Seven Years Later
City airport.
In the middle of the bustling terminal stood a little boy, delicate as a porcelain doll. Fair skin, finely sculpted features—young yet strikingly handsome. Though just a child, his elegant smile gave him the poise of a miniature gentleman.
Every detail about him was perfection, almost unreal, instantly capturing the attention of passersby. From grannies to toddlers, everyone couldn't help but glance his way.
"Ningning…"
"Mommy, I'm here!" Cheng Ningyuan waved his small hand excitedly, his face lighting up as he spotted his most beloved mom.
Cheng Anya walked over, long straight hair flowing, wearing stylish sunglasses. A rose-red blouse hugged her frame, cinched at the waist with a thick black belt adorned with tiny diamonds. Paired with cropped jeans and bright red heels, she was the picture of chic elegance and youthful charm.
Finally—home again.
Seven years of longing, and even the air here felt fresher than in London.
"My baby, how does home feel?" she asked as she steadied her suitcase and bent down to plant a loud kiss on his cheek. She loved this boy to death.
"Better than London's weather."
Cheng Anya pulled off her sunglasses, revealing a pure, radiant face with a sweet smile—perfectly masking the mischief in her heart. "Let's go hustle Auntie Yun. Remember—when you see her, plant a big kiss on her, got it? That'll earn us a big meal."
"Yes, ma'am!" Ningning nodded with mock seriousness, eyes twinkling. And so, the mother-and-son duo strutted off toward the exit like a pair of charming rogues.
He really is her little genius.
At the other side of the airport hall, the Ye family's butler noticed something. "Old Master, what are you looking at?"
The sharp-eyed Old Master Ye was staring intently at a small figure ahead, a thoughtful look on his face.
"That little boy just now. Did you see him?" His voice was cool.
The butler followed his gaze, catching only a glimpse of Ningning's back. "What about him?"
He looked just like Ye Chen. Just one fleeting glance… but that face, even though still young, was startlingly familiar. Like stepping back in time to when he first saw Ye Chen as a child.
Old Master Ye's expression darkened. He shook his head. "Nothing. Probably just my imagination. Let's go."
"Yes, sir."
Li Yun was Cheng Anya's close friend from her studying days abroad. They were like sisters. She had returned to China three days before Anya and was overjoyed to welcome them back.
The moment Ningning saw her, he smothered her in kisses—no need for Anya's "hustling plan." Auntie Yun instantly treated them to a lavish welcome meal.
They went to a famous Hunan restaurant known for its authentic flavors—popular far and wide.
After the car pulled up, Anya headed to the restroom while Li Yun parked. She told Ningning to get out and wait. As she circled to the other entrance, she waved at him, "Sweetie, come here!"
Smiling brightly, Ningning ran over—but in his excitement, he crashed straight into a man's chest and nearly fell. His little foot stepped on the man.
"I'm so sorry!" Ningning quickly bowed his head in apology. Raised in the UK, the boy had grown up to be a graceful little gentleman.
When the man showed no anger, Ningning gave a polite nod and walked on. Li Yun, seeing he was unharmed, took his hand and led him into the restaurant.
"Chen, what's wrong?" a soft voice purred. A sweet-faced woman clung to Ye Chen's arm, smiling up at him.
But he didn't answer—his eyes were still on the boy.
Ye Chen shook his head slightly. His usually cold, narrow eyes narrowed even more. For some reason, when that child bumped into him, it felt like something had struck the softest part of his heart. A strange flutter.
He regretted not getting a better look at the boy's face.
"It's nothing. Let's go," he said, and the two of them entered a western restaurant next door.
Just like that—father and son passed each other by.