Seeing his expectant expression, Jin Yu touched his face, “Yes, you can.”
Xu Yi’s face lit up with joy. He turned to move closer but then became timid, “Is it okay?”
Su Xi, who had been stroking his belly, paused and looked at Xu Yi, then at Jin Yu. Seeing her nod, he smiled and said, “Yes.”
“Really?” Xu Yi was overjoyed.
Xiao Lian took Xu Yi’s hand from Jin Yu, “My brother is very nice. He said it’s okay, so it definitely is. I’ll help you.”
Jin Yu, watching Xu Yi being led away, called out to Xiao Lian, “Be careful.”
Xiao Lian sulked, ignoring her. How was everything always his fault?
The sound of rolling carriage wheels began. Xu Yi felt a mix of anticipation and unease, clutching Jin Yu’s clothing, not wanting to be abandoned. This journey would determine his future.
Su Xi, with his hand on his slightly protruding belly, leaned into Jin Yu’s embrace. As drowsiness came, Jin Yu helped him lie down and covered him with blankets. Though the day was warm, warming stoves had been prepared for the colder nights.
Xiao Lian occasionally lifted the carriage curtain to look outside, gazing longingly at Xu Yi nestled in Jin Yu’s embrace. He wanted to be held too. With a grieved expression, he turned away, feeling frustrated. Why did Jin Yu hold Su Xi and Xu Yi but never him?
Jin Yu looked at Xiao Lian, huddled in the corner, her eyes full of concern. “Xiao Lian, are you cold?”
Xiao Lian turned at her words, staring blankly, then nodded, “Cold, very cold…” How should he respond if she hugged him?
Her brother seemed to always blush when embraced, which troubled Xiao Lian, making her hesitant to hug him.
Jin Yu voiced her concern, “There’s a warming stove in the carriage, or you can sleep on the soft couch.”
Xiao Lian’s face fell, glaring at Jin Yu before turning away in frustration. She imagined what it was like when Jin Yu had carried her to find a doctor after she fainted. Her brother had mentioned Jin Yu carrying her before, but she wasn’t sure if it was on her lap or like how she carried her brother into the house.
