The Butcher's Little Husband - Chapter 124

“You’d better behave yourself, do you hear me? Your grandpa, grand-amu, and Le ge’er have all gone to your uncle’s place. If you don’t behave, I won’t forgive you. When the time comes, no one will stop me from beating you, got it?” Tian Xiaoman shouted at Little Tuanzi.

Little Tuanzi squatted under a tree, playing with bugs…

Tian Xiaoman sighed and resigned himself to going into the kitchen to cook for him.

Ever since he was weaned, Little Tuanzi had been sleeping with his grandparents, because Li Amu was still hoping his parents would give him a younger sibling as soon as possible.

Tian Xiaoman and Li Wenxuan finally had some time to themselves, and they were naturally thrilled. They made up for the lost time with their child and spent a few quiet days together. But both of them were consciously using contraception — they didn’t want another child for the time being. So Li Amu’s hope was doomed from the start.

Recently, Li Yiran had been busy with various matters, and things were calm at home, so Li Amu and Father Li took Le Ge’er with them to the provincial capital to take care of him.

Their biggest worry before leaving was Little Tuanzi. 

The two elders said long goodbyes and repeatedly told Tian Xiaoman to make more of his favorite food, and not to scold him so much.

Tian Xiaoman felt helpless. Did they really just see him as a nanny? 

If Li Amu had heard that, he would’ve said yes — he’d never forget the day he came home and saw his little grandson tied to a tree like a puppy…

Tian Xiaoman didn’t want to make them uneasy, so he just kept nodding: yes, yes, okay, yes, yes! 

Little Tuanzi laughed beside him, but Tian Xiaoman shot him a subtle glare — just wait and see! 

Of course, Little Tuanzi didn’t get the hint and kept smiling foolishly.

In fact, on the first day after they left, Tian Xiaoman and Little Tuanzi got along quite well. It was rare to have time alone, and the atmosphere was filled with loving Amu–filial son energy.

But that night, things took a turn. Li Wenxuan had work to do and was staying in the county town, so Tian Xiaoman closed the doors early, boiled water for Little Tuanzi to wash, and tucked him into bed first.

The little guy lay barefoot on the bed, happily showing off his flexibility to his Amu in all sorts of silly poses. 

Tian Xiaoman looked at him with disdain — especially when he brought his foot close to his mouth.

Under the dim candlelight, Tian Xiaoman sat by the bed mending clothes for both Little Tuanzi and Li Wenxuan. It was as if both of them had knives for bones — the wear and tear on their clothes was unbelievable!

Little Tuanzi soon tired of playing alone in bed, and as it grew darker, he looked out the window and noticed the window paper fluttering in the breeze. He immediately slapped the bed and called out for his Amu, hoping Tian Xiaoman would come keep him company.

Seeing his trembling little head, Tian Xiaoman’s heart softened. He put down the remaining clothes and climbed into bed to coax him to sleep.

The little boy enjoyed the feel of Amu’s big hand patting gently on his belly, and the soft lullaby that accompanied it. He closed his eyes in contentment. 

Tian Xiaoman thought he was asleep, but when he stopped patting, he opened his bright black eyes, confused — why did you stop? So he had no choice but to continue.

No one knew how long it took, but Tian Xiaoman finally coaxed him to sleep. He pulled his blanket up, tucked Little Tuanzi in, then got under the covers himself and fell asleep instantly — he was exhausted. Not only did he have to work all day, he had to keep an eye on the little one constantly and stay up late doing chores. He was out like a light.

The night wind rustled the leaves in the yard. The little boy seemed restless in his sleep. He twisted around and made “hmmmm” sounds — his signal that it was time for Grandmu to take him to pee.

But this time, Grandmu wasn’t around — only Amu. 

After getting no response for a while, Little Tuanzi reluctantly opened his eyes. The sound outside was really scary — “wooooooo” like the tiger-eating-people story Grandmu once told!

His expression changed, and he scooted closer to Tian Xiaoman. But he really, really had to pee!

He softly called “Amu” a few times, but his Amu was sleeping so soundly he didn’t hear him at all.

Little Tuanzi’s brows furrowed. He shivered once… then slowly relaxed. He carefully shifted a bit, yawned, and fell back asleep.

Tian Xiaoman had a strange dream — he was rowing a boat on a lake, and then it capsized. The water was warm — was this the hot spring Li Wenxuan mentioned?

The next morning, Tian Xiaoman stared in fury at the large “continent” on the bed. Li Amu clearly said he wouldn’t wet the bed anymore, but on the very first night together he did!

Little Tuanzi, slapped on the butt, felt so wronged. I clearly called for Amu…

Now getting more temperamental by the day, he got spanked for no reason, Little Tuanzi wiped away his tears, and walked out into the yard angrily. 

A while later, he tugged on Tian Xiaoman’s clothes and shoved something into his hand — a wildly wriggling caterpillar.

Tian Xiaoman’s temple twitched. Great. He even knew how to target my weaknesses now!

Which brings us back to the opening scene…

The author has something to say:
Xiaoman taking care of the baby alone ~

Four extra chapters, that’s about it.
This time it’s really finished ~