CHAPTER 545: CHAPTER 545: JOY AND SORROW

"So noisy, Dou Dou, quickly turn that thing off."

Shen Siyuan felt his head buzzing; he hadn’t expected what Yuan Kaiyang gave Dou Dou to be such a noisy toy.

"Huh? Bro, it’s not me playing."

Dou Dou poked his little head out, looking wronged and innocent.

Shen Siyuan turned his head and saw Tang Tang jumping and giggling around the Jumping Ball.

She didn’t find it noisy at all; in fact, the jumping and vibrant colors made it feel novel and fun to her.

Her mother didn’t find it noisy either, and watched Tang Tang play with a lovingly doting expression.

Shen Siyuan thought for a moment, patted Dou Dou, and pointed, "Go and take it from her."

"Okay!"

Without asking, Dou Dou excitedly dashed towards Tang Tang. Carrying out orders seemed to be such a happy task.

"You’re so bad."

Ruan Hongzhuang, sitting to the side, gave him a side-eye.

Taozi, on the other hand, watched Dou Dou, fearing she might start another fight with Tang Tang.

"Why don’t you go tell Tang Tang to stop playing?" Shen Siyuan glanced at her.

"Tang Tang can’t even hear me, you go."

Ruan Hongzhuang actually held Tang Tang in high regard, initially due to Shen Siyuan’s affection, but subsequently because Tang Tang’s extraordinary presence was undeniable. Since ghosts existed in this world, it indicated that Tang Tang’s previous life must have been remarkable.

With such a powerful being reincarnated, it wouldn’t be wise to risk making them dissatisfied or angry, even though Tang Tang was still so innocent and always giggling. She might be young, but not stupid; who knows if she would remember grudges from her childhood when she grows up.

Therefore, both Ruan Hongzhuang and Taozi treated Tang Tang with care. The little girl was indeed adorable and lovable, naturally attracting affection.

Grown-ups understood these subtleties, but kids didn’t take them into consideration at all.

For instance, Dou Dou ran straight over, pulling down Tang Tang’s pants and smacking her chubby little bottom twice, "pia~pia~".

Tang Tang hurriedly pulled up her pants, then turned around and chased Dou Dou.

Seeing this, Shen Siyuan nearly choked on his own saliva while Ruan Hongzhuang and Taozi tried hard to stifle their laughter.

Dou Dou yelled while running, "Potato told me to do it."

Then she hid by Shen Siyuan, seeking his protection.

"Don’t say nonsense, I certainly didn’t tell you to do that," Shen Siyuan said helplessly.

"Hmm~ Hmm~"

Tang Tang ran over, puffing her cheeks, glaring at both of them.

"Meanies."

She pointed at Dou Dou, angrily trying to complain to Shen Siyuan. Obviously, she hadn’t "heard" what Dou Dou had just said.

Dou Dou immediately circled behind Shen Siyuan. Seeing this, Tang Tang directly pounced on Shen Siyuan, climbing up his leg, onto his lap, and even trying to climb onto his shoulders to catch Dou Dou more easily.

She stretched out her short, stubby arms, babbling as if expressing dissatisfaction or scolding Dou Dou.

Dou Dou was not one to back down, continually provoking her.

"Hey, can’t catch me..."

"So close..."

"Try harder..."

...

Now it wasn’t just noisy but a bit chaotic too, leaving Shen Siyuan helpless.

Ruan Hongzhuang and Taozi, beside him, stifled their laughter, showing no intention of helping.

Compared to the lively scene at Shen Siyuan’s home, the Yuan family was much quieter.

Yuan Kaiyang’s "return" hadn’t restored the previous liveliness.

The couple was cautious, trying their best to satisfy their son’s every wish, constantly keeping an eye on him, as if trying to imprint his image perfectly in their minds.

Yuan Kaiyang rode his little motorbike, then stepped onto the skateboard, taking a lap around the house, even taking out his least favorite pterosaur figurine, gently caressing it. One only learns to cherish when they’ve lost something.

During his time as a ghost, although he was carefree, he was also exceedingly lonely. Adults might endure it, but for a child in their prime of cheerfulness, it was an extremely cruel punishment.

Speaking of which, one must commend Duoduo for her extraordinary resilience, which was rarely seen. This was also why Shen Siyuan was so astonished when he learned she had lingered in one place for over twenty years.

In fact, both Duoduo and Dou Dou had their unique qualities. Shen Siyuan didn’t take them on as Guardian Children purely out of pity.

Strictly speaking, Xiao Yue seemed more ordinary, though perhaps that was due to the short time since her death.

However, Shen Siyuan chose her because she was mature enough to help "manage" Dou Dou and Duoduo.

Calling it management might be harsh; guidance would be more accurate. The two little ones were young, and Xiao Yue would guide them correctly.

"Dad, Mom, you don’t have to do this. It makes me feel uncomfortable."

Watching his cautious parents, Yuan Kaiyang sighed deeply.

He knew many things couldn’t be undone once they’ve happened, even if he returned home now.

In the past, Dad always joked around with him; Mom always lectured with a loud voice, though sometimes, it could be quite annoying.

But that was what made the house feel more like home to him, unlike now, where they watched him cautiously, afraid of upsetting him or making him unhappy. Even speaking seemed careful and considerate.

Upon hearing their son’s words, the couple exchanged glances. Yuan Hesheng was the first to speak.

He pulled Yuan Kaiyang into his arms, gently smoothing his hair, closely examining the familiar little face.

He also knew this was his son, but things weren’t the same anymore.

"Yangyang, Dad and Mom just want to...make you happy..." Yuan Hesheng tried hard to explain.

Yuan Kaiyang smiled and said, "I understand what you mean. But being able to see you again... No, being able to talk to you again, and you being able to see me again, I’m already very happy. The way you are now, it makes me feel like you’re no longer my parents."

"Silly, no matter when, you’ll always be our son," Yuan Hesheng said in a slightly trembling voice.

Beside him, Deng Huiling wiped away tears again.

She had countless things she wanted to say to her son, yet didn’t know where to start.

It felt like having a lump in her throat, unspeakably uncomfortable.

Yuan Kaiyang broke free from his dad’s embrace, walked to Deng Huiling, wiping away her tears, slightly dissatisfied, "Didn’t you promise me you wouldn’t cry?"

"I’m not crying, I’m not..." Deng Huiling choked out while wiping her tears.

Seeing her like this, Yuan Kaiyang grinned.