Second pregnancy, sixth child: The beloved mom's disguise has been exposed again.

Chapter 272 She's a human being, not a pet.

Ning Yao probably wouldn't have blushed if no one else was around, but unfortunately, her newly adopted son was sitting right across the chessboard.

Ning Yao swallowed and glanced at her son, only to find him sitting upright with his eyes fixed on the chessboard, showing no reaction to his parents' actions.

Ning Yao knew that Wen Tingye had a strong grip, so she didn't bother to struggle. She just gave him a warning look, telling him to watch his behavior.

Unexpectedly, Wen Tingye saw through her thoughts at a glance and spoke them directly, his voice deep and casual.

"We're all family, there's nothing to hide."

What do you mean by "there's nothing to hide"? You should be even more careful in front of children, otherwise what will they think?

Seeing that Ning Yao didn't say a word, Wen Tingye placed a piece on the chessboard and turned to Ning Yao, chair and all, and asked bluntly, "What's wrong? You look so pale?"

"I want to ask you, what is your relationship with Huo Zhijing? Are you friends or foes?" Ning Yao's tone inevitably revealed a hint of worry.

The Huo family is no ordinary family. They can easily bring so many thugs onto the Costa Cruises, and the people on the cruise ship treat them with utmost respect, as if they are afraid of offending them.

Upon hearing this, Wen Tingye chuckled softly: "You're troubled because of the Huo family?"

Seeing Ning Yao remain silent, sitting beside him for a long time without saying a word, Wen Tingye assumed it was something serious.

Ning Yao wasn't joking at all. She stared intently at Wen Tingye, her brows furrowing imperceptibly, and retorted, "Isn't the Huo family worth my trouble?"

She knew, of course, that the Huo family might not mean much to Wen Tingye, but only by being careful could one ensure a safe journey; no matter how well one protected them, there was no guarantee that all dangers could be completely eliminated.

Ning Yao didn't want her child to be in danger, like the Huo family's daughter who was poisoned and murdered by villains...

Adults have the ability to protect themselves, but the elderly and children do not; they are very vulnerable.

"You saw it in the cabin too; Huo Zhijing's daughter was attacked by his enemies," Ning Yao said, frowning.

The so-called empire she built was just money; it never had the solid background of Wen Tingye and the Huo family.

A person's foundation is not determined by how much money they can earn in a short period of time, but by continuously expanding their influence as they age.

The vast family system was built up over generations, deeply rooted and extensive...

"Worrying is human nature, but excessive worry is anxiety."

"Don't waste your time on things that haven't happened yet. My security team, Wen Tingye, may not be the best in the world and flawless, but in the capital city, there is absolutely no chance of them taking advantage of us."

Wen Tingye held Ning Yao's hand, his slender fingers applying a little pressure, offering Ning Yao a sense of comfort.

Ning Chen's fingers, which were holding the chess piece, froze in mid-air. Even though he was sitting a little further away, he could feel his mother's unease.

He wasn't a talkative person to begin with, and even if he had something to say, he would wait for the right moment and wouldn't say anything in front of too many people.

After making a move, Ning Chen got up and left the chessboard to bring Ning Yao a cup of warm milk.

"Have a drink." Ning Chen thought for a long time, and finally only uttered these three meaningless words.

Ning Yao took the milk and nodded to Ning Chen with a smile, but a sense of anxiety and frustration still welled up inside her.

Ever since she had a child, she has hoped to be a towering tree, able to shield her child from the storms of the outside world.

If she could have Wen Tingye's background, she wouldn't have to rely on others for everything.

More than anything, Ning Yao was pondering a question.

If Ning Yao really wants to be with Wen Tingye in the future, what can she do for him?

She seems impressive, but in reality, she only has some minor, insignificant abilities. Without a family background, is she worthy of Wen Tingye?

That's how people are; once they like someone, they become cautious and always feel that they are not good enough.

Ning Yao's eyes gradually dimmed. She got up and left Wen Tingye's side, going into the cabin, her back looking forlorn.

Wen Tingye stared intently at Ning Yao's departing figure, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly.

With a distracted mind, Wen Tingye quickly squandered his advantage on the board and lost to Ning Chen.

He stood up and said in a deep voice, "I'm going to see your mother."

Ning Yao leaned against the deck railing, gazing at the sea without saying a word. Her lips were pressed into a straight line, and the cherry-red color made her temperament even more cold and beautiful.

Wen Tingye spotted Ning Yao's tall figure from afar. He slowed his pace, not wanting to disturb the woman reflecting on herself in the distance.

Having a strong will is a good thing, but being too strong-willed can become a burden that crushes one's mental strength.

Wen Tingye admires Ning Yao and also likes her strong-willed nature.

With another person beside her, Ning Yao didn't bother to turn her gaze away. Her tightly pursed lips relaxed silently, and her lips pouted slightly, making her look charming and lovely.

"Why are you in a bad mood? Is it just because you're worried, or is there another reason?" Wen Tingye put his hand on Ning Yao's shoulder, pulled her into his arms, and shielded her from the cool sea breeze.

Wen Tingye curled Ning Yao's fingers, which were resting on the ship's railing, one by one, tightly enveloping them in the man's warm palm.

"It reminds me of my father, whom I never met," Ning Yao said with deep emotion.

Her voice was cool and low, carrying a unique charm.

Wen Tingye raised an eyebrow. He realized that he couldn't find a single flaw in Ning Yao. Whether it was her appearance, figure, personality, or even her voice and her stubborn temper, these strengths or weaknesses seemed to have been filtered through a lens, becoming weapons to defeat him, Wen Tingye.

Ning Yao was in Wen Tingye's arms, gazing at the sea. Wen Tingye looked down at her neck and the back of her head.

In this position, neither person can see the other's expression, and they don't know whether the other is crying or laughing.

"Your game with A-Chen is over? Who won?" Ning Yao changed the subject, not wanting Wen Tingye to notice that something was wrong with her.

She has a strong sense of self-respect and doesn't want Wen Tingye to see any of her weaknesses.

“Your son won.” Wen Tingye knew Ning Yao was changing the subject, so he went along with her.

Women are emotional creatures; when they are angry or sad, they need to be comforted. If you go against their wishes, it will backfire.

"My Ah Chen is still the best!" Ning Yao said with a hint of pride, her voice becoming lighter and less suppressed.

"It's because my mind wasn't on the chessboard, otherwise he wouldn't have had the chance to act recklessly." Wen Tingye didn't care about winning or losing, but he did care about Ning Yao's praise.

His women can only think he's amazing, and he will do his best to make all the women in the world envious of Ning Yao for having a man like him!

Ning Yao turned around to face Wen Tingye.

Those beautiful fox-like eyes, adorned with a faint starlight, were especially captivating against the backdrop of the sea waves.

A smile played on her lips as she calmly said, "Oh? Is that so? It wasn't an excuse you made up?"

Do I need to make an excuse?

Wen Tingye sneered, his hand running through the woman's smooth, black hair, slowly moving downwards until it stopped at the back of her neck. His hot palm covered her delicate skin, his thumb gently kneading it.

This action reminded Ning Yao of cat owners; cat owners like to stroke the back of their cat's neck like this.

Did Wen Tingye treat her like a cat?

She is a human being, not Wen Tingye's pet!

Ning Yao raised her face indignantly, a hint of anger flashing in her eyes.