The moment Ji Zhou was picked up by Ye Shuang, he clung tightly to her slender neck with both small hands, like a little fledgling bird finding its warm nest.
He buried his entire face deep into the crook of her neck without making a sound.
He had felt a bit wronged earlier when Mom only whispered with his older brother, but now all his grievances had vanished, leaving only pure joy.
Those standing behind Ye Shuang could clearly see the irrepressible delight sparkling in the young master’s bright, large eyes, as if they held countless brilliant stars.
Witnessing this scene, everyone present felt a growing respect for the newly appointed Madam Ji.
They thought to themselves: This lady is clearly not just a decorative vase as she appears. It seems the rumors circulating outside are all false.
Ye Shuang neither knew nor cared about others’ opinions. Cradling Ji Zhou protectively with both hands, she slightly turned her head to glance at the Old Butler beside her.
Understanding her unspoken request, the Old Butler stepped forward, bent down, and picked up the somewhat dejected Ji Li.
Held in the Old Butler’s arms, Ji Li couldn’t help casting an envious look at his younger brother nestled comfortably in Ye Shuang’s embrace, his eyes filled with longing.
However, he quickly recalled what Ye Shuang had just told him.
He understood that being older and heavier than his brother meant Ye Shuang couldn’t carry him—not because she didn’t want to, but because she truly couldn’t.
With this realization, he silently reminded himself: Don’t be jealous! Be a sensible older brother!
“Ahem, Madam Ji…”
Several school administrators finally snapped out of their daze, their facial muscles instantly tensing as ingratiating smiles spread across their faces, so forced they nearly distorted their features.
Their eyes brimmed with urgency and fear, voices trembling slightly from nervousness, as if Ye Shuang’s departure would spell their utter doom.
“Our Madam has stated that you may direct any matters to me.”
The lawyer adjusted his elegant gold-rimmed glasses, a sharp glint flashing behind the lenses before settling into a perfectly professional smile.
Though seemingly courteous, the smile carried a subtle yet unmistakable chill of detachment.
With a fluid movement, he positioned himself firmly between the men and Ye Shuang’s retreating figure.
Ye Shuang appeared not to hear them, her expression remaining as calm and unfathomable as a deep, still pond, utterly unruffled.
She didn’t spare another glance for the school administrators nor showed any intention of stopping.
Holding Ji Zhou, accompanied by the Old Butler carrying Ji Li and several bodyguards, she walked away with composed and steady steps.
…….
“Have some water first.”
Ye Shuang discreetly massaged her sore arms, then noticed the two little dumplings’ dry lips. Turning her head, she softly instructed the Old Butler to bring them some warm water.
After the two little ones finished drinking, Ye Shuang looked at their still-quiet faces and asked gently:
“Cheng Cheng, Zhou Zhou, would you like to change schools?”
The behavior of the teachers today, coupled with the obsequious attitudes of the school administrators, had genuinely unsettled Ye Shuang.
But since it was these two little ones who attended school, she wouldn’t make decisions for them without hearing their thoughts.
Moreover, Ye Shuang reckoned that even if they didn’t change schools, after today’s incident, her cheap husband would surely pay more attention.
At worst, she’d just have to work harder from now on and personally pick them up after school.
With her around, the little dumplings definitely wouldn’t be bullied.
“No, we won’t change!”
Ji Li shook his head firmly without hesitation. Although today’s experience at school had made him both angry and sad, he had so many good friends there.
There were also many teachers who treated him very well—he really didn’t want to change schools.
“No change!”
Ji Zhou quickly shook his head too, wriggling his little body as he tried to jump down from the child seat, but he was too weak to manage it.
He could only anxiously stretch out his short little arms, straining to reach Ye Shuang.
“Alright, alright, no change then. Now sit properly, both of you.”
Ye Shuang smiled and reached out to ruffle Ji Zhou’s little head, carefully straightening his small body.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Ji Li’s envious gaze and sighed inwardly before reaching over to ruffle his head too.
Ah, what sweet little burdens these were.
Ye Shuang truly hadn’t expected that the male supporting character from the original story—who grew up to be an overbearing CEO full of pride—would be so easy to “win over” as a child.
Tsk, if things continued like this, she could probably look forward to living a long life.
“Um… we didn’t mean to fight today.”
Ji Li hesitated, ultimately still unable to call her “Mom,” so he hung his head guiltily and nervously twisted his fingers.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to call her that, nor was he still thinking about his birth mother who had passed away early—after all, both he and his brother only had terrifying memories of blood associated with their mother.
He was simply shy.
Besides, Ji Li hadn’t forgotten the agreement he made with Ye Shuang just last night, so he couldn’t help feeling uneasy about getting into a fight with classmates today.
“Sorry…”
Ji Zhou also drooped his little head, his eyes reddening as if he were about to cry. He seemed to have already foreseen that Ye Shuang wouldn’t agree to participate in the program.
“I know, but fighting is never good, especially when there’s such a disparity in strength.”
Ye Shuang paused slightly, deciding not to reveal yet that she had already agreed to record the program. Instead, she earnestly began educating the two little ones.
“Your mistake today wasn’t the fighting itself, but that you shouldn’t have confronted them head-on when their parents were present and yours hadn’t arrived yet. You must remember, sometimes knowing when to yield is the best way to protect yourselves. You’re still children—when adults are around, you should learn to rely on them. Don’t worry too much about saving face.”
“Aside from that, you didn’t do anything wrong today, so…”
Ye Shuang deliberately drew out her words, successfully capturing both little dumplings’ attention before smiling and saying:
“I’ve already agreed to join you in the program! Aren’t you happy?”
Ye Shuang wasn’t blind—of course she could see the hesitation in these two milk dumplings. She thought it was because they hadn’t truly accepted her yet.
Becoming a mother without going through childbirth was indeed nice… As for whether they called her Mom or not, Ye Shuang didn’t really mind. She believed time would gradually resolve all issues.
“Really?!”
The two little ones’ eyes instantly lit up, sparkling like stars in the night sky, brimming with surprise and anticipation.
“Of course.”
Ye Shuang looked at their adorable expressions and couldn’t help but smile, giving them an affirmative answer.
“Wow! Thank you, Mom!! You’re the best, Mom!!!”
Ji Li’s little face flushed with excitement like a ripe apple, and he couldn’t resist shouting out.
“Mom is the best!”
Ji Zhou joined in the cheers, his voice clear and bright, overflowing with joy.
After shouting, the two seemed to suddenly realize something and, out of shyness, lowered their heads with reddened faces, their small hands nervously tugging at the corners of their clothes.
“Mhm, that’s only natural.”
Ye Shuang nodded gently, her eyes filled with adoration, as if all her weariness had been swept away by the joy of these two little ones in this moment.