TMDP CH 31

Chapter 31: Everything Is Heading in a Positive Direction

Xia Ye stepped out of the car, bid farewell to Uncle Junze, and walked back into the house, his heart still fluttering with excitement. He was really going abroad to study. How long had it been since he dared to dream about this? A chance that had once been so close, only to slip away, was now firmly back in his grasp.

He wasn’t sure if accepting the Han family’s support was the right choice, but life didn’t often hand out opportunities for a redo. He had to take this leap of faith.

After all, he had nothing left to lose.

Besides, as Uncle Junze had assured him, this time, he wouldn’t lose again. He was going to reclaim what was rightfully his: a degree, his health, and a future filled with happiness.

A small smile tugged at the corners of Xia Ye’s lips as a sense of relief washed over him. He picked up the paternity test report Han Mingxiu had left on the living room table and, one page at a time, tore it to shreds. All the pain and indignities he’d endured were finally about to be left behind.

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The next morning, Xia Li woke up to find himself back in his cartoon-themed forest bedroom. His bed was crowded with a big dinosaur plushie—and a Korean uncle whose face and eyes were inexplicably swollen. Xia Li froze, then burst into frightened tears.

Han Mingxiu, startled awake by the crying, scrambled to soothe the little boy. He explained that Xia Ye had some last-minute work and had sent Xia Li over early, promising that they’d video call later in the evening. After much coaxing, Xia Li finally calmed down. Han Mingxiu got him ready for the day and took him downstairs for breakfast.

The moment they reached the living room, Xia Li spotted a small white dog jumping around excitedly. His face lit up as he ran toward it, shouting, “Big dog! I missed you! Did you miss me?” His childish words were a little muddled, but the adults understood perfectly.

Han Mingxiu’s mother, Mrs. Han, pretended to be heartbroken. “Grandma missed you so much, but does Xia Li miss Grandma?”

Xia Li hesitated for a moment, then shyly stopped playing with the dog to greet his grandparents with a polite “Good morning.” Then, in a sweet voice, he added, “I do! Xia Li missed Grandpa and Grandma!” Spotting Grandpa Gao and Aunt Juan coming out of the kitchen with breakfast, he cheerfully added, “Missed you too!” pointing his tiny fingers at them one by one.

The two were overjoyed, quickly coming over to greet him and praising what a good boy he was while patting his chubby cheeks.

“And what about me?” Han Mingxiu leaned in, asking with a teasing smile.

Xia Li, still hugging the dog, ignored him completely.

“I might be really busy at work today, so I’m not sure if I can make it back in time tonight. Can you help Xia Li video call his dad?” Han Mingxiu glanced at his watch, looking genuinely troubled.

“Uncle Han, Xia Li… misses you too.” Xia Li’s sweet, childish voice had a slight pouty tone, the last word dragging low as if reluctant.

Everyone laughed, and Han Mingxiu reached out to ruffle Xia Li’s hair, sighing helplessly. “I’ll make sure to hurry back.”

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Han Mingxiu left for work, entrusting Xia Li to a house full of delighted elders, all thrilled by the addition of their lively new family member.

True to his word, Han Mingxiu returned home promptly in the evening, carrying a new tablet for Xia Li. Besides installing communication apps, he had also sought advice from coworkers with young children and downloaded a few educational games suitable for Xia Li. After dinner, they played a couple of games together.

Mindful of his secretary’s advice, Han Mingxiu ensured Xia Li didn’t play for too long. He even installed an eye-protection app on the tablet, which automatically paused gameplay every fifteen minutes, forcing the device to “rest” for half an hour.

At first, Xia Li threw a tantrum, insisting on playing more. But when the tablet refused to turn back on, he panicked, thinking he’d broken Uncle Han’s new toy. Han Mingxiu quickly reassured him, explaining that the tablet was simply “resting” to conserve energy for the video call with his dad later. Only then did Xia Li reluctantly let the device “sleep.”

Reviewing Xia Ye’s notes on Xia Li’s daily routine, Han Mingxiu saw that Xia Li usually began his bedtime preparations at 8:00 PM and was expected to be in bed by 8:30 PM at the latest. Accordingly, he sent Xia Ye a text asking if he was available for a video call with Xia Li at 8:00 PM. He promised to have Xia Li ready and ensure the call ended in time for his bedtime. Xia Ye’s reply was brief: Okay.

At 8:00 PM, Han Mingxiu initiated the video call and handed the tablet to Xia Li, who sat eagerly on the bed. The moment Xia Li saw his dad’s face on the screen, he squealed with delight, chattering non-stop. He complained about Xia Ye leaving without saying goodbye, then excitedly shared that the little white dog still remembered him.

Han Mingxiu leaned against the wall, keeping out of sight behind the tablet, listening quietly as the father and son caught up.

Respecting the boundaries Xia Ye had set, Han Mingxiu remained as unobtrusive as possible. Even their text exchanges had become strictly professional, limited to arranging schedules for the two “Directors Xia.” His heart felt both hollow and full. Despite the mistakes he’d made, being able to preserve this fragile balance was already the best outcome he could hope for.

After twenty minutes, Xia Ye gently told Xia Li it was time to say goodnight. Xia Li’s lips quivered, on the verge of tears. Han Mingxiu stepped in to console him, first using the excuse that the tablet was running low on battery. Then, he explained that Xia Ye was exhausted from work, and if Xia Li didn’t let him rest, he might be too tired for tomorrow’s video call. This coaxed Xia Li into reluctantly saying goodnight to his dad.

Han Mingxiu took the tablet, nodded at Xia Ye on the screen, and said goodnight as well before ending the call.

Xia Ye was surprised by Han Mingxiu’s behavior. Just a day ago, his clinginess and overreach had been frustrating to the point of exhaustion. But now, his calm and decisive attitude seemed to suggest that he had truly taken Xia Ye’s words to heart. Xia Ye, who had been bracing himself for Han Mingxiu to use Xia Li as a pretext to get close to him again, found his wariness beginning to ease.

Perhaps things really were turning for the better.

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– End of chapter –

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