CFRSIO Chapter 17

Zhang Qing’an had trouble sleeping in a new bed, and it was also the first time he shared a bed with someone his age. Even though Lin Yunliang had previously sent Siam to expend his energy, Zhang Qing’an still appeared full of vigor.

It was somewhat troublesome.

Lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling, he mumbled, “Brother, do you like looking at the stars?”

Lin Yunliang looked at the person who was sprawled across half of his bed. He thought about telling him that he was actually a year younger. But a mischievous impulse surfaced, and he deliberately didn’t explain.

“Stars?” Lin Yunliang shook his head. He had never been interested in them. “Do you like looking at them?”

“Mhm, mhm!” Zhang Qing’an immediately sat up in bed, his big, watery eyes fixed on Lin Yunliang. His eyes were filled with happiness, and his whole demeanor radiated visible joy.

“I love looking at stars the most!”

“Big ones, lots of them, bright ones!” He gesticulated excitedly, showing how much he truly liked them.

A thought crossed Lin Yunliang’s mind, but he stepped forward and pushed Zhang Qing’an back onto the bed. “Sleep.”

“Children who don’t sleep don’t grow tall!”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qing’an immediately became still.

Growing taller was a temptation for both boys and girls, especially for Zhang Qing’an, who had always been sickly and thus shorter.

Although the child seemed energetic, he lay down, closed his eyes, and within a short time, fell soundly asleep. His sleeping posture was as well-behaved as his personality.

Lin Yunliang had a habit of exercising every day, a habit he had cultivated since before. Even after becoming someone else, he hadn’t changed it. He even called his father to join him.

In response, Lin’s father wanted to slack off, but seeing his son persist, as a father, he couldn’t let himself be outdone by his child.

“The terrible competitiveness of adults,” Lin Yunliang commented.

It was the same today. He intended to get up for his morning run. The moment he moved, the child beside him woke up.

Still groggy, he looked at the person beside him. After a while, he realized it wasn’t his mother or father, nor his stuffed toy, but his good friend, little Yun Gege!

“Little Yun Gege, where are you going?” Clearly not fully awake, he forced himself to sit up, mumbling vaguely, his head nodding. Several times, he almost toppled over.

If they weren’t on the bed, and if he wasn’t so small, almost completely wrapped in the quilt, Lin Yunliang would definitely have grabbed him.

“I’m going for a morning run.”

At the same time, the bedroom door opened, revealing Lin’s father.

Seeing the other little one awake, he also smiled, “An’an is awake too?”

“Son, it wasn’t you who woke him up, was it!” Lin’s father said, thinking, “I was worried about disturbing Zhang Qing’an’s rest, so I didn’t knock. Who would have thought this brat would wake him up too!”

After Mother Zhang left, Mother Lin had told Father Lin about the situation, and Father Lin supported it. After all, he had met Zhang Quan, and he really wasn’t a good person. He had also heard from his wife that Zhang Qing’an was a very well-behaved child.

At first, he thought it might be due to the filter of the two mothers being friends. But when he came home from work that day and saw Zhang Qing’an, he believed his wife’s words. He was indeed a very well-behaved child.

If such a child were to be handed over to his biological father, let alone Mother Zhang’s reluctance, even they felt it was inappropriate. Therefore, they did not refuse the request for him to stay temporarily.

It was just an extra pair of chopsticks at the table.

Moreover, after Zhang Qing’an arrived home, he allowed the couple to see a new side of their own child.

Zhang Qing’an was a child, and in an unfamiliar environment, he was bound to be reserved. Even though Father and Mother Lin were as friendly as possible, the child would still feel scared. What Father Lin didn’t expect was that Zhang Qing’an had become very attached to Lin Yunliang.

And Lin Yunliang didn’t refuse. Although they had only known each other for five years, Father Lin could sense his son’s maturity. He often worried that his son wouldn’t have friends because of this. The children near their home also didn’t like playing with him much.

Now, seeing Lin Yunliang looking after Zhang Qing’an with such care, he felt a bit satisfied. Good, his son wouldn’t be friendless.

However, Father Lin vaguely sensed something was amiss. Lin Yunliang was very attentive at meal times. No, no, one couldn’t say attentive. It should be described as cunning.

Because Lin Yunliang had picked all the broccoli from his bowl and given it to Zhang Qing’an. He even said, “Children should eat more vegetables; it’s good for their health.”

