When she returned home, Aunt Zhou had just finished cooking. Yi Mantian was watching TV. He turned around and said to her, "You're only a little better and you're already running around everywhere. It makes me so worried."
Aunt Zhou laughed and said, "That's right, last time it scared my husband and me half to death."
After washing his hands, Song sat down in the living room and watched the news with Yi Mantian for a while before finally asking, "Dad, how is Zhengwei doing now?"
"Why bring him up? That good-for-nothing! I haven't forgiven him for getting you hospitalized last time!" Yi Mantian got angry as soon as he mentioned him, and walked towards the dining table with his cane, not wanting to continue the topic.
Aunt Zhou smiled helplessly at Song Qing and said to Yi Mantian, "Master, you're wrong about that. They're just arguing, how could they hold a grudge overnight? If you add fuel to the fire, you'll only end up upset yourself."
Yi Mantian thought about it and realized it made sense, so he didn't say anything more. Song Qing also remained silent and ate her meal quietly.
“That’s true, but look at him, he hasn’t been home for half a month. Doesn’t he know he has a wife at home? Xiaoqing is pregnant with his child. He’s completely ignoring her. Of course I have to scold him!” After a moment of silence, Yi Mantian continued.
Aunt Zhou chuckled, "Grandpa is more anxious than dad. Don't worry, young master is a quiet person, he keeps everything to himself, just like the old lady. Actually, he's been anxious for a long time, but he just can't bring himself to say it."
Yi Mantian nodded and said to Song Qing, "There's a limit to losing your temper. Zheng Wei has already scolded you, so you should soften your stance. It's not good to always let him give in to you."
"Yes, Dad, I originally planned to wait until he calmed down before going to see him."
"That's good. I went to see him last night. He sleeps at the company every day and doesn't go out. But he has lost weight. Working day and night like this, it's like he has nowhere to put his energy. I don't know what he's so angry about," Zhou Sao sighed.
Song Qing thought to herself, he has so much energy, working overtime day and night, while she, on the other hand, wants to do something but is afraid that her body can't handle it.
She struggled to climb the stairs, supporting her back. She had always maintained a good figure, but now, suddenly having a child, her body couldn't adapt, and lately she often felt very tired after working for only a short time.
Back in the empty room, she walked around and then went to the study. Yi Zhengwei's desk was empty, just like her lost heart.
Although they rarely spoke, always busy with their own things, they would often look up and see each other, then exchange a knowing smile. That, it turned out, was enough to satisfy her.
After signing the documents, she stared blankly in the direction where Yi Zhengwei usually sat, speechless. At that moment, she wondered what he was doing, whether he was already asleep.
Sleepiness washed over her, but the empty bed only annoyed her, so she sat in the study, unable to move an inch.
She wondered if it was because the baby in her womb was also missing him. Mother and child are connected at heart, and she too began to miss him terribly.
Thinking about it this way, she smiled instead. For the first time, she felt how wonderful and beautiful it was to have a child. A warm feeling welled up inside her.
It was as if the child that had been in her womb had suddenly become aware, could move, and could feel, so vividly alive that she could no longer ignore it.
Side Story - Destined...
Xiao Ning and I don't go to the same school; she and Xunan attend a prestigious private school.
Dad said that a public school would be more suitable for me. The school is very big, surrounded by a long wall. There are many century-old trees in front of the school gate. The school gate faces south. Every day when I come to school, the sun rises slowly, and the sunlight shines through these tall old trees, casting loose and cool shadows on the long wall. Even the road in front of the school gate is like a tree-lined avenue.
I always have a habit of arriving early, especially on mornings in late spring and early summer, walking slowly along the long wall under the shade of trees towards the school.
I savored the tranquility and beauty of the early morning all by myself.
Xiao Ning and Xunan's world is beyond my understanding. I always see them playing happily downstairs. He pushes Xiao Ning to sit on my swing, and they swing very high every time. When I take a break from my homework, I always look out the window and watch them play happily.
I rarely read fairy tales, but those stories are like those of princes and princesses.
Xu Nan loves to laugh, so his eyes are getting smaller and smaller, narrow and long, revealing a sliver of light, which is a beautiful feeling.
So I paid close attention to the boys in my class who had single eyelids, but they rarely smiled, and even when they did, it didn't feel pleasant.
*
I don't know when it started, but Xunan became the most talked-about topic at our family's dinner table.
He went on to high school, won awards in various competitions, skipped grades, and will soon be able to go to university.
Xiao Ning always says that her brother Xu Nan is very popular at school. He is smart and handsome, and many girls like him.
Looking at Xiao Ning's radiant face, I think his life must be very rich and wonderful.
I don't quite remember when I started going in and out of the Yan family's house. I only remember that year, Xiao Ning started learning piano and singing, so I could come home late. From Monday to Sunday, I would be at different teachers' houses.
During the sweltering summer of the second semester of junior high, the school gate was bustling with activity. Xu Nan drove his bright red convertible and parked it under the old tree directly opposite the school gate. He wore a simple white collarless T-shirt and faded jeans that hugged his long, slender legs. He then switched legs, put his hands in his pockets, and leaned back against the rearview mirror, completely oblivious to the stares of others.
Some people are born to enjoy the attention of others, taking it for granted and remaining indifferent; they are that kind of person.
I've seen him for a long time, and he's looking bored, with his arms crossed, giving an unseemly yawn.
I went over anyway, though I wasn't sure if he was there to pick me up.
"Xiao Qing!" He stood up straight, smiled when he saw me, his eyes narrowed, but the smile was meaningless.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, holding my book and looking at him with my lips pursed.
He opened the car door and invited me in.
He told me in the car that my dad had asked him to pick me up.
"Because I told him I wanted to have a go at chess with you."
"I'm not used to playing with other people." I've never played chess with anyone except my father.
Is it because you lack confidence in yourself?
I turned my head to look at the scenery outside the car and didn't answer. The wind was blowing my hair around and kept hitting my face. I really didn't like this flashy convertible.
He took my hand and led me into his house. Uncle Yan and Aunt Yan were waiting for us at the door. Aunt Yan was very beautiful and kind. She bent down to fix my hair and said, "Old Song has kept you hidden away so well. Is he secretly training you? You're such a young child. It's really heartbreaking."
I smiled and said, "No, Dad is very good to me."
Aunt Yan patted my head with a sigh, "What a sensible child."