Watching the changes in Tang Xiaoling's eyes, Tiantian was filled with envy.
Tang Xiaoling herself, however, had no idea what had happened.
The only change she could sense was that Auntie's previously blurry face was gradually becoming clear.
"Oh! I can see Auntie clearly now! You're so pretty!"
Gazing at Houtu's exquisite face, Tang Xiaoling could not help exclaiming.
Houtu smiled tenderly, pressed her forehead affectionately against the little girl's, and gently rubbed it a few times before saying:
"Lingling is very pretty too. You'll definitely be a beauty when you grow up!"
"But remember, never trust boys too easily. They're very good at lying!"
"Especially to pretty little girls!"
At that, Houtu also glanced at Tang Long.
Seeing this, he immediately turned his head away again, avoiding her gaze.
Coward!
Houtu silently chided him, then set Lingling on the ground and told her:
"Lingling, Auntie has to go now. Be good when you're on your own in the Instance."
"If anyone bullies you, remember to shout, 'Everyone who bullies me will go to hell!' Understand?"
Although Tang Xiaoling did not know what those words meant,
she still nodded obediently, then said with some reluctance:
"Auntie, can you stay?"
"Lingling misses Mommy. Can Auntie take me to find Mommy?"
Hearing this, Houtu gently stroked Tang Xiaoling's hair and smiled faintly.
"Don't worry, Lingling. You should be seeing your mommy very soon."
"She's just very busy right now and can't get away."
"But Auntie believes she must miss you very much too."
Finally, she added, "Auntie will miss you too."
Looking into her eyes, so full of love, Tang Xiaoling felt for a moment the motherly affection she had gone without for so long.
Yet for some reason, there was also a trace of helplessness in that gaze.
The little girl