When Li Moying mentioned his chronic insomnia, Old Madam Li put together his behavior over the past couple of days and immediately understood everything.
“So being with Wanwan cures your insomnia?”
“Yes,” Li Moying nodded.
Just then, Old Master Li, growing impatient in the courtyard, entered and overheard him: “Every time I hold her, I feel sleepy. I just want a good sleep, not playing any tricks.”
“I see…” Each grandchild tugged at the Old Madam’s heartstrings.
Especially Li Moying. He had once been lively, but an incident at age six had shaped his peculiar temperament. She glanced at Old Master Li with understanding in her eyes.
Sighing, Old Master Li recalled the event six years ago, anger resurfacing, and made a decision.
“For the next few days, let Wanwan sleep with Third Brother. As for Second Brother, find him a match soon and have him live independently!”
“Old Master…” The Old Madam didn’t expect him to still feel uneasy about something so long ago.
But Old Master Li was decisive. With a stern look, he stopped her plea, stepped forward, and held out his hand: “Give me the child!”
“She hasn’t eaten yet. Why are you in such a hurry?” the Old Madam said, annoyed.
Old Master Li’s face turned stern for a moment, then he swiftly scooped up Wanwan.
“Give me the child? Fine! Do you think I’d let her starve?” His gruff expression instantly softened as he faced the little girl.
He smiled like a jolly Buddha, holding her and speaking gently: “Wanwan, let Grandpa take you fishing. When we come back, I’ll make you some meat, okay?”
“Yay! Wanwan loves meat!”
Wanwan clapped her tiny hands, hair messy from sleep, beaming with joy.
After leaving the house, Old Master Li handed her to the servants to wash and dress her in a pretty outfit, all while smiling as he carried her out.
But he hadn’t taken two steps when Li Mocheng hurried over.
“Grandpa’s taking Little Sister out?”
Old Master Li had just agreed to let Li Moying hold Wanwan for a few days, and now here came another ‘kidnapper.’ His temper flared.
“What’s wrong? I’m taking my granddaughter for a walk; do I need your permission?”
Li Mocheng paused, then nodded, speaking softly: “Grandpa, I just came to check on Little Sister. I have to go inland with Father today for business, so I wanted to see her first.”
A few days had passed since the chaotic events at the Chamber of Commerce. Li Mocheng hadn’t fully shaken off the memory of bloodshed. If Wanwan hadn’t tripped him that day, he might have ended up like the others—dead in the streets.
Though coming daily to see Wanwan was a bit impulsive, it gave him peace of mind. Plus, he couldn’t bear to be away from his adorable little sister, having grown used to seeing her morning and night.
Fortunately, Old Master Li didn’t argue. He pushed Wanwan into Li Mocheng’s arms and urged him: “Go now. I’ll wait in the car.”
“Yes.”
Once Old Master Li left, Li Mocheng pressed his forehead against Wanwan’s, inhaling the sweet scent of her milk—soft and sugary like a little honey jar. He didn’t want to let go.
“What did you have for breakfast?”
“Um… Wanwan hasn’t eaten yet,” she realized, patting her little belly.
“Then Grandpa will take you to eat. Wanwan, Big Brother has to work, so stay home and behave. When he returns, he’ll buy you something yummy, okay?”
“Okay! Thank you, Big Brother!” Wanwan excitedly held his face and planted a kiss.
Li Mocheng’s expression softened completely, as if lifted by a spring breeze, a constant smile spreading across his face.
Eventually, Old Master Li grew impatient waiting in the car and returned to fetch Wanwan.
Li Mocheng reluctantly handed over the little milkball. Wanwan waved at him over Old Master Li’s cool back.
“Goodbye, Big Brother.”
“Goodbye,” Li Mocheng waved back, reluctant to part.
…
At dawn, mist lifting, Old Master Li carried a fishing rod on one shoulder and a bucket in the other, smiling as he met his old friends at the usual riverbank.
“Ah, Old Li, are you here to fish or picnic? You look well enough to have recovered?” one friend teased.
Old Master Li, wrinkles creasing his smiling face, stepped aside.
From behind him peeked a little girl clutching his coat—two tiny pigtails bouncing, eyes sparkling at the gathering of old friends.
“Where did this little girl come from?”
“Oh, she’s my granddaughter!” Old Master Li proudly held her up to show off.
“Your granddaughter? Who’s her parent? How come you even have a granddaughter?” one friend joked, slapping his thigh in excitement.
“She’s not my biological granddaughter, but that doesn’t matter! I’m proud to show her off!”
Fearing Wanwan might not understand Cantonese, Old Master Li casually chatted in a mix of Hong Kong standard: “Don’t be jealous, see? You all should be enjoying your grandchildren too, but where are they? Not here with me in the wild!”
His words hit home. Most of his friends, over sixty, had adult children, many living abroad or settled far away. Even those at home were spoiled young heirs, preferring to play with peers rather than join them fishing in the countryside.
Even if Wanwan wasn’t biological, her filial love alone made Old Master Li’s friends envious.
“Enough talking, I’ll catch more than you today!” a friend laughed, raising his rod.
Old Master Li calmly laid out a waterproof mat, seated Wanwan on it, and emptied the bucket of snacks—her favorite fish balls, egg waffles, and the signature egg tarts he had specially bought from the restaurant.
“Wanwan, you eat first. Grandpa will catch a big fish for you, okay?”
Wanwan excitedly nodded: “Grandpa catch lots of fish for Wanwan to eat!”
Old Master Li confidently promised, walking with flair.
Unfortunately, he was late, all the good fishing spots were taken by friends, and with Wanwan to care for, he had to settle for a random spot and start preparing bait.
While a flurry of splashing announced a big carp hooked by a friend, Old Master Li’s line had yet to catch even a hint of fish after over half an hour.