Tuan Tuan's forefinger was still stuck in the buttonhole of Lin Nuan's coat, and she was pulled along into the arms of Fu Huai'an.
Carrying the child in one arm, Fu Huai'an used his other arm to steady Lin Nuan and held her in his embrace.
Lin Nuan flushed, her hands were on Fu Huai'an's arms. All she could smell was Fu Huai'an's familiar sophisticated scent.
She remained silent and tried to look composed, managing to pry Tuan Tuan's finger out from the buttonhole. She stepped away from Fu Huai'an's embrace, tugged her messy hair behind her ears, and tried to restrain her flustered breathing.
"Mama…" Tuan Tuan said guardedly, like a child who had been caught doing something naughty.
Hearing Tuan Tuan's shaky voice made Lin Nuan teary-eyed. She hesitated for a moment and said, "I have an interview with Su Manman this afternoon, but I will be able to accompany Tuan Tuan after that…"
Despite hearing that, Fu Huai'an opened the rear door of the car and bent over to put Tuan Tuan inside.
"Mama!" Tuan Tuan cried, holding out his arms towards Lin Nuan.
"But I am Tuan Tuan's mother!" Lin Nuan blurted out, "You said so yourself!"
Fu Huai'an had previously said that Lin Nuan could be considered as Tuan Tuan's new mother.
Fu Huai'an had no intention of leaving immediately with Tuan Tuan. At a leisurely pace, he placed Tuan Tuan in the rear seat before turning around, holding the opened car door with one hand.
His expression was calm, and he said lightly, "It won't be possible today. The old lady is holding a birthday banquet tonight, and Tuan Tuan has to stay there for the night. If you are available tomorrow, give Xiaolu a call, and he will send Tuan Tuan over."
Upon hearing that, Fu Huai'an's assistant, Xiaolu, immediately handed over his name card to Lin Nuan.
Lin Nuan realized she had misunderstood the situation, and her ears were burning with embarrassment.
Fu Huai'an was a mature man in his thirties with more life experience compared to Lin Nuan. She figured he couldn't possibly be so petty as to fall out with a woman like her, but she found herself recalling his indifferent attitude towards her the day before…
Tuan Tuan's hands were on the car door, and he stuck out his leg in an attempt to step out of the car. Lin Nuan looked at him and said, "Tuan Tuan… you heard that. You will have to go convey your birthday wishes to your elder today. I will keep you company when you are back, alright?"
Tuan Tuan stopped what he was doing and looked up at Lin Nuan, his eyes red.
"Pinky promise!" Lin Nuan held out her finger towards Tuan Tuan.
Tuan Tuan held back his tears and looked at Lin Nuan's slender and fair finger with sorrowful eyes. He sniffled and reached out his chubby finger to make the pinky promise with Lin Nuan.
Fu Huai'an placed his huge hand on Tuan Tuan's head and rubbed it gently.
Tuan Tuan finally let go of Lin Nuan's finger and sat in the car obediently.
Lin Nuan stood at the entrance of the broadcast building and watched the car leave. She then received news that Lin Jingquan had been called up for investigation, just as he had anticipated.
Even though that had been expected, Lin Nuan still felt nervous and flustered.
She tried calling Lin Chen, but he didn't pick up. She was on tenterhooks.
…
She walked into the broadcast building, swiped her work pass, and just as she was exiting the gantry, someone called her from behind.
"Lin Nuan!"
She turned around and saw that it was Wang Quan, the man who had tried to get fresh with her at the banquet. She ignored him and continued walking towards the elevators.
"Lin Nuan!"
Wang Quan caught up with Lin Nuan and stood in her path. He said, "Lin Nuan, please don't be mistaken. I am here to apologize. I was too drunk yesterday…"
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