After Ethan left, I sent a text message to the old man, asking to meet him. It took him nearly five minutes to read it, and he didn’t reply immediately. Perhaps he couldn’t believe I’d reached out to him on my own, given that this was probably the first time in about five years. Even before Neil left, I rarely contacted him unless he reached out to me first. When he finally replied with “tomorrow morning,” I returned to my post, which I hadn’t attended to for two days, to handle some important work, and I didn't finish until nearly evening.I went to the leisure area to find Neil. He was browsing through movies, seemingly looking for something to watch. I wrapped my arms around him from behind, startling him. But unlike before, he didn’t tense up; he relaxed into my embrace when he realized it was me and continued searching for a movie. Seeing his attention entirely on the screen, I playfully pretended to be jealous, gently grazing his neck with my teeth, making him squirm from the ti

In the car, I began to remind Neil of the things he needed to pay attention to at the music festival. Given Neil's description of its popularity, surely it was bound to be packed with people."Do you remember what I told you?" I asked, brushing his nape to draw his attention back from the passing scenery outside the car window."I remember," he replied."Repeat it for me.""First, keep your phone with you and pay attention to calls and messages; second, don't wander off and stay close to Ryan; third, if we get separated, stay where you are and wait for Ryan to come back.""Good, are you excited?""Very much, Ryan. This is actually my first time attending such a large event, and I'm a bit nervous.""There's nothing to be nervous about. You're not the one performing.""Haha, true. Thank you, Ryan. I never dreamed I'd have the chance to go to a music festival."It was amazing how something so small could make him so happy. I wondered whether he was just easily contented or if such experi

As soon as the manager came in, I asked him to bring enough food for five people. Given that we were VIPs in a private room, he didn't think much of it and went out, perhaps accustomed to the wasteful habits of the rude and wild guests. After all, in a five-star hotel, service was paramount. However, my action drew disdain from Neil's god brother, who seemed to think I was trying to take advantage.He quickly realized he was mistaken. Neil began indulging in the food with an insatiable appetite. This time, the buffet offered a different style of cuisine, heightening his curiosity and excitement about the flavors to an unprecedented level. I just tasted a few bites before reverting to my usual paternal mode. During this time, Neil noticed Harry's gaze fixed on the him, this amazing baby. He became shy, lowered his head, and glanced at me surreptitiously. Amused by his expression, I patted his neck and signaled him to keep eating."Enjoy your food, eat to your heart's content, and don't

Five minutes before the agreed-upon time, I was hurriedly putting on layers of clothes, one after another, while carrying a bundle of bags. Once everything was on, I hoisted Neil into my arms and headed out. As I arrived at the hotel lobby, there was Harry, already waiting. He saw me laden with bags and, instead of offering to help, started spouting nonsense, comparing me to that pervert Roy."Why isn’t he awake yet? Don’t tell me you tortured him till this morning," he said."What nonsense. This little darling isn’t a morning person. I couldn’t bear to wake him up early, so I didn’t tell him the time. What, you got a problem with my baby?" I retorted."Of course not, here, let me," Harry said, his demeanor shifting completely upon hearing my explanation. He reached out to take Neil from my arms, but I swiftly turned to avoid his hands. As if I'd let anyone take Neil from me. The only thing Harry could do to help was carry the bags—just the bags, nothing more. Neil was not included in

Neil and I stayed an extra day at that place before leaving. We made sure to fly to the city hosting the Harry’s Music Festival before nightfall, so we could spend the night there. I didn't want Neil to have to wake up early and rush to fly on the day of the festival, as he might be exhausted by the time the evening festivities began. Arriving a night early gave us the chance to explore the local food street, filling Neil's stomach before heading back to the hotel to rest.After I finished my shower, I found that little guy sitting by the coffee table in the living room, busy with something. He wasn't sitting on the sofa behind or beside him but had wedged himself between the couch and the table, sitting on the floor. Being curious, I walked over to see what he was up to. It turned out he was looking at some small photographs Robert had given him—some of the best shots from a photo session we had at a studio.I stepped over the sofa and sat down on the floor next to him, scooting clos