Against the Light - Chapter 169
Chapter 169: Sleeping Together
After her performance, Lin Yuqing was a little shy. She bowed to everyone and returned to her seat.
Xiao Ye immediately clambered onto her lap, her eyes shining like two little stars as she gazed up at her.
"Auntie Lin, you were amazing! Your dancing was so beautiful, Xiao Ye was completely mesmerized!" she said, showering her with praise.
Lin Yuqing chuckled, scooped her up onto her lap, and wiped the sweat from her forehead. "Thank you, Xiao Ye. But you shouldn't shout anymore, or your throat will start to hurt."
"Okay!" Xiao Ye nodded obediently.
Lin Yuqing got the room key from Gu Xinran and went to their room. She boiled some hot water for Xiao Ye, blew on it to cool it down, and once it was warm, poured it into her little milk bottle.
The little one followed her every step like a shadow, her small hand clutching Lin Yuqing's clothes as if afraid her Auntie Lin would disappear if she looked away for even a second.
Lin Yuqing screwed the cap on the bottle and caught sight of Xiao Ye tilting her head, blinking her big eyes as she stared at her expectantly.
Lin Yuqing chuckled, placed her on the bed, and handed her the bottle.
"Drink some water. Xiao Ye needs to protect her voice."
Xiao Ye glanced at the little bottle, wiggled her body, and kicked her little feet. "Auntie Lin, feed me~"
"Hmm? Are you trying to wheedle me?"
"Hee~"
Smiling, Lin Yuqing held the bottle to her lips. The little one opened her mouth, latched onto the nipple, and held the bottle with one hand. She stole a glance at Lin Yuqing, then shifted to lean against her, drinking the water with gurgling sounds and a look of pure bliss.
Lin Yuqing watched her with a doting expression, then turned to check the time on her phone. It was already past ten, a time when the little one was usually fast asleep.
"Xiao Ye, are you sleepy? It's time for bed."
"Will Auntie Lin sleep with me?" Xiao Ye asked, her eyes shining brightly.
Lin Yuqing stared into her eyes. She loved looking at them; whenever Xiao Ye spoke to her, they always seemed to glow with a warm light, brimming with smiles.
"Yes, Auntie will sleep with you."
Hearing this, the little one was so happy she almost jumped up and screamed with joy.
Lin Yuqing waited for her to finish her water, then carried her to the bathroom, helped her wash up, and tucked her into bed. Xiao Ye's gaze followed her the entire time, watching everything she did.
Lin Yuqing sat back down on the edge of the bed and lay on her side, propping her cheek on her left hand while her right hand rested on Xiao Ye, patting her gently.
"Auntie, come in," Xiao Ye said, tugging at the blanket. "You'll catch a cold if you sleep without a blanket!" she added with a worried expression.
"Alright." Lin Yuqing slipped under the covers and slid her left arm under Xiao Ye's neck for her to use as a pillow.
The little one looked utterly content, resting her head on Lin Yuqing's arm and snuggling her small body tightly against her~
"Go to sleep."
"Auntie Lin, is there a goodnight kiss?"
"Hmm? You have quite a few requests."
"Mmph." Xiao Ye pouted. "But Mama and Mommy kiss Xiao Ye goodnight every night."
Lin Yuqing chuckled at the clever little imp.
She turned over and placed a light kiss on her forehead. "Like this?"
"Mhm! Goodnight, Auntie Lin!" The little one immediately lay down obediently, closed her eyes, and fell asleep with a smile.
Gu Xinran and Bai Yilan played with everyone for a while longer, but seeing how late it was, they urged everyone to go back and rest.
When the two returned to their room, they found Lin Yuqing and Xiao Ye sleeping soundly on the bed. Xiao Ye was on her side, half of her little body sprawled across Lin Yuqing, her pale little feet peeking out from under the covers.
Gu Xinran gave a helpless chuckle, walked over quietly, and gently pulled the blanket up for them.
"What do we do now?" she asked, turning to Yilan in a whisper.
Bai Yilan stood with her hands on her hips, looking at the two of them. Given the little one's current position, trying to separate them would definitely wake her up.
"Why don't we just let them sleep like this? We can go sleep in Lin Yuqing's room," Gu Xinran suggested.
"But what if Xiao Ye wakes up in the middle of the night? Will she look for us?" Bai Yilan was a little worried.
"Her Auntie Lin is here. Ai." Gu Xinran trailed off with a slightly sour sigh.
