"I'm hugging you not because the child wants to win, but just because I want to hug you more. Ranran, it's been so long since we've hugged like this. I really, really miss you."
Xia Ran was taken aback by Gu Zheng's words and stared at him speechlessly. Their eye contact was captured by the teachers in charge of taking pictures, drawing envious and amazed reactions.
Chapter 375 Sweetness
And these sounds were quite loud; Xia Ran heard them all.
"Those two are so good-looking, such a perfect match, and their stamina is amazing! I'm so envious. Unlike my partner, who can't even last three minutes. It's so frustrating to compare yourself to someone else!"
"That's right. My husband is all looks and no substance. Look at other people's husbands, they're good-looking, strong, gentle and considerate. Look how sweet their eyes are when they look at each other."
"Yes, I heard from my husband that this child isn't his biological child. You know what's going on with the Gu family's children, but they seem to have a very good relationship."
"Everyone says that the kindness of raising someone is greater than the kindness of giving birth to them. So what does it matter whether they are biologically related or not? As long as they have a good relationship, that's all that matters."
"That's right..."
Some of the people here know Gu Zheng, so they know more or less about the Gu family's affairs.
Xia Ran was both amused and annoyed by their conversation, and their eyes were filled with tenderness as they looked at each other.
It's ridiculous. He's too busy avoiding Gu Zheng to possibly have any feelings for him.
To avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings, Xia Ran immediately looked away and said in a low voice,
"Let go of me right now, or don't blame me for getting down myself. It's not my problem if people laugh at us!"
He had no choice but to do it earlier in order to win, but now that he can win, he can't bear to be hugged by Gu Zheng again.
Gu Zheng didn't want to let go, after all, this was a rare opportunity. But looking at Xia Ran's expression, he knew that if he didn't release her, Xia Ran would really get angry.
So Gu Zheng could only regretfully put her down. The moment she was put down, Xia Ran subconsciously took a step back to get away from Gu Zheng.
Fortunately, the host had already started announcing their scores, so Xia Ran's actions were not noticed.
Xia Ran walked down without even glancing at Gu Zheng, a fake smile on her face that only became real when Gu Chen pounced on her.
"Little Daddy! You're amazing! You actually got first place!"
Hearing the child's admiring praise, Xia Ran felt a little uncomfortable.
In the end, this game has nothing to do with him. It's all because Gu Zheng has good stamina. He's just a tool.
But... when faced with the child's gaze, he could only hide it with a smile.
"Xia Ran, that's great! I didn't realize your husband had such good stamina." He Hao teased Xia Ran with a smile.
He could see it all just now; Gu Zheng clearly didn't want to let go of Xia Ran, it was Xia Ran who insisted on coming down.
Faced with He Hao's teasing, Xia Ran could only laugh awkwardly to cover up her discomfort.
The prize for this event is a pair of platinum rings, and they are clearly men's rings.
Xia Ran was a little puzzled when she held it in her hand. How did the people in the kindergarten know that the winners were the couple?
And...isn't this supposed to be a parent-child activity? Why would they prepare something like this? This has absolutely nothing to do with the children!
Although he was puzzled, Xia Ran still accepted the offer. After all, this was a kindergarten, and if he said anything more, he would definitely be criticized.
Xia Ran originally thought that after this event, she should prepare to go back, since the teacher had said that this was the last event.
But to my surprise, there were still activities going on.
"Congratulations to our little Gu Chen and his dads today! They won two first places. And during the competition, we could see how loving Gu Chen's two dads are. So, how about we have our little Gu Chen and his older dad perform a special love-themed show for his younger dad?"
Upon hearing the host's words, Xia Ran froze, but Gu Chen, standing in front of him, immediately brightened up.
"Little Daddy, would you like to see me put on a show for you?"
Faced with the child's expectant gaze, Xia Ran couldn't say she didn't want to.
Just as Xia Ran hesitated, Gu Zheng beside her agreed without hesitation.
"Since the teacher has said so, my child and I will accept it. My child's father has been working hard lately, and I wonder if the kindergarten has a piano? My child and I will play a piano piece."
Xia Ran: "No..."
"Great! Daddy, you haven't heard me play the piano lately, have you? I've been playing it better and better lately!"
Gu Chen grabbed Xia Ran's clothes, successfully silencing her from saying what she was about to say.
"Alright, then let's wait and enjoy Gu Chen and his great-father's performance! Everyone, give them a round of applause!"
As the host finished speaking, everyone spontaneously applauded, which was like putting Xia Ran on the hot seat, forcing her to nod and smile awkwardly.
"Little Daddy, Little Daddy, sit down here and let Big Daddy and I play the piano for you. My piano is really good now!"
"Okay, I believe in Xiao Chen, so Xiao Chen must do his best!"
What else could Xia Ran do but encourage Gu Chen?
A smile curved Gu Zheng's lips as he led Gu Chen upstairs after the staff brought the piano up.
He Hao had somehow gotten close to Xia Ran again, grinning as he spoke.
"Xia Ran, I never knew President Gu was such a romantic person. People in the industry used to say he was a perpetual iceberg, with a perpetually expressionless face, always looking grumpy, like someone owed him millions."
Hearing He Hao's words, Xia Ran couldn't explain and could only nod awkwardly.
"Fortunately, he probably had no choice. After all, the teacher said so, and he couldn't refuse, could he?"
