Right Here Waiting For You

Mama Li wiped Tiantian’s tear-blotched face in awkward silence.

“Godma, why isn’t Inky home yet?” Tiantian was exhausted from crying. She sniffled as she stared at the door, her lashes still wet from the tears, her body shivering.

“Soon, soon…”

Mama Li glanced at the clock, wondering for the first time why time was passing so slowly.

The door handle finally moved, as a handsome young man walked in with his school bag.

Mama Li was moved to tears at this beautiful sight. “Yanmo, you’re finally back.”

Looking at both of them, Li Yanmo suddenly had the feeling that his mother was being bullied by Tiantian. He caught himself having this thought and shook his head furiously, trying to banish it.

“Inky!” Tiantian ran into his arms without any reservation. Feeling aggrieved from having cried all day long, she told Yanmo, “I don’t wanna attend preschool anymore…”

“Huh?” Li Yanmo frowned. Just last night, she was enthusiastic about being a good student at preschool. Why the sudden change in attitude?”

He glanced at Tiantian, then looked questioningly at his mother.

“I’ll hand Tiantian over to you, then. Mama’s going to make dinner now.” Mama Li took the chance to escape, leaving Li Yanmo with the “problem”. “Convince Tiantian to attend preschool! It’s all your fault!”

As she passed by him, Mama Li whispered discreetly into Li Yanmo’s ear.

Li Yanmo facepalmed. Although he didn’t know what exactly had happened, he had a good idea.

After changing into house slippers, he set down his school bag and led Tiantian into the bedroom.

“Little children have to attend preschool. I’ll send you there tomorrow.”

Li Yanmo was gentle but firm.

Tiantian pouted. “But I really don’t wanna attend preschool anymore.”

Li Yanmo lowered his gaze at her. The little girl’s eyelashes were still wet, and he could see his reflection in her eyes. He smiled briefly and reached out to carry her.

“Inky?!” Tiantian exclaimed in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to raise her up like that, just because they didn’t see eye to eye. She was about to plant one on him–her lips were already puckered–but he then placed her on the study desk.

Li Yanmo leaned forward. He placed his palms on the study desk as he stared at her with his amber-colored eyes. “If you’re not attending preschool, then don’t think of coming down from this desk.”

The desk itself wasn’t too tall, but it would still be difficult for a three-year-old like Tiantian to climb down unassisted. She contemplated climbing off the table on her own, but couldn’t muster enough courage to do so. A pout formed on her face.

“Humph! Fine! I’ll just stay on this desk. At any rate, I won’t be going to preschool!” said Tiantian, with round cheeks and big eyes fixed on Li Yanmo. She didn’t believe that Inky would really leave her on the desk like that.

After all, wouldn’t he need it for homework?

Li Yanmo had a countermeasure for that. Just as he was about to head out, he suddenly turned around and grabbed Tiantian by her arms. With a smirk, he told her, “One more thing. Going forward, you’re not allowed to share my bed or my mug, and certainly not–”

He refused to let this three-year-old toddler get the better of him.

“No, no! Don’t say anymore!” As expected, Tiantian immediately admitted defeat, albeit a little grudgingly. She could barely withstand such treatment from Inky. That’s exactly what Inky subjected her to the last time around.

With a huge pout on her face, she said, “It’s just preschool! Fine, I’ll go! But you’ll have to send me there! Otherwise, I wouldn’t do it for anything in the world!”

Ning Tiantian then mimicked him in crossing her arms and snorted haughtily.

Li Yanmo didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He simply patted her on the head and carried her down from the desk.