After receiving the prize, Gu Chen couldn't wait to take it out and look at it.
"Little Daddy and Big Daddy! Look! These are little bells! One for each of us! They're so cute, aren't they? Aren't they?"
Gu Chen happily asked "hello" several times, which made Xia Ran feel a little sad.
If a child has enough love and security from a young age, how could they be so moved by such a small thing?
"Yes, it looks beautiful, very beautiful. When Daddy gets back, I'll braid a red string for you to wear, okay?"
"Okay! But you have to do three: one for you, one for me, and one for Big Daddy!"
Xia Ran paused for a moment, then did not answer immediately.
He could write it for the children, or for himself, but... he didn't want to write it for Gu Zheng.
After hearing Gu Chen's words, Gu Zheng looked at Xia Ran with anticipation.
He also wanted the rope that Xia Ran had braided for him, so that he could make up for the longing when Xia Ran wasn't around.
"Little Daddy, Little Daddy, please promise me, okay? Didn't you say you wanted to braid ropes? Anyway, braiding one is the same as braiding three. I want to wear the same ones as you guys, okay, Little Daddy?"
Gu Chen knew that Xia Ran was soft-hearted towards him, so he immediately started using all sorts of coquettish tactics.
When Feng Nianhao, the chubby boy, saw Gu Chen like this for the first time, his eyes widened in surprise.
In the chubby boy's eyes, Gu Chen was a quiet and gentle fairy, so his sudden display of affection was quite shocking.
The children weren't the only ones shocked; Feng Ming and He Hao were also surprised. It was the first time they had seen Gu Chen like this, and they found it both astonishing and amusing.
However, Gu Chen didn't notice the attention of others; instead, he kept pleading with Xia Ran.
Xia Ran was a little troubled and also in a dilemma.
Seeing this, and looking at Gu Zheng's expectant eyes, He Hao couldn't help but say something.
"Xia Ran, why don't you agree to the child's request? It's not that difficult, is it? Besides, this prize is meant for the whole family. It would be so heartwarming to see you all wearing it together."
"Well, my family of three often likes to wear matching parent-child jewelry. I've bought a lot. When you come to my house in a couple of days, I'll show you. They're really nice."
Upon hearing this, Xia Ran's expression froze, and her smile became somewhat stiff.
"I……"
"Little Daddy, please take care of me, okay?"
On one side was the child's plea, on the other side were He Hao and the others' doubts, and Gu Zheng was watching him from the side, which put Xia Ran in a difficult position.
He moved his lips, but finally nodded in agreement.
"Okay, Daddy promises you, I'll make it for you when we get home. But you also have to promise Daddy you'll study hard, okay?"
"Okay, okay! Thank you, Daddy!"
Gu Chen nodded vigorously, a smile spreading across his face. He glanced at Gu Zheng beside him, their eyes revealing a knowing look.
Gu Zheng smiled, his mood was extremely good. His gaze fell on Xia Ran, and his eyes were filled with tenderness.
Xia Ran knew that Gu Zheng had been watching him, but he could only pretend he didn't see it.
He might have felt uncomfortable being stared at like that before, but now he's gotten used to it and gotten used to ignoring it.
The remaining parent-child activity soon began: each father carried his child in a race, and the fastest one won a prize.
This time, there are three small jade gourds, which are very small and look extremely delicate.
"Wow! Daddy, I love this!" Feng Nianhao, who was next to Gu Chen, immediately got excited when he saw the prize.
Hearing this, Gu Chen was somewhat surprised and turned to look at Feng Nianhao. After seeing the excited expression on Feng Nianhao's face, he silently looked away.
Do you like it that much?
"Okay, I'll try my best, but I'll only try. If it doesn't work, don't be sad. We can go buy it outside again, okay?"
"Yes, I know, Daddy. Don't worry, I won't be sad."
The chubby boy is an optimist; although he likes it, he doesn't force it.
He Hao rubbed the chubby boy's head and said,
"My son is so great! As a reward, you can have snail rice noodles tonight! To show your love, your dad will eat with you tonight too!"
"What? Really? Yay! Thank you, Daddy! Love you!"
The little fat boy's eyes lit up at the mention of food.
Feng Ming was really troubled by this scene. He glanced at his wife and felt even more helpless.
This snail rice noodle soup wasn't a reward for the child; it was clearly something he wanted to eat, something he usually forbids him from having. Today, he finally found a reason to enjoy it.
However, considering the circumstances of today, he decided to turn a blind eye.
Xia Ran felt a sense of warmth and longing when she looked at this family of three.
With such a good father, it's no wonder the little chubby boy is so optimistic and positive.
Xia Ran patted Gu Chen's head, hoping that Gu Chen would grow up to be as optimistic as the chubby boy.
