Chapter 285: Chapter 257: Protecting Yourself Is What Matters Most (Part 2)
When Song Yuanbao mentioned it, Wen Wan blushed even more, yet she couldnât contain her curiosity and wanted to know if her husband would like the gift she made for him.
Perhaps to ease the awkwardness, Song Wei didnât persist on Wen Wanâs gift matter. He stepped forward and took the cloth tiger from her hand.
It was a bit large, enough for a child to sit on directly, and both the color combination and craftsmanship were quite nice.
Song Wei took a glance and asked her, "Is this for Jinbao?"
Wen Wan nodded, "Since we returned from Ningzhou, we havenât bought any toys for Jinbao. Heâs turned a year old and is quite active, so he should like a big cloth tiger."
Song Wei responded with an "Mm", looked up at the sky, "Itâs getting late, if thereâs nothing else, come home with me!"
After he finished speaking, he turned around, opened the carriage curtain for the mother and son behind him, holding the cloth tiger in one hand.
Wen Wan gazed at the manâs solid back and was moved when she recalled his words, "come home with me."
Song Yuanbao had already gotten in. Not seeing Wen Wan follow him, Song Wei turned back and saw her staring at him intently.
"Whatâs wrong?" he asked with a smile.
"Nothing, just give this to me!" Wen Wan reached out to take the cloth tiger from his hand.
This is a childâs toy. It was fine for her to hold it, but it seemed a bit out of place in his hands.
Song Wei curved his lips into a smile, said nothing, and let the cloth tiger return to her hands.
After getting on the carriage, Song Wei casually asked Song Yuanbao a few questions.
Song Yuanbaoâs answers were similar to those Wen Wan had asked earlier.
Song Wei reminded him, "Even though you are younger, there are other students around your age. The Imperial College is stricter than local schools.
There are rules engraved behind the main gate; find some time to read them properly. Be cautious when interacting with others; true friendship is about understanding, not quantity."
Song Yuanbao remembered each point. When Song Wei paused, he glanced at Wen Wan, hesitating to speak.
Wen Wan said, "Just say whatever you need to, donât keep looking at me, or your father might think I did something guilty."
As soon as she finished speaking, she felt the manâs scrutinizing gaze fall upon her.
Wen Wan hugged the cloth tiger tightly, sitting as upright as possible, stared straight at the carriage floor, pretending not to notice his gaze.
Song Wei looked over at Song Yuanbao, "What is it?"
Song Yuanbao answered honestly, "Itâs nothing much, itâs just that when we first arrived at the Imperial College today, we ran into someone."
Song Wei smiled lightly, "Was it Su Yaoqi?"
Song Yuanbao did not expect that just from his introduction, his father already guessed the personâs identity. Surprised, he asked Song Wei, "How did you know, Father?"
Song Wei said, "It rained earlier, I encountered him when I went to Hongwen Academy to pick up your mother."
"So, you know each other?"
"It was just a brief encounter."
Knowing that Su Yaoqi might have taken an interest in Wanwan, Song Wei was not completely unconcerned but not to the extent of being jealous.
In his eyes, Su Yaoqi was merely an immature child who found people and things beautiful, which was perfectly normal.
If he were to fuss over Su Yaoqi, it would be like comparing himself to a child, something unnecessary and unlike his character.
Seeing his fatherâs indifferent reaction, Song Yuanbao did not pursue the matter further.
The reason he talked about this in front of Wen Wan was not to complain, but he felt it was something important enough that it should not be hidden from his father.
Of course, if it shouldnât be hidden from his father, it certainly shouldnât be discussed behind his motherâs back.
The best course was to discuss it openly with both of them present.
At the time, if any blame was to be laid, it could fall on him.
Song Wei looked at his son, who was beginning to grow taller, noticing the childishness fading from his face, and a maturing thought process emerging.
As the father who raised him, Song Wei felt comforted.
"In the future, when you come across Su Yaoqi, if he initiates interaction with you, you donât need to flatter or please him due to his status, nor should you be overly aloof. Just treat it normally."
Song Yuanbao nodded, then suddenly remembered something, "Father, I once heard you mention the Su Family, is this Su Yaoqi we just talked about one of them?"
Song Wei said, "The grudges between adults have nothing to do with you kids; just focus on your studies. As for the rest, thereâs no need to worry, youâre too young to handle it anyway."
Song Yuanbao gave an understanding "Oh."
His tone carried a sense of frustration at not being able to grow up quickly enough to help ease his fatherâs worries.
After that, the carriage fell into silence, and no one spoke until they arrived home.