The Little Angel's Request

The next morning, soft sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the cozy kitchen.

"Good morning, brother."

Luo Shuning greeted him with a bright smile, stepping lightly into the kitchen. Her voice was brimming with energy and affection.

"Morning, Shuning," Gu Luo turned around, his face softening into a gentle smile as he returned her greeting.

"What are we having for breakfast?"

"How about sandwiches?"

"I’ll eat anything you make, brother!"

And so, the two fell into a comfortable rhythm, working together to prepare breakfast. The kitchen soon filled with a sweet, homely atmosphere.

As Gu Luo sliced the tomatoes he’d carefully picked the night before, he suddenly chuckled. "You know, Shuning, you seem different lately."

"More relaxed and lively."

Hearing this, Luo Shuning flashed an angelic smile, her voice tender and sincere. "Mhm, it’s all thanks to Uncle and you, brother."

"I can be too stubborn sometimes... and Mom’s the same way."

"Some things are harder to say to the people closest to you," Gu Luo mused with a hint of wistfulness. "Maybe I’ve misunderstood Dad in a lot of ways too."

"Parents and children always seem to have this invisible gap between them."

"Yeah..."

"Anyway, let’s not dwell on it. You’ve got the school festival performance today—give it your all!" Gu Luo changed the subject, even pumping his fist in encouragement.

"Go, go, go!"

Luo Shuning mimicked his gesture, waving her small hands playfully like an energetic little sprite.

But then her expression turned slightly worried. "Brother, do you really think Qu Meimei would go that far?"

"Hard to say, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. We’ve prepared for every possibility," Gu Luo replied calmly, his tone reassuring.

Hearing this, Luo Shuning clasped her hands behind her back, hopping closer to him with a mischievous blink. "Brother, you’re so good to me."

"And you’re good to me too," Gu Luo laughed.

Then, without hesitation, he held out a slice of tomato to her lips, the gesture natural and intimate.

"Ah."

"Ah~" Luo Shuning obediently opened her mouth like a well-behaved kitten, happily accepting the tomato.

Her face immediately lit up with delight. "Mmm, sweet and tangy—so delicious!"

"Brother really is the champion grocery picker. You always choose the best."

"Amazing, just amazing. Brother’s the best!"

"Wow, such high praise," Gu Luo couldn’t help but laugh. "I think even the sweetest tomato can’t compare to your sugary little mouth."

The little angel’s compliments were downright therapeutic.

"Oh? How does brother know my mouth is sweet?" Luo Shuning narrowed her eyes, a sly glint flashing in them.

Caught off guard by the direct question, Gu Luo’s eyes widened slightly.

"Brother, why so quiet?" Luo Shuning’s playful side was clearly taking over. She tilted her head, feigning innocence as she pressed, "So, how exactly does brother know my mouth is sweet?"

"Ahem..."

Gu Luo took a subtle breath to steady himself, about to face the question head-on, when Luo Shuning suddenly burst into giggles.

"Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you," she waved her hand, still laughing.

"You..."

Gu Luo opened his mouth, then closed it again, at a loss for words.

"Oh, brother, I have a question for you," Luo Shuning said, her smile fading slightly.

"What is it?"

"Do you squeeze toothpaste for Little Man and Shu He every day?"

She emphasized Shu He’s name just a touch.

"..."

The question made Gu Luo’s heart skip a beat.

But he kept his composure, replying with a smile, "Yeah, Shu He saw me doing it once and asked me to squeeze hers too."

"I thought about doing the same for you and Shuling, but it felt a bit... awkward."

"I see... I get where you’re coming from," Luo Shuning nodded, though her expression still showed a hint of disappointment.

Seeing this, Gu Luo panicked internally.

"Shuning, I..."

But he didn’t know what else to say.

Offering to squeeze her toothpaste now just wouldn’t feel the same.

"Brother, if you want to make me happy, promise me one thing," Luo Shuning suddenly said.

"Huh?" Gu Luo blinked, half-wondering if Shu He had somehow switched places with her.

Since when did the little angel start making demands?

But he didn’t hesitate, nodding immediately. "I promise."

"You’re not even going to ask what it is?"

"I promise."

Gu Luo trusted her unconditionally.

No need for disclaimers.

"Then from now on, I’ll be the one to squeeze toothpaste for you!"

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