Chapter 124: Making a Mistake

The day after the first snowfall, the temperature plummeted. By nightfall, the biting wind was truly bone-chilling.

Lin Chuan had dressed lightly that morning, and by the time he returned, he was frozen through, his nose a bright, stinging red. Yet, the mere thought of returning home to see his son filled him with a surge of warmth. He was back relatively early today—well, early compared to the past few days—but it was still past nine o'clock. By now, Yangyang would usually be fast asleep.

Shivering, Lin Chuan fumbled for his keys and opened the door. Wang Yue was sitting in the living room as usual, but she wasn't watching television. She sat on the sofa, lost in thought, and didn't even react when Lin Chuan walked in. The atmosphere felt off.

"Ahem!" Lin Chuan cleared his throat.

Wang Yue jolted and hurriedly stood up. "You're back!"

Lin Chuan smiled and nodded. "What were you thinking about so intently? Is Yangyang asleep?"

"Oh, it's nothing," Wang Yue replied with a faint smile. "Yangyang isn't asleep yet; he's waiting for you."

As they spoke, the bedroom door opened. Lin Yiyang stepped out in his pajamas, his face filled with contrition. He walked over to his father, bowed deeply, and said, "Dad, I'm sorry."

Lin Chuan was stunned. What was this about? Why the apology? He was bewildered by his son’s behavior, and Wang Yue stood by in silence. Yangyang continued, "Dad, I shouldn't have lost my temper with the other kid. I was wrong."

"Lost your temper? Yangyang, tell Dad what happened today," Lin Chuan said, frowning as he crouched down.

Lin Yiyang recounted the entire incident at kindergarten where he had pushed a chubby boy. It was clear he felt truly remorseful. His son had always been easygoing, much like Lin Chuan, and rarely got angry. Yet, today, he had not only lost his temper but had also pushed a classmate.

Lin Chuan didn't get angry. He listened quietly to the story and then fell silent. Although Yangyang didn't say why he had been so down lately, Lin Chuan knew all too well: he had been too busy with work and had spent too little time with his son. Especially today—the boy had to start school in an unfamiliar environment, something he had been resistant to, and he had needed his father’s comfort and presence, which he hadn't received.

A five-year-old, no matter how sensible or understanding, would inevitably have a little outburst under such circumstances. Even though he had a great relationship with Wang Yue and called her "Big Sister Yue," in Yangyang’s heart, she could never truly replace his mother.

The living room fell silent. Yangyang, knowing he had done wrong, hung his head low, not daring to make a sound. Wang Yue was equally tense, especially when she saw Lin Chuan’s icy expression; she feared he might strike the boy. True, he had acted out, but he was still just a child—a few words of correction would suffice, no need for physical punishment.

As the silence stretched on, the air in the room grew heavy. Suddenly, Lin Chuan moved. With a stern face, he asked, "Did that boy get up and push you back?"

Lin Yiyang looked confused by the question but shook his head honestly. "No."

"Did he scold you?"

"No, he didn't."

"Are you sure?" Lin Chuan’s sharp gaze swept over his son’s face.

The boy seemed frightened, his eyes welling up with tears, ready to spill over. "Dad, really, he didn't. I know I was wrong..."

Wang Yue, fearing Lin Chuan might do something drastic, prepared to intervene. But then, to everyone's surprise, the tension was shattered by Lin Chuan’s next words.

"That's good. As long as you weren't bullied, I'm relieved." A rare smile finally touched Lin Chuan’s face.

Wang Yue and Lin Yiyang stared at him in utter shock and disbelief. What kind of response was that? As long as he wasn't bullied? It was clearly Lin Yiyang who had bullied the other boy! They hadn't expected Lin Chuan to be so... so protective of his son.

Whatever the word was, it didn't matter. At least he wasn't going to hit him. The oppressive atmosphere vanished the moment Lin Chuan smiled. The little boy, startled by the turn of events, finally let his tears fall. Wang Yue wanted to reach out and wipe them away, but Lin Chuan was faster.

He pulled his son into his arms, wiped his tears, and said softly, "Son, no matter where you are, you must never let anyone bully you. But remember, you must never be the one to bully others, understand?"

Lin Yiyang rested his head on his father's shoulder, nodded vigorously, and whispered, "I understand, Dad. I won't lose my temper like that again."

"I believe you, Yangyang. Promise me you'll apologize to that boy tomorrow at school, okay?"

"I will," Yangyang said, breaking into a smile through his tears.

Watching this heartwarming scene, Wang Yue let out a long sigh of relief; the heavy stone in her heart had finally lifted. However, the tender moment was soon interrupted by a loud, rumbling growl. The three of them looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

"I'll go cook some noodles for you," Wang Yue said, turning toward the kitchen.

Lin Chuan picked up his son and sat on the sofa, turning on the television. Before long, Wang Yue returned with two steaming bowls of noodles, the scent instantly filling the room.

"Big Sister Yue, your noodles smell so good!" The boy, impatient, jumped off the sofa and waited by the coffee table.

Wang Yue smiled. "Then eat plenty. There's more in the pot."

"I can't. I can't eat too much at night, or I'll turn into a little piglet," Lin Yiyang said, shaking his head as if describing something truly terrifying.

Lin Chuan laughed. "Then be a little piglet. That would be even cuter."

"I don't want to! How will I find a girlfriend if I'm a piglet?"

Lin Chuan burst into laughter, and Wang Yue couldn't help but giggle.

And so, in the small living room, the three of them sat around the coffee table, eating their bowls of hot noodles. It was a simple meal, but it felt incredibly warm. Lin Yiyang, especially, ate with a deep, content smile, glancing up every now and then at his father. It was no wonder—he hadn't eaten with his dad in days. This moment was, perhaps, the happiest of his life.