Against the Light - Chapter 153
Chapter 153: A Big Crush~
Gu Xinran washed a red pear and gave it to Xiao Ye to hold and gnaw on.
This type of pear was soft, sweet, and exceptionally juicy. Xiao Ye loved eating them.
Seeing the little one finally quiet down for the sake of food, Gu Xinran breathed a sigh of relief.
"Is there anything you really want for breakfast?" She used a towel to wipe the pear juice from the corner of her daughter's mouth.
The little one was focused on her pear and couldn't be bothered to respond.
Before long, the palm-sized pear was half-eaten.
Gu Xinran was resting her chin on her hand, watching her, when the girl suddenly froze, her little brow furrowing again.
"What's wrong?"
"Mommy hasn't put on her medicine yet," the little one said with a worried expression.
Gu Xinran was taken aback, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "It's fine. She brought the medicine with her; she'll apply it herself."
"But-but, it's on her back. She can't reach it!"
"Uh, your godmother will help her. Be good, don't worry." This child really had an endless supply of things to worry about…
Xiao Ye seemed to relax. She looked down at her little tummy and patted it. "Godmother has a little baby."
"Eh? How do you know that?" Gu Xinran looked surprised.
"Godmother's tummy is bulging." Gu Xinran was even more surprised. She actually knew that a pregnant belly would bulge.
"Well, maybe Godmother just ate too much, and her tummy is sticking out like Xiao Ye's?" Gu Xinran teased her, gently poking her little belly.
"No way, it's bulging so big." Xiao Ye used her hands to gesture, making the shape of a large balloon.
Gu Xinran found it strange. "When did you see your godmother?"
"On the phone. Mama showed me."
"Oh~ You little thing, you know quite a lot." Gu Xinran understood now, ruffling her little head.
"I know a lot of other things too." Xiao Ye pouted, looking down at her little feet and wiggling them.
"Oh? What else do you know?"
"Godmother needs kisses every day."
"???" Gu Xinran's eyes widened, her face a mask of gossip. Even she didn't know about this!
"Really? Who told you that?"
"I saw it during a video call." Xiao Ye giggled, then fell back onto the sofa, looking a little shy.
Gu Xinran was astonished, an involuntary smirk spreading across her face. She glanced at the camera, looking as if she had just stumbled upon some earth-shattering gossip.
【??? Does this little one know too much? Why aren't the adults more careful!】
【?? Ran Zai, what's with that expression??】
【Hahahaha Sister Ran's expression, haha, that's literally me when I get some fresh gossip hahahaha】
"Even more than Mamas kiss," Xiao Ye added.
Gu Xinran, who had been gloating, froze at this sentence. She quickly covered her daughter's mouth. "You don't need to say that part."
【Ran Zai: ??? The gossip is about me?】
【Hahahaha Little Milk Bun, well done! Tell us more!!!】
【Ahhhhhh so cute ahhhhh!!】
Xiao Ye pushed her hand away, her little face immediately falling. She looked at Gu Xinran expressionlessly. "You'd better be good."
"????" Gu Xinran's first reaction was confusion.
"Otherwise, tonight, heh." Xiao Ye curled her lip into a forced, charmingly wicked smile. And the most crucial part came next—she hooked a finger under her collar!!
"!!!"
Hearing those words in that milky, childish voice, Gu Xinran almost died laughing. But when she saw that smile and the collar-tugging gesture, she instantly realized her daughter was imitating what Xue Yuexian said to Ming Zhen.
【??? What's with that wicked smile hahahahahaha】
【Ran Zai: ??? This is just ridiculous】
【Hahahaha what the heck hahaha, is the Little Milk Bun possessed or something hahaha】
"Don't~"
"I'll be good~"
"Hmph!"
【???? What is this??】
【Hahaha what's with that coquettish hmph hahaha, what has the Little Milk Bun been through!!】
At the same time, Bai Yilan had just arrived at Ming Zhen's house. The moment she walked in, Ming Zhen grabbed her by the neck and started yelling.
"What on earth are you two teaching her at home? What are you teaching her!!!"
"???" Bai Yilan hadn't even had a chance to watch the show yet and was completely bewildered by the question.
In Shi Qing's office, she had specially installed a television just to watch Xiao Ye. It was on standby all day. Seeing Xiao Ye imitate those two on TV, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry, her eyes filled with adoration.