The competition was in full swing, and soon it was Feng Ming's family's turn. Feng Ming was carrying the child on his back.
The harness is specially designed and very safe, and the track is also made of plastic, so you don't have to worry about getting hurt even if you fall.
After carrying the child on his back, Feng Ming bounced him up slightly and said very seriously,
"Xiao Hao, you really need to control your diet. If you keep getting this fat, your dad won't be able to carry you anymore."
"Hmph! I don't want to! Grandpa and Grandma said I'm still growing and can't not eat. Grandma also said that when I grow up and my body gets thinner, I'll naturally lose weight."
Feng Ming had no way to refute it, and the teacher who was acting as the referee had already made them prepare.
At the teacher's command, Feng Ming set off with the child on his back. He was fast and steady, unlike the other parents who were carrying their children before him, some of whom started off well but then slowed down and stumbled.
When the teacher sealed their names as they reached the finish line, he announced that this was the best result they had achieved so far.
Upon hearing this, Gu Chen immediately tugged at Gu Zheng's hand.
Gu Zheng bent down to listen to Gu Chen speak.
"Big Daddy, how about we give up first place this time? Let's let the little fat boy and his friends have it."
"Oh? Why?" Gu Zheng didn't immediately ask Gu Chen, but instead inquired about the reason first.
Xia Ran noticed the father and son whispering to each other, but he didn't ask, because there was no need to ask given his current relationship with Gu Zheng.
Upon hearing Gu Zheng's question, Gu Chen's face showed a hint of unease.
He deliberately kept a blank expression and said,
"Because the little fat boy likes it, and we already have a first place winner, let him have it, okay, Daddy?"
Gu Zheng was surprised and somewhat relieved that Gu Chen's reason was this.
"Okay, I promise you, I'll let them have first place."
Besides them, there were three other families remaining. Gu Zheng glanced at the remaining three households and also observed the physiques of the fathers.
With just one glance, Gu Zheng knew that these three people could not possibly surpass Feng Ming.
The only one left who can surpass Feng Ming is him, so if he deliberately slows down, then the championship will belong to Feng Ming.
Since the child has this idea, he is naturally happy to cooperate.
Feng Ming quickly returned to their side with the child, and Feng Nianhao rushed towards Gu Chen as soon as he arrived.
"Wow, Gu Chen, did you hear that? The teacher said we're the fastest right now, which means we have a chance to win."
Gu Chen steadied himself; he had almost been tackled by Feng Nianhao.
"You will definitely win, and the championship will definitely be yours."
"Huh? Really? How did you know?"
"I just know that as long as you trust me, that's enough," Gu Chen said coolly.
The adults watched the two little kids talking without interrupting, but in the end, He Hao stepped forward and grabbed Feng Nianhao by the collar.
"Alright, Xiaohao, come here. It's Xiaochen and the others' turn to compete. Let's not disturb them. Let's wait until they come back."
"Okay, okay." Feng Nianhao nodded vigorously. "Then, Gu Chen, you have to do your best!"
Gu Chen hummed in agreement, but felt a little strange inside.
Isn't this chubby kid going to win? Why are we cheering for him? It's really strange.
Soon, Gu Chen was carried on Gu Zheng's back. This was the first time Gu Chen had been carried like this, which made Gu Chen feel a little strange, but also quite happy.
Xia Ran, somewhat worried, checked the straps and accidentally walked into Gu Zheng's arms.
Chapter 373 Life is a High-Stakes Gamble
Xia Ran's actions made Gu Zheng's heart flutter, and he immediately put his arm around Xia Ran's waist.
"Ranran..." Gu Zheng called out to Xia Ran with affection and tenderness. The feeling of holding Xia Ran in his arms again after so long was so wonderful that he didn't want to let go and just wanted time to stand still.
"What are you doing!" Xia Ran reacted quickly and struggled, "Let go of me right now."
Holding Xia Ran in his arms, Gu Zheng could feel a slight tremor in her body.
For a moment, Gu Zheng was stunned, but he quickly let go of Xia Ran.
"I'm sorry, Xia Ran."
He called out Xia Ran, not Ran Ran.
Xia Ran was stunned, and realized that Gu Zheng had already let go of him and walked to the starting line.
Xia Ran watched Gu Zheng's retreating figure, his feelings extremely complicated. The tone of his apology just now was something he had never heard before.
he……
Gu Zheng quickly started running with the child on his back. It was a very short distance, but Xia Ran felt that time was passing very slowly.
Gu Zheng... seems to be really different now.
But no matter how different he is, it seems he's no longer the Gu Zheng he used to know.
A cool breeze blew by, and Xia Ran shivered, her mind instantly clearing.