Chapter 17: Wen Shu whispered, “My nanny told me that Meng Xiaojun’s appearance is nine-tenths similar to…”

Apart from Wen Zhaoyin, Meng Huan’s courtyard welcomed a new guest—Wen Shu.

The little girl seemed to have just left her private school. The young man behind her was holding two books. She didn’t even return to her own place but came straight here.

“Xiaojun!” She still used that not quite accurate form of address. As soon as she entered the room, she sat in the spot where Wen Zhaoyin usually sat.

Her legs were short, and her toes couldn’t even reach the ground. Her two legs dangled in the air as she leaned on the short table, fiddling with the chess pieces. She seemed to be in a rather good mood.

It had to be said, this child was really adorable.

But Meng Huan remembered that when they met yesterday, she didn’t seem to like him very much. She left after saying only a few words. Why did she suddenly come over today, and with such a good attitude towards him?

“What did Wen Shu come to my place for?” He sat on the other side of the couch and lifted his hand to pour himself a cup of water.

Theoretically, he could be considered her half-stepfather. This identity was destined to be disliked by children.

Wen Shu answered without hesitation, “You are my mother’s Xiaojun. I came to see how you are doing.”

“Besides, Mother has been very busy these past few days. After she finishes, she stays here with you and doesn’t come to see me often. Can’t I come here to wait for Mother?”

This was a very reasonable excuse, leaving Meng Huan with no grounds to send her away. “Alright, then you wait.”

“Wen Xi, let’s go out and play.”

“Huh?” Wen Shu didn’t understand. She raised her hand to let the young man block Meng Huan, who was about to go out.

“Mother will be back soon. You should be in your own courtyard to greet her. How can you wander around? If you’re really bored, play a game of chess with me.”

“I don’t want to play chess with a child. You should go back. If your mother comes, I’ll immediately ask her to go see you, okay?” Although Wen Zhaoyin stayed in the end yesterday, he could still feel that she didn’t actually want him to have contact with this child.

He had not yet gained her true trust.

Wen Shu shook her head repeatedly, “No, I want to wait for Mother here. You’re not allowed to go out either.”

She called over two attendants waiting outside and had them block the door, refusing to let Meng Huan leave. Her temperament and personality were too domineering.

Meng Huan couldn’t go out, but he had no intention of forcing his way through. This time, it was Wen Shu who came of her own accord. Even if Wen Zhaoyin was unhappy, there was nothing she could do.

He sat back down and fiddled with the chess pieces. Last time, he lost to Wen Zhaoyin at five-in-a-row. This time, playing against her six-year-old daughter, he could definitely win back a round!

“Alright, I’ll play chess with you for a while.”

Just as Meng Huan lost two games here, Wen Zhaoyin returned from outside.

This time, she received the news on her way back. Seeing her daughter, she wasn’t surprised. She just had Wen Shu stand up, then sat in the position where she had just been sitting and solemnly inquired about her studies.

Then the little girl was quite happy. Her eyes sparkled as she counted on her fingers, saying where she had been praised by the governess, where she had been inadequate but had corrected herself, and that she had read some extracurricular books on her own.

Meng Huan was stunned at the side. Were ancient children still children? They were simply more self-disciplined than most modern young people. Just in terms of learning, he couldn’t even compare.

But Wen Zhaoyin had long been accustomed to it. After asking about these things, she also did a general spot check. Meng Huan didn’t understand what they were talking about, but it seemed that Wen Shu answered everything and answered very well.

The mother and daughter also talked about inviting a martial arts governess in the near future. Well, this was going to be an all-round development.

When they had said everything that needed to be said, Wen Zhaoyin said she would have Pei Lan send Wen Shu back. The little girl was also very sensible and didn’t say anything, which made Meng Huan feel a little distressed.

Sensible children all lack love.

They try to use their own sensibility to pray for the attention of adults, but what they want to get is often the opposite of what they seek. The more sensible they are, the less love they receive.

He said, “When Wen Shu came just now, she said she missed you and that you haven’t gone to see her recently. You should send her back and have a meal with her.”

“Alright.” Wen Zhaoyin nodded. After Wen Shu walked out the door, she pinched his hand and kissed him on the face before leaving, seemingly rewarding him for his thoughtfulness.

—

Wen Zhaoyin followed her out the door. She noticed that Wen Shu wasn’t walking very fast and even turned her head to look back every three steps, which was quite novel. Her daughter had never been so hesitant before.

Could it really be because she had been with Meng Huan recently and hadn’t gone to see her daughter?

She walked over and picked up Wen Shu, weighing her with her arms. She seemed a bit lighter. “Did you miss me?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“It doesn’t look like it to me. I remember before, when your grandfather called over a young master from another family, you were very disgusted and even had someone deliberately wet his skirt. How come you’re willing to come here this time?”

After the previous husband passed away, she had never remarried, not even having any concubines or little attendants. Half of it was because she hadn’t moved on from that relationship, and half was also because of her daughter.

Wen Shu tried hard to hug her neck with her two little arms, attempting to change the subject. “Mother hasn’t held me in a long time.”

“What exactly is the reason that makes you not reject him?” However, Wen Zhaoyin was the originator of changing the subject and didn’t fall for it at all.

The little girl looked around, her expression becoming serious. She stuck close to her ear and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear.

“Because my nanny told me that Meng Xiaojun’s appearance is nine-tenths similar to Father’s.”