At Heart Entertainment headquarters, Qu Qi, Fang Yi, Lin Guo, and Qin Qiong—Xiao Ye's godmothers in name—were also watching the little one's performance on TV.
"This child's imitation skills are so strong, and her memory is great too. It'd be a waste if she doesn't become an actress," Qu Qi said, her eyes gleaming as she stared intently at Xiao Ye on the screen.
"She's only two years old. Give her a break, will you!"
Back at home.
"Alright, alright, we won't imitate them anymore. No more, no more." Gu Xinran was laughing so hard she was out of breath. The little one's imitation of Ming Zhen's coquettish pouting was so vivid it was killing her.
"Sister Ran, what is she doing?" Director Xu Yi asked in a low voice.
"Ah, she's imitating her godmothers," Gu Xinran replied with a laugh. A sudden idea struck her. She hadn't realized Xiao Ye's imitation skills were this good.
"Xiao Ye, do you remember Godmother Lin Guo and Godmother Qin Qiong?"
"Mhm." Xiao Ye nodded emphatically.
"They video-chatted with you before, remember? Do you still have an impression of how they interact?"
Xiao Ye leaned back on the sofa, fiddling with the little tuft of hair on her head.
"Guozi, let's have a little milk bun too!"
"Pfft…"
"If you want one, you give birth. It hurts too much." The little one scrunched up her nose, her face full of pride.
"Ahem." Gu Xinran thought back for a moment. The last time Lin Guo and Qin Qiong came over to see Xiao Ye, they did seem to have talked about wanting a child. But that was two months ago. How could this little one remember it so clearly?
"And then?"
"And then I went to sleep," Xiao Ye said after thinking for a moment with a little frown.
"Oh~"
Gu Xinran stroked her head, feeling it was magical. "Just what is stored inside this little head of yours?"
Xiao Ye giggled, revealing a row of small, white teeth.
"Is Mama not going to work today either?" Xiao Ye asked belatedly.
"That's right. I'm staying home with you today. I'll be with you for the next two days."
"You're not going to keep the little big sister company?" As Xiao Ye spoke, she turned her head to the side, glancing at her mother out of the corner of her eye. The look made Gu Xinran freeze.
"??? When did I ever go keep a little big sister company?" Gu Xinran was completely baffled.
Xiao Ye's lips trembled. She lowered her head and stared at her little feet, her mood clearly sinking.
"What little big sister?" Seeing the little one seemed unhappy, Gu Xinran felt a bit helpless and asked in a gentle voice.
Xiao Ye didn't say anything. She suddenly crawled into her mother's arms, buried her face, and hugged her tightly.
"Hm? What's wrong, baby?" Gu Xinran was even more confused, gently stroking her small body.
"Why do you look so wronged? Tell Mama what happened?"
Xiao Ye shook her head and fell silent.
"Are you hungry? How about Mama cooks you your favorite soup dumplings?" Gu Xinran asked.
Xiao Ye nodded, forcing a smile onto her face.
【?? What's going on? What little big sister?】
【Confirmed fake smile girl hahahaha】
【So strange, why did the Little Milk Bun's mood change so suddenly? Did she think of something?】
【Same question. This child seems to lack a sense of security. She just suddenly crawled into her mom's lap for a hug.】
Gu Xinran placed the child on the sofa, turned on the TV for her, and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
The little one held the remote herself, flipping through the channels. When she suddenly saw Gu Xinran appear on the screen, she stopped changing channels and watched the show her mother was in with great interest.
A moment later, the Gu Xinran on screen knelt before a little girl, hugging her and crying.
Seeing this, Xiao Ye's mouth trembled. She lay down, stared at the ceiling, blinked her little eyes, and rubbed her eye sockets with her hand.
The camera operators were all stunned.
"Is she crying?"
"Xiao Ye? What's wrong? Why did you suddenly start crying?"
Xiao Ye's lips were pursed. She didn't answer, just sobbed quietly, looking incredibly wronged.
"Should we go get Sister Ran?" the camera operators discussed in low voices.
