Handsome CEO's Darling Wife Chapter 907 Side Story 1: RICE BALLS AND DUMPLINGS Part 1
Previously on Handsome CEO's Darling Wife...
A year had passed since that day. Mu Liang had a playhouse constructed for the children on the second floor. Within its walls, the eldest, affectionately known as Rice Ball Number One Lian, was diligently watching over his twin younger sisters. Their mother had bestowed upon them the endearing nicknames of Dumpling Number One and Dumpling Number Two.
Meanwhile, Rice Ball Number Four Lin was engrossed in his painting. The dumplings, mesmerized by the vibrant colors, gazed at the artwork in sheer wonder. As they reached out a tiny hand to touch the still-moist canvas, Rice Ball Number One swiftly intervened, gently moving them aside.
"Um! Um!" Dumpling Number One, Lan Ying, protested, her desire to feel the colorful creation palpable. Dumpling Number Two, Li Juan, also began to squirm restlessly, mirroring her sister's discontent.
"Be good now," Rice Ball Number One Lian softly admonished them.
The two dumplings looked up at their older brother, a mournful cry welling up. Yet, their brother's expression remained firm. A slight frown creased his brow, and instantly, the weeping ceased. The little ones understood that displeasing their elder brother was not a wise course of action.
Rice Ball Number Four Lin completed his painting and cast a tender glance at his adorable sisters. A smile graced his lips. He carefully moved his canvas out of the dumplings' curious reach and extended his arms towards them. "Come here," he invited.
With delighted giggles, the dumplings practically darted towards him.
Just then, Rice Ball Number Two Ling and Number Three La Quan returned from their escapades outdoors. Noticing the crestfallen look on their faces, their eldest brother inquired, "What happened?"
Rice Ball Number Two Ling explained, "Dad discovered my listening device and hidden camera."
He had secretly placed these gadgets in Mu Liang's presidential suite. The intention was to clandestinely observe when Mu Liang engaged in intimate moments with his wife, with Rice Ball Number Three often creating distractions for his mother to interrupt the couple. Mu Liang, however, had grown suspicious. He had searched the rice balls' toy collection and uncovered the devices. Knowing his little troublemakers well, he had promptly destroyed the contraptions without hesitation.
Rice Ball Number Two felt a sting from his father's unceremonious action. He was deeply upset.
Rice Ball Number One Lian let out a sigh. "How many times must I warn you? Now that we've lost our signal, how will we keep tabs on Papa?"
"I'm sorry..." Rice Ball Number Two Ling mumbled. He knew that whenever he defied his elder brother, he faced a consequence. Still, he found it hard to truly learn his lesson. This time, however, he promised himself he would heed his elder brother's words from now on.
Rice Ball Number One Lian sighed once more. "We must prepare ourselves against Papa's next scheme. We cannot allow him to send us away."
"Wah! Wah!" Dumpling Number One lifted her hands towards her third brother, La Quan.
Rice Ball Number Three La Quan scooped her into his arms, offering a comforting embrace. "Don't worry, my little deer. I won't let you go. I will shield you from Papa's formidable grasp." He had a peculiar habit of referring to his first sister as 'deer' and his second sister as 'rabbit'.
The little deer attempted to kiss her third brother, but her efforts resulted in her playfully chewing on his soft cheek. Rice Ball Number Three La Quan quickly pulled his face away, wary of a repeat of the previous incident where she had experienced a tummy ache.
"What are you planning this time, boys?" A voice echoed from the doorway, drawing the attention of all six children. They turned to see who had arrived.
"Grandpa Carl!" Rice Ball Number Three La Quan exclaimed in surprise. His brothers shared his astonishment at the unexpected visitor.
"I see you are all doing well," Carlo moved forward and gently took Dumpling Number Two Li Juan from Rice Ball Number Four Lin. The youngest child giggled with delight as she was tossed into the air and caught again. After a few moments of playful interaction with the little girl, he settled onto the carpeted floor and addressed the boys.
He held a deep affection for these children. His love grew even stronger when they began to strategize against their father in their efforts to keep him close to their mother. Carlo wholeheartedly supported their endeavors, occasionally offering assistance and encouragement.
"So, what is the grand plan this time?" Carlo inquired of the boys.
"Grandpa Carl, we're screwed!" Rice Ball Number Two Ling cried out, his voice full of distress.
Carlo raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Where did you pick up the word 'screwed'?"
Rice Ball Number Two Ling replied, "I heard it from Uncle Feng."
Carlo shook his head, a gentle chiding tone in his voice. "Whoever used that word, let them. You don't need to copy it. It's not a nice word."
Rice Ball Number Two nodded understandingly. "I understand. I won't say it again. But Grandpa Carl, that's not the main issue right now. Dad found out I planted a listening device and a hidden camera. From this point forward, we won't be able to hear his words or uncover his plans against us. Furthermore, he might once again scheme to send us off to boarding school." The more he contemplated this possibility, the more agitated he became.
Carlo rubbed his cheek thoughtfully. "You do realize that you will have to attend school eventually, don't you?"
Rice Ball Number Three La Quan countered, "Mama never went to school when she was our age. Why should we have to go?"
Carlo chuckled softly. "Do you truly believe she became as intelligent, knowledgeable, and powerful as she is by staying at home like you?"
"Wasn't she?" The second rice ball, Ling, tilted his head. They had heard many tales, but never any accounts of their parents' early years.
Carlo explained, "Your mother was abducted by a wicked sorceress when she was merely two years old and endured relentless torment. She was compelled to study and master self-defense techniques. We rescued her when she turned eight, and from then on, we instructed her on how to interact with others and navigate life independently. From Shin, she acquired skills in programming and toy creation. Pedro taught her the art of painting, while I imparted the ability to discern people's intentions through their body language."
"Wow!" exclaimed the second rice ball, Ling.
"So amazing!" The third rice ball, Laquan, had eyes that gleamed with excitement.
Now, the first rice ball, Lian, showed a keen interest. He inquired, "Are you suggesting that Mother received both her academic and practical training from you all, and was still admitted to university?"
"She possesses considerable talent. There was no logical impediment to her university acceptance. Furthermore, she consistently achieved the top grades." Carlo spoke of her with evident pride.
The second and third rice balls exchanged meaningful glances. The first rice ball noticed his brothers' subtle interaction and let out an internal sigh, having divined their unspoken thoughts.