After the three had their fill of food and drink, they left immediately, the car driving smoothly to the airport.
Ye Jinghuai sat on the sofa in the VIP lounge with Jiang Nuan in his arms. Jiang Nuan, resting on Ye Jinghuai's shoulder, looked around curiously.
The interior was decorated in a very comfortable and natural style, with several high-end sofas placed in pairs. Next to the sofa arms were small, transparent crystal coffee tables. In the center of the entire hall, suspended from the ceiling, was a gaudy yet seemingly luxurious crystal chandelier.
Not far ahead was a long marble buffet bar, laden with fresh fruit, various beverages, and exquisite pastries that looked delicious.
Jiang Nuan had never truly experienced what a VIP waiting room was like before. But everything she saw now truly lived up to the "VIP" designation; it felt very much like a five-star hotel. Ye Jinghuai placed her on the sofa and considerately removed her little shoes so she could rest her feet more comfortably.
"Uncle, I want milk."
Jiang Nuan, seeing Han Rui looking listless, inexplicably looked up at him and called out.
"I'll get it."
Without waiting for Han Rui to react, Ye Jinghuai walked to the bar himself. There were several brands of milk available. This airline had investment from the Ye Corporation, so the VIP lounge's drinks were all from high-class brands, and the pastries were made with excellent ingredients, if not top-tier. The fruit was also the freshest, replenished daily.
Ye Jinghuai chose a brand of milk he recognized, then selected a few small cakes that looked good, and grabbed some fruit. He returned with a tray.
"Thank you, Daddy~" Taking the milk Ye Jinghuai handed her, her little hands hugged the carton, looking plump.
Han Rui, who remained in place: *Hmph~ I should have been the one to get the milk! Me!*
Seeing Jiang Nuan sitting obediently and drinking her milk, Ye Jinghuai took out his laptop, opened it, and began to handle the day's work. Han Rui, having returned to his usual professional demeanor, sat beside them and quietly reported something to Ye Jinghuai.
Jiang Nuan, while drinking milk, picked at the little ears on her socks, her eyes darting around. There weren't many people in the lounge at the moment; everyone was seated in groups of two or three in various spots.
The space was vast, covered in carpet, and occasionally ground staff moved about to provide service, but their footsteps made no sound.
Treading on the soft sofa cushions beneath her feet, Jiang Nuan stood up unsteadily and leaned towards the person next to her.
Ye Jinghuai was engrossed in listening to Han Rui's report when he felt a small body, smelling of milk, lean against him. His instinct was to pull away, but then he immediately reacted and froze in place, even reaching out to draw the child into his arms. The small body in his arms felt soft and yielding.
Han Rui was reporting on the next quarter's sales plan to his boss with complete focus. When he looked up, he met a pair of round, innocent eyes, which, paired with the little bows on her head, made her appear exceptionally cute and soft. His heart was instantly struck, and he froze for a moment.
"Continue," a cool voice sounded in his ear. Han Rui immediately snapped back to attention.
Jiang Nuan was also a little dazed. She had originally just wanted to sit next to her father, but now she was being held. However, Jiang Nuan preferred it this way. Ye Jinghuai had a pleasant scent, perhaps a men's cologne. She shifted her little bottom to settle in, then burrowed into her father's embrace and began to drift off to sleep.
Ye Jinghuai remained outwardly impassive, but one hand gently held Jiang Nuan's small body. He unskillfully patted her back, thinking inwardly that the little one in his arms was so small and soft. He couldn't help but frown, feeling how slender Jiang Nuan's body was.
"Boss, what's wrong?" Han Rui had been observing his expression, thinking he had done something wrong.
"Immediately find her a nutritionist when we get back." He paused, then added, "No, find one now. I want to see them once we're back."
"Uh, alright. I'll handle it right away." He then hurried off to make a call, determined to make the little darling plump and rosy.
"Daddy," Jiang Nuan stirred in Ye Jinghuai's arms. Ye Jinghuai's body stiffened instantly, thinking he had woken her, and he dared not move.
"Daddy, it smells so good~" The little ball of fluff in his embrace twitched its rounded, perky nose, nuzzled further into his chest, flipped over, and continued to sleep.
Ye Jinghuai looked down at the little bundle sleeping across his lap, his gaze gradually softening. He beckoned to a ground staff member, asked for a blanket, and gently covered Jiang Nuan with it.