Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Lu Yao’s leave extended through the weekend. Perhaps because he had been home all this time, Nian Nian showed no signs of distress these past few days. On the contrary, his acceptance of Lu Yao grew, smiling and reaching for hugs whenever he saw him.

Lu Yao tried other methods. With the nanny’s assistance, he bathed Nian Nian, placing the Little Deer Toy and a rubber duck side by side. Though Nian Nian was still unhappy, he didn’t cry as intensely as before.

Lu Yao and Nian Nian’s bond rapidly deepened. When Nian Nian lay nearby, Cream would even come over to sniff him; everything was harmonious.

Though Fu Yanhuai had returned to the capital, he remained well-informed about Lu Yao and Nian Nian’s activities. The nanny promptly updated him on any discomfort Nian Nian might experience. She had brought a synthetic calming agent, but it couldn’t be used too frequently—especially since Nian Nian was gradually rejecting it—so she never took it out.

After several days of close observation, Lu Yao noticed that, apart from an overly possessive attachment to the Little Deer Toy, Nian Nian displayed no other unusual behaviors.

However, Nian Nian was indeed a quiet baby, spending most of his time lying peacefully and playing by himself. Even when Lu Yao carried him into the yard for a stroll, Nian Nian simply watched quietly.

This left Lu Yao somewhat disheartened. Nian Nian had been very active in his womb. During every prenatal checkup, Dr. Xu had remarked that he was a lively, active child.

Nian Nian idly squeezed the Little Deer Toy in his hand, leaning against Lu Yao as he watched Cream play with a ball.

“Do you want to play with Cream?” Lu Yao asked softly, bending down. “The puppy’s fur is soft. Would you like to touch it?”

Nian Nian didn’t lean forward or reach out. The nanny interjected, “The young master has only known Cream for three days. He might not recognize the puppy yet.”

“Alright,” Lu Yao replied, still troubled. “Nian Nian won’t return until Sunday. It must be exhausting for you to go back and forth.”

“It’s my duty,” the nanny said professionally, handling Nian Nian with ease. “But babies shouldn’t switch environments often. The journey isn’t short—it’s tiring for adults, much less a baby who can’t adapt easily.”

She added tactfully, “Have you considered talking to Mr. Fu about letting the young master stay in one stable place for now?”

Lu Yao hesitated, looking at the quiet little bundle on his lap.

Logically, he understood the nanny’s concerns—they were valid. Nian Nian was too young, and babies this young get sick easily, especially since Nian Nian was premature.

But Lu Yao didn’t even want to think about Fu Yanhuai. He had once sincerely hoped to build a family with him. Now, he knew what wishful thinking meant. Fu Yanhuai hadn’t even left him a shred of dignity—it was complete heartbreak.

“I want Nian Nian to live with me permanently. Do you think Fu Yanhuai would agree?” Lu Yao’s tone turned sharp. “My opinion matters less than a doctor’s.”

The nanny dropped the subject. Lu Yao hugged Nian Nian tightly, falling silent. Sensing the shift in Lu Yao’s mood, Nian Nian tilted his head up to look at him.

Lu Yao lifted him gently. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

Nian Nian pressed his face against Lu Yao’s. Feeling guilty, Lu Yao hugged him tighter.

“If adults feel tired, children definitely will too.” Lu Yao didn’t want to exhaust Nian Nian either. He was so soft and pudgy—he didn’t want to let go. “Nian Nian, I really miss you.”

Nian Nian fell asleep early. Lu Yao quietly closed the bedroom door and checked the time—it wasn’t even nine yet.

He went out to the balcony, closing the door behind him, and spread a small blanket on the ground before sitting down.

The early autumn night was slightly chilly. Lu Yao pressed his lips together and dialed Fu Yanhuai’s number.

They usually just texted—Lu Yao had always been careful not to interrupt Fu Yanhuai’s work. But now, he didn’t care anymore. It didn’t matter if Fu Yanhuai was interrupted.

Lu Yao expected Fu Yanhuai not to answer directly, but the moment he dialed, Fu Yanhuai’s voice came through the phone.

“Lu Yao?”

There was silence except for Lu Yao’s breathing.

For a second, Fu Yanhuai imagined that time had rewound to the nights they had spent together, with Lu Yao asleep in his arms, within reach.

But Lu Yao’s voice snapped him back to reality. “Where do you plan for Nian Nian to live when he grows up?”

The nanny’s words had reminded Lu Yao—he couldn’t put this off forever. Nian Nian would grow up day by day, and sooner or later, he would question this constant moving around, wondering why he had to keep switching homes.

In the past, Fu Yanhuai would’ve answered “the capital” without hesitation. But this time, he paused before replying, “Where do you want him to live?”

Lu Yao could hardly believe it. Was Fu Yanhuai actually asking for his opinion?

“If I say something, will you actually listen?” Lu Yao’s voice carried a trace of anger. “I want you to return Nian Nian’s custody to me. Would you agree?”

To Lu Yao’s surprise, Fu Yanhuai actually thought about it. “Custody isn’t tied to location, but I prefer Nian Nian to return to the capital.”

Lu Yao realized right away. “Are you assuming I’ll go back to the capital too?”

Legal custody wasn’t the issue, but Nian Nian had to live in the capital. Lu Yao didn’t understand how Fu Yanhuai could be so certain he’d return.

Fu Yanhuai spoke more gently. “It’s the best choice for everyone. Nian Nian will have more opportunities growing up in the capital, and it’s also better for you to pursue your interests.”

He truly believed this. He could hire people to scout shop locations and identify customers. Most importantly, Lu Yao could return to the capital to continue his education—something unavailable elsewhere.

But the idea repelled Lu Yao. “It’s the best choice for you, isn’t it?”

Fu Yanhuai hesitated. Hearing Lu Yao’s slightly heavier breathing, he suddenly didn’t know what to say.

Lu Yao held back his feelings, not wanting to sound too agitated. “Nian Nian can’t keep traveling back and forth like this. He’s not as stable as you say. Even after just a few days with him, I can tell something’s off.”

His intention was simply to point out Fu Yanhuai’s lack of attentiveness, but Fu Yanhuai asked an odd question instead: “Was the Little Deer Toy not beside him?”

Lu Yao scowled. “He always cries for it. Isn’t that the most concerning part?”

Fu Yanhuai rubbed his temples. “I’ll come pick him up personally tomorrow. Lu Yao, after leaving the capital, have you been to the hosp—”

Lu Yao hung up on him.

Where he went, what he did—none of it concerned Fu Yanhuai.

The living room remained quiet. The downstairs was dark, leaving Fu Yanhuai sitting alone on the sofa. The call ended, and the screen went dark.

The last light disappeared. Nian Nian was back with Lu Yao, yet he still wasn’t happy.

Lu Yao wanted nothing. Fu Yanhuai realized he had never truly understood what Lu Yao liked. Their connection had been superficial, and he’d assumed it would always be there.

What he once had wasn’t something he was entitled to. If Lu Yao refused to give, Fu Yanhuai would naturally lose it.

Lu Yao walked around the living room twice before returning to the bedroom. Nian Nian was sleeping peacefully. The chill on Lu Yao’s body had faded, and he gently poked Nian Nian’s cheek.

Tomorrow, Nian Nian would return to the capital. Even if it was just for a day, Lu Yao wanted to memorize his face.

Deep down, Lu Yao knew Fu Yanhuai was right—Nian Nian growing up in the capital was the best choice.

“The descendant of an S-class alpha will undoubtedly be high-ranking too.” Lu Yao brushed his fingers over Nian Nian’s face, his voice barely above a whisper. “The world is vast for you.”

But Lu Yao truly had nothing to offer—not even a fraction of what Fu Yanhuai could provide. “If I were you, I’d prefer the capital too.”

Fu Yanhuai had no other children, meaning Nian Nian would likely be the sole heir to the Fu Group. He would have a professional nanny team, nutritionists, and private hospitals. Lu Yao had no doubt Nian Nian would live well.

Precisely because of that, Lu Yao couldn’t selfishly take Nian Nian away. He had nothing to give.

Nian Nian slept soundly, undisturbed by Lu Yao’s familiar, warm voice.

Lu Yao sighed as he lay flat on his back, staring at the ceiling. Once Nian Nian grew up, he probably wouldn’t be troubled by his divorced parents anymore. Lu Yao only wanted to take good care of Nian Nian before he grew up—as for him and Fu Yanhuai...

They were already divorced anyway, so there was no need to overthink it. Between him and Fu Yanhuai, they'd never had much to say to begin with.

Lu Yao temporarily pushed aside these tangled thoughts. He adjusted Nian Nian’s blanket and lay down beside him, planning to scroll through his phone a bit before bed.

The night passed relatively peacefully, but in the middle of the night, Nian Nian suddenly twitched. Lu Yao, half-asleep, faintly sensed the movement, and then Nian Nian began crying loudly.

In the quiet surroundings, the baby’s cries cut through the silence.

Lu Yao could clearly tell this was different from before. Nian Nian was crying his heart out, his face filled with fear.

The Little Deer Toy was clutched tightly in his hand. When Lu Yao tried to hold him, Nian Nian resisted and shrank away.

The nanny came knocking on the bedroom door. "Mr. Lu, may I come in?"

Lu Yao opened the door in a panic. "Nian Nian just started screaming out of nowhere—I don’t know why. He’s been sleeping fine the past few nights, never had night terrors like this."

The nanny bent down to pat Nian Nian, but he only cried even more shrilly, desperately trying to move away. The Little Deer Toy was getting mangled in his grip. Lu Yao was completely helpless. "Nian Nian, Nian Nian, don’t be afraid..."

The nanny gave Lu Yao a troubled glance, wrestling with whether she should use the sedative. First, the dosage had to be confirmed by a doctor before use—though she had a small bottle, she didn’t know how much to administer. Second, she couldn’t explain it to Lu Yao.

Nian Nian was crying so hard he could barely breathe. Lu Yao couldn’t just let him lie there sobbing alone, so he gathered both Nian Nian and the Little Deer Toy into his arms. At first, Nian Nian struggled fiercely, but eventually, he finally wore himself out and went limp.

Getting him back to sleep after this episode was incredibly difficult. It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that Nian Nian finally crashed from exhaustion.

"Is Nian Nian sick?" Lu Yao held him tightly, his eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep.

Lu Yao looked at the nanny sternly. "No one has told me the truth about his condition. What’s really wrong with him?"

The nanny lowered her voice. "The young master is still experiencing hormone imbalance. The doctor said this symptom might persist for many years."