Xia Mingyu’s mind was in complete disarray. She stared blankly at Si Konghuai, having lost all ability to react.
Lu Ning had been quietly observing Xia Mingyu. Seeing her in this state, he could guess that she had figured out the truth.
How pitiful! What a tragedy!
He wondered how Si Konghuai would handle this situation.
Although Si Konghuai didn’t recognize Xia Mingyu, she was holding Little Glutinous Rice Dumplings who looked exactly like him, with Lu Ning standing beside her.
He immediately recognized her as the children’s mother – the woman he had violated in a moment of animalistic desire years ago.
His handsome face tightened, his entire body growing tense.
Si Konghuai stared directly at Xia Mingyu.
To meet Si Konghuai, the savior who had rescued her child, Xia Mingyu had taken special care with her appearance this morning.
She hadn’t applied any strange substances to her face, and her hair was neatly arranged, revealing her delicate, beautiful face the size of a palm.
Though her clothing remained simple, it was clean. Even if it were just rags, they would look good on her slender willow-like waist.
After realizing the truth, mist formed in Xia Mingyu’s beautiful almond-shaped eyes.
She pressed her lips tightly together, her gaze toward Si Konghuai filled with shock, resentment, and grievance.
Si Konghuai felt almost scorched by Xia Mingyu’s stare. Guiltily, he lowered his eyes, not daring to meet her gaze any longer.
But the train station was only so big. With Si Konghuai’s tall stature and long legs, he covered ground quickly with his large strides, reaching Xia Mingyu in just a few steps.
Both were emotionally unsettled, while the two little glutinous rice dumplings, who understood nothing, excitedly called out.
“Brother! I missed you so much! You’re finally back!”
“Brother, wu wu wu…”
Yuanyuan was a crybaby. Seeing Tuantuan, he immediately opened his arms to hug him, burying his face in his brother’s shoulder and sobbing, tears falling in large drops.
His mouth puckered, his adorable little face scrunching up like a steamed bun, full of grievance.
The twin brothers relied on each other more than anyone. Having been separated for a full day and night for the first time, it was completely normal for the clingy Yuanyuan to react this way.
“Yuanyuan, wu wu wu…”
Tuantuan’s short arms hugged his brother tightly. His face also scrunched up, tears streaming down.
But he pressed his lips together, silently letting the tears fall, as if trying to maintain his big brother dignity.
After crying for just a few seconds, he immediately wiped away his own tears.
He took a few shaky breaths, then held Yuanyuan’s little face and helped wipe his tears.
“Yuanyuan, don’t cry. Brother is here.”
After speaking, he looked at Xia Mingyu, using his damp little hand to touch her face.
“Mother, what’s wrong?”
“Were you frightened?”
“I’m fine! This uncle saved me and bought me lots of food!”
Tuantuan explained worriedly to Xia Mingyu, unaware that it was precisely this “uncle” he mentioned who had frightened her.
“Comrade Xia, I…”
Si Konghuai gazed at Xia Mingyu, initiating conversation.
Awakened by the children’s voices and the unfamiliar male voice, Xia Mingyu shuddered. She immediately shook her head, trying hard to cast aside those embarrassing thoughts.
“Comrade Si Kong!”
“Thank you for saving my son. Our Production Team leader is also very grateful for your assistance and has prepared a meal at home.”
“Please come with us to share a simple meal!”
Xia Mingyu raised her voice, cutting off what Si Konghuai was about to say.
She forced a strained smile, then snatched Tuan Tuan from Si Konghuai’s arms. Holding both Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, she turned and walked away immediately.
It didn’t matter anymore. Whether he was the man from that night or not, she couldn’t care less.
Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan were her children. She would never allow anyone to take them away from her!
Besides, wasn’t Si Konghuai from Jing Shi? Jing Shi was so far from here. He definitely hadn’t been here before—he couldn’t be that man. It must just be a coincidence.
There were too many people in this world who looked alike!
However, the clever Xia Mingyu also thought of Lu Ning. If he was just passing through, why would he go out of his way to help her and Yuan Yuan? And why would he remind her to mentally prepare herself?
Xia Mingyu’s mind was in turmoil. Her thoughts nearly overwhelmed her, the chaotic mess almost driving her insane. Her eyes reddened as she staggered along, clutching her two children, even bumping into passersby.
“Comrade Xia.”
“Listen to me!”
Si Konghuai could see that Xia Mingyu wanted to play dumb, but he couldn’t let it slide. He strode forward and grabbed her arm, his tall frame instantly overshadowing her. Xia Mingyu only reached his shoulders, her arms slender and her body as thin as paper. She must have suffered greatly over the years.
As long as Si Konghuai had a conscience, he couldn’t stand by and watch Xia Mingyu continue to endure such hardship. So, he had to make things clear.
Si Konghuai directly took Tuan Tuan Yuan Yuan from Xia Mingyu’s arms.
“What are you doing?!”
“Give them back to me!”
Xia Mingyu panicked, pounding his chest once, a flicker of anger flashing in her eyes. Was he trying to snatch her children so brazenly? Did he think she was dead?!
“Mom…”
Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan sensed the tension and began to struggle.
But Si Konghuai didn’t relent. He handed Tuan Tuan Yuan Yuan to Lu Ning, who had caught up.
“Be good, go play with Uncle Lu for a while. Uncle needs to talk to your mom.”
“Comrade Xia, can we talk?”
“I promise I mean you no harm, and I won’t take the children away from you.”
Si Konghuai gazed deeply at Xia Mingyu, his expression serious, his words firm and resolute.
“I swear on my military rank—there was a misunderstanding about what happened back then.”
With these words, he had almost admitted that he was the man from that night.
Xia Mingyu understood everything now.
She bit her lip hard, her wide eyes growing even redder. Her fragile, pale face easily evoked sympathy and a desire to protect—or conquer.
Si Konghuai’s heart clenched. His deep eyes remained fixed on Xia Mingyu, unable to look away.
“I’m sorry.”
They were at the train station, with people coming and going. Their commotion had already drawn the attention of those around them. Passersby stopped and cast curious glances their way.
“Mom…”
Amidst it all were Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan’s anxious cries.
Xia Mingyu had already been humiliated enough. She didn’t want to make this matter public knowledge.
Her throat felt blocked again. She could only nod through her sobs, agreeing to Si Konghuai’s request to talk.
Seeing this, Lu Ning immediately took the two children away.
“Good children, let’s go play over there. Your mom and uncle need to talk.”
Seeing that Xia Mingyu didn’t object, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan could only watch helplessly as Lu Ning led them away.
Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan perched eagerly on Lu Ning’s shoulders, watching Xia Mingyu grow smaller in the distance.
What could Uncle and Mother possibly have to talk about?
Holding Yuan Yuan’s little hand, Tuan Tuan began to ponder earnestly.
Meanwhile, Si Konghuai had led Xia Mingyu to a secluded corner where no one was around, finally allowing him to speak freely.
Si Konghuai looked directly at Xia Mingyu and came straight to the point.
“Comrade Xia, I believe you can guess just by looking at my face.”
“I am Tuan Tuan Yuan Yuan’s father.”