao Lele wanted to meet the little one. And since Xiao Nainai had been clinging to Gu Xingyi like a shadow these past two days, he was just lucky to be tagging along thanks to the little one.

The car drove along, and the ride to the city center would take over forty minutes.

Xiao Nainai clung to Xia Xiyao’s neck, staring out at the scenery flashing past. For the little one, this was her first long trip out, and everything looked new and exciting.

The driver uncle first marveled at the family’s stunning looks, then suddenly felt like the little one in the back seat looked oddly familiar. He couldn’t quite place where he’d seen her before, so he kept making small talk with Gu Xingyi.

Gu Xingyi, being naturally friendly, chatted back easily, and the atmosphere inside the car wasn’t awkward at all.

The car soon arrived at their destination. Even after the family of three disappeared from view, the driver sat waiting for his next fare and idly opened Douyin on his phone. That’s when it finally hit him—

That adorable little girl in the back seat… was the viral cutie taking over Douyin!

The realization made the driver instantly beat his chest in regret. His own daughter was a die-hard fan of that little one—ever since the video went viral, she’d been watching it ten times a day, singing the song nonstop.

And he didn’t even ask for a photo! If his daughter found out, he’d definitely lose a few more strands of hair tonight!

...

Yida Plaza was the most bustling area in Jiang City, not far from Tao Lele’s workplace and residence.

After two long years, she was finally going to see Xiyao-jie again. Tao Lele was feeling very emotional. She had bought a few cups of bubble tea in advance and now sat at a table, eyes fixed on the shop entrance, practically burning holes through the door.

She had worked with Xia Xiyao for a year and a half, and the two had been as close as sisters. Xia Xiyao had treated her very well. It was just a pity that later on, she got together with Gu Xingyi.

Lele had never understood why Xiyao-jie insisted on being with that guy who seemed like a complete loser. She hadn’t been able to wrap her head around it even after trying to talk her out of it. Back then, Xia Xiyao had been utterly set on her decision, unwilling to listen to any advice.

As Tao Lele’s thoughts wandered, she suddenly saw a familiar figure walking in through the door, holding hands with a bouncing little puffball.

Her eyes lit up. She shot to her feet and waved her hand vigorously.

“Xiyao-jie, over here!”

Hearing the voice, Xia Xiyao looked up and saw Lele waving. A smile immediately spread across her face—Lele hadn’t changed one bit, still just as lively and cheerful.

As they got closer, their eyes shimmered with joy and even a hint of moisture. After so long apart, the reunion of these sisterly friends stirred emotions they could barely contain.

Tao Lele looked Xia Xiyao up and down carefully, her eyes reddening again. She grabbed Xiyao’s hand and pouted.

“Xiyao-jie, you’ve lost so much weight! Has that man been treating you badly? Where is he? I’ll go teach him a lesson!”

Xia Xiyao pressed her lips together and shook her head. They sat down together, and she lifted Xiao Nainai onto her lap before speaking.

“Don’t worry, Lele. I’m doing well now. Gu Xingyi… he’s treating me well these days too.”

“And you? Has work been going okay since I left?”

“I’m doing fine too, Xiyao-jie. You don’t know how much I’ve missed you...”

The two caught up on each other’s lives, while Xiao Nainai blinked her big eyes and curiously studied the young aunty across from her.

It had been a long time since the two women had seen each other, and naturally, there was a lot to talk about. After chatting for a while, Tao Lele finally turned her attention to the little one. Up until now, she’d been sitting quietly to the side, and Lele had been too focused on catching up to really look at her. But now that she did, her eyes lit up immediately.

Wow! She looks so much like Xiyao-jie! Like she was carved from the same mold! Especially those bright, expressive eyes—just one glance made Lele instantly adore her.

Right then, Xiao Nainai gave Tao Lele a sweet smile, and in that instant, Lele was completely smitten.

“Wow! Xiyao-jie, this is Xiao Nainai? She looks just like you! She’s so cute!”

As she spoke, Lele got up and crouched in front of the little one, eyes sparkling as she gently touched her chubby cheeks.

But then her brows furrowed slightly. The little one was just like Xiyao-jie—too thin!

Lele felt a surge of anger rise in her heart. She was sure now that useless man must not be treating Xiyao-jie and the child well. Back in the day, Xiyao-jie had fed her until she was round and plump. How could they be this skinny now?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She suddenly wanted to confront that man face to face. So she lifted her head and looked at Xia Xiyao.

“Xiyao-jie, didn’t you say he was coming too? Where is he?”

Xia Xiyao could sense Lele’s hostility toward Gu Xingyi. But she didn’t know how to explain. If she said he had changed, wouldn’t that be admitting he had been bad before?

She didn’t want others to know about that—especially not someone like Lele, who was like a sister to her. So she could only give an awkward smile.

“Nainai wanted ice cream, so he went to stand in line to get it.”

Of course, Lele caught the expression on her face. It only made her angrier. Her Xiyao-jie had always been gentle and composed, but now she could feel a trace of timidity in her as well.

Not wanting to scare the child, Lele snorted coldly and returned to her seat, but deep down she was gnashing her teeth, itching to beat Gu Xingyi to death.

“Xiyao-jie…”

Lele had just opened her mouth when she suddenly froze. Her eyes sharpened as she stared toward the bubble tea shop entrance.

Xia Xiyao blinked in confusion, her expression even more awkward. She thought Lele’s reaction meant Gu Xingyi had arrived, and that was why she looked so hostile. Just as she was about to turn around, a sharp voice sounded from behind her.

“Tao Lele! You’ve got time to sit around drinking bubble tea? Did you finish the work I gave you?!”