Joshua looked at the cake before him—it was dazzling and delicious-looking. There was even an adorable little ribbon tied around the box. He wanted to try it.
He couldn't help but glance at Zarukel, whose eyes squinted, his whole face slightly flushed, as if apologizing embarrassed him.
Faced with the curious gazes from everyone around, the boy felt incredibly annoyed, but he couldn't suddenly lose his temper—it might scare Joshua.
"I said I'm sorry!" Not hearing Joshua's reply, Zarukel couldn't help but repeat himself more emphatically.
Joshua suddenly felt that Zarukel was, indeed, Zarukel—just the same as always!
Leo couldn't help but ask, "[So, did young master Zarukel also use this method to get you to forgive him last time, little master?]"
Joshua answered truthfully, "That's right. Zarukel's cakes are delicious."
However, at that time, Joshua hadn't forgiven Zarukel so easily. He had eaten the cake and then casually walked off, totally indifferent! Zarukel had to coax and flatter him several times before Joshua would even play with him!
Joshua considered himself a little devil—not someone who'd easily forgive Zarukel. But now, Zarukel was the only one he recognized, even if Zarukel had lost his memories.
Still, Joshua thought he could be a little more generous with him.
So Joshua nodded. "Next time, you're not allowed to bite my cheek again."
Zarukel nodded furiously, but just glancing at his gleaming eyes told you that, if given the chance and Joshua agreed, he would bite again! Seeing Joshua's serious little face made Zarukel want to nibble on him already! Those round eyes, long lashes, that tiny nose—how could someone be this adorable?! So frustrating!
Now that Joshua had accepted his apology, Zarukel was overjoyed. He opened the cake box, scooped out a spoonful, and brought it up to Joshua's mouth, lifting his chin with pride. "You don't know this, but this cake is made from the freshest ingredients, crafted by a world-famous chef—it's not something money can always buy. It's excellent. Try it."
His eyes were wide, sparkling with excitement, clearly thrilled and full of anticipation as he stared at Joshua.
Joshua didn't hesitate. He opened his mouth and took the bite offered to him. It was delicious!
Joshua's eyes widened slightly as if fireworks had burst inside. Seeing this boy looking like a little cat enjoying something tasty made Zarukel want to scoop him up and take a bite himself.
Of course, good little Joshua knew that tasty food should be shared. He looked at Alice and Lorna softly said, "The cake is yummy. You two should try some!"
He grabbed the spoon from Zarukel's hand without hesitation or fear.
Zarukel finally reacted, watching the three little heads crowding together, and his expression darkened. Just a second ago, he was happily smiling—now, a storm was brewing.
[Hahaha, look at Zarukel's face! LOL]
[Baby Joshua is too innocent! He doesn't know that food given by a domineering CEO cannot be shared?!]
[Zarukel's glaring at everyone except Joshua right now, hahaha]
Cale walked over at that moment, looking slightly surprised. He said, "I can't believe it—you prepared this already?"
Zarukel huffed coldly, saying nothing.
Cale was already too used to this attitude from his nephew, so he continued, "Never thought I'd live to see the day you went out of your way to please someone. Ha ha ha!"
He immediately burst out laughing, mockery plain in his voice. Honestly, it was hard to tell which of the two—uncle or nephew—was more over the top.
Zarukel shot Cale a disdainful glance before heading toward Joshua. Doing his best to ignore Alice and Lorna, he grabbed another spoon and fed Joshua again.
Off to the side, Alice still chirped, "This cake is delicious, Lorna! You should try it!" With that, she brought the spoon up to Lorna's mouth.
Lorna looked a little startled. She stared at the cake, swallowed once, opened her mouth and took a bite. Immediately, she nodded vigorously, looking quite pleased.
Alice beamed and continued feeding Lorna. The two girls shared one spoon between them. Alice glanced over at Joshua again, but Zarukel had completely monopolized him by now, not letting Joshua even spare them a glance.
[A friendship has been formed—probably something even the program didn't expect, hahaha]
[The divide is too clear… Alice is just way too cute, like a bit of sunshine, being so considerate of Lorna]
[Of course! You must know who Alice's mother is—this kindness came from Layla!]
"Papa, papa!"
Just then, Joshua suddenly called out to Adonis. His little hand held a fork, and his eyes looked at him expectantly.
Adonis, who had been quietly observing from the side, quickly stepped forward and bent down, just about to ask something—when Joshua brought a strawberry to his mouth, cutting off whatever he was about to say.
Zarukel immediately noticed—it was the biggest strawberry on the cake! He had gone out of his way to save that one for Joshua, yet Joshua gave it to someone else!
His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Joshua, then quickly shot a guarded glare at the man who could get Joshua to give away the biggest strawberry.
"Papa, eat it! The strawberry's sweet!"
Adonis could feel the not-so-friendly gaze of the little one beside him. He lifted his eyes and glanced at Zarukel, then opened his mouth and took the strawberry in one bite. Immediately, he smiled and said, "It is sweet." Then he leaned down and kissed the top of Joshua's head. Joshua beamed with joy.
Adonis looked over at Zarukel again. This little snot-nosed brat thinks he can compete with me for Joshua's affection? Think again. No matter what, Joshua still loves his papa the most!
Zarukel's eyes were practically red with jealousy!
[Wait a second. What was that look like from Adonis? Is he provoking Zarukel? LOL]
[1–0, in favor of Adonis!]
[Joshua still clearly likes Papa the most, hahaha. Poor Zarukel!]
[Okay, but why is everyone laughing if it's that sad?!]
[This world is so cruel!]
Right then, Cale came over and pressed down on Zarukel's head, saying casually, "Look at them—father and son enjoying themselves. And that look on your face?"
Zarukel immediately slapped Cale's hand away, baring his teeth at him—causing Cale to think of a particular breed of dog suddenly. Must be my imagination, he thought. Usually, this nephew of mine is more like a venomous snake. Why has he changed so much ever since meeting Joshua? It's like he reverted to his real age.
Meanwhile, Joshua still wanted to feed his papa. Seeing this, Zarukel grew incredibly jealous. He quickly abandoned Cale and grabbed Joshua's small face with both hands, making him look directly at him.
With his lips pressed together and apparent dissatisfaction in his eyes, he muttered, "What about me? You're not going to feed me, too?"
Joshua, ever the obedient child, fed one bite to his papa, then turned and gave a bite to Zarukel.
Only then did Zarukel finally smile with satisfaction.
"Joshua, don't forget about me too!" Alice suddenly called out, mouth open wide.
Joshua nodded and gave her a bite, too. Then, realizing it wouldn't be fair to leave Lorna out, he also gave her one. His little hands were busy with non-stop feeding.
Zarukel watched the scene unfold and suddenly felt like the cake wasn't tasty. All he could taste was sourness—his jealousy had hit the roof.
He could accept Joshua feeding his papa—that was understandable. But why feed anyone else?
Shouldn't Joshua be feeding only me?