DLRC – Chapter 89  Mom, Why Are You Hugging Uncle Huo!

After sending the scalper away, Huo Mingwang led the mother and son toward the entrance line. With the heavy crowd, Yu Wei gripped her son’s hand tightly, afraid the little guy would get swept away by the tide of people.

Huo Mingwang walked ahead, Yu Wei at the back, and Yu Hui sandwiched in the middle, which was actually quite safe.

When it was nearly their turn to check tickets, Huo Mingwang suddenly turned and took Yu Hui’s small hand, gently pulling him closer. Since Yu Wei was holding her son, she too was drawn forward.

“Together?” the ticket-checking lady asked.

“Mm, together,” he replied.

Huo Mingwang handed over three tickets, then held the boy’s hand as they walked inside.

Yu Wei had never been here before and wasn’t familiar with the layout or the route, so she had no choice but to follow Huo Mingwang’s lead.

Outside was already packed, and now everyone squeezed into the narrow aisle leading to the cinema hall. Yu Wei felt like she could hardly breathe and worried whether her little one was holding up fine.

Just as she was about to look down at her son, Huo Mingwang bent over and picked the little fellow up—then hoisted him onto his shoulder like a rider on a horse.

“Huo Mingwang!”

Yu Wei cried out in shock. Yu Hui flailed his little arms in midair for a moment, only for Uncle Huo’s large hand to wrap around his tiny one. And just like that, he was riding on Huo Mingwang’s shoulders into the movie hall.

“Let’s go, it’s crowded here. Stay close,” Huo Mingwang said calmly, not feeling the least bit wrong about it. All he knew was that at this moment, he was too happy, too satisfied.

Going to the movies with the woman he loved and their son—this was something he had never even dared to dream of, yet now it was real.

The little guy was sitting on someone’s shoulders for the first time, making him the tallest in the crowd. He could see everything in the cinema hall clearly!

“Mom!”

Yu Hui wanted to turn his head, but any big movement made him feel unsteady, so he didn’t dare move too much, even though his heart was pounding with excitement.

“Don’t move around, or you’ll fall!” Yu Wei warned nervously from behind, hands raised in case his little bottom bounced off and he fell.

Huo Mingwang chuckled at her actions and reassured her, “It’s fine, he won’t fall.”

Then, with a bold move, he bent his knees and leaned close to Yu Wei’s face—so close she could feel his breath brushing her cheeks.

His voice was low and husky. “Yu Wei, if I drop him, you can hit me.”

Yu Wei was already drenched in sweat from the crowd, and now, hearing that, her face flushed red like a boiled shrimp.

She instinctively raised her hand to push him away but stopped when she caught sight of those clear deer-like eyes of the little one above his head.

“Got it, now move away!”

No wonder Yu Hui liked Huo Mingwang so much. Look how good this man was to her son! If she were Yu Hui, she’d probably like him even more!

She turned her head awkwardly, gulping for air, but the more she breathed, the more suffocated she felt. She just wanted to drag this man out and beat him up!

Thankfully, the cinema was dimly lit; otherwise, if he saw her face right now, she might actually jump up and kick his knees!

He—he actually leaned so close? So close!

Heaven help her. That move completely scattered her thoughts. She doubted she could focus on this movie at all.

And when the opening played, she realized the movie Huo Mingwang had chosen was… an animated film.

Yu Wei glanced at her son—sure enough, he was thrilled!

Poor mom nearly dozed off in the cinema, but thanks to Huo Mingwang’s earlier antics, her mind was still racing.

Their seats were in the middle of the front row—the best spot for viewing.

Even though it was an animated movie, the theater was packed with parents and kids.

Yu Wei, having seen plenty of films in her previous life, couldn’t be interested in this. After about ten minutes, she turned her head and dozed off quietly.

She and Huo Mingwang were separated by Yu Hui in the middle. The little one, seeing a movie for the first time, was beyond excited.

When Huo Mingwang leaned over and whispered about switching seats, the boy agreed instantly and switched without a second thought, then happily resumed watching.

Finally, Huo Mingwang was satisfied. What a well-behaved and sensible kid—definitely his son!

Meanwhile, poor Yu Wei had no idea she was no longer sitting next to her son.

The cramped theater air wasn’t great, but in the chilly winter season, it was warm inside, which made Yu Wei fall into a deep sleep.

When she woke up, she found her head resting on Huo Mingwang’s shoulder?!

“Mr. Huo…” Yu Wei rubbed her eyes, squinting against the bright lights as she murmured groggily, “Is the movie over?”

