"We didn't mean to push Daddy; we just wanted Daddy and Mommy to take a picture together," Gregory said timidly, his eyes full of regret.
However, he didn't forget to apologize, "Daddy, my sister and I didn't mean it. We just wanted you and Mommy to stand together."
"We're sorry, Daddy. We really didn't mean it. Please believe us," Chloe also apologized sweetly, looking eagerly at Lance.
Seeing this, Lance felt his heart soften. "Daddy knows you meant well, but pushing people is not right. If you have friends in the future and want to help them, they might not understand your intentions, and it could cause misunderstandings or even injuries."
"We understand. We won't push anyone anymore," the two kids nodded obediently, acknowledging their mistake.
Seeing that they realized their mistake and were willing to change, Lance and Deanna decided not to dwell on the matter further.
To lift their spirits, they brought up the previous topic again.
Lance took out his phone and solemnly handed it to Gregory, smiling, "Today, the pictures of me and your mommy are up to you and your sister. Make sure to take nice photos of us."
"We promise to complete the task," Gregory responded, his eyes lighting up.
Following the kids' directions, Deanna and Lance posed for several intimate pictures.
Amidst laughter and fun, they reached the mountain top and were amazed by the idyllic scenery before them.
Surrounded by fruit trees, there was a space as large as two basketball courts, with a man-made pond at the center. The pond was covered with lush green lotus leaves and emerald-green water.
Next to the pond, perhaps knowing Deanna and her family would be visiting, the staff had set up two lounge chairs and fishing rods.
Behind the pond was a neatly kept field with various vegetables, some climbing trellises. The arrangement was picturesque, making it an ideal place for a leisurely vacation.
Recalling the woods they passed on the way up, Deanna couldn't help but exclaim, "Your family knows how to enjoy life better than anyone I've seen."
"What do you mean by 'your family'? Isn't it your family too?"
Lance was displeased with Deanna's words and corrected her while pulling her into his arms.
Realizing her mistake, Deanna sheepishly admitted, "You're right. It's my family too."
Seeing this, the kids ignored their affectionate parents and ran hand in hand to the pond.
"Wow, Gregory, there are so many little fish in here!"
Chloe crouched by the pond, amazed at the sight.
Seeing her reach out to touch the water, Gregory quickly warned, "Chloe, be careful not to fall in."
"I know. I'm just playing with the water," Chloe nodded obediently.
But her actions startled Deanna, who had just glanced over. "Chloe, why are you standing so close to the pond? Step back, so you don't fall in."
"Mommy, I won't fall. I want to play here. Look, there's a little fish kissing my hand."
Towards the end of her words, Chloe's voice was filled with excitement.
Unable to leave her daughter unattended by the water, Deanna hurriedly left Lance's embrace and walked over, amused to see her daughter teasing the koi fish with her fingers. "It's rare to see fish that aren't afraid of people."
"Mommy, can I keep it? It's so cute and keeps licking my fingers."
Chloe seemed to have taken a liking to the fish and looked at Deanna expectantly. Naturally, Deanna didn't refuse her.
At this moment, Lance walked over and heard what the little girl had just said. He chuckled, "The fish isn't playing with you; it thinks your hand is food."
"Ah, is the fish going to eat me?"
The little girl widened her eyes, seemingly frightened.
Upon seeing this, Lance's mischievous smile deepened, "Yes, it wants to eat your hand. Do you still want to keep it?"
"Well… I'll still keep it. It's so silly to mistake my hand for food; it must be starving outside."
Contrary to Lance's expectations, the little girl wasn't scared but insisted on keeping the fish out of kindness.
Seeing such an innocent daughter, Lance and Deanna couldn't help but feel moved.
Meanwhile, Gregory rolled his eyes, thinking how he ended up with such a silly sister.
The silly sister was oblivious to her brother's thoughts.
After deciding to keep the fish, she took on the role of its caretaker, pondering how to feed it.
However, after thinking for a long time, she couldn't figure out what to feed the fish.
At home, someone usually feeds the fish special food, but since they were out today, she hadn't brought any.
"Daddy, the fish is hungry, and I don't have any fish food. What can I feed it?"
Eventually, unable to think of anything, the little girl turned to Lance for help.
Seeing his daughter's eager face, Lance truthfully said, "You can catch some bugs to feed it."