The two exchanged a look, grabbed their pajamas, and tiptoed out of the room.
The next morning, Lin Yuqing opened her eyes and was dazed for a moment. Just as she tried to sit up, she realized there was a heavy weight on her.
She looked down to see that it was Xiao Ye. The little meatball was completely sprawled on top of her, breathing softly and sleeping soundly.
Lin Yuqing watched her for a while with a gentle smile. In her past life, Xiao Ye had also loved to sleep on top of her, often leaving her feeling crushed. Later, to stop Xiao Ye from squashing her, she had specifically placed several pillows on the bed for her to "ride." But every morning when she woke up, the pillows would be on the floor, and the little one would still be on top of her, unmovable as a mountain.
So, this habit of sleeping on top of people was something she'd developed since she was a child.
As Lin Yuqing was lost in thought, the little one suddenly rolled over and nearly fell off her. Thanks to Lin Yuqing's quick reflexes, she managed to grab her, her face pale with fright as she glanced at the concrete floor beside them.
"Mmph?" Xiao Ye was startled awake. She looked around in a daze, her mouth twisting as if she was about to cry.
Lin Yuqing quickly patted her little body. "It's okay, it's okay, Xiao Ye. Auntie Lin is here."
"Wuu…" Xiao Ye blinked her eyes and stared at the person in front of her for a moment. The pout that was clearly about to become a cry suddenly changed, the corners of her lips turning up into a smile.
"Auntie Lin?" she said in surprise.
"Mhm."
"Auntie Lin… Auntie Lin slept with Xiao Ye?"
"That's right. Didn't you ask Auntie to sleep with you last night?" Lin Yuqing's eyes curved into a smile as she ruffled her little head and gently placed her on the bed.
"Hee." Xiao Ye sat on the bed and gave a silly grin, but her expression suddenly changed.
The smile vanished in an instant!
"What's wrong?" Lin Yuqing frowned.
Xiao Ye pressed her lips together and looked from side to side. "Mama, where's Mommy?"
"Hmm?"
"Mommy, I want Mommy, where's Mommy?" Xiao Ye grew anxious, her voice trembling on the verge of tears. "Mommy…"
Lin Yuqing immediately stood up. "Xiao Ye, be good, don't cry yet. Auntie will go find Mommy for you." After comforting her, she had just reached the door when it opened on its own.
Seeing who it was, Lin Yuqing let out a visible sigh of relief. "Sister Lan, Xiao Ye is looking for you."
"Mommy!" The little one's face lit up as if she'd seen her savior, and she held out her arms to Bai Yilan.
Being needed so desperately by the little one in front of Lin Yuqing, Bai Yilan felt a great sense of gratification. She walked to the bed and picked up the Little Milk Bun. "Mommy's here. Did you miss Mommy? Mommy's kisses."
"Wuuu, Mommy, Xiao Ye can't hold it anymore…" the little one said, looking at her with teary eyes.
Bai Yilan paused, then understood in a second. She immediately scooped up the little one and rushed to the bathroom.
Lin Yuqing stared at the closed bathroom door and finally realized what had happened. The little one had needed to go to the bathroom but was too embarrassed to ask her for help.
As Lin Yuqing was smiling about this, her body suddenly shivered for no reason. Sensing an unfriendly gaze, she turned her head to see Gu Xinran staring straight at her.
"Uh, um… you guys were playing so late last night, so I put Xiao Ye to bed first. I wasn't comfortable leaving her alone, so I stayed with her for a bit and ended up falling asleep myself," she quickly explained.
Gu Xinran squinted, making Lin Yuqing feel uneasy all over.
A short while later, Yilan came out holding Xiao Ye. Having taken care of her business, the little one was completely relaxed, her little brow unfurrowed.
"Mama~ Auntie Lin~"
Gu Xinran walked over and hugged the Little Milk Bun, nuzzling her cheek and showering her with kisses. "Good morning, Xiao Ye. Did you sleep well yesterday?"
"Yes~ Auntie Lin held Xiao Ye, so Xiao Ye slept very peacefully~"
Gu Xinran felt helpless and sighed inwardly. A daughter's heart really does fly away so easily.
It was nearly noon before the crew members gradually woke up. After lunch, they began to pack their luggage and equipment, preparing to leave.
Xiao Ye sat obediently in the courtyard, watching everyone carry their luggage to the bus. Her little brow was slightly furrowed, as if she, too, sensed that the time for parting had come.
