Imperfect Desires

Han Yiheng hugged his grandson and looked at Darren who was still pretending like there was no other meaning to his words. But did he really think Han Yiheng was that innocent as Rowan? Especially when he knew what kind of a relationship Darren and Xiu had?

Han Yiheng shook his head and looked at Ava as he asked, "Do you always carry confetti around?"??

"I do," answered Ava happily. "It's for emergencies like today."

"Oh?" responded Han Yiheng. "And if it's sad news?"

Ava pulled out a plastic flower from inside her inner pocket and said, "Then I'd offer the flower. It makes people feel good."

"And who said that?" asked Han Yiheng.

"Xiu said it," replied Ava innocently. "Xiu said happiness and sadness have no time. We should always be ready for everything that life throws at us. And we should always accept it with open arms as well." 𝐟𝙧ℯ𝑒𝒘𝐞𝒃𝗻𝒐ѵ𝘦𝑙.com

Han Yiheng was amused by this little girl talking so big and then he looked at Xiu who seemed to be the one teaching them all of this. Seriously, he didn't know why Xiu took kids as ?du?ts and talked with them like she was talking with an old friend.

As for Xiu, she obviously thought even if they were kids, they weren't dumb. Somethings they might not understand now or it's not suitable for them to understand now but it's not right to keep treating them like dumb people. If not now, maybe one day in the future they might remember what she said. Wouldn't it be good if her words helped them in any situation?

One should prepare one's kids for all sorts of situations? Only pampering and sheltering them won't get them anywhere. Just like now, there was a rule in the family. They'd only get pocket money after they do ten good deeds in a month. And they'd be allowed to manage their finances as well. If you won't teach your son how to spend and save money, what are you gonna make them? Spendthrifts?

Although she had high demands when it came to kids, she never forced them to do anything. She only did what they allowed her to do.

Francesca also calmed down with distraction and found Ava too adorable.

"Mama, were you feeling embarrassed?" asked Darren. It was more of a statement than a question. He knew his mother. She must be thinking all over the place to end up with that many tears. He really didn't know what to do with this mother of his? Why did she have to feel embarrassed about it? "Isn't it the biggest happiness everyone wishes for? How can you welcome it with tears?"

"Look at how old you are," said Francesca. "How can I... At this age?"

"What's wrong with this age?"

"What will people say? How will you introduce this child in the future? And how will this child be able to face everything?"

Darren shook his head, "Why do you care? People can say what they want. As for this child, I'll proudly introduce him or her to the whole world. If given a chance, I'll scream at the top of my lungs. Do you have any idea how happy I am? And since it's my sibling, I definitely know how to protect him or her in the future. You don't have to worry about it. Your only job is to give me a younger brother or sister."

"Momma, Baba is getting a younger sister?" asked Rowan cutely to his mother.

"It seems like it," answered Xiu honestly.

"Momma, I have two older sisters. Can I get a younger sister?" asked Rowan.

Xiu had just opened her mouth when Darren's voice came, "No!"

Rowan looked over at his father, "Why not?"

"Weren't you enough? You hurt my Sweets so much during birth. How can I allow another one to cause me such stress? One is already my limit!"

Xiu pressed her lips together and picked up Rowan saying, "Does my little tiger really wants a younger sister?"

Rowan thought about it, "Thinking again, it doesn't sound like a good idea. What if she stole my Momma and Baba? I don't want one. I can be the only baby in the house."

Xiu facepalmed herself, "I guess it runs in our family. We all don't want another member."

"And here you're giving me a lecture," said Francesca.

"Mama, that's different," argued Darren. "I am very scared for you as well. After all, childbirth is like a woman standing at the door of death. But I'm also happy. How can I not be looking forward to this child? You don't overthink it, I'll take good care of you."

"That's what I am best at," announced Xiu. "Taking good care of people. You can count on me. I'm the most trustworthy around here."

Francesca chuckled as she said, "Our Xiu still likes to praise herself."

Xiu didn't even feel embarrassed at this comment. Rowan jumped happily up and down, "Grandma is laughing. Grandma is laughing." He went to her with his short legs and rubbed her face saying, "Grandma, don't cry. Momma says tears make people ugly. Although I won't call grandma ugly, I don't want others to say it."

Francesca pinched his nose, "You are certainly Xiu's son. Definitely know how to talk even at this age."

"Little tiger, say thank you to grandma. She just complimented you and me both."

Following his mother's lead, Rowan indeed said thank you to Francesca politely with his cute smile. That smile alone was enough to melt anyone and put them in a good mood. How could Francesca have any other thought in her mind with this kind of family around her?

"No need for thank you, my grandson," said Francesca.

"Grandma, will you stop loving me?" asked Rowan.

"Never," said Francesca.

"Then it's okay to give Baba a younger sister," said Rowan looking like he was relieved. This three-year-old tiny man talked about all sorts of things just like his mother. As if he was scared people won't know he was Xiu's precious son.