Song He disliked ugly children and assumed his wife felt the same, but he had not expected Xiang Xiaotong's fondness to be genuine. After teasing the baby for a while, she asked Katerina a few questions, then carefully lifted Xie Ka from the swaddling clothes.
The Russian relatives in the hospital room immediately began flattering them, saying that Xie Ka was a lucky child to have been held by a top scientist right after being born. Another round of flattering laughter filled the room.
Xiang Xiaotong rocked the baby for a while, then beamed as she arched her brows at her husband. "Come hold her! She's so cute!"
"Can I? Can I?" Song He put on an expression of loving children. "I'm a big, rough guy who doesn't know how to hold a baby. I'm afraid Xie Ka will be uncomfortable!"
"Go on and hold her!" Katerina said boldly. "Once Xie Ka is old enough to understand, I can tell her that the Technology Emperor held you when you were little!"
Song He carefully took the child from her, his expression changing slightly.
So soft, so warm, so tiny!
A wondrous feeling arose in Song He's arms. He was astonished. Just moments ago, he had thought the child was ugly and no fun at all, but the instant he held her, his feelings changed. A sense of affection welled up, and he instinctively wanted to protect the baby with care.
This was probably a human instinct. Holding another human's young could also trigger the urge to protect them. That was how infants in ancient times had achieved a high survival rate. Even if their parents were eaten by wild beasts, other members of the tribe might still be willing to raise the child.
"Oh my!" Song He said sincerely. "A