Chapter 19 - HER COLD FEET
Han Sheng Ming took the shoes and tried to put them on Han Luo's feet. The maid noticed his slight struggle, so she decided to help him.
Elder Tang stared at Han Sheng Ming. "Aren't you Changhong's child?"
"I am, Grandfather Tang," Han Sheng Ming politely replied, disguising the trembles of his heart. "It's been a while. I hope you're doing well."
Elder Tang chuckled. "At least one of his children know some manners. Why can't your sisters be like you?"
Han Sheng Ming innocently retorted, "Grandfather Tang, you're wrong. My father raised me – that's why I'm good! But my sisters were raised by my mother, so that's why they are like… that."
Tang Yujin covered his mouth, trying to hold in his laughter. The others in the room did the same. If Elder Tang wasn't present, they would've burst into a fit of laughter.
"Hmph! I do not want to see this house turn into a zoo." Elder Tang looked at the Head Butler and ordered, "Prepare a car for them and have these three girls leave at once."
'Little Luo Luo is leaving?!' Han Sheng Ming gasped. He couldn't imagine what his two sisters would do to Han Luo if she went back to the Han Family's mansion without him. Before he could say anything, Mo Yuan calmly suggested, "Grandfather Tang, I was wondering if President Han's daughter can stay. She's a sensible girl and doesn't disturb people."
Tang Yujin and Han Sheng Ming's jaws hung wide open. They never imagined the day that Mo Yuan would defend a child – let alone a girl.
Elder Tang liked Mo Yuan, so he easily agreed with his suggestion. After all, the old man also thought the same thing; Han Luo apologized to him, despite not doing anything wrong. She looked powerless when she was being bullied. Even still, she knew when to talk and when not to. Little Luo realized that the old man was angry and didn't want to anger him further, even though her feet were frozen. She knew what was more important and endured her pain. Elder Tang was amazed at how a two year old girl could understand the situation. He believed from the bottom of his heart that a girl like her would succeed in the future.
However, this actually wasn't the case for Han Luo. She didn't plan nor think of anything. In fact, the poor girl was so scared of his condescending glare that she didn't dare utter a single word. Her feet were so cold and numb that her legs couldn't even shake.
Elder Tang proclaimed, "All right, this little girl can stay. But as per my request, the other two have to leave. Must I add, I never want to see their troublesome faces in front of me ever again. Pass my warning to the Han Family – being good at business does not give you a free pass to treat people with such incivility." Saying that, he left without waiting for anyone's reply. He came like a tsunami and left like a cyclone.
The living room was swathed in silence for a whole two minutes. Han Sheng Ming opened his mouth first. He chided his sisters, "Look at what you've done! How many times do I have to tell you to be nice? And didn't I already tell you not to be rude to little Luo Luo? If you be mean again, I'll destroy your favorite things right in front of your eyes. Even mommy can't stop me! Pack your bags and go away!"
Han Luilui and Han Wanwan were so frightened that they did not speak back. A maid helped them to pack their bags and they left. At last, peace was restored in the mansion, and everyone sighed in relief.
Tang Yujin looked at Mo Yuan in wonder. "I never thought that you'd defend little Luo like that. I'm amazed."
"It's nothing. I just told the truth." Mo Yuan responded in a composed voice, while thinking, 'And she'll suffer more if she goes back with them. Sheng Ming won't be there to protect her.'
Something still was still bugging Tang Yujin. He couldn't help but say, "But it's surprising how grandfather suddenly came back and left. It's as if he knew that something was going on in the house."
Han Sheng Ming exclaimed, "If you're looking for the culprit, it's him! I saw him sending a text to your grandpa." He pointed at Mo Yuan.
"You did?" Tang Yujin was shocked. He didn't think that Mo Yuan found Han Sheng Ming's sisters so unpleasant that he had to inform Elder Tang.
"It was nothing." Mo Yuan brushed it off. 'It didn't look good that Sheng Ming's cousin was being bullied by his sisters.' Of course, he didn't want to say that, so he averted his gaze.
'It definitely was for little Luo.' Tang Yujin smirked at his inner thought.
Han Sheng Ming declared with a vigilant look, "Xiao Yuan, I know you've fallen for her cuteness but don't ever think of laying a finger on my little Luo Luo. I won't approve of you as my brother-in-law."
Mo Yuan gave his friend a sharp look and retorted, "Nobody would want you as a brother-in-law."
"Say that again!" Han Sheng Ming leaned forward.
Tang Yujin came between them and called, "All right, you two! I'm bored of all of these mean looks and mean words… Why don't we spend the day at a museum? I think little Luo will like it."
Han Sheng Ming's countenance had suddenly glowed. "That's a great idea! We can call Miss Mei. She'll love to go with us too."
"You're right. I'll call her right now." Tang Yujin left the room.
Han Sheng Ming followed after him. "I'll go and pack some snacks for us."
After they left, Han Luo peeked inside the room. Mo Yuan was silently watching television. She walked forward and stopped six meters away from him. Little Luo bowed and politely said, "Thank you, big brother."
"It's fine," Mo Yuan nonchalantly replied.. His eyes then landed on her feet. "How're your feet? Are you still cold?"