As a Scummy Omega, I Ran Away with the Baby - Chapter 30

The little one thought for less than three seconds.

“Mom!” Bai Xia blinked her big eyes and called out, her voice crisp and clear.

“Eh.”

Gu Yining squinted with satisfaction, smiling like a mischievous aunt who had just lured a child over.

Doing makeup for children was simple. For someone as small as Bai Xia, it was just a light layer of foundation, a dab of lipstick and blush, a quick curl of the lashes, and two sweeps of eyeshadow—that was it.

The little one had never touched makeup before. Even though the makeup artist had told her not to move, her bright, curious eyes kept darting around, brimming with mischief.

Gu Yining sat beside her, finding it all very amusing.

“Does your mommy usually wear makeup?” she asked.

“No.” The little one shook her head without thinking, forgetting she was currently getting her face done. The brush’s bristles tickled her nose, and she instantly let out a loud sneeze.

The makeup artist hurriedly stopped, a little flustered. She quickly set aside the brush and eyeshadow palette, pulled out a tissue, and reached over to wipe the little girl’s nose.

“Oh no, sweetheart, I’m so sorry—are you okay?”

Unexpectedly, just as the makeup artist’s hand was about to touch her, the little one suddenly leaned back.

Gu Yining quickly reached out to steady her, catching her by the back before anything bad could happen.

The child never sat still in her chair. If Gu Yining hadn’t been right there keeping an eye on her, she might have toppled over. Watching her little feet dangle and kick in midair sent a chill through her heart—a wave of belated fear.

But the little one seemed completely unaware of the danger. Instead, she turned and dove straight into Gu Yining’s arms.

Gu Yining caught her reflexively and froze for a moment as the girl clung tightly.

“Mom, I don’t want the lady to touch me.”

The little one wrapped her arms around her neck, whispering into her ear, and then held on tighter, refusing to let go—as if she wanted to stick to her forever.

What was wrong with her today? Why was she suddenly so shy?

Recalling how lively and outgoing she had been just yesterday, Gu Yining was puzzled. Still, she indulged her, letting the child hang onto her as she wished.

“Sorry, she’s a bit shy with strangers,” Gu Yining explained with an apologetic smile to the makeup artist, who stood there at a loss.

“It’s fine, it’s fine—kids will be kids.” The makeup artist clearly let out a breath of relief at her words. “How about this? I’ll do your makeup first, and then we can finish up with our little one here?” Facing Gu Yining, the artist was much more careful and reserved than she had been with Bai Xia, no doubt out of deference to her identity.

Ever since she became famous, Gu Yining hadn’t lived like an ordinary person. Even this photoshoot was no exception. The studio had flatly refused to take her money and had even cleared the place just for her.

They’d said that once the show aired, the publicity they gained would more than make up for the cost of countless photoshoots.

“All right,” Gu Yining agreed easily. She slipped off her mask and turned with the little one still in her arms to face the vanity.

Her features were naturally cold. In her twenties, when life had been carefree and her eyes still round and youthful, it wasn’t as noticeable. But now, as she grew older and the baby fat faded, even without making any expression, her face carried an aloof, distant air.

“Hiss.”

The makeup artist seemed to suck in a breath.

“You’re stunning,” she murmured.

Gu Yining lowered her eyes, neither confirming nor denying, instead pressing her forehead lightly against the little bundle in her lap who was fiddling with her fingers.

“It’s nothing,” she said casually.

“Your baby looks just like you.”

The makeup artist glanced between her and the child, marveling aloud.

That was a slip. Gu Yining couldn’t help but smile faintly. She and Bai Xia had no relation—how could they possibly look alike?

Maybe seeing her smile encouraged the makeup artist, who quickly added, “Especially the side profile—it’s almost identical.”

“Thank you.”

Gu Yining tilted her chin slightly, not intending to explain further. But the little one in her lap suddenly lifted her head, eyes bright.

“Auntie said I look like Mom!”