16
Do You Want to Be My Stepdad?
The sun gradually dipped westward.
The photographer set down his camera, announcing that the shoot was finally over.
Lin Chenghao had spotted Shen Mochen earlier. After leisurely changing his clothes, he walked up to the two of them. “Mommy, Uncle Shen.”
Lin Yuxi handed him a gift bag. “Uncle Shen brought this back for you from his business trip. See if you like it.”
Without even opening the bag, Lin Chenghao nodded without hesitation. “Of course, I like it. By the way, Uncle Shen, is that French restaurant you mentioned last time still on?”
Shen Mochen ruffled his hair. “I came this time specifically to keep my promise. Tell me which restaurant you’ve picked—you choose, I’ll pay.”
Lin Chenghao looked up at Lin Yuxi. “Will Mommy come along?”
Lin Yuxi smiled. “Of course, my time today is all yours.”
“What about Godmother?”
From a distance, Shen Xiaoxiao raised her voice upon hearing this. “We have a new collection launching next week—I’m swamped with work! Eat extra for me!”
Lin Yuxi replied, “I’ll just pack a portion for you.”
Shen Xiaoxiao was overjoyed. “I knew you were the best! Love you~”
Shen Mochen chuckled, bent down, and scooped up Haohao with one arm. “Let’s go.”
Suspended in those sturdy arms, Lin Chenghao felt momentarily unaccustomed.
Ever since he started toddling, he hadn’t let anyone carry him, and he didn’t know why Uncle Shen had suddenly decided to pick him up this time.
But to be fair, Uncle Shen was quite impressive.
His arms were strong.
Not to mention his financial stability, emotional support, and looks—all top-notch.
He’d make a suitable stepdad.
“Mommy, what about that ‘impossible triangle’ we discussed last time? Have you considered it?” Lin Chenghao blurted out unexpectedly.
Lin Yuxi nearly stumbled.
Shen Mochen?
She had never thought about him in that way.
They first met at the Shen family estate, when Xiaoxiao invited her over for a visit and they happened to run into Shen Mochen, who was back at the old house for a meal.
Later, when she gave birth, it was at a hospital under the Shen corporation.
Through repeated encounters, they grew familiar.
After that, when Shen Mochen heard she wanted to develop a children’s facial mask for Haohao, he even offered his medical laboratory.
As for Shen Mochen, Lin Yuxi felt more gratitude than anything else.
“We’ll talk… later.”
Lin Chenghao didn’t press further. “Okay.”
Shen Mochen didn’t understand the coded exchange between mother and son, but he keenly sensed Lin Yuxi’s discomfort and didn’t probe further.
…
The three of them arrived at the French restaurant.
Mother and son sat side by side, while Shen Mochen took the seat opposite Haohao.
“Order whatever you like—it’s on me.”
Lin Chenghao rested his chin in his hands, his small fingers flipping through the menu. “It’s all in French—I can’t read it. Uncle Shen, could you translate for me?”
Lin Yuxi couldn’t read French either, but the prices were clear enough.
She leaned in and whispered, “Won’t this be too expensive for you?”
Shen Mochen replied casually, “It’s fine. I just secured a major supplier—consider this a celebration.”
Lin Chenghao nodded in approval.
Another point for Uncle Shen.
The fluent French flowing from his lips was like a spa treatment for the eardrums.
Lin Chenghao swung his little legs freely under the table, mimicking the French pronunciation as he ordered with surprising flair.
A commotion arose at the restaurant entrance.
A middle-aged man in a sharp suit pushed the door open, speaking as he walked. “President Fu, my daughter adores this French restaurant—she says their cod is exceptionally fresh.”
Hearing the surname “Fu,” Lin Yuxi instinctively turned her head and immediately spotted Fu Tingchuan walking at the center of the crowd.
Fu Tingchuan also saw her.
His gaze swept over indifferently, paused briefly on Haohao, then quickly withdrew.
It was as if he had seen a stranger, devoid of any emotion.
Lin Yuxi felt a pang of panic.
Lin Chenghao, however, remained perfectly composed, seemingly unperturbed, and asked loudly, “Auntie Yuxi, do you like fish?”
Half the restaurant heard him.
Lin Yuxi replied immediately, “Yes, I do! Do you prefer cod or sea bass?”
Lin Chenghao: “Sea bass!”
The group in the distance didn’t pause because of this small interruption and soon disappeared down the corridor.
Several waiters trailed behind, busy attending to the VIPs in the exclusive private room.
Shen Mochen had observed their entire exchange from start to finish, a smile touching his eyes. “The sea bass here is indeed better prepared than the cod.”
Lin Chenghao wholeheartedly agreed, “Mommy, let’s have sea bass then?”
Lin Yuxi was lost in thought and only snapped back to reality upon hearing this, quickly responding, “Sure.”
She hadn’t expected the father and son to meet again under such circumstances.
Thankfully, Haohao was clever and casually referred to her as “auntie”; otherwise, Fu Tingchuan would surely have suspected the child was his.
Lin Chenghao continued ordering, meticulously confirming each dish to ensure none contained cod before placing the order.
This little scheme didn’t escape Lin Yuxi’s notice.
However, whoever Haohao chose to regard as his father was his own decision. She respected her child’s wishes and wouldn’t interfere forcefully.
Besides, she and Fu Tingchuan were about to divorce. Since the biological father had no intention of returning home, it was just as well if someone else could help make up for what Haohao was missing.
…
The dishes arrived quickly.
Shen Mochen used the serving spoon to occasionally place food on Haohao’s and Lin Yuxi’s plates, exuding gentlemanly grace.
Lin Yuxi soon felt full and stood up, saying, “I’m going to the restroom.”
This suited Lin Chenghao perfectly. “Okay, Mommy.”
As soon as Lin Yuxi left, Lin Chenghao immediately turned to Shen Mochen and asked, “Uncle Shen, do you want to be my stepdad?”
As sharp as he was, he knew better than to underestimate his biological father Fu Tingchuan’s intelligence.
Therefore, the best way to cover their tracks was to find a stepdad as soon as possible.
Shen Mochen was taken aback by Haohao’s bluntness, his movements pausing slightly. “Have you discussed this with your mommy?”
The memory of their impossible triangle conversation was still fresh. Lin Chenghao lowered his gaze, picking at the food on his plate. “Mommy is independent and strong. She won’t object no matter who I choose.”
But whether they were worthy was another matter entirely.
That’s why he had to choose carefully.
“Have you and your…”
Shen Mochen stopped mid-sentence, unsure how to refer to Fu Tingchuan in front of the child.
After a moment’s thought, he rephrased, “Have you met your daddy?”
Lin Chenghao pouted. “Yeah, I saw him just the night before last. But compared to Fu Tingchuan, Uncle Shen, I’m on your side.”
“…”
So, just using his full name was fine.
Shen Mochen smiled and continued serving him food. “I’ll talk to your mommy about it. Here, try this—black truffle mushroom cream soup. It’s your mommy’s favorite.”
Lin Chenghao looked surprised. “Uncle Shen, how did you know that’s Mommy’s favorite?”
This seemed to be the first time in seven years that he and his mom were having French food.
Shen Mochen saw through his thoughts and said with a hint of mystery, “I’ve known your mom longer than you’ve been alive.”
Alright.
Lin Chenghao, acknowledging his youth, scooped a spoonful of soup and put it in his mouth.
Mom’s favorite.
It tasted pretty good, it seemed.