When it came to thick skin, Gu Xiuyu claimed the title of number one, with no one daring to dispute it.
Seeing that he wasn't angry and was even praising her, Xiao Ran stood frozen.
"I'm sorry," Ye Ziyu said apologetically to him.
"It's alright, I didn't take it to heart, and you don't need to either," Gu Xiuyu replied sincerely, his expression natural.
The surroundings were lively, yet their spot felt like a cold war, the atmosphere laced with frost.
After a long silence, Gu Xiuyu took the initiative to ask, "Where are you going? I can give you a ride!"
"No need!" Xiao Ran reached out and pushed his thigh, preventing him from getting close to Ye Ziyu.
Time and again, Gu Xiuyu found it amusing. He squatted down to look closely at Xiao Ran, who was glaring fiercely at him, "Little guy, what's your name?"
"Hmph," Xiao Ran crossed his arms and turned his head to the side, "Why should I tell you!"
His words, though rough, held truth.
Since she didn't like him, why would she willingly tell him her name?
Gu Xiuyu's outstretched hand dropped, his smile still fixed on his face, "With him, no one can bully you."
Ye Ziyu actually agreed with his statement.
When they were abroad, as soon as Xiao Ran could talk and walk, he became exceptionally protective of Ye Ziyu. If it weren't for her height and age, she would have felt like she had a brother instead of a son.
Xiao Ran paid no mind to what he was saying, occasionally snorting at him.
Ye Ziyu patted Xiao Ran's shoulder, trying to lower his guard. She looked at Gu Xiuyu, "No need, Mingjue will be back soon."
So, he was also here!
Compared to Xiao Ran's attitude, Gu Xiuyu was more concerned about Di Ming. His presence was a constant reminder that Ye Ziyu was married.
But what if she was married? If their relationship wasn't good, they could divorce!
Gu Xiuyu feigned surprise and asked, "He left you and the child here?"
Left?
That was an improper word choice!
Just as Ye Ziyu was about to explain, Di Mingjue walked over from the crowd. He was carrying shopping bags, and his pace quickened upon seeing the man in front of Ye Ziyu.
At close range, he recognized Gu Xiuyu.
Annoyed by his persistent attempts to approach Ye Ziyu with ulterior motives, he acted as if he didn't see him. Di Mingjue took a bottle of mineral water from the shopping bag, unscrewed the cap, and gestured for Ye Ziyu to extend her hand, "Extend your hand."
Her hands were still sticky with melted cotton candy, even though she had used tissues.
Ye Ziyu first placed the children's hands underneath to clean them before cleaning her own.
Gu Xiuyu stood to the side, watching their hands touch, which was as jarring as seeing a thorn, exceptionally unsightly.
Seeing that he still hadn't left, Di Mingjue feigned surprise and greeted him, "Mr. Gu? So it's you. I thought you were just a passerby."
A passerby?
Were there such intimate passersby?
Whether it was true or not, perhaps only Di Mingjue knew best.
Gu Xiuyu maintained his smile and couldn't help but provoke, "I saw Ziyu from afar and thought she might be unhappy. So I specifically rushed over to check on her."
He called her so intimately!
Di Mingjue's fingers turned pale, his expression clearly displeased, "You worry too much. How could I bear to see her unhappy?"
He put his arm around Ye Ziyu, pulling her close to his shoulder.
Another display of affection unfolded, leaving Gu Xiuyu standing there in embarrassment.
Qianqian had been holding onto his leg from behind.
"What's wrong?" Di Mingjue asked, looking back.
Qianqian held his hand, pulled him down to squat, and whispered into his ear.
His expression brightened, Di Mingjue scooped her up by the waist and, looking at the two children behind him, said, "It's time for us to go home."
They would finally get rid of that lingering presence once they were home.
Ye Ziyu politely greeted Gu Xiuyu, then walked forward, pulling one child by each hand.
Walking calmly, Di Mingjue would occasionally lean over and bump into Ye Ziyu, causing Qianqian in his arms to cry out nervously, afraid of falling.