[Little Zarukel tried to act indifferent, but his eyes were practically glued to the staircase.]
[I still can't understand how this kid managed to put on such an annoyed expression. Wasn't it Joshua who got bitten?]
[At first, I found Zarukel annoying, like one of those spoiled brats, but now I suddenly think he's cute, haha.]
At that moment, Adonis also came downstairs with Joshua. He had seen the lunchtime schedule the production team posted so that he wouldn't be late.
As soon as Adonis appeared with Joshua, Zarukel's eyes lit up, but he stayed in his seat, quickly putting his annoyed face back on.
Cale, standing to the side, was truly speechless, though he couldn't help finding it a little funny.
He swore he had never seen his nephew like this before—maybe his older brother, watching this on TV at home, would also be shocked and speechless seeing Zarukel act like that.
Lily, sitting nearby, had been quietly observing everything. Her hand under the table clenched slightly, and she glanced unhappily at the child beside her.
The little girl had short black hair and striking black eyes. Her face was quite cute, about three or four years old, but she kept her head down and didn't speak. She seemed incredibly shy—compared to Layla's daughter, it was a night-and-day difference. It was hard for anyone even to notice her.
No one knew where Robert had found this child, just told Lily to take her in as her niece to join the show.
Now that everyone's attention gradually shifted to Zarukel and Joshua, Lily was even more displeased.
Even though her primary mission here was to seduce Adonis, who didn't want a bit of fame, too? Lily certainly wouldn't mind getting more attention.
[This is the perfect time for you to show your gentle side. Adonis tends to have a good impression of gentle people,] her system chimed in.
Lily had already prepared for this.
The four children were seated in four chairs facing each other while the adults sat at a separate table.
The first challenge for the babies had arrived—eating lunch alone!
Zarukel thought this was the dumbest thing ever. Eating by yourself was considered a challenge. Being lumped in with the rest of the kids was starting to annoy him seriously.
He glanced at the pale-skinned little boy about to sit beside him but didn't dare act out.
Meanwhile, Adonis narrowed his eyes at Zarukel and then looked toward the production crew. The meaning in his gaze was obvious without words.
A program assistant quickly stepped forward with a conciliatory smile. "The seating was prearranged, but we promise Joshua won't be mistreated!"
Cale raised his voice from the side: "If Zarukel dares try anything, I'll let you spank him on the spot!"
Zarukel, still seated, pulled a disgruntled face and bared his teeth at Cale.
Cale was a little taken aback, and the live chat burst into laughter.
[Was that my imagination, or did Cale look scared of his nephew, haha]
[Not your imagination. I sensed from when Zarukel appeared that this kid wasn't simple—he's got presence.]
[There are rumors that Cale's background isn't simple either… maybe they're true…]
Adonis had no choice but to let Joshua sit next to Zarukel.
Sitting across from Joshua, Alice gave him a cheerful smile and said, "Joshua, there's no need to be scared, okay?"
Joshua smiled and nodded, his little face practically glowing—so fair and adorable it was almost dazzling.
Alice immediately clutched her chest and mustered all her courage to speak to Zarukel: "Brother Zarukel, can I sit next to Joshua? We can swap seats."
Zarukel instantly reacted like a cat that had its tail stepped on—his fur metaphorically bristled as he frowned at Alice and snapped, "No way!"
His voice was far from gentle, making Alice shrink back a little, her face showing apparent displeasure.
But she quickly smiled and turned to Joshua, saying brightly, "This girl is Lorna—she's also charming. We can all be friends!"
Joshua's gaze shifted to the girl sitting next to Alice.
Sensing Joshua looking at her, Lorna lowered her head even more, eyes dodging his gaze like she didn't dare meet his eyes.
Joshua didn't mind at all. He raised his small hand and said, "Hello, Sister Lorna, I'm Joshua."
He was unbelievably well-mannered.
After suffering Zarukel's harshness, Lorna truly felt like Joshua was an angel.
Her lips curled slightly—just the tiniest smile—and she nodded as if responding to Joshua's greeting.
[Lorna seems shy.]
[It's okay. At least the kids are getting along.]
Zarukel, sitting next to Joshua, felt disgruntled when Joshua didn't talk to him. He let out a cold "hmph" in dissatisfaction.
He glanced down at Joshua's round, chubby cheek, tongue pressing against his teeth, feeling a strange itch again.
[Look at Zarukel's expression, hahaha.]
The children's meals were quickly brought out, and meanwhile, aside from Cale, all the parents were focused on the kids' table—especially Adonis.
It wasn't that Cale didn't care. It was just that Zarukel wasn't an ordinary kid. No one would believe if Cale said the boy had written a college thesis at age three.
Lily watched Lorna's shy demeanor and found it annoying, but all she could do was keep acting, putting on a worried yet supportive expression as she looked toward Lorna.
But Lorna didn't even dare look her in the eye, keeping her head low the whole time.
Joshua could feel his papa's watchful, worried gaze.
He immediately scooped up a spoonful of porridge—his movements smooth and practiced, with no hesitation.
His tiny hand clenched slightly, full of strength.
Adonis couldn't help but find it a little amusing. Then he raised his hand, clenched it into a fist, and made a cheering gesture.
Joshua beamed, tilting his head as he looked at his papa, eyes filled with anticipation.
Adonis immediately cut a piece of steak, put it in his mouth, and started chewing.
[...]
[These two are in their own world, aren't they?]
[This is the first time I've seen Adonis with that expression…]
[It's kind of a shocking contrast but also magical, haha. Usually, he looks like the whole world owes him billions, but now he's smiling so gently? As a longtime fan, I never even dared dream of this scene.]
Layla, who had previously worked with Adonis, was surprised to see him like this. Then she said, "Alright, let's all eat. Lily, don't worry—Lorna will manage, and Alice will help her."
Lily smiled at that and nodded. "If only Lorna could be as lively as Alice, that would be wonderful."
Layla frowned slightly at those words. "Every child has their strengths. Lorna is lovely, too."
Lily stiffened slightly, then added, "But Joshua is still the cutest." As she spoke, she looked toward Adonis.
Adonis glanced back at Lily, his expression utterly unreadable. His voice was calm but firm as he stated what he saw:
"Are you belittling Lorna just to win our favor?"
In the control room, the director nearly spat out his coffee. Yep, that was still Adonis—his soul hadn't been swapped out! They were almost fooled by how he acted around Joshua.