Chapter 117

Shen Baili raised her hand and spread her fingers. "You have to raise your hand and swear."

Xie Zhiyu rubbed his brow, then slowly raised his hand. "I swear I'm not lying."

Shen Baili was pleased. "Say Chinese people don't lie to Chinese people."

"Chinese people don't lie to Chinese people," Xie Zhiyu said.

Shen Baili smiled. "I believe you."

"I'm going to find a more comfortable bed."

She bounced up from the sofa and took two steps toward the bedroom. "Here we are."

With that, Shen Baili started to collapse onto another armchair. Xie Zhiyu caught her before she fell. "Careful."

Shen Baili fell asleep in three seconds, rubbing her cheek against his arm.

Xie Zhiyu sighed, bent down, and carried her to bed. He laid her down gently and thoughtfully dimmed the bedside lamp.

"Good night."

He tucked her in and rose to leave, but a light tug caught his little finger.

It would have been easy for Xie Zhiyu to pull free. Instead, he stopped.

Shen Baili gazed at him and blinked. "I can't sleep."

Xie Zhiyu crouched beside her. "Why not?"

Shen Baili rolled over and clasped his hand. "I want a lullaby."

Xie Zhiyu was helpless against her. "Let's agree on one thing first. You'll go to sleep after the lullaby, okay?"

Shen Baili nodded and looked at him expectantly. "Suìsuì wants Mommy to sing."

"..."

The air went still for two seconds. Xie Zhiyu cleared his throat twice, then softly sang the lullaby Shen Wan used to sing when Suìsuì was sick.

"High on the green hills, daylilies bloom. Pick one for me, little girl. Tuck it into your hair, and I'll hold it close to my heart..."

His voice was low, rich, and clear, as though he were singing right beside her ear.