“Mm, it’s over.”

Huo Mingwang flexed his sore arm, fingers brushing his lips, which still carried the lingering warmth and sweet throb of his heart.

Yu Wei stretched, feeling drained and stiff. When she turned her neck, it even cracked twice from holding one position too long.

As she straightened up, she noticed the crowd streaming out. Suddenly, she remembered—“Wasn’t I sitting next to Yu Hui? How did you—”

Forgive her slow reaction. Huo Mingwang just chuckled, his gaze lingering mischievously on her flushed lips.

“Yu Hui said he couldn’t see well from that spot, so we switched.”

Yu Wei gave him a suspicious glance, then looked down at her son, who was still absorbed—even though the movie was over and the screen only showed a long list of voice actors.

It wasn’t until Huo Mingwang called him that the boy snapped out of it.

“Let’s go.” Huo Mingwang bent down and picked up the boy, heading out. When he turned around, he saw Yu Wei trailing slowly behind.

The exit was still crowded, especially near the doorway.

Suddenly, a woman squeezed in between them, cutting her off.

Yu Wei couldn’t see her son or Huo Mingwang. She stood on tiptoe, searching—only to see him turn back, reach out his long arm, and pull her close by the shoulders.

She jerked away uncomfortably, so his hand slid down to her wrist instead.

It was just like he remembered—cool to the touch, incredibly soft, even softer than Yu Hui, in his opinion.

He gently squeezed her hand, ignoring her panicked protests behind him, lips curved in a faint smile as he walked out holding his son in one arm and her in the other.

Their palms were damp with sweat.

Yu Hui lay sprawled on his shoulder, face full of contentment. He was thinking how amazing the movie had been.

If only they could watch movies every day… how wonderful that would be…

The little guy, who had watched so intently for over an hour, was now drowsy from the gentle bouncing of Huo Mingwang’s stride, his head drooping on the man’s shoulder before they even reached the exit.

His chubby cheeks were squished adorably as he slept soundly, looking extra cute.

Watching him snuggled so softly against Huo Mingwang’s solid shoulder, Yu Wei completely forgot to pull her hand away.

When she finally did, she glanced around—and almost had a heart attack.

Standing by a snack stall nearby were none other than her awful relatives, Yu Bing and Xiao Qiu!

Yu Wei’s expression changed instantly. Without thinking, she grabbed Huo Mingwang’s sleeve and hurriedly turned in the opposite direction.

“What’s wrong?” Huo Mingwang rubbed the boy’s back soothingly, glancing down at Yu Wei clutching his clothes, feeling over the moon.

He casually looked back but didn’t notice anything unusual.

“Nothing, just hurry!” Yu Wei said sharply, and Huo Mingwang obediently quickened his pace.

Finally, they were far from the cinema.

“Yu Bing, what are you staring at?”

Yu Bing pulled his gaze away from the trio and shrugged. “Nothing. Must’ve been my imagination.”

That woman looked like his sister, but she’d been gone for half a year without a trace. She must’ve left Lucheng by now.

And with her sense of style? No way she’d dress that fashionably. He must’ve been seeing things.

Back at the car, Huo Mingwang opened the back door. “Let’s go grab some food first.”

The cold air outside instantly seeped through Yu Wei’s clothes, making her shiver. After hurrying so far, sweat now chilled her back.

Her mind still stuck on that last glimpse of Yu Bing, she absentmindedly stepped forward to take her son from Huo Mingwang.

“Careful, or you’ll wake him,” Huo Mingwang said softly as he gently passed the boy to her, his voice so tender it made Yu Wei glance up at him several times.

Of course she would be careful with her own son—did she really need him to remind her?

After getting into the back seat with her son in her arms, Yu Wei didn’t refuse Huo Mingwang’s invitation to dinner.

Anyway… anyway, she’d just take things one step at a time.

She felt that, actually, she did have a little bit of a good impression of him.

Really, just a tiny little bit… a good impression.

……

Dinner that night went fairly harmoniously. The little guy didn’t throw a tantrum after being woken up, especially when he saw Huo Mingwang—his eyes lit up instantly.

First, he sweetly called out “Mama,” then softly added, “Uncle Huo…”

Huo Mingwang thought: One day, you’re going to call me Dad!

They ate at a state-run restaurant. Since it was a holiday, there were a lot of people coming to enjoy a nice meal, and the place was packed. When they arrived, there were no seats left—but Huo Mingwang had planned ahead and spoken to the chef in advance.

So now, as soon as they walked in, dishes were being freshly cooked.

