From Sidekick to Bigshot Chapter 1462

1462 Extra: Little Ruanruan (9)

Following Zhai Yunfeng’s fifth birthday celebration, Little Ruanruan headed home accompanied by her parents.

That same night, as she prepared for bed, Little Ruanruan nestled herself right between Zhai Yunsheng and Jian Yiling.

Typically, her brothers avoided sleeping in the parents' room, but being the youngest and the only girl, Little Ruanruan still occasionally occupied a spot in Zhai Yunsheng and Jian Yiling’s bed.

As she lay there, clutching a doll to her chest, a frown marred her small, youthful face.

“Is something bothering you?” Zhai Yunsheng asked his daughter with a look of concern.

“Daddy, I want to attend school,” Little Ruanruan stated, wearing a solemn expression.

“You are only two years old, little one. It is far too early for you to start school.”

Zhai Ruanruan struggled to get her words out at times, so her parents were naturally puzzled by her sudden desire for schooling.

“But... but my brothers are going to school...” she whispered softly.

During the party, she had realized that her brothers had all begun their academic journeys.

Although the exact nature of “school” remained mysterious to her, she simply didn't want to be left behind because her brothers were involved.

She felt a strong yearning to always be close to them.

Observing the distress on his daughter’s face, Zhai Yunsheng felt his own heart ache.

“In that case, I will tell your brothers to skip school so they can stay here and keep you company instead,” he suggested.

After all, she was just two; schooling was an impossibility. Having her brothers stay home seemed like the only viable alternative.

Hearing this, Jian Yiling shot a sharp look at Zhai Yunsheng: “A Sheng, don’t talk nonsense.”

Despite her disapproval, Zhai Yunsheng persisted: “It hardly makes a difference if they attend or not. They have likely already mastered the entire primary school curriculum anyway.”

Given that they were the children of Jian Yiling and Zhai Yunsheng, their high intelligence was beyond doubt.

With Yuze learning from Grandpa Sun, Yutang tutored by Jian Yubo, and Yuting guided by Master Zhai, formal school attendance wasn't a strict requirement.

“But school offers chances to make friends and socialize with peers,” Jian Yiling argued firmly.

Her comment triggered a memory for Zhai Yunsheng; he recalled that in her own youth, Jian Yiling had been denied the chance to mingle with others her age.

“I suppose letting them go is for the best, then,” Zhai Yunsheng yielded. Between the needs of his daughter and his wife, his wife’s history took precedence.

Jian Yiling turned to comfort the little girl: “Ruanruan, be a good child. Your brothers are only at school during the day. They will be back home by evening.”

“But... will my brothers still... still love me?” Little Ruanruan asked, her voice tinged with sadness.

“Of course they will. Even if they make many friends, your place in their hearts remains unchanged. You are uniquely you. No one could ever take your place,” Jian Yiling explained with practiced patience.

“Oh!” Little Ruanruan squeaked, nodding in obedient agreement.

“Why don’t we prepare bento boxes for them tonight? That way, they’ll be thinking of you when they eat their lunch tomorrow,” Jian Yiling proposed.

“Yes!” Little Ruanruan agreed, her face lighting up with excitement.

“Then it is time for bed. You wouldn't want to oversleep tomorrow morning, would you?”

“Okay!” With that, Little Ruanruan snuggled under her small blanket and promptly closed her eyes.

Once she drifted off, Zhai Yunsheng leaned in, pressing his head against Jian Yiling’s neck with gentle affection.

“Stop that, you’ll wake her up,” Jian Yiling cautioned in a soft whisper.

“Then let’s move to the study,” Zhai Yunsheng suggested in a low, husky tone.

“No... that doesn't seem right...”

Ignoring her protests, Zhai Yunsheng swept her up and carried her into the study, laying her gently upon the desk.

A deep, passionate kiss followed.

Leaving their daughter safely tucked in the bedroom, the couple remained unaware of the early morning preparations, while Little Ruanruan spent the night dreaming of the lunches she would help pack for her brothers.