“It really is Father!” Emily blinked and exclaimed in delight. His long, wavy hair had turned into a much nicer short style, his prickly beard was gone, his clothes had become clean and handsome, and the smile on his face looked so bright and pleasant. Most importantly, today Father looked so tall, like a giant who had suddenly stood up, his straightened posture like a towering tree.

“Father looks taller today, as tall as a tree, and he’s become so handsome and good-looking.” Little Emily happily came over.

“Did I get taller?” Alex glanced down at himself. Maybe it was because his previously hunched back was now straight, and he was wearing well-fitted, crisp clothes, so he looked a bit taller. Of course, being more handsome was even more worth celebrating—after all, little girls do like clean and fresh-looking uncles.

The little one’s attention was quickly drawn to the pan that Alex was stir-frying, tiptoeing to peek in, and curiously asked, “But Father, what delicious thing is in the pan? Why does it smell so good, even better than roast goose? Little Emily is already hungry…”

“This is Yangzhou fried rice. That’s our breakfast today. Over there are pink toothbrushes and cups—Little Emily, after you brush your teeth and wash your face, you can come have breakfast, okay?” Alex said with a gentle smile, trying to soften his voice. In his previous life, he had always been a bit aloof and never smiled when talking to people. Now, he was working hard to adapt to the role of a kind father. He wanted to give Emily all the warmth in the world.

“Okay.” Emily nodded obediently, glanced at the pan a couple more times, and then, a bit reluctantly, went to pick up the toothbrush and cup, starting to brush her teeth for the first time under Alex’s guidance.

Alex carefully stir-fried the rice, turned off the heat, plated it, and a bowl of colorful Yangzhou fried rice was ready.

“Wow, such beautiful fried rice! Father, you’re amazing!” Emily had just finished brushing her teeth and ran over, her eyes lighting up as she looked at the mix of colors in the Yangzhou fried rice, giving a serious compliment.

“Mm, I think so too.” Alex nodded, unable to hide the smile on his face, feeling a great sense of accomplishment.

Emily leaned in to take a sniff, couldn’t help but swallow, then looked up at Alex, pouting and acting cute: “It smells so good, Father, Little Emily wants to eat Yang… Yangzhou fried rice.”

“It’s all yours!” Alex looked at the little one acting cute, his heart melting. A voice inside him was shouting, but he held back, reached out to wipe a bit of foam from the corner of her mouth, and shook his head, “Not yet. From now on, you have to wash your hands before eating.”

“Then hurry up, Father.” Emily pulled Alex’s hand and led him toward the sink.

Alex raised an eyebrow. Something felt a bit off—he was actually being rushed by the little one.

After she finished washing her hands, Alex carried the plate of Yangzhou fried rice to the table where they’d eaten yesterday. Emily was already seated, holding a small spoon, her expectant gaze fixed on the fried rice in Alex’s hands from the moment he left the kitchen.

“Go ahead and eat.” Alex set down the plate and patted the little one’s head with a smile.

Chapter 8: Still Want More

The freshly cooked fried rice was still steaming, the aroma of eggs mixed with green onions wafting up. Emily couldn’t help but take a deep breath, her eyes shining as she looked at the fried rice in front of her.

Each grain of rice was coated in golden egg, as if it glowed, and not just gold—there was green, red, white… all sorts of colors mixed together. She couldn’t help but swallow, then looked up at Alex and asked curiously, “Father, did you pick a rainbow and fry it?”

“Huh?” Alex, who had just sat down across from her, was momentarily stunned. Looking at the colorful fried rice, it really did look a bit like a shattered rainbow. Children’s imagination truly is the most wonderful thing. He smiled and nodded, “That’s right, this is rainbow fried rice. Little Emily, hurry and try it.”

“No, Father has to eat the first bite, then Little Emily will eat.” Emily shook her head, scooped up a big spoonful of fried rice, and, with some effort, held it out to Alex.

“Little Emily, you eat first. Father’s not hungry, I’ll make another serving later.” Alex smiled and shook his head.

“No way, Father got up so early to make breakfast for Little Emily, you must be hungrier than Little Emily.” Emily pouted, holding the spoon in midair. It wobbled a bit from lack of strength, but she had no intention of taking it back.

“All right, I’ll have the first bite.” Alex smiled and ate the spoonful of rice. The delicious fried rice went down, filling his heart with warmth. The little one had clearly swallowed secretly several times, but still insisted he take the first bite.

This feeling of being cared for was wonderful.

“Then Little Emily is going to start eating!” Emily happily pulled back her spoon, scooped up another spoonful of fried rice, and, looking at the rice with a serious expression, said, “Sorry, rainbow, I’m going to eat you.”

Alex couldn’t help but smile. The little girl’s thoughts were so pure. Resting his chin on one hand, he watched Emily with anticipation, feeling a bit nervous himself.