Lin Mubai found the Buddhist explanation amusing, but it also deepened the ache in his heart. A twelve-year-old child... Oh, yes, New Year just passed; he must be thirteen now.

A thirteen-year-old should be carefree, doing whatever they want, and endlessly pampering themselves with their family. But his son? He’s already so sensible that there’s nothing left to say.

Later, Lin Mubai didn’t say much else. Most of the time, he just guided the other person to speak, offering his insights appropriately to enlighten them.

This habit, starting today, will continue for many years to come.

After the guidance, An Jiayou’s inner frustration vanished without a trace.

Then he firmly promised, "Dad, don’t worry! I’m fine, and I won’t let anything happen to myself. I’m still waiting for An Nan’s little sister to be born, so I can spoil her and take care of her."

To this assertion, Lin Mubai helplessly shook his head again, yet decided not to say more, as more conversation wouldn’t help; when things actually develop, everything will become apparent.

When Lin Mubai and An Jiayou returned home, the people in the living room saw the father and son each carrying an empty milk cup, their eyes filled with laughter, especially An Nan’s face, which was brimming with amusement.

"Hahaha, since when did drinking milk become a group activity? Should I join next time too?"

As soon as An Nan finished speaking, his mother Lan Yiqing immediately joined in, "Count me in, count me in, the more the merrier."

Beside her, Lin Ze instantly rolled his eyes, full of exasperation, "You’re not throwing a party; why would more people make it merrier?"

Lan Yiqing glared at him instantly, complaining, "What’s it to you? I’m building rapport with my son and daughter-in-law! Are you jealous? Let me tell you, even if you are, we’re not inviting you. When my father-in-law, mother-in-law, An Nan, Jiayou, and Mubai are blissfully drinking milk in the garden, you’ll be sitting alone in the living room watching. But don’t worry; even if you keep staring, we’re not taking you."

Instantly, laughter echoed all around.

Feeling embarrassed, Lin Ze threw down the gauntlet, "Oh, don’t worry—I guarantee I won’t remember this, nor join you. Starting tomorrow morning, you can go drink milk in the garden!"

"Great, great, just wait and see,"

Lan Yiqing turned around quickly, starting to invite everyone.

Lin Ze originally thought one or two people would refuse such childish behavior from his wife. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

But soon he realized it was all his wishful thinking. Not one person refused; in fact, there wasn’t even a hint of hesitation in their eyes. They nodded enthusiastically, with a touch of anticipation in their words.

Old Madam Lin: "Alright, alright! Just imagining it feels blissful, a whole family drinking milk together in the morning in the living room—what a beautiful scene. Yiqing, you have to use your camera to take a picture of us!"