John’s becoming more ridiculous the older he gets. I can’t believe he’s being so serious with a child.
Pursing my lips, I discreetly signaled Summer with my eyes, to which she instantly understood. With that, she walked over to hold John’s hand and started behaving adorably. “Uncle John, will you come pick me up tonight? Can you bring me for some ice cream? You know I love eating ice cream with you the most, Uncle John!”
It was difficult for a man, no matter how old he was, to remain unmoved when a little girl said such sweet words to him, especially in such a cute voice.
True enough, the sullen look on John’s face was replaced by delight. Although he proudly raised his chin, he couldn’t conceal the smile on his lips.
He feigned indifference as he looked down at Summer, clearing his throat mechanically before saying, “It depends on your performance. If you’re a good girl, then I’ll reward you. If not, there’ll be no ice cream for you!”
“Okay!” Summer raised her chubby hand and made a salute gesture, almost losing her balance and looking absolutely adorable.
John finally caved, crouching down to take Summer’s hand as his gaze abruptly softened. “Be a good girl, mm? Listen to your teachers and have fun with your friends, okay?”
He was an imposing man who had once raised a colossal uproar, but he was like a tamed lion in front of Summer. The cautious way he treated her made others envious, thinking how nice it would be to have such a warm man as their family.
But I knew that he was actually overwhelmed with worry about Summer’s safety just like me.
Still a child, Summer didn’t understand the hidden meaning in a grown-ups’ words and took it literally. “Mm! I got it, Uncle John. I’ll make many, many new friends and work hard to become mini Superman!”
Witnessing a child’s innocence was the best way to wash away all our troubles and sorrows. Summer’s brilliant smile was immensely reassuring, and I found myself relaxing considerably. Without saying anything else, we let Jared lead her in.
This time, as I watched this so-called “Mr. Cress” walking into the building hand in hand with Summer, the weight in my heart was no less lighter than the previous time.
While I was lost in my thoughts, John suddenly leaned over and confidently announced, “Don’t worry. I’ve arranged an assistant for Jared, to make sure that he’ll never get the opportunity to be alone with Summer.”
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