127 Melting A Heart

"Welcome home, Madame" Zhu He, the esteemed Xing Mei Yi's personal butler greeted as soon as his mistress arrived. He immediately helped her took off her coat as the other servants scurried to prepare her a bath.

"Where's Ah Yan?" she asked as she looked around. Usually, her daughter would be the first one to greet her whenever she comes home from a meeting, but lately, she rarely sees her home. When the servants merely looked at one another, she sighed and looked at her butler whom she entrusted to look after her daughter. "She's in Xiao Zhao's house again?"

Her third elder brother, Xing Gengxin who came along with her to fetch something immediately frowned when he heard their conversation. "She's doing this a lot lately. Isn't she bored with him yet?"

"I'm afraid not, Third Young Master" Zhu He replied with a smile on his face. He was devoted to Xing Mei Yi so seeing her daughter smile without much effort makes him and the rest of the servants happy. "He seems to be skilled in drawing so he's teaching the young lady"

Gengxin sighed upon hearing this. He was at odds with the Ji Family as well so he wanted to make sure his niece have as few interactions with one of their descendants as possible. With how everything is turning, they will most probably use troublesome schemes to take the top spot from them.

"Contact a suitable teacher. If she wants to learn drawing then we will hire as many teachers as she needs. Just tell her to stop affiliating herself with that child"

"Oh shush. Wei Wei is enjoying his company so let her be" Mei Yi said as she gave him a slight glare. Her brothers were always weak when it comes to her so Gengxin immediately shut up. "Besides, that child looks like he needs Wei Yan as well"

"You need to keep them apart. Ji Ling Hao has gone crazy and has begun to openly challenge us. If this continues, we'll end up destroying one another and he might use his child to harm Wei Wei"

"You're exaggerating again" she answered to his somewhat desperate plea. "I'm a mother, and I want my child to have the freedom she deserves. She can choose the friends she wants without thinking of their status. That's the kind of life I want her to live"

The tender and hopeful look in her eyes as she mumbled such words caused Xing Gengxin to raise his hands in surrender. When she becomes this sentimental, he knows that he could no longer change his decision…because he respects her too much. "Suit yourself, but I hope you don't regret such a decision"

He hurriedly walked upstairs where his child's room was located. Once gone, Zhu He slowly approached Mei Yi and began interrogating her. "Why is the Young Master here?"

"He was asked by his daughter to fetch the precious toy she left here. He says such harsh words like separating Wei Wei from Xiao Zhao when he can't even say no to his daughter's demands" she answered while shaking her head as she too walked up the stairs. "It's getting dark. Fetch Ah Yan"

"Yes, Madame"

She was about to indulge in a warm bath when she suddenly remembered something very important. She hurriedly halted and turned around. Luckily, Zhu He wasn't that far yet. "Wait…we're planning on visiting the zoo tomorrow with the children. Ask Xiao Zhao's guardian if he can come with us"

Zhu He nodded his head with a smile before taking a bow and totally leaving the manor. He took one of the family cars and soon arrived in the Ji vacation house. He's been fetching Hou Wei Yan every day so he was granted entry without a hitch and was even politely guided towards the study where his young lady waited with a pout on her lips and her day's artwork out for him to see.

Today's task was for Hou Wei Yan to draw her own interpretation of the apple given to them as a snack. However, her interpretation became too messy for Ji Li Zhao or the others to understand. Of course, even Wei Yan knew just how awful it is. "Aww, Bro Zhao…I suck at this. This looks like poop than an apple"

The pout on her chubby cheeks caused Ji Li Zhao to let out a giggle as he slowly approached her. He slowly reached out his hands and ruffled her hair in order to console her who was on the verge of eating the crayons in vexation. "Wei Wei is still a beginner so it's okay. You'll eventually learn how to draw well"

When a smile finally blossomed on her face, Zhu He decided to knock on the door and reveal himself. "Young Lady, it's time for you to return home"

The two of them immediately looked at Zhu He and without any complaint, Hou Wei Yan stood up and dusted herself before she faces Ji Li Zhao once more with a determined look on her face. "I'll practice at home so I can draw you well tomorrow, Bro Zhao"

Ji Li Zhao nodded his head at this but Zhu He who was given a task interfered and slightly ruined the mood. "I'm afraid tomorrow won't be possible, my lady"

"Why not?" Hou Wei Yan asked with a pout on her face as she hurriedly approached him. Her little purple bag featuring a latina who likes to explore with her short banged hair, already dangling in her back.

