What took Shen Yi’s attention the most was her big, round brown eyes that stared at him as if it could see through his soul. Her eyes spoke of a beautiful soul filled with the innocence of the world around her.

Her hair was as if waves of pure earth, softly reflecting the light above them; each strand moving freely in as she tilted her head, a compliment to her stillness. With eyes as clear as the river waters in glossy serenity, her aura seeped like the summer air between them.

At that moment—in that fraction of time, her smile was alluring; and the young Shen Yi felt that he had found his home.

“Who are you?” the girl asked, blinking as she waited for the older kid to speak; but he didn’t. “Why are you staring at me?” was her next question when the boy didn’t respond.

Shen Jinxiu and Sun Meixiu fell silent. None of them dared to utter a word. They were curious to see if Little Xinxin would reject Shen Yi’s presence like she used to. Little Xinxin was afraid of the opposite sex due to a failed attempt to kidnap her during her third birthday while the young prince of the Shen family didn’t like to associate himself with other children.

One could hear a pin drop, amid knowing glances between the two adults. The only sound they could hear were the ones coming from the kitchen as Lu Sibai prepared his daughter’s meal.

Shen Yi seemed in a daze. The girl had a voice that was like music under a summer breeze, unlike the irritating high pitch voices of girls at her young age. Yet, somehow, it took hold of Shen Yi, making him want to listen all the more.

Shen Jinxiu smiled with mischief and leaned to his friend, whispering ‘someone got a crush’ with an amused laugh.

Hearing what his uncle said, Shen Yi snapped out of his daze and glared at his uncle.

“What crush?” He frowned. What the hell was his uncle talking about?

“Nothing, nothing.” Shen Jinxiu sweatdropped and lifted his hands in defense.

He really wished that this nephew of his would relax and enjoy his life as a kid and not torment him anymore. He couldn’t understand why Shen Yi was like this. Shen Jinxiu had seen his nephew growing up, and he wondered where Sheng Huang went wrong for Shen Yi to act like a spoiled prince.

He then decided to introduce himself to his newest goddaughter. In his heart, he promised that he’d also do his best to protect Meixiu and Sibai’s child.

“Xin’er, my name is Shen Jinxiu. You can call me Uncle Jin. I’m your Mommy and Daddy’s best friend, and this is my nephew, Shen Yi.”

“Shen Yi?” The girl tested the name and let the words roll on her tongue. Then, her large brown eyes that seemed to sparkle greeted the boy in return.

“Hi, Shen Yi. My name’s Xinxin. Nice to meet you.”

For some reason unknown to young Shen Yi, his heart skipped a beat when he heard her say his name.

—

Eight-year-old Shen Yi took deep breaths and massaged his temple to calm himself. He’d seen his father doing this routine whenever he was tired or had a headache coming his way. Right now, he watched as the girl walked wobbly towards her mother, wondering why he couldn’t take his eyes off the girl.

Why? His young mind couldn’t understand. There was something about the girl that he couldn’t point out. He couldn’t figure out why he suddenly felt sad when she wasn’t talking to him.

Sun Meixiu lifted her daughter and sat the girl on the vacant seat next to her.

“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Little Xinxin reminded her mother.

“Wait a little longer, Xinxin. Daddy’s still preparing your food.” Sun Meixiu gently ran her fingers on her daughter’s wavy hair.

The girl hummed and looked around until her bright brown eyes landed back at Shen Yi.

Shen Yi stiffened. He suddenly felt a churning motion starting in his stomach. His breathing suddenly became difficult, and he could feel his heart doing a loud thump-thump inside his chest.

“Brother Yi should eat! My Daddy is a great chef, and he makes super yummy foods! Do you like veggies?” Little Xinxin asked him curiously.

The boy shook his head, not knowing what to say. He suddenly felt speechless in front of this young girl.

“S’key. I don’t like veggies, too; but Daddy said we must eat veggies so we will grow strong and pwetty.” She continued to babble.

“Come and eat with us. I’m sure you’re already hungry,” Sun Meixiu told the young boy.

Shen Yi followed without any complaints which left his uncle speechless. Why was his nephew acting stranger than usual? He watched as Shen Yi continued to stare at his goddaughter, amused that the boy was starting to get interested in other children, though Xin’er was at least five years younger than him.

Maybe Shen Yi would be able to make a new friend. Bringing the boy with him wouldn’t be so bad after all, Shen Jinxiu thought.

Lu Sibai came back with two small servings of Pesto Chicken Veggie Meatballs. The first plate he placed in front of his daughter while the other one was for Shen Yi. The girl started to eat her meal with enthusiasm while Shen Yi didn’t touch his food.

Lu Xinyi’s head and arms went up and down while her face was a picture of concentration. The flavors in her mouth seemed to be causing her so much pleasure she couldn’t be still, but at the same time, dinner was clearly serious business.

Unlike children at the same age, she never dropped, scattered, or threw food. Every piece was sacred, and she cleared the bowl in her intense way until it was finally empty. Her face became flushed, and with diminutive hands, she brought down her spoon and smiled brightly to her father.

“Daddy, I want more!” she demanded.

“Of course, darling. Let me get you a dessert, too.” Lu Sibai beamed.

“Ah, she’s a daddy’s girl,” Shen Jinxiu commented.

Lu Sibai didn’t feel offended. Why would he? He didn’t care if he was spoiling her too much. She was, after all, the love of their lives. After suffering from two miscarriages, Sun Meixiu hadn’t thought that she’d be able to deliver Lu Xinyi at full term.

Meanwhile, young Shen Yi continued to watch the girl. The girl had a nose like a cartoon character… one drawn by a lazy artist at least. The bridge was so low-profile as to be barely there at all; on a face of skin that’s evenly painted with a honeyed hue, her nose was a bump just above her dusky pink lips. There was no doubt about it; she was cute in his opinion.

She obviously had a regal bearing at her young age. High, delicate cheekbones, small nose, luminescent brown eyes, creamy smooth skin, and silky tresses. Shen Yi’s gaze turned downward. She was rather petite and dainty. Delicate, if he could add.

He took her all in. She was pure and had a free spirit. He could already feel fierce protectiveness for her. Something within his soul was invoked, telling him he should make sure no harm befell her.

The boy couldn’t stop himself any longer and lifted a hand to pinch those chubby cheeks. Lu Xinyi sat still with wide eyes before turning her face to Shen Yi’s hand and bit it. Two screams echoed within the hotel room.

“You bit me! Are you a dog?!”

“You pinched me! You bully!”