Father Lin, who witnessed this, thought, “Aren’t you also a child? Besides, you clearly don’t like broccoli, which is why you’re giving it to An’an!” What a mean brat!

Lin Yunliang was easy to raise and obedient, eating whatever he was given. However, he just couldn’t get used to broccoli. Only when eating broccoli would a trace of childishness appear on his normally proper face.

Broccoli was nutritious, and it allowed the couple to have fun teasing the child, so it often appeared in their meals. Father and Mother Lin wouldn’t eat it for him, but they didn’t expect Zhang Qing’an to eat it.

What’s more, after hearing Lin Yunliang’s words, the child nodded in agreement and then happily started eating, seemingly quite satisfied.

Father Lin smacked his lips, feeling that he had missed something but couldn’t recall what. He was so engrossed in watching the two youngsters eat that he hadn’t touched his own bowl of rice and was thus smacked on the head by Mother Lin.

Before Lin Yunliang could explain his father’s accusations, the now-awake Zhang Qing’an spoke first.

“I want to go too!”

Zhang Qing’an, who had woken up, clearly looked interested.

Father Lin felt his heart melt. Father Lin even thought that this child should be their own child, and that Lin Yunliang brat? Humph, forget it. At the same time, he thought that children were easily fooled, and he would surely lose interest by tomorrow.

Lin Yunliang felt that his own father’s gaze was not right. But he ignored it.

“I want to eat cereal.” He was subtly hinting at Father Lin.

Father Lin ignored him and asked the now-awake Zhang Qing’an with a smile, “An’an, what do you want for breakfast? Uncle will make it for you?”

Zhang Qing’an thought for a moment, “The same as Brother!”

Father Lin: “…..” He thought, “Why does this son of mine, who is so hard to tease, get to capture An’an’s heart!”

Father Lin did not notice the oddity in his choice of words at all.

Lin Yunliang chuckled, completely oblivious to Father Lin’s disappointed and sad expression.

“Do you want to go together?” he asked the child on the bed again.

Having this habit was his own business; it had nothing to do with others. He couldn’t force a little sprout of a child to go with him.

Although he often forgot that he was also a little sprout of a child himself.

“Yes!” Zhang Qing’an, as if afraid of being refused, immediately responded crisply, then scrambled to get off the bed using his hands and feet.

He quickly got out of bed and grabbed Lin Yunliang’s hand.

The little one had realized that Lin Yunliang wouldn’t refuse him. He was a good person, which was why he dared to be so bold and presumptuous.

Father Lin was very pleased. He was naturally happy that the two got along well.

“Okay, okay, then let’s get up!”

“Little Yun, find some clothes for your brother.”

Lin Yunliang was taller. Although he was a year younger, it didn’t prevent Zhang Qing’an from wearing his clothes.

“Okay.”

Yesterday, Mother Zhang was in a disheveled state herself, which showed how rushed she was when bringing the child out.

Because he was bringing a little one along, he couldn’t engage in strenuous exercise. So, Lin Yunliang didn’t run much; instead, he took the child for a slow stroll.

Siam was beside them, yawning.

Siam also didn’t understand why he was being forced to come out! He was just a pitiful, cute, and innocent little kitten!

He was still sleepy when he was grabbed.

It was truly too much bullying of a cat!

Unfortunately, he couldn’t fight back, so he had to follow. Fortunately, Father Lin even brought the cat carrier, just in case the kitten got too tired to walk, so there would be a place to rest. Then they could bring the cat back.

“Qing’an, do you remember what happened these past few days?” Lin Yunliang asked.

When he saw Zhang Qing’an, he had noticed that Zhang Qing’an’s complexion was even paler than when he was in the hospital. This indicated that something had happened. There was still the smell of disinfectant on him and unhealed needle marks, indicating bruising.

Therefore, Lin Yunliang already had an idea in mind. Asking Zhang Qing’an was simply to understand exactly what had happened.

Zhang Qing’an looked at Lin Yunliang with confusion, seemingly not understanding what Lin Yunliang meant. After thinking for a moment, he recounted what had happened in the past few days fragmentarily.

“Mom went out. She’s not home, and Dad is playing with Auntie.”

“I was hungry, but Dad and Auntie ignored me.”

“Later,” Zhang Qing’an recalled, his little face gradually turning pale. “I wanted to go to the kitchen to find something to eat.”

