Chapter Three: The Devastating Flood—Kim Minseong.

“Let me do it, sis.” Mingyan helped his sister start moving Min Tianyu’s luggage.

This child wasn’t just going to Seoul for a day or two; the little tagalong he mentioned during his breakup was no lie.

His brother-in-law was in the military and had been assigned an overseas post where family could accompany him. So Mingyue was going abroad to take care of her husband, leaving their daughter in the country to be looked after by her younger brother.

Of course, there was also a backup plan—her father, the child’s grandfather—though Mingyan didn’t like to mention that.

“Min Tianyu, once you get to Seoul, listen to your uncle. If anything comes up, tell him, okay?” Mingyue held her daughter tightly, reluctant to let go.

After all, how could any mother bear to part with her daughter?

If Min Tianyu hadn’t already turned fifteen and expressed her desire to become a trainee in Seoul, Mingyue might never have found the courage to go abroad.

The little girl was already on the verge of tears. “I know.”

“Be good to your uncle.”

“I know.”

Mingyue wanted to slip some money to her brother—taking care of a fifteen-year-old could be costly—but Mingyan refused.

“Sis, how about when you took care of me as a kid?” Mingyan shoved the money back into her hand. “I’m a well-known actor now; money’s not an issue. That guy still sends me a sum every year—consider it for Tianyu.”

“I’ve already talked to Dad…”

“Sis, shouldn’t Tianyu change out of her school uniform? She’s still wearing it.” Mingyan awkwardly shifted the topic.

“She said goodbye to her classmates today. The withdrawal paperwork was only finalized a few days ago.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything once we’re in Seoul.”

Schooling was important.

If the scout’s card was genuine, then Min Tianyu could enroll directly in an arts high school—after all, he was now a notable alumnus.

The more Mingyan thought about it, the more he felt a strange kinship; Min Tianyu resembled himself as a child.

Both were on similar paths.

“Tianyu, remember to behave well and call your mother often.”

“Goodbye, Mom.”

…

“Cried?” Mingyan handed two tissues to his little niece sitting in the passenger seat while driving.

Crying the moment they left—someone might think he was bullying the poor girl.

He had to admit, Min Tianyu definitely looked like a crybaby.

“Thank you, Uncle.” Min Tianyu took the tissues and whispered a thanks.

Trying to change the subject, Mingyan said, “Why do I feel like you calling me ‘uncle’ makes me age several years at once?”

“But, you really are my uncle.”

Min Tianyu’s cheeks flushed, shy or nervous, he wasn’t sure.

“True.” Mingyan nodded. “Tianyu, when’s your birthday again? I just remember it’s New Year’s Day.”

“January 1st, 2001.” Her birthday was remarkably auspicious—a rare number many would envy.

“Right, right, I just can’t remember the year exactly.”

Min Tianyu lowered her head, not responding.

On the way back to Seoul, Mingyan chatted off and on with his niece; since they’d be living together, he wanted to avoid awkwardness.

Another reason: he quite liked listening to her soft Liangshan dialect.

Beautiful kids were adorable no matter what they did.

Min Tianyu thought: My actor uncle is kind of weird.

Four hours flew by, and Mingyan successfully brought his little tagalong—excuse me, little niece—back to his home in Seoul.

This was the place he rented after filming his first drama. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was enough for two people, big and small.

Coincidentally, he had chosen this two-bedroom apartment for its proximity to the company—now it seemed like it was meant for Min Tianyu all along.

Perhaps fate had its own plans.

“Tianyu, come see your new room. If there’s anything you don’t like, just tell me.” Mingyan carried her luggage inside, smiling as he introduced the space to his niece.

He glanced around, then looked back at her.

To welcome the little one, Mingyan had hired cleaners for a deep clean—not that he was usually messy, but a single man’s habits were rarely tidy.

He only cleaned every few days.

An unnamed ex-girlfriend once said, “Say that again—single?”

Min Tianyu curiously looked at her new room, surprised that her uncle was actually quite neat. The place was bright and spotless, almost like a brand-new home.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes.”

Min Tianyu nodded softly.

Mingyan continued, “Tianyu, all these things are new. If you need anything else, just tell me.”

At first, he had no idea how to manage a young girl’s daily life, but after consulting a helpful professional, he finally figured it out. If not for that person’s busy schedule, they would have been here today.

“It’s great, thank you, Uncle.” Min Tianyu smiled.

For some reason, she felt that her uncle seemed a little nervous around her.

Am I scarier than Mom?

“Alright, go unpack. Later, I’ll take you out to eat.”

Mingyan still felt awkward calling himself “uncle,” after all, he was only six years older than Min Tianyu—more like siblings than uncle and niece.

Min Tianyu was a bit shy. “Uncle, I’m not hungry yet.”

“You’re still growing, so eating more is good for you.” Mingyan awkwardly took on his elder role. “Also, if you want to be a trainee, you’ll have to watch your diet. Eat plenty now while you can.”

“Oh.”

At the mention of becoming a trainee, Min Tianyu’s cheeks flushed again.

“Well, get settled. If you need anything, just call me.” Saying that, Mingyan left the space to her.

His retreating back looked almost like an escape. For Mingyan, interacting with Min Tianyu was even more nerve-wracking than going to drama auditions.

Storms and trials weren’t as intimidating as this little girl.

“Sis, you really handed me a hot potato.”

Just as Mingyan sat down in the living room, ears perked to catch any calls from his niece, the phone rang first.

“Hello?”

“Oppa, has your daughter arrived?”

“Niece, niece, Nayun, you can’t joke like that.” Mingyan quickly corrected his friend’s playful mistake.

“Why are you nervous? Has Jisoo arrived?”

“Not yet.”

“Then wait for us.”