It was Sunday, and Xu Lu, for once, wasn’t heading to work—just resting at home.

Still, with a little girl to care for, true relaxation was out of the question.

After a full day of laundry and cooking for her daughter, she finally sank into a warm, soothing bath.

Wrapped in a white towel that barely concealed her graceful figure, she stepped out of the bathroom, skin glistening with a faint dampness.

“Yuting brought Anqing over again? They’ve only known each other two days—how’d they get this close? Ah, kids. Sometimes you just can’t figure them out.”

She’d taken only a few steps when her daughter’s chattering voice and a boy’s soft, gentle tones drifted from the living room.

Xu Lu instantly changed direction and quietly slipped back to her room.

Their guest was a little boy—how improper for a grown woman to wander around in just a towel?

Besides, she knew little Anqing was shy and timid.

If she startled him and he stopped visiting, Yuting would surely throw a fit.

And honestly, Xu Lu quite liked the boy—delicate as a porcelain doll.

Back in her bedroom, she changed into neat, presentable clothes, then walked toward the living room with a calm, graceful stride.

“Anqing, Anqing, look! Silly Wolffy’s chasing the goats again. He’s totally gonna fail and get scolded by Wolnie when he gets home!”

Yuting clung to Anqing’s arm, swinging her feet excitedly.

“Mm-hmm…”

Anqing kept his eyes locked on the screen, watching Wolffy’s latest scheme.

*Woof woof woof… My little angel, hold me! Don’t get lost in the cartoon—you’re such a good kid.*

Beneath the sofa, Meng Qiutong gazed up longingly, wishing she could sprout wings and fly straight into his arms.

Just then, Xu Lu strolled in.

“Little ones, watching *Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf*?” she asked, smile warm and gentle.

“Ugh, Mom! Don’t hog the TV! Anqing and I are watching!” Yuting scowled, guarding cartoon time fiercely.

“U-um… A-auntie… h-hi,” Zhao Anqing murmured, voice barely rising above the TV’s chatter.

“Hehe, I’m not stealing the TV. Just sitting here—won’t disturb you.”

Xu Lu’s smile flickered for a split second at her daughter’s remark, then smoothed over. She settled onto the small single sofa.

“Anqing, ignore Mom! Look—Wolffy got tricked again!” Yuting shot her mom a glare, then burst into carefree laughter.

“Mm-hmm…”

Anqing stayed silent, offering only quiet, perfunctory replies.

It wasn’t that he was pulling away from his best friend.

Just… with an adult nearby, he felt restrained. Cautious.

“Yuting, it’s sweltering—why are you clinging to Anqing’s arm?” Xu Lu glanced up from her phone.

*Woof woof woof… Spank this brat! Taking advantage of a boy already? Unforgivable!*

Meng Qiutong, usually overlooked, chimed in with jealous fervor.

“Mom, you’re so annoying!” Yuting puffed her cheeks, fists practically twitching.

“Yuting… maybe… let go of my arm?” Anqing finally whispered.

“No way! We’re the very, very best friends! Holding arms is fine—Mom can’t stop us!”

She tightened her grip defiantly, shooting her mom a triumphant look: *Try to tear us apart, Evil Mom.*

*Woof… Spank her! She’s getting way too bold!*

“Little Anqing,” Xu Lu turned to him gently, “if you’re uncomfortable, just say so. Don’t indulge this silly girl. Auntie sees it. Speak up—I’ll handle her.”

Her careless daughter hadn’t noticed his discomfort at all. Smug, oblivious. If not for their guest, Xu Lu would’ve spanked her right then.

“But Anqing isn’t uncomfortable!” Yuting protested.

“You be quiet. Let Anqing speak.”

Xu Lu’s tone shifted—calm, firm. Her eyes said plainly: *One more word, and you’ll regret it.*

“Yuting… I’m… a little hot. Could you… let go?”

Encouraged, Zhao Anqing finally voiced it. He peeked at Xu Lu—her gaze held a quiet, proud *Well done*.

“Anqing, I… I get it. I’ll let go now…”

Reluctant but caring deeply, Yuting loosened her grip.

“Yuting… when I’m not hot anymore… you can hold my arm again,” he added with a sweet, reassuring smile.

“Mm-hmm! Anqing’s my very, very best friend!” Her gloom vanished in an instant.

*What a good kid,* Xu Lu thought warmly. *Just a little shy.*

Watching them, she felt a sudden pang of envy. She’d never met such a sweet boy when she was young. Her daughter was truly lucky.

*Click.*

Her smartphone captured the two little ones—a single, heartwarming frame.