A flicker of stiffness crossed Deng Jiazhe’s face, gone in an instant, replaced by a dissonant smile. “No one could ever replace you. Come on, now. Don’t be upset. The boy is sick, and you don’t want to frighten him. You’ll only be the one who’s heartbroken in the end.” He had a point. I swallowed my retort and turned my attention back to the boy, my heart aching as I gently patted Sanbao, my gaze