"Xiao Ye, what are you doing sitting here?" Jin Shuang asked with a smile as she passed by.
"Xiao Ye wants to look at this place one more time," Xiao Ye answered very seriously, like a little adult.
"Eh?" Jin Shuang was taken aback. "Is Xiao Ye sad to leave?" She patted her little head.
"Mhm."
Jin Shuang chuckled softly.
"Is everything packed?" Bai Yilan asked.
"All done. I've checked everything, nothing was left behind," Jin Shuang replied.
"Good, then everyone get on the bus. Xiao Ye, let's go." Bai Yilan beckoned to Xiao Ye.
Xiao Ye hopped off the small stool and walked over to Bai Yilan, who picked her up and headed toward their car.
"Mommy, Xiao Ye wants to ride in the same car as Auntie Lin."
"You can't, sweetie. We're not going the same way. We're going straight to Grandma's house," Bai Yilan explained patiently.
"But Xiao Ye hasn't said goodnight to Auntie Lin today."
"Eh? It's still daytime," Bai Yilan chuckled, placing the little one in her car seat and fastening the seatbelt.
Gu Xinran went to check the bus one last time, making absolutely sure no one was left behind before returning to the car.
"What's wrong, Little Milk Bun? You're pouting so much I could hang a bottle from your lip," Gu Xinran said with a light laugh, brushing her lips against Xiao Ye's.
"She wants to go on the bus to find Xiao Qing. I said no, so now she's having a little tantrum with me," Bai Yilan said helplessly.
"Oh? Xiao Ye? You have a temper now?" Gu Xinran raised an eyebrow.
Xiao Ye's lip trembled, and she lowered her head, peeking up at her mother.
"Xiao Ye? Did you forget our family rules after just one trip? Has Mama been spoiling you too much?" Gu Xinran put on a stern face.
"Hmm?" She tapped the back of the little one's hand. "Tell Mama."
"Mmph. In our family, Mommy is the heaven, Mommy is the boss. We have to dote on Mommy, we can't make Mommy angry, and we can't be angry at Mommy…" Xiao Ye whispered, sounding a little wronged.
"So what are you doing right now?" Gu Xinran continued to ask.
Xiao Ye wiggled her little feet nervously.
Gu Xinran unbuckled her seatbelt. "You know what you should do."
Xiao Ye made a small sound, climbed out of her seat, and crawled into the front, clambering onto Bai Yilan's lap. "Mommy, Xiao Ye was wrong. I shouldn't have been angry at Mommy." After speaking, she tilted her head up and planted a loud kiss on Yilan's cheek. "Mommy, please don't be angry at Xiao Ye, okay?"
Bai Yilan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She pinched Xiao Ye's little ear. "Mmm~ Mommy's not angry. Xiao Ye, go back and sit properly. We haven't seen Grandma and Grandmother in a long time, don't you miss them? Didn't you also make a bracelet for Grandma?"
"Oh! Right, the one I made with Auntie Lin, for Grandma and Grandmother! Mommy, let's drive! Xiao Ye wants to see Grandma soon, Xiao Ye misses Grandma~"
"Alright~" Bai Yilan placed the little one in the back seat and watched as Gu Xinran buckled her into her car seat before starting the car.
Gu Xinran secretly glanced at the little one, feeling a sense of gratification. This kid really did remember the 'family rules' by heart.
The journey back to the city was a bit dull. The little one was drowsy and slept all the way home.
"Xiao Ye? We're home," Gu Xinran said, waking the little one up. She helped her get dressed and waited for her to become fully awake before carrying her out of the car.
The three of them entered the elevator, and Xiao Ye let out a big yawn.
When they reached their front door, it opened from the inside before they could even unlock it.
Ye Nan's face lit up with a smile the moment she saw them. She immediately swept the Little Milk Bun into her arms and gave her a fierce kiss.
"Did Xiao Ye miss Grandmother?"
"I did! So, so much! I missed Grandmother and Grandma!" Xiao Ye wrapped her arms around Ye Nan's neck, nuzzling her and acting cute.
"You're back?" Shi Qing's voice came from inside the house.
Bai Yilan changed her shoes and walked in just in time to see Shi Qing coming out. "Mom, we're back."
"Good." Shi Qing looked her up and down and nodded, her eyes filled with endless gentleness.
"Grandma!" Xiao Ye shouted, running over with pattering steps and leaping into Shi Qing's arms. Shi Qing caught the little meatball and bounced her. "Mmm, Xiao Ye has gotten heavier again."
