Jin Residence.
Jin Ye entered the house and checked the time; it was already past ten in the evening.
The butler stepped forward and said respectfully, "Young Master, the young master has already gone to sleep."
Jin Ye nodded faintly and asked, "Did Xiao Xi go to the company today?"
The butler chuckled, "Young Master, you forgot. Today the young master has Chinese painting class and advanced mathematics; he spent the whole day studying in his room."
Jin Ye frowned, thinking about the child he saw at the company today, who looked too much like Xiao Xi.
He asked again, "Has the tutor been with him the whole time?"
The butler replied, "Yes, Young Master. Is something wrong?"
Jin Ye shook his head and didn't say much. Just as he was about to go take a bath, he heard footsteps from the stairs.
A five-year-old boy, dressed in Pikachu pajamas, stood on the second floor, a lock of hair sticking up from the back of his head.
His small face was tense, and he seemed a little constrained, "Dad."
Jin Ye's gaze shifted, devoid of warmth, "What is it?"
As he spoke, he went upstairs, pushed open the study door, and walked in.
The little boy followed him in, gripping the hem of his pajamas, his small face serious, "I have something to ask you."
Jin Ye tilted his head, appraising the son who bore a striking resemblance to him, and nodded, "Go ahead."
The little boy clenched his fists, as if gathering courage, "Auntie Shao Lin, is she really my mother?"
Jin Ye's eyes suddenly contracted, his sharp gaze narrowing, "Who spoke out of turn in front of you?"
Years ago, he had been set up by a business partner and drugged, accidentally entering a room and having relations with Shao Lin. Afterward, he had arranged for five million to be transferred to the woman to settle the matter privately.
Unexpectedly, ten months later, Shao Lin appeared with an infant, claiming she hoped the child could be recognized by its ancestors.
The child was the little boy before him, Jin Zi Xi.
The hospital's paternity test report was directly sent to the Jin family mansion. His grandfather ordered that the child must be brought back to the Jin family.
He knew Shao Lin's intentions, but he, Jin Ye, was not someone who could be easily coerced.
As long as Shao Lin kept the secret, he promised her a worry-free future, with treatment no less than that of a Jin family wife.
The deal was struck, and the matter was thoroughly concealed.
Why was Xiao Xi suddenly asking this now?
Xiao Xi clearly sensed his father's displeasure but still gritted his teeth and said, "No one told me."
Jin Ye let out a cold snort, and he would naturally order an investigation into the matter.
He looked at his son and said faintly, "Your mother passed away after giving birth to you. There's no need to pay attention to these rumors."
Xiao Xi seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Despite his deliberate attempt to conceal it, the relaxed look on his small face betrayed his emotions.
Jin Ye frowned. Xiao Xi seemed satisfied with this outcome?
He mused: Don't ordinary children wish for a complete family? Is Xiao Xi an exception?
It seemed he, as a father, hadn't provided much affection.
Jin Ye couldn't help but ask more, "Do you want a mother?"
Upon asking, Jin Ye suddenly felt as if he had gone mad, saying such a thing.
Xiao Xi was also surprised but still answered seriously, "No."
He saw so many aunts fawning over his father every day, giving him various expensive gifts, and he inexplicably felt disgusted. He didn't like them.
Jin Ye nodded and asked no more, "Get some rest early."
Xiao Xi didn't leave, still standing in place, watching him.
Jin Ye looked puzzled, "Is there anything else?"
Xiao Xi seemed uncomfortable, fidgeting with the hem of his pajamas, appearing very conflicted.
Jin Ye grew even more curious, put down the documents he was holding, and got up to approach him.
He pulled his son onto the sofa, trying to keep his voice gentle, "Tell me."
Xiao Xi looked up and earnestly extended an invitation, "Next week is the kindergarten commencement ceremony. Can you take me?"
Jin Ye was stunned for the first time in his life, unsure how to react.
Due to work, he had few opportunities for closeness with Xiao Xi. This was the first time his son had actively invited him to accompany him, which surprised him.
Despite his emotional fluctuation, he maintained the composure of an adult.
Seeing that his father hadn't responded for a long time, Xiao Xi thought his invitation was too abrupt and was about to withdraw it in disappointment.
However, he saw his father nod, "Okay."
On Jin Ye's eternally expressionless face, a faint smile faintly appeared.