The Unattainable Flower Pulled Down from the Pedestal by Universal Dislike – CH70

Chapter 70

At one in the morning, a sudden cry shattered the stillness of the night. Lin Song’an groggily opened his eyes, instinctively reaching out to cover Tan Ning’s ears.

The little one was crying again, sounding pitiful.

Lin Song’an pressed his hand gently over Tan Ning’s ears, but the baby’s cries were still loud enough to penetrate. Tan Ning frowned, slowly waking up, and, without opening his eyes, he felt around to get out of bed. But as soon as he moved, Lin Song’an pulled him back.

Lin Song’an lifted the blanket to cover Tan Ning, wrapping him snugly in the warmth, and whispered in his ear, “Go back to sleep. I’ll take care of it.”

Tan Ning’s long eyelashes fluttered as he hesitated, reluctant. “I should go…”

The little one was in the process of being weaned, so he had been crying more at night. Tan Ning, who had a soft heart, couldn’t bear hearing him cry. “Maybe… maybe just for tonight…”

“Ning Ning, it’s been a month now.”

Tears gathered in Tan Ning’s eyes, and Lin Song’an steeled himself, tucking him back into the blanket. “No exceptions, okay?”

With that, he got out of bed and headed to the nursery next door.

Nine-month-old Xiu Xiu was already mobile in his crib, gripping the side with his little round hands as he sat up, staring eagerly at the doorway. When no one came to him, his mouth began to quiver, and he started crying. Seeing Lin Song’an enter, he cried even louder, his little face turning red, and fat tears rolling down his cheeks.

Lin Song’an thought, *Good thing I didn’t let Tan Ning come in here.* If Tan Ning saw Xiu Xiu looking so pitiful, the weaning plan would be delayed indefinitely.

He went to the crib and picked Xiu Xiu up.

As soon as Xiu Xiu was in Lin Song’an’s arms, he stopped sobbing, but then he realized this wasn’t the person he wanted, and he started wailing again, trying to call for Tan Ning. Left with no other option, Lin Song’an grabbed a new toy to distract him. Xiu Xiu stared at the little bunny plush, his gaze fixed on the red eyes of the toy, and his cries gradually softened. Blinking at Lin Song’an, he finally pouted but quieted down.

The crying stopped, and Lin Song’an let out a sigh of relief.

In all fairness, Xiu Xiu was mostly an angelic baby.

During Tan Ning’s pregnancy, he hadn’t suffered much—barely any morning sickness and a good appetite. All the checkups went smoothly, and finally, the little one arrived full-term. For the first few months, he was exceptionally well-behaved, hardly fussed, and even entertained himself, trying to roll over on the blanket and making little “xiu xiu” sounds, which is how he got his nickname.

But it seemed that balance had to be maintained. Xiu Xiu, who had always been so quiet, had put up quite a fight over weaning. For the past month, he had not only resisted being weaned but also revived his habit of waking up for nighttime feedings. Every few nights, his cries would wake them.

Lin Song’an had no other choice but to hold Xiu Xiu in his arms, supporting him gently and telling stories to coax him back to sleep.

Perhaps it was the faint scent of Tan Ning lingering on Lin Song’an that slowly calmed Xiu Xiu down. His little eyes, still wet with teardrop “pearls,” gazed up at Lin Song’an with a pitiful expression.

He couldn’t speak yet, only managing to babble, “Abba abba,” his tiny fingers fumbling with the buttons on Lin Song’an’s pajamas, as if he were trying to awaken some paternal affection in him.

“Be good, little one. Go to sleep, and you’ll see Daddy Ning Ning in the morning.” With a resigned sigh, Lin Song’an kissed him, firmly closing the nursery door to block out any trace of Tan Ning’s scent.

At the sound of “Daddy Ning Ning,” Xiu Xiu’s tears started again, his small sobs turning into bigger, heart-wrenching cries. Lin Song’an tried holding his hand, but Xiu Xiu wouldn’t let him.

Since the beginning of weaning, Xiu Xiu had developed a strong resistance—almost an aversion—to Lin Song’an, and he seemed to resent him.

Right now, his least favorite person was definitely his dad.

Xiu Xiu’s given name was Lin Keqi, and his delicate features were a near copy of Tan Ning’s—small, well-defined, and beautifully expressive. His eyes, slightly darker than amber, gave him an alert look. From the start, everyone thought Xiu Xiu was as gentle as Tan Ning. Even He Qingrui had commented at first glance, “He’s practically Tan Ning’s double.”

But the weaning process revealed another side to him, one that reminded everyone that Lin Song’an’s powerful alpha genes—still strong enough to quickly help Tan Ning conceive despite his gland removal—were undeniable.