Xiao Ye giggled. "Did you miss Xiao Ye, Grandma?"
"Of course I did. I think about my Little Milk Bun every day." Shi Qing carried the little one around the house, unwilling to let go for even a moment. The grandmother and granddaughter chatted happily.
Ye Nan had Gu Xinran and Bai Yilan sit down and asked about their trip. She was delighted to hear that everything had gone smoothly. Then, she bustled off to the kitchen to cook their favorite dishes.
Bai Yilan went to her room to take a bath and unwind. Gu Xinran sat in a chair, scrolling through her phone. She had been so busy with filming that she hadn't paid much attention to the news. After a quick look, she saw nothing too urgent, then sent a text to Qu Qi to let her know she was back.
During dinner, Xiao Ye chattered nonstop to Shi Qing and Ye Nan about how wonderful her Auntie Lin was and how amazing her dancing was, leaving the two of them stunned.
Was this little one a bit too fond of this auntie?
"Oh, right! Auntie Lin also taught Xiao Ye how to make bracelets, and Xiao Ye made one for Grandma and Grandmother!" At the mention of this, the little one's eyes lit up. Forgetting all about her food, she put down her spoon, climbed out of her chair, ran to the sofa to grab her little backpack, and began rummaging through it.
Shi Qing and Ye Nan exchanged a glance, then watched the little one with expectant faces.
A moment later, Xiao Ye found the bracelets and ran back excitedly, holding them up for the two to see.
"Did Xiao Ye make these herself?" Ye Nan asked, delighted.
"Yes!"
After showing them off, the little one helped both of them put the bracelets on.
"Thank you, Xiao Ye~"
The two of them treasured the gifts as if they were precious jewels.
After dinner, Xiao Ye accompanied her Grandma for a walk in the yard, telling her many stories about what happened in the mountains. Although her narration was still a bit jumbled and not very clear, Shi Qing was still very happy to listen.
In the bedroom, Bai Yilan was lying on the bed while Gu Xinran gave her a full-body massage to help her relax. She had worked so hard recently.
"I'll oversee the post-production editing. You should rest at home for a few days," Gu Xinran said, her heart aching for her.
"Mmm." Bai Yilan nodded, her eyes closed. The massage was so comfortable that she was already feeling drowsy.
"Where's Xiao Ye? Hasn't she come back yet?"
Hearing this, Gu Xinran looked up at the wall clock. It was almost ten. Logically, she should have been back from her walk long ago.
"I'll go see." Gu Xinran got up, threw on a piece of clothing, and headed out of the room. As soon as she opened the door, she froze. Xiao Ye was sitting cross-legged on the sofa by herself, her chin propped in one hand, staring blankly into space.
Curious, Gu Xinran walked over and sat down beside Xiao Ye.
"What's wrong, Little Milk Bun?"
"Mama, Xiao Ye misses the aunties."
"Hmm?" Gu Xinran suddenly understood. At this time yesterday, the little one was having a blast with that group of aunties around the bonfire. Today, she was sitting at home in the quiet. Thinking about it, Xiao Ye had spent every day with the crew and had become one of them. To be separated so suddenly must have been upsetting for her.
Gu Xinran picked her up. "Does Xiao Ye like the atmosphere on set?"
"Huh?"
"Mmm… do you like being with the aunties?" Gu Xinran rephrased the question.
"Yes, I like it a lot."
"Then, next time Mommy is filming, I'll take Xiao Ye to the set again, okay?"
"Can I see the aunties again?"
"Of course you can."
"Okay!"
"But Mama, Xiao Ye still misses the aunties right now. Xiao Ye wants to talk to the aunties," Xiao Ye said with a frown.
Gu Xinran thought for a moment, then went back to the bedroom to get her phone. She fiddled with it and opened their WeChat group chat. "If Xiao Ye wants to say something to the aunties, just press and hold here, then you can talk." Gu Xinran taught her how to use the voice message function.
Xiao Ye memorized it carefully. She touched the screen with her little finger and tentatively spoke, "Auntie Jin Shuang, can you hear Xiao Ye?"
Gu Xinran watched her with a smile in her eyes.
After this trip, Xiao Ye's personality had clearly become much more cheerful. She wasn't as shy around people anymore and would even take the initiative to make friends, even if her friends were all auntie-level.