“I couldn’t reach it.”

“I fell, and it hurt so much. I called for Dad, but Dad didn’t come.”

Father Lin, who was listening, immediately looked displeased. Zhang Quan really… even if he wasn’t well-behaved, he shouldn’t have brought someone home!

Besides, there was still a child at home. Zhang Quan was his biological father, after all! How could he do such a thing!

From the reactions and conversations of Mother Lin and Mother Zhang earlier, Lin Yunliang had already formed a general impression of this “Zhang Quan.” Hearing Zhang Qing’an say this now, that impression became even clearer.

It was no wonder Zhang Qing’an turned out the way he did in the plot. With such a dissolute biological father, it was normal for him to be affected.

As he spoke, tears began to roll down the child’s cheeks. “It hurts so much, Little Yun Gege.”

“I kept calling for Dad, but he never came.”

“My body really hurts.”

The child was only six years old, at the age of youth and vitality, yet he was thin and small due to illness and encountered such a biological father. It was truly heartbreaking.

Lin Yunliang took out a handkerchief and wiped his face.

“It’s okay, Gege is here. Gege will protect you.”

“Mhm, mhm!” Zhang Qing’an nodded vigorously, his fair little face still glistening with tears, but his expression clearly improved.

“Let’s go, we’ll take another stroll, and then we’ll go back for breakfast!”

“Okay~”

Father Lin, seeing the child smiling and cheerful again, was also happy. His peripheral vision caught the little cat, who was already tired and about to fall asleep again.

He smiled helplessly and picked up the cat. Their family didn’t have a habit of making the kitten exercise, but Zhang Qing’an had glanced towards the cat’s room before going out.

Then Siam was called awake by his mature son.

Father Lin had also considered that Zhang Qing’an probably didn’t mean to wake the kitten up at that moment. He probably intended to continue playing with the kitten after returning.

He didn’t know what his son was thinking, but he actually managed to grab the kitten, who was in a deep sleep, early in the morning.

And made him come out for a walk.

His gaze fell again on the two children walking side by side, then down to their clasped hands.

He seemed to have another thought. But the kitten in his arms meowed a few times, scattering his already vague thoughts.

“Meow, meow, meow.” It’s really too much bullying of a cat! Don’t cats have cat rights? Why wake him up early in the morning!

Although he couldn’t understand the cat’s words, just by looking at Siam’s reaction, Father Lin guessed the cat’s intention and smiled in agreement, “It’s too much, isn’t it?”

“How can we bully our lively, cute, innocent little Siam!”

“Good boy, don’t be angry, don’t be upset, how about I secretly give you an extra treat when we get back?”

“Two cat treats?”

“Meow, meow!!” Not enough!! Five!

“Okay, okay, okay.” The human, who didn’t understand the cat’s words, didn’t let that hinder his agreement, and he was completely smitten by the cute cat.

Siam was so cute and clever that he captivated the Lin couple, especially Mother Lin. The way she treated Siam was like he was their youngest son.

If not for the hospitalization last time, Lin Yunliang wouldn’t have known that Siam had been fed so much. Therefore, he repeatedly asked the Lin couple not to feed him so much.

The Lin couple felt a bit wronged. It wasn’t that the kitten loved to eat, it was clearly a good appetite!

However, what their son said was also true, which led to Siam’s usual kibble being drastically reduced. He didn’t starve, he was still full, but he wasn’t as happy eating as before.

Siam was immediately furious. It was truly too much! How could they cut down on the kitten’s treats! The kitten was just being gluttonous, not committing any major offense!

This was why Father Lin was secretly negotiating with Siam.

Siam, of course, would eat.

After another stroll in the small park, seeing that Zhang Qing’an’s pale face had regained some color.

Only then did they return.

Father Lin saw Zhang Qing’an’s bright eyes, looking very happy and interested.

He thought, “Too young.”

Zhang Qing’an happily held Lin Yunliang’s hand and said, “Little Yun Gege, do you come every day?”

Lin Yunliang nodded. Consistent exercise can lead to good health.

“Then can I come with you again tomorrow!”

“Then will you wake up? If you wake up, I’ll take you out.”

“I’ll wake up! I definitely will!”

“Good.”

Father Lin sighed inwardly and shook his head, “An’an, this obedient child, has been fooled by Little Yun.”