【What's happening? Why did she start crying just from watching her mom on TV???】
【Ahhh seeing her cry makes me want to cry too, what do I do?】
【Her quiet sobbing is so heartbreaking. Little Milk Bun, don't cry! Ran Zai, hurry up and hug your Little Milk Bun!!!】
Xiao Ye's sudden mood swing left many of her relatives watching the broadcast feeling bewildered.
Bai Yilan's brows were knitted into a knot.
"What's going on? Why would the little one hide away and cry by herself?"
Bai Yilan stared at the TV screen reflected in the shot and suddenly had a flash of insight.
"Tsk, I know what it is," she said, realization dawning.
"Do you remember how she just asked Xinran if she was going to keep the little big sister company?"
"Hmm? What little big sister? Do you two have a secret love child?" Ming Zhen exclaimed.
"No, look closely at the TV. Isn't Xinran hugging a little girl?"
Hearing this, Ming Zhen stared at the TV within the screen. She had actually seen this show before. Connecting the dots, she remembered.
"So?"
"Back when Xinran was filming this scene, I took Xiao Ye to visit her. We happened to see this exact moment. When she saw Xinran hugging another child, Xiao Ye got so anxious she started calling for her mama. She seemed very jealous and kept crying and fussing. I was afraid we'd disrupt their filming, so I carried her away. But after I took her away, she cried even harder. Nothing could console her. After that, she became extremely clingy with Xinran. Whenever Xinran is home, she's basically attached to her," Bai Yilan explained.
"So you're saying… Xiao Ye thinks that child is a daughter Xinran is secretly raising outside? And every time Xinran goes to work, she thinks she's going to be with that child??" Ming Zhen was shocked. Could a little one have such complex thoughts??
"I don't know, but it seems that way now. See how she was perfectly happy just a moment ago, but started crying the instant she saw this scene." Bai Yilan's face was full of heartache. She secretly blamed herself for being too careless. She never would have thought that Xiao Ye would still remember something from so long ago.
At Gu Xinran's house.
A camera operator ran to the kitchen to find Gu Xinran, who only then learned that Xiao Ye was crying. She quickly turned off the stove and came out.
When the little one saw her, she hastily wiped away her tears and didn't dare to look at her.
"What's wrong, baby?" Gu Xinran sat her on her lap and helped her wipe the tear stains from her face. "Why are you crying? Did you miss Mommy?"
Xiao Ye nodded, sniffling.
Gu Xinran chuckled softly and pulled her into a hug, gently patting her back. "Mommy can see us on TV right now." Gu Xinran picked up the remote and switched to the live broadcast channel.
"Xiao Ye, look. Who's that on the TV?"
Xiao Ye turned to look, stunned for a few seconds, then pointed at the screen. "Is that Xiao Ye?" she asked, sniffing, her face full of disbelief.
"That's right. Try waving at the camera," Gu Xinran said, taking her little hand and waving it.
When she saw the Xiao Ye on TV wave back at her, the little one was amazed. "So magical!"
Gu Xinran laughed. "How do you know all these words? Who taught you?"
Xiao Ye grinned, giggling.
Seeing the little one smile, Gu Xinran was relieved. "Can you watch by yourself for a little while? Mama will have your food ready soon. After we eat, Mama will play with you, okay?"
"Mhm."
"No more crying, okay?"
"Mhm."
"Pinky promise." Gu Xinran held out her pinky and made a promise with her before setting her aside.
"Could I trouble you all to help keep an eye on her? Please let me know if anything happens. I'm a bit overwhelmed. Thank you, thank you." Gu Xinran bowed slightly to the camera operators, asking them to help watch Xiao Ye.
The little one's attention was completely captivated by her own image on the TV. She made all sorts of faces and movements, and the her on TV would do the same. It was like looking in a mirror, which was quite fun.
Xiao Ye ran up to a camera. When she turned her head, she saw her face appear on the TV screen, exceptionally large, almost filling the entire screen. She couldn't help but giggle.
"Huh." The little one was staring at the camera when she suddenly looked blankly at the camera operator, her little brow furrowed tightly. She blinked her eyes.
Suddenly, her eyes curved into a heart-warming smile, just like Bai Yilan's. "Auntie, you're so pretty," she said to her dedicated camera operator in a sweet, childish voice.
"Ahem." The young female camera operator coughed lightly and lowered her head, looking shy.
