CHAPTER 39

Within a blink of an eye, Lele was already one month old.

He had changed a lot in such a short time.

Compared to when he was just a few days old, he now moved a lot, his little legs kicking, his hands waving as if he had somewhere important to be. He made more sounds too, soft noises that filled the room when no one was speaking.

He had also started to recognize things.

Most of all, his parents' scents.

Whenever one of them was nearby, he would settle almost instantly. The moment he was in their arms or even just close enough, his small body would relax, and the fussing would stop like it had never been there in the first place.

It made things easier.

But not everything.

When it came to sleeping, Lele had very clear opinions.

The crib placed beside the bed was almost useless.

Every time they tried to put him down, it was the same result. He would lie there for a few seconds, quiet... then his face would scrunch, and the wailing would start. Soft at first, then louder, until it filled the whole room.

And it wouldn't stop.

Not until he was picked up again.

"...He's doing it again," Gaotu muttered one night, already tired as he looked at the baby who had just started crying the moment he was placed in the crib.

Wenlang didn't say anything. He simply picked Lele up.

Almost instantly... he stopped crying.

Gaotu stared. "...He's pretending."

Wenlang adjusted the blanket around Lele. "...He doesn't want to be alone."

In the end, Lele ended up back in bed with them.

Curled close, surrounded by familiar warmth.

And just like that, he slept.

"...He just wants to sleep with us," Wenlang said.

Gaotu lay back, looking at the baby between them. "...He's already this clingy."

Wenlang glanced at him. "...You're not any different."

Gaotu frowned slightly. "...That's different."

Wenlang didn't reply.

Lele shifted slightly in his sleep, settling deeper between them, completely unaware of the conversation.

Gaotu looked at him for a while, then sighed softly.

"...Fine," he muttered.

The crib stayed where it was...

And Lele... slept exactly where he wanted.

The morning he turned one month, the house was busy and lively.

Wenlang woke up first, like usual. The room was quiet except for soft little sounds coming from beside him.

Lele was already awake.

His small legs kicked against the blanket, his arms moving around like he wanted to hold something. He made small noises to himself, completely content.

Wenlang leaned over and picked him up. "You're awake early."

Lele made another sound, as if answering.

On the bed, Gaotu shifted and slowly opened his eyes.

He sat up with a small sigh, running a hand through his hair. "...It's too early to have this much energy."

Lele just smiled in Wenlang's arms.

After a while, Gaotu got up, freshened up and went to the kitchen.

Aunt Liu was already there, preparing things for the day. The smell of food filled the space.

"Morning," Gaotu said, moving to help.

"You're up," she replied with a small smile.

They worked side by side, preparing simple dishes. Nothing too much, just enough for a small celebration.

"It's already been a month," Aunt Liu said.

Gaotu nodded. "Mm."

"...Doesn't feel like it."

Aunt Liu smiled. "It never does."

Back in the room, Wenlang brought Lele out, after cleaning and changing his clothes.

The baby was more awake now, looking around, making small sounds every now and then.

Wenlang passed him to Gaotu to feed him, then he took him right after.

Not long after, the door opened.

"I'm here!" Qing's voice came in, bright as always.

She stepped inside quickly, already smiling. "Where is my nephew?"

"In the living room," Wenlang replied.

She didn't wait.

The moment she saw Lele, she walked straight over and carefully took him from Wenlang's arms.

"Let me see you," she said softly.

Lele blinked at her, then made a small sound, his legs kicking again.

"He's lively today," Qing said with a smile.

"He knows it's his day."

"He just wants attention," Gaotu said.

"Same thing," Qing replied.

The room slowly filled with voices.

Lele kept making small sounds in between, his hands moving, his eyes wandering from one person to another.

Every time he made a noise, someone responded.

The food was laid out, simple dishes filling the table. By the time they all gathered around to eat, Lele had already started dozing off.

His small eyes barely stayed open.

"...He's about to sleep," Qing said.

Gaotu glanced over. "...Right on time."

Not long after, Lele was fully asleep.

Qing carefully stood up and placed him in the stroller nearby, adjusting the blanket around him so he wouldn't wake.

She watched him for a second, making sure he was settled, then turned and walked back to the table.

"The owner of this event is already asleep," Qing said, shaking her head slightly as she sat down.

Gaotu looked over at the stroller, then back at his plate. "...He won't remember any of this."

"We'll remember it for him." Wenlang said.

Small conversations filled the space again. No one spoke too loudly, their voices naturally low, as if they didn't want to disturb the small figure sleeping nearby.

Today was also Gao Qing's last day here.

Her flight was scheduled for a few hours from now.

After putting it off for a while, she was finally leaving to go study abroad. No one knew how long she would be gone.

So today was also her send-off.

The house still felt lively, but there was a quiet feeling underneath it.

Qing sat at the table with them, but her mood had visibly changed.

"...I'll miss this," she said simply.

Gaotu looked at her. "...You'll come back... You better."

"Of course I will," Qing said. "I still have to see him grow up."

After they finished eating, Qing stood up and walked over to the stroller. To bid farewell to her nephew.

"...Look at you sleeping so soundly," she said softly. "Your auntie is leaving."

Lele moved a little but didn't wake.

Qing looked at him quietly for a moment.

"...You better remember me."

Gaotu walked over and stood beside her. "...We'll call you everyday."

Qing frowned slightly. "You better."

Gaotu didn't reply, he just stretched his arms out and hugged his sister. He was emotional but he didn't want to show it, so he just smiled.

Qing finally pulled back after some time.

"...Take care of him," she said.

Gaotu nodded. "I will."

"And yourself."

"...Mn."

Qing stepped back, letting out a small breath.

"...I should go get ready."

No one stopped her.

They all understood.

She walked a few steps, then paused and turned back.

Her eyes moved from Gaotu, to Wenlang, then to Lele.

"...Don't miss me too much."

Gaotu smiled.

Wenlang gave a small nod.

Qing smiled back, then turned and walked away.

The room grew a little quieter.

Gaotu looked down at Lele, who was still asleep.

Wenlang, standing beside him, noticed it immediately.

The slight redness in his eyes.

"...You're going to cry."

Gaotu frowned, looking away. "...No."

Lele shifted in the stroller, making a small sound.

Gaotu looked back at him, using that moment to avoid the topic.

Wenlang didn't push further.

He just stepped a little closer, his hand resting lightly on Gaotu's shoulder.

Gaotu didn't move away.

"...She'll come back," Wenlang said.

Gaotu nodded faintly. "I know."

Wenlang looked at him for a moment, then reached out and gently wiped the corner of his eye.

Gaotu froze slightly. "...I said I'm fine."

"Mm," Wenlang replied.

Gaotu didn't argue this time.

He just stood there, then moved to hug Wenlang, burying his face in his shoulder.

The room was quiet again, but not empty.