"The other Madames will be visiting again tomorrow and they wish to visit the zoo with you" Zhu He muttered before he directly looked at Ji Li Zhao. "Of course, Young Master Ji is invited as well so a drawing session tomorrow would be proven impossible"

A spark of rainbow-colored sparkles glimmered in her eyes upon hearing such pleasant news. With excitement, she turned towards Ji Li Zhao and held his hands as tightly as her little hands could. Startled, the young boy flinched before he gathered enough courage to look at her directly in the eye.

The excitement and happiness in her eyes could not be contained. He couldn't help but be captivated by it. He wasn't even able to hear her words clearly because he was engrossed in the glimmer hidden in her eyes.

"We're going to see animals tomorrow!" Hou Wei Yan happily said as she displayed the happiest of smiles he had ever seen from her. It was pure bliss that he even found himself smiling unconsciously.

After a short pause, he nodded his head and ruffled her hair once more. With how often he does it, he might actually make ruffling her hair a part of his hobby. "Then Wei Wei should sleep early today so we can go to the zoo early tomorrow"

"Okay" she obediently answered as she usually would. Ji Li Zhao had observed it for quite some time but Wei Yan never really raise objections and follows whatever others tell her as long as they already garnered her trust.

He knew the danger of such a trait but he cannot raise such a troubling topic to her…with the limited time they have together for this summer. While he still immersed in his own thoughts, Hou Wei Yan placed a kiss on his cheeks before waving her hands. "See you tomorrow, Bro Zhao!"

"S-see you" he answered in a daze before he touched his cheeks where her tender lips had grazed.

A chuckle had escaped from his lips before he placed down his hands and shook his head. She was awfully sweet that his heart might not make it till the end of this summer escapade.

Gu Man who heard their conversation and was made aware of Madame Hou's arrangements from Zhu He slowly approached his still dazed master. "Should I call the Master for permission?"

"No" Ji Li Zhao answered as he erased the smile on his face. "Father wouldn't care anyway"

His father had not once called for him so he was sure he wouldn't care whether he goes or not. And even if he cares, he would most probably prohibit him from going.

[I can't allow that]

"Young Master" Gu Man called out worriedly which the perceptive young master immediately sensed.

He relaxed his lips before slightly raising the corner of it. Gu Man had always cared for him more than his father did so he didn't want to worry him with his unnecessary thoughts. "It's okay…I'll continue wishing for our family to reunite and get fixed"

"But I want to enjoy what's in front of me right now, so I won't have regrets" he added as he approached the window and watched as Hou Wei Yan exited their gates, still with an excited smile adorned in her face.

…..

The day of the visit to the zoo came faster than he expected. The smile Hou Wei Yan had on her face yesterday was now happier than ever as the huge sign of the zoo came into view.

"Wow!" she excitedly grumbled as she tried to contain her excitement by placing her hands on her mouth. Her cute squeal made Madames chuckle to themselves. "We're in the zoo!"

Hou Mei Yi who was carrying her since earlier immediately placed her down after they entered the facility. Hou Wei Yan's eyes glimmered in happiness and without haste, she was already jumping and running around without a care in the world.

"Wei Wei, be careful!" Fan Shunyuan warned as he followed behind her. Seconds after he finished warning her, their little princess who couldn't contain her excitement eventually stumbled.

Ji Li Zhao who was watching from afar felt his heart drop when he saw her fall, but luckily, Shunyuan's reflex was fast enough to catch her before she could fall on the ground. He immediately straightened him up as the rest of the gang run towards them.

"I just warned you" he grumbled as he fixed the panda bag she was wearing.

Shunyuan had an air of a season elder brother surrounding him. He had always had this so Wei Yan can't help but giggle in delight when he took care of her as he would to his little sister. "Thank you, Brother Shun"

Although still troubled because she ignored his warning, Fan Shunyuan could only sigh as he released her. Han Yu Shou who was checking out a certain flyer earlier soon arrived in front of them and he held her hands without hesitation.

"Wei Wei! There's an event with the Pandas!"

Hou Wei Yan's who had always found pandas adorable immediately followed him. As soon as her eyes landed on the flyer, she gasped before turning towards her other friends who were no match for her and Han Yu Shou's speed.

"Brothers look! There's a panda! I want to see the panda!"

Qian Zhiqiang turned towards the direction of the panda den. "Then should we head there first?"

"I want to see the penguin too" Shi Song suddenly interrupted as he joined the group.

"It doesn't matter where we go first. Let's visit all the animals!"

All four of them agreed to her before they started leading the way. They were heading towards the pandas first so Hou Wei Yan's smile was visible for everyone to see.

While they were walking towards the said pandas, Ji Li Zhao slowed down and walked beside Hou Mei Yi. "Is this Wei Wei's first time in the zoo?"