【??? Has it started already? Gu the Charmer? Gotta cast the net early, is that it??】
【Hey, hey, hey, baby, that's going too far. The person is wearing a mask and a hat, with only their eyes showing. How are they pretty???】
【Baby Xiao Ye! You can't just flirt with everyone you see! I'm jealous!!】
【So how exactly does Sister Ran usually raise her child [facepalm]】
"Thank you," the camera operator responded.
【??? Hey, this young lady's voice is so nice! So gentle!】
【Wait, her eyes really are beautiful, so bright! Baby Xiao Ye has good taste!】
【? I kind of want to see this camera operator's face now!】
【Want to see +1】
"Xiao Ye, time to eat."
"Coming." Xiao Ye answered but didn't move. With one hand gripping the edge of the camera tent, her big eyes remained fixed on the camera operator.
"Ahem, you're drooling," the camera operator said softly.
Xiao Ye looked dazed. She glanced down, and a drop of drool splattered onto the floor.
The little one froze, looking a bit embarrassed. She slurped. "My tummy is so hungry," she added pointedly before running off.
【Hahahahahaha my god, this little admirer. 'My tummy is hungry' hahahaha】
【Hahahahahaha is this infatuated face trying to kill me with laughter hahaha】
【This kid is one of a kind】
"Hahaha, who did this kid get her infatuated look from, you or her hahahaha!" Ming Zhen was laughing so hard she was rolling on the bed.
Bai Yilan silently facepalmed. I've never been like that. If she takes after anyone, it's that other one.
Xiao Ye helped Gu Xinran bring out her little bowl. As she passed her camera operator, she secretly glanced over, then couldn't help but speed up, hopping happily to the coffee table. She set down the bowl and sat obediently, waiting for her meal.
Gu Xinran brought out the steaming soup dumplings and placed them on the coffee table. She put one in Xiao Ye's bowl, telling her to blow on it and let it cool before eating.
"Xiao Ye, should Mama find a cartoon for you to watch?" Gu Xinran picked up the remote, asking for her opinion.
"Mhm."
Xiao Ye hummed distractedly, her little eyes secretly peeking into the tent.
【Hahaha is this cub shy? Is she peeking? So cute hahahaha】
【Ran Zai, you're too careless! When your cub grows up, she'll be snatched away before you even know it!】
【What is it that turned Xiao Ye into a lovestruck fool in a second! I'm so curious!!!】
Gu Xinran found an episode of Tom and Jerry for her, but ended up watching it with great amusement herself.
"Is it cool now? You can eat it. Hurry up and eat," Gu Xinran reminded her.
"Oh." Xiao Ye scooped up the dumpling with her spoon and tested the temperature with pouted lips.
"Have the aunties eaten?"
"Eh? What?" Gu Xinran was startled.
"Who?"
"The aunties." The little one looked towards the tent.
"Oh, you want to share with the aunties? Okay." Gu Xinran got up and went to the kitchen for three empty bowls. She put one dumpling in each bowl to let them cool.
The little one's eyes were fixed on the dumplings in the bowls. She picked up one bowl, blew on it, gave the dumpling a little kiss, and tested the temperature. "It's not hot anymore," she said, holding it up to Gu Xinran.
Gu Xinran smiled at her. "Then why don't you take it to the aunties?" she encouraged.
Xiao Ye seemed a bit hesitant, scratching her head, her gaze wandering.
"Go on, it's okay. The aunties are filming you. Their work is hard too. Go and show them some appreciation," Gu Xinran continued to encourage her.
Xiao Ye took a deep breath, suddenly looking as if she were facing a great enemy. She picked up the bowl and a spoon, walked up to her dedicated camera operator, and mustered the courage to hand the bowl inside. "Auntie, you can eat this. It's not hot."
【!!! I want to soul-swap with that camera operator!】
【Ahhh Little Milk Bun is so thoughtful. She even knew to blow on it and only gave it to her when it wasn't hot!】
【This camera operator is basically winning at life, okay?】
【Ahhhhh I want to eat it too!! Soup dumplings made by Ran Zai herself!!】
"Do you want me to feed you?" Xiao Ye blinked her big eyes, holding the spoon and carefully lifting the dumpling towards her.
"Thank you." The camera operator thanked her, pulled down her mask, ate the dumpling in one bite, and immediately pulled her mask back up.