The most amazing thing was that almost all the dishes he ordered were his own favorites, while Yu Hui’s favorites were all the ones Yu Wei ordered. Huo Mingwang made a mental note of that.

By the time they went home, it was almost six o’clock. Considering they had gone out to see a movie around three, the whole trip had taken quite a while.

But when she glanced at her son’s excited little face, she felt it was worth it!

“Yu Wei.” Huo Mingwang suddenly called her name while driving. She looked at his profile curiously, puzzled.

She didn’t say anything, waiting for him to continue. The car had already reached the department store area and was about to stop, so naturally, the speed had slowed down.

He looked in the rearview mirror and said, “I’m serious.”

Yu Wei was baffled by his sudden words. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand; she just didn’t want to respond. But the little guy in her arms piped up curiously: “Mama, Uncle Huo says he’s serious!”

Yu Wei lowered her head. The little rascal was clearly here for the drama—watching his mother’s drama!

“You little brat, what do you know!” Yu Hui didn’t even know what Huo Mingwang meant and still joined in, making Yu Wei grit her teeth in frustration. She reached out to pinch his chubby cheeks, and the two of them started playing around.

Although he didn’t get a direct answer from Yu Wei, Huo Mingwang felt much better just for saying it out loud. He didn’t push for a response and quietly continued driving.

Outside the car window, the lively and harmonious street scene passed by, full of festive energy. As the car slowly drove past the department store, Yu Wei suddenly called out.

“Wait!”

Huo Mingwang slowed the car, confused. “What’s wrong?”

“My son’s hat got blown away by the wind last time. I want to buy him a new one at the department store.”

“Alright, that works too.” It was still early, anyway.

He unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car, intending to carry the little guy from her arms, but Yu Wei didn’t let him. Holding her son, she glanced at the darkening sky.

“You can head back first. My home’s really close from here. After I buy the hat, I’ll just walk him home.”

“No need. I’ve got nothing to do back home anyway. Let’s go together.”

Meanwhile, back at the factory, Vice President Zhou was wondering: When will the boss come back? How long do we have to keep working overtime? Will I even make it home to spend the holiday with my wife?

Yu Hui, upon hearing that Mama was taking him to buy a hat, was so excited he started bouncing in her arms. “Yay! Mama, can I buy some new clothes too?”

Yu Wei poked his chubby cheek, her fingers sinking into the soft flesh—it felt amazing.

Holding her son, she headed toward the department store. Sure enough, she soon heard hurried footsteps behind her—it was that man catching up quickly.

“What do you mean some new clothes? Don’t misuse words. It’s a new piece, or maybe a few pieces.”

Yu Wei started lecturing Yu Hui as they walked, and in a few minutes, they entered the store.

Maybe because it was New Year’s, the usually quiet imported goods section was quite crowded, though not packed. Just that the salesclerks were all busy.

Yu Wei didn’t mind. She set Yu Hui down, held his hand, and started browsing.

They headed to the same rack where they bought his last hat, only to find many new arrivals, including bright red knitted hats for the New Year—festive and warm.

She picked one up and noticed it was the same style as the off-white one she bought before, only now in red, with a cute little fish design in the center.

The key was the big pom-pom on top—even bigger than the last one. She loved pom-poms the most.

When Yu Wei turned around, she saw her son holding Huo Mingwang’s hand at some point. Seeing her with the hat, he turned and asked curiously:

“Mama, are you going to buy me that hat?”

“Yes! Isn’t it cute?” Yu Wei squatted down excitedly and put it on him. Suddenly, a festive little “braised egg” appeared in front of her eyes.

Even though she had seen her “little braised egg” before, after a few days apart, she couldn’t help laughing again at his little monk look—laughing so hard she bent over.

The little guy gave her a strange look like last time, then adjusted the hat and asked, “Mama, is there a mirror? I want to see.”

Yu Wei wiped the corner of her eyes and, after catching Huo Mingwang watching her with amusement, finally stopped laughing and seriously searched for a mirror.

There was one right on the shelf. She handed it to Yu Hui, who happily admired his reflection.

He stared for a long while, neither saying good nor bad. Actually, he thought it looked nice—he just didn’t get why Mama always laughed at him when he wore a hat. She did that last time too. So strange.

“It looks great! Really great! Huihui, you’re perfect for this kind of hat! Look at that pom-pom—it suits you so well!” Yu Wei chuckled as she played with the pom-pom, which felt even softer than last time. The old one was practically bald from her rubbing it.

Yu Hui raised his little head: “Mama, this hat is red. Boys can’t wear red hats.”

