So, XingXing was calling to complain about his mother?
Jiang MingYuan had no experience dealing with complaints and was not well-versed in dealing with these types of family matters, especially when it was his own family.
He had no idea what to say right away. He gave it some thought and asked, âWhere did she hit you.â
âMy bottom.â He could almost still feel it on his butt. XingXing reached out and rubbed his bottom before he sniffled and said, âItâs still smarting.â
âWhy did mommy hit you?â Hearing the pitiful voice from the little kiddo made Jiang MingYuanâs heart ache a little. He had never been hit when he was a child nor did he agree with physical punishment. He made a mental note to bring that up to Cheng Huan but, before that, he needed to find out why the child was hit.
âBecause⊠becauseâŠâ XingXing stuttered, âBecause I helped Mommy with some chores.â
âHuh?â Jiang MingYuan was a bit baffled. Why was he hit for helping out?
XingXing called specifically to complain. He knew what he did was wrong so he couldnât possibly repeat what Cheng Huan had said. He just kept on repeating that he was hit for helping out. Jiang MingYuan was dumbfounded but figured that there was more to it. There wasnât much he could say at this point so, after wooing XingXing a little and promised him lots of gifts, he finally hung up after XingXing was happy again.
With his cellphone in hand, Jiang MingYuan thought about it some after he had hung up with XingXing before he texted Cheng Huan. It was his usual style.
[Do you have a minute?]
Cheng Huan had just finished dinner and finished bathing XingXing when she saw the text. Cheng Huan was a little speechless about his familiar style. She tapped the screen with her fingers and replied to the message.
[Whatâs up?]
Her phone rang shortly after her message was sent. Looking at the string of familiar numbers, Cheng Huan picked up the phone.
âDid you want to talk about taking XingXing out tomorrow?â ask Cheng Huan right away.
She couldnât think of any other reason why theyâd need to talk to each other privately.
âNo. I am a bit busy lately and wonât be able to take him out.â Jiang MingYuan sounded a little apologetic. âThere is something else that I wanted to talk about.â
He paused for a little bit and carried on, âXingXing said that youâve hit him today.â
âSo, he learned to complain now, huh?â Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Cheng Huan poked the little kiddo on his cheek and she didnât sound very happy. âSo? Are you calling to demand an explanation?â
âNo,â denied Jiang MingYuan. âThe kid called today and said he was hit because he was helping out. I felt that he didnât explain it very well so I wanted to ask you about it.â
He talked in a moderate speed and a non-aggressive way. It was very comforting. Cheng Huan got up and walked out of the bedroom and was already feeling better. She casually told him what had happened.
âOh, I see. He should be taught a lesson then.â Jiang MingYuan found that a little comical as well. Having said that, he paused for a little before he continued, âHeâs still young and doesnât always express himself very well. He also told me today that you told him to snub me. I spent all night worrying about it.â
Cheng Huan, ââŠâŠâ
That little brat. Did he repeat everything to his dad?
Cheng Huan wanted to drag him out and spank him again. He just said they were a team yesterday and he switched side today already!
She had no idea what the child had said to Jiang MingYuan so she didnât know what to say all of a sudden.
Jiang MingYuan waited for a little and figured from the silence that it was the truth. Now that he couldnât rely on his son, heâd have to step him himself. Changing to a different posture, he asked, âIs it something that I have done?â
Cheng Huan, ââŠâŠâ
She couldnât possibly tell him that she was unhappy that he didnât care for the clothes that she bought him, could she?