With Tan Ning, Xiu Xiu was a little angel. With Lin Song’an, he was strong-willed, stubborn, and fiercely determined.

Father and son were in a standoff until finally, Xiu Xiu grew so tired he fell asleep.

Carefully, Lin Song’an placed him back in his crib, tucked him in, and, satisfied that he would sleep through the rest of the night, tiptoed out, only to find Tan Ning standing in the hallway, concern written all over his face.

Tan Ning tilted his head to peek inside. “He’s asleep?”

Unable to resist, he insisted on going in to check. Xiu Xiu lay in his crib, his cheeks still streaked with tears. Tan Ning grabbed a soft tissue to wipe them away gently.

Staring at the peacefully sleeping Xiu Xiu, Tan Ning whispered, “Poor little guy.”

From behind, Lin Song’an wrapped his arms around him, feigning jealousy. “I’m pitiful too.”

“…”

“Isn’t a ‘three-hundred-month-old baby’ still a baby?”

Tan Ning sighed, finally tucking in Xiu Xiu’s blanket and returning to comfort his three-hundred-month-old “baby.”

As soon as they reached the bedroom, Lin Song’an scooped him into a hug, playfully whining, “My arms are sore! The little guy’s growing so fast; I can barely hold him!”

“Don’t exaggerate.” Despite his words, Tan Ning turned around and took Lin Song’an’s arm, gently massaging it from shoulder to wrist. “Where does it hurt?”

Lin Song’an lay him back onto the bed, using his thumb to trace Tan Ning’s brow. “Have you been crying along with the little one again? He cries and falls right back to sleep, but crying only hurts your eyes. You know that, right?”

Tan Ning sighed, “Weaning is so cruel.”

“Cruel? It’s for his own good.”

Still, Tan Ning wasn’t convinced.

Lin Song’an, now soothing the elder of the two “babies,” said, “Just a month more, okay? I’m here.”

Lin Song’an leaned in and kissed him. Only after Tan Ning’s spirits lifted did he roll over, his arm draping across Tan Ning’s stomach as he exhaled in relief. Noticing how exhausted he was, Tan Ning propped himself up, took Lin Song’an’s arm, and massaged down from shoulder to wrist.

The pressure was just right, and Lin Song’an relaxed, his arm dropping down onto Tan Ning’s chest.

Tan Ning let out a soft “Mm.”

Lin Song’an paused, quickly catching on. Glancing over, he saw the flush coloring Tan Ning’s ears.

Since Xiu Xiu had been weaned, the build-up had left Tan Ning feeling increasingly tender, making his whole body more sensitive. Even with Lin Song’an’s arm merely brushing across his chest, separated by the cotton pajamas, Tan Ning trembled slightly, letting out a faint sound.

Lin Song’an leaned in closer. “Need some help?”

Tan Ning maintained his stern expression, though his composure wavered. “No.”

Turning away, he settled himself under the covers and mumbled, “Turn off the light, let’s sleep.”

Observing Tan Ning’s reactions, Lin Song’an complied, turning off the light and lying down beside him, moving as quietly as possible.

After a while, a faint rustling began in the dark—the sound of buttons slowly being undone—and the unmistakable shuffling of Tan Ning edging closer. Lin Song’an’s mouth curved into a smile.

In the dark, Tan Ning’s hand found his, but then immediately recoiled, only for his fingers to reach out again to tap the back of Lin Song’an’s hand. “Lin Song’an…”

Lin Song’an feigned sleep, his breathing even.

“Song’an…” Tan Ning tried a different name, voice softer.

Lin Song’an kept up the act.

Left with no other option, Tan Ning reluctantly used his last resort, murmuring, “Husband…”

Lin Song’an was awake in an instant, pulling Tan Ning into his embrace.

In frustration, Tan Ning pinched him, which Lin Song’an endured without complaint. With Tan Ning’s buttons now undone, the warmth of his skin pressed against Lin Song’an, like a soft, fresh-from-the-oven loaf. Unable to resist, Lin Song’an’s breath hitched, his voice husky. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“You know what.” Tan Ning scolded him, cheeks flushed.

First, he covered Lin Song’an’s mouth but thought better of it, realizing Lin Song’an’s mouth might come in handy, so he settled for covering his eyes instead.

Lin Song’an laughed, his breath grazing Tan Ning’s neck as he whispered playfully, “Ning Ning, say something sweet.”

Tan Ning pursed his lips, stubbornly turning his head away in silence.

The late summer night was calm, with only the occasional breeze rustling through the trees.

As the clock ticked toward two, Tan Ning finally relaxed, his cheeks still flushed, and a thin layer of sweat dotted the back of his neck. After wiping him down, Lin Song’an fetched a damp cloth from the bathroom. Then, cradling Tan Ning’s softened form, he heard a sleepy complaint escape his lips: “You’re so annoying.”

Barely containing his laughter, Lin Song’an asked, “What did I do now?”

When Tan Ning was truly embarrassed, he would find random things to complain about, venting his mild irritation. “You’re just…annoying.”

“And what did I do to make you feel that way?” Lin Song’an leaned close and whispered, “Is it because I seem to crave you even more than Xiu Xiu?”

Face burning with embarrassment, Tan Ning snapped, “You—don’t say that!”

Flustered, he covered Lin Song’an’s mouth, leaning over him, his long hair falling over Lin Song’an’s shoulder, tickling him gently.

Tan Ning’s pout was undeniably endearing. Lin Song’an took in his silhouette in the dim light, smiling. When Tan Ning finally let go, Lin Song’an murmured, “Xiu Xiu is a lot like you.”

Seeming pleased with the compliment, Tan Ning lifted his chin proudly. “Of course he is.”

Xiu Xiu had been born on September 15, weighing six pounds four ounces. Even the nurses remarked on how beautiful he was. As Lin Song’an gazed at the little bundle, he saw a tiny kitten-like face—a fragile, newborn kitten who nonetheless had quite a loud cry.

The night deepened, and sleepiness crept over him. Lin Song’an pulled Tan Ning close, gently squeezing his hand. “Our little cat gave birth to an even tinier night owl, who doesn’t sleep at night and won’t wake up during the day.”

Tan Ning chuckled.

Planting a soft kiss on Lin Song’an’s cheek, he rested his head on Lin Song’an’s shoulder and drifted off.

The next morning, Tan Ning woke to the smell of warm milk filling the room, and the first thing he saw was little Xiu Xiu.

Xiu Xiu’s big eyes sparkled as he looked around.

“Ah na na.” Xiu Xiu, having spent a full nine hours apart from his beloved Ning Ning Daddy, felt as if it had been an eternity. He babbled to Tan Ning in his own language, voicing his frustration with Lin Song’an.

Tan Ning quickly pulled him into his arms. “Xiu Xiu, you’re so good. You did amazing.”

Catching the familiar scent of milk on Tan Ning’s pajamas, Xiu Xiu wriggled like a little piglet, rooting closer to Tan Ning’s chest. Tan Ning found himself in a bind, not wanting to turn him away, and called for Lin Song’an. Lin Song’an came over from the kitchen immediately and gently lifted Xiu Xiu up by his little armpits, holding him mid-air.

Xiu Xiu blinked, surprised, staring at Tan Ning, who suddenly seemed far away. His little hands pulled in close, giving him the look of a puppy dog-paddling.

The two worked in perfect harmony, with Tan Ning quickly getting up to change into fresh clothes. Once he returned to the bedroom in his new outfit, he reached for Xiu Xiu again. Xiu Xiu sniffed the lavender scent left by the laundry detergent instead of the comforting milk scent, his face showing his confusion.

Disappointed, he turned his head toward the edge of the bed, searching for Lin Song’an, who had slipped back to the kitchen. With no “villain” in sight, Xiu Xiu’s face scrunched as he prepared to cry, but Tan Ning gave him a kiss, and his mood brightened instantly. Tan Ning played with him, and Xiu Xiu laughed, leaning happily into Tan Ning’s arms as he babbled, “Ah ba, ah ba…”

“What does ‘ah ba, ah ba’ mean?” Tan Ning chuckled.

Xiu Xiu answered, “Ba ah, ba ah…”

“Does it mean Daddy?”

Xiu Xiu handed Tan Ning his turtle toy, brought over from his crib, as if to ask, “Is Daddy a turtle?”

“Ah na na,” Xiu Xiu responded, scrunching his eyebrows.

Tan Ning’s heart melted, and he held the little bean-sized Xiu Xiu close, lying down beside him and watching the scenery outside the window.

The garden was in full bloom, bathed in soothing shades of pale pink. These were flowers Fang Jin had chosen, safe for babies and beautiful to behold.

Xiu Xiu seemed enchanted, lying still and occasionally blinking, entertaining himself quietly.

Before long, Lin Song’an returned with a milk bottle in hand.

Seeing the bottle, Xiu Xiu immediately remembered the love-hate relationship with his dad. He scrambled out of Tan Ning’s embrace, crawling eagerly toward Lin Song’an at the edge of the bed.

Lin Song’an squatted down, smiling. “Say ‘Daddy.’”

Xiu Xiu parroted, “Ah na na.”

“Still not quite right,” Lin Song’an sighed. “Silly little kitten, you still can’t say ‘Daddy’ yet.”

Xiu Xiu looked up at him innocently.

“The baby guide says most start saying ‘Mommy’ or ‘Daddy’ after ten months.”

“My mom said I was calling them by nine months,” Lin Song’an said smugly.

Tan Ning raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so you were a prodigy?”

Lin Song’an chuckled, pinching Xiu Xiu’s little ear as he gazed at him with endless affection. “You’re a silly kitten.”

Xiu Xiu kicked Lin Song’an’s hand away with his little feet, joyfully clutching the milk bottle. Glancing back to smile at Tan Ning, he drank it all down, finishing with a tiny milk hiccup before rolling over to cuddle back up with Tan Ning, who held him up to practice sitting.

Though Xiu Xiu could sit, he still needed some support behind him. Now, perched on the large bed with just the soft blankets around him, he toppled back the moment Tan Ning let go, his tiny baby socks with yellow kittens poking up in the air.

Tan Ning lifted him up again, giving him a gentle push forward, encouraging him to balance. Xiu Xiu obediently leaned forward, but as soon as Tan Ning let go, he fell straight back again, adding his own sound effects: “Ah wa wa…”

Tan Ning couldn’t help but laugh, lying on his side next to Xiu Xiu and playfully patting his little belly. Inhaling the comforting scent of milk from Xiu Xiu and the inviting smell of breakfast wafting from the kitchen, Tan Ning felt nothing but warmth.

He had everything he could wish for.

Lulled by Tan Ning’s gentle pats, Xiu Xiu soon closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep. Tan Ning pulled the blanket over him, tucking him in before tiptoeing to the kitchen.

Lin Song’an was preparing porridge when Tan Ning wrapped his arms around his waist, resting his cheek against Lin Song’an’s broad back.

“Hmm?” Lin Song’an squeezed his hand playfully. “Has Cool-Headed Ning Ning turned into a little clingy kitten today?”

“Lin Song’an, I’m so happy.”

Lin Song’an smiled.

“I used to never even dream of this kind of happiness.”

“Knowing I can make you happy is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

Tan Ning laughed softly. “More than any money you’ve made? More than those billion-dollar deals?”

“Of course.” Lin Song’an replied without hesitation.

Tan Ning nestled his face against Lin Song’an’s back, inhaling deeply. Just then, Xiu Xiu’s cries sounded from the bedroom. Lin Song’an quickly turned off the stove, and the two of them went back to the bedroom together.

Xiu Xiu had woken up suddenly and, not seeing Tan Ning, was now clinging to the edge of the bed, crying in fear.

Tan Ning hurried to his side, and both he and Lin Song’an knelt by the bed. Lin Song’an made a funny face at Xiu Xiu, who immediately stopped crying and began to giggle, lying on the edge of the bed.

“Daddy…” Xiu Xiu suddenly pronounced the word clearly.

Lin Song’an froze, turning to Tan Ning. “Did you hear that?”

“Shh.” Tan Ning put a finger to his lips, and they both waited, holding their breaths, hoping Xiu Xiu would repeat it. Xiu Xiu, meanwhile, stared at them with big, innocent eyes, puzzled by their intense gaze.

Just as Lin Song’an began to think it might have been his imagination, Xiu Xiu called out again, “Daddy.”

This time, it was unmistakable and clear.

Lin Song’an and Tan Ning exchanged a joyful look. Tan Ning immediately grabbed his phone, recording a video to share with Fang Jin, Yue Ying, and Xiu Xiu’s grandpa.

Technically, Xiu Xiu hadn’t directed “Daddy” at either of them, so Tan Ning pouted. “He was talking to me. He just doesn’t know how to say ‘Little Daddy’ or ‘Ning Ning Daddy’ yet. Hmph, you got lucky.”

Although Lin Song’an was sure it was meant for him, he gave Tan Ning a good-natured grin. Waving his hand, he said, “Mmhmm, he was definitely calling you.”

Tan Ning huffed, pretending to be annoyed, though his actions betrayed him as he cuddled closer to Lin Song’an.

Xiu Xiu beamed as he saw his two dads sitting side by side in front of him. He nuzzled Tan Ning’s knee with his face and playfully tapped Lin Song’an’s knee with his tiny fist.

Tan Ning scooped him up, and he grinned widely.

“Xiu Xiu,” Lin Song’an prompted, “who am I?”

Xiu Xiu thought for a moment before answering, “Daddy, ah na na, goo goo na gua gua &*%?@&%…”

Lin Song’an confidently translated the baby babble: “He said, ‘We’re the happiest family in the world.’”

Tan Ning laughed and echoed the sentiment, “Yes, we are the happiest family in the world.”

THE END