Mei Yi blinked at his question before she chuckled and ruffled his hair. "No…It's her first time here. Anyway, don't be troubled, she always acts like it's her first time"

"She loves animals but because the Elders are overprotective of her, they limit her interactions with dangerous animals. I even had a hard time convincing them to allow her inside this establishment"

Upon hearing what she said, his head automatically turned towards Wei Yan. She still donned a beautiful smile and was even laughing with the others. Her troublesome obedient trait, is it because of her elders as well?

"If they could just see how happy she is with animals…won't they reconsider their decision" he suddenly asked. Such precious smile…if he was one of her elders, he would do his best to see such a smile every day.

[I'd give everything so she could smile to her heart's content] he thought to himself.

"Our elders are strange" Mei Yi blurted out making him glance up at her. "They'll only allow her if she's with them or with me. That's how overprotective they are"

When he saw her done a sad smile, he concluded that perhaps she loved her parents too much to the point that she won't disobey them…

[She's just like Wei Wei]

"I really don't get adults" he said, trying to pry further if his thoughts were true. "If she's happy, shouldn't that all it matters?"

"When you become an adult and have Grandchildren perhaps you'd understand then" she replied before ruffling his jet black hair. "At their age, they begin thinking that children are fragile. I'm quite a filial daughter so I'll indulge their whims―so long as it doesn't harm my daughter "

He had heard from the servants how notorious she is before she became Madame Hou. Her name, Xing Mei Yi, strikes both fear and admiration from others.

He couldn't understand them because she was always smiling…but right now, the dignified and determined glint in her eyes made him understand where they are coming from. She's a loving person, however, once they cross the line she drew, she was willing to bring hell on earth.

[How terrifying…yet admirable]

"Mommy! Let's go in! Hurry" Wei Yan suddenly yelled out causing both of them to realize that they have arrived. She jogged towards them and extended her hands towards Ji Li Zhao.

He smiled towards her before accepting her hands without hesitation. "You should have gotten inside first"

"No" she answered while shaking her head. Her body swaying alongside her head making him chuckle.

[Cute]

"Let's go together, Bro Zhao"

He nodded his head before they walked hand in hand. However, before they could go far, Hou Mei Yi told them something which excited the brunette even more. "There's a surprise waiting for you there"

His companion walked faster after hearing her words. Once they were gathered, they immediately headed towards the viewing area and they arrived on time. The pandas were playing with one another and it delighted them all.

"Wow! A Panda!"

The others were immersed in observing the pandas, but the reaction of the little lady beside him was more entertaining than the adorable pandas playing. He couldn't help but chuckle as she trembled while trying to hold back her squeal.

When Wei Yan turned to look at him, he immediately looked the other way to avoid getting caught staring at her. When he did so, his eyes caught a sign and the contents of it would surely delight their princess.

He slowly approached Hou Wei Yan and directed her line of sign towards the sign he just saw. "Wei Wei, look. It says you can name the newborn Panda today"

Her cute, small, and somewhat melodic squeal caught the attention of her companions. She hurriedly ran towards her mother and tugged on her skirt.

"Mom! Can we name it? Can we?" she begged, her eyes sparkling and her lips plucked in a way that easily tugged Mei Yi's heartstrings. "Please?"

Everyone adored Hou Wei Yan's cuteness and of course, her number one fan is Hou Mei Yi herself. Her gallery was filled with her daughter's face and this moment was worth adding to her collection. She immediately fished out her phone, captured a photo, sent it to her other family members, before smiling endearingly towards her daughter. "Why not?"

She held her daughter's hands before glancing at Ji Li Zhao and winking at him. Bright as he is, he immediately understood that everything was arranged already and he did a good job informing Wei Yan of the event.

Before the pair could walk inside the facility meant for the newborn pandas, Hou Wei Yan looked back and offered her hands towards Ji Li Zhao. "Let's go Bro Zhao"

Ji Li Zhao simply nodded his head and accepted her hands. Some staff approached them and guided them inside. Once in, Hou Wei Yan immediately ran towards the incubator dragging him alongside her.

The sight of the tiny pandas, their small squirming movements, and their inaudible squeaks enamored the brunette who had her eyes glued at them. "Soooocute! My heart is melting!"

Soon after, the others approached as well and series of gasp and wows resonated across the room. Their small movements sent prickly feelings of adoration within them.

"They're twins. The other one is with their mother" a lady with her hair neatly tied in a bun suddenly spoke making all the children turn towards her, their eyes sparkling with her words.

After a few seconds, Hou Wei Yan looked at the lone panda before returning her gaze towards the lady. "Why? Does the Mama Panda not like the baby?"

"No, but the Mama Panda could only take care of one. So we intervene so this little one could survive as well by placing them with their Mama alternately" she explained which made Hou Wei Yan don a concerned look on her face.