Upon hearing this, He Hao felt even more strongly that there was a problem in the relationship between Xia Ran and Gu Zheng, but he couldn't ask, so he could only go along with what they were saying.
"How could that be? Gu Zheng's eyes are so tender when he looks at you, it's obvious that you two have a very good relationship."
Xia Ran was taken aback for a moment before replying, "Really?"
His eyes held a hint of confusion and sarcasm. He Hao was startled, not understanding why Xia Ran would look at him like that, but ultimately didn't ask any further questions.
"Oh my, your Gu Chen is really the son of my dreams. Not only is he good-looking, but he can do everything. Unlike my little fat boy, who only knows how to eat, drink and play all day long."
Gu Chen and Gu Zheng have now walked up to the stage and sat down at the piano. As they sat down, they both looked at Xia Ran at the same time.
Xia Ran slightly averted her gaze and answered He Hao's question.
“Your Xiaohao is so good. He’s so happy and lively every day. Look at Gu Chen, he’s like a little old man. He doesn’t like to talk or play with other children. I’m afraid he’ll never have any friends in the future.”
"That's easy. Just let Xiao Hao play with your son from now on. My son is a natural social butterfly and he'll definitely be able to liven up Gu Chen."
Hearing this, Xia Ran was also somewhat tempted. Indeed, someone like Gu Chen was lacking a playmate.
"Is this really okay? Won't it be too much trouble for Xiaohao?"
"How could it be troublesome? Can't you see how much my son likes your son? This is the first time I've ever seen him like a child like that."
Xia Ran recalled Feng Nianhao's reaction to Gu Chen and couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, Xia Ran, don't worry about anything else, hurry up and watch your husband and son's performance, it's about to start."
Upon hearing this, Xia Ran turned her gaze back to Gu Chen and Gu Zheng.
Upon seeing this, he was momentarily stunned.
Although it's already a winter afternoon, the sun is still out.
The father and son sat in front of the piano with their backs to the sunlight, wearing identical clothes, and both of their eyes were on Xia Ran.
This scene made Xia Ran feel an unprecedented sense of ease and disorientation.
It has to be said that even though Xia Ran hates Gu Zheng, she still has to admit that Gu Zheng's face is very attractive.
Especially when they were facing away from the sunlight, they looked like two angels. For a moment, Xia Ran had the illusion that things would have been better if they hadn't gotten divorced.
But the moment the piano music started, Xia Ran snapped out of her daze and erased the thought.
Has he gone mad? Has he not been hurt enough? He's still thinking about not getting a divorce, it's ridiculous.
The piano playing of Gu Zheng and Gu Chen was surprisingly harmonious, especially with Gu Zheng's handsome face; even those who were married couldn't help but be captivated.
Moreover, not only are these two good-looking people, but they also play the piano beautifully.
The piano piece is the very common "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," but the way Gu Zheng and Gu Chen played it gave it a sophisticated feel.
Moreover, Xia Ran was very proud of Gu Chen. Who would have thought that he didn't know the child a year ago? Even after he met the child, the child was very shy, withdrawn, and didn't like to talk.
But now, in such a short time, he has become so outstanding. Xia Ran truly felt the pride that comes with being a father.
"Xia Ran, I really envy you. Your son is something I envy."
Hearing He Hao's exclamation beside her, Xia Ran couldn't help but smile and said,
“I never expected my child’s piano skills to improve so suddenly; it surprised me quite a bit.”
As soon as Xia Ran finished speaking, a song accompanied by piano music began to play in her ears.
The song is also about twinkling stars, but it sounds strangely different when sung by Gu Zheng.
In Xia Ran's memory, "The Little Star" had always been a children's song, but now Gu Zheng had managed to make it sound like a love song.
In particular, the fact that he kept gazing affectionately at Xia Ran while singing inadvertently stirred up a wave of envy and jealousy in Xia Ran.
Xia Ran and Gu Zheng's eyes met in mid-air. Xia Ran was startled and then looked away.
"Wow!" He Hao couldn't help but exclaim, "Xia Ran, is Gu Zheng confessing his love to you?! This is so romantic! I'm so envious!"
Feng Nianhao, who was standing next to He Hao, also let out a cry of surprise.
"I also think Gu Chen plays the piano so well, and sings so well too, she's really amazing! I want to be good friends with Gu Chen forever!"
Xia Ran couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"You two, father and son, are really so alike; you even say the same things."
At the same time, he couldn't help but feel a little proud; he hadn't expected that Gu Chen would also sing a part of the song.
The contrast between the mature and the innocent voices captivated Xia Ran, drawing her into the song.
After the song ended, everyone, including Xia Ran, couldn't help but be immersed in the lingering charm.
"This is absolutely fantastic!" the host exclaimed, praising the piece immediately. "I wonder if this piece was prepared in advance or impromptu? Was it played especially for Gu Chen's father?"
Gu Zheng led Gu Chen in performing the proper greetings before answering the host's question.
"Yes, it's for Xiao Chen's dad. I prepared this piece a long time ago. I originally wanted to find a special time to play it for him, but I didn't expect to have the opportunity today."
"Finally, I hope he likes it. I owe him too much because of work and other reasons in the past. This is a small way to make up for it. In the future, my son and I will try our best to make it up to him."