Chi Cheng’s father suddenly paused again.

An Ran just looked down at her toes, not daring to look up to see Uncle Chi’s current reaction.

The romance with her brother had always been hidden from the eyes of parents and the outside world.

Now, because of Lin Wanqing, An Ran faced Uncle Chi’s "interrogation" without any mental preparation.

Compared to An Ran’s unease, Chi Cheng remained as calm as ever, not only not distancing himself from An Ran but even putting his arm around her shoulder, "Dad, I want to be with An Ran."

Whenever Chi Cheng wishes to express something seriously, he always calls her by her full name—An Ran.

Chi Cheng’s father looked at his son and then at An Ran, "Your Aunt An and I are already together, and you guys are just..."

Chi Cheng interrupted his father before he could finish, "But she and I don’t have a blood relationship."

Silence again.

An Ran’s heart was in turmoil.

Uncle Chi, is he against it?

Indeed, it’s surely hard for him to accept.

After all, in his eyes, one is a son, and the other is a stepdaughter.

The two of them are completely in a sibling relationship.

"I understand that the two of you living under one roof might naturally develop feelings over time, but... Ranran, even if you get past my barrier, what about your mother? She’s inherently a traditional woman."

Chi Cheng’s father made his point succinctly.

This time, Chi Cheng didn’t block the words for An Ran but lowered his gaze, quietly observing the little girl who dared not raise her head at this moment.

As if waiting for her answer.

An Ran clenched her clothes tightly and lifted her small, determined face, "Uncle, I will do my best to gain my mother’s understanding. I want to be with my brother. This is my attitude now and always."

Even if perhaps her mother cannot accept it, and perhaps there will be storms in the future, but as long as the person waiting for her at the end is her brother, she is willing to face it.

Looking at An Ran’s appearance, Chi Cheng’s father’s complex expression faded, and he waved his hand, "I’ll go accompany your mother. Xiao Cheng just woke up, you take care of him."

After saying this, he left.

Did Uncle Chi just... tacitly consent?

An Ran let out a breath of relief unknowingly and looked up to find Chi Cheng had been watching her all along.

With a gentle brow and eyes, filled with a pleasant smile.

An Ran coughed softly and supported Chi Cheng’s arm, "Let me help you inside first."

She helped him back into the hospital room, and Chi Cheng leaned half against the hospital bed.

As An Ran was about to withdraw her arm, only to be unexpectedly held back by Chi Cheng.

With a gentle tug, this well-behaved and cute little girl was pulled into his embrace.

His thin lips barely brushed against An Ran’s sensitive little ear, "What was Ranran saying earlier? I didn’t hear it clearly, can you say it again?"

Having been separated from her brother for so long, the two hadn’t had such close contact.

An Ran didn’t know what happened to her; the slight brushing of her ear by him made her body go limp in his arms.

She blushed, "You were right next to me, how could you not have heard clearly!"

Chi Cheng gently laughed, "Well then, let me put it another way. Because I really like such a brave Ranran, so I want to hear it again."

He... he always casually flirts.

Always making the shy little rabbit like before.

Making her blush red while somehow fulfilling Chi Cheng’s heart.

Chi Cheng buried his handsome face in An Ran’s neck, lifting his eyes to look at her, "So, Ranran, would you satisfy me?"

Ahhh, he’s clearly a cunning fox, why does he show such an innocent look?

This gesture, this expression is simply foul!

An Ran surrendered to Chi Cheng’s attractiveness, swallowed and diverted her gaze, whispered, "I want to be with you, this is my attitude now and in the future."

Chi Cheng maintained that posture, looking at her for a while, stretched out his hand to caress her little head, "Good girl."

This was his attitude, too.

...

... 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

The nurse walked in.

"Mr. Chi, it’s time for your IV drip."

But as soon as the nurse entered, she saw a little girl with pink cheeks sleeping beside Chi Cheng.

"Please be quieter." Chi Cheng spoke to the nurse with gentlemanly warmth, "Don’t wake her up."

The nurse instantly understood, nodded and lowered her voice, "Alright."

She approached.

Chi Cheng extended his left arm.

While adjusting the IV, the nurse glanced at An Ran and smiled, "She looks adorable sleeping."

"Yes." Chi Cheng’s gaze also settled on An Ran’s fair little face, his voice carrying a smile, "She’s always been adorable."

As the nurse tapped Chi Cheng’s hand to find a vein, she chatted idly, "I can tell you really like her, Mr. Chi. She’s very lucky."

"Is that so?" Chi Cheng laughed softly, elegant and gentle, "Clearly, she brings more happiness to me."