Chapter 458

Chapter 458

Fighting Over the Baby

Lu Yuan was taken aback to learn that Lu Dudu was with the Lin family.

She knew about the feud between her sister-in-law and the Lin family, and that her sister-in-law had no intention of reconciling with her biological relatives. Yet, she never expected Lu Dudu to be with them.

Upon arriving at the Lin residence, Lu Yuan saw the chubby baby being coddled by the entire Lin family. Thrilled, she reached out to hold the baby, but she didn’t stand a chance.

The Lin family’s children were all grown up, and none were as fun as a sweet little baby. Everyone in the family was eager to hold the baby, leaving Lu Yuan out of luck.

Though the Lin family welcomed Lu Yuan warmly, holding the baby wasn’t happening.

Du Du wasn’t shy around strangers, flashing everyone a gummy grin. Combined with her fair, plump cheeks, she was adored by all—leaving no opportunity for Lu Yuan.

When gently refused, the Lin family’s grandma even dismissively said that Lu Yuan was still a child herself and wouldn’t know how to handle such an active baby...

Lu Yuan had no comeback—she really hadn’t had much experience caring for children.

But that didn’t mean she would give up on her niece.

If they wouldn’t let her hold the baby, she’d get creative. And it wasn’t just others who could cry—she could too.

"Sister-in-law, I finally get to see Du Du, but in a couple of days, I have to return to the research institute. Who knows how long this project will take? By the next time I see her, Du Du might already be walking, and she probably won’t even recognize me as her aunt."

Her whiny tone made Lin Nannan equal parts amused and annoyed.

She had watched their tug-of-war over holding Lu Dudu. As long as the baby was happy, it didn’t matter who held her.

But seeing Lu Yuan lose, come to complain, and even pull the pity card was just plain funny.

In the end, Lu Yuan did get to hold Lu Dudu. Not only that, she took advantage of her elder brother’s absence to declare: "So Sister-in-law won’t have to work hard at night, I’ll sleep with her so we can take care of Du Du together..."

No one argued. With a baby to care for, nighttime was already inconvenient. Zhou Cuiwei wanted to help but couldn’t—she was too old to stay up late. So, Lu Yuan was the perfect choice.

After struggling all day just to hold her niece, Lu Yuan finally got to cuddle the freshly bathed, sweet-smelling baby at night, smothering her with kisses until Lu Dudu fussed in protest.

"Sister-in-law, how is Du Du so adorable? Even when she’s mad, she’s cute. I don’t want to leave anymore," she murmured, gazing at her sleeping niece, fighting the urge to kidnap her.

Lin Nannan laughed at how she couldn’t take her eyes off the baby. "If you love kids so much, why not have one yourself?"

Lu Yuan, previously beaming, blushed at the teasing. "Sister-in-law, stop teasing me!"

"How is it nonsense?" Lin Nannan teased. "Has Mom not been pressuring you to get married?"

Lu Yuan’s expression shifted. "She has. She said if I can’t find someone suitable, I should go back home to look. But Sister-in-law... I don’t want to get married..."

Lin Nannan studied her curiously. "Is it because you haven’t met the right person?"

"I just don’t want to look," Lu Yuan hesitated before continuing. "It feels like too much trouble. Not everyone is as lucky as you and Big Brother, or like my parents... I think research is fulfilling enough. The sense of achievement is far greater than marriage and children."

"So you don’t want kids at all?" Lin Nannan prodded playfully.

Lu Yuan thought for a moment. "Well, there’s always Du Du!"

"Dream on! You’d have to ask your brother if he agrees!" Lin Nannan laughed.