By July, work at the First Branch Factory had finally eased up, and Li Ye at last had time to stay home, tease the children, and accompany his son and daughter through the most delightful years of their lives.
At one year and two months old, Little Pouch could already race wildly around the courtyard. Even when she occasionally fell, she would climb back up herself and giggle.
To her, the thrill of running free was far more interesting than a momentary ache.
But her big brother, Little Treasure, was different. Even now, he could not walk. Usually, he either burrowed into Grandma's or mom's arms, or clung tightly to Li Ye's calf and refused to let go.
When Little Pouch had first learned to walk, Little Treasure had actually already dared to walk while holding onto the railing. But when he saw his little sister begin to sprint around, he copied her and ran toward Li Ye.
Then he fell. That one fall was no big deal, but afterward, it was as if he had been cursed for three straight months—he fell whenever he ran, and he fell even when he walked.
So today, taking advantage of his day off, Li Ye began pondering how to get his son to take that important first step in life.
"Grandma, let Little Treasure go. I think his legs are already strong enough. He's just one tiny step away from walking."
"What are you rushing for? Little Treasure is only one year and two months old. Your little uncle Xiao Gu was nearly two before he learned to walk!"
Grandma Wu Juying held Little Treasure close and did not want Li Ye fussing with her great-grandson. Her cross-generational affection for Little Treasure had turned into outright indulgence.
"I'll only try once. If