Gu Xinran watched her daughter with a smile. The little one was standing at an angle that happened to block the camera operator's face. All she saw was her daughter bravely taking the initiative to interact with a stranger, and she felt very proud of her. She even gave her a round of applause. "Xiao Ye is so amazing."
"Is it yummy?" Xiao Ye's eyes were full of expectation.
"Mhm, it's very yummy. Thank you, Xiao Ye."
The little one broke into a beautiful smile. She was facing the camera, so the lens captured her expression perfectly.
【Ahhhhh I'm claiming this smile!!】
【So warm, so warm, so warm. I can't wait to see what she looks like when she grows up! This smile is exactly like Teacher Bai's!】
【Wuwuwu Baby Xiao Ye, be more reserved! Don't just smile at everyone!】
Xiao Ye ran back to the sofa excitedly and sat on the floor, still feeling very happy.
"Go give this one to an auntie too," Gu Xinran said, pointing to another portion of dumplings.
Xiao Ye nodded, feeling encouraged. She picked up the dumplings and went straight to her dedicated camera operator.
"Xiao Ye? Didn't you already give some to this auntie?" Gu Xinran was stunned. This kid was quite loyal, huh? Playing favorites?
"Auntie, have another one!"
"Mhm, thank you, Xiao Ye."
"Hey, you're welcome. Auntie, your eyes are so pretty."
"Are they."
"Mhm, prettier than my mama's!"
"???" Gu Xinran had been watching the little one with a fond, motherly smile, but when she was suddenly called out, her expression changed instantly. She turned to the camera next to her. "What did she just say??"
The other camera operators tried hard to stifle their laughter.
A moment later, the little one ran back again and gave the last dumpling to her camera operator. "Auntie, eat until you're full."
"…Okay, thank you, Xiao Ye. You have to eat until you're full too, okay?"
"Mhm!" Xiao Ye nodded emphatically and ran back to the table, finally getting around to eating.
Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Hey Xiao Ye, why did you only give food to that auntie? The other aunties didn't get any. Aren't you afraid they'll be hungry?"
Xiao Ye was currently battling her dumpling with the intensity of facing a great enemy.
"Xiao Ye? Mama is asking you a question."
"Let's talk later. I have to eat until I'm full first."
Gu Xinran's expression froze. She was completely speechless. She looked at the camera. "Is she yelling at me?"
【Hahahaha Ran Zai instantly lost favor, for real】
【Ahhh Xiao Ye is too cute!! So adorable!】
【Hahaha 'have to eat until I'm full first.' Is it because the camera operator told her to eat until she was full? No way, no way, no way?】
【Xiao Ye is so smooth. How old is she, my god! She's going to be incredible when she grows up. Gu the Charmer in the making.】
【Dying of laughter, playing favorites with just one person hahaha】
Before long, the little one had eaten three dumplings in one go, her little tummy bulging. She held up her bowl for the camera operator to see and patted her belly. "Auntie, I'm all full."
"Good girl," the camera operator said, her eyes curving into a smile.
Gu Xinran was completely bewildered. She turned to look at the two of them. "Hey, hey, Xiao Ye, do you not see Mama here? Huh? Why are you only talking to the auntie?"
Xiao Ye giggled, crawled onto Gu Xinran's lap, and used her mother's hand to cover her own face.
"Mama, go do the dishes," Xiao Ye said suddenly.
"What???"
"We've finished eating, so we have to do the dishes."
Gu Xinran was a bit dazed. "Doing the dishes is fine, but… you're not trying to get rid of me on purpose, are you??"
Xiao Ye's lips curled up unconsciously as she giggled.
Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "What are you planning to do after you get rid of Mama? Hmm?" Gu Xinran pressed the little one into her arms and 'viciously' ruffled her little head.
"Ah, nothing. I want to watch TV."
"Oh? I don't believe you. You're coming with Mama to do the dishes."
"I'm still a child. I can't go into the kitchen. Grandma said so."
"Grandma isn't here, so it's fine."
"Grandma, Grandma, Grandma will see me on TV!" Xiao Ye kicked her little legs, struggling.
Gu Xinran's expression froze. She thought about it, and it seemed to be true… With a helpless look, she put the child down and let her go play by herself.
