Chapter 20
The two children walked downstairs hand in hand. Upon learning they were going to accompany Yun Chuman to the gallery, they immediately became wide awake and happily ran to wash up.
Yun Juan was unusually cheerful. His eyes slightly curved, unconsciously humming a little tune while brushing his teeth.
Yun Shu, initially just cheerful, was caught up in his merriment and started humming along and wiggled her little bottom in the process.
Yun Chuman chuckled, finding both children incredibly adorable.
Dressed and ready, the two children went out, intending to have breakfast before heading to the art gallery.
Life in City Z moved at a slower pace. Residents enjoyed breakfast after their morning exercise. Even working people started work later than in other cities, allowing them time to savor their meal.
So when Yun Chuman led Yun Juan and Yun Shu to a well-known local breakfast shop, it was packed. The stuffy environment, the noisy chatter, and the creaking of old fans created a vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the bustling side of the area.
Fortunately, it was warm enough that morning. With plenty of tables and chairs outside, Yun Chuman and the children chose a corner spot. The accompanying production crew sat down nearby, where a gentle breeze made it much cooler than the old fans inside the room.
Yun Chuman walked alone through the crowd to order food, while Yun Juan and Yun Shu sat in chairs. With their chubby little arms resting on the table and hands supporting their chins, they watched the street with great interest. They were very quiet. Only their short, dangling legs swinging back and forth, showed their good mood.
This breakfast shop was built in the middle of a cluster of rather old-fashioned Western-style buildings, with a touch of the Republican era, but the surrounding people and shops were very modern, creating a sense of temporal displacement.
Passersby occasionally caught a glimpse of the two pretty and cute children and couldn't help but turn around for a second look.
Yun Juan would purse his lips and offer a polite smile.
Yun Shu, on the other hand, blinked her big eyes and generously offered a sweet smile.
The passersby who received such a response felt good all day long.
The viewers in the live stream were all clamoring to run into them.
Yun Chuman returned a while later. She placed the two white porcelain bowls in front of Yun Juan and Yun Shu before turning to the production crew and said, "Breakfast is on me. Yours is inside. Two of you come with me to get it."
The production crew erupted in cheers. Xiao Xi jumped for joy. If it weren’t for the crew being restricted from appearing on camera, she would have given Yun Chuman a bear hug.
The crew members working on set have a tough job. The guests weren't obligated to treat them to meals; usually, the guests eat the good stuff, while they find time to gobble bread or the same old work meals.
That was why they were so happy when Yun Chuman said she'd treat them and grateful that she thought of them.
The breakfast wasn't expensive. Yun Chuman figured that the usual food was fine, but it was a rare treat to try local cuisine, so eating with the production crew was definitely more enjoyable.
This city was relatively remote and many local delicacies weren't widely promoted. One could only find them locally. If one missed this opportunity, one might never get another chance.
City Z was famous for its various kinds of rice noodles, and Yun Chuman tagged them in on trying one of them: mixed rice noodles.
The thicker noodles were very springy, and the savory-sweet sauce was refreshing and delicious. Served with a bowl of soup, it was simply wonderful.
The slightly sweet flavor suited Yun Juan and Yun Shu's taste perfectly, and the two children devoured the bowl of noodles in no time.
Yun Juan frowned, rubbing his round little belly, constantly reflecting on his actions. He couldn't eat so much next time, or he'd end up like mommy, and have a stomachache.
Yun Shu stared blankly at her empty bowl, her chubby little face filled with regret. She'd been so happy eating that she'd forgotten to give any to mommy!
She puffed out her cheeks and clenched her little fists, determined to feed mommy more at lunchtime! That would make up for her careless mistake!
Unaware of her two little ones' thoughts, Yun Chu Man led them slowly towards the art gallery after lunch, one on each side.
The climate of City Z was novel and unique to her. She enjoyed the scenery along this short stretch, as did the two children.
The two children and the adult once again presented a scene of simultaneous small jumps after walking a short distance.
The viewers in the live stream who had been watching since the preview smiled knowingly, finding it heartwarming while also becoming curious about the painting in Yun Chu Man's hands and their destination.
"I know the gallery Yun Chuman is going to. It's very famous in the industry and they're currently holding a competition for emerging painters."
"What do you mean? Is Yun Chuman going to become a painter?"
"Does she even paint? She's probably just going to join the fun."
"I want to see what she painted."
It was understandable that the audience was curious.
Yun Chuman had temporarily wrapped her oil painting in a cardboard box to protect the canvas, making sure it was completely sealed.
Not only the audience, but even the production crew was curious. They held back from asking questions the whole way until they followed Yun Chuman to the gallery.
The black sign with white lettering, the graffiti on the walls in different styles—simple yet artistic—stood out from the surrounding shops.
"Filming isn't allowed inside the gallery. Xiao Xi, you guys wait at the sweet soup shop for a while. We'll come out after registering."
Yun Chuman said, pointing across the street.
Xiao Xi turned her head and saw a shabby, old-fashioned shop, but the desserts looked delicious.
“Okay!”
She readily agreed, but her gaze lingered on the painting in Yun Chuman's hand for a long time. Finally, she couldn't help but ask, “Could we and the audience see your painting first?”
“My painting?”
Yun Chuman was taken aback.
Yun Juan and Yun Shu simultaneously tilted their heads, looking at her with a mixture of confusion and wariness.
Xiao Xi felt a pang of guilt: “Ah? Is it not allowed? If not, then forget it.”
“It is possible,” Yun Chuman said slowly.
Xiao Xi's eyes lit up, but before she could shower Yun Chuman with compliments, she saw her smile, “But I want to keep it a secret!”
Yun Chuman waved to the crowd and turned to walk towards the gallery.
Yun Juan and Yun Shu chuckled. Mimicking her gesture, she waved their chubby little hands as they followed her away.
Stunned, everyone stood there, staring at the retreating figures of the adult and two children, unable to react for a long time. Only when their backs were burning from the sun did they grumble and scurry into the sweet soup shop across the street.
Yun Chuman didn't actually mind showing them the paintings; they were going to be exhibited anyway.
It was just that the packaging couldn't be opened during registration and she had gone to great lengths to pack the painting into the cardboard box; unpacking and repacking them was too much trouble.
"Little Juan, Little Shu, please keep quiet in the gallery and don't talk loudly inside," Yun Chuman gently instructed before entering.
The two children immediately covered their mouths with their chubby little hands, their big eyes wide, and nodded vigorously.
"Good children."
Yun Chuman smiled and patted their little heads.
Pushing open the gallery door, a pristine white expanse greeted Yun Chuman's eyes, making her feel as if she had returned to the hospital room where she had lived for years.
But here, there was no pungent smell of disinfectant; only a faint fragrance filled the air. She wondered where this fragrance came from—was it from the paint or the gallery's perfume?
Different exhibition areas were separated by walls of varying designs. There weren't many customers at this time and everyone was intently admiring the artwork on the walls.
Just a doorway away, it felt like two different worlds.
The two children kept turning their little heads, curiously observing their surroundings.
Yun Juan's eyes shone as he looked at the paintings hanging on the walls. His expression was one of fascination, even obsession.
Yun Shu was more interested in the gallery's decorations, finding everything here unfamiliar and novel.
Yun Chuman spotted a sign indicating the registration area and led the two children towards it.
Yun Shu's attention quickly returned to Yun Chuman. Although the paintings were beautiful, she wasn't interested.
On the other hand, Yun Juan was very reluctant to leave, perfectly embodying the phrase "taking a step and looking back three times." If Yun Chuman hadn't been holding his hand, he probably would have bumped into the wall. The registration area was a soundproof office in a corner of the gallery. Inside was only a woman in a black suit. Yun Chuman glanced at her name tag; it read "Xu Qiuhong."
She looked very busy, typing on a keyboard while simultaneously holding her phone between her shoulder and ear, saying incredulously, "What did you say? President Gu isn't satisfied with this design?"
Yun Chuman didn't disturb her, silently sitting down across the table.
Sitting in the chairs, the two short children’s eyes could reach above the table. They gripped the edge of the table tightly and their large eyes silently watched the woman opposite them.
After hanging up the phone, Xu Qiuhong clicked her tongue loudly, complaining, "I told you long ago that President Gu is troublesome, but Boss wouldn't believe me. He was completely captivated by the price he offered! Now look what happened, the design has been rejected..."
Before she could finish, she caught sight of three figures out of the corner of her eye and jumped in fright.
She flinched and whirled around, only to see a beautiful woman sitting upright opposite her, holding a painting packaged in a cardboard box.
Two children sat beside her, their puppy-dog eyes peeking out.
“You…” Xu Qiuhong's eyes widened in surprise. Then she suddenly remembered hearing a knock on the door when she was on the phone earlier and had casually said, “Come in.”
Yun Chuman gently placed the painting on the table in front of her and smiled, “Excuse me for disturbing you, I’m here to register for a competition. This is my work.”
“Oh…oh…welcome.”
Xu Qiuhong subconsciously looked her up and down, confirming that she hadn’t seen her before. Someone as beautiful as her would definitely be remembered if she had met her once.
Since she hadn’t seen her before, it meant this person was unknown and self-taught.
She sighed softly. This competition had been held for over ten years, and the winners were always outstanding recent graduates from art academies. This year, there were a few promising contenders.
People like this beautiful mother were basically just there to make up the numbers.
Thinking of this, Xu Qiuhong's eyes softened with sympathy. She pulled out a registration form from the side. With a professional smile on her face, she said, "Please fill out the registration information; I'll enter it for you in a moment."
"Okay, thank you."
Yun Chuman smiled and took it. She bent over the table and began to write diligently.
Yun Juan and Yun Shu couldn't read, but they still craned their necks, quietly watching her movements.
Xu Qiuhong glanced at them, only seeing two round heads, and internally sighed at how well-behaved the two children were. Then she busied herself again, constantly making phone calls to confirm the registration information.
Yun Chuman's handwriting was delicate and beautiful. Just as she finished filling out the form and was about to return it to Xu Qiuhong, the latter received another call about that troublesome CEO Gu.
Xu Qiuhong frowned and responded with annoyance, "What? You said President Gu is coming over in person soon? What's he coming for?"
She glanced at Yun Chuman out of the corner of her eye, covered the phone's mouthpiece, and quickly said, "Put it on the table first, I'll record it for you in a bit."
Yun Chuman could sense her anxiety even across the table, so she didn't mind her attitude and nodded gently.
The phone call lasted unexpectedly long.
The two children were starting to drift off.
Yun Juan stared out the window, gazing intently at the paintings hanging on the wall.
Yun Shu rested one small hand on Yun Chuman's art box, while the other hand kept poking her own cheek.
Yun Chuman thought for a moment and whispered, "Little Juan, Little Shu, how about I take you out to see something? We'll come back in a little while."
Yun Juan looked at her with bright eyes and nodded vigorously. He whispered, "Okay!"
Yun Shu stopped poking her cheek. Frowning and hesitating, she looked at the painting on the table. "Mommy, aren't you going to sign up?"
"Yes," Yun Chuman patted her little head, "but we have to wait until that older sister is finished. Wouldn't it be nice if we went out for a walk during this time?"
Yun Shu was still hesitant. Her chubby little hands tightly gripped Yun Chuman's artwork.
Yun Chuman scratched her head. She knew Yun Shu really liked this painting and judging from her reaction, she was probably worried about leaving it alone.
She thought about waiting a bit before going out, but when she turned around, she saw Yun Juan staring intently outside. His fists clenched, while his little legs trembled slightly.
His desire to go out was so obvious that he didn't even notice Yun Shu's reaction.
Seeing this, Yun Chuman was too embarrassed to suggest waiting any longer. She hadn't missed Yun Juan's unusual behavior today; she'd been so excited about the gallery visit. She wanted to slap herself – why didn't she just suggest going out after registration?
Yun Shu and Yun Juan were twins. Naturally, she noticed elder brother's odd behavior as well.
Yun Shu's big eyes darted around and she smiled, leaning close to Yun Chuman's ear and whispering, "Mom, you take elder brother out. I'll wait here. I can help you register."
Yun Chuman thought about it. It was a good idea. The registration room was safe.
She couldn't help but secretly admire how Yun Shu was a sweet little angel.
"When elder sister's done, give her the ID card and she'll help Mom register," she said, handing her own ID card to Yun Shu and pointing to the window. "Elder brother and I won't leave your sight. Come find us if you need anything, okay?"
"Okay!" Yun Shu carefully accepted the ID card, clutching it tightly, and nodded happily. Yun Chuman patted her little head and led Yun Juan outside.
The little boy was so eager to see the artwork outside that he didn't realize younger sister hadn't followed.
Although he was anxious, he restrained himself from running or jumping around in the gallery.
Once outside, he went straight to the painting facing the registration room window—an abstract painting dominated by blue. He had noticed it earlier and now wanted to examine it more closely.
Yun Chuman followed behind him. Seeing his eager gaze, she crouched down and asked softly, "Little Juan, do you like this painting? What do you see in it? Can you tell Mommy?"
Yun Juan's gaze didn't leave the painting. He frowned and said, "Did the elder brother who painted this have a very happy dream? But why do I feel like he's unhappy?"
Yun Chuman was taken aback, surprised by how accurately Yun Juan could sense it.
The painting was called "Delusion."
The painter dreamt of his lover, indulging in blissful happiness. Upon waking, he felt empty, realizing it was impossible to return, and was deeply saddened.
This dream was both delusion and wishful thinking for him, which was why he ultimately decided to use cool colors to depict happiness.
Yun Chuman suppressed her excitement and patiently explained the painting to Yun Juan.
"So that's how it is..."
Yun Juan nodded, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. He had felt something similar before, dreaming of his mommy, who was gentle to him and Little Shu, only to wake up to find her still cold and distant.
Thankfully, mommy was now as gentle as in his dreams.
Yun Chuman showed him several more paintings, noticing that Yun Juan could accurately grasp the emotions the artists were trying to express.
She realized Yun Juan must be very talented, and given his passion for painting, she began to consider teaching him.
However, before she could voice her thoughts, Yun Chuman saw Yun Shu make a move. But she and Yun Juan were a bit far from the registration room and couldn't see clearly.
Worried, Yun Chuman bent down and whispered, "Little Juan, let's look later. Let's go find Little Shu first, okay?"
Yun Juan froze, realizing he'd forgotten younger sister. Feeling guilty, he decisively abandoned her own interests, pulled Yun Chuman back, and said with a furrowed brow, "Little Shu must be getting impatient!"
However, Yun Shu wasn't anxious at all. She patiently waited to the side, occasionally glancing at Yun Chuman and Yun Juan outside the window.
After hanging up the phone, Xu Qiuhong kept rubbing her aching temples. What had she just heard?!
That President Gu was coming to City Z next week to discuss business, and he'll also be here to renegotiate the details of the cooperation!
Troublesome, so incredibly troublesome!
"Elder Sister, are you unhappy?"
A soft, childish voice rang out, startling Xu Qiuhong. Turning her head, she saw a pair of concerned, large eyes—slightly downturned, dark, clear, and innocent.
Xu Qiuhong then remembered that one artwork hadn't been entered into the database. She quickly forced a professional smile and asked gently, "Little one, where's your mommy?"
"Mommy took elder brother out to look at paintings."
Yun Shu smiled and knelt on the chair, finally revealing her full face. She placed something on the registration form on the table. "This is mommy's ID card; she said it can be used for registration."
Xu Qiuhong's eyes flashed with amazement when she saw her face. The perfectly placed birthmark was simply perfect! Thinking this, she couldn't help but look at her a few more times.
Yun Shu sensed no ill intent from her. The way she looked at her was similar to the way mommy praised her beauty. But her cheeks still slowly flushed with shyness.
She was wearing little yellow duck overalls today, a lovely pale yellow, looking incredibly cute. She took a candy from the duck pocket on her chest, placed it on the table, and gently pushed it towards Xu Qiuhong: "Elder Sister, have some candy, it'll make you feel better."
Xu Qiuhong almost burst into tears at the sound of that soft voice.
She was the assistant to the gallery owner and had been stuck in this small room for almost a month because of the competition! She was going crazy.
Now, the little girl's comfort was like a long-awaited rain after a drought. Her smile unconsciously became much more genuine: "Thank you, little friend."
Yun Shu smiled upon hearing this.
Xu Qiuhong carefully put the candy in her pocket, handling it as gently as if it were a rare treasure.
"Elder Sister, aren't you going to eat it?" Yun Shu asked, puzzled.
"Yes, I'll eat it after I get off work."
Xu Qiuhong mustered her courage and patted her little head.
Yun Shu didn't dodge. Instead, she smiled and gently rubbed her head against it. Her heart melted instantly. If she hadn't known she couldn't do anything illegal, she would have wanted to take the child home.
Xu Qiuhong carefully entered the entry information into the computer, checking it five-six times. She couldn't help but admire Yun Chuman; not only was she beautiful, her name was also lovely.
She handed Yun Shu the ID card and participation certificate, speaking softly, "It's all recorded. Your mommy's entry is ready to enter. Remember to give these two things to your mommy later, little friend."
Yun Shu nodded vigorously, replied with a "Okay," and her chubby body slid off the chair in a flash.
She glanced one last time at the painting on the table, and then waved with a smile, "Goodbye, Elder Sister!"
Xu Qiuhong said reluctantly, "Come play again, little friend."
Yun Shu nodded. Just as she opened the door, she bumped into Yun Chuman, who was returning with Yun Juan. She raised her hands high, excitedly saying, "Mom, that elder sister asked me to give this to you."
"Little Shu helped me register! That's amazing!"
Yun Chuman took the documents, looked them over, put away the ID card and participation certificate, and smiled and thanked Xu Qiuhong through the crack in the door.
Xu Qiuhong stared at her, stunned. Even though it hadn't been long since they last met, seeing Yun Chuman's face again still left her amazed. No wonder her two children were so good-looking. Their father must be handsome too.
Being praised, Yun Shu proudly put her hands on her hips.
"Thank you, Little Shu," Yun Chuman said with a smile.
Yun Juan felt a little apologetic, tiptoed, and patted the little girl's head: "Younger sister is so great."
Yun Shu was even more proud and her chin tilted out.
Yun Chuman took the two children for another stroll through the gallery before leaving. Once outside, Yun Juan was still somewhat lost in thought, constantly recalling the various paintings he had just seen.
Yun Shu rubbed her stomach, looking pitiful, and said, "Mommy, I'm hungry."
Hearing this, Yun Chuman took them to the beach. She had already researched it; they could eat on fishing boats there.
However, halfway there, the two children were attracted by a colorful fruit feast. Yun Chuman had no choice but to turn around and take them to eat fruit with the accompanying production crew in tow.
Yun Juan, just like at the buffet before, tasted a little of each fruit, not eating much.
On the other hand, Yun Shu ate while feeding Yun Chuman. Having forgotten about it that morning, she fed her even more enthusiastically at lunchtime.
Yun Chuman was very happy, but she felt she was about to develop diabetes.
"Little Shu, Mom has had enough sugar today. Eating more won't be good for your health," Yun Juan said sternly.
Yun Chuman looked at him gratefully.
Yun Shu stopped feeding her, quickly withdrew her hand, stuffed the mango in her mouth, and shook her head. With her cheeks puffed out, saying indistinctly, "I can't eat any more!"
Yun Chuman burst out laughing.
Yun Juan chuckled and poked her cheek: "You've had enough sugar too. You can't eat any more, or you'll get fat."
"I'm not fat! Elder brother weighs a pound more than me!"
Yun Shu chewed quickly like a hamster, swallowed the mango, and angrily puffed out.
"Mine is muscle, yours are a little fat," Yun Juan said.
"You, you...bad elder brother! Little Shu isn't fat!" Yun Shu huffed twice, not knowing how to argue.
Yun Chuman watched their bickering with a smile. Another day of them being "plastic siblings," how amusing!
The viewers in the live stream also enjoyed watching the two kids argue.
—"I'm dying of laughter! Little Juan really has the nerve to say that. Where did he get those muscles?"
—"Little Shu is so cute! Her puffed-up face is so amusing."
—"No wonder Yun Juan likes to tease Yun Shu. It's so much fun. It reminds me of my cat when it's all puffed up."
—"Even the bickering of this family of three is more interesting than the two groups next door."
—"I'm still regretting not seeing what happened in the gallery."
—"Beep beep beep! First-hand intelligence: Movie Star Mo has arrived at the villa!"
—"Beep beep beep! Latest intelligence: The fluffy creatures at the Yingdi's house are fighting again!"
—"Finally! The furry kids versus the bear children I've been waiting for!"
—"Yun Chuman, hurry up and take Yun Juan and Yun Shu home!"
Yun Chuman didn't know Mo Rongwen had arrived, but she was indeed on her way back to the villa.
The afternoon sun in City Z was scorching, and she had no intention of taking the two children out for a stroll.
However, before even entering the villa, she heard a series of heart-wrenching screams coming from inside—just barking dogs and meowing cats.
Yun Juan and Yun Shu exchanged a glance, quickly guessing who it was.
"It's Elder Brother Mo!"
"And cats, dogs, and mice!"
The two children took off running into the house.
Yun Chuman was startled and quickly chased after them: "Little Juan, Little Shu, wait! Don't go in yet!"
Judging from the sounds, it must be another cat and dog fight. What if the two children get hurt if they run in!
Yun Juan and Yun Shu were clearly excited and did not hear her voice. Their short legs moved incredibly fast.
Yun Chuman had no choice but to speed up. She barely caught up with the two children when they reached the villa's door.
One big and two small stood at the doorway, staring blankly at the scene inside.
The living room, which had been clean and tidy before they left, was now a mess, with dog and cat hair flying everywhere. A husky laid on the ground, a chubby orange cat perched on its head, and one golden and one silver shaded cat rode on its waist.
The orange cat seemed quite calm, even having the leisure to groom itself. The golden and silver shaded cats, back to back, were waving their feline fists, hitting the husky's back and rear end respectively. The husky was completely defenseless, whimpering and crying.
On the other side, a pug and a hairless cat were bumping into each other.
The pug was already looking both comical and melancholic. Its eyes filled with tears with each bump, looking even more sorrowful, while it whimpered and grumbled.
The hairless cat's little suit was now askew. It calmly watched the pug, occasionally baring its sharp teeth and meowing.
A snow-white Pomeranian stood on the sofa, its head held high with pride with a bewildered Ragdoll cat beneath its paws.
Two chinchillas with a red ribbon tied to their head, darted back and forth between the three locations, cheering on each other.
Yun Juan and Yun Shu had never seen anything like this before and stood frozen in place.
Yun Chuman looked around. Where was Mo Rongwen? Why wasn't he doing anything?
When she finally found him, she couldn't help but gasp. A hint of pity emerged in her eyes.
Mo Rongwen's hair was a mess, covered in cat and dog hair, and his suit was askew, like a hairless cat.
He was huddled in a corner. Curled up in a ball, he stared blankly at his furry friend and muttered to himself, "Regret, regret..."
Yun Chu Man: So pitiful...
The viewers in the live stream burst into laughter.
—Hahaha, this has shocked my Man Man for a whole year!
—Little Juan and Little Shu are dumbfounded!
—The number of viewers in this live stream is rising so fast, it looks like everyone's into this!
—Bear child: How can we fight? Just be a good child."
—Although the movie star is pitiful, it's really funny.
—Movie Star Mo didn't want to stop the fight, and the fluffies didn't want to attack him, but in a group fight, accidental injuries are always unavoidable.
—Haha, it's okay, after the furry kids finish fighting, they'll go comfort Movie Star.
—Yun Juan Yun Shu: Can't beat them, can't beat them, running away!
Author's Note:
【Yun Family Diary】
Yun Juan: Drawing...drawing...drawing...cat and dog war!
Yun Shu: Fluffy thing, my cute fluffy thing...cute?!
Yun Chu Man: Is it too late to run away with the two kids now?