Switched Marriage: The Coddled Little Wife Chapter 808: Extra Story (Part 4)

Ever since he was a small child, Xiao Long had rarely experienced the embrace of a man.

His memories of being held were limited almost entirely to his mother and Grandma Jia.

When He JianShe scooped him up, a wave of surprise hit him, followed quickly by a surge of pure excitement and joy.

Uncle He’s chest was broad and his arms felt incredibly sturdy. This was a stark contrast to when his mother carried him; he would often slip, requiring her to constantly shift and adjust her grip as they walked.

Because Uncle He held him with such stability, Xiao Long didn't feel the need to squeeze his neck tightly just to stay balanced.

"Mom, Uncle He is so powerful!" Xiao Long cried out with glee. "Uncle He, you are truly incredible."

He JianShe let out a low chuckle at the praise. "You really think that’s amazing?"

Xiao Long gave a firm nod. "Uncle He is so big and strong, is that what a dad is like?"

"Xiao Long," Wang Tianxue interrupted hurriedly, "you shouldn't say things like that."

"But I’m not lying. Everyone in my class says that dads are the strongest people there are."

Though he lacked a father of his own, Uncle He was easily the most formidable person he had ever encountered.

Wang Tianxue struggled to find the right words to explain the situation, but He JianShe cut in. "It’s no big deal. He’s just a child, so don’t take his words to heart."

Wang Tianxue could do nothing but offer He JianShe an apologetic look.

Fortunately, the boy soon moved on to a different topic.

The trio continued their conversation as they made their way toward the market.

The market was bustling with crowds, so He JianShe kept Xiao Long in his arms the entire time rather than letting him walk.

Feeling a bit guilty about the help, Wang Tianxue took charge of selecting the produce.

She did the picking, but every time she prepared to pay, a large hand would reach out and settle the bill before she could even react.

This display of gallantry caught the attention of a woman selling meat, who remarked, "Oh my, you are certainly blessed to have such a thoughtful husband. And your little boy is so polite; he’s the spitting image of his father."

A deep blush crept up Wang Tianxue’s neck. She opened her mouth to clarify that he wasn't the father, but He JianShe had already accepted the meat and thanked the vendor with a polite smile.

Once they had navigated away from the thickest part of the crowd, Wang Tianxue caught up to him and whispered awkwardly, "Why didn’t you correct her?"

He JianShe arched an eyebrow. "Correct what? She isn't a friend of ours; there’s no point in explaining. She’s just a merchant being friendly; she likely says the same thing to everyone she meets."

Wang Tianxue found herself at a loss for words.

Reflecting on it, she realized he was right. The woman was a complete stranger; what she believed didn't matter, and a detailed explanation would have been unnecessary.

Just as she reached this conclusion, Xiao Long spoke up cheerfully, "Mom, I want Uncle He to be my dad. Why can't you just let him be my dad?"

Wang Tianxue felt a desperate urge to cover the boy's mouth. She quickly hushed him and turned to He JianShe. "Brother He, please forgive him. The child doesn't understand what he's saying."

"It's fine," he replied simply.

Seeing that he wasn't offended, Wang Tianxue let out a quiet breath of relief.

Upon arriving at He JianShe’s residence, Xiao Long’s mood soared.

His mother rarely took him to visit others; aside from Grandma Jia’s place, he had only ever seen Grandpa He’s and Aunt Lin’s homes.

Uncle He’s house was spacious, but what truly captivated the boy was a police cap hanging on the rack.

With wide, shimmering eyes, Xiao Long asked with pure admiration, "Uncle He, are you actually a police officer?"

As they stepped inside, He JianShe noticed where the boy was looking. He reached up, grabbed the cap, and settled it onto Xiao Long’s small head. "That’s right. Uncle He is a police officer."

"Wow, Uncle He, you’re so cool!"

"Mom, Mom, did you hear that? Uncle He is a policeman!"

"Mom, look at me! I’m going to be a police officer when I grow up!"

It seemed as though every young boy held a natural reverence for soldiers and law enforcement.

Once inside, He JianShe shed his outer jacket to reveal a military-green shirt, likely a relic from his time in the army.

Xiao Long’s eyes glowed as he peppered He JianShe with an endless stream of questions.

He JianShe showed remarkable patience, giving serious answers to every one of the boy's inquiries.

Eventually, Wang Tianxue felt the need to intervene. "Xiao Long, stop pestering Uncle He. He has work to do."

He JianShe was currently occupied with washing the meat.

As a guest, Wang Tianxue offered her assistance, but He JianShe insisted she only help with prepping the vegetables while he handled the heavy lifting in the kitchen.

Hearing his mother’s scolding, Xiao Long obediently sat down to help her sort through the greens.

While they worked, he kept casting glances toward the kitchen, asking in a hushed tone, "Mom, is it really impossible for Uncle He to be my dad?"

Wang Tianxue gave his nose a playful pinch and whispered back, "Who put these ideas in your head? You can't just pick a father like that. Dads aren't something you just find."

Xiao Long shook his head to escape her hand. "I didn't just pick anyone. I've been searching for a long time. I really want Uncle He to be my dad so the other kids won't pick on me anymore."

Wang Tianxue’s heart tightened. "Kids are bullying you? How? Did they hit you? Why didn't you say anything? Did you inform your teacher?"

Xiao Long shook his head again. "Nobody hits me. They just call me a wild child because I don't have a father."

Hearing this, Wang Tianxue felt a bit of the tension leave her body.

Raising Xiao Long in a single-parent household, she had anticipated he would eventually face such remarks.

"Don't pay attention to their talk. Not having a dad doesn't make you a wild child. You have a mother, and that's enough. Some children with two parents aren't as loved or happy as you are. I will give you double the affection, and even with just my love, you won't be lacking compared to anyone else."

Xiao Long contemplated this for a moment before nodding. "I get it, Mom. I have so much of your love that I don't need to be jealous. I can even share some of your love with Xiao Jun; he’s the one who really has it hard."

"That's my good boy."

Wang Tianxue patted his head, but when she looked up, she was startled to see He JianShe standing in the kitchen doorway.

How long had he been there?

How much of their conversation had he overheard?

The thought that he might have heard Xiao Long’s wish for a father made her face burn with embarrassment.

She began to wonder if she and He JianShe were simply cursed to have awkward encounters, as she seemed to keep making a fool of herself in front of him.

During her years as the director of the Xiyang Clothing Factory, she had dealt with all sorts of people.

Whether interacting with men or women, she was usually composed and professional, yet today she had been flustered time and again.

Fortunately, He JianShe acted as though he hadn't heard a word. Pointing to the bowl, he asked, "I’m here for the vegetables. Are they ready?"

"Yes, they're all set," Wang Tianxue replied, quickly handing them over.

As He JianShe returned to his cooking, Wang Tianxue resolved to praise the meal no matter how it tasted.

He had been so complimentary of her simple bowl of noodles, after all.

Even if his culinary skills were lacking, he had put in so much effort that it would be wrong to be anything but appreciative.

It wasn't long before the meal was ready to be served.

The spread included braised pork, shredded potatoes, stewed fish, and a side of greens, all accompanied by steamed rice.

"It looks quite good."

That was the polite phrase Wang Tianxue had prepared, but as she looked at the table, she realized she wouldn't have to lie.

The meal actually looked delicious.