Nan Mansion, Commoner Residence.
Nan Chen, dressed in home clothes, was reading a book in the study. It was The Art of War. He was leaning comfortably on the sofa.
The glasses he wore hid away some of the sharpness in his eyes, and gave him a gentler vibe.
Seated next to him was Dabao, who had exactly the same look as him. Even the way they held the books was the same.
Dabao was reading a book on computers.
Erbao was lying on another sofa. She was playing games on her phone, with her earphones plugged in.
She could never understand why her uncle and brother would waste time reading books.
They could play games, or eat some snacks. Books were so boring.
Perhaps all men liked to torture themselves? Erbao thought.
Nan Chen removed his glasses while he took a break. He took a glance at Dabao, who was just next to him.
Dabao was reading a very thick book that he could not hold comfortably for long. So, he placed it on the sofa and bent over slightly before he continued reading.
Nan Chen frowned. He reached over and took Dabao’s book away. “You should take a break. This is not good for your eyes.”
Dabao lifted his head and smiled at his uncle.
It seemed like the saying ”A single smile could overthrow a city” not only applied to women. Nan Chen was mesmerized by Dabao’s smile.
Dabao’s smile was filled with trust and warmth. It felt like a breath of fresh air to Nan Chen.
“You are always reading such thick books. Aren’t you also interested in books for children?” Nan Chen was curious.
“I’m interested. I don’t only read professional books. I also read manga and fairy tales.” Dabao answered obediently.
Nan Chen nodded and said, “You should also read some books for children. Those are more fun to read. You are still young, don’t read books that are too serious.”
“Brother finds fun in those boring books too.”
Erbao, who realized that the two men were having a break, joined in the fun.
Dabao nodded his head in agreement.
“Me too.” Nan Chen felt like laughing. “I used to be like that too.”
“Uncle likes computers too?”
Erbao ran over and squeezed herself in between Dabao and Nan Chen. She sat cross-legged, just like them.
“I used to like books on professional topics when I was young too. But my interest was in finance. Since I was very young, I carried around thick books on economics. Adults could not understand me at that time. They found me really strange. It’s just like how we can’t understand why Dabao likes reading these thick computing books. But actually, we do find joy in such books.”
Nan Chen was always very chatty when he was with the kids.
He had never felt the need to say too much. However, with the kids, he felt like he had a lot to say to them.
“So, uncle likes reading about economics?” Dabao asked.
“Yup, I really enjoy it. Business is about economics. But that’s not all. For a business to prosper, there are a lot more involved, such as accountancy, strategy, and even philosophy. A business organization that lasts through generations definitely has strong roots in both business operations knowledge as well as the cultural aspects of business.”
Dabao kept nodding, while Erbao looked lost.
The two men were having such a boring conversation. She found it too difficult to blend in.
“When is mommy coming to pick us up?” Erbao tried to change the topic at the first opportunity.
Nan Chen looked at his watch and said, “She should be coming soon. Do you prefer staying here or at Aunt Xiangyun’s place?”
Dabao and Erbao exchanged looks.
Of course they liked staying here. The mansion was well-equipped. There were also servants who attended to them.
They had everything they wanted here. They could eat anything they liked and were treated like royals. Even adults would like it here, not to mention these kids.
But the two of them were reserved in expressing their true thoughts.
Because they were well aware that their mommy did not like them staying there.
As for why mommy did not like it, Dabao could guess a little. But Erbao was totally clueless.
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