TSWRLM -Chapter 364 Because I’m Not Your Mother

Old Madam Xiao’s words kept Xiao Yechen awake all night.

Originally, he had thought he was unworthy of the Young Mistress. His intense, almost overwhelming affection could not be spoken aloud. He feared that not only would the Young Mistress avoid him, but even the Xiao family might think him ungrateful—completely absurd.

Yet, as he repeatedly pondered Old Madam Xiao’s words, he found a trace of encouragement in them.

It seemed Old Madam Xiao did not look down on him; rather, she wished for him to express his feelings to the Young Mistress and compete fairly with others.

Perhaps… he could try.

If the Young Mistress rejected him, he would request a post at the frontier and never return to Hanjing, ensuring he would never trouble her again.

With this thought, early the next morning, Xiao Yechen went to the Xiao residence.

At the gate, he unexpectedly ran into Xie Zhang and his daughter.

“Brother Yechen, what a coincidence!”

Xie Zhang greeted warmly, and the little girl he was holding spoke too: “Hello, Uncle Yechen, I’m A-Yin.”

The weather was cold, and the little girl was dressed in a soft pink winter coat with a matching rabbit-shaped hat. Both the collar and the brim were lined with rabbit fur. She looked even cuter than a New Year painting doll.

No one could resist liking her.

Disgusting!

Xiao Yechen cursed inwardly but showed no change in expression, calmly asking, “Brother Xie, why are you here at the Xiao residence so early?”

“My aunt asked me to come to teach the young masters and young ladies painting. A-Yin and I will be staying at the Xiao residence for now. How about you, Xiao Yechen?”

Xie Zhang answered softly, subtly probing Xiao Yechen’s intentions.

Xiao Yechen smirked: “Nothing important, just came home to take a look.”

Xie Zhang had to make excuses to stay temporarily, while Xiao Yechen could come and go from his own home as he pleased. His words carried both pride and provocation.

Xie Zhang’s expression did not change, and he replied in step with Xiao Yechen’s tone: “The Xiao family has treated Brother Yechen with immense kindness. You really should come back more often.”

Once inside, Xie Zhang first took A-Yin to meet Madam Xiao Er.

Xiao Yechen’s hearing was excellent. Even after taking a few steps, he could still hear Xie Zhang advising A-Yin: “Madam Shen is also staying here with her two children. They are about your age and have good tempers. If you see them, remember to greet them, understand?”

“I know, I like Brother Ning and Sister An’an the most!”

“You’re very smart, A-Yin.”

Soon, their voices faded behind the folding door.

Xiao Yechen had previously thought Xie Zhang had no chance to compete with others for Xiao Qinghe’s attention. Now he realized the child had become a powerful tool for him.

As an outsider, Xie Zhang had little chance to interact with Xiao Qinghe. But Xie A-Yin, a child loved by everyone, could easily win favor for her father in the Xiao household.

Xiao Yechen gritted his teeth, but before he could react further, a familiar voice reached his ears: “General Xiao, why does your aura seem so heavy today? Has something happened?”

Turning around, he saw Young Master Fu approaching gracefully.

By the time they reached them, Xiao Yechen saw Fu holding a bamboo slip and a string of red sandalwood prayer beads.

Xiao Yechen calmed his thoughts, letting his aura soften: “Nothing’s wrong. Young Master Fu, what brings you here?”

“I feel a great affinity with Miss Xiao,” Fu said openly. “I’ve brought her some treasured scriptures and prayer beads. Tomorrow, I hope to invite her to Yunshan Temple to hear a senior monk preach.”

Fu’s expression was calm, his demeanor showing little romantic inclination; his interest in Buddhism was evident.

Xiao Yechen couldn’t help but warn: “Young Master Fu, you’ve only met He’er once. Traveling alone like this may not be appropriate.”

Fu shrugged: “The bonds between people are strange. Some meet a thousand times yet remain strangers. Others meet once and become kindred spirits. Miss Xiao and I are the latter. Though I live in the mortal world, my heart is elsewhere. Mundane formalities will not bind me. I believe Miss Xiao does not care for them either.”

Xiao Yechen: “…”

After a few casual words, Fu left with his attendants.

Xiao Yechen took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions. He sent a message for Xiao Qinghe, saying he had something important to discuss. Yet, after waiting in the garden for a long time, she did not appear.

**

An’an had accidentally fallen and bled quite a bit. Upon hearing the news, Xiao Qinghe rushed to the guest room immediately.

“Is An’an alright?”

As soon as she entered, Xiao Qinghe asked anxiously.

An’an had stopped crying and was now cuddled in Chun Xi’s arms, but her lower lip was swollen and had a clear cut. Seeing it made Xiao Qinghe frown in concern.

Chun Xi, however, was relaxed: “The residence doctor has seen her. It’s nothing serious—just a lip cut. It will heal in a few days.”

“Will it scar? How did she fall? Was the servant negligent, or did the other children cause it while playing?”

Xiao Qinghe fired question after question, fearing An’an had been harmed.

Chun Xi chuckled: “Don’t worry. No one hurt her; she simply fell. Kids bump into things all the time. He’er, don’t be too tense.”

As soon as Chun Xi finished speaking, a small hand grabbed Xiao Qinghe. Xie A-Yin, with her soft, cute little face, leaned close: “Cousin, don’t worry. I once broke my leg, but after a few days I could run and jump again.”

A-Yin had immediately bonded with An’an and Ning’er, and Chun Xi adored her. Seeing her play the role of a little adult to comfort Xiao Qinghe made her even happier.

Xiao Qinghe felt a pang of tenderness. She knelt and asked gently: “A-Yin, how did you break your leg?”

“I waited at home for Daddy all day. When he finally came back, I was too excited and accidentally fell down the steps. Daddy felt terrible and blamed himself for a long time. Now I’m careful because I don’t want to worry him.”

Her leg had long healed. A-Yin spoke of it without sadness, even with a hint of pride.

But thinking about it carefully, it was heart-wrenching.

This child had grown up without her mother. Though many in the Xie family could keep her company, she could only long for her father’s return every day.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have fallen from the steps in her excitement and broken her leg.

Xiao Qinghe held A-Yin in her arms, gently rubbing her head: “You’re such a good girl.”

Chun Xi had A-Yin stay for dinner, and Xiao Qinghe joined them.

After dinner, A-Yin looked up at Xiao Qinghe with big eyes: “Cousin, can I sleep with you tonight? I dreamed of my mother again. Did she smell like you?”

Her voice trembled slightly.

She was so adorable, and hearing her speak of her mother so sadly made it impossible to refuse.

Xiao Qinghe picked her up and said gently but firmly: “A-Yin, you cannot sleep with me, because I am not your mother. Do you understand?”