【Hahaha Sister Ran actually stopped to think about it hahaha】
【Xinran: emmm, I guess that's true!】
【Ran Zai hahaha, Ran Zai's brain doesn't seem to be working right. Can she really take care of a child by herself?】
【Hahahaha she can't even outsmart a child. Ran Zai, what's wrong with you!】
【Hahaha go do the dishes! I want to see how Gu the Charmer flirts with the young lady!】
【Awooo want to see +1】
【By the way, who is Xiao Ye's grandma??】
As if hearing the netizens' calls, Gu Xinran resigned herself to her fate and went to the kitchen to do the dishes.
Xiao Ye sat on the sofa, seemingly watching TV, but her little eyes kept darting towards the kitchen. Just as she was about to get up and walk towards the camera, she heard the kitchen go silent and immediately sat back down obediently.
Gu Xinran secretly peeked her head out from the doorway to observe. Seeing that Xiao Ye was watching TV quietly, not up to any mischief, she went back to washing the dishes with peace of mind.
Because there was a camera in the kitchen, the audience could see Gu Xinran's actions.
As she washed the dishes, she muttered to herself, "Am I overthinking things? At her age, she shouldn't have so many tricks up her sleeve, right? Or was I in the way of her watching TV? I don't think so."
【Here we go, here we go, Ran Zai's muttering has begun】
【Hahaha you're really not overthinking it this time. She really does have that many tricks! Go out and look now! She's flirting with the camera operator!!】
【Hahahaha Ran Zai is going to be the death of me】
"This little one has so many tricks up her sleeve?" Ming Zhen laughed until her face hurt. Bai Yilan had to cover her face to get her to stop laughing.
"This is the first I'm hearing of it too." Bai Yilan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Xiao Ye was always very well-behaved around her and would even get scared around strangers. She had never seen her take the initiative to approach someone like this before, so she was also very surprised.
"What's the deal with this camera operator? There are so many of them, why did the little one single her out at first glance?"
"I'm not too sure either. They've been wearing masks the whole time, so I haven't gotten a good look."
"Tsk, look at you as a mother. What if she's really good-looking? You could just recruit her as a son-in-law."
"Go on, you're never serious." Bai Yilan slapped her disapprovingly.
"Hey~"
At Gu Xinran's house, in the living room.
Xiao Ye was holding onto the tent, quietly looking at the female camera operator.
"Xiao Ye, why do you only look at her and not at us?" another camera operator teased her.
Xiao Ye turned to look at the person who spoke, grinned at her, and then turned her head back.
"Auntie, I've seen you before," Xiao Ye said suddenly, looking into the camera operator's eyes.
A strange light flashed in the camera operator's bright eyes, filled with surprise.
"Is that so."
"Where did you see me?"
"Mmm, I don't remember." Xiao Ye giggled and scratched her head.
"Xiao Ye? What are you doing? Hey? It seems you really like this camera operator." The moment Gu Xinran came out, she saw Xiao Ye peering into the tent again. She also went over to take a look. The camera operator avoided her gaze, focusing on her equipment.
"Let's go. Don't disturb Auntie's work. Mama will watch cartoons with you."
"Mmm." Led away by Xinran, she reluctantly left the tent.
【To be honest, this camera operator's voice is really nice. She seems like a very gentle person.】
【I want to see the camera operator's face. Can we petition the official Weibo account?】
【Want to see +1】
"Hey, this little camera operator's voice is quite nice. Hey, how about I ask someone to see if they can find a photo of her, to help Xiao Ye vet her?" Ming Zhen said half-jokingly. Just as she finished, she realized no one was responding. She turned to see Bai Yilan frowning deeply, lost in thought about something. Her expression was so serious it startled her.
She quickly waved a hand in front of her eyes. "What are you doing? What are you thinking about?"
"Hm? Nothing, it's nothing."
It was strange, really strange. Why would Xiao Ye so confidently tell that camera operator that she had seen her before? She knew better than Xiao Ye herself who the child had met in the past two years. This was her first time interacting with a camera operator!
At Gu Xinran's house.
The mother and daughter were sitting on the sofa watching Tom and Jerry. On the screen, Tom Cat was playing the piano. Xiao Ye watched with relish, imitating his movements by slamming her little hands down.
Gu Xinran found her adorable. She turned her head and remembered they had a piano at home.
"Does Xiao Ye want to play the piano?"
"Huh?"