A short while later, a message popped up in the chat. Xiao Ye turned to look at Gu Xinran, who helped her tap on it. Jin Shuang's voice came through.
"Aiya, Little Milk Bun, do you miss Auntie?"
Xiao Ye's eyes lit up. She found it very interesting. She nodded and pressed the screen. "I do!"
The message had just been sent when Jin Shuang replied instantly, "Why isn't my Little Milk Bun asleep yet? Is it because you miss Auntie so much you can't sleep?"
Following that, a text message appeared.
【Lin Yuqing: How vain.】
"Mama, what's this?" Xiao Ye pointed at the line of text.
Gu Xinran chuckled, sensing the jealousy even through the screen. "That's a message from your Auntie Lin."
"Auntie Lin?" Xiao Ye's face lit up with surprise. She stared at the two characters for a long time, then suddenly broke into a wide, adorable smile.
Gu Xinran was confused. "Xiao Ye? What are you smiling about?"
"Auntie Lin said she misses me~"
"Where did she say that??" Gu Xinran leaned over and looked for a long time. Other than 【How vain】, Lin Yuqing hadn't said anything else.
Xiao Ye pointed at the two characters. "Look! Auntie Lin said it!"
"…Baby, even if you can't read the words, you should be able to count them, right?" Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry. That was quite a forced interpretation.
Xiao Ye scratched her forehead. "It's not? Oh, I know!"
Her tiny finger pointed at the screen as she said, one character at a time, "This is 'Xiao, Ye,' right?" She looked at Gu Xinran expectantly.
"…" Gu Xinran's eyelid twitched slightly. It was not!
Seeing Gu Xinran's strange reaction, Xiao Ye pressed her lips together, seeming a little dejected. "Mama, you should go take a bath."
"Huh?"
"Go take a bath."
Gu Xinran raised an eyebrow, seeing right through her little scheme. The last time they were recording the show, the little one had used the same trick to get rid of her so she could flirt with Lin Yuqing.
"No," she refused flatly.
Xiao Ye looked at her for a moment and sighed.
"Alright, I know what you're thinking." Lin Yuqing smiled and ruffled her little head, then opened her private chat with Lin Yuqing.
"Don't you want to say goodnight to your Auntie Lin? Go ahead."
Xiao Ye's eyes lit up, and she gave her a grin. Her small hand tapped the screen. 【Auntie Lin! Can you hear Xiao Ye?】
A reply came a moment later.
【I can hear you.】 It was Lin Yuqing's voice.
The little one looked at Gu Xinran in delight.
【Has Auntie Lin eaten?】
【I have. It's very late, why isn't Xiao Ye asleep yet?】
【Mmm, Xiao Ye wanted to talk to Auntie Lin for a bit.】
"Alright, don't talk too much. Just say goodnight and that's it," Gu Xinran said, ruffling her little head.
"Mmph, okay." Xiao Ye was a little reluctant, but she compromised obediently.
She pressed the screen. 【Goodnight, Auntie Lin!】
After thinking for a moment, she added another message. 【Xiao Ye misses you so much. Do you miss Xiao Ye?】
After sending it, she pressed the screen again. 【Auntie Lin, you have to dream about Xiao Ye!】
Gu Xinran saw her little paw about to press the screen again and snatched the phone away first.
"Ah! Mama!"
"We agreed on just one goodnight. How many have you sent?"
"Just one more, just one more is fine, Mama! Please, just one!" Xiao Ye begged, holding up one finger with both hands. Gu Xinran was completely at her mercy. She handed the phone back. "Last one."
"Mhm, mhm!"
Xiao Ye took a deep breath, her expression extremely serious. She pressed the screen and, aiming at the phone, said, 【Mwah~】
She released her finger as soon as she made the kissing sound, and Gu Xinran watched the message send.
"Hey! Gu Baiye, who did you learn that from!" Gu Xinran was about to retract the message when she suddenly felt something was wrong. This chat window…? All of Xiao Ye's previous messages were gone.
She glanced at the top left corner, and her vision blurred. She frantically picked up the phone. When she had snatched it away earlier, she must have accidentally touched the screen. The little one's message hadn't been sent to Lin Yuqing at all. It had been sent to…
Before Gu Xinran could press the retract button, a voice message came back from the other person.
Her expression stiffened slightly as she braced herself and tapped the message.
【It's the middle of the night and you're not sleeping. What's with the 'mwah'? You got too much time on your hands?】
Yu Hua's slightly grumpy voice came from the phone.
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