During the Chinese New Year, in order to prevent the children from feeling awkward, the Luan family did not visit relatives much. Firstly, explaining the situation regarding Shen Li to others was quite complicated. Secondly, even if they did explain, others would not readily accept it. On the contrary, it would make Shen Li feel uncomfortable.

On the first day of the new year, there was no avoiding the visit to Grandfather and Grandmother Luanxi's house to pay respects. Although the two elderly people didn't say much to Shen Li on the surface and treated her politely, they had privately discussed matters concerning her with Luan Yunshen. Luan Yunshen remained resolute in his decision. He had already brought the child back, so there was no reason to send her away again. Besides, apart from himself and her father, who else in this world could take care of Shen Li? Considering their lifelong bond, it was within Luan Yunshen's capability to raise her until she reached adulthood.

During the winter vacation, which lasted only twenty days, the day Shen Li returned to school coincided with the day Luǎn Xī departed. Shen Li sat on her bed last night, watching Luǎn Xī pack up her suitcase.

"Shen Li, if you don't get up now, you'll be late." No matter how the child next to her shouted, Shen Li refused to get up. Lu'an Xi had already called three times. Shen Li completely pretended not to hear and snuggled closer to Lu'an Xi. He didn't want to get up and go to school today because he knew that he wouldn't see the other person when he got home from school. He knew that Lu'an Xi had booked a plane ticket to go back to school today."

Luan Xi had no idea what was going on in Shen Li's mind, and for a moment, she didn't know what to do with him. She could only pull the child out from a bundle of blankets, pinched his tiny nose, and discovered that his face had turned red from being suffocated under the blankets. Helplessly, she said, "When my mom comes in later, she won't be so gentle when calling you to get up."

Hearing Luǎn Xī's words, Shěn Lí reluctantly opened his eyes and pouted, expressing evident dissatisfaction as he said to him, "I don't want to go to school today." In truth, Shěn Lí woke up when Luǎn Xī first called him, but he didn't want to open his eyes. Shěn Lí was being a bit selfish and wanted to spend more time with Luǎn Xī.

Winter vacation is really too short, Shen Li thought, he didn't even have a chance to enjoy the holiday properly, and it's already gone.

Luan Xi stood the child on the bed and helped him put on his autumn clothes. She also put a sweater with SpongeBob SquarePants printed on it over his outfit. Just as she was about to pick him up from the bed, she noticed that he had a displeased expression on his face. "Who bullied our little Shen Li? Why is he frowning as soon as he woke up today?"

"I came back from school this afternoon and couldn't see you." Shen Li extended her arms, asking him to hold her. "I don't want to be apart from you."

Perhaps it was because Luǎn Xī had taken care of him too much over the years, and without the demeanor of a parent, it had made Shěn Lí develop a strong dependence on him, and he had become more and more accustomed to being spoiled by him.

After a moment of silence, Luan Xi reached out and patted his head. "I can't not go, but I promise you'll still be able to see me when you come back." He had to convince Shen Li with all his might to make him happy and sit peacefully at the dining table to have breakfast. Luan Xi couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Children nowadays are really difficult to appease. Just one Shen Li already made him feel exhausted. He couldn't imagine how troublesome his own biological child would be in the future. Although his thoughts were overly anxious, it didn't change the fact that an alpha who had been living alone for nearly twenty years suddenly had this idea. After all, he had taken care of Shen Li for two or three years.

With Luǎn Xī's assurance, Shěn Lí ate breakfast and left the house, showing no signs of the unhappiness from earlier in the room.

At the end of the school day at First Central Elementary School in City S, the school gate was crowded with people. They were all parents who had come to pick up their children. Most of them were grandparents, as the actual parents were too busy with work to have time to pick up their kids. Luǎn Xī stood in a conspicuous spot near the gate. This wasn't the first time he had come to pick up Shěn Lí after school, but this time was different. He hadn't informed Shěn Lí in advance, so Luǎn Xī could only imagine how surprised the child would be when they saw him later.

Luan Xi had booked a flight for 10:30 PM, and he had long guessed that Shen Li would throw a tantrum on the day he left. It was better to book the flight later, even though it meant he would be more tired. He would arrive in the early morning, and could only stay for one night at a nearby hotel near the airport before returning to school the next day. Initially, Yan Jiexu strongly disapproved of this late flight, but since her son insisted on it, she couldn't stop him.

Sure! Here's the translation: As expected, as soon as Shen Li stepped out of the school gate, he spotted Luàn Xī's figure in the crowd. Ignoring the classmate who was talking to him, he rushed straight towards Luàn Xī, leaving his small desk mate stunned in place.

"Luan Xi, Luan Xi!" Shen Li shouted his name, "You came to pick me up today, huh!"

Luan Xi's heart melted when she saw his joyful expression. She had truly figured out the child's character. Moreover, he had taken the flight tonight and would be gone for several months. Since she wouldn't be able to see Shen Li for that long, she also wanted to see her son and spend some more time with him before he left.

Shen Li was delighted to see Luan Xi waiting for him after school. He turned around and waved goodbye to his desk mate. Luan Xi followed his gaze and saw a little boy slightly taller than Shen Li standing there. She couldn't see his expression clearly, but she felt that compared to him, Shen Li was more likable. Luan Xi accompanied him to a nearby bakery, where they ordered a cup of Hong Kong-style milk tea and a piece of red velvet cake. Only after he finished eating did Luan Xi take Shen Li home.