"Yeah, Xiao Ye can play the piano just like Tom."
Hearing this, Xiao Ye furrowed her little brow in thought, then turned to the camera operator. "Auntie, do you want to see Xiao Ye play the piano?"
"???"
Gu Xinran was dumbfounded. "Xiao Ye? Mama is talking to you. It's Mama, not that auntie."
"I do," said the camera operator.
"Then Mama, teach Xiao Ye to play the piano."
Gu Xinran felt defeated. She rubbed her forehead helplessly. Before she could even move, Xiao Ye had already moved the piano bench over, pulled Gu Xinran to sit down, and asked her to teach her.
Xiao Ye was still too young, so Gu Xinran didn't teach her music theory or anything like that. She pressed the keys and played a rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
"Does it sound nice?" Gu Xinran looked at her expectantly.
"It sounds nice." Xiao Ye clapped her hands vigorously, being very supportive.
"Come, Mama will teach you how to play it, one phrase at a time," Gu Xinran taught patiently.
"Want to give it a try, Xiao Ye?" Just as Gu Xinran took Xiao Ye's hand, she shook it off.
The little one furrowed her brow and thought to herself for a moment, as if trying to recall which keys her mother had just pressed.
A moment later, Xiao Ye extended a finger and pressed the keys one by one, in the same order Xinran had. As she pressed them, she muttered to herself, "This one… this one… this one…"
After she finished, the little one turned to look at Gu Xinran, only to find her mother staring blankly, so shocked she was questioning reality.
"Was that right?"
"Wow…" After a long pause, Gu Xinran finally let out a sigh of admiration. This kid… she had only watched her play the first phrase twice, and she could play it back flawlessly!? Wasn't her memory a little too good?
"Yes, yes, yes! Mama will teach you the next phrase." Gu Xinran was ecstatic.
After Gu Xinran finished playing, she looked at her expectantly.
The little one had a solemn expression. She placed her little finger on the white keys, hesitated for a moment, and then pressed down.
"Wow…" Gu Xinran let out another soft sigh, still in disbelief. She looked up at the camera operator. "Did-did you see that? I'm not dreaming, am I??"
Xiao Ye blinked her big eyes, looking at her with confusion, not understanding what she was so surprised about.
【Holy crap, crap, crap, is this a genius? A genius, a genius, a genius!!!】
【!! This memory is insane, okay? Insane!! She can play it after watching just once. So awesome, awooo!】
【The key thing is that all the keys look the same, yet she can find them flawlessly. As an adult, I wouldn't even know which one to press after a quick glance!】
【Little Milk Bun is amazing!】
Gu Xinran came back to her senses, still amazed. "Can you play those two phrases together?" she asked, full of anticipation.
"Mmm." Xiao Ye looked down at the piano, seeming a bit troubled.
"Then Mama will play it for you one more time…" Gu Xinran hadn't even finished her sentence when she saw the little one's small paws eagerly start pressing the keys.
【??? Is she really a genius!! She can play both phrases together? This memory is truly insane!】
【Ahhhhh Little Milk Bun, Mama loves you ahhh!!!】
【I'm not even as good as a child…】
"Wow…" Ming Zhen was stunned. She patted Bai Yilan. "This little one's memory is that good??"
"Mhm… her memory is indeed good." Bai Yilan was also incredibly surprised, the corners of her mouth uncontrollably turning up in a wide smile she couldn't contain.
Ming Zhen patted her own belly. "Daughter, did you see that? When you come out, you have to be as amazing as this big sister. Otherwise, don't you dare say you're my daughter. It's embarrassing!"
"…" Bai Yilan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "What kind of mother are you?"
At home, Gu Xinran was so thrilled she stood up from the chair. She looked at the camera in disbelief, then bent down to hug the Little Milk Bun. But just as she was getting affectionate, the little one showed her disdain.
"Ah, mmm~" The little one pushed her away, climbed off the piano bench, and ran to the camera. "Auntie, was my playing good?" After speaking, she bit her lower lip and swayed her little body slightly.
"Hey, Gu Baiye, are you acting cute?" Gu Xinran put her hands on her hips, displeased.
"It was very good."
Xiao Ye giggled, looking a bit shy. She turned back to Gu Xinran and stuck out her little tongue.
