Dai Zhiqiang clenched his hand into a fist. "Stop that."

"Yes?"

"Stop talking like you actually give a damn about me. It's revolting."

Yue Ling hung her head in shame, hearing the evident disgust in his tone. Her pupils trembled, and she didn't dare to look him in the eyes.

Dai Zhiqiang observed Yue Ling's reaction, and he didn't feel remorse at all seeing her shrink in place. He wasn't his father who could let go of the past. He would never forgive anyone who hurt those he cherished, including his biological mother.

Not that she could bear that title anymore. The moment she left the house, that was when she ceased to exist in his life. If he closed his eyes, he could still recall Yue Ling's hardened expression as she turned her back on the nearly unconscious him.

"If that's all, then can you leave? Father needs to rest, and I don't want to see you."

"Oh. That's..."

"What is it?" Dai Zhiqiang frowned impatiently.

"I won't see him, but can you at least tell me how's your little brother doing?"

"You are seriously thick-skinned." Dai Zhiqiang scoffed, but Yue Ling only pressed her lips into a hard line, accepting his harsh words without complaining.

He thought that she perhaps would never leave if he didn't answer her question, and the more she stayed here, the chance of her bumping into Dai Shenqiang would rise. He absolutely wanted to avoid that.

"He is fine," Dai Zhiqiang replied, but then he thought about something and added, "He is happy and healthy. Nothing for you to worry about."

Yue Ling's corner of mouth curved up in a small smile. "I see. That's good."

Dai Zhiqiang hated to see her smiling like that, so he averted his gaze away. "If you are done with your question, leave quickly."

"Yes, I will leave now. Thank you, Zhiqiang." Yue Ling's gaze lingered at her son for a while before he turned away and left.

Only then did Dai Zhiqiang dare to look at her retreating back. A small and narrow back. Completely different than what he used to remember. He used to look up at her back, but now he had to look slightly down to see it clearly.

"Time flies so fast," Dai Zhiqiang sighed before shifting his gaze to the girl who was currently walking over to him. He smiled softly when she stared at him worriedly.

"How is your feeling?"historical

"Terrible," Dai Zhiqiang said weakly. "But I guess it's better than what I expected. This should be fine."

Li Caiyi didn't know what to say. This was the matter of the Dai family's house, and as much as she was concerned, she was just an outsider. The only thing she could do was comfort him.

"You did the right thing. Your father will be proud of you, for sure." Li Caiyi patted him on the back.

"I hope so," he smiled bitterly before laughing self-deprecatingly. "He wanted me to forgive that woman, after all."

"No, I don't think that's what your uncle means."

"He didn't want me to hate on her. If it isn't telling me to forgive her, I don't know what else he meant by that."

Li Caiyi bit her lips, recalling the emptiness she felt when she finally fulfilled her goal of kicking Li Jirong out of the house. She had spent so much time and emotion hating her father, so he understood why Dai Bolin didn't want him to 'cultivate' his hatred towards his mother.

"Your father only wishes you not to be trapped by your negative emotions. He never asked you to forgive her. He wanted you to stop letting your hatred decide your actions."

Dai Zhiqiang didn't reply; perhaps he was so tired he couldn't think of anything. Li Caiyi pulled him lightly to the bench and sat side by side with him.

"It must be hard for you. Uncle is resting, so let's just stay here for a while."

"Yes, I'm exhausted right now."

"Do you want me to buy you some drinks? What about cold tea?"

"No, I don't need that," Dai Zhiqiang shook his head before staring at her intensely. "Can I sleep on your lap?"

"Huh?" Li Caiyi was stunned by his sudden request. She subconsciously pressed her thigh together before asking in embarrassment. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah. I'm dead serious about this. You said I should ask for your permission before I make a move on you. Can't you allow me this much?"

Dai Zhiqiang's earnest gaze struck her in the heart. He looked like a child who was dejected after she refused to buy him a new toy.

Technically, he didn't ask for anything excessive. He was just asking for a lap pillow, and that's pretty mild compared with his other advances.

'Yes, lap pillow is completely safe. W-well, maybe I can let him have this one.'

Li Caiyi took a deep breath before smoothing down the crease on her skirt. "Only this time, okay?"

Dai Zhiqiang's eyes slightly widened, prompting a frown from Li Caiyi. "What? Aren't you the one who asked for this?"

"No, I just didn't expect you to agree so readily. I thought you'd refuse or warn me with a long lecture first."

"What kind of person do you think I am? I at least can tell you aren't in the mood for any of those right now. Less talk and more rest."

Li Caiyi scooted away from him towards the edge of the bench. She patted her lap while smiling. "Come here. I'll even stroke your head for you."

Dai Zhiqiang slowly lowered his body and rested his body on her lap. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep if he faced her way, so he had his right side pressed on her thigh, gazing at the yard.

It felt softer than any pillow he had ever laid his head on. Not to mention, it had her sweet smell all over it. Now he was conflicted about whether he should give in to tiredness or stay awake to relish every second of this precious moment.

Li Caiyi looked down at Dai Zhiqiang, who was currently laid on his side with his gaze looking away from her. She giggled in amusement, not expecting him to feel embarrassed after directly asking for a lap pillow.

She gently buried her hand into his hair before stroking it slowly. "Sleep. I'll wake you up after some time."

Dai Zhiqiang couldn't resist her angelic voice. As much as he wanted to stay awake more, his body automatically followed her words as if it was a potent charm.

"Good boy. Sleep well. Sweet dreams."