Fortunately, Lin Yunliang didn’t know what Father Lin was thinking, otherwise, he would be very speechless. “Please, get it straight! I’m the biological son!”

Seeing Zhang Qing’an, who was being led out, and Siam, who was also held by Zhang Qing’an with an equally innocent expression.

Mother Lin’s fair hand twisted Father Lin’s ear, and she said speechlessly, “Lin Zhou!! What are you doing!”

“Who told you to take Siam and An’an out!”

“And so early in the morning!!”

Mother Lin’s grip wasn’t that strong, but Father Lin grimaced and repeatedly pleaded, “Wife, wife!!”

“Gentler, gentler!! I know I was wrong! I won’t do it again next time!!”

“I won’t! Let go of me quickly, the children are watching!”

“Let’s prepare breakfast for them first.”

They didn’t go out without eating anything. After all, they were children, so they still had to be fed. It was just that they ate less, and they would eat another meal after exercising.

The children referred to Zhang Qing’an, not Lin Yunliang and Siam.

Lin Yunliang was used to such incidents. The couple had a very good relationship; Father Lin’s exaggerated demeanor showed it.

Since it wasn’t the first time, and most of their couple’s actions were mock fighting, true displays of affection. The accustomed Lin Yunliang turned his face away coldly and started taking off his shoes.

Siam, because he was in Zhang Qing’an’s arms, didn’t walk. Oh, no, he couldn’t walk.

Zhang Qing’an was frightened by the current situation. His parents usually only fought when they were together.

He didn’t understand how this situation differed from his own home, only thinking that he had done something wrong, and his eyes turned red.

Lin Yunliang patted his head. “It’s okay, they always do this. They aren’t really fighting.”

“And it’s not your fault.”

“Let’s go eat. What do you want to eat?”

The moment Lin Yunliang saw Zhang Qing’an’s expression, he knew what he was thinking. He immediately spoke, took Zhang Qing’an’s hand, and led him inside.

“Then Uncle and Auntie…”

“It’s okay, they’re adults. They won’t starve themselves.”

Lin Yunliang, without even glancing at them, led the way inside.

Only then did Mother Lin let go and look at them with a smile.

“See, our Little Yun is quite like a big brother.”

“Good, good,” Mother Lin nodded with satisfaction.

Many of their friends had two children, and the couple had heard from their friends how the children in families with two children fought and how much trouble they caused their parents.

Therefore, seeing the two children getting along so well now, they were naturally happy.

People in the neighborhood all knew that a child had come to Lin Yunliang’s home. Mother Lin said it was a friend’s child, whose family was experiencing some difficulties, which was why the child was staying with them temporarily.

Although that was what she said, it couldn’t stop some malicious people from saying unpleasant things.

In this world, not everyone was good-natured.

There were those who couldn’t stand to see others live well.

As a result, some strange rumors began to spread throughout the neighborhood.

Lin Yunliang still took Zhang Qing’an out as usual. Although Zhang Qing’an was in poor health and couldn’t engage in strenuous exercise, it wasn’t good to remain completely still.

So, Lin Yunliang had been taking him out for walks recently.

The earlier plan for morning runs was ultimately not realized because Mother Lin disagreed. Thus, it changed to the current situation of taking him out for walks.

The small park in the neighborhood wasn’t only accessible to residents. Many people from nearby would also come here to stroll and wander around.

When the two children arrived, it was already afternoon. The sun shone warmly on them, and the weather was pleasant.

There was also an ice cream truck near the park. A bunch of children flocked towards it.

“Do you want to eat ice cream?” Seeing his expression, it was clear he was craving it.

Indeed, at this age, children were only interested in eating and playing.

“Can I?”

“Stay here,” fearing he might run off, he specifically gave him a “mission.” “Watch Siam for me.”

“Can An’an do it?”

The child, assigned a task, instantly became filled with responsibility and nodded earnestly and forcefully, “Yes! An’an can do it!”

Only then did Lin Yunliang leave with peace of mind.

Zhang Qing’an gently placed Siam down, staring at Siam without blinking.

This made the cat uncomfortable. “Meow, meow, meow.” You don’t have to be so obedient. He’s tricking you.

“Little Yun Gege told An’an to watch Siam.”

“Meow, meow, meow.” But I’m not called Siam.

“Siam, be good, don’t run around!”

“Meow, meow, meow, meow.”