“Who says boys can’t wear red hats!” Yu Wei deliberately put on a serious face. “That’s discrimination! Why can’t boys wear red hats?”

“Mama?” Yu Hui blinked, totally confused, then turned to Huo Mingwang: “Uncle Huo, can boys wear red hats?”

Huo Mingwang froze, instinctively glancing at Yu Wei. She was glaring at him threateningly. He looked away awkwardly, cleared his throat, and said, “Actually… it looks pretty good. Boys can wear them too.”

For the first time, Huo Mingwang lied to the kid, using the motion of ruffling his hair to cover up his embarrassment. Last time they were here, Yu Wei tricked the kid like this too. Now she was dragging him into the act.

Really… He couldn’t help but smile, his lips curving wider and wider.

Yu Wei nodded in satisfaction. Her little braised egg mulled it over and, seeing Uncle Huo agree, gave up on the argument.

“Alright then, Mama, I’ll buy this hat!”

In the end, Yu Wei didn’t just buy the red hat but also a cream-colored one in the same style—planning for him to wear red during New Year, and the cream one afterward for a more “proper” look.

Otherwise, a little boy wearing a red hat every day would definitely attract attention.

Yu Wei was thoroughly amused by her little braised egg. Later, at his insistence, she also bought two outfits before he was satisfied.

Meanwhile, Huo Mingwang somehow became a mindless pack mule, following behind with arms full of shopping bags, silently marveling at Yu Wei’s shopping power…

Back in the car, seeing the pile of goods on the passenger seat, Yu Wei was glad she hadn’t let Huo Mingwang leave earlier—otherwise, hauling all that home would’ve been a nightmare.

The department store was close to home, and with his car, they were at Jiang Aihua’s courtyard before the seats had even warmed up.

Today, Jiang Aihua and her husband had gone to spend the holiday with their younger son, so the first floor was empty. The street outside was busy, and when people saw Yu Wei getting out of the car, they all stopped to stare.

She ignored the curious stares, opened the door, and started unloading things.

But she underestimated the weight—carrying them all at once was hard.

“Let me.” Huo Mingwang gently pushed her aside, swept everything into his arms, and said, “Let’s go.”

He straightened and gestured for her to lead the way with the kid.

Yu Wei quickly recovered and didn’t bother pretending—she picked up her son and hurried upstairs. The narrow stairwell finally blocked out all those gossiping eyes.

Inside, Yu Wei asked him to put everything on the big chair, then rushed to the kitchen for water.

The little guy enthusiastically dragged the shopping into his and Mama’s room one by one. Most of it was clothes, so it had to go into the wardrobe—easy to find later!

Watching Yu Hui spin around under the dim light like a little top, Huo Mingwang felt his heart soften, an unspeakable warmth spreading inside.

Smiling, he turned and walked toward the kitchen, step by step. Yu Wei suddenly felt the light above her dim, then saw a tall shadow on the wall—he was here.

She turned—and realized just how close they were. So close she… swallowed hard.

Yu Wei put down her glass, grabbed a bowl, and waved it in front of him. “Uh… do you want some water?”

He didn’t answer. His sharp eyes locked on her as he leaned in. “Yu Wei.”

She had no idea what he was doing and backed up in fright—until her back hit the counter, leaving no escape.

She looked into his eyes—the same eyes as Yu Hui’s—shimmering under the warm light, like a sea full of stars, piercing straight into her heart.

Night was the perfect cover, and the dim light only made it more so.

When Huo Mingwang stepped forward and gently pulled her into his arms, Yu Wei didn’t push him away. She just froze, too afraid to move.

Her mind went blank—except for the strong scent of him flooding her senses. That faint medicinal fragrance… she felt it sinking deep into her heart, impossible to erase, as domineering as the man himself…

“Mama—!”

The little guy’s shrill cry jolted Yu Wei back to her senses. She shoved Huo Mingwang away and looked up at him. His eyes were full of satisfaction. Even though their tender moment had been ruined by Yu Hui’s sudden intrusion, he wasn’t angry at all.

She could feel the overflowing joy radiating from him.

Yu Hui kept yelling as he ran into the kitchen, chubby little legs pattering on the floor, his round body squeezing right between them. “Mama! Mama, why are you hugging Uncle Huo?!”

Yu Wei was dumbfounded: “??”

Sweetheart, are you kidding me?!

This—what?! I was the one hugging him? I was the one being forward?!

Clearly, your Uncle Huo was taking advantage of your mama!

Yu Wei stared wide-eyed at her little rascal. “Are you even my son anymore?!”