Nan Mansion, Commoner Residence.
Nan Chen, dressed in home clothes, was reading a book in the study. It was The Art of War. He was leaning comfortably on the sofa.
The glasses he wore hid away some of the sharpness in his eyes, and gave him a gentler vibe.
Seated next to him was Dabao, who had exactly the same look as him. Even the way they held the books was the same.
Dabao was reading a book on computers.
Erbao was lying on another sofa. She was playing games on her phone, with her earphones plugged in.
She could never understand why her uncle and brother would waste time reading books.
They could play games, or eat some snacks. Books were so boring.
Perhaps all men liked to torture themselves? Erbao thought.
Nan Chen removed his glasses while he took a break. He took a glance at Dabao, who was just next to him.
Dabao was reading a very thick book that he could not hold comfortably for long. So, he placed it on the sofa and bent over slightly before he continued reading.
Nan Chen frowned. He reached over and took Dabao’s book away. “You should take a break. This is not good for your eyes.”
Dabao lifted his head and smiled at his uncle.
It seemed like the saying ”A single smile could overthrow a city” not only applied to women. Nan Chen was mesmerized by Dabao’s smile.
Dabao’s smile was filled with trust and warmth. It felt like a breath of fresh air to Nan Chen.
“You are always reading such thick books. Aren’t you also interested in books for children?” Nan Chen was curious.
“I’m interested. I don’t only read professional books. I also read manga and fairy tales.” Dabao answered obediently.
Nan Chen nodded and said, “You should also read some books for children. Those are more fun to read. You are still young, don’t read books that are too serious.”
“Brother finds fun in those boring books too.”
Erbao, who realized that the two men were having a break, joined in the fun.
Dabao nodded his head in agreement.
“Me too.” Nan Chen felt like laughing. “I used to be like that too.”
“Uncle likes computers too?”
Erbao ran over and squeezed herself in between Dabao and Nan Chen. She sat cross-legged, just like them.
“I used to like books on professional topics when I was young too. But my interest was in finance. Since I was very young, I carried around thick books on economics. Adults could not understand me at that time. They found me really strange. It’s just like how we can’t understand why Dabao likes reading these thick computing books. But actually, we do find joy in such books.”
Nan Chen was always very chatty when he was with the kids.
He had never felt the need to say too much. However, with the kids, he felt like he had a lot to say to them.
“So, uncle likes reading about economics?” Dabao asked.
“Yup, I really enjoy it. Business is about economics. But that’s not all. For a business to prosper, there are a lot more involved, such as accountancy, strategy, and even philosophy. A business organization that lasts through generations definitely has strong roots in both business operations knowledge as well as the cultural aspects of business.”
Dabao kept nodding, while Erbao looked lost.
The two men were having such a boring conversation. She found it too difficult to blend in.
“When is mommy coming to pick us up?” Erbao tried to change the topic at the first opportunity.
Nan Chen looked at his watch and said, “She should be coming soon. Do you prefer staying here or at Aunt Xiangyun’s place?”
Dabao and Erbao exchanged looks.
Of course they liked staying here. The mansion was well-equipped. There were also servants who attended to them.
They had everything they wanted here. They could eat anything they liked and were treated like royals. Even adults would like it here, not to mention these kids.
But the two of them were reserved in expressing their true thoughts.
Because they were well aware that their mommy did not like them staying there.
As for why mommy did not like it, Dabao could guess a little. But Erbao was totally clueless.
After all, they were just kids. They could never fully understand the conflicts going on among the adults.
Nan Chen knew that it wasn’t easy for the kids to answer. So he decided not to ask them any further.
“If mommy and daddy get married, you two and mommy can all stay here.” Nan Chen touched Erbao’s head.
“Really?”
Erbao’s angelic big eyes were filled with joy and surprise. It’s difficult not to like her.
“Uncle is helping them with their wedding preparations.” Nan Chen nodded and said.
Erbao clapped excitedly. “Hooray! Hooray! Daddy and mommy are getting married!”
“You can be the flower girl. You will be the prettiest flower girl.” Nan Chen said.
“Then what dress should I wear? Should I wear a white gown too?”
Erbao was already thinking what to wear. She was a girl after all. The pursuit of beauty is in every woman’s blood indeed.
“You don’t have to wear a gown. Only the bride wears a gown. You can just wear a white dress. You will look like a beautiful little angel.” Nan Chen answered seriously.
“Then when are we going to buy the dress?” Erbao carried on.
“I will arrange for the designer to take your measurements. We will have your dress tailor-made.”
“What is tailor-made? Are we not buying from the mall?” Erbao did not understand.
“Tailor-made means the tailor will make your dress exactly according to how you want it to be. Uncle’s suits are all tailor-made.” Nan Chen explained patiently.
“Yup, that’s why it is called ‘tailor-made’.” Dabao added.
Erbao seemed to understand a little. “So, it is better than buying from the mall, right?”
Nan Chen nodded. “Usually, it is.”
“Then I want it tailor-made!” Erbao said excitedly.
“Ok. We shall have it tailor-made.” Nan Chen looked at her lovingly.
“If daddy and mommy get married, then what about uncle?” Dabao suddenly asked.
This question did not make any sense, but Nan Chen was stunned.
Although this question did not sound logical, Nan Chen seemed to understand the hidden meaning behind Dabao’s question.
Or rather, only Nan Chen and Dabao would understand what this question really meant.
To the rest of the world, Nan Xing and Ning Ran’s marriage had nothing to do with Nan Chen. But Dabao knew there was something more to that.
As for what is that something, Dabao could not really put it in words. Even Nan Chen himself could not be sure.
As such, Nan Chen’s heart skipped a beat when he heard Dabao say it. More accurately, he felt tremors.
Perhaps, Nan Chen was in too much shock because of what Dabao said, he had a stern look in his eyes that he was not aware of. This frightened Dabao. He lowered his head as he thought he had said something wrong.
But he didn’t. It was just that he pinpointed exactly what Nan Chen was feeling in the depths of his heart.
“Hahaha… “
Erbao started laughing heartily, which eased the awkward tension.
“It’s not uncle who is getting married to mommy. Why would it concern him?” Erbao continued laughing.
The reason why Erbao suddenly laughed in such an exaggerated manner was to help her brother out.
Even she thought that her brother had offended their uncle with his question, because the uncle looked too stern. She thought he was upset.
Nan Chen stood up and touched the kids’ heads lovingly. “Do you guys want supper?”
“Yes!” Erbao replied immediately.
Before Nan Chen could continue, his phone vibrated. Someone sent him a picture.
In the picture, a man and a woman were in an intimate position.
Nan Chen’s face darkened.