Oh, this sentence didn’t mean much. Siam was simply coaxing the child and deliberately meowed a few times in coordination.

Although Lin Yunliang had walked away, he didn’t forget to turn his head to look at them. Seeing that the two youngsters were getting along well, he was relieved.

The ice cream truck wasn’t far away, but it was precisely behind them, so Lin Yunliang didn’t notice what happened next.

A little boy in overalls appeared in front of Zhang Qing’an with his group of friends.

“This is the weirdo’s cat!”

“Hey! Hand over the cat!”

“Quick! I want to see if this cat can fly like in the movies!”

“Flying is nothing! Let’s see if he’s bulletproof!”

Several children chattered incessantly. Just listening to their words revealed that they were not good children.

Zhang Qing’an’s eyes trembled, and his expression was filled with unconcealed fear. He immediately reached out and hugged Siam. Siam, being smart, immediately ran towards Zhang Qing’an.

At the same time, he sent a message to Lin Yunliang.

[Help! Host!!]

But Lin Yunliang didn’t respond. Siam forgot that Lin Yunliang had usually turned off the connection with him, unless there was something, like when Mother Zhang came last time.

The kitten’s face turned pale. How could he forget this detail! The kitten was now cursing very, very obscenely.

And he couldn’t just leave Zhang Qing’an alone. This little guy was clearly the type who would yield to the slightest pressure.

Siam recognized these brats. They were the children of nearby residents, notorious troublemakers who were disliked by everyone. If the children were younger and didn’t know better, it would be one thing, and if their parents taught them well, they would eventually understand. But unfortunately, their elders were just as obnoxious!

Siam had not been taken out for fresh air and walks by Lin Yunliang for the first time. It had happened before.

As a result, he was targeted by a few children who insisted on touching him. Lin Yunliang refused, and Siam also disliked being touched by strangers. Both the person and the cat refused. This angered these little tyrants.

The several of them swarmed forward, attempting to suppress them by force. Siam’s agile movements made them unable to catch him. And Lin Yunliang? He had lived for decades longer, after all. His hands moved, but he didn’t leave any injuries. Instead, they all fell awkwardly, or turned on each other, hitting their own teammates.

But they lost a lot of face.

And after losing face? The obnoxious parents also swarmed forward, all rushing to find the Lin couple to settle the score.

The Lin couple knew their son’s character. In such matters, they couldn’t just listen to one side of the story. You said he hit them, so he hit them? Where was the evidence? You couldn’t just slander their Little Yun with a few words, could you?

The Lin couple were not easy characters to provoke either. Moreover, they showed up that day, and Mother Lin was still wondering how Lin Yunliang got the scratches on his face. She directly demanded a medical examination, threatened to call the police, and insisted on finding surveillance footage of the incident.

This string of moves made many parents back down. While pretending to hit their children, they cursed and took their children away.

Of course, you couldn’t expect everyone to be perceptive and know when to retreat. There was one parent who didn’t believe it and trusted her child extremely, even doting on her child more than the Lin couple did.

Seeing that the Lin couple was about to call the police, they also shouted about calling the police.

Because of this trivial childhood conflict leading to a police call, by the time the police saw that plump lady, they already knew what was going on.

The police had to retrieve the surveillance footage. The footage clearly showed the other party surrounding Lin Yunliang with four people. What exactly was said was unknown, and Lin Yunliang indeed didn’t attack. He mostly dodged.

His agility was so good that Father Lin specifically asked the police if they could send him that segment. Mother Lin was speechless, but she didn’t forget the purpose of their trip that day.

In the end, the boy who acted and his family were both educated by the police.

Lin Yunliang, furthermore, became famous with this battle, although it was a fame he didn’t want at all.

After that, basically, all the children in the vicinity would avoid Lin Yunliang. Although some disobeyed their parents and wanted to befriend Lin Yunliang, they all found that Lin Yunliang didn’t like to interact with people.

There were even rumors that Lin Yunliang might be autistic, which almost made Mother Lin go find the rumor-monger to accuse them of damaging her reputation.

Lin Yunliang, however, didn’t care. He was calculating the probability of instigating his own father to recognize his relatives.

However, before this matter was settled, Zhang Qing’an came to their home first. And during this period, Lin Yunliang often took Zhang Qing’an to the small garden.

He also brought Siam, which once again attracted those brats.

It seemed they hadn’t learned their lesson. But this time, they might not be so lucky.