Gu Xinran was completely worn down by her. She walked to the tent. "I want to see just how pretty this auntie is to have you so utterly captivated."
"Ah, I won't let you see!" Xiao Ye immediately put her hands out to block Gu Xinran, spreading her arms to protect the tent.
Gu Xinran clutched her heart. "My daughter has a little secret from me now. My heart hurts so much. The Little Milk Bun doesn't need her mama anymore." As Gu Xinran spoke, she put on a sad face and turned to sit down on the sofa.
"Mama, no, I want Mama, I want Mama." Seeing her mother's back turned, looking genuinely sad, Xiao Ye immediately scrambled over on her little short legs, climbed onto the sofa, and hugged Xinran's neck from behind, pressing her little head tightly against her. "I want Mama."
【?? Ran Zai, is this how you're supposed to use your acting skills???】
【Aww, Xiao Ye is so sweet. She immediately hugged her mama.】
【This child has been raised so well. At such a young age, she's so understanding. I'm envious, I want to steal her.】
【I think I'm seeing the childhood of a charmer :)】
Being comforted by the Little Milk Bun, Gu Xinran couldn't help but sneak a smile. She lifted the Little Milk Bun from behind her and sat her on her lap.
"Does Xiao Ye like that camera sister a lot?"
"Hey, answer the question properly. Don't drool." Seeing Xiao Ye grin and drool from the corner of her mouth, Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry as she wiped it away for her.
"I like her a lot." Xiao Ye nodded, sneaking a peek.
"Why do you like her so much? You've never even seen her."
"I have!"
"Oh? Where have you seen her?" Gu Xinran was very curious. She glanced over, but the camera operator was hiding behind the tent curtain. She couldn't see anything but the equipment.
"I really have seen her. Auntie is very pretty." Xiao Ye blinked her big eyes, her face full of sincerity.
"Is that so? Then Mama wants to take a look, to see if Auntie is prettier, or if Mama is prettier," Gu Xinran teased her deliberately.
"Ah, no!" Xiao Ye hurriedly grabbed her.
"Why not?"
"Auntie… Auntie, Auntie is mine. I can't let other people see." Xiao Ye said with a serious face.
"Tsk, so young and already so possessive?" Gu Xinran was greatly surprised. She glanced towards the tent. "Look, that auntie is over there secretly laughing."
"I'm really curious just how pretty she is," Gu Xinran said, about to get up.
"Ah, no! She's Xiao Ye's!" Xiao Ye got anxious and grabbed Gu Xinran's collar with both hands.
Gu Xinran froze and looked down at her hands. "Are you trying to hit Mama???"
Xiao Ye panicked. "No, I'm not. Mama, I'm not trying to hit you, I'm really not."
"Alright, alright, Mama's just teasing you. Of course Mama knows how good Xiao Ye is. Mama was just joking with you." Seeing the little one's expression suddenly change as she anxiously explained herself, Gu Xinran realized the joke might have been a bit too much for her. She quickly patted her back to soothe her.
Only then did Xiao Ye relax, nestling obediently in Gu Xinran's arms.
"Does Xiao Ye like playing the piano?" Gu Xinran thought that since she was so talented, if she liked it, it might be a good idea to find a teacher to guide her properly.
Hearing this, Xiao Ye secretly glanced at the tent.
Gu Xinran caught her little movement and immediately raised a hand to block her face. "Mama is asking you a question. Why do you keep looking at her?"
"Is it that if she says she likes it, you like it, and if she says she doesn't, you don't?"
"No, it's not like that." Xiao Ye grabbed Gu Xinran's hand, covered her eyes, and giggled. Her mischievous thoughts were written all over her face.
Gu Xinran shook her head helplessly and gently tapped her little head. "You."
"Xiao Ye, you have to have your own opinions, your own ideas. You need to have your own thoughts. If you like something, you like it. If you don't, you don't. Don't let anyone interfere with your own decisions."
Xiao Ye seemed to only half-understand, scratching her head.
"Remember Mama's words, okay?" Gu Xinran gathered her scattered hair and retied it into a small bun on top of her head. She didn't ask her again if she liked playing the piano. If she liked it, it would surely show in her usual behavior and actions. If she didn't, asking repeatedly would be useless and might even create a certain psychological suggestion for her.
"Mhm, I'll remember."
"Good girl."
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