The sun was still warm in the late afternoon when little Lala arrived at her grandmother’s house. The sweet scent of flowers filled the air, and the sound of birds fluttering through the mango tree gave the garden a peaceful charm. Lala loved coming here, where everything felt calm and familiar. Her grandmother’s warm voice always greeted her with tenderness, and the old wooden house carried memories of generations.
But this visit was a little different. Not only was she spending time with her grandmother, but she was also in the company of CEO Kien, her father’s close friend. Though known widely as a busy businessman who managed a large company, Kien had always had a gentle side reserved for family. To Lala, he was “Uncle Kien,” someone who treated her with kindness and attention beyond measure.
That afternoon, after playing in the garden with her toys, Lala’s white dress had become dusty, and her little arms carried streaks of mud from the soil. She laughed happily as she showed her grandmother the imaginary cakes she had made from sand. Grandmother chuckled and shook her head lovingly.
“Oh dear, look at you, covered in dirt,” she said softly. “You’ll need a good bath before dinner.”
CEO Kien, who had just finished a call on the veranda, walked over and smiled. “I’ll take care of that, Mother,” he offered, speaking respectfully to Lala’s grandmother. “Let me bathe her and make sure she’s comfortable.”
Grandmother was surprised but touched. “You? You’re always busy with business, but you want to give her a bath?”
Kien nodded with a warm expression. “Work is one thing, but children’s happiness is another. Lala deserves care.”
Lala giggled at the sound of this and clapped her hands. “Uncle Kien will bathe me? Yay! I want bubbles!”
Her grandmother chuckled, shaking her head again. “Alright then. Just be gentle with her.”
The Bath
Kien guided Lala to the spacious old bathroom, where the white porcelain tub stood near the window. The soft golden light of the sunset streamed in, making everything glow warmly. He carefully filled the tub with warm water, adding a splash of lavender-scented soap. Soon, little bubbles floated to the surface, making Lala’s eyes shine with delight.
“Look, Uncle! The bubbles are dancing!” she squealed as she poked them with her small fingers.
Kien laughed, kneeling beside the tub. “Yes, they are. Just like you, always full of energy.”
He gently helped her into the tub, making sure the water wasn’t too hot or too cold. His movements were surprisingly careful for someone used to managing contracts and negotiations. He washed her tiny arms and legs, humming a soft tune, the same lullaby he remembered his own mother singing when he was a boy.
Lala splashed a little water at him, giggling mischievously. A droplet landed on his shirt. “Uncle, you got wet!” she said, laughing.
Kien playfully flicked a little bubble toward her nose. “Now you look like a bubble princess,” he teased, watching her laugh so hard she almost tipped over.
But in every laugh and splash, his care never faded. He rinsed her hair slowly, making sure no soap got into her eyes. When Lala tilted her head back, he shielded her face with his hand. She relaxed completely, trusting him. For Kien, it was not a duty but a rare moment of tenderness—a reminder of life beyond the busy corridors of his office.
The Special Care
After the bath, Kien wrapped Lala in a soft towel and carried her to the veranda where the evening breeze drifted through. He sat her gently on his lap, drying her hair with another towel. The smell of lavender clung to her like a soft cloud.
“Uncle, am I clean now?” Lala asked, looking up with curious eyes.
“Cleaner than the moon,” he replied with a smile. “Even the stars would be jealous.”
Her grandmother brought out a set of fresh clothes—pink pajamas with little rabbits on them. Kien dressed her carefully, buttoning each button with patience. He then applied baby lotion to her arms and legs, massaging gently so she wouldn’t feel dry. Lala closed her eyes, enjoying the comfort.
“You’re like a spa worker,” she joked, making her grandmother laugh from the kitchen.
But Kien wasn’t finished yet. He combed her hair softly, parting it neatly, and tied it with a ribbon. “There. Now you look like a princess ready for her feast,” he said.
Lala touched the ribbon happily. “Thank you, Uncle. You take care of me better than anyone!”
Kien’s heart warmed at her words. He wasn’t married and had no children of his own, but moments like this filled a quiet emptiness inside him. It reminded him that beyond his role as a CEO, there were softer, more meaningful roles he could play.
Dinner with Grandma
Soon, dinner was ready. The table was filled with grandmother’s special dishes—braised fish, fresh soup, and fragrant rice. Lala sat between her grandmother and Kien, her eyes sparkling with appetite.
But before eating, Kien carefully checked the temperature of the soup, blowing on a spoonful before giving it to Lala. “Try this first, little one, it’s not too hot now.”
She tasted it and smiled. “Mmm! Grandma cooks the best soup in the world!”
Grandmother chuckled proudly, while Kien served her more vegetables and reminded her to eat slowly. He poured her water, wiped her mouth gently with a napkin, and even peeled shrimp for her, placing them on her plate.
“You’re spoiling her, Kien,” Grandmother said, shaking her head though her eyes shone with gratitude.
“She deserves to be spoiled sometimes,” he replied softly. “Children grow up so fast.”
The Evening
After dinner, Kien took Lala out into the garden where fireflies began to glow among the bushes. She ran around, chasing the tiny lights while Kien watched protectively, making sure she didn’t trip. Eventually, she grew tired and climbed onto his lap, resting her head against his chest.
“Uncle, will you always take care of me like this?” she asked sleepily.
Kien stroked her hair gently. “As long as I live, I will always be here when you need me,” he promised, his voice low but steady.
Her grandmother watched from the porch, her heart filled with gratitude. She saw not just a successful man, but someone with a heart large enough to love and care deeply.
When Lala finally fell asleep, Kien carried her inside, laid her gently on her bed, and tucked the blanket around her. He whispered goodnight before stepping outside.
The stars above seemed brighter that night, as if the universe itself had witnessed the quiet tenderness of a man who, despite his title and responsibilities, found joy in something as simple as giving a little girl special care.
Conclusion
That evening at her grandmother’s house would remain one of Lala’s sweetest memories—not because of the food, or the games, but because of the love and attention she received from CEO Kien. To her, he wasn’t just a successful figure in the business world; he was someone who made her feel cherished, clean, and comforted.
And for Kien, it was a reminder that the greatest successes in life are not measured in wealth or power, but in the warmth of the bonds we create and the love we share.
