Although the school allowed students to bring children, Shen Yuan pushing a stroller on campus immediately drew attention.
Asians often looked youthful, and Shen Yuan wasn’t very tall. He usually dressed in a mature style, yet people sometimes asked if he was even an adult—though he had already turned twenty.
So, walking with his little baby, someone asked, “Your younger brother?”
Shen Yuan shyly replied, “No, he’s my son.”
This prompted an audible reaction, and everyone greeted Little Peanut. The baby wasn’t shy; in fact, the more people he saw, the happier he got, laughing at anyone who tried to play with him.
The boys weren’t as expressive, but the women—young or old—crowded around to see the Chinese baby, praising how cute he was and how lucky Shen Yuan must be to have such an adorable child.
Qiao Hailou quietly followed behind, noticing that Shen Yuan had barely moved a couple hundred meters, constantly stopped by classmates wanting to interact with the baby.
Qiao Hailou felt anxious. So many people were vying for their little treasure—what if someone decided to snatch him?
Shen Yuan was a little nervous too. Though it was allowed to bring children, the next class was with Professor Raphael, who was strict, meticulous, and notoriously stern. Shen Yuan felt the professor didn’t particularly like him. He worried that bringing the baby might disrupt the class, making the professor even more displeased—or worse, having him escorted out of the classroom. That would be awkward.
He found a corner seat, hiding the stroller as best he could so the professor wouldn’t notice. As long as Little Peanut stayed quiet, the class would pass uneventfully.
But, of course, news travels fast when a baby is involved. Other students soon noticed, and many came to see. A male classmate who had invited him for drinks yesterday said, “Is this why you left without finishing your drink?”
Shen Yuan considered and answered honestly, “Not only that. I want to spend time with my husband. For future parties or drinking invites, you don’t need to call me. Besides classes, I hardly have time for my husband and child. I’m married—I want to spend more time with my family. I’m sorry.”
The classmates were stunned. They knew Shen Yuan was married—he never hid his wedding ring—but they didn’t know his spouse was a man. Slightly surprised, they quickly accepted it: “Oh, you’re gay? Alright then.”
The classroom was still sparsely filled. Shen Yuan’s voice was clear and steady. Qiao Hailou, standing by the back door, overheard and felt reassured.
The baby noticed him, eyes wide and sparkling, smiled, and picked up his little feet to chew on them.
Qiao Hailou laughed in frustration; normally, the baby wasn’t allowed to suck on hands or feet at home.
At that moment, someone tapped him—it was a security officer, a Black man in uniform. “Who are you? I’ve never seen you here. What are you doing?”
Qiao Hailou froze.
Then the class bell rang, and students returned to their seats.
Professor Raphael sensed something off during the lesson, hearing odd noises. Pausing, he frowned and said, “Is someone playing a joke? Stop this childish behavior immediately.”
Shen Yuan broke into a cold sweat. He had already given Little Peanut a pacifier and was playing with a spider plush toy to keep him amused and quiet.
He hoped the baby would stay silent. Being caught by the professor would be disastrous.
Of course, fear brings what it worries about.
Professor Raphael, unable to tolerate the noise, stepped off the podium, pacing around to find the source. He eventually arrived at Shen Yuan’s side.
Shen Yuan lowered his head, scalp tingling, expecting a scolding.
The professor’s impeccably polished leather shoes stopped in front of him. Shen Yuan’s heart raced. Then the professor spoke: “Is this your little baby?”
Shen Yuan nodded, forcing himself to answer, “Yes… it’s my son. I had to take care of him today, so I brought him to school. I’m sorry for disturbing the class.”
Professor Raphael said, “It’s cooler today. This corner is too cold—don’t let the baby catch a chill. Move him somewhere sunny.”
Shen Yuan blinked.
Professor Raphael urged, “Quick, move him.”
Obeying, Shen Yuan relocated to the front, placing the stroller in the aisle—impossibly conspicuous.
Then he noticed…the professor didn’t seem angry. He lingered nearby, pacing.
Finally, class ended.
Professor Raphael called out, “Shen, come here. I’ll review your assignment.”
Shen Yuan pushed the stroller over. The professor gave him a ten-minute one-on-one, glancing frequently at the baby, warmly exclaiming, “He’s absolutely adorable—a little angel. What’s his name?”
Shen Yuan froze. The famously harsh, critical, and sharp-tongued Professor Raphael was powerless against his baby.
Shen Yuan replied, “In Chinese, Shen Qiaosheng. We also gave him an English nickname: Little Peanut.”
The white-haired, bearded professor blushed, eyes brightening. “Little Peanut? How can he be this cute!”
He politely asked, “Will you bring him to class again?”
Of course. Now the baby could help Shen Yuan get extra attention from Professor Raphael. Shen Yuan pretended a bit: “My husband and I share childcare duties. If he’s unavailable, it’ll be my responsibility, so I might bring him to school.”
The professor quickly reassured, “No problem. Look how well-behaved he is, not a peep. His eyes are like jewels, lips like tender petals, almost like milk pudding. He must have been an angel in his past life.”
Shen Yuan…was embarrassed. Even he never praised his own son like this. He blushed, saying, “Thank you for the compliment.”
Shen Yuan had been flustered all day—spilled a little formula, fumbled diaper changes, held the baby awkwardly, and had made him cry twice.
All the theories of Montessori, Locke, or Owen—none of it applied!
He worried constantly about the baby, sneaking peeks, barely focusing on lessons. But he knew the first few times were always like this. Once he got used to it, it would be easier. Others also brought babies to school.
Shen Yuan waited at the school gate, and Qiao Hailou came to pick him up.
Seeing him, Shen Yuan finally exhaled.
Qiao Hailou smiled, ruffling his hair. “Exhausted today, huh?”
Shen Yuan nodded. “Totally drained.”
Qiao Hailou placed the baby in the car seat, glanced over, and laughed: “Diaper on backward. Haha!”
Shen Yuan turned red. “Wasn’t it right? I did it wrong?”
Qiao Hailou chuckled, patting his head. “It’s fine. Uncle will teach you later. You did really well today.”
After a whole day hiding and managing at school, he finally got to bring both his big and little treasures home.
Life settled into a routine.
Shen Yuan’s studies went smoothly; his grades were excellent, and teachers recommended his work for a new competition.
As the weather grew warmer, without warning, Qiao Hailou received a call from his eldest brother: their father, Master Qiao, was gravely ill. He was instructed to return home immediately.