"Timmy!" James's expression darkened as if he were about to explode with anger.
Amanda noticed and opened her mouth, wanting to speak up but hesitating.
It was true that hitting others was wrong, and James's choice to discipline his daughter should have pleased her.
Yet the idea of letting him take charge of her most precious child made her uneasy, fearing he might reprimand Timmy to the point of tears.
She wanted to be the one to educate Timmy, but knowing that James was destined to be Timmy's father made her swallow her words, anxiously watching her precious daughter.
The little girl sat on James's arm, resting her head and pouting with a look of pure distress.
She appeared both frightened and pitiful, ready to cry at the slightest provocation.
"Timmy, do you know why I'm angry?" James asked seriously.
Timmy stammered, "Because I hit another kid."
At the age of five, kids understood a lot.
They were fully aware of right and wrong.
Those who claimed children were too young to know often proved to be the ones lacking understanding themselves.
"No, he pulled your shirt first, so you were justified in hitting him. Uncle supports that."
James thought for a moment and added, "But when you grow up, don't take matters into your own hands. I fear the one you hit might think it's a reward."
Timmy's eyes lit up; this was not what she had expected.
She thought her uncle would scold her instead, so hearing his support thrilled her.
Feeling delighted, she believed her uncle was the best.
But if it wasn't about hitting someone, what was it about?
Curiosity piqued, she inquired, "Then why are you angry, Uncle?"
James raised a finger and said earnestly, "You lied to me, and I don't like children who lie."
Timmy considered defending herself by explaining that she used her foot to help push because she couldn't pull him, but seeing her uncle's serious demeanor made her confess instead, "I'm sorry, Uncle! I won't lie again!"
James smiled, grateful for her attitude; her willingness to apologize meant the world.
While he might not know if she was genuinely contrite, at least she had the decency not to argue while he was upset.
Looking at the chubby boy on the ground kicking and screaming, unable to be consoled, James thought about how he needed to be more cautious if he had a son in the future.
Amanda hadn't expected James to teach Timmy this way.
Wasn't hitting someone, no matter the justification, still wrong?
She walked over, instructing Timmy, "You should apologize to Hoson, dear."
Timmy's expression turned discontent, thinking about how she had only reacted after being provoked.
Wasn't it fair that the one who cried had the advantage?
Looking toward her uncle, she realized if he wanted her to apologize, she would comply.
"Timmy doesn't need to apologize; even though hitting is wrong, your actions were self-defense. Uncle has your back," James reassured her warmly.
At this, the little girl's mood brightened instantly, her voice cheerful and sweet. "Uncle is so good!"
Amanda felt conflicted, "But that won't sit well with the other mom, especially since you hit their child."
James raised an eyebrow, speaking softly, "That's a matter for the adults."
Just then, the chubby boy, unable to wait for an apology, began wailing again.
His mother, Ella Ly, saw he wasn't hurt and scolded him with frustration. "Crying won't help you! Just like your dad, you're useless when it comes to handling a girl!"
The chastisement only made the boy sob harder.
James, seeing the boy cry, felt a twinge of compassion. "I'm really sorry; kids can be unthinking. I apologize on behalf of my daughter."
Normally, if two kids had a scuffle without any real harm done, adults would just exchange apologies and write it off.
But Ella Ly felt a vague sense of bitterness.
Here was a man giving his wife's child an attentive stepfather, someone both handsome and gentle, accompanied by bodyguards.
Yet, when her own child got into trouble, his biological father wasn't even present.
Having such a husband made her want to look for a better one.
James noticed the mournful look in Ella Ly's eyes and felt a bit guilty.
"Don't worry, Ms. Geng. I'll ensure this matter is handled satisfactorily," he assured her.
After speaking, he set Timmy down and squatted in front of the chubby boy, smiling as he said, "Hey buddy, don't cry. Uncle can buy you Transformers and Ultraman, how does that sound?"
Faced with James's kind offer, the boy did not seem appreciative and continued his wailing.
"Tell you what, if you tell Uncle what you want, I can fulfill one of your wishes, okay?" James continued patiently.
At the mention of a wish, the boy slowly quieted down.
However, seeing the proud Timmy standing next to him sparked a surge of determination within him.
"I want Timmy to play with me!"
James raised an eyebrow, feeling slightly exasperated.
The chubby boy was truly digging his own grave here. Did he think Timmy was anyone he could mess with?
And didn't he just get smacked by Timmy? Did he forget that so quickly?
This kid must have been a true professional when it came to being a sycophant.
James shook his head; this child seemed hopeless.
Resolving not to engage further with the chubby boy, he stood up decisively, taking Timmy by the hand, and offered a polite smile to Ella Ly. "I'm really sorry; I'll take my daughter now. Expect a surprise later."
"It's not Timmy's fault; it's my child who can't stop bothering your daughter. I'm sorry for the trouble!" Ella Ly said, forcing a smile.
"Let's be clear; a lot of this revolves around your husband not having the time to watch him. Don't worry, from today on, your husband should have a bit more time on his hands."
James spoke with a hint of mystery before leading Timmy out of the ball pit area, leaving Ella Ly puzzled.
What did the man mean? Was he hinting at something?
Before she could dwell on it further, the sounds of crying and shouting interrupted her thoughts.
"Mom, Timmy left!"
Ella Ly felt her head throb as she suffered through the irritated cries, unable to stop herself from slapping her son's head. "Shut up!"
The chubby boy immediately sensed the looming danger, quickly covering his mouth, sobbing silently while tears streamed down his cheeks.
Looking at her son, Ella felt a twinge of sympathy. "Don't cry; Mommy will take you to KFC."
The chubby boy pouted, defiantly refusing, "I don't want KFC."
"Then what do you want?"
"I want Timmy!"
Ella was at her wits' end. This boy hadn't yet fully matured and could already tell which girl was pretty?
She gave her son a stern lecture, insisting he should aim higher and play with older boys instead.
The chubby boy, sensing her maternal disapproval, nodded vigorously.
Meanwhile, Amanda looked at James, puzzled. "What kind of surprise do you have in mind for her?"
James smiled knowingly, "I'm thinking of giving her husband a gift."
"Huh?" Amanda replied, confused.
"It's a gesture for his writing, treating him to something nice, since I owe him a bit for his son getting roughed up by Timmy."
"Oh!" Amanda was shocked but didn't quite understand. "Why send a gift in such an indirect way?"
James explained, "He's a guy after all; he should have a bit of pride. Giving money directly isn't quite tasteful."
Amanda nodded in agreement, "How much are you thinking of giving?"
James replied nonchalantly, "Let's start with a million. It'll help him manage his precious kid better and prevent him from bothering my daughter."
Amanda didn't express surprise at James's willingness to drop such cash. Instead, she felt joy hearing him refer to Timmy as "my daughter."
Without saying anything, Timmy perked up beside them, her angelic little face beaming with curiosity. "Uncle, when you say 'my daughter,' are you talking about me?"