October 22nd.
As usual, Liu Changqing and his son completed their morning exercise routine before freshening up. His son then left for school, while Liu Changqing took his daughter downstairs, where Feng Qian—who had resud his duty of dropping the kids off—took her to school.
After ensuring everything was in order, Liu Changqing prepared to head to work. At the mont, he was standing at the entrance, changing his shoes.
An Yuanyao’s foot was still not fully healed, but after resting for the past two days, she was now able to walk short distances, albeit carefully.
Liu Changqing squatted down, adjusting the back of his shoe to ensure a snug fit. He then stood up, clapped his hands, and turned to An Yuanyao.
"If you get bored at ho, just watch so TV. Once your foot is fully healed, I’ll take you to the office. Otherwise, with the kids at school, I’m afraid you’ll go stir-crazy being alone all day."
"I’ll be fine."
An Yuanyao stepped forward, straightening Liu Changqing’s collar. Then, she tugged on his jacket, ensuring there were no wrinkles before finally letting go, satisfied.
She was long accustod to being alone.
During her previous failed marriage, she had spent countless days at ho by herself.
Though Liu Changqing had asked if she wanted to visit his company today, she had declined—not because she didn’t want to, but because she had soone she needed to et.
Soone Liu Changqing couldn't know about.
"Take care of yourself."
Hearing her response, Liu Changqing nodded. Just as he was about to leave, he hesitated, then let go of the doorknob and stepped back inside.
Walking up to An Yuanyao, he gently cupped her face and placed a kiss on her cheek.
"I’ll be back soon."
"Drive safe."
Her face was filled with joy.
An Yuanyao was overjoyed by his small gesture, smiling so brightly that she could barely contain it.
Then, as if rembering sothing, she suddenly spoke up.
"Oh, and when you’re driving… stop cursing at other drivers! Last ti you—"
"I’ll try… but so of them drive like idiots. If it weren’t illegal, I’d get out and beat them up."
"No violence! You’re setting a bad example for the kids!"
Hearing this, An Yuanyao suddenly beca serious, raising her voice slightly.
"I’ve noticed lately that Xiazhi has been saying weird things!"
She lowered her head and began counting on her fingers.
"She says things like 'dummy' and 'idiot'… all sorts of an words! Kids mimic their parents’ behavior. I saw a parenting expert on TV the other day saying that parents should never curse in front of their children!"
Perhaps because Liu Changqing cursed too often, An Yuanyao couldn’t even list all the words he had used. She eventually gave up, putting her hands down and staring at him sternly.
"So from now on, no more cursing, got it?"
"Yes, Teacher An! I will follow orders!"
Liu Changqing stood at attention and saluted in an exaggerated manner, his face serious but clearly teasing.
Seeing his playful act, An Yuanyao couldn’t hold back her laughter. She took two steps forward, looking at him warmly.
"That being said… in other aspects, you’re actually a really good father."
She reached out, holding Liu Changqing’s hand gently.
"Be careful on the road."
"Got it. I’m heading out."
As the door shut behind him, An Yuanyao listened to his footsteps descending the stairs—at first clear, then gradually fading, until they disappeared entirely.
She stood motionless for a while before slowly turning around, carefully making her way back into the apartnt.
Returning to the bedroom, she started getting ready.
She took her ti applying makeup, carefully selecting her outfit, and making sure everything was just right before finally heading to the door.
She was going to et Lan Yixian.
It was ti for a proper talk.
Lan Yixian let out a small sigh of relief.
The busiest period of the morning at the breakfast shop had finally passed. As the rush ended, only a few scattered custors remained.
Business was even better than before, but running the shop alone had beco overwhelming.
So, she had recently hired a part-ti worker.
A 19-year-old girl from out of town, who had dropped out of high school to work. She was kind-hearted, diligent, and hard-working—soone Lan Yixian genuinely liked.
The pay wasn’t high, but compared to similar jobs, it was quite decent.
For Lan Yixian, as long as she could finish repaying her debts, life for her and her daughter would start to improve.
It had been nearly a month since she repaid Liu Changqing.
Over that ti, she had finally been able to save a little money. She decided to deposit it in the bank—for her daughter’s future.
She had started to form a vague plan for the future.
As she thought about it, she beca lost in thought.
"Excuse , do you have porridge?"
"Yes, would you like—"
Snapped out of her daze, Lan Yixian instinctively responded while lifting her head to see the custor.
The mont she saw who it was, the words stuck in her throat.
She had seen An Yuanyao before.
Back when she and her daughter were staying at Liu Changqing’s house—that night, when he had brought this woman ho.
But compared to last ti, An Yuanyao looked noticeably better.
Almost as if… she had beco younger.
Lan Yixian didn’t know why she was here, but she also didn’t ask. After a few seconds of hesitation, she refocused.
"Do you want pumpkin porridge or eight-treasure porridge?"
"Eight-treasure porridge, please."
An Yuanyao smiled warmly, pausing for a mont before adding,
"Oh, and… add extra sugar. I like it sweet."
"…"
Lan Yixian’s hand stiffened slightly as she scooped the porridge.
But she quickly recovered.
She placed a bowl of eight-treasure porridge on the counter, then opened a nearby jar of sugar.
Scooping up a large spoonful, she added it to the bowl.
Then, she lifted her gaze, eting An Yuanyao’s.
The woman was still smiling at her.
Lan Yixian hesitated.
She had the strange feeling that…
An Yuanyao was sizing her up.
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