Ike jumped up excitedly and planted a swift kiss on my cheek, "Auntie, you're the best!"
Then he dashed off towards the elevator, leaping into his dad's arms.
Herbert, holding his little guy, came over, handed back my phone, and nodded politely, "I've explained everything to Ike, so I'll be taking him now."
"Auntie! Ike's leaving now!"
Ike blew me a kiss, his voice sweet and soft, âBut don't worry, I'll be back before it gets dark.â
I looked at him in surprise, and Herbert's brow furrowed subtly, but he didnât comment.
I ruffled Ike's hair, "Listen to your mom and dad."
"Okay!" The little munchkin nodded vigorously.
Herbert said, "Ms. Webster, weâll be off. Sorry for the intrusion."
"Itâs... itâs fine!"
For some reason, Herbert gave me a strong impression of an elder.
It wasnât just his personality, but also something indescribable.
...
Herbert, carrying the little munchkin, entered the elevator, his tone steady, "Youâre not staying at home tonight, but you still want to come back?"
"Yeah!" Ike, hanging from his dadâs neck, blinked his big eyes, "Dad, you'll bring me back, right?"
Herbert looked at him, "Your grandparents miss you."
"Um...I miss grandma and grandpa too..."
Ike seemed torn, pondering for a moment before deciding, "But, Ike has important things to do!"
Herbert chuckled at the little guy, "Important things?"
He's just a little kid. His whole day is filled with eating, playing and sleeping. What important things could he possibly have?
Ike, sensing his dadâs skepticism, huffed, "Yep! It's about whether Ike will get a brother or sister."
He was getting bored on his own.
If he didn't help out, when would his uncle and aunt decide to have a little baby for him to play with?
Herbert's expression darkened, "Brother or sister? Your momâs dating someone new?"
Since the divorce, in the Taylor family, Edith had been quite the free spirit, dating several men who all looked like pretty boys. And she flaunted each one on social media. As if she was trying to provoke him.
Now she was planning to have more kids?
"...No..." Ike instinctively wanted to explain, but then he had an idea and nodded vigorously. "Yep, Dad, Mom went abroad to have fun with her boyfriend!"
...He didnât need to say it.
Edith could fill a novel with her social media posts.
Herbert thought she knew better, at most just fooling around.
But now she was thinking of having kids? She never grew up.
Herbert sighed, "Why didnât you go with her?"
"I..."
He thought, âI'm here to help Uncle score points! If not for me, how could he become Jane's official boyfriend so quickly?â
But... seeing his dad's serious face, Ike, with his clear eyes, lied without blushing, "Mom said... she said I'd slow down her progress of getting me a brother or sister."
That should be right, right? Heâd seen something about it on a video.
Herbert nearly ground his teeth to dust.
Edith really was getting out of hand, saying such things to a child.
After strapping Ike into his child seat, Herbert called his assistant, "Book me a ticket to Barcelona."
"Sure, when would you like to leave?"
"As soon as possible."
Ike, listening from the side, pressed his lips together, suppressing his excitement.
Dad's going to find mom!
As long as dad tries hard, no one else can become his stepdad.
...
On the set of the variety show.
The production team had rented fields from the villagers, planting crops like rice and corn.
After lunch, the PD handed out the task cards â it was time to harvest the rice.
The task was urgent and demanding.
All the guests needed to pitch in.
Summer was bewildered and turned to Becky in a low voice, "Becky, can I, maybe, not go?"
The rice fields were a good distance from the houses.
She feared someone might sneak into her room while she was gone.
Becky, an experienced figure in the entertainment industry, could easily get Summer permission to stay back without question.
Surprisingly, Becky simply patted her shoulder, "Whatâs wrong? Feeling unwell? I can ask the crew to arrange a drive to the clinic?"
"...No... No need!"
That would only take her further away. And risk painting a fragile image of her online.
Nowadays, many people admired flawless personas and wouldnât tolerate even a minor flaw.
Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)
ï¤Chapter 484 His Charming Wife ï¤Chapter 10 Dominant Boss: Call Me Hubby, My Dear ï¤Chapter 250 Finn Shows up Amidst Many Obstructions Being physically weak could become a reason for criticism.
Just as her career was beginning to take off, she didnât want to sabotage it.
Facing Beckyâs concerned look, she couldnât well refuse, playfully sticking out her tongue, "Iâm fine, just havenât harvested rice in a long while. Iâm worried Iâll slow everyone down."
Might as well go.
There were cameras everywhere.
If someone did sneak in, she could rush back in time.
"Youâre overthinking it."
Becky smiled. "We might be even slower than you. Donât worry! Letâs go together!"