The richest man's parents were kidnapped, and his adorable son captivated the entire family.

"Auntie, I don't understand..."

Despite Xie Yumin's best efforts to persuade her, Mengmeng was still somewhat confused.

"It's very safe here. My aunt is with me, so I don't think this is a bad place."

Hearing this, Xie Yumin couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.

How can I explain this to this young girl without hurting her feelings?

"Mengmeng, wait a minute."

After saying that, Xie Yumin got up and closed the door until it was only a crack. After listening for a while to make sure that no one was in the corridor, she slowly walked to the bedside and sat down.

She held Mengmeng's slightly cool little hand, her fingertips gently stroking the faint veins on the back of the child's hand, as if this could convey all her unease.

"Mengmeng, tell Auntie the truth."

Xie Yumin spoke very softly, yet with an undeniable firmness, "You haven't been feeling well lately, is it because you drank the milk that Aunt Ruolan specially prepared for me?"

Mengmeng's fingers tightened suddenly as she gripped the doll, and her bright eyes welled up with tears.

Upon seeing this, Xie Yumin instantly realized what was happening...

It seems that Mengmeng's allergy is indeed related to Ruolan!

"Mengmeng, don't be afraid, Auntie is here."

Seeing that Mengmeng was barely able to contain herself, Xie Yumin could only try to comfort her gently, saying, "Only your aunt knows about this. As long as you tell the truth, I will definitely find a way."

"Aunt Xie... I shouldn't have lied."

She bit her lip and hesitated for a long time before finally whispering, "That day I saw the glass of milk on the table. I was thirsty and thought it was from Aunt Ruolan, so I drank it."

"My stomach hurt after drinking it... and it wasn't until the next day that it started to hurt like that."

Before she could finish speaking, tears were already falling onto the blanket. "Auntie, I promise I won't eat random things anymore. Please don't go."

Upon hearing Mengmeng's words, Xie Yumin was suddenly startled...

This kid...

Is that why you said that because you're worried I'll leave?

Xie Yumin felt as if her heart had been slashed open by sharp glass, the pain so intense that even her breathing trembled.

She hugged Mengmeng tightly and gently patted the child's back.

"Silly child, how could Auntie abandon you? Besides, this has nothing to do with you, you know?"

Xie Yumin's voice choked with emotion as she tried to suppress the guilt in her heart, "Mengmeng, would you like to leave here with Auntie?"

"Auntie promises to treat Mengmeng well and will never let anyone bully you."

Mengmeng raised her head, tears still clinging to her eyelashes, her eyes filled with confusion: "But Uncle Gu and Aunt Ruolan are so powerful, they will find us."

"If I cause Auntie to get hurt..."

Her voice grew softer and softer until it became a murmur tinged with sobs.

Xie Yumin cupped the child's face in her hands and gently wiped away the tears with her thumb: "Mengmeng, when I first saw you, Auntie felt that we were very familiar."

"The way you smile, and the tone of your voice, both make me feel..."

Xie Yumin took a deep breath, her eyes reddening, "Actually, Auntie has always been wondering if you are mine..."

At this point, Xie Yumin swallowed her words, then pressed her forehead against Mengmeng's, saying, "Whether it's true or not, Auntie will protect you."

Suddenly, the wind outside the window swirled up withered leaves, which pattered against the glass, making a rustling sound.

Mengmeng leaned on Xie Yumin's shoulder, listening to her steady and strong heartbeat, but her heart felt like it was filled with mixed emotions.

She remembered that Gu Yinshen had bought her her favorite strawberry cake, and she also remembered that when Ruolan was angry, she smashed a porcelain bowl that almost hit her.

Now this gentle aunt says she'll take her away, but will she really be safe if she leaves?

"Auntie, could you give me a little more time?"

Mengmeng clutched Xie Yumin's clothes tightly, "I... I don't want you to take risks because of me."

Xie Yumin felt a pang of anxiety, but then smiled with relief.

How could I forget that this seemingly innocent child had already learned to survive cautiously in the cracks?

"Okay, Auntie will wait for you."

She placed a gentle kiss on Mengmeng's head, "But you must promise Auntie that no matter what decision you make, you must protect yourself first."

At this moment, footsteps were heard outside the door.

Xie Yumin quickly wiped her face, returning to her usual gentle demeanor.

Ruolan pushed open the door and entered, her eyes sweeping over the two of them, a puzzled smile playing on her lips: "Why aren't you taking Mengmeng to rest yet, it's so late?"

"I asked you to stay so that you could take care of Mengmeng, not so that Mengmeng could keep you entertained."

Ruolan, clearly tired of pretending any longer, frowned at Xie Yumin and said, "Since you're injured, don't delay Mengmeng's treatment at the hospital..."

"So that I won't have to take care of both her and you later."

"Don't worry, Mengmeng just can't sleep, I'm just trying to soothe her."

Xie Yumin spoke naturally, reaching out to tidy Mengmeng's unruly hair, "I was telling Mengmeng that once she gets better, I'll take her to the amusement park."

"Kids like these things."

Ruolan walked to the bedside, picked up the water glass on the table and shook it: "President Gu will be here in a little while. He asked me to remind you not to wander off."

She emphasized the words "running around," glancing at Xie Yumin almost imperceptibly.

Xie Yumin met her gaze, her smile unwavering: "Don't worry, Mengmeng is so well-behaved, how could she run around?"

She took Mengmeng's hand and gently squeezed it.

As night fell, the lights in the ward were dim and warm.

Mengmeng lay in bed, watching Xie Yumin curled up in a small ball on the bedside chair, and felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

Moonlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting a soft glow on Xie Yumin's face. She remembered what her aunt had said and tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

A soft cough came from the next ward, exceptionally clear in the quiet night.

Mengmeng stared at the ceiling, her thoughts drifting far away.

If I really leave with my aunt, what will life be like? There will be no pretty princess dresses, no room full of snacks, but there will be a gentle embrace that will never be harsh with her.

The sound of nurses making their rounds echoed down the corridor, approaching and then fading away.

“It’s so hard to choose…”

Mengmeng muttered to herself.

In the following days, taking advantage of her leg injury, Xie Yumin simply stayed in Mengmeng's hospital room as well.

Xie Yumin didn't mention leaving again, but instead paid closer attention to the interactions between Mengmeng and Ruolan.

"Mengmeng, what do you want to eat today? Auntie will take you out to eat, okay?"

As Ruolan pushed the door open again, Xie Yumin immediately felt Ruolan's somewhat disgusted gaze directed at her.

But as Ruolan looked at Mengmeng, the barely concealed gaze on her face vanished instantly...

"I don't think that's necessary."

The next second, Xie Yumin immediately spoke up.