Warm Everyday Moments

When the little one was suddenly picked up, her round eyes flew wide open, a layer of bewildered panic filling them. Her tiny body instinctively tensed, and her chubby little hands curled into small fists.

Yet the scent lingering around her nose carried a closeness and security that came from deep within her bloodline, like a mark etched into her soul by fate itself.

In no time, her tense back slowly relaxed, and her clenched fists quietly loosened. Her dark, gleaming eyes curiously studied the man before her, her long lashes fluttering. There was not the slightest hint of grievance in her expression—only the unfamiliarity and novelty of a first meeting.

Her gaze shifted as she instinctively glanced at her mother beside her. When she saw Medusa looking at her with a gentle smile and tenderness filling her eyes, the last trace of fear in the little one's heart finally vanished.

She stretched out a small hand and tentatively touched Xiao Ling's cheek. The moment her fingertips met his warm skin, she drew back like a startled kitten. Yet the corners of her mouth unconsciously lifted, forming a soft little dimpled smile.

Seeing the little one's hand randomly rubbing against his face, Xiao Ling could not help laughing. He turned and exchanged a glance with Medusa beside him.

Their eyes both brimmed with irrepressible tenderness. They nodded in mutual understanding as a warm current slowly flowed through both their hearts—a cozy, unique feeling that belonged only to a family.

He raised a hand beneath the little one's soft bottom and steadily lifted her a little higher, allowing her to see his face more clearly.

Xiao Ling lightly tapped his cheek with a fingertip and looked at the little one in his arms with smiling eyes. His voice became even gentler