TMDP CH 26

Chapter 26: Is This What Heartbreak Sounds Like?

“Let’s go, then,” Xia Ye said, nodding as he stood up. He pointed to the suitcase in the corner. “That one’s mine. I’ll go get Xiao Li.”

Han Mingxiu was overjoyed, utterly at a loss for words. Xia Ye had already packed! He picked up the suitcase, hugging it to his chest, and foolishly tried to follow Xia Ye into the bedroom.

Xia Ye shot him an exasperated glare. “The suitcase has wheels. No need to carry it. Wait in the living room.”

Han Mingxiu quickly set the suitcase down and obediently stayed behind, waiting in the living room like a scolded child.

He was so thrilled he didn’t even notice Xia Ye’s hands trembling ever so slightly the entire time.

After a while, Xia Ye emerged, holding Xiao Li, who was wrapped snugly in a soft blanket. Without a word, he followed Han Mingxiu downstairs, settled into the car, and silently cradled Xiao Li as they drove to the Han family home.

Throughout the journey, Han Mingxiu was in an unusually cheerful mood. He’d already called ahead to let the family know Xia Ye and Xiao Li were coming back. He wanted to strike up a conversation with Xia Ye, but the latter kept his head lowered, intently watching the sleeping Xiao Li.

Xia Ye’s hands gently patted Xiao Li’s back in a rhythmic motion, and he softly hummed a lullaby.

Han Mingxiu dared not interrupt.

He was reminded of something he’d read recently in a parenting forum online. A new mother had painstakingly coaxed her baby to sleep, only for her husband to accidentally wake the baby with a loud, sudden fart. Furious, she vented about it online, dubbing him a “pig teammate.” The comments were full of people expressing their outrage on her behalf.

Han Mingxiu, fully conscious of the lesson, now wouldn’t even dare to breathe too loudly.

The car pulled up to the main entrance of the Han family estate. Head Steward Gao was already waiting at the door. When he saw Xia Ye holding Xiao Li, he instinctively stepped forward to offer assistance.

But Xia Ye took a step back, shaking his head. “I’ll carry him myself.”

Han Mingxiu climbed out of the car with the suitcase and asked Steward Gao to park the vehicle before leading Xia Ye inside.

In the living room, Han Mingxiu’s parents were waiting, their faces lighting up with joy at the sight of Xia Ye and Xiao Li.

However, their excitement quickly turned into concern. Xia Ye’s eyes were red as if he were about to cry, his expression utterly desolate.

A moment ago, Mingxiu had called home, his tone full of excitement, saying Xia Ye was bringing Xiao Li back. But now, looking at Xia Ye’s expression—like the sky was falling—there wasn’t a hint of joy about coming home.

Tang Xi glanced at her husband, her confusion written all over her face. Han Junze frowned deeply. Had their foolish son pressured Xia Ye again?

Xia Ye, struggling to hold back his emotions, bowed stiffly to the Han parents while carefully cradling Xiao Li. Lowering his voice so as not to disturb the child, he said, “Uncle, Aunt, may I put Xiao Li to bed first?”

Tang Xi quickly replied in a soft voice, “Of course, of course. The room is ready—it’s the same one as last time. Mingxiu, take Xia Ye upstairs.”

Blinded by happiness, Han Mingxiu completely missed Xia Ye’s unusual demeanor. Cheerfully, he led Xia Ye upstairs and watched as Xia Ye carefully laid Xiao Li onto the bed.

As Xiao Li was shifted, he stirred slightly, showing signs of waking. Xia Ye patiently patted his back and softly whispered soothing words. Xiao Li half-opened his eyes, caught sight of Xia Ye by his side, and peacefully turned over, clutching the blanket as he drifted back to sleep.

Xia Ye meticulously tucked the small blanket around Xiao Li, his movements tender and filled with love. He stroked Xiao Li’s soft, pale cheeks with a gentle hand. Then, after taking a deep breath with his eyes closed, he stood and turned to face Han Mingxiu.

Han Mingxiu, noticing something unusual, finally began to sense that something wasn’t right. Xia Ye was profoundly upset—not the kind of temporary anger that came from pride or playing hard to get. This was a deep, despairing sadness, a sorrow that felt final and irrevocable.

Xia Ye’s eyes were bloodshot, wet but stubbornly refusing to shed tears. His face was pale, and his voice trembled. He had to take several deep breaths before he could muster the strength to speak.

“I’m leaving Xiao Li in your care,” he said at last. “Please, treat him well.”

Han Mingxiu was stunned, staring at him in shock.

As soon as the words left Xia Ye’s mouth, the tears he’d been holding back finally spilled over.

In the quiet room, the sound of Xiao Li’s soft, adorable snores mingled with the pounding of Han Mingxiu’s heart.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

It sounded like the dull thud of a knife plunging into flesh, or the muted drip of blood hitting the floor.

Xia Ye, slightly dazed, thought to himself: Is this what heartbreak sounds like?

T/L: NOOOOO… THIS IS JUST TOO HEARTBREAKING T.T

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– End of chapter –

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