69 Box

Since the following day was still an off-work day, they Dan and Midori decided to go out.

She was surprised with his suggestion though.

"Why don't we bring Manta today? He must miss his 'Mommy' since I've been hoarding her for a while now." He flashed his dazzling smile.

Midori squinted her eyes as she looked at him, then she smiled. "That's actually a great idea! Where are you taking us? Is it the aquarium? Amusement park?" She tried guessing.

"Hmmm...you'll see." His had a gentle smile.

_________

"I see. It's progress!" Aoi Xiu was tearing up when she received the call.

"Vice Chairman, should I also call CEO Xiu?"

"No. Not yet. She might have the urge to tell the little one. Manta would be too excited for so little response. You said that there is a chance that he will wake up, right? Until then, let us not give false hope to my grandson."

"As you wish, Vice Chairman."

"Thank you, Dr. Chen."

After finishing the call, Aoi Xiu dialled another number. It was ongoing after two rings.

"Madam."

"Do you have any new leads on my son's case?"

"Gomenasai. We have yet to have any substantial lead, Madam."

"Do you need more resources?"

"Madam, the oyabun of Yamaguchi-gumi had already lend us a hand in the investigations; the regular fund is also adequate."

"Sõ ka? Make sure to inform me when you dig up something. I need results as soon as possible."

"Hai, wakarimashita."

Aoi Xiu hung up. Her face was serious with a hint of danger.

_________________

It has always been a fun experience for Midori to guess which car they would be using everytime they go out.

"So, what's it gonna be?" Dan was hiding the key from her sight, prepared to unlock.

"Hmmm...if we're bringing Manta, the sportscars are eliminated. She scanned the garage. "Oh! That one looks like a nice family car!" She pointed towards a bombay blue Audi Q8.

Dan laughed and unlocked the car she pointed at.

"Yeah! Can I drive?" She tried the puppy eyes.

He leaned in to kiss her temple. "Not this time." His mood had just shot up when she said 'family.' Though Manta is not theirs, he is still elated that they would go out like a real family. It might be a good practice.

As they pulled over in the Xiu estate, Manta was already standing at the front door, carrying his bear-shaped backpack.

The little guy looks so cute wearing a collared plaid shirt with solid color shorts and a pair of sneakers.

Once Midori stepped out of the car, he yelled "Mommy!"

Dan also emerged from the driver seat.

The little boy seemed to have forgotten their little incident as he also called out to him. "Uncle Dan!"

Dan picked him up in his arms. He opened the back seat, and to Midori's surprise, there was a car seat.

"When did you..." She gave a hanging question.

Dan smiled brightly at her after securing the little guy. Then he went back behind the wheel.

"Uncle Dan, you have Cerealz?!" The little boy almost screamed after noticing a cereal box tucked in one of the compartments. It was the chocolate cereals he was staring at when he first met his Uncle Dan.

Before the adults could reply, his voice turned sad. "Oh, it's empty."

"You can fill it up later." Dan replied while smiling.

Midori looked at him in disbelief, as if saying 'Why would you make a kid excited then burst his bubble?'

He laughed at her reaction. Then he added, "Manta, do you know how Cerealz is made?"

The boy got curious. Indeed, how do they end up in a box. "I don't know, Uncle Dan. Do you know how Cerealz are made?"

"Of course. I own Cerealz." He chuckled.

Manta's face lit up. "Then, will you give me more Cerealz?"

"I can show you how it's made. How's that?" Dan had a big grin.

"Oh boy! Uncle Dan, you're the best!" Manta hugged the box like it was a teddy.

Dan winked at Midori, as she gave him an incredulous look.