Ah-Zhong went to a store to buy a bunch of candy before secretly planning to seek out Tangtang.

Ever since Tangtang started living there, Yin Yuerong had switched off her usual workaholic mode. On her day off today, she really rested at home and didn't go anywhere or work overtime.

Although the bill revision a.s.sembly was imminent, Yin Yuerong remained calm and composed without her typical irritability, as though she had become a different person.

Right now, Tangtang had just finished eating breakfast with Yin Yuerong.

"Grandma, can I go to the plum forest to break off a few branches of plum blossoms?" Tangtang inquired, blinking his large eyes.

From the side, Ah-Zhong inwardly snorted. That brat was truly undisciplined.

Plum blossoms were Yin Yuerong's most favored item. When a servant randomly touched a single leaf, they'd be severely punished. Even him—he accidentally broke a branch one time and received a round of scolding, so how could she permit this little brat to haphazardly break a branch?

Ah-Zhong coolly interjected, "These plum flowers are Madam's favorite, so how could you break them off w.i.l.l.y-nilly?"

Although Auntie Qiao wanted to say something, she knew Yin Yuerong's rules, so she kept quiet.

Yin Yuerong glanced at Tangtang but didn't seem angered. She placidly asked, "Isn't it good for the flowers to bloom on the branches?"

Tangtang pressed closer to Yin Yuerong and brightly smiled. "It's pretty for the flowers to blossom on the branches, but Tangtang thinks these plum flowers are better placed near my grandma than blooming on their branches!"

Yin Yuerong was startled briefly before the corner of her lips turned up in an almost gentle smile.

Tangtang added, "I wanted to break a branch to place on Grandma's desk so that Grandma could constantly see it! Wouldn't that be better?"

"Madam, look at how filial Little Young Master is!" Auntie Qiao seriously liked this child more the more time she spent with him. She had forgotten how long it had been since Madam truly lived for herself. Ever since Little Young Master got here, Madam's mood had improved more and more, and she smiled more frequently.

Tangtang paused and intentionally glanced at Ah-Zhong before saying, "Plus, Grandma's favorite isn't plum flowers anymore—I'm Grandma's favorite now!"

Ah-Zhong's expression was as dark as the bottom of a pan. "…"

"PFT!" A laugh broke out of Auntie Qiao.

Even Yin Yuerong chuckled aloud. "You aren't humble at all."

Ah-Zhong forced himself to remember that he still needed the little brat's help for something today, so he forcefully suppressed his rage, but menace filled his heart.

Young Master Yin Heng was right. If they allowed this little brat to remain the favorite, his position would be nowhere in sight after the Yin family changed masters.

…

In the plum forest:

Ah-Zhong brought along the candy and secretly followed Tangtang.

When they reached a spot without any bystanders, Ah-Zhong called out immediately, "Little br—Little Young Master!"

Upon hearing him, Tangtang turned back. "Oh, it's you, Ah-Zhong! Do you need something?"

This child was clearly only four or five years old and had to look up at people, but his cold gaze made him look like he was born to look down at Ah-Zhong, sending waves of displeasure in the man's heart.

"Little Young Master, these are candies and toys I bought for you! See if you like them!" Ah-Zhong was fawning in his demeanor.

Tangtang raised his brows at the big br.i.m.m.i.n.g bag of candy and a.s.sortment of toys in Ah-Zhong's hold, a glint flas.h.i.+ng through his eyes.

One who was solicitous for no reason hid evil intentions.

Ah-Zhong saw the child's eyes light up, and his expression revealed how pleased he was with himself. "Little Young Master, do you want them? I can give all of this to you as long as you do me a tiny favor!"