"Can we really name it? Shouldn't you be the one to decide because it's your panda?"

"It's not ours" the lady politely answered with a smile on her face. "This Pandas will be sent back to the wild once they're ready…we're just their nanny's. That's why naming them won't be a problem. Besides, we've already named the others so why don't you guys name this one?"

Hou Wei Yan's face lightened up upon hearing this but one concern struck her once more. She turned towards her friends and pursued her lips before returning her gaze once more to the adults. "Uhmm, can we have a meeting, please? There's only one panda so we need to vote"

"You can name the other one as well" she blurted out in reply before redirecting their gaze once more towards the panda in the incubator. "This one is a male and the other is female"

"Okay" Wei Yan answered politely before getting down on the platform and gathering the others in one of the corners of the room. "So there's two pandas. Let's decide on a name"

Shi Song was glad for her consideration, but they weren't that keen on naming the panda. They knew who loved the animal most. "Why don't you just name it, Wei Wei?"

"But…I want to name us to name him together. Let's leave a remembrance here" she answered without hesitation, her long eyelashes visible to him as she blinked her eyes repeatedly. "Can't we?"

"Of course we can" Fan Shunyuan interjected as he pulled the others closer. They were now huddled in a circle with nothing but seriousness in their eyes. "I suggest *Niu Niu"

{A/N: It means Bull and used as a nickname for a cute, strong, and energetic guy}

All of them immediately glanced at the panda before regrouping once more. "He's cute but he doesn't look that strong yet"

The group fell in silence once more as their head was getting filled with names both ridiculous and cute but nothing suited the panda. They wanted a name that would surely stick, something easy to remember and unforgettable.

While they were deep in thought, the young master of the Han family had come to a conclusion. He raised his hands once the name popped in his head.

He had a huge smile on his face, confident that the name he picks was perfect. "Since it's noisy, how about *Tang Seng?"

{A/N: Used as a nickname for that one friend who always talks}

The others who were expecting more from him lost the excited expression on their face. "Declined"

"When he grows up, he's going to hate you for naming him Tang Seng" Qian Zhiqiang pointed out which made Han Yu Shou pucker his lips in disappointment. He really thought that it was perfect.

They fell into silence once more which earned plenty of giggles from the adults. However, none of them heard it as they were too deep in thought, trying their very best to come up with a name.

"Nuan Nan" Ji Li Zhao suddenly muttered as he slowly turned towards the panda.

The others looked at one another before each of them raised their brows at him. "Nuan Nan?"

"It refers to a boy who can melt your heart" he answered with a huge smile on his face, his gaze slowly landing on the brunette beside him. "It looked so cute and Wei Wei said that her heart was melting at the sight of it…is it too much?"

They looked at Wei Yan as well before everyone looked at the panda while slowly agreeing to Li Zhao's thoughts. His idea was much better than Han Yu Shou's so they immediately went for it before the latter could ruin the moment.

"We hereby name him, Nuan Nan" Shi Song declared with the others nodding their head. The adults smiled at this before the lady took out a pen and wrote down the name they had chosen.

"Then for the girl how about Jun Zhu?" Fan Shunyuan suggested. He's been looking up for cute nicknames he can give to his soon to be born little sister. He became quite obsessive to it that he memorized those that left an impression.

"I've read it somewhere. It refers to a royal born girl in Ancient China. But now, it's used to a girl who is cute and precious"

"It's cute" Hou Wei Yan replied with a smile. The boys who saw this looked at each other before agreeing that it was the final name for the girl.

After a few seconds, all of them began walking back to the adults to officially give the name they had chosen. "Nuan Nan and Jun Zhu...we want to name them that"

Hou Mei Yi who was quite moved by their actions and who was actually filming it the whole time extended her hands and ruffled each of their hairs. "Then from now on they're Nuan Nan and Jun Zhu"

The children then turned their gaze towards the lady in charge and they were more than relieved when she flashed a contented smile towards them. It only means she likes it! They did a good job!

Excited, they immediately ran back towards the podium and plastered their face close to the incubator.

"Live a long life, okay, Nuan Nan?" Wei Yan whispered with a hopeful glimmer in her eyes. "Live a good life with your sister, Jun Zhu. Even if you go to the wild, don't forget about us. Okay?"

Ji Li Zhao who was observing her chuckled at this.

[I should buy her a panda stuffed toy. But I can't let her know…should I come back with Uncle Gu Man tomorrow?…Yeah, that would be best. It won't be a surprise if she sees me buying it and I know I won't be able to lie in front of her]

After much thought, he returned his gaze towards the panda before a question popped in his head. [How did he melt her heart anyway?]