“This is for mom,” Ann chattered away cheerfully, handing out a red velvet case containing an obscenely expensive necklace she just bought last week. Then, she put another smaller dark navy blue box next to her dad, “And this it for dad; Happy anniversary!”

Both her parents accepted the presents gracefully with ‘thank you’ and turned to smile at each other. Even without opening the presents, they already knew. They were all very expensive. So they put it aside.

Ann frowned only slightly, careful not to show that she’s a little offended that they didn’t want to find out what she’s gotten them. It’s their wedding anniversary and she spent many sleepless nights browsing the net, searching for the perfect gifts.

“Don’t you want to see them?” she asked shortly.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s lovely, Ann,” Mrs. Lee answered in return. She picked up her cup and sipped the hot tea carefully. Beside her, her husband has been staring at the watch for the third time since half an hour ago. “Where’s Lu Han by the way?”

“He called earlier to say that he’s going to be slightly late. He’s in a meeting with some project manager,” Ann replied, crestfallen. The older woman didn’t know if it’s because she thought they didn’t appreciate the presents or because Lu Han’s late, again.

“Isn’t the project in its final phase now?” this time, Mr. Lee asked.

“I’m not sure.” Ann shook her head. “Lu Han doesn’t like to talk about work.” She was still eyeing the presents. “It’s very hard to get those. You guys sure don’t want to check it out?”

Mrs. Lee let out a short laugh. Giving it to her daughter, she took the case and snapped it open. Tiny diamonds and its shine greeted her. Resting on the royal blue silk cloth was the prettiest and most probably most expensive diamond necklace she has ever seen. She looked up in horror at her daughter.

“Oh god, Ann, please tell me these are not real diamonds! It must be expensive!”

Ann was smug about it. “And it’s limited too. I literally had to go down on my knees to beg the store manager to sell it to me.”

“You shouldn’t be spending this kind of money. Does Lu Han know about this?”

“Pretty sure he does since he called to say that the bank called him to ask about the transaction. But it’s for your wedding anniversary! It’s not like I’m buying ridiculous things for myself.”

“Ann, you shouldn’t be spending money like this,” Mr. Lee cut in to reprimand. “You should start saving and planning for the future. Raising a child will need lots of money.”

The daughter laughed. “Dad, I told we’re not planning for any kid soon.”

“It’s been five years since you two are married. Lu Han is always busy with work and you’re always out with your friends. You two are not getting any younger. Now is the right time,” he said impatiently. His wife quickly put a hand on his arm, as if stopping him from bursting. But they were both concerned.

Hearing that, she pouted slightly. But what her dad said is true. She’s not getting any younger and this trick is not working anymore.

“Dad, I know what you’re saying. I understand. Even Lu Han’s been saying that he wants to have a child. But it’s not that easy.” She sighed miserably. “He’s always not home. And I don’t want to get tied down with a kid. There are still so many things I want to see and do.”

“Have you discussed this with Lu Han?” her mom asked.

She nodded. It has been the only argument they had since their marriage. And even though they always ended up making up to each other and compromised, deep down, she knew he was saddened by her decision. In a marriage, it is always a joint effort. If she didn’t want to have a child, he has to compromise. After all, she will be the one carrying it for nine months.

“He said he’ll wait till I’m ready,” Ann said after hesitating for a moment.

Mrs. Lee saw the doubt in her face. Choosing not to point it out, she further added, “Ann, maybe you should seriously consider having a child. Your family is only complete with the three of you.”

*

Xing raced his mother to the cordless phone on the king sized bed, ignoring his mother’s nagging about drying up after a shower and to put on a shirt. Giggling to himself, he easily reached the phone by climbing the little stool his mom usually left lying around for his convenience. Without checking the ID, he answered the phone, still laughing triumphantly to himself.

“Hello, I am Xing!”

A dark chuckle greeted Xing. And Xing giggled louder. He recognized the voice and it’s his third favorite person in the world. “Grandmamma…”

“How’s my ‘Little Prince’?”

“Grandmamma, Xing very good today!” Xing shot out excitedly. Right behind him, Xiao Shan had finally caught up, towel and clothes in hands. She shook her head and bent down to wrap the big blue towel around his baby body.

“If you catch a cold, you’re forbidden from eating ice-cream,” Xiao Shan reprimanded sternly. She shook her head when Xing again ignored her words and continued giggling into the phone. “Why don’t you let mommy talk to grandmamma?”

Xing looked at his mom, already dried up and now being stuffed into his clothes. Without any argument, he held it out to her mom. Xiao Shan took it from his tiny hand smilingly. She cradled it between her ear and shoulder while hands still busy fixing her son. The boy continued his silly giggles whenever she poked him at all his sensitive spots.

“Hi, mom, how’re you?”

“Xiao Shan, there has been an accident.”

Xiao Shan stopped teasing her son, panic and fear suddenly took hold of her. Her mom launched into a long explanation about the accident but she heard nothing of it. It was as if her mind had turned her ear deaf in order to protect her. Seeing the sudden change of look on her face, Xing stopped too. His little brows knitted together as he stepped forward and shook his mother gently on the shoulder.

She turned to him. “Xing, we have to go.”

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First of all, a deep apologies to all my readers. I've been MIA for almost 3 weeks. TT.TT Work is killing me~

Finally got some time off to write this up. It's not much cause I want to paint a prettier picture for Ann. Hehehe... She's very 'princess-y' but it's a nice way too, right? ^^ Anyway, I hope everyone will enjoy Xing's cuteness here as well. I'm almost done writing the next chapter so maybe I'll post it up tomorrow. Stay tune~