Picking up the child of a superstar he went to the baby variety show chapter 1

“Jian Zhile? Why are you still working today? Haven’t you gone home for the holiday?”

In the kitchen of the hotel, various vegetables and dishes were placed on different shelves. Standing by the sink was a tall and clean-cut figure with a light green apron stained with some suds.

Jian Zhile looked up and replied, “Sister Li, today is a holiday, so I get triple pay for working overtime.”

Sister Li looked at Jian Zhile’s delicate face and sighed. “You silly child, you’re still so young, why work so hard? It’s the holidays, shouldn’t you go home to rest?”

Jian Zhile said, “My family is back in my hometown. They’ve been in poor health these past two years, and expenses are high. Every bit I earn helps.”

Sister Li put on her gloves and walked over. “Alright, alright, it’s already past nine. I know you’re diligent, working three jobs a day isn’t easy. It’s starting to get windy outside, looks like it might rain. Your overtime is up, so head home.”

Jian Zhile smiled. “Thank you, Sister Li.”

Sister Li nodded, indicating for him to leave quickly.

Jian Zhile went back to the break room to change his clothes. Early spring was still a bit cold, so he put on a discounted jacket he had recently bought and then stepped out the door. The evening wind hit his face, carrying the lingering chill of winter.

Outside the tavern, the streets were bustling with families coming in and out for dinner, groups of three or five, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Jian Zhile watched for a while before looking away.

His parents had died early, and he had lived with his grandparents in his hometown since he could remember. Ever since moving to City A, he had almost never eaten with his family. Even if he returned to his rented room early on such family reunion days, he would still be alone.

“Meow~”

A cat’s meow came from not far away.

Jian Zhile’s attention was drawn. Occasionally, he would feed some stray cats near the hotel. In the evening breeze, he saw a familiar little orange cat under a tree not far away.

“You haven’t gone home either,” Jian Zhile said, walking towards the tree under the streetlight. He squatted down to look at the small cat. “Wait, let me see if I have any food in my bag.”

He usually kept some snacks in his bag in case he didn’t have time to eat.

Jian Zhile’s eyes lit up. “There’s still an egg.”

It was a leftover from lunch when the boss had given it to him. He had been full but didn’t want to waste food, so he kept it in his bag, perfect for sharing with the little cat now.

He peeled the egg.

Jian Zhile ate the egg white and gave the yolk to the cat, smiling as he watched the small cat eat. “Eat up. It’s a holiday, and we both don’t have anyone to keep us company.”

The early spring night was still chilly. The streetlight cast a warm yellow glow on the passersby, but it had no warmth.

Jian Zhile stood up and felt raindrops fall on his hand. He whispered, “It’s raining.”

He needed to hurry home, or he’d miss the last bus.

Just as he was about to leave—

A small voice called out from the nearby shop, sounding surprised and innocent, “Daddy!”

Jian Zhile was stunned. Although he had been single all his life without even a boyfriend, for some reason, he felt like this voice was calling him.

He turned around.

A small figure ran towards him under the streetlight, its shadow elongated by the light. The child, wearing a cartoon T-shirt, was only about knee-high, with big teary eyes on a fair, soft face.

Jian Zhile hesitated. “Little one, you…”

Before he could finish, the child had already thrown itself into his arms, crying, “Daddy, I finally found you!”

Jian Zhile: “…”

Single for years and suddenly a dad.

Jian Zhile, stiff and unsure where to place his hands and feet, felt a pang of heartache at the child’s sobs but didn’t know how to comfort them. He could only bend down and gently pat the child’s back.

The child cried so hard that it started to hiccup.

Jian Zhile had no choice. “Little one, where’s your daddy? Did you get separated? Did you mistake me for someone else?”

The child looked up at him, big, round eyes rimmed red, clutching his clothes with tiny fists. “You are Daddy!”

Jian Zhile: “…”

Never felt so helpless.

While he was hesitating, the shopkeeper nearby called out, “Jian Zhile, just take the child with you. He’s been here since evening, waiting for his dad. We asked who his dad was, but he wouldn’t say. We’ve been taking care of him for hours now, and it’s almost closing time.”

Jian Zhile instinctively apologized, “Sorry for the trouble, boss.”

…

Wait, why was he apologizing?

This wasn’t his kid!!