"It was you who chose my Qingsnow back then. As a man, you must take responsibility. Don't expect girls to make the first move. Before transferring here, Qingsnow attended an elite all-girls academy. She's not good with boys. Don't let her cold exterior fool you—she just doesn't know how to express her feelings. If you take that first step, I promise, there'll be a pleasant surprise."
"How should I take that first step?"
Resting my chin on my left hand, I sank into thought.
"Well, that depends on you. Ignoring each other won't work. You probably don't know this, but once Qingsnow came home and cried in my arms for ages. She said she didn't know how to approach you, always feeling she wasn't good enough. I gave her a plan, though it hasn't worked well so far."
A smile played on her lips as Ouyang Yaoji chuckled softly. Leaning down, she tapped my forehead with her fingertip and whispered in my ear.
"Girls seem strong but are fragile inside. The key to her heart is in your hands. Your brother married eight wives—I don't want you copying him. But with Xuanyuan Clan blood, handling one girl should be easy."
Pausing, Yaoji stepped back two paces. "Or are you not into girls? Or dislike innocent ones like Qingsnow? Put her in black stockings, and her sex appeal will satisfy you."
...Black stockings, sexy legs. Unexpectedly, my heart skipped a beat.
"Is it really okay to push your niece like this..."
"Oh my, of course! Her happiness is mine."
"No, that's not the right generation..."
I wiped sweat from my cheek—no, the little loli's drool. She'd played herself tired and fallen asleep on my head.
"Don't sweat details. Before my trip, handle these two things: one, care for adorable Lilim; two, speed up things with Qingsnow; three, remind her to take her medicine on time. If she runs out, get it fast."
"That's not two things anymore..."
"I said, ignore details. Come to the office when free. Xuanyuan Group and Ouyang E-commerce will be yours someday. Learning now makes life easier later."
Looking exhausted, Ouyang Yaoji stretched and sat cross-legged in a chair. "That's all. You can go now."
"Alright. Last question—how do I raise this thing? Any requirements?"
I pointed at the loli on my head. Having never cared for a child, I found it genuinely troublesome.
"Simple—feed her milk on time."
"That's the most troublesome part."
I covered my forehead, a headache brewing. Both Ouyang Qingsnow and her aunt were types I couldn't handle.
"Do your best! You'll have kids with Qingsnow eventually. Practice now. And don't give her formula—she won't drink it."
"Hey! If not formula, what then?!"
Before I finished, she shoved me out. The door slammed shut, making my lips twitch.
I hesitated, hand raised to knock, then dropped it. She wouldn't listen anyway.
Sighing, I grabbed the cleaning tools and continued tidying.
Employees stared along the way, but Ouyang Group's strict departments meant no meddling—just curious glances. Cleaning from the 13th to 17th floor with other janitors was fun. They eyed the loli on my head, probably thinking she was my daughter. One patted my shoulder earnestly.
"You must have it tough at home, bringing your daughter to work. I get it, kid. Work hard—this place has prospects. Effort will make your wife respect you someday."
"Th-thanks."
What else could I say? The low-level job was surprisingly interesting. Around five, Old Wang let me off. He looked baffled by the loli but just said, "If asked, say she's the boss's kid you're babysitting."
Before leaving, I collected my pay card. True to Ouyang Group, even temps were well cared for.
On the walk home, the loli woke. Grabbing my hair, she chirped in a baby voice, "Dada."
"I'm not your dad. Call me big brother."
"Dada-bro?"
Tilting her head, she bit her finger. Never leaving home before, she gaped at everything on the shopping street. Shiny things made her eyes sparkle.
"Call me big brother."
"Dada-bro?"
"It's 'big brother,' not 'bug'."
"Big brother?"
"Call me bro—wait, you remember it after all."
Unexpectedly